APRIL 2014 • Vol. 79 • No. 1294 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected] $1.00

in this issue Orthodox Leaders Oratorical Festival to Convene The 31st St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival in Cleveland in June. Great Synod • P.2 C-L Congress Theme The Ecumenical Patriarchate issued Archbishop Demetrios introduces the the following communique upon the theme for the 42nd CLC. conclusion of the Synaxis of the Primates • P. 3 of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches Holy Synod Communique on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 9, Decisions of the Holy Eparchial synod and released the official message of the meeting. hierarchs, which appears on page 4. Synaxis at Fanar • P. 3 Synaxis of Hierarchs addresses many key issues confronting the Church, COMMUNIQUE including the Middle East situation. (March 9, 2014) By the grace of God, the proceedings • P. 4 of the Synaxis of the Primates of the Ortho- St. Nicholas Shrine Church THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN dox Autocephalous Churches concluded One of the inspirations influencing the “He is not here, but is risen!” today, on the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The church’s architect. • P. 5 Synaxis took place at the Phanar from National Philoptochos THE RESURRECTION 6-9 March, 2014, at the invitation and “Christ is Risen!” under the presidency of His All-Holiness The National Philoptochos Center for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Philanthropy holds its thyranoixia. was attended by all the most venerable • P.7 Primates in person, with the exception of Metropolitan Philip (1931-2014) His Beatitude Patriarch John of Antioch, Metropolitan Philip Saliba, head of the who, due to illness, was represented by Antiochian Orthdoox Christian Arch- hierarchs of his Church. diocese of North America, passed away The proceedings of the Synaxis were March 19. carried out in a very fraternal spirit; the • P.10 Hierarchs discussed maters concerning Florida church consecration the life of the Orthodox Church in the Metropolitan Alexios consecrates contemporary world, and particularly in church in Florida. regions where Orthodoxy and Christian- • P.12 ity in general face serious problems and Faith Matters difficulties; the Hierarchs also expressed A connection with poet Robert Frost. their support and profound interest of the • P. 20 Orthodox Church in its entirety concern- ing their fellow human beings suffering Sights & Sounds in those regions. Above all, the Synaxis “Sights and Sounds” emanating from considered the prevailing situation in the New Jersey. • P.28 Middle East and recent developments in Ukraine, as well as the ongoing uncer- California school tainty about the fate of the bishops, Met- California school helps many successful THE ROAD TO EMMAUS THE APOSTLE THOMAS …but their eyes were restrained... “My Lord and my God!” ropolitan John of Aleppo, and Yuhanna people get their start. Ibrahim of the Syriac Church, who were • P. 29 kidnapped by unknown persons a very Movie Review long time ago. ‘Son of God’ – hits and misses Encyclical In the framework of their Synaxis, the • P. 34 Primates also deliberated on the matter of the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church and decided that, upon expedit- Holy Pascha – The Feast of Feasts ing the process of preparation, it will be convened and presided by the Ecumenical To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the presence of the Risen Christ. He is in our Patriarch in Constantinople in 2016. Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks midst now and forever, in all His holiness With regard to this matter, the Pri- and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of and glory, having offered Himself as a pure mates also determined issues related to the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox sacrifice for our sins. He is before us and representation and participation of the Communities, the Distinguished Archons within us as the Victor over corruption Orthodox Autocephalous Churches in this of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, and death, offering true and abundant life Synod, as well as the manner of decision- Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philop- through His grace. Our Lord embraces us making at the Synod. tochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic on this day of exaltation and praise as our On Sunday morning, March 9, the Organizations, and the entire Greek Ortho- Redeemer, guiding us in the way of salva- feast of Orthodoxy, the Primates concel- dox Family in America tion and sanctifying us for eternal life. ebrated in the Patriarchal Church of St. ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo Through faith we affirm that Christ is George at the Phanar, where their Message It’s parade season Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Risen and is among us, and we bear witness to the Orthodox faithful throughout the of His Resurrection and presence through world, their Christian brothers and sisters March and April bring thousands of partici- Χριστός Ἀνέστη! our participation in the Holy Eucharist. pants to Greek Independence Day parades everywhere, and all people of goodwill, Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! In this Great Mystery, the pure Body and was read officially from the pulpit. in Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, precious Blood of the Risen Lord is of- Tarpon Springs, Boston and elsewhere. Two are highlighted in this issue. More will appear On this beautiful and glorious Feast fered for us and to us. Through faith and At the Phanar, March 9, 2014 of Feasts, our hearts and minds are filled in the May issue. • P.24,40 From the Chief Secretariat of the with brilliant light and abundant joy in the uu to page 2 Holy and Sacred Synod 2 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS APRIL 2014 To contact Easter Encyclical National Ministries uu from page 1 Archives 212.570.3517 our reception of the sacrament, we are [email protected] joined with the One who lives! This is the essential relationship of the Feast Communications of Pascha and the Holy Eucharist, a 212.774.0244 relationship that is the foundation of [email protected] our celebration of the Divine Liturgy throughout the year. Cleveland Organizing Committee members with Fr. Dean Dimon. We sing in the hymns of this holy Greek Education day, “Christ…of His own good will did 212.774.0233 sacrifice Himself for all, a Pascha of [email protected] st purification.” This is a Pascha of purifi- Cleveland Church to Host 31 cation because the One who was with- Internet Ministries out sin gave Himself for us. We give 646.519.6690 Oratorical Festival Weekend thanks, we celebrate a Holy Eucharist [email protected] for His pure sacrifice, and through His CLEVELAND – Annunciation Church A hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be pure Body and precious Blood we are Inter–Orthodox, Ecumenical will host the 31st annual Oratorical Festival celebrated on Sunday morning, followed purified. Our souls and our bodies are and Interfaith Relations weekend, June 13–15, under the co-chair- by a farewell reception. cleansed by receiving the Risen Lord 212.570.3593 manship of the Fr. Dean Dimon, Ellie Skou- Hundreds of teenagers throughout the in the holiest of mysteries. [email protected] tas and Evie Boulas, and host committee Archdiocese are working on their speeches, This day is also proclaimed as members, with Archbishop Demetrios and with the hope of advancing from their par- a Pascha of incorruption. “God...is Ionian Village Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh attending. ish, to the district and metropolis Oratorical become man, and suffers as a mortal; and through suffering clothes mortal- 212.570.3538 Arriving finalists and their families will Festivals to the National Oratorical Festival. ity with the grace of incorruption.” The [email protected] stay at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Nine juniors and nine seniors can ad- Key Center. Friday evening events include vance to the finals. This does not minimize fetters of death and corruption could not hold the power of grace and true Marriage & Family Vespers at the church and a get-acquainted the caliber of the other speeches. dinner and social. To recognize the accomplishment of life. Through our Lord’s Crucifixion 845.424.8175 The oratorical festival will take place each participant, Hellenic College is of- and Resurrection we are transfigured [email protected] Saturday morning, June 14, followed by the fering The Chrysostom Oratorical Festival by Him and through Him from death awards luncheon where the judges’ results Scholarship to every first place senior divi- to life. Through our communion Parish Development will be announced. sion speaker at a parish oratorical festival. with Him and of Him, our body that 847.825.1432 First, second and third place winners To attract even more teenagers to par- was sown in corruption, dishonor, [email protected] will receive college scholarships. All partici- ticipate, the Oratorical Festival has included and weakness, is raised in incorrup- pants will receive certificates, plaques and essay and poetry categories. Information is tion, glory and power (I Corinthians Philanthropy other awards. available on the website of the Department 15:42-43). 212.774.0283 After the luncheon, finalists and their of Religious Education. With jubilation we also celebrate [email protected] families will take a bus tour of the cultural With the ever increasing costs of a this day as a Pascha of redemption highlights of Cleveland, which includes college education, the Department of Reli- and salvation. It is “an all-venerable Pascha, a Pascha that is Christ the Public Affairs photo stops (weather permitting) outside gious Education would like to increase the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a walk amount of the scholarships awarded each Redeemer, a Pascha of the faithful, a 212.774.0400 Pascha that has opened unto us the [email protected] through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, a year. An appeal to support the Oratorical stop at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where Festival Scholarship Fund will be made in gates of Paradise….” It is the day of the a rare Byzantine icon is on display. March and April. Donations of any amount Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Registry If time permits, the Cleveland Botanical can be made to the Oratorical Scholarship and it is the day of our resurrection 212.570.3558 Gardens will also be visited. Another high- Fund at the Department of Religious Educa- from all that destroys unto all that [email protected] light will be dinner at the Quicken Loans tion, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, Mass. transforms, renews, and sanctifies for Arena (The Q) Full Court Banquet Room, Donors may also consider underwrit- all eternity. Religious Education made possible by Dan Gilbert, owner of the ing a scholarship in their name or in some- In the Holy Eucharist we celebrate 646.519.6300 Cleveland Cavaliers. one else’s honor. Christ’s absolute sacrifice and His [email protected] superb victory as the ultimate reality. We approach the sacred Body and Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism How to Contact Archdiocesan Institutions, Blood of the Risen Christ praying that 646.519.6160 His “divine, glorious, immaculate and Metropolises and Related Agencies and Organizations life-creating Mysteries are received for [email protected] Direct Archdiocesan District Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology purification and sanctification and as 212.570.3500; www.goarch.org 617.731.3500; www.hchc.edu an earnest of the life and kingdom to Youth and Young Adult Ministries Metropolis of Chicago Saint Basil Academy come.” (Prayer of St. John of Damas- 646.519.6180 312.337.4130; www.chicago.goarch.org 845.424.3500; www.stbasil.goarch.org Metropolis of Boston St. Michael’s Home cus) We proclaim today and through [email protected] 617.277.4742; www.boston.goarch.org 914.476.3374; www.stmichaelshome.org the Holy Mystery that today is the Day Metropolis of Denver St. Photios National Shrine of Salvation, and as we receive Him in 303.333.7794; www.denver.goarch.org 904.829.8205; www.stphotios.com faith our Lord grants to us life everlast- Metropolis of Atlanta 404.634.9345; www.atlmetropolis.org Other key organizations and services ing and great mercy. NEXT DEADLINE As we come together on this sacred Deadline for submitting information, Metropolis of Detroit National Philoptochos 248.823.2400; www.detroit.goarch.org 212.977.7770; www.philoptochos.org day in our beautiful celebration of Holy articles and photos for consideration Metropolis of Pittsburgh Pascha, may our hearts be filled with joy, in the May 2014 issue: 412.621.5529; www.pitssburgh.goarch.org Internet Ministries: www.internet.goarch.org our minds at peace, and our souls re- Metropolis of San Francisco • Orthodox Jobs: www.orthodoxjobs.com Thursday, May 1 newed in the hope of His promises. On Photos should be sent as a large 415.753.3075; www.sanfran.goarch.org • Orthodox Marketplace: www.orthodoxma- Metropolis of New Jersey ketplace.com this day and throughout the year, may format .jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). 908.301.0500; www.nj.goarch.org • Online Store for Parishes: www.goarch.org/ we be renewed and strengthened in E-mail to: [email protected] Archdiocesan Institutions freebookstore grace by receiving the Body and Blood Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity • Orthodox Children’s Bible Reader Online: Tel. 212.288.3215; www.thecathedralnyc.org cbr.goarch.org of the Christ in the Holy Eucharist. May 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075. I also wish to you and your families, a holy and glorious Pascha filled with the EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at addi- mercy and abundant blessings of Jesus GREEK SECTION EDITOR tional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced en- Christ, the One who is risen from the Eleftherios Pissalidis tirely in–house. Past issues can be found on the Internet at: dead, who has trampled down death, www.observer.goarch.org • e–mail: [email protected] and who bestows life upon us all. PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING USPS 412340 ISSN 0731–2547 Articles and advertising do not necessarily refl ect the views and Eleftherios Pissalidis Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen! opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are Truly He is Risen! In 2014, published monthly GRAPHIC ARTIST expressed in offi cial statements so labeled. except February–March and July–August Abel Montoya Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. With paternal love in the Risen Lord, by the Greek Ortho dox Archdiocese of America. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. BUSINESS MANAGER Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church Editorial and Business Offi ce: Marissa P. Costidis in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. TEL.: (212) 570–3555 CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, † DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of Ameri ca FAX (212) 774–0239 Nicholas Manginas 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 APRIL 2014 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 3 Observer supporters Communiqué Special Patrons Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Serras, Brook- lyn, N.Y.; Peter Condakes, Weston, of the Holy Mass.; Helen Tsintolas, Rockville, Miss.; Cliff and Theo Argue, Mercer Island, Wash.; Betty Parisis, Merrick, Eparchial N.Y; Christine Athanasoulis, Lansing, Mich.

Synod Patrons Eleni Kaufman, Old Westbury, NY; March 19, 2014 Peter Dimitrakopoulos, Bayside, NY; The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Cleo Coloritis, Nutley, N.J. Archdiocese convened for its regular scheduled meeting in the synodal Donors chamber at Archdiocese headquarters Antonia Megas, Nederland, Texas;

March 17-18, with Archbishop Deme- Dimitrios Panagos photo Alexander Radin, Cuyahoga Falls, trios presiding and all Synod members Ohio; John A. Cofas, Portland, Texas; participating. William & Mary Bruce, Lakewood, At the meeting, the Synod deliber- Holy Synod Colo.; Sophia Pathos, Eau Claire, ated on matters relating to the life and With Archbishop Demetrios (center), hierarchs at the meeting of the Holy Synod were (from left) Bishop Wis.; Christine Haritos, Bushkill, Pa.; the work of the Church, including the Sevastianos of Zela, chief secretary; Metropolitans Gerasimos of San Francisco, Nicholas of Detroit; Isaiah Christine Pateras, Woodhaven, N.Y.; following: of Denver, Methodios of Boston, Alexios of Atlanta, Savas of Pittsburgh and Evangelos of New Jersey. Mary Fedash, Winterville, N.C. 1) Liturgical Matters: The Synod discussed matters that relate to the cel- ebration of the Sacraments of Baptism nd and Marriage and keeping the Sacred 42 Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Tradition of the Church while taking into consideration contemporary chal- lenges. The Orthodox Christian Family – Part 2 2) Canonical Matters: The Synod deliberated on disciplinary matters for From God every family raising children, prayers and exhortations reveal the true character and nature of clergy. in Heaven and for strengthening the family in the face of the family. • The list of names, approved by on earth is named challenges and adversity, and the power When a family is identified as a genu- the Ecumenical Patriarchate, of the (Ephesians 3:15) and continuity of our rich heritage of wor- ine Orthodox Christian family, it offers a eligible candidates for Hierarchical or- ship and fellowship within the local parish. beautiful and holy witness to the world dination has been received by the Synod Beloved Brothers From this heritage and resources of of the blessed and abundant life in com- and appears on page 9. and Sisters in Christ, our Orthodox faith, we can see that the munion with God. 3) Administrative Matters: The We continue our reflections on the Orthodox Christian family is first and The Orthodox Christian family knows Synod dealt with administrative matters theme for our upcoming Clergy-Laity foremost a family that lives in strong con- the love of Christ which surpasses knowl- for parishes and monasteries of the Holy Congress by focusing on the identity, nection with God. edge…and is filled with all the fullness of Archdiocese. character, and life of the Orthodox Chris- As we discussed in the first article, God (Ephesians 3:16-19). • The Synod discussed the upcom- tian family. God is the source and identity of the fam- Through worship of Him and ser- ing Clergy Laity Congress of the Holy As Orthodox Christians we are blessed ily. Families that are connected with God vice to others, the family offers a visible Archdiocese, which will take place in with a beautiful and rich spiritual heritage will be what God intends them to be. example of the true identity of the family July in Philadelphia. The Congress that offers us tremendous guidance and Further, the relationship and commu- and what God created the family to be. theme is “The Orthodox Christian Fam- resources for strengthening and minister- nion with God is nurtured when families All of their endeavors and relationships ily: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness ing to the family. use the resources that are offered by our become opportunities to share the grace of His Gospel.” Metropolitan Evange- In the previous article in this series, faith. of God, to bear spiritual fruit in their lives los of New Jersey, as host hierarch of we emphasized the biblical basis of this When a family reads the Holy Scrip- and the lives of others, and to reveal the the upcoming Clergy Laity Congress, heritage from the Old Testament, the life tures and hearts and minds are filled blessed life and promises that come from briefed the Synod on the preparations of Christ and the identity of the family in with the truth of God, when a family the Father. for this event. the early Church. learns about the holy lives of parents and This identity and witness of the Or- • The challenges faced by small On this foundation has been built the children who became Saints and seeks to thodox Christian family should be one of parishes were discussed, as well as pos- continuous witness of the character of the follow their witness, when a family partici- our primary concerns at all levels of our sible ways to assist them. family through the lives of many faithful pates fully in the life of the parish through Holy Archdiocese. • The Synod members were briefed and saints. worship, the sacraments, and ministry, We have begun an essential and by Archbishop Demetrios regarding the In addition to the holy lives that offer that family is an Orthodox Christian family. critical work through the Center for Fam- progress for rebuilding the church of St. an example of family life in communion From this relationship with God and with ily Care. We have enhanced our resources Nicholas at Ground Zero. with God, we find numerous sermons and a strong and holy identity as an Orthodox on marriage and family life, but there is so 4) Pastoral Care Matters: The letters that offer guidance on marriage and Christian family, a family is then able to much more to do. nd Synod had a special meeting with the As we prepare for our 42 Biennial director of the Youth Department of the Clergy-Laity Congress, we must prayer- Holy Archdiocese, Fr. Jason Roll, and fully consider and seek God’s guidance was briefed on the work that is being in extending these ministries and initiat- accomplished by the Department. ing others that will reach more families The Synod members had the op- in need, bring families into our parishes, portunity to discuss matters related and establish and nurture the Church in to the pastoral care of our youth. An the home. We need to gather additional accomplishment worth noting is the resources and plan additional means to weekly electronic outreach ministry nurture, strengthen, and protect Ortho- which includes: questions and answers dox Christian families. on subjects applicable to the youth, re- I ask each of you to make this a prior- sources for the Sunday Gospel readings, ity in your prayers, to analyze and evaluate and video clips on contemporary issues the work of your parishes, and to bring and Christian messages presented in an new ideas and suggestions, a renewed innovative way. commitment, and open hearts and minds Archbishop Demetrios commented to our Congress. on the significant events that have taken Above all, may we ask our God and place since the previous meeting of the Creator, from whom every family in Synod. Among these events was the heaven and on earth is named, to bless our Synaxis of the Primates of the Orthodox preparations and to guide us in His abun- Churches, which took place from March dant grace. With paternal love in Christ, 6-9 in Constantinople and was presided

by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Dimitrios Panagos photo The two-day meeting of the Synod concluded in the evening of March 18. Presidential welcome †DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America President Barack Obama welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and a large contingent of Greek Americans From the office to the White House on April 4 for the annual Greek Independence Day Celebration. The President Articles on the 2014 Clergy-Laity of the Holy Eparchial Synod and Vice-President Joe Biden also met in private with Archbishop Demetrios prior to the public event Congress theme can be accessed online held in the East Room. More coverage in the Greek section. at clergylaity.org. 4 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS APRIL 2014 Ecumenical Patriarchate Synaxis of Hierarchs Message

(Phanar, March 6-9, 2014) – In the of sacred monasteries and churches, and name of the Father, and of the Son, and pray for the return of our brothers pres- of the Holy Spirit. ently outside of ecclesiastical communion Through the grace of God, the Pri- into the Holy Church. mates of the Most Holy Autocephalous Or- 4. A fundamental threat to justice and thodox Churches, to the Orthodox faithful peace – both locally and globally – is the throughout the world, all of our Christian global economic crisis. The ramifications brothers and sisters as well as every person of this are evident on all layers in society, of goodwill: we extend God’s blessing and where such values as personal integrity, our greeting of love and peace. fraternal solidarity and justice are often “We always give thanks to God for all wanting. The origins of this crisis are not of you and mention you in our prayers, merely financial. They are moral and spiri- remembering before our God and Father tual in character. Instead of conforming your work of faith, labor of love, and stead- to the worldly idols of power, greed and fastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” hedonism, we emphasize our vocation (1 Thess. 1.2-3) to transform the world by embracing the 1. Having convened by the grace of principles of justice, peace, and love. our compassionate God, at the invitation As a result of self-centeredness and of the Archbishop of Constantinople and abuse of power, many people undermine Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at the sacredness of the human person, the Phanar, from March 6-9, 2014; having neglecting to see the face of God in the deliberated in fraternal love on matters least of our brothers and sisters (cf. Matt. concerning our Holy Church today; and 25.40, 45). Many remain indifferent to concelebrating in the Patriarchal Church the poverty, suffering and violence that of St. George on the glorious occasion plague humanity. of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we address 5. The Church is called to articulate its you with these words of love, peace and prophetic word. We express our genuine consolation. concern about local and global trends Inasmuch as our One, Holy, Catholic, that undermine and erode the principles and Apostolic Orthodox Church dwells of faith, the dignity of the human person, in the world, it also experiences the the institution of marriage, and the gift challenges of every age. Faithful to Holy of creation. Tradition, the Church of Christ is in con- We stress the undisputed sanctity of stant dialogue with every period of time, human life from inception until natural suffering with human beings and sharing death. We recognize marriage as the union their anguish. For “Jesus Christ is the of man and woman that reflects the union same yesterday, today, and to the ages” between Christ and His Church. Our vo- (Heb. 13.8). cation is to preserve the natural environ- The trials and challenges of history are ment as stewards and not proprietors of especially acute in our days, and Orthodox creation. In this period of Great Lent, we Christians cannot remain uninvolved or exhort our clergy and laity to observe a indifferent to them. This is why we have spirit of repentance, to experience purity assembled “together in one place” (Acts of heart, humility and forgiveness, bearing 2.1) in order to reflect on the problems witness to the timeless teachings of our and temptations facing humanity today. Lord Jesus Christ in society. “There is fighting without and fear within.” 6. This Synaxis of Primates is a blessed (2 Cor. 7.5) These Apostolic words are also occasion for us to reinforce our unity Dimitrios Panagos photo valid for the Church today. through communion and cooperation. We 2. In reflecting upon people’s suf- affirm our commitment to the paramount fering throughout the world, we express importance of synodality for the unity of our support for the martyrdom and our the Church. We affirm the words of St. admiration for the witness of Christians John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Con- in the Middle East, Africa, and other parts stantinople, that “the name of the Church of the world. We call to mind their dual signifies unity and concord, not division.” martyrdom: for their faith as well as for the Our heart is set on the long-awaited Holy safeguarding of their historical relation- and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church ship with people of other religious convic- in order to witness to its unity as well as tion. We denounce the lack of peace and to its responsibility and care for the con- stability, which is prompting Christians to temporary world. abandon the land where our Lord Jesus The Synaxis agreed that the prepara- Christ was born and whence the Good tory work to the Synod should be intensi- News spread to the entire world. fied. A special Inter-Orthodox Committee Our sympathy extends to all victims will work from September 2014 until Holy of the tragedy in Syria. We condemn ev- Easter of 2015, followed by a Pre-Synodal ery form of terrorism and defamation of Pan-Orthodox Conference to be convened religion. in the first half of 2015. All decisions at the The kidnapping of Metropolitans Paul Synod and in the preparatory stages are and Youhanna, other clergymen as well as made by consensus. The Holy and Great the nuns of St. Thecla Convent in Maaloula Synod of the Orthodox Church will be remains an open wound, and we demand convened by the Ecumenical Patriarch in their immediate liberation. Constantinople in 2016, unless something We appeal to all involved for the unexpected occurs. The Synod will be immediate cessation of military action, presided by the Ecumenical Patriarch. His liberation of captives, and establishment brother Primates of the other Orthodox of peace in the region through dialogue. Autocephalous Churches will be seated Christians in the Middle East are a leaven at his right and at his left. of peace. Peace for all people also means 7. Inseparably interconnected with peace for Christians. We support the Pa- unity is mission. The Church does not live triarchate of Antioch in its spiritual and for itself but is obliged to witness to and humanitarian ministry, as well as its efforts share God’s gifts with those near and afar. for reconstruction and the resettlement of Participating in the Divine Eucharist and all refugees. praying for the oikoumene, we are called 3. We fervently pray for peaceful to continue this liturgy after the liturgy, negotiation and prayerful reconciliation sharing the gifts of truth and love with all in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. We de- nounce the threats of violent occupation uu to page 34 APRIL 2014 5 St. Nicholas - Ground Zero Our American ‘Parthenon’ In her remarkable new book, The marble were moved the 10 long miles Parthenon Enigma, classical archaeologist from Mount Pentelikon to the Acropolis. Joan Breton Connelly fortuitously high- It is an engineering feat that could be said lights the similarity between the rebuilding to surpass the pyramids of Egypt! The of the World Trade Center in the wake of citizens of Athens were deeply engaged 9/11, and the construction of that most in this extraordinary effort, leaving an famous of human monuments, the Par- example for us. thenon. In order to complete the St. Nicho- In the Persian sack of Athens in 480 las Church at Ground Zero, the same B.C., the older Parthenon, roughly in shoulder-to-shoulder effort is required the same spot and yet unfinished, was from the ‘citizens’ of our “polis” -- “a city destroyed in the fires that swept over the which has foundations, whose builder and Acropolis. She writes of the motivations maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). All across of Periclean Athens, a generation later, to our great nation, Greek Orthodox com- rebuild the Parthenon: munities embody the living “City of God” a “[The Athenians] wanted to leave “politeia” that is based in the salvific labor their own children something more than a of sacrificial love and compassion that citadel in ruins, a barren ground zero that our Lord Jesus Christ completed on His fossilized the bitter memories of defeat. Precious Cross and through His Glorious It was time to forge a new narrative for Resurrection. Indeed, the rebuilding of St. the city, one of Athenian triumph and su- Nicholas is an act borne out of the Passion premacy, a visual tribute to its miraculous of our nation on 9/11, and will only be rise from the ashes.” (page 84, emphasis consummated by the resurrection of our added) National Shrine. A city that had witnessed its own ruin Every member of our Church has and ultimate victory over a foreign invader a stake in the rebuilding of St. Nicholas considered the rebirth of the place, where Church at Ground Zero, just as every the worst had been done, a sacred task. Athenian citizen had a stake in rebuilding Whether the Athens of 2,500 years ago, or the Parthenon. Every gift and donation to the New York in our own day, the motiva- this effort, however great or small, serves tion to rebuild has never been about put- to move us closer to constructing our ting a horrific past behind us. It is about American Parthenon, a temple of memory enshrining the memory of the legacy of and honor. the attack, and the subsequent sacrifice Unlike the temple that towers to this and heroism, in a temple that will tell the day above the Agora of Athens and the tale to generations yet to come. Whether hustle and bustle of the city below, St. it was the Parthenon then or St. Nicholas Nicholas will stand among the vertigi- now, the shared embodiment of memory nous heights of commerce and industry and triumph is the same. that will be the new World Trade Center. Our Holy Archdiocese of America is Tower One, formerly called the “Freedom building more than a parish church that Tower” and a brief walk from the site of was destroyed in the attacks of September the church, is the tallest building in the 11, 2001. We -- all of us -- are building a United States. And yet, as has been pointed Shrine of memory and honor for the hu- out in these pages before, St. Nicholas will man spirit and to glory of God. We are rest in an elevated park, a little ‘acropolis’, building our American Parthenon. if you will. And from its height of a mere 25 By coincidence, Santiago Calatrava, feet, it will look down into the Memorial the architect of the new St. Nicholas waterfalls set within the footprints of the Church at Ground Zero, was in Athens on Twin Towers. September 11, 2001. As Santiago Calatrava, has observed, As he reflected years later: “Early that the absences created by the voids of the afternoon, I was confronted by the images Memorial Pools will be balanced by the broadcast out of New York. Horrified by League from the sacred island of Delos to Dr. Manolis Korres, the foremost presence of the Church. Absence and the magnitude of the tragedy, I sat trans- Athens. That incredible amount was 8,000 scholar on the archaeology of the Athe- presence. Absence of those whose lives fixed, unable to move until well into the talents, or nearly $5 billion in contempo- nian Acropolis and chief architect of the were lost that fateful day. Presence of night. Days later, as I walked through the rary terms. Acropolis Restoration Project, has written hope over adversity, triumph in the face Plaka - the ancient quarter in Athens - the Then, with the cooperation and con- extensively on the difficulties of building of destruction, and love that is victorious walls of the Acropolis recalled the previ- sent of all the citizens of Athens, more this masterpiece. (See his “From Penteli- over hatred and evil. ous days’ images. The first Acropolis was than 5 percent of this total (around $280 con to the Parthenon” and “The Stones of It is perhaps no accident of history destroyed in the 5th century BC when Ath- million) was spent building the Parthenon the Parthenon”). that that the Athena Victory (Nike) Temple ens was invaded and burnt to the ground. over a 16-year period. In all, more than 100,000 tons of is the first structure that confronts the visi- Athens and its Acropolis were rebuilt. tor to the Acropolis, and that the meaning “The relics of the original structures of “Nicholas” is “the Victory of the People” were collected and carefully entombed. (e nike tou laou). The columns of the original Parthenon Just as the Parthenon reminded the were saved, and reused to buttress the ancient Athenians of the price for their walls of the new Acropolis. To me, these freedom, so too shall the St. Nicholas columns link the tragedy and triumph of Shrine at Ground Zero remind the Ameri- ancient Athens, and testify to man’s innate can people that our most treasured free- capacity to overcome such events…. The dom is that of religious belief according reconstruction of the Acropolis marked to our conscious, and that mutual respect the beginning of the golden age of Greek for all religions is the only way to live in a civilization. Not only did art, philosophy, world without war and violence. and poetry flourish, but Democracy, as we know it today, was born. May the reconstruction of Ground Zero encour- To donate age us, and our children to such noble to the St. Nicholas achievements.” at Ground Zero Fund: The responsibility for raising the new Make checks payable to: St. Nicholas at Ground Zero, while not on Greek Orthodox Archdiocese the same physical scale as the Parthenon, Mailing Address: is clearly on the same moral and societal Greek Orthodox Archdiocese level. Pericles began construction of the th Parthenon in 447 B.C., a few years after of America, 8 East 79 St. the transfer of the treasury of the Athenian New York, NY 10075. 6 APRIL 2014

Wishing you a joyful Pascha Mary & Michael Jaharis APRIL 2014 7 The Voice of Philoptochos Pascha 2014 National President’s Greetings for Pascha Beloved National Board, Chapter Presidents and Stewards of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, The absolute and unconditional truth of time immemorial is the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The universal and timeless gift that Christ offered through His Crucifixion and Resurrection was the selfless, sacrificial love that affected nature and humankind forever. This is the most irreplaceable and unique certainty in history and the core of our Christian existence. We see His love illumined on the candle lit faces of our family and loved ones when at midnight on Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Feast of Feasts. As followers and believers, we respond and embrace “as you did it to the least of my brethren.” Only when we share Christ’s love with our neighbors through tender and devoted service will the brightness that emanates from the Glorious Resurrection truly bless us and save us from defeating darkness. Only God can rescue us from the bonds of death because God’s victory triumphed over death. “Christ is risen from the dead. By death He has trampled upon death and bestowed life to those in the tombs.” Dimitrios Panagos photos The faithful and courageous Myrrh-Bearing women went very early in the morning to anoint the precious body of Jesus. They did so with the knowledge that they may be mocked and arrested. They did not know how to remove the huge stone that sealed the tomb. But they believed. They trusted God that through Him everything is possible. Philoptochos women follow the example of the Myrrh–Bearing women and with zeal and valor, conviction and devotion enter the same mystery of the empty tomb witnessing the Resurrection of our Lord hearing His voice to go and tell the world that He is risen, that despair is replaced by hope and hatred with love. My beloved Sisters, our task is to bring this message of love and hope to the fragmented lives of this troubled world filled with hurt and torture and that has not changed in 2,000 years. The extensive suffering, hunger, homelessness, illness, terrorism, war and natural disasters are forever present. Your selfless offering and kind gestures soothing the pain of our sisters and brothers are the joys of service. Let us enter the mystery of the Resurrection of Christ as did the Myrrh Bearing women and live the Resurrection each day in our minds and hearts through every action. Pascha is the blessed and joyous time when all challenges are overcome because Christ gives us hope. Advance boldly with courage and faith in the knowledge that the Lord always guides us in the righteous direction as He did for the Myrrh–Bearers. The objective is to understand the truth of the Gospel, to live a purposeful life led by Christ and to love like Him. Rejoice in the Proclamation of the Resurrection and affirm this good news to all. Accept the challenges of our world and bring the hope and love of Christ to it. ...But He said to them, “Do not be afraid. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him...” (Mark 16: 6) Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! With love in the Resurrected Christ, Aphrodite Skeadas March 1: a Historic Day for National Philoptochos On March 1, several hundred Philopto- goal and those present donated the initial chos members, supporters and friends from $85,000 in 45 minutes. The Society then across the United States joined Archbishop launched a $3 million campaign to purchase Demetrios and President Aphrodite Skeadas a building to expand its philanthropic and for the ribbon cutting and blessing of the humanitarian mission. The faithful and Center. His Eminence spoke of St. Paul’s chapters joined the campaign by donating message of love, joy, patience, peace, good- a Chapter Leaf on the Chapter Giving Tree ness, kindness and gentleness and stated, Campaign that adorns the center. “Philoptochos sisters are called today to In November 2012, with the generosity renew what it means to be a responsible of benefactors and stewards, the Philopto- Christian in 2014 and have proper philan- chos purchased its Center of Philanthropy thropy with prayer.” at 126 East 37th St., in New York. The Philoptochos Society inherited This accomplishment received guid- from the early pioneers a most worthy or- ance and support from Archbishop Deme- ganization that now flourishes throughout trios, the Holy Synod, spiritual advisors the Archdiocese, addressing the clear mis- Bishop Sevastianos of Zela and Bishop sion. To carry on the founders’ efforts, the Andonios of Phasiane, the National and National Board, at its May 2009 meeting, Metropolis Boards, donors, the staff, and voted unanimously to purchase a perma- all 441 chapters and 26,500 members nent home. At the 2010 National Philop- who have made the Philoptochos mission tochos Biennial Convention, Archbishop a priority for the Church and community Demetrios and the delegates endorsed the at large. Contact Information for Center of Philanthropy The Philoptochos Society has successfully relocated to its new home, the Center of Philanthropy, at 126 East 37th St., New York, NY 10019. Philoptochos extends sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that made the dream of a permanent home for Philoptochos a reality. Contact the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy at 212.977.7770 or www.philoptochos.org 8 APRIL 2014

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

On this day, the Resurrection of Our Lord, let us join His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to support, protect and defend the apostolic mission and legacy of the Apostolic See of Saint Andrew. The Order of Saint Andrew, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America and Defenders of the Faith, with the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the Holy Synod, will continue to raise the resurrection banner of religious freedom for our Mother Church so that the unwaning light of the Phanar may forever enlighten God’s oikoumene and the bells of Saint George Patriarchal Cathedral may ring joyously with the good news that the Great Church of Christ is free... finally free at last to proclaim to all... CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

archons.org [ OrderStAndrew ] APRIL 2014 9 Historic Meeting

Orthodox Observer Archival photos Steps Toward Reconciliation by Fr. Thomas FitzGerald were lifted by Rome and Constantinople in 1965 as an expression of this desire. Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patri- Since that time, meetings have taken arch will soon journey to the Holy Land place between representatives of Rome where they will meet in Jerusalem on and the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the May 24-26. feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29 This pilgrimage commemorates the and the Feast of St. Andrew on Nov. 30. 50th Anniversary of the meeting between In addition, the meetings between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch popes and ecumenical patriarchs in Rome Athenagoras in 1964. That blessed en- and Constantinople also have taken place counter captured the attention of the on a regular basis. The presence of Ecu- Christian world. As the first meeting menical Patriarch Bartholomew at the in- between a Pope and an Ecumenical Pa- stallation ceremonies of Pope Frances on triarch since 1438, it marked a dramatic March 20, 2013 continued this important turn for the churches from alienation to tradition. engagement. A formal theological dialogue be- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew tween Orthodox and Catholic theologians recently said: “This 50th anniversary of the was established by the churches in the historic meeting between the late Pope United States in 1965. This was followed Paul VI and our ever-memorable predeces- by the beginning of an international dia- sor Patriarch Athenagoras is an exceptional logue in 1979. Nurtured by prayer, both opportunity to deepen the fraternal bonds dialogues have examined the points of between Peter and Andrew, for both our theological agreement and divergence Sees owe their foundations to them. For between the two churches. this reason, following in the footsteps of These theological dialogues are of Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras, great importance. Both churches affirm we express our desire to further the rela- that the restoration of full communion tions between the Roman Catholic and the between them can only take place through Orthodox Churches.” a common agreement of the historic Ap- After the formal break in communion ostolic Faith. in 1484, the two churches had limited op- As an expression of reconciliation, portunities for contact and dialogue. Seri- the Catholic Church has returned to the ous differences centered chiefly upon the Orthodox many holy relics that had been Catholic Church’s Filioque addition to the taken from Constantinople especially at Nicene-Constantinople Creed of 381 and the time of the crusades. Ecumenical Pa- the authority of the Bishop of Rome be- triarch Bartholomew received the relics of yond his canonical territory. These factors St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the were eventually compounded especially Theologian from the late Pope John Paul by the tragic situation of the Patriarchate II in 2004. of Constantinople under Ottoman rule At the level of parish life, many Or- from the fifteenth century and Protestant thodox and Catholic believers have found Reformation in the Christian West in the opportunities to pray together for unity, sixteenth century. to know each other better through study The May meeting in Jerusalem will groups, and to respond together to the be a sacred opportunity for Pope Francis needs of the society. Orthodox and Catho- and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew lic clergy and laity also have taken part in to pray together and to thank God for pilgrimages to Rome and Constantinople. the pilgrimage towards reconciliation that When Pope Frances and Ecumenical the Catholic and Orthodox churches have Patriarch Bartholomew meet in Jerusalem travelled in only 50 years. Both churches they will have an opportunity to affirm the recognize that disunity is contrary to the dramatic developments that have taken will of the Lord who prayed for the unity place between the churches in the past of his followers. (Jn. 17:11). 50 years. In so doing, they will also have During the past five decades, both a unique blessing to reaffirm the churches churches have come to see themselves as commitment to the restoration of full com- ‘sister churches’ that have a solemn obli- munion and their witness to reconciliation gation to heal their division so that they in the world today. may give a common witness to Christ and His Gospel. Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald, Proto- This new relationship between the presbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, churches has been expressed in many is professor of church history and histori- ways. The Catholic Second Vatican Coun- cal theology and former Holy Cross School cil, 1962-65, and the Orthodox Pan–Ortho- of Theology dean. He is the Orthodox dox Conferences, 1961–68, highlighted a executive secretary of the North American new desire for reconciliation between the Orthodox–Catholic Bilateral Consultation churches. The limited Anathemas of 1054 in North America. 10 APRIL 2014 Archbishop Demetrios’ Condolence Letter on the Passing of Metropolitan Philip Obituary NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios, issues and would often challenge inactivity as chairman of the Assembly of Canonical surrounding serious issues, which he felt Metropolitan Philip Orthodox Bishops of North and Central Orthodoxy could address in unique and America, upon the falling asleep in the Lord important ways. of the Antiochian of Metropolitan Philip (March 19, 2014), But in essence, the very characteristic issued the following letter of condolence of Metropolitan Philip was his identity as Orthodox Archdiocese to the faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox a shepherd, a father who cared for and Archdiocese. labored diligently for his flock. Metropolitan Philip Saliba, 82, primate Before setting of the sun each day, of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Metropolitan Philip reflected upon the Archdiocese of North America, Antiochian Bishops of North and Central America, future well–being of his beloved spiritual Orthodox Archbishop of New York, and first Office of the Chairman sons and daughters. Each of you has felt his vice chairman of the Assembly of Canonical paternal love in a most personal manner. Orthodox Bishops of North and Central Blessed are those who die in the Lord It was Metropolitan Philip who ordained America, died March 19. from now on…for they will rest from their and enthroned so many of the bishops The Metropolitan also served as vice labors; for their works follow them. of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese president and vice chairman of St. Vladi- (Revelation 14:13) of North America; he helped educate and mir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, ordain countless parish priests; he joined Board of Trustees, and chairman of the Or- Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, so many of you in holy matrimony and thodox Christian Education Commission. the Presidents and Members of Parish celebrated with you as he baptized your He was the longest-serving bishop in Councils, the Day, Afternoon, and Church children and grandchildren; he even wept any branch of Orthodoxy in the United Schools, the Members of Philanthropic and mourned with you with the passing of States, having been in his role for nearly Organizations, the Youth and Youth Work- your loved ones. half a century since the age of 35. In 1956, he arrived in the United States ers, and the entire Antiochian Orthodox In voice and in one mind, the hierarchs Metropolitan Philip was born on June and enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Christian Family of North America. of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox 10, 1931, in Abou Mizan, Lebanon, the School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. On the evening of March 19, 2014 we Bishops of North and Central America of- fourth of five children to Elias and Saleema On March 1, 1959, he was ordained received the sad news of the passing of His fer thanksgiving to God for the 48 years of Saliba. After completing his primary educa- to the holy priesthood by Metropolitan Eminence Metropolitan Philip, our dear and dedicated service of our beloved brother Antony (Bashir) and assigned to the pas- beloved brother and concelebrant in Christ. as the head of the Antiochian Orthodox tion at the Shouier Elementary School, he torate at St. George Church in Cleveland. The repose of His Eminence, being sudden Archdiocese of North America, and I extend entered the Balamand Orthodox Seminary, and unexpected, caused a profound pain in to each of you my heartfelt and sincere con- near Tripoli, Lebanon, at age 14. He sub- While serving in this capacity, he carried to my heart and the entire Orthodox Christian dolences for the loss of your father. sequently attended and graduated from completion the building of an educational family in the United States of America. Let not your hearts be troubled nor let the Orthodox Secondary School in Homs, and cultural center for the parish. He also For more than 15 years I have had the them be afraid, for the Holy Spirit, the Com- Syria, and the Assiyeh Orthodox College in served in many religious and civic posts opportunity and privilege to work closely forter, will surely grant everlasting repose Damascus, Syria. while in Cleveland. with Metropolitan Philip. As the First Vice- to Metropolitan Philip’s soul and will soon Ordained to the holy diaconate in He undertook graduate theological Chairman of SCOBA and most recently as deliver unto you a shepherd who will bear 1949, he was assigned to serve as secretary studies at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theo- the First Vice-Chairman of the Assembly of the mantle of faith on his shoulders for the to Patriarch Alexander II (Tahan) of Antioch logical Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y., and Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and coming generation. and all the East. While a deacon, Philip was graduated in 1965 with a Master of Divinity Central America, he passionately supported Prayerfully and with deep love in awarded a scholarship and invitation to degree. In March 1966, the Antiochian Arch- a common witness to our Orthodox faith in Christ, the Crucified and Risen Lord, undertake studies in Great Britain at the diocese nominated Philip Saliba to succeed the world. It is well known that he spoke + Archbishop Demetrios of America Kelham Theological School and the Uni- his mind openly on a number of important Chairman versity of London. uu to page 34 APRIL 2014 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 11 OFFICIAL NOTICE Χριστός Ἀνέστη! CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF METROPOLITAN OR AUXILIARY BISHOP Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! Following the regular review of the Holy Eparchial Synod and in accordance with Article 14 of the Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the pertinent Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Advisory and Consultative Role in Hierarchical Elections) there follow herewith the names of the clergy (in alphabetical order) who constitute the current list of candidates eligible for election to the office of Metropolitan or Auxiliary Bishop. This list has Archangel Michael been ratified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and communicated to the Archbishop of America by letter on December 16, 2013. Greek Orthodox Church The Auxiliary Bishops are automatically included in the list for the election of a Metropolitan by virtue of their office. 401 12th Street, Campbell, OH, 44405 CELIBATE CLERGY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA Voice: 330-755-3596 • Fax: 330-755-6114 who are at least 35 years of age with a theological degree from an Orthodox institution and sufficient service in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as of October 17h, 2013.

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Frs. Mark Leondis, pastor, and Steven Klund, were joined by deacons and priests from around the country, including Fr. Alexander Leondis and Deacon John Christakis of St. Mark; former pastors Frs. Frank Marangos and Regis Alexoudis, Fr. Martin Ritsi of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) of St. Augustine, and other local Greek Orthodox and An- tiochian Orthodox clergy. Metropolitan Alexios, addressing the congregants, said, “The time has come for Kurtis Boggs Photography this beautiful church to be consecrated. I thank the clergy, the parish council, the Philoptochos members, and all the faith- ful, those who are living and those who have passed to the next life, all who have brought us to this special day in the life of the community.” Consecration scenes (at left, top) Metropolitan Alexios places relics in the altar table. (left below) On Feb. 20, memorial prayers were Participating clergy scrub the altar. (above) The offered at a Gold Leaf memorial service, Metropolitan and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos where the faithful offered votive candles anoint the iconography. (below) Altar boys lead as memorial prayers to our Lord. Their the procession around the church. names were placed in the altar and will remain in a special diptych for commemo- family members as part of this historical ration during the year. moment of St. Mark Church as the Divine On Friday, Metropolitan Alexios and Liturgy was conducted. Bishop Dimitrios celebrated Vespers with Later that evening, hundreds gath- the relics of three martyrs that would be ered at the Delray Beach Marriott for the embedded and sealed in the altar table; banquet. St. Panteleimon, a physician who healed a Hierarchs, clergy, dignitaries and blind man by God’s grace and was subse- special guests, along with the faithful of quently killed; St. Kyrikos, a three-year-old St. Mark, came together to celebrate. A child who, during his mother’s torture and mayoral proclamation and the key to the death, screamed his Christian faith in her city were received. defense and was also killed; and the 179 Consecration Chairman Pat Sourlis monks of Monastery Tao who were killed expressed her deep gratitude for the ex- in 1680 A.D. in Greece. ecutive committee who worked for over Saturday Orthros began at 8 a.m., a year to prepare for this special day. followed by the Consecration. Clergy and Along with parish council President John altar boys, followed by the entire congre- Koutsoupis and Philoptochos President gation, left the sanctuary and circled the Pam Parent, Fr. Mark thanked the entire building three times, stopping in between church. for hymns of the martyrs, prayers and read- “It was a glorious day in the life of this ing of the gospel. church,” he said. Following the procession, the relics During the weekend five altar boys, were placed in the altar table cavity and – Aris Copulos, Alex Leondis, Dimitri covered with a mixture of waxes and Mitchell, Zachary Skoundridakis and myrrh to seal it, never to be opened again. Michael Spiliopoulos -- were tonsured; The altar table was washed and vested two parishioners, Patricia Sourlis and with new liturgical appointments. Metro- Anthony Nicolaides; received the St. Paul politan Alexios and Bishop Dimitrios then Medal, and Fr. Mark was elevated to pro- anointed the church walls and icons with topresbyter. Holy Chrism. For more information visit St. Mark Metropolitan Parishioners were invited to drop holy Church on the web at www.saintmark- oil into a kandili to commemorate their boca.net or call 561-994-4822. Isaiah of Denver, togheter with the Clergy, the Monastics, and the Laity of the Metropolis of Denver greet all the readers of The OrThOdOx Observer with the joyful and triumphant Apostolic salutation: Christ Is Risen! Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and those in the tombs He has granted life. APRIL 2014 13 Metropolis news

by Vanessa Clohessy CHICAGO – The Metropolis Family Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis Lenten Retreat Synaxis hosted 41 families March 22 at the annual Lenten Retreat, held at St. Demetrios Church. “A Handbook for Godly Families: Guidance from the Wisdom of Scriptures” was the theme for the retreat. In his two presentations, keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. Harry Pappas urged husbands and wives to seek and learn modern day les- sons from the Old Testament wisdom writings, such as the books of Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Song of Songs and Sirach. He stressed that the most important thing that husbands and wives can give their children is a healthy and holy marriage. Fr. Pappas encouraged husbands Toni Milak photos and wives to build greater intimacy on Vespers. Families worked together to The retreat will be held at Green Lake praxis (practice), workshops and discus- two levels: with God through prayer and assemble 100 school supply kits for the Conference Center in Green Lake, Wis. sions, fellowship and, above all, our as- with one another. He warned couples refugees in Syria through an IOCC (Inter- The Metropolis Family Synaxis began sembly as the worshipping Body of Christ. that intimacy is threatened by the sickness national Orthodox Christian Charities) its ministry in 1999. Its mission is, “The of “busy-ness.” He instructed couples to initiative. Church in the Home.” Fr. John Rallis For the 2014 schedule of Metropolis build leisure into their lives in order to de- Looking ahead, over Labor Day week- serves as the spiritual father, and the min- Family Synaxis retreats, and spiritual re- velop intimacy with each other and God. end 2014, Family Synaxis will host its 15th istry is organized by Chris Avramopoulos, sources and audio files of past retreats, visit Lead by 20 volunteer teachers, the chil- annual weekend retreat, featuring Fr. Jo- Metropolis of Chicago Director of Youth www.gocfamilysynaxis.org. Anyone with dren learned about “wisdom” through siah Trenham, pastor, professor, publisher and Young Adult Ministries. The steering questions about the ministry or upcoming scripture, activities and art projects. The and gifted speaker on contemporary issues committee is co-chaired by Eleni Anast of retreats, contact chicago.family.synaxis@ day began with Orthros and ended with facing today’s Orthodox Christian families. St. John the Baptist Church, Carrie Colis gmail.com. of Sts. Peter and Paul, and Maria Kroll of St. Sophia. Committee members include Presbytera Irene Rallis, Philip Anast, Jim and Vanessa Clohessy, John Colis, George and Eva Economy, Anthony Kroll, Dean and Evelyn Maggos, Steve and Toni Milak, Andy and Mary Pagones, and Julie Tziolas. Family Synaxis events are open to the entire Orthodox Christian community. Family Synaxis is committed to strengthen- ing the bond of families through Orthodox

Orthodox Observer photo Religious Education Retreat GOYA members from two Michigan parishes: Assumption in Grand Blanc and St. George in Bloom eld Hills, at Archdiocesan headquarters in Manhattan during a religious education retreat March 7-9. The 23 Goyans, accompanied by Fr. Evangelos Magos and some parents, took the 12-hour overnight bus trip to New York where, in addition to the Archdiocese headquarters, they visited the National Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy and the future sight of St. Nicholas Shrine Church at Ground Zero. They also attended the Saturday of Souls service at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral on March 8 before returning home the next day.

WEDDINGS, baptISmS & EVENtS

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The Resurrection. From the sanctuary apse of the chapel of the Chora Monastery, Constantinople

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

www.faithendowment.org ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 ΕΤΟΣ 79 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1294

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Πατριαρχική Ἀπόδειξις ἐπί τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πάσχα Β Α Ρ Θ Ο Λ Ο Μ Α Ι Ο Σ

ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΠΑΝΤΙ Τῼ ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΧΑΡΙΝ, ΕΙΡΗΝΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΟΣ ΠΑΡΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΝ∆ΟΞΩΣ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΝΤΟΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ Χριστός Ἀνέστη!

«Δεῦτε», ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ, «λάβετε φῶς ἐκ τοῦ ἀνεσπέρου Φωτός» τοῦ Φανα- ρίου, τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Κέντρου τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων, καί δοξάσωμεν ὅλοι ὁμοῦ καί ἀπό κοινοῦ «Χριστόν τόν Ἀναστάντα ἐκ νεκρῶν».

Ζοφερά ἦτο ἡ ψυχική κατάστασις τῶν μαθητῶν τοῦ Κυρίου μετά τήν Σταύρω- σιν Αὐτοῦ, διότι διά τῆς δι᾿ αὐτῆς θανατώσεως τοῦ Κυρίου διελύθησαν αἱ ἐλπίδες τῶν μαθητῶν Του περί ἐπικρατήσεως Αὐτοῦ καί αὐτῶν ὡς πολιτικῆς ἐξουσίας. Εἶχον ἐκλάβει τήν θριαμβευτικήν εἴσοδον τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς τά Ἱεροσόλυμα, μετά τήν ἀνάστασιν τοῦ Λαζάρου καί τήν θαυματουργικήν τροφοδοσίαν πέντε χιλιάδων ἀνδρῶν, πλέον γυναικῶν καί παιδίων, διά πέντε ἄρτων καί δύο ἰχθύων, ὡς προανάκρουσμα τῆς κατακτήσεως ὑπ᾿ αὐτῶν κοσμικῆς ἐξουσίας. Ἡ μήτηρ δύο Ἅγιον Πάσχα: Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν ἐξ αὐτῶν ὑπέβαλε μάλιστα τό αἴτημα ὅπως οἱ υἱοί αὐτῆς καθήσουν εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν καί εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων τοῦ Κυρίου, ὅταν Οὗτος ἀναλάβῃ τήν ἐξουσίαν. Ὅλα αὐτά Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς διελύθησαν ὡς παιδικαίφαντασίαι λόγῳ τοῦ φοβεροῦ πλήγματος τῆς θανατικῆς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν ἐκτελέσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Τήν πρωίαν, ὅμως, τῆς μιᾶς τῶν Σαββάτων αἱ Μυροφόροι εὗρον τόν τάφον Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς κενόν καί ἤκουσαν παρά τοῦ Ἀγγέλου ὅτι ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν. Μετ᾿ Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. ὀλίγον δέ εἶδον Αὐτόν εἰς ἀλλοίαν κατάστασιν, μή ἐπιτρέπουσαν εἰς τάς Μυροφόρους νά Τόν ἀγγίξουν. Ἡτοι αύτη ἀπροσδόκητος ἐξέλιξις τῶν Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, πραγμάτων προεκάλεσε τήν ἀπορίαν τῶν περί τόν Ἰησοῦν περί τῆς περαιτέρω ἐξελίξεως τῶν γεγονότων. Ἡ ἀπάντησις δέν ἐδόθη εἰς αὐτούς ἀμέσως. Εἰδοποιήθησαν νά ἀναμένουν μέ ὑπομονήν καί καρτερίαν μέχρις ὅτου Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! ἐνδυθοῦν δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους. Πειθαρχήσαντες δέ εἰς τήν ἐντολήν, ἀνέμενον μέχρι τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς, ὅτε τό Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα, ἐπελθόν, ἀπεκάλυψεν εἰς αὐτούς, ἐν Στήν ἐξαίσια αὐτή καί ἔνδοξη Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν, ἡ καρδιά καί ὁ νοῦς μας πληρότητι, τήν νέαν ἀποστολήν των. Αὕτη δέν συνίστατο εἰς τήν ἀπελευθέρωσιν γεμίζουν μέ λαμπρό φῶς καί ἀνέκφραστη χαρά στήν παρουσία τοῦ Ἀναστάντος ἑνός ἔθνους ἀπό τῆς ὑποδουλώσεως εἰς ἄλλο ἔθνος, ἀλλά εἰς τήν ἀπελευθέρωσιν Χριστοῦ. Ὁ Χριστός εἶναι ἀνάμεσά μας τώρα καί πάντοτε, μέ τήν ἁγιότητα καί δόξα Του, ἔχοντας προσφέρει Ἑαυτόν ὡς ἁγνή θυσία γιά τίς ἁμαρτίες μας. Εἶναι ἐνώπιόν τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος ὅλης ἀπό τῆς ὑποδουλώσεως εἰς τόν ἄρχοντα τοῦ κακοῦ καί μας καί ἐντός μας ὡς Θριαμβευτής ἐπί τῆς φθορᾶς καί τοῦ θανάτου, προσφέροντας εἰς τό κακόν ἐν γένει. Μία ἄλλη μεγάλη ἀποστολή διαφορετική ἀπό ἐκείνην τήν μέ τή χάρη Του ἀληθινή καί ἄφθαρτη ζωή. ὁποίαν ὠνειρεύοντο. Ὁ Κύριός μας μᾶς ἀγκαλιάζει αὐτή τήν ἡμέρα τῶν ὕμνων καί τῆς δοξολογίας Ἡ ἀσύλληπτος ἐντολή τῆς διαδόσεως τοῦ κηρύγματος τῆς ἀπελευθερώσεως ὡς Λυτρωτής μας, ὁδηγώντας μας στήν ὁδό τῆς σωτηρίας καί καθαγιάζοντάς μας τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀπό τῆς δουλείας τοῦ θανάτου ἐξέπληξεν αὐτούς, ἀλλ᾿ ἀνελήφθη γιά τήν αἰώνια ζωή. μετά ζήλου καί ἐκηρύχθη πανταχοῦ καί ἔσωσε καί σώζει πολλούς ἀπό τοῦ θανάτου. Διά τῆς πίστεως, ἐπιβεβαιώνουμε ὅτι ὁ Χριστός ἀναστήθηκε καί ὅτι εἶναι ἀνά- Ὑπάρχει ὁ πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν, ὁ ἀναστημένος Ἰησοῦς, ὁ ὁποῖος προσφέρει εἰς μεσά μας, καί ὁμολογοῦμε τήν Ἀνάσταση καί παρουσία Του διά τῆς συμμετοχῆς ὅλους τήν δυνατότητα τῆς ἀναστάσεως καί τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς, μιᾶς ζωῆς ἡ ὁποία δέν μας στήν Θεία Εὐχαριστία. Σέ αὐτό τό Μέγα Μυστήριο, τό τίμιο Σῶμα καί τό τίμιο ὑπόκειται πλέον εἰς τήν φθοράν, διότι ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει οἱ ἄνθρωποι εἶναι ὡς οἱ ἄγγελοι Αἷμα τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου προσφέρεται γιά μᾶς καί σέ μᾶς. Μέ τήν πίστη καί τήν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν οὐρανῷ καί φέρουν σῶμα πνευματικόν ἀντί τοῦ σαρκικοῦ. μετάληψη τοῦ μυστηρίου ἑνούμεθα μέ Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος ζεῖ! Αὐτή εἶναι ἡ οὐσιώδης Πρόγευσιν αὐτῆς τῆς μακαρίας ἀναστασίμου καταστάσεως βιοῦμεν ἀπό τώρα, σχέση τῆς Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Πάσχα καί τῆς Θείας Εὐχαριστίας. ὅταν φέρωμεν τό σάρκινον ἔνδυμά μας εἰς τρόπον ὥστε νά μή γευώμεθα τήν οὐσίαν τοῦ Αὐτό εἶναι Πάσχα ἐξαγνισμοῦ διότι Ἐκεῖνος ὁ μή ἔχων ἁμαρτία θυσίασε τόν θανάτου, δηλαδή τήν ἀπομάκρυνσιν ἀπό τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλά νά αἰσθανώμεθα Ἑαυτόν Του γιά μᾶς. Μετέχουμε στήν Θεία Εὐχαριστία καί μέ τό τίμιο Σῶμα καί Αἷμα ὅτι μετέβημεν ἀπό τοῦ φυσικοῦ θανάτου τοῦ σαρκίνου σώματος εἰς τήν ἀνωτέραν ζωήν Του ἐξαγνιζόμεθα. Οἱ ψυχές καί τά σώματά μας ἐξαγνίζονται διά τῆς μεταλήψεως τοῦ πνευματικοῦ τοιούτου διά τῆς μετ᾿ ἀγάπης γνώσεως τοῦ Προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου, ἡ καί ἑνώσεως μέ τόν Ἀναστάντα Κύριο. ὁποία γνῶσις ἰσοδυναμεῖ πρός τήν αἰώνιον ζωήν. Αὐτή ἡ ἡμέρα ἀνακηρύσσεται καί Πάσχα τῆς ἀφθαρσίας. Ὁ Θεός ...γενόμενος Δέν προσδοκῶμεν, λοιπόν, ἁπλῶς τήν ἀνάστασιν τῶν νεκρῶν ὡς ἕν γεγονός τοῦ ἄνθρωπος, πάσχει ὡς θνητός, καί διά πάθους τό θνητόν ἀφθαρσίας ἐνδύει εὐπρέπει- ἀπωτάτου μέλλοντος ἀλλά μετέχομεν αὐτῆς ἀπό τοῦδε, ὥστε νά κραυγάζωμεν ἐνθου- αν. Τά δεσμά τοῦ θανάτου καί τῆς φθορᾶς δέν μπόρεσαν νά δεσμεύσουν τήν δύναμη σιωδῶς μετά τοῦ Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου Χρυσοστόμου: «Ποῦ σοῦ, θάνατε, τό κέντρον; ποῦ τῆς χάριτος καί τῆς ἀληθινῆς ζωῆς. Διά τῆς Σταυρώσεως καί τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ σοῦ, Ἅδη, τό νῖκος;». Συνανέστημεν μετά τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καί ζῶμεν τά ἔσχατα Κυρίου μας μεταμορφωνόμεθα καί περνοῦμε ἀπό τόν θάνατο στή ζωή. Μέ ἀγαλλίαση ἑορτάζουμε ἐπίσης αὐτή τήν ἡμέρα ὡς Πάσχα λυτρώσεως καί ὡς παρόντα καί τά παρόντα ὡς ἔσχατα. Ἡ ἀνάστασις διαποτίζει τήν ὕπαρξιν σωτηρίας. Ὅπως ψάλλουμε, αὐτό τό Πάσχα εἶναι ἕνα πανσεβάσμιο Πάσχα, ἕνα Πάσχα ἡμῶν καί πληροῖ χαρᾶς αὐτήν. Ὡς ἐπλήσθη χαρᾶς τό στόμα τῶν μαθητῶν ἐν Χριστοῦ Λυτρωτοῦ, ἕνα Πάσχα τῶν πιστῶν, ἕνα Πάσχα τό ὁποῖο ἔχει διανοίξει τίς τῷ λέγειν ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος. πύλες τοῦ Παραδείσου γιά μᾶς. Συνεχίζομεν τό ἔργον τῶν Ἀποστόλων. Μεταδίδομεν εἰς τόν κόσμον τό Εἶναι ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου καί Λυτρωτοῦ μας, καί εἶναι ἡ ἡμέρα μήνυμα τῆς ἀναστάσεως. Κηρύσσομεν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει, ὅτι ὁ θάνατος δέν πρέπει νά ἔχῃ θέσιν εἰς τῆς ἀποδεσμεύσεώς μας ἀπό ὅλα ὅσα μᾶς καταστρέφουν, καί τῆς μετοχῆς μας σέ τήν ζωήν μας, οὐδεμίαν ὠφέλειαν προσφέρει εἰς τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Οἱ ἐπιδιώκοντες νά βελτιώ- ὅλα ἐκεῖνα πού μᾶς μεταμορφώνουν καί καθαγιάζουν. σουν τήν κοινωνικήν ζωήν διά τοῦ θανάτου συνανθρώπων τινῶν αὐτῶν, δέν προσφέρουν ἀγαθήν Στή Θεία Εὐχαριστία ἑορτάζουμε τήν ἀπόλυτη θυσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τήν ὑπηρεσίαν εἰς τούς ἐπιζῶντας. Ὑπηρετοῦν τήν ἐπέκτασιν τοῦ θανάτου καί προετοιμάζουν τήν ὑπέροχη Ἀνάστασή Του. Διακηρύσσουμε ὅτι σήμερα εἶναι ἡ Ἡμέρα τῆς Σωτηρίας, ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ καταβρόχθισιν ἑαυτῶν. καί καθώς μεταλαμβάνουμε τόν Κύριό μας μέ πίστη, Ἐκεῖνος μᾶς δίδει ζωή αἰώνια Εἰς τάς ἡμέρας μας τά τύμπανα τοῦ θανάτου καί τοῦ σκότους ἠχοῦν μανιωδῶς. Μερικοί καί μέγα ἔλεος. συνάνθρωποί μας πιστεύουν ὅτι ἡ ἐξόντωσις ἄλλων συνανθρώπων μας εἶναι πρᾶξις ἐπαινετή καί ὠφέλιμος, ἀλλά πλανῶνται οἰκτρῶς. Δυστυχῶς, ἡ ἐξουδένωσις καί καταπίεσις τῶν ἀσθενεστέρων uΣελίδα 16 uΣελίδα 19 16 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Ο Εορτασμός της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο uΣελίδα 15 ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý λίγο πριν τις 6 μ.μ. Η τελετή ξεκίνησε με τον Καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα αὐτή τήν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Ἐκείνου ὁ Ὁποῖος ἀνεστήθη αντιπρόεδρο Τζο Μπάϊντεν ο οποίος καλωσο- ἱερή καί μεγάλη ἡμέρα γιά νά ἑορτάσουμε ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας καί ρίζοντας τους 400 περίπου προσκεκλημένους τό Ἅγιο Πάσχα, εἴθε ἡ καρδιά μας νά εἶναι ζωήν χαρισάμενος σέ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο. ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ – Ο Πρόεδρος Μπα- μετέφερε την αγάπη και τον σεβασμό του για πλήρης χαρᾶς, ἡ διάνοιά μας ἐν εἰρήνῃ, καί ράκ Ομπάμα υποδέχθηκε την Παρασκευή 4 την Ελληνοαμερικανική Ομογένεια τονίζοντας ἡ ψυχή μας ἀνακαινισμένη μέ τήν ἐλπίδα Απριλίου στο Λευκό Οίκο τον Σεβασμιώτατο Χριστός Ἀνέστη! ότι μας ενώνει το θάρρος και η αποφασιστι- τῶν ὑποσχέσεών Του. Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και την κότητα στην αναζήτηση και επικράτηση της Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή καί καθ† ὅλη τήν διάρ- Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος! Ελληνοαμερικανική Ομογένεια για τον εορ- ελευθερίας. Στη συνέχεια παρουσίασε τον κεια τοῦ ἔτους, εἴθε νά ἀνακαινούμεθα καί τασμό της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας της 25ης η Πρόεδρο και τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο. ἐνδυναμωνόμεθα μέ τήν χάρη τοῦ Κυρίου Μετά πατρικῆς ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστάντι ἀγάπης, Μαρτίου 1821. Ήταν η 28 συνεχής χρονιά Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος εξέφρασε μεταλαμβάνοντες τό Σῶμα καί τό Αἷμα τοῦ εορτασμού της επετείου της Ελληνικής Ανε- την ευγνωμοσύνη της Ομογένειας προς τον σταυρωθέντος καί ἀναστάντος Χριστοῦ. ξαρτησίας στο Λευκό Οίκο και η έκτη φορά Πρόεδρο για τον έκτο συνεχή εορτασμό της Εὔχομαι ἐπίσης σέ σᾶς καί τίς οἰκο- κατά την προεδρία του Ομπάμα. Ελληνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο γένειές σας ἕνα ἅγιο Πάσχα πλῆρες τοῦ Ο πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και ο κατά την προεδρία του. ἐλέους καί τῶν ἀφθόνων εὐλογιῶν τοῦ † ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν συναντήθηκαν ιδιαιτέρως με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο «Ο ευγενής αγώνας για τη θέσπιση της για είκοσι περίπου λεπτά στο Green Room Τρισάγιο υπέρ αναπαύσεως της ψυχής πριν από την δημόσια τελετή, η οποία άρχισε uΣελίδα 18 του ομογενούς Ανδρέα Παναγόπουλου Ανακοινωθέν της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρ- οποία βρισκόταν στη Νέα Υόρκη για τις εργα- χιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος τέλεσε σίες των Ηνωμένων Εθνών και επισκέπτονταν ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύ- Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως, ἐνημέρωσε τήν στις 14 Μαρτίου στις 12 το μεσημέρι τρισάγιο το πρωί της ίδιας ημέρας τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο νοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς Σύνοδον περί τῶν προετοιμασιῶν πρός τοῦτο. στο παρεκκλήσιο της Αρχιεπισκοπής υπέρ Δημήτριο, κληρικοί και μέλη του προσωπικού συνῆλθεν εἰς τήν τακτικήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς εἰς γ) Συνεζητήθησαν αἱ δυσκολίαι εἰς τάς μικράς αναπαύσεως της ψυχής του ομογενούς Ανδρέα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής. τήν αἴθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπι- ἐνορίας καί πιθανοί τρόποι βοηθείας των. δ) ην ην Παναγόπουλου, 42 ετών, ο οποίος έχασε τη Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, με τον σκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 17 καί 18 Μαρτίου Τά Μέλη τῆς Συνόδου ἐνημερώθησαν ὑπό τοῦ ζωή του το πρωί της Τετάρτης 12 Μαρτίου, στο παρηγορητικό του λόγο προς τον αδελφό του 2014 ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τοῦ Σεβασμιωτάτου Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπισκόπου σχετικῶς μέ τήν πορείαν τραγικό ατύχημα της καταρρεύσεως των δύο μεταστάντος εξέφρασε την βαθιά λύπη του ιδίου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἀμερικῆς κ. Δημητρίου καί τῶν ἔργων διά τήν άνέγερσιν τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Ναοῦ πολυκατοικιών στο Χάρλεμ της Νέας Υόρκης αλλά και της Εκκλησίας και της Ομογένειας για τήν συμμετοχήν ἁπάντων τῶν Μελῶν αὐτῆς. τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου εἰς Ground Zero. (Park Avenue και 116η οδός) όπου βρισκόταν τον ξαφνικό, πρόωρο και άδικο θάνατο του Αν- Ἡ Σύνοδος κατά τήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς 4) Ποιμαντικά θέματα: Ἡ Σύνοδος εἶχε το διαμέρισμά του. δρέα και των άλλων θυμάτων του ατυχήματος, ἠσχολήθη μέ σειράν θεμάτων ἀφορώντων εἰς εἰδικήν συνάντησιν μετά τοῦ Διευθυντοῦ τοῦ Παρών στο τρισάγιο ήταν ο αδελφός του και τον διαβεβαίωσε ότι οι προσευχές όλων θα τήν ζωήν καί τό ἔργον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μεταξύ Τμήματος Νεότητος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ανδρέα, Άρης Παναγόπουλος, ο οποίος έφθασε είναι μαζί του, με την μητέρα του που βρίσκεται τῶν ὁποίων καί τά ἑξῆς: π. Ἰάσονος Roll κατά τήν ὁποίαν ἐνημερώθη την προηγούμενη ημέρα στη Νέα Υόρκη από στην Καλαμάτα και την σύζυγο του μεταστάντος 1) Λειτουργικά θέματα: Ἡ Σύνοδος συ- διά τό ἐπιτελούμενον ἔργον τοῦ ἐν λόγῳ την Κοπεγχάγη, όπου ζει μονίμως, ο επιστήθιος Liseth Perez Almeida και τους λοιπούς συγγενείς νεζήτησε θέματα ἀφορῶντα εἰς τήν τέλεσιν Τμήματος. Τά Μέλη τῆς Συνόδου εἶχον τήν φίλος του μεταστάντος Ευάγγελος Άλκιμος και και φίλους. τῶν Μυστηρίων τῆς Βαπτίσεως καί τοῦ Γάμου, εὐκαιρίαν νά συζητήσουν μετ΄ αὐτοῦ θέματα άλλοι φίλοι του. Παρευρέθησαν ακόμη ο Γενι- Η σωρός του μεταστάντος μεταφέρθηκε εἰς τήν τήρησιν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Παραδόσεως τῆς ἀφορῶντα εἰς τήν ποιμαντικήν φροντίδα τῶν κός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη κ. στην Ελλάδα για την κηδεία και την ταφή, ενώ οι Ἐκκλησίας καί τόν σύγχρονον προβληματι- νέων. Σημειώνεται ὅτι μεταξύ τῶν προσπα- Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος, η Γενική Γραμματέας του φίλοι του στη Νέα Υόρκη τέλεσαν επιμνημόσυνη σμόν. θειῶν συγκαταλέγεται ἡ ἑβδομαδιαία προ- Ελληνικού Υπουργείου Εσωτερικών για θέματα δέηση την Κυριακή 16 Μαρτίου στον Ιερό Ναό 2) Κανονικά θέματα: α) Ἐξητάσθησαν σέγγισις τῶν νέων δι† ἠλεκτρονικῶν μέσων, εἰς Ισότητος των Φύλων, κυρία Βάσω Κόλλια, η του Ευαγγελισμού στο Μανχάταν. θεμάτα πειθαρχικῆς φύσεως κληρικῶν. β) τήν ὁποίαν περιλαμβάνονται ἀπαντήσεις εἰς Ἐλήφθη ὁ ἐγκεκριμένος ὑπό τοῦ Οἰκουμε- ἐρωτήματα καί προβληματισμούς των, βοηθή- νικού Πατριαρχείου κατάλογος ὀνομάτων ματα καί ἑρμηνεία ἐπί Κυριακῶν Εὐαγγελικῶν κληρικῶν ὑποψηφίων πρός Ἀρχιερατείαν, ἡ περικοπῶν, ὡς ἐπίσης καί προβολή συντόμων Ενίσχυση των Σεισμοπλήκτων της Κεφαλλονιάς δημοσίευσις τοῦ ὁποίου θά πραγματοποιηθῇ μαγνητοσκοπημένων ἐπίκαιρων θεμάτων μέ και Βρεφονηπιακού Σταθμού στην Κύπρο εἰς τό προσεχές τεῦχος τοῦ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΥ χριστιανικά μηνύματα. ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΟΥ. Ἐπιλογικῶς ὁ Σεβ. Αρχιεπίσκοπος ἀνε- ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ο Σεβασμιώτατος ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος μεταξύ άλλων αναφέρει 3) Θέματα διοικητικῆς φύσεως: α) Τήν φέρθη καί εἰς τά σημαντικά γεγονότα τά Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος απέ- ότι το ποσόν αποτελεί προϊόν αγάπης των Σύνοδον ἀπησχόλησαν θέματα διοικητικῆς φύ- μεσολαβήσαντα μετά τήν προηγουμένην συνε- στειλε στην Ιερά Μητρόπολη Κεφαλληνίας κοινοτήτων και ιδιωτών της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής σεως ἐνοριῶν καί Ἱ. Μονῶν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπι- δρίαν τῆς Συνόδου μεταξύ τῶν ὁποίων καί τήν οικονομική βοήθεια της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Εξ† άλλου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημή- σκοπῆς. β) Ἡ Σύνοδος ἡσχολήθη ἐπίσης μέ τήν Σύναξιν τῶν Προκαθημένων τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων Αμερικής, ύψους 25 χιλιάδων δολαρίων για την τριος απέστειλε σήμερα επιταγή 25 χιλιάδων προσεχῆ Κληρικολαϊκήν Συνέλευσιν τοῦ 2014 Ἐκκλησιῶν ἐν Κωνσταντινουπόλει, ἀπό 6ης ενίσχυση των αναγκών των σεισμοπλήκτων δολαρίων, από το Ταμείο Ανακουφίσεως για τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς ἐν Φιλα- ἕως 9ης Μαρτίου 2014, ὑπό τήν Προεδρίαν τοῦ της Κεφαλλονιάς που δοκιμάζονται μετά τους τους Κυπρίους (Relief Fund for the People δελφείᾳ, τό θέμα τῆς ὁποίας εἶναι Ἡ Ὀρθόδοξη Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριάρχου κ.κ. Βαρθολομαίου. καταστροφικούς σεισμούς της 26ης Ιανουα- of Cyprus) προς το Συμβούλιο Κοινοτικού Χριστιανική Οἰκογένεια: Κατοικητήριον τοῦ Ἡ ἐπί διήμερον συνεδρία της Συνόδου ρίου και της 3ης Φεβρουαρίου 2014 και των Εθελοντισμού του ημικατεχόμενου Δήμου Χριστοῦ καί Μαρτυρία τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου Του. Ὁ ὡλοκληρώθη τό ἑσπέρας τῆς Τρίτης 18 Μαρ- πολλών συνεχών μετασεισμικών δονήσεων. του Αγίου Δομετίου στην Κύπρο με σκοπό την Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ἰερσέης κ. Εὐάγγε- τίου 2014. Στην επιστολή του προς τον Σεβασμιώτα- ενίσχυση του εκεί Παιδοκομικού και Βρεφοκο- λος, ὡς ὁ φιλοξενῶν Ἱεράρχης τῆς ἐπικειμένης Ἐκ τοῦ Γραφείου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου το Μητροπολίτη Κεφαλληνίας κ. Σπυρίδωνα, μικού Σταθμού στον οποίο φοιτούν 80 παιδιά.

Επιτάφιος στην κατεχόμενη Αμμόχωστο για πρώτη φορά ύστερα από 57 χρόνια Μετά από 57 χρόνια θα τελεστεί η ακο- τήσεις για να καταστεί δυνατή και η λιτάνευση λουθία της Αποκαθήλωσης και θα ψαλούν τα του Επιταφίου σε κάποιους δρόμους της εντός εγκώμια του Επιταφίου τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, των τειχών Αμμοχώστου» είπε. Ήδη, σημείωσε, στην κατεχόμενη Αμμόχωστο. Η ακολουθία θα υπάρχει μεγάλη ανταπόκριση από πλήθους γίνει στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου του κόσμου και έχουν δηλώσει ότι θα παρευρεθούν Εξορινού, όπου από τον περασμένο Δεκέμβριο δύο χιλιάδες άνθρωποι. «Βεβαίως δεν θέλουμε με άδεια του τουρκοκυπριακού καθεστώτος να περιοριστεί η τέλεση Θείας Λειτουργίας και τελείται μια Κυριακή τον μήνα η Θεία Λειτουρ- άλλων ακολουθιών στον Άγιο Γεώργιο Εξορινό, γία. Της ακολουθίας της Αποκαθήλωσης και αλλά να λειτουργήσουν και άλλες εκκλησίες και του Επιταφίου θα προαστεί ο Μητροπολίτης να υπάρξει βιώσιμη λύση του κυπριακού, ώστε με Κωνσταντίας- Αμμοχώστου, Βασίλειος. ακόμη καλύτερες συνθήκες να μπορέσουμε να Η εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου είναι λειτουργούμε όλες τις εκκλησίες μας και να τις κτίσμα, που τοποθετείται στον 15ο αιώνα συντηρήσουμε» τόνισε ο κ. Βασίλειος. και βρίσκεται μέσα στα μεσαιωνικά τείχη της Ο δήμαρχος, Αλέξης Γαλανός, μας δήλωσε Αμμοχώστου. Την τέλεση της ακολουθίας της ότι θα είναι «μια μεγάλη μέρα για την Εκκλησία Αποκαθήλωσης και του Επιταφίου, ανακοίνω- και την συμφιλίωση».Επίσης, είπε ότι θα προ- σαν οι δήμαρχοι Αμμοχώστου, Αλέξης Γαλανός σκληθούν ελληνοκύπριοι και τουρκοκύπριοι αξι- και Οκτάϊ Καγιάλπ. ωματούχοι και ξένοι πρέσβεις. Ο κυβερνητικός Ο Μητροπολίτης Κωνσταντίας- Αμμο- εκπρόσωπος, Χρίστος Στυλιανίδης, συνεχάρη χώστου, Βασίλειος, χαρακτήρισε την εξέλιξη του δύο δημάρχους για την πρωτοβουλία τους. Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ πολύ σημαντική. «Μας χαροποιεί», ανέφερε και Μιλώντας στο ΡΙΚ είπε ότι η κυβέρνηση στηρίζει Εγκαίνια Κέντρου Φιλανθρωπίας στο Μανχάταν πρόσθεσε ότι γίνονται εντατικές προετοιμασίες τέτοιες ενέργειες, γιατί είναι στο πνεύμα των για την ακολουθία, η οποία θα τελεστεί μετά από μέτρων οικοδόμησης εμπιστοσύνης. Στιγμιότυπο από την τελετή αγιασμού, εγκαινίων και παράδοσης του ‘Κέντρου Φιλανθρωπίας’ της Εθνικής η πολλές δεκαετίες. «Μάλιστα γίνονται διευθε- Αριστείδης Βικέτος/Amen.gr Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητας, από το Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο, την 1 Μαρτίου. ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 17 Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο: Ολοκληρώθηκε η Σύναξη των Προκαθημένων των Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Το Οικουμενικό Πατρι- ρῆσιν τοῦ Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου, αρχείο εξέδωσε στις 9 Μαρτίου-Κυριακή της Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, ὅτι “τό Ορθοδοξίας- ανακοινωθέν επι τη λήξη της τῆς Ἐκκλησίας ὄνομα, οὐ χωρισμοῦ ἀλλ᾿ ἑνώ- Συνάξεως των Προκαθημένων των Ορθοδό- σεως καί συμφωνίας ὄνομα”. Ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν ξων Εκκλησιών που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην στρέφεται πρός τήν ἀπό μακροῦ ἀναμενομένην Κωνσταντινούπολη, 6-9 Μαρτίου και ταυτό- Ἁγίαν καί Μεγάλην Σύνοδον τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου χρονα έδωσε στη δημοσιότητα το Μήνυμα των Ἐκκλησίας, διά νά μαρτυρήσωμεν τήν ἑνότητα Προκαθημένων. αὐτῆς, ὡς καί τήν εὐθύνην καί τήν στοργήν της Παραθέτουμε και τα δύο κείμενα παρα- πρός τόν σύγχρονον κόσμον. κάτω: Ἡ Σύναξις συνεφώνησεν ὅτι ἡ προπαρα- σκευαστική τῆς Συνόδου ἐργασία πρέπει νά ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ἐντατικοποιηθῇ. Εἰδική Διορθόδοξος Ἐπιτροπή Διά τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Κυρίου ὡλοκληρώ- θά ἀρχίσῃ τό ἔργον αὐτῆς ἀπό τοῦ Σεπτεμβρί- θησαν σήμερον, Κυριακήν τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας, ου 2014 καί θά ὁλοκληρώσῃ αὐτό μέχρι τοῦ αἱ ἐργασίαι τῆς Συνάξεως τῶν Μακ. Προ- Ἁγίου Πάσχα τοῦ ἔτους 2015. Θά ἀκολουθήσῃ καθημένων τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων Αὐτοκεφάλων Προσυνοδική Πανορθόδοξος Διάσκεψις κατά Ἐκκλησιῶν, ἡ ὁποία ἐπραγματοποιήθη ἐν τό πρῶτον ἥμισυ τοῦ ἔτους 2015. Ἅπασαι αἱ Φαναρίῳ ἀπό 6ης ἕως 9ης Μαρτίου ἐ.ἔ., κατό- ἀπόφασεις, τόσον κατά τάς ἐργασίας τῆς Συ- πιν προσκλήσεως καί ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τῆς νόδου, ὅσον καί κατά τά προπαρασκευαστικά Α.Θ.Παναγιότητος, τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πα- στάδια αὐτῆς, θά λαμβάνωνται καθ᾿ ὁμοφωνίαν. τριάρχου κ. κ. Βαρθολομαίου, καί τῆς ὁποίας Ἡ Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Σύνοδος τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου μετέσχον πάντες οἱ Μακαριώτατοι Προκαθή- Ἐκκλησίας θά συγκληθῇ ὑπό τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ μενοι αὐτοπροσώπως, πλήν τοῦ ἀσθενοῦντος Φωτογραφίες: ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ Πατριάρχου ἐν Κωνσταντινουπόλει ἐν ἔτει 2016, Μακαριωτάτου Πατριάρχου Ἀντιοχείας κ. κ. ἐκτός ἀπροόπτου. Ἡ Σύνοδος θά προεδρεύηται Ἰωάννου, ἐκπροσωπηθέντος ὑπό Ἀρχιερέων προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, ἀδιαλείπτως μνημονεύοντες εἰρήνη διά τούς χριστιανούς. Στηρίζομεν τό ὑπό τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριάρχου. Οἱ ἀδελφοί τῆς κατ᾿ αὐτόν Ἐκκλησίας. ὑμῶν τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως καί τοῦ κόπου τῆς Πατριαρχεῖον Ἀντιοχείας εἰς τήν πνευματικήν Αὐτοῦ Προκαθήμενοι τῶν λοιπῶν Ὀρθοδόξων Αἱ ἐργασίαι τῆς Συναξέως διεξήχθησαν ἀγάπης καί τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Κυρίου καί ἀνθρωπιστικήν διακονίαν αὐτοῦ, ὡς ἐπίσης Αὐτοκεφάλων Ἐκκλησιῶν θά κάθηνται ἐκ δε- εἰς λίαν ἀδελφικόν κλίμα, συνεζητήθησαν δέ ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ καί καί τάς προσπαθείας αὐτοῦ διά τήν παλινόρ- ξιῶν καί ἐξ εὐωνύμων Αὐτοῦ. κατ᾿ αὐτήν ζητήματα ἀφορῶντα εἰς τήν ζωήν πατρός ἡμῶν” (Α΄ Θεσ. α΄ 2-4). θωσιν τῆς περιοχῆς καί τήν παλιννόστησιν τῶν 7. Ἀναποσπάστως συνδεδεμένη πρός τήν τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας ἐν τῷ συγχρόνῳ 1. Συνελθόντες διά τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Πανα- προσφύγων. ἑνότητα εἶναι ἡ ἱεραποστολή. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία δέν κόσμῳ, ἰδιαιτέρως εἰς περιοχάς ὅπου ἡ Ὀρθο- γάθου Θεοῦ, τῇ προσκλήσει τοῦ της Κωνσταντί- 3. Ἐνθέρμως προσευχόμεθα ὑπέρ τῆς διε- ζῇ διά τόν ἑαυτόν της, ἀλλά ὀφείλει νά μαρτυρῇ δοξία καί ὁ χριστιανισμός ἐν γένει ἀντιμετω- νου Πόλεως Ἀρχιεπισκόπου καί Οἰκουμενικοῦ ξαγωγῆς εἰρηνικῶν διαπραγματεύσεων καί τῆς καί νά μοιράζηται τά δῶρα τοῦ Θεοῦ μετά τῶν Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου ἐν Φαναρίῳ, μεταξύ ἐν προσευχῇ καταλλαγῆς πρός ἔξοδον ἐκ τῆς πίζουν σοβαρά προβλήματα καί δυσκολίας, ης ης ἐγγύς καί τῶν μακράν. Μετέχοντες τῆς Θείας διεδηλώθη δέ ἡ συμπαράστασις καί τό ἔντονον 6 καί 9 Μαρτίου 2014, συνεσκέφθημεν ἐν ἐν Οὐκρανίᾳ συνεχιζομένης κρίσεως. Καταδι- Εὐχαριστίας καί προσευχόμενοι ὑπέρ τῆς ἐνδιαφέρον συνόλου τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλη- ἀδελφικῇ ἀγάπῃ περί τῶν ἀπασχολούντων κάζομεν τάς ἀπειλάς βιαίας καταλήψεως Ἱερῶν οἰκουμένης, καλούμεθα νά συνεχίσωμεν τήν σίας πρός τούς δοκιμαζομένους ἐκεῖ συναν- σήμερον τήν Ἁγιωτάτην ἡμῶν Ἐκκλησίαν ζη- Μονῶν καί Ναῶν καί προσευχόμεθα διά τήν λειτουργίαν μετά τήν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν καί θρώπους μας. Ὅλως ἰδιαιτέρως ἀπησχόλησε τημάτων. Συλλειτουργοῦντες τῷ Κυρίῳ ἐν τῷ ἐπιστροφήν τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν, τῶν σήμερον νά μοιρασθῶμεν μεθ᾿ ὁλοκλήρου τῆς ἀνθρω- τήν Σύναξιν ἡ κρατοῦσα σήμερον κατάστασις πανσέπτῳ Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ τοῦ Ἁγίου Γεωργί- εὑρισκομένων ἐκτός τῆς κοινωνίας μετά τῆς πότητος τά δῶρα τῆς ἀληθείας καί τῆς ἀγάπης, ἐν Μέσῃ Ἀνατολῇ καί αἱ πρόσφατοι ἐξελίξεις ου κατά τήν εὔσημον καί μεγαλώνυμον ταύτην Ἁγίας Ἐκκλησίας. συμφώνως πρός τήν τελευταίαν ἐντολήν καί ἐν Οὐκρανίᾳ, ὡς καί ἡ συνεχιζομένη ἄγνοια Κυριακήν τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας, ἀπευθύνομεν πρός 4. Ἡ παγκόσμιος οἰκονομική κρίσις ἀπο- διαβεβαίωσιν τοῦ Κυρίου: “Πορευθέντες μαθη- περί τῆς τύχης τῶν πρό πολλοῦ χρόνου ὑπό ὑμᾶς λόγον ἀγάπης, εἰρήνης καί παρακλήσεως. τελεῖ θεμελιώδη ἀπειλήν διά τήν δικαιοσύνην τεύσατε πάντα τά ἔθνη [...] καί ἰδού ἐγώ μεθ᾿ ἀγνώστων ἀπαχθέντων Ἱεραρχῶν, Μητροπο- Ἡ Μία, Ἁγία Καθολική καί Ἀποστολική καί τήν εἰρήνην εἰς τοπικόν καί παγκόσμιον ὑμῶν εἰμι [...] ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος” λίτου Χαλεπίου Παύλου καί Yuhanna Ibrahim Ὀρθόδοξος ἡμῶν Ἐκκλησία ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ πα- ἐπίπεδον. Αἱ συνέπειαι αὐτῆς εἶναι ἐμφανεῖς εἰς (Ματθ. κη΄, 19-20). τῆς Συροϊακωβιτικῆς Ἐκκλησίας. ροικοῦσα, βιώνει καί αὕτη τάς προκλήσεις τοῦ ἅπαντα τά στρώματα τῆς κοινωνίας, ἔνθα ἀπου- 8. Ζῶμεν ἐντός ἑνός κόσμου, ὅπου ἡ πολυ- Εἰς τά πλαίσια τῆς Συνάξεως αὐτῶν οἱ ἀνθρώπου ἑκάστης ἐποχῆς. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία τοῦ σιάζουν ἀξίαι ὡς ἡ ἀξιοπρέπεια τοῦ προσώπου, ἡ πολιτισμικότης καί ὁ πλουραλισμός συνιστοῦν Προκαθήμενοι συνεζήτησαν ἐπίσης τό θέμα Χριστοῦ, πιστή εἰς τήν Ἱεράν Παράδοσιν, εὑρί- ἀδελφική ἀλληλεγγύη καί ἡ δικαιοσύνη. Τά αἴτια ἀναπόφευκτον πραγματικότητα καί συνεχῶς τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Συνόδου τῆς Ὀρθο- σκεται εἰς διαρκῆ διάλογον μετά τῆς ἑκάστοτε τῆς κρίσεως ταύτης δέν εἶναι ἀμιγῶς οἰκονομικά. μεταβαλλομένην. Ἔχομεν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ γεγο- δόξου Ἐκκλησίας καί ἀπεφασίσθη ὅπως, ἐποχῆς, συμπάσχει μετά τῶν ἀνθρώπων καί Εἶναι καί πνευματικῆς καί ἠθικῆς φύσεως. Ἀντί νότος ὅτι οὐδέν θέμα τῆς ἐποχῆς μας δύναται ἐπιταχυνομένης τῆς προπαρασκευῆς αὐτῆς συμμερίζεται τήν ἀγωνίαν των. «Ἰησοῦς Χριστός τοῦ συσχηματισμοῦ πρός τά παγκόσμια εἴδωλα νά θεωρηθῇ ἤ ἐπιλυθῇ ἄνευ ἀναφορᾶς εἰς τό προσεχῶς, συγκληθῇ αὕτη ὑπό τοῦ Οἰκουμενι- χθές καί σήμερον ὁ αὐτός καί εἰς τούς αἰῶνας» τῆς ἰσχύος, τῆς πλεονεξίας καί τῆς φιληδονίας, παγκόσμιον, καθώς καί ὅτι οἱαδήτις πόλωσις κοῦ Πατριάρχου καί ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν αὐτοῦ (Ἑβρ. ιγ΄ 8-9). ἐξαίρομεν τήν ἀποστολήν μας νά μεταμορφώ- μεταξύ τοπικοῦ καί παγκοσμίου καταλήγει εἰς ἐν Κωνσταντινουπόλει ἐντός τοῦ ἔτους 2016. Οἱ πειρασμοί καί αἱ προκλήσεις τῆς ἱστο- σωμεν τόν κόσμον, ἐφαρμόζοντες τάς ἀρχάς τῆς ἀλλοίωσιν τοῦ ὀρθοδόξου φρονήματος. Ἐν σχέσει πρός τό θέμα τοῦτο, οἱ Προκα- ρίας εἶναι ἰδιαιτέρως ἔντονοι εἰς τάς ἡμέρας μας δικαιοσύνης, τῆς εἰρήνης καί τῆς ἀγάπης. Ὡς ἐκ τούτου, ἐνώπιον καί αὐτῶν εἰσέτι θήμενοι καθώρισαν ὡσαύτως τά τῆς ἐκπρο- καί οἱ Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί δέν δυνάμεθα νά Συνεπείᾳ τοῦ ἐγωϊσμοῦ καί τῆς καταχρή- τῶν διαφωνιῶν, διαχωρισμῶν καί διαιρέσεων, σωπήσεως καί συμμετοχῆς τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων εἴμεθα ἀμέτοχοι εἰς αὐτά ἤ ἀδιάφοροι ἀπέναντί σεως τῆς ἐξουσίας, πολλοί ἄνθρωποι ὑποτιμοῦν εἴμεθα ἀποφασισμένοι νά διακηρύξωμεν τό Αὐτοκεφάλων Ἐκκλησιῶν εἰς τήν ἐν λόγῳ των. Διά τόν λόγον αὐτόν συνήλθομεν ἐπί τό τήν ἱερότητα τοῦ ἀνθρωπίνου προσώπου, ἀδι- μήνυμα τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας. Ἀναγνωρίζομεν ὅτι Σύνοδον, καθώς καί τόν τρόπον λήψεως τῶν αὐτό διά νά ἐγκύψωμεν εἰς τούς πειρασμούς καί αφοροῦντες νά διακρίνουν τό πρόσωπον τοῦ ὁ διάλογος τυγχάνει πάντοτε καλλίτερος τῆς ἀποφάσεων αὐτῆς. τά προβλήματα τά ὁποῖα ἀντιμετωπίζει σήμερον Θεοῦ εἰς τούς ἐλαχίστους τῶν ἀδελφῶν μας συγκρούσεως. Ἡ ἀποχώρησις καί ἡ ἀπομόνωσις Τήν πρωΐαν τῆς Κυριακῆς, 9ης Μαρτίου, ἡ ἀνθρωπότης. «Ἔξωθεν μάχαι, ἔσωθεν φόβοι» (πρβλ. Ματθ. κε΄, 40, 45), πολλοί δέ παραμένουν οὐδέποτε ἀποτελοῦν ἐπιλογήν. Ἐπαναβεβαι- ἑορτῆς τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας, οἱ Προκαθήμενοι (Β΄ Κορ. ζ΄ 6) οἱ λόγοι αὐτοί τοῦ Ἀποστόλου ἀδιάφοροι ἔναντι τῆς πτωχείας, τῆς ὀδύνης καί οῦμεν τήν ὑποχρέωσίν μας νά διαλεγώμεθα συνελειτούργησαν ἐν τῷ Πανσέπτῳ Πατρι- ἰσχύουν καί σήμερον. τῆς βίας, αἱ ὁποῖαι μαστίζουν τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. πρός τόν ἄλλον, μετά τῶν ἄλλων ἀνθρώπων, αρχικῷ Ναῷ τοῦ Ἁγίου Γεωργίου ἐν Φαναρίῳ, 2. Ἀναλογιζόμενοι τήν ὀδύνην τῶν ἀνθρώ- 5. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία καλεῖται νά ἀρθρώσῃ μετά τῶν ἄλλων πολιτισμῶν, ὅπως καί μετά τῶν ὅτε καί ἀνεγνώσθη ἀπό τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Ἄμβωνος πων ἀνά τόν κόσμον, ἐκφράζομεν τήν συμπά- τόν προφητικόν της λόγον. Ἐκφράζομεν τήν ἄλλων χριστιανῶν καί τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἄλλων τό Μήνυμα αὐτῶν πρός τούς ἀνά τόν κόσμον θειάν μας διά τό μαρτύριον καί τόν θαυμασμόν εἰλικρινῆ ἡμῶν ἀνησυχίαν διά τάς τοπικάς καί θρησκευτικῶν πεποιθήσεων. Ὀρθοδόξους πιστούς, τούς ἁπανταχοῦ ἀδελ- μας διά τήν μαρτυρίαν τῶν χριστιανῶν ἐν τῇ παγκοσμίους τάσεις, αἱ ὁποῖαι ἀπαξιώνουν καί 9. Παρά τάς ἀνωτέρω προκλήσεις, δια- φούς χριστιανούς καί πάντα ἄνθρωπον καλῆς Μέσῃ Ἀνατολῇ, Ἀφρικῇ καί ἀλλαχοῦ τῆς γῆς. διαβιβρώσκουν τάς ἀρχάς τῆς πίστεως, τήν ἀξι- κηρύσσομεν τό Εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ “ὅστις θελήσεως. Φέρομεν εἰς τόν νοῦν μας τό διττόν αὐτῶν οπρέπειαν τοῦ ἀνθρωπίνου προσώπου, τόν θε- τοσοῦτον ἠγάπησε τόν κόσμον” ὥστε “ἐσκή- Φάναριον, 9 Μαρτίου 2014 μαρτύριον: περί τῆς πίστεώς των ὡς καί περί σμόν τοῦ γάμου καί τό δῶρον τῆς δημιουργίας. νωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν”. Τοιουτοτρόπως, οἱ Ὀρθόδοξοι τῆς διαφυλάξεως τῆς ἱστορικῆς των σχέσεως Ὑπογραμμίζομεν τήν ἀναμφισβήτητον ἱε- παραμένομεν πλήρεις ἐλπίδος. Παρά τάς δυ- Ἐκ τῆς Ἀρχιγραμματείας μετά ἀνθρώπων ἄλλων θρησκευτικῶν πεποιθή- ρότητα τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ζωῆς ἀπό τῆς συλλήψε- σχερείας τολμῶμεν, ἐν τούτοις, νά ἔχωμεν τήν τῆς Ἀγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου. σεων. Καταγγέλλομεν τήν ἀναταραχήν καί τήν ως μέχρι τοῦ φυσικοῦ θανάτου. Ἀναγνωρίζομεν ἐλπίδα ἡμῶν εἰς τόν Θεόν Ὅστις ἐστί “ὁ ὤν καί ὁ ἀστάθειαν αἱ ὁποῖαι ὠθοῦν τούς χριστιανούς τόν γάμον ὡς ἕνωσιν ἀνδρός καί γυναικός, ἡ ἦν καί ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ὁ παντοκράτωρ” (Ἀποκ. α΄, νά ἐγκαταλείψουν τήν γῆν, ἔνθα ἐγεννήθη ὁ ὁποία εἰκονίζει τήν ἕνωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τῆς 8). Διό καί ἀναμιμνῃσκόμεθα ὅτι ὁ τελευταῖος Σύναξις τῶν Προκαθημένων Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός καί ἔνθεν διεδόθη Ἐκκλησίας Του. Ἀποστολή ἡμῶν εἶναι ἡ διαφύ- λόγος -λόγος ἀγαλλιάσεως, ἀγάπης καί ζωῆς- Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐκκλησιῶν τό Εὐαγγέλιον εἰς τόν κόσμον ἅπαντα. λαξις τοῦ φυσικοῦ περιβάλλοντος ὡς οἰκονόμων ἀνήκει εἰς Αὐτόν, ᾯ πρέπει πᾶσα δόξα, τιμή καί Συμπάσχομεν μετά πάντων τῶν θυμάτων καί οὐχί ὡς κατόχων αὐτοῦ. Κατά τήν περίοδον προσκύνησις εἰς τούς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν. (Φανάριον, 6–9 Μαρτίου 2014) τῆς ἐν Συρίᾳ τραγῳδίας. Καταδικάζομεν πᾶσαν ταύτην τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς Ἐν Φαναρίῳ, τῇ 9ῃ Μαρτίου 2014 μορφήν τρομοκρατίας καί θρησκευτικῆς ὕβρεως. προτρεπόμεθα τόν κλῆρον καί τόν λαόν ἡμῶν νά ΜΗΝΥΜΑ Ἡ ἀπαγωγή τῶν Μητροπολιτῶν Παύλου καί Ἰω- ἐπιδείξουν πνεῦμα μετανοίας, νά βιώσουν τήν + Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Βαρθολομαῖος Εἰς τό Ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρός καί τοῦ Υἱοῦ καί άννου, ἄλλων κληρικῶν, ὡς καί τῶν μοναζουσῶν καθαρότητα τῆς καρδίας, τήν ταπείνωσιν καί + Ὁ Ἀλεξανδρείας Θεόδωρος τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος. τῆς ἐν Μααλούλᾳ Ἱερᾶς Μονῆς τῆς Ἁγίας Θέ- τήν συγχωρητικότητα, καταθέτοντες εἰς τήν κοι- + Ὁ Ἱεροσολύμων Θεόφιλος Διά τῆς Χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ, οἱ Προκαθήμε- κλης, ἀποτελεῖ χαίνουσαν πληγήν καί ζητοῦμεν νωνίαν μαρτυρίαν περί τῶν πάντοτε ἐπικαίρων + Ὁ Μόσχας Κύριλλος νοι τῶν Ἁγιωτάτων Ὀρθοδόξων Αὐτοκεφάλων τήν ἄμεσον ἀπελευθέρωσίν των. διδαγμάτων τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. + Ὁ Σερβίας Εἰρηναῖος Ἐκκλησιῶν, πρός τούς ἁπανταχοῦ τῆς γῆς Ὀρθο- Ἀπευθύνομεν ἔκκλησιν εἰς πάντα ἐμπλε- 6. Ἡ Σύναξις αὕτη τῶν Προκαθημένων συ- + Ὁ Ρουμανίας Δανιήλ δόξους πιστούς, τούς ἀνά τόν κόσμον ἀδελφούς κόμενον πρός ἄμεσον κατάπαυσιν τῶν στρα- νιστᾷ δι᾿ ἡμᾶς μίαν εὐλογημένην εὐκαιρίαν, ἵνα + Ὁ Βουλγαρίας Νεόφυτος χριστιανούς καί πρός πάντα ἄνθρωπον καλῆς τιωτικῶν ἐπιχειρήσεων, ἀπελεύθερωσιν τῶν ἐπαναβεβαιώσωμεν τήν ἑνότητα ἡμῶν διά τῆς + Ὁ Γεωργίας Ἠλίας θελήσεως, εὐλογίαν ἀπό Θεοῦ καί ἀσπασμόν αἰχμαλώτων καί ἑδραίωσιν τῆς εἰρήνης ἐν τῇ κοινωνίας καί τῆς συνεργασίας. Ἐπιβεβαιοῦμεν + Ὁ Κύπρου Χρυσόστομος ἀγάπης καί εἰρήνης. περιοχῇ διά τοῦ διαλόγου. Οἱ ἐν Μέσῃ Ἀνατολῇ τήν ἀφοσίωσιν ἡμῶν εἰς τήν ἔννοιαν τῆς συνο- + Ὁ Ἀθηνῶν Ἱερώνυμος “Εὐχαριστοῦμεν τῷ Θεῷ πάντοτε περί χριστιανοί ἀποτελοῦν τήν ζύμην τῆς εἰρήνης. δικότητος, ἥτις τυγχάνει ὑψίστης σημασίας διά + Ὁ Βαρσοβίας Σάββας πάντων ὑμῶν μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιούμενοι ἐπί τῶν Εἰρήνη διά πάντα ἄνθρωπον σημαίνει ἐπίσης τήν ἑνότητα τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Ἐνωτιζόμεθα τήν + Ὁ Τιράνων Ἀναστάσιος 18 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 Μπαράκ Ομπάμα: Οι ΗΠΑ ακλόνητος φίλος και σύμμαχος της Ελλάδας

uΣελίδα 16 the almighty and merciful God to be constantly with you so that you lead our great nation in ελευθερίας και ανεξαρτησίας δεν τελείωσε το the pursuit of happiness, liberty and life, and 1776 η το 1821 αλλά συνεχίστηκε. Συνεχίστηκε the realization of freedom and independence, και κατά τον 19ο αιώνα αλλά και ως σήμερα», the eternal gift s of God, for every nation and είπε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος τονίζοντας ότι: «Για μας human being on earth. τους Ελληνοαμερικανούς Ορθοδόξους, υπάρ- Th ank you, Mr. President. χουν ακόμη περιοχές που εμπνέουν σοβαρές ανησυχίες, περιοχές οι οποίες χρειάζονται πληρότητα της ελευθερίας, θρησκευτικής και Η τελετή ξεκίνησε με την ομιλία του αντι- πολιτικής. Είμεθα σίγουροι ότι είστε ενήμερος προέδρου, Τζο Μπάιντεν, ο οποίος αναφέρθη- και ενδιαφέρεστε γι’ αυτές τις περιοχές, όπως κε στην πρόσφατη τηλεφωνική συνομιλία που ενδιαφέρεστε για άλλες περιοχές στις οποίες είχε με τον πρωθυπουργό, Αντώνη Σαμαρά, η ελευθερία απουσιάζει». (η ομιλία του Αρχι- τον οποίο συνεχάρη, όπως επεσήμανε, για επισκόπου ακολουθεί πιο κάτω) την ελληνική εθνική εορτή, καθώς και για την Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα καλωσόρισε τους πρόοδο που έχει σημειώσει η Ελλάδα στον το- παριστάμενους στα Ελληνικά με τον χαιρε- μέα της οικονομίας. Ο κ. Μπάιντεν μίλησε για τισμό «Καλησπέρα», ευχαρίστησε το Αρ- τους «δεσμούς που συνδέουν» τις δύο χώρες, χιεπίσκοπο για τα σοφά λόγια του και την σημειώνοντας την κληρονομιά της Αρχαίας αφοσιωμένη ηγεσία των Ελληνορθόδοξων στις Ελλάδας στο δυτικό κόσμο, ενώ αναφέρθηκε Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες. Ο κ. Ομπάμα είπε ότι Ελ- στο Θουκυδίδη και στο ρητό του «Το μυστικό ληνική Επανάσταση του 1821 αποτελεί πηγή independence war was clear, based on the through the 19th century, and through today. της ευτυχίας είναι η ελευθερία. Το μυστικό εμπνεύσεως για όλα τα έθνη. Σημείωσε ότι οι common intense passion for freedom and the Rivers of heroic blood, millions of exceedingly της ελευθερίας είναι η τόλμη». Ο Αμερικανός Ελληνοαμερικανοί στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες unlimited love for independence. Th e national brave soldiers, huge numbers of men, women αντιπρόεδρος τόνισε, επίσης, την υποστήριξη είχαν και έχουν βαθιά επίδραση στις πόλεις poet of Greece, Dionysios Solomos, off ered an and children off ering their lives to the cause των ΗΠΑ για την επαναλειτουργία της Θεο- και στις κοινωνίες που ζουν σε όλη τη χώρα indication of this bond in a stanza of his gran- of freedom. λογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. και αναφέρθηκε στην ιστορική συμπόρευση diose poem, Hymn to Liberty, when he wrote, Mr. President, you have been leading the και συνεργασία και αγάπη των Η.Π.Α. και της “Th e land of Washington noble fi ght of our nation in multiple fronts in ΔΙΑΚΗΡΥΞΗ ΟΜΠΑΜΑ Ελλάδος για την δημοκρατία και την προστα- was fi lled with heartfelt joy order to secure freedom and independence to Στη φετινή διακήρυξή του για την επέ- σία της. Ο Πρόεδρος τόνισε ότι οι δύο χώρες Remembering the iron chains nations and individuals thirsting for it. Th ere τειο της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, ο πρόεδρος συνεχίζουν να στέκονται η μια δίπλα στη άλλη Th at also kept her fettered.” are still, for us Greek American Orthodox, των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, στη αντιμετώπιση των πολλών προκλήσεων We know well, Mr. President, that in both areas of serious concern, areas which need the τονίζει ότι η ελληνοαμερικανική φιλία «παρα- που αντιμετωπίζει ο κόσμος προσθέτοντας ότι cases freedom was achieved with plenty of per- fullness of freedom, both religious and politi- μένει πιο ισχυρή από ποτέ». οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες εκτιμούν ιδιαίτερα την sonal sacrifi ces, astonishing courage, ironclad cal. We are sure that you are aware of and care Ο Αμερικανός ηγέτης επισημαίνει ότι ηγεσία της Ελλάδος καθώς αυτή την περίοδο determination, and faith in God. We also know for these areas as you do for other places where «σχεδόν δύο αιώνες πριν, οι άνθρωποι στην ασκεί την προεδρία της Ευρωπαϊκής Ενώσεως. that the noble fi ght for establishing freedom liberty is absent. Ελλάδα διεκδίκησαν την ανεξαρτησία τους Αναφερόμενος στο πρόσφατο ταξίδι του στην and independence internationally did not end You are in our prayers, you and your noble και ξεκίνησαν μια μακρά μάχη για την αποκα- Ευρώπη, είπε ότι είχε την ευκαιρία να βαθύνει with 1776 or 1821, but continued. It continued family. Please be assured that we fervently ask τάσταση της δημοκρατίας στη γενέτειρά της. τους δεσμούς των Η.Π.Α. με την Ευρώπη και Οι Ελληνοαμερικανοί διέσχισαν τον ότι η Ελλάδα είναι αναπόσπαστο μέρος αυτής ωκεανό για να πολεμήσουν για την ελευθερία της συνεργασίας. Καθώς η Ελλάδα συνεχίζει της πατρίδας των προγόνων τους και στους να βαδίζει για την επιστροφή στην ευημερία, δύο Παγκόσμιους Πολέμους και στον Ψυχρό οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες θα συνεχίσουν να συ- Πόλεμο, η Ελλάδα και οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες μπαραστέκονται στον Ελληνικό Λαό, πάντα υπήρξαν σύμμαχοι πολεμώντας δίπλα-δίπλα. ως ακλόνητος φίλος και σύμμαχος, τόνισε ο Την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, κ. Ομπάμα. τιμούμε τους ισχυρούς δεσμούς μεταξύ των Μεταξύ των πολλών προσκεκλημένων δύο χωρών και γιορτάζουμε τα δημοκρατικά του Λευκού Οίκου παρευρέθηκαν η Υπουργός ιδεώδη στην καρδιά της κοινής μας ιστορίας». Τουρισμού της Ελλάδος κ. Όλγα Κεφαλογιάν- Στη συνέχεια, αναφέρει ότι «η σημερινή νη, ο Υπουργός Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού μορφή διακυβέρνησης της Αμερικής οφείλει κ. Πάνος Παναγιωτόπουλος, οι Πρέσβεις στις πολλά στη μικρή ομάδα των ελληνικών Η.Π.Α. της Ελλάδος κ. Χρίστος Παναγόπου- πόλεων-κρατών που πρωτοστάτησε στη λος και της Κύπρου κ. Γεώργιος Σιακαλλής, η δημοκρατία χιλιάδες χρόνια πριν. Επίτροπος της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας για θέ- Οι ελληνικές αρχές καθοδήγησαν τους ματα αποδήμων και ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων ιδρυτές μας και η ελληνική αρχαιότητα έχει κ. Καίτη Κληρίδη, μέλη του Αμερικανικού Κο- εμπνεύσει τόσο τις γενιές των συγγραφέων γκρέσου, μέλη του διπλωματικού σώματος και και ακτιβιστών όσο και των αρχιτεκτόνων αξιωματούχοι της αμερικανικής κυβέρνησης. και επιστημόνων μας. Οι Ελληνοαμερικανοί έχουν συμβάλει ως ηγέτες του πολιτισμού, REMARKS της κοινότητας, των επιχειρήσεων και της BY ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS ης κυβέρνησης. Μέσω των γενεών, έχουν Mr. President, Ο ντε Μπλάσιο τίμησε την Εθνική Επέτειο της 25 Μαρτίου συμβάλει στη διαμόρφωση της διαρκούς δη- Th is is the sixth time in the six years of μοκρατίας μας -ενός έθνους που αποδέχεται your Presidency that we have the distinct honor τις υποχρεώσεις τού ενός προς τον άλλο και and special privilege to be your guests at the καταλαβαίνει ότι πρέπει να αυξάνονται και White House on the occasion of the annual να μειώνονται ως μία». celebration of Greek Independence Day. Καταλήγοντας, ο πρόεδρος Ομπάμα As Greek American Orthodox Com- υπογραμμίζει ότι «η Ελλάδα είναι ένας πο- munity, we are deeply grateful for such a great λύτιμος σύμμαχος του ΝΑΤΟ και η φιλία μας honor and for your exceptional kindness to παραμένει πιο ισχυρή από ποτέ. Δεδομένου sign a proclamation that pays tribute to the ότι η Ελλάδα λαμβάνει αυστηρά μέτρα για historic day of March 25th 1821. Th is is a να ανασυγκροτήσει την οικονομία της και symbolic day of the start of the Greek Revolu- να φέρει ανακούφιση στον ελληνικό λαό, οι tion that ended with the liberation of Greece Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες προσφέρουν τη συνεχή aft er four extremely painful centuries under the υποστήριξή τους. Σήμερα, ας επιβεβαιώσουμε yoke of the Ottoman Empire. Our celebration ένα δεσμό που εκτείνεται πέρα από την κυ- of March 25th, 1821 happens in the White βέρνηση, συνδέει τους λαούς μας και εμπνέει House, in a glorious place, in a country known όλους όσους προσπαθούν να επιλέξουν το for its unabated passion for freedom, and its δικό τους πεπρωμένο. Επομένως, εγώ, ο unlimited love for independence for every na- Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, πρόεδρος των Ηνωμένων tion and every human being. Th erefore, this Πολιτειών της Αμερικής, δυνάμει της εξουσί- is a very appropriate place to celebrate Greek Διανύοντας την πρώτη χρονιά ως δήμαρχος της Νέας Υόρκης, ο Μπιλ ντε Μπλάσιο, ακολούθησε την ας που μου έχει ανατεθεί από το Σύνταγμα και Independence Day, since the Greek Revolution παράδοση και χθες το βράδυ διοργάνωσε στη δημαρχιακή κατοικία την καθιερωμένη ετήσια δεξίωση τους νόμους των ΗΠΑ ανακηρύσσω την 25η of 1821 was motivated and guided precisely by για να τιμήσει την εθνική επέτειο της 25ης Μαρτίου. Ο δήμαρχος της αμερικανικής μεγαλούπολης, ο Μαρτίου του 2014, ως Ημέρα της Ελληνικής the same unabated passion for freedom and the οποίος συμμετείχε και στην ελληνική παρέλαση της περασμένης Κυριακής στην 5η λεωφόρο, επανέλαβε Ανεξαρτησίας: Εθνική Ημέρα εορτασμού της same unlimited love for independence for all. την εκτίμηση και το θαυμασμό του για τον ελληνικό πολιτισμό και την προσφορά της Ελλάδας σε όλο Ελληνικής και Αμερικανικής Δημοκρατίας. Already, in the time of the Greek Indepen- τον κόσμο, ενώ επαίνεσε την ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα για τη συμβολή της στην ανάπτυξη και τη Με αφορμή την ημέρα αυτή καλώ το λαό dence war, the strong bond between the Greek δημιουργικότητα της Νέας Υόρκης. Τον Μπιλ ντε Μπλάζιο ευχαρίστησε εκ μέρους της Ομογένειας ο των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών να τιμήσει αυτή Revolutionaries of 1821 and the American Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος, αναφερόμενος στην ιστορική σημασία της επετείου την επέτειο με τις κατάλληλες τελετές και Patriots fresh from the 1776 victory of their και στα διαχρονικά μηνύματά της, στέλνοντας αισιόδοξο μήνυμα για τη σημερινή Ελλάδα. δραστηριότητες». Πηγή: AΠΕ-ΜΠΕ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 19 Η παρέλαση της 25ης Μαρτίου στην 5η Λεωφόρο

Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ uΣελίδα 15 πρόοδον τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων κοινωνιῶν,παρά τάς καί εὐδαίμων, ἐάν δέν ὑπάρχῃ ἐλευθερία. Ἀλλά ἡ ἀπόληξιν τόν ὄλεθρον καί τόν θάνατον. Πά- διακηρύξεις περί τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων καί ἀληθινή ἐλευθερία ἀποκτᾶται μόνον μέ τήν παρα- ντα ταῦτα βεβαιοῦν ὅτι πᾶσα προσπάθεια διά ὑπό τῶν ἰσχυροτέρων ἐπικρατεῖ εἰς τήν κοσμικήν τῶν θρησκευτικῶν ἐλευθεριῶν, τό ἐθνοφυλετικόν μονήν πλησίον τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἡ ἱστορία τοῦ εἰκοστοῦ ἀληθινήν ἐλευθερίαν ἄνευ Θεοῦ εἶναι καταδι- πυραμίδα τοῦ γίγνεσθαι. Συχνάκις ἐκπλήσσει ἡ καί θρησκευτικόν μῖσος διογκοῦνται παγκοσμίως αἰῶνος ἐπιβεβαιοῖ τραγικῶς αὐτήν τήν ἀλήθειαν. κασμένη εἰς τραγῳδίαν. σκληρότης καί ἔλλειψις εὐσπλαγχνίας τῶν κρα- καί προκαλοῦν ἐπικινδύνους ἐντάσεις, αἱ ὁποῖαι Ἡ ἀνθρωπότης ἐγνώρισε τήν ἐκ τῆς Εἰς τήν κυριαρχίαν αὐτήν τῶν δυνάμεων τοῦ τούντων τά ἡνία τοῦ κόσμου καί τῶν νομιζόντων ἐπιτείνουν τήν κυριαρχίαν τοῦ βασιλείου τοῦ Κεντρικῆς Εὐρώπης πηγάσασαν φρίκην μέ σκότους, ἡ Ἐκκλησία ἀπαντᾷ μέ τήν χάριν καί ἐξουσιάζειν αὐτοῦ. θανάτου, τοῦ Ἅδου, τῶν καταχθονίων. τά ἑκατομμύρια θυμάτων τοῦ Β΄ Παγκοσμί- τήν δύναμιν τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Χριστοῦ. Αὐτός,ὁ Ὁ Χριστός, ὅμως, διά τοῦ σταυρικοῦ θανάτου Οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἀτυχῶς δέν ἠμποροῦν νά ἀνε- ου Πολέμου καί τῶν ρατσιστικῶν διωγμῶν. Ὁποῖος ἀνέλαβεν εἰς Ἑαυτόν τάς ἀσθενείας καί Αὐτοῦ ἀντέστρεψε τήν κοσμικήν πυραμίδα καί εἰς χθοῦν τήν διαφορετικότητα εἰς τόν συνάνθρωπόν Ταὐτοχρόνως ὅμως ἔζησε καί τήν φρίκην τῶν τά παθήματα ἑκάστου ἀνθρώπου, παρέχει εἰς τήν κορυφήν αὐτῆς ἐτοποθέτησε τόν ΣταυρόνΤου. των. Δέν ἠμποροῦν νά δεχθοῦν τήν διαφορετικήν δυνάμεων ἐκείνων, αἱ ὁποῖαι, ὀνομάζουσαι τόν κόσμον διά τῆς Ἀναστάσεώς Του καί τήν Εἰς τήν κορυφήν εὑρίσκεται ὁ Ἴδιος, ἐπειδή Αὐτός φυλετικήν καταγωγήν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, τάς διαφο- ἑαυτάς προοδευτικάς, διέπραξαν ἐν ὀνόμα- βεβαιότητα ὅτι «νενίκηται ὁ θάνατος». ἔπαθε πλεῖον πάντων τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Δέν ὑπῆρξεν ρετικάς ἀντιλήψεις καί πεποιθήσεις του, πολιτικάς, τι τῆς ἐλευθερίας ἀναλόγου μεγέθους καί Ἡ ἀνάστασις καί ἡ ζωή εἶναι δῶρον καί φῶς ἄνθρωπος εἰς τόν κόσμον ὁ ὁποῖος ὑπέφερεν ὅσα θρησκευτικάς, κοινωνικάς. σκληρότητος ἐγκλήματα εἰς τήν Ἀνατολικήν τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τό ὁποῖον «φαίνει πᾶσιν». Ἄς ὑπέφερεν ὁ Θεάνθρωπος Χριστός: «Σχήματι εὑρε- Ἡ ἱστορία, ὅμως, ἔχει ἀποδείξει ὅτι ἀληθινή Εὐρώπην. Οὕτω, λοιπόν, ὁ ὁλοκληρωτισμός δέν τιμήσωμεν ὅλοι τό δῶρον. Ἄς εὐχαριστήσωμεν θείς ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτόν γενόμενος πρόοδος δέν δύναται νά ὑπάρξῃ χωρίς Θεόν. Οὐδε- γνωρίζει πολιτικάς παρατάξεις, ὡς ἀπότοκος οἱ πάντες τόν Δωρητήν, τόν «ὡς ἐν ἐσόπτρῳ ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δέ σταυροῦ». Διά μία κοινωνία δύναται νά εἶναι ἀληθῶς προοδευτική ἑνός ἀνθρωπισμοῦ ἄνευ Χριστοῦ, μέ φυσικήν διά σαρκός λάμψαντα τῷ κόσμῳ καί τό φῶς τοῦτο ὁ Θεός Πατήρ «ἐχαρίσατο Αὐτῷ ὄνομα τό τῆς ἀναστάσεως τοῖς ἔθνεσι δείξαντα». Δεῦτε, ὑπέρ πᾶν ὄνομα, ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ λοιπόν, λάβωμεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ ἀνεσπέρου Φωτός κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καί ἐπιγείων καί καταχθονίων» † Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως τῆς Ζωῆς. Δεῦτε, ἀποδεχθῶμεν καί ὑποδεχθῶμεν (Φιλιπ. β΄ 8-11). τήν δωρεάν τῆς ἀναστάσεως καί ἀναφωνήσωμεν Συχνάκις εἰς τήν ἱστορίαν τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος ἐκ καρδίας μεγαλοφώνως: βλέπομεν νά κυριαρχῇ τό σκότος τοῦ θανάτου, τό διάπυρος πρός Χριστόν Χριστός Ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θά- ἄδικον ἀντί τῆς δικαιοσύνης, τό μῖσος καί ὁ φθόνος Ἀναστάντα νατον πατήσας καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν ἀντί τῆς ἀγάπης, καί τούς ἀνθρώπους νά προτιμοῦν εὐχέτης πάντων ὑμῶν χαρισάμενος! Χαίρετε λαοί καί ἀγαλλιᾶσθε! τό καταχθόνιον μῖσος ἀντί τοῦ φωτός τῆς Ἀνα- στάσεως. Παρά τήν φαινομενικήν τεχνολογικήν Φανάριον, Ἅγιον Πάσχα, βιδ΄ 20 APRIL 2014 Leadership 100 Faith Matters The Accidental Orthodox: Robert Frost and ‘A Prayer for Spring’

“Faith Matters” is a new feature pro- tionship with physical wonder. Inasmuch vided by the Rev. Dr. Nathanael Syme- as truly great poetry aims to express uni- onides, director of the Department of versal truths, and inasmuch as Orthodoxy Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith embodies truth, Robert Frost, without Relations, that offers highlights from the intention or awareness, came to rest his department’s new blog, “Faith Matters.” poetic truth atop an Orthodox theological Readers are invited to visit the blog by set of beliefs. going to: blogs.goarch.org/faith-matters Frost wrote: The blog allows our faithful to en- Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today; gage the world through an exchange of And give us not to think so far away thought-provoking ideas. It covers a wide As the uncertain harvest; keep us here array of topics, including: Human Rights All simply in the springing of the year. Dimitrios Panagos photo and Religious Freedom, History and Cul- Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, ture, Theology and Ethics, Public Health Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by AHI Foundation President Spiros Spireas, left, and AHI President Nick R. Larigakis, and Bioethics To become a contributor night; right, present Paulette Poulos, executive director of Leadership 100, with the Hellenic to Faith Matters, e-mail Fr. Nathanael And make us happy in the happy bees, Heritage National Public Service Award. Symeonides at: [email protected] The swarm dilating round the perfect trees. by Dr. Alexandros B. Kyrou And make us happy in the darting bird American Hellenic Institute That suddenly above the bees is heard, None of my Greek-school teachers The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, valued poetry. This always seemed a And off a blossom in mid-air stands still. Honors Paulette Poulos peculiar irony to me, since so much of For this is love and nothing else is love, WASHINGTON -- The American Hel- and a member of Leadership 100, Timothy our time in Greek school was dedicated The which it is reserved for God above lenic Institute (AHI) honored Paulette Pou- Maniatis; and business leader Jerry Cou- to mastering poems—patriotic poems to To sanctify to what far ends He will, los, executive director of Leadership 100, varas, president and CEO of Atlanta Bread be learned and recited by rote at annual But which it only needs that we fulfill. with the Hellenic Heritage National Public and Bake One. Greek-school community events such as Service Award, at the 39th anniversary Hel- Constantine (Dean) Triantafilou, Ochi Day, Independence Day, and gradua- In “A Prayer for Spring,” Frost asks us lenic Heritage Achievement and National executive director and CEO of IOCC, tion day. But these poems were not taught to recognize as constant the beauty of the Public Service Awards Dinner on March 8 accepted the award on of behalf of the as poetry, they were not accompanied by world by witnessing in the moment the at The Capitol Hilton. organization. story, commentary, or reflection -- they pleasure of spring, of nature gifted to man Ms. Poulos was cited for her exem- Poulos spoke of her debt to Archbishop were merely words to be memorized. from God. As the poem’s title indicates, plary service to the Orthodox Church and Iakovos, whom she had served for some 40 While my Greek-school teachers the spiritual exuberance for natural beauty her decades of leadership and advocacy for years in various leadership positions, and taught me poems, I learned poetry from it celebrates is a declaration of gratitude to Hellenism. George S. Tsandikos, newly in- the encouragement and guidance of her my “American-school” teachers, and that God. Frost’s “prayer” calls us to not labor stalled Leadership 100 chairman, attended parents, Charles and Rebecca Poulos. She first meant reading and studying two po- over the unpredictable, unforeseeable as his first public event to demonstrate the also acknowledged Archbishop Demetrios, ets, one ancient and the other modern: future -- something, after all, which reflects support of all Leadership 100 members. who was responsible for confirming her Homer and Robert Frost. God’s mystery and His plans for us -- but The awards ceremony celebrated Hel- appointment as executive director of Lead- I devoured with Greek pride the epic to experience the sacred beauty of life and lenism and the achievements of Hellenes ership 100, the first layperson and woman tales of the heroic Achilles and the wily Od- nature for what they are: expressions of in America. Nicholas G. Karambelas, AHI to hold the post, and the attendance of ysseus, but as a 12-year-old, Frost eluded God’s love for mankind. treasurer and board member, opened the Tsandikos, the youngest member to serve me. As a 20-year-old college student, when Indeed, it is incumbent upon us to program, followed by greetings from Spiro as chairman of the organization, which is I first truly encountered Cavafy, Elytis, appreciate God’s gift and to be grateful in Spireas, American Hellenic Institute Foun- celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2014. Palamas, Seferis, Sikelianos, Solomos, and the present, just as we can be confident dation president; and Nick R. Larigakis, She said that the AHI alerted us to the Ritsos, I also rediscovered Frost and finally in a future we cannot perceive, control, AHI president, who presented the award. challenges we face and our responsibilities came to appreciate America’s warm rever- or comprehend, because that future rests Larry Michael, voice of the Washing- as true citizens in the Hellenic tradition. ence for its most cherished poet. with God whose love for us is limitless. ton Redskins, was master of ceremonies. Others attending included AHI Found- However, as much as Frost’s po- Both Frost and Orthodoxy address this Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey er Gene Rossides, former U.S. Sen. Paul Sar- etry moved me, it also sometimes left me theological principle as a tangible reality offered blessings and Fr. Dimitrios Antokas banes, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece troubled, frustrated. we can behold in something as awesome offered the invocation and benediction. Tom Miller, Ambassador Christos Pana- Often I would encounter in Frost’s and splendid as the beauty of a spring day. Other honorees included Congress- gopoulos of Greece, Ambassador George peaceful, beautiful writing a familiar voice This aesthetic mystery is a tenet of faith woman Dina Titus; International Ortho- Chacalli of Cyprus, and Dean Emeritus of St. or feeling, but one I could not identify. central to Eastern Christianity, expressed dox Christian Charities (IOCC); former Sophia Cathedral in Washington, Fr. John That illusive, ethereal sense ultimately beautifully by the devotional poetry of executive director of the Order of AHEPA Tavlarides and Presbytera Harriet. revealed itself to me through Robert Robert Frost, an accidental exponent of Frost’s 1915 classic reflection, “A Prayer Orthodox thought. for Spring.” New Co–Chairmen Named for Leadership 100 Partners In this poem, Frost reminds us that Dr. Alexandros K. Kyrou is professor both the mystery of God and His love for of history at Salem State University, Salem, by George Schira 100 Partners Advisory Council for the mankind are expressed in the beauty of Mass., where he teaches on the Balkans, past three years. Soterakis, and his wife, nature and in humanity’s purposeful rela- Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership Demetra, and their children are members 100 Endowment Fund Inc., named Justin of Church of Our Saviour in Rye, N.Y. K. Bozonelis and George T. Soterakis as Both Bozonelis and Soterakis have Nuns Freed After 4-month Hostage Ordeal new co-chairmen of the Leadership 100 helped spearhead new media initiatives Partners Program. They will succeed Mi- aimed at expanding Leadership 100 Part- DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – Rebels in in a video of their release issued by the chael N. Bapis, a Leadership 100 board ner participation and membership. Syria freed more than a dozen Greek al-Qaida group. member, who completed a successful The Leadership 100 Partners Program Orthodox nuns on March 10, ending It showed a masked gunman carry- seven-year term. Bapis helped to inaugu- is a unique opportunity for young profes- their four-month captivity in exchange ing one elderly nun who was too weak rate the program in 2007 and guided its sionals ages 21 to 45 to join Leadership for Syrian authorities releasing dozens to walk to a waiting vehicle. Activists said growth to 118 paid members. Bozonelis, 100 to fulfill their personal, spiritual and of female prisoners. the release came in exchange for 150 fe- 38, of New York, is an investment banker career development while promoting phi- The release of the nuns and their male prisoners held by the government. for Cantor Fitzgerald. He has served on lanthropy, faith and values, and personal helpers, 16 women in all, is a rare suc- Residents gave the nuns a warm both the L-100 Grant Committee and relationships. cessful prisoner-exchange deal between welcome at the Church of the Cross in Leadership 100 Partners Advisory Council Leadership 100 Partners enjoy the Syrian government authorities and the the predominantly Christian neighbor- for the past three years and was recently same benefits as full members, but donate rebels seeking to overthrow the rule of hood of Qassaa, state news agency SANA elected to the Leadership 100 Board of at a progressive rate with tax deductible President Bashar Assad. reported. Trustees. He also serves as a Holy Trinity payments. The Greek Orthodox nuns freed They were released early Monday in Archdiocesan Cathedral trustee. Soterakis, Leadership 100 Partners participate in Damascus, ending their four-month a rare deal between the Syrian govern- 35, of Greenwich, Conn., is an attorney the Leadership 100 annual conferences, ordeal in a rare prisoner exchange with ment and rebels of the so-called Nusra and Citigroup’s ethics officer for Mexico where they meet with prominent Greek the government. Front that was mediated by the Gulf and Latin America. Americans who discuss their experience as The 13 women said they were country of Qatar, traditionally a rebel He has also served on the Leadership leaders of the Greek American community. treated well by rebels and appeared so supporter. APRIL 2014 21 Parish Profile Parish Moves Four Times – from ‘Town’ to the ‘Country’ and his wife, Ranae (Zervos) are both PARISH profile Salt Lake City natives and Hellenic Col- lege graduates. Presbytera Ranae is an Name: Assumption elementary school teacher. The parishioners work in a variety Greek Orthodox Church of occupations including professional, self-employed, restaurant owners, blue Location: Town and Country, Mo. collar workers, and others. One serves Metropolis of Chicago on the St. Louis Community College School Board. Size: about 400 families In addition to his varied activities in ministering to the parish, Fr. Joseph Founded: 1940 also is active in the metropolitan area’s Pan Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood, Clergy: Fr. Joseph Strzelecki (HCHC ’85) which includes Antiochian, OCA, Roma- nian, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Moscow Web: www.assumptiongoc.com Patriarchate churches. Several pan–Or- ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH thodox services take place throughout the year. TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. – The Following World War II, a Hellenic in 1982, where services again resumed. With the participation of many Greek Orthodox presence in the St. Orthodox Youth organization (which Fr. Kastaris was succeeded by the volunteers, Assumption Church par- Louis area goes back more than a cen- later merged with GOYA) and the choir Very Rev. Gerasimos P. Annas, who ticipates in the local Missions, Prison tury. The faithful who eventually started were established. served the parish from 1986 to 1994. Ministry and International Orthodox Assumption originally were part of St. By 1948, the community had grown Fr. Annas blessed the foundation at the Christian Charities committees. Nicholas, founded in 1917, which suc- to the point where it needed larger fa- present church site in May 1989 and In addition to the Friday luncheons ceeded an earlier church (Holy Trinity) cilities and the former Epstein Hebrew Bishop Iakovos of Chicago celebrated and the Greek festival on Memorial Day that was established in 1904. Academy building was purchased the the Thyranoixia (opening of the doors) Weekend, the parish receives most of its By the late 1930s, a group of following year. on Christmas Eve that same year. income through stewardship. families from Rhodes, joined later by The 1950s, under the leadership The extensive iconography project Youth activities involve young immigrants from Epirus, Albania and of Fr. Karkazis and Fr. Volaitis, saw began the following year. people from very young to young Macedonia, decided to start another the beginnings of the Sunday School, A unique fund-raising project was adult. In addition, the Sunday school parish, which became Assumption Philoptochos and GOYA chapters and instituted in 1991 when Fr. Annas and has an enrollment of more than 100 Hellenic Orthodox Church. Other im- the joint purchase with St. Nicholas volunteer parishioners began the tra- and the Greek school has about 55 to migrant members came from Corinth Church of a section at a local cemetery. dition of the Friday Luncheons. Four 60 students. and Thrace. Assumption parish continued to teams take turns each week throughout Fr. Joseph said a unique feature of The Rhodian Brotherhood Society grow and, in 1958, a larger facility was the year to prepare and serve a la carte the church is “its beautiful iconogra- provided the funds for the purchase of purchased, a former Christian Science meals as a kind of mini-Greek food phy,” which has been in progress for a small existing church in another part church in University City, a suburb on festival. several years. “Adorning the narthex is of the city, according to a parish history the north side of St. Louis. The church Fr. Strzelecki arrived in the parish the next step,” he said. documented by Doula Rodes, assisted had a Byzantine-style appearance, in 1994 and has become the commu- by George Magafas. though it required many renovations. nity’s longest–serving priest. Fr. Joseph — Compiled by Jim Golding The parish was to relocate three Under the leadership of Fr. Panagi- more times before settling at its present otis Kastaris, the community launched location in Town and Country (popula- an outreach religious program to serve tion about 11,000), on the west side of Orthodox Christians in a larger region IS youR PARISh... St. Louis. of Missouri beyond the St. Louis area. Town and Country was a rural area Fr. Kastaris also served as president of Ready to expand parish participation? until it incorporated as a village in 1950. the Eastern Orthodox Church Federa- It changed to city status in 1974. It still tion of the Greater St. Louis area. This Seeking funds for a building project? has a “country” appearance with large also included the parish of Sts. Constan- Wishing to promote Planned Giving? lots, white fences and horses. There tine and Helen, then located in East St. are very few commercial developments. Louis, Ill. Over the years, in addition to the In 1978, with the community need- Rhodian Brotherhood and the Rhodian ing yet more space to grow, a 5½–acre Assistance is Available! Ladies Benevolent Society, two other site was purchased in Town and Coun- The office of Parish Development offers Hellenic organizations, the Brother- try, about 10 miles southwest of the guidance to parishes through: hood of Sopiki and the local chapter of existing church. It now serves as the the Daughters of Epirus, have provided parish’s fourth location. Strategic Planning Stewardship Assistance: strong support to the community. Since Meanwhile, in 1980, a pyroma- the fall of communism this last group niac started a fire at the University City Workshops: For greater Inspiring greater giving has also aided the Orthodox Christian church location. Other local churches involvement in your parish in your parish population in Northern Epirus and were used for parish activities until the contributed to orphanages in Greece. completion of the education complex Capital Campaign Parish Planned Giving Planning Studies: Assessing Programs: Guidance in your project’s fundraising potential cultivating planned gifts Capital Campaign Grant Proposal Research Management: Planning and & Writing: Help throughout coaching from beginning to end the grant proposal process Want More Information? Contact us to discuss your Goals & Needs and allow us to explain how we might be of help.

Greek orthodox Archdiocese of America office of Parish Development 3 South Prospect Avenue, Ste. II Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 825-1432 Email: [email protected] 22 APRIL 2014

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25) Christos Anesti!

Advancing Orthodoxy & Hellenism in America George S. Tsandikos, Chairman Argyris Vassiliou, Vice Chairman Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary Thomas G. Jordan, Treasurer Paulette Poulos, Executive Director APRIL 2014 23 Commentaries Scholarships PBS Channel Does a Disservice Hellenic University Club of New York Sponsors by Bishop Dimitrios of Mokissos from Antioch who later became Patriarch Undergraduate Scholarship, Research Grant of Constantinople, capital of the Roman As we approach Jewish and Christian Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Hellenic University Club of New Frederick E. Valergakis holy seasons, a documentary produced by Without doubt, Chrysostom’s rhetoric York announces its annual undergraduate Graduate Research Grant Program British historian Simon Shama and broad- would be offensive to Jews both ancient scholarships availability for qualified high The Hellenic University Club of New cast recently on WTTW (PBS, Channel 11, and modern. Yet neither in Antioch, nor school seniors. Each award is projected to York announces its annual Frederick Chicago) has brought pain and dismay to in the imperial capital were his remarks be $2,000 to $3,000. E. Valergakis Graduate Research Grant the Orthodox Christian community. directed to the large Jewish communities Candidates must meet the following Program encompassing research in the “The Story of the Jews,“ through its of those cities; Chrysostom’s concern was criteria: medical, biological, or the social sciences. one-sided, simplistic and anachronistic to discourage a Christian-Jewish syncre- 1. Of Hellenic ancestry. The award is projected to be a minimum interpretations of a complex history, tism and his most negative remarks were 2. Citizen or permanent legal resident of of $5,000. needlessly raises charges of anti-Semitism actually directed at Christians. His rhetoric the tri-state New York area. Candidates must meet all of the fol- against two of the most revered persons joins anti-Christian rhetoric among Jews 3. Graduating seniors entering college in lowing criteria: of Christian antiquity. We are dismayed from the era as well. Yet even Shama the fall. 1. Of Hellenic ancestry. that Orthodox Christians, wanting to admits in this documentary that in the 4. Demonstrate scholastic achievement 2. Citizen or permanent legal resident of learn more about Judaism, may perceive Eastern Mediterranean, controlled for and aptitude as indicated by excellent the United States. an anti-Christian bias in these rather care- many centuries by the Christian Byzantine grades, SAT scores, an active involvement 3. Currently enrolled in a graduate pro- less portrayals. Visit (www.pbs.org/wnet/ Empire, Jewish communities thrived in in extracurricular activities, with an ap- gram and present a clearly defined project, story-jews/video/episode-2/#disqus_thread, the diaspora. preciation of their Hellenic heritage and or proposal, in the medical sciences, the the questionable portion is found at time- To note tension and conflict is one their commitment to the Greek-American biological sciences, or the social sciences. stamp 15:55 through 20:05.) matter; to carelessly associate ancient community. 4. Candidates must submit completed ap- For example, there is no doubt historical conflicts between Christian 5. Demonstrate a clear financial need. plications, together with three (3) apprais- that Paul of Tarsus was, next to Jesus of and Jews with modern anti-Semitism 6. Completed applications and all support- als and all supporting documents to the Nazareth, the most important Christian overlooks many of subtleties of history. In ing documents must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee by May 31, 2014. expositor of the nascent faith. While his Chicago, the Greek Orthodox and Jewish Scholarship Committee by April 30, 2014. 5. Finalists may be interviewed by the own Jewish background is briefly men- communities have maintained exemplary 7. Finalists may be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. tioned in this documentary, the fact that and friendly relations for more than thirty Scholarship Committee. Additional information may be ob- he persecuted, with his fellow Jews, the years, and our communities have worked Additional information may be ob- tained from: The Hellenic University Club early Christians before his own conversion closely together to achieve social justice tained from: The Hellenic University Club of New York Inc., Scholarship Committee is omitted. Also omitted is Paul’s reverence for all people. That cooperation is not of New York Inc., Scholarship Committee – Research Grants for his own Jewish religious and cultural served by being insensitive to the cultural - Undergraduate Division P.O. Box 6882 heritage, whatever conflicts this may have and religious heritage of anyone. We re- P.O. Box 6882 F.D.R. Station caused him personally. gret that “The Story of the Jews” was not F.D.R. Station New York, NY 10150-6882 Another gross over-simplification more historically sensitive. New York, New York 10150-6882 Applications and the appraisal forms is the anachronistic description of the Applications may be downloaded di- may be downloaded directly from our career and rhetoric of John Chrysostom Bishop Dimitrios is chancellor of the rectly from our Web Site (or by submitting Web Site (or by submitting your request (c. 347-407), a fifth-century church leader Metropolis of Chicago. your request to the Scholarship Commit- to the Scholarship Committee at the ad- tee at the address above): dress above): Web site: www.HUCNY.com Web site: www.HUCNY.com Counterculture’s Di erent e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Application of Easter Date

by Fr. Angelo Artemas 4. Cannabis is a gateway to harder drugs; the Cross is the gateway to Paradise. In 1971 a group of students at San 5. Marijuana users seek to get stoned; the Rafael High School in California devised a women followers of Christ ask “Who will CLERGY UPDATE plan to recover a lost cannabis crop. They remove the stone.” Ordinations to the Diaconate Rev.Fr. Stephen Ziton – Holy Trinity would meet at the Louis Pasteur school 6. Stoners laugh at nothing; Christians re- Church, Casper, WY 03/06/14 statue at 4:20 p.m. Their plan was cryptically joice in everything. Ritsi, Stephanos – Archbishop Anasta- referred to as “4-20 Louie,” but they never 7. Potheads say “let’s get high.” Christians sios of Tirana and All Albania – Evange- Date correction found anything. One of their fathers was a chant “Let God Arise.” producer for the American rock band “The 8. Chronic users are told to “Get a life.” The lismos Church, Tirana, Albania 01/22/14 Dn. Panagiotis Hanley – Metropolitan Grateful Dead” of Palo Alto, Calif. He often Resurrection of Christ bestows life. El-Bardawil, Michael Labib – Metropol- Evangelos of New Jersey – St. Barbara invited the students to the band’s rehears- 9. Marijuana is desired by some; the Cross als. The band caught on to their references, is for everyone. itan Savas of Pittsburgh – St. Haralambos Church, Toms River, NJ 01/19/14 and started referring to their own cannabis 10. A proponent for pot use is Snoop Dogg Church, Canton, Ohio 02/16/14 Offikia use as 4-20. (now known as Snoop Lion); Jesus Christ Besse, Thomas – Bishop Sevastianos By the late 1980s many “Dead Heads” is the Lamb of God. Rev. Economos John Cusulos – Office (as their fans were known) on the West 11. Recreational use of marijuana is often of Zela – Church of Our Saviour, Rye, of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metro- Coast were already celebrating April 20 not prosecuted and now legal in two states. NY 03/09/14 (4-20) as National Pot Day, and by the late Christianity is often persecuted and still il- politan Isaiah of Denver 10/05/13 2000s the rest of the nation caught on. legal in many parts of the world. Mihalopoulos, Christos – Bishop Fr. Spencer Kezios – Office of Archi- Today April 20 has become the counter- 12. 4-20 was popularized by the Grateful Demetrios of Mokissos – St. Spyridon culture’s North American Pot Day, and Dead; Pascha is a Thanksgiving of Life. mandrite, bestowed by Metropolitan many organized “smoke-outs” and events Many marijuana advocates assert that Church, Palos Heights, IL 03/16/14 Gerasimos of San Francisco 01/05/14 occur throughout the country. users don’t hurt anyone, and that alcohol This year Easter/Pascha falls on April and cigarettes are worse. There are many Ordinations to the Priesthood Retired Clergy 20, so it’s kind of a “joint” celebration. It is logical arguments, including medicinal, of- Dn. Michael Gavrilos – Metropolitan Rev. Fr. George Dounelis 07/01/13 terribly scandalous that the most sacred day fered for legalization and use; but it is not Savas of Pittsburgh – St. Paul Church, in the Christian calendar has to unwittingly enough simply to not hurt others. Any loss Medical Leave be shared with this unofficial and inane cel- of sobriety is an opportunity for people North Royalton, Ohio 03/16/14 ebration. Pascha and pot don’t even belong to get hurt; especially for the particular Dn. George Lamberis – Metropolitan Fr. E. Kyprianos Bouboutsis 03/05/14 in the same sentence. substance user. The greatest harm in sub- Consider the radical juxtaposition of stance abuse is that the image of God in the Iakovos of Chicago – Holy Taxiarchai-S Priests on Loan these celebrations: person is reduced, and the user becomes Haralambos Church, Niles, IL 03/23/14 Fr. Athanasios Kyritsis, Dec. 7, 2013 1. Cannabis causes a high that results in a passive fallen human being instead of an (from the Church of Greece) lower memory, testosterone, intelligence active spiritual being. This April 20, instead Assignments quotient, ambition and productivity. of lighting blunts and joints, light candles; Cox, Rev. Fr. Irenaeus Jeffrey – Holy Receptions – what goes up must come down. Christ and instead of looking to substances to get went down to hell in order to bring up to high, let Christ take you higher. Trinity-St. Nicholas Church, Cincinnati, Rev. Dn. Drew Maxwell - Feb. 28, 2014; Heaven – what goes down must come up. Ohio 12/01/13 (from the Metropolitanate of Toronto) 2. Cannabis is planted on Earth; Christ’s Fr. Artemas, a former director of the Rev. Fr. Stephen Ziton / March 6, 2014; Resurrection plants faithful in Heaven. Archdiocese Department of Youth and Dn. Michael Labib El-Bardawil – Holy 3. Cannabis leads users to junk food; Pascha Young Adult Ministries, is pastor of Sts. Trinity Church, Canton, Ohio 02/17/14 (from the Orthodox Church in America) leads faithful to Holy Communion. Peter and Paul Church in Glenview, Ill. 24 APRIL 2014 Metropolis of Chicago Greek Parade

Elios Photography photos CHICAGO – The annual Greek Independence Day Parade here featured four Olympians from Greece and a member of the national soccer team as grand marshals and participants from many orga- nizations and parishes. Among those also taking part were Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Ioanna Efthymiadiou, consul general of Greece in Chicago, and Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois.

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E-mail:______Tel:______APRIL 2014 25 IOCC Building Resilient Communities in the Balkans BALTIMORE – Fifteen years after NATO The education system in Kosovo is also bombings and many ensuing conflicts in seriously limited by a lack of adequate facili- Kosovo, poverty and isolation continue to ties and qualified teaching staff for primary be a challenge for the thousands of families and secondary students. The children who returning to their homes in the region’s attend the primary school in Osojane live in non-majority communities. the surrounding villages, with some travel- IOCC has maintained a humanitarian ing many miles to and from school on foot. presence in the region since 1998, and Without regular jobs, most of the parents is continuing its work through ongoing don’t have the necessary financial means to initiatives to help these vulnerable families provide a hot meal for their children. IOCC improve their farming techniques, raise is providing assistance to the school kitchen their household incomes, and improve the to ensure that each day the children will learning environment for their children. have free, hot lunches. This latest initiative, Kosovo is mainly a rural area with funded in part with generous support of a about two-thirds of the population living in $50,000 matching grant from the George remote villages. Most are small-scale farmers and Judy Marcus Family Foundation, is trying to eke out a living with limited farm aimed at building resilient families and equipment and an often unreliable water sustainable communities in non-majority supply. Working with the Serbian Orthodox enclaves of Kosovo, and to foster wider Church Diocese of Raška and Prizren, and regional cooperation. Visoki Decani Monastery, IOCC is helping local farmers extend their growing season HOW YOU CAN HELP with support for the production of new Gifts made in support of the IOCC greenhouses and the digging of new wells Kosovo Matching Grant Fund will be to improve access to water. matched up to $50,000 by the George and Learning can be difficult on an empty Judy Marcus Family Foundation to help stomach. IOCC is providing assistance build resilient families and sustainable to ensure that each day these vulnerable communities in non-majority enclaves of schoolchildren living in a remote area of Kosovo. To make a gift, please visit www. Kosovo will have free, hot lunches. IOCC iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC is working to help improve the learning (4622), or mail a check or money order pay- environment for students living in isolation able to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, in the region’s non-majority communities. Md. 21297-0429. 26 APRIL 2014 HCHC SEMINARIANS VISIT ARCHDIOCESE

Orthodox Observer photo

Seminarians with Archbishop Demetrios, Archdiocesan Chancellor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane and Secretary of the Holy Synod Bishop Sevastianos of Zela.

NEW YORK – One of the largest ings on the workings of the Archdiocese preconceptions really changed. Overall Konstantinos Koutroubas, Alyssa Loutsion, graduating classes of Holy Cross School of America. everybody found the trip useful and enjoy- Thomas Manuel, Michael Mercado, John of Theology spent March 31-April 5 on the “I think everyone really enjoyed it,” able,” he said. K. Miller, Mathew Moore, John Pantazelos, annual orientation visit to the Archdiocese. said class President Daniel Triant. “It Students on the official visit were: William Redmon, Sarah Robinson, John The 30 seminarians met with Arch- was very informative and eye opening. (in alphabetical order) Majd Akkawi, Jarrod Russell, Ioannis Sakellariou, Nicho- bishop Demetrios, Archdiocesan Chancel- Everyone had preconceptions or miscon- John Boyer, Rondal Burkhard, Theodore las Savas, William Smith, Christina Stavros, lor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, Secretary ceptions about the Archdiocese but, in Cherpas, Timothy Cook, Charles Hambos, Anastasios Theodoropoulos, Daniel Tri- of the Holy Synod Bishop Sevastianos of our meetings with the Archbishop and James Honeycutt, Andreas Houpos, Anna ant, Gregory Tsikerdanos, James Tsikouis Zela and the department heads for brief- other Archdiocese officials, a lot of our Kallis, Michael Kallis, Sampson Kasapakis, and Danielle Xanthos. Dr. Patsavos Attends Canon Law Conference Professor Emeritus of Canon Law becomes especially apparent. ence, Bari, was ideally suited to the Dr. Lewis J. Patsavos, recently took part According to Patsavos, “Besides the purposes of the Society and its biannual in The 21st International Conference of learning experience gained by partici- conferences. the Society for the Law of the Eastern pating in the conferences, the collegial Situated on the southern coast of Churches. The conference deliberated relationships thereby forged are a con- the Adriatic Sea in Italy, Bari had close “Particular Laws and Current Issues in tributing factor in realizing the Society’s contact with the Byzantine Empire on the Churches.” original aim – fostering understanding various levels, political, ecclesiastical Jointly sponsored by the Faculty of and collaboration among canonists who and cultural. Jurisprudence of the University of Bari share a common canonical tradition.” It is here, in fact, that the relics of and the Ecumenical Institute “San Nicola” It was the recognition of the sub- one of the most revered saints in both of Bari, it was the second time in 22 years stantive role Canon Law is called to play the East and the West, St. Nicholas the that the Society met in this historic city. in the quest for reconciliation between Wonderworker, are preserved in the his- The Society for the Law of the Eastern the Churches of the East and West that toric basilica bearing his name. Conse- Churches was established in 1969 and originally led to the establishment of the quently, Bari serves as a bridge between is composed of canonists from the East- Society in 1969. East and West, especially in the sphere ern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Since then, it has grown in numbers of ecclesiastical relations, where a keen Eastern Churches in communion with including clergy and lay members from awareness of this unique relationship is Rome. In view of the similarities of their many different nations and ecclesial com- strongly felt. canonical traditions, international confer- munions. Topics on the program included: ences are usually convened biannually Among the latter, understandably, the dialogue between Churches and and focus on issues of current interest. the Churches of the East predominate. religions towards building a democratic “As one of the signatories of the char- This year’s conference included speakers society in Albania; the particular law of ter incorporating the Society for the Law from Hungary, Albania, India, Greece, the Syro-Malabar Church – the Maronite of the Eastern Churches 45 years ago in the United States, Syria, Romania, Church – the Melkite Church – the Ro- Rome, I have had the privilege of attend- Italy, Ukraine, Finland and Sweden, manian Church – the Byzantine Ruthe- ing many of its conferences since that among others, who addressed issues nian Church – the Ukrainian Church; time. One of these conferences, in fact, and concerns related to their particular fundamental principles of the new was hosted by our Holy Cross School of Churches. charter of the Church of Cyprus; the Theology in 1995,” said Patsavos. Due to the ecumenical character of regulation of the Monastery of St. John This year’s conference was the 21st the Society, made up almost exclusively in Patmos; the current law of the Russian in succession and dealt with a topic of of Orthodox and Eastern (Byzantine Orthodox Church; the particular law of great importance in the tradition of the rite) Catholic canonists, conferences are the Byzantine ecclesiastical districts in Eastern Church. Given the right of the hosted and organized alternately by each Italy; particular law concerning Eastern local Church (understood here as a self of these groups. Catholics entrusted to the pastoral care governing entity) to retain its particu- In addition, locations chosen reflect of hierarchs of another local church; larities with regard to local practices and the history and tradition of the host universal Church and local churches: privileges, the need to be aware of them group. This year’s site for the confer- ritual diversion and unity of faith, etc. APRIL 2014 27 Metropolis News Evzone-Ball When the contingent of 28 Evzones visited Archdiocese headquarters on March 31 for a doxology and recep- tion during their stay in New York for the Greek Independence Day Parade, Archbishop Demetrios commented in passing on how tall the members of the elite group were and that they probably could play basketball in the NBA. Well, it wasn’t exactly the NBA, but the next day, as part of their gen- eral visit to New York area parishes and receptions, the Evzones travelled to Archangel Michael Church in Port Washington, Long Island, where they took on several kids in the community in some friendly games. Fr. Dennis Strouzas, pastor, said they played several 8-minute games with the different age groups of chil- dren. The games with the older groups were “more competitive,” Fr. Dennis Dimitrios Panagos photos said. “Team” picture – Evzones with In playing the younger children, the young people of Archangel groups of two evzones would play Michael parish (right) against three kids. A toss up-Fr. Dennis begins a “It was very enjoyable,” he said. game with the ball toss.

Honored for Service Harriette Condes–Zervakis photo On Sunday, Feb. 23, Penny Mavragis was honored by the Assumption Church of Homer Glen, Ill., for her 50 years of service as a member of the choir. Ms. Mavragis also chants for services when the regular chant- ers are not available. In addition, Ms. Mavragis has served as the chair for the Assumption Philoptochos Hospitality Committee and worked tirelessly during church festivals. During brief remarks, Choir Director Kay Phillips praised Penny for her help and dedication. Pictured are Fr. Sotirios (Sam) Dimitriou, Kay Phillips, and Penny Mavragis. STERLING TRAVEL 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. 08865 www.hellastickets.com • [email protected] Cheap Tickets, 20 Lauren Lane, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 Great Price TICKETS 2 GREECE ON SALE ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – ΑΘΗΝΑ – ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ Με επιστροφή από $

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by Marissa Costidis

WESTFIELD, N.J.– Goyans in New Jersey gathered on March 1st, 2014 for the annual Sights & Sounds Festival, hosted by Holy Trinity Church. Under the chairmanship of Eugene and Pan Gentile and with the guidance of par- ish priest Fr. Peter Delvezis, several volunteers coordinate more than 500 participants from 16 churches. Participants are judged in cat- Two dedicated volunteers next to the Collage art egories including literature, acrylics, category display. decoupage, hand molded ceramics, posters, photography, woodwork and many more. Fr. Delvezis, parish priest, enjoyed his 10th Sights and Sounds and com- mented on how well the kids mesh with each other. “They are having a great time altogether, underscoring that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Sights and Sounds is not just for traditional athletics that GOYA offers to Holy Trinity, West eld performs in the Greek Dance category. our youth, but it give an opportunity for a different avenue of expression for the children.” Fr. Delvezis commented that his favorite categories are religious and Members of St. Nicholas Church, Wycko . American singing and prays that these categories encourage the kids to and keep them connected to the church always. On the day of Sights and Sounds Goyans compete in group and indi- vidual categories including Greek and American monologues, instrument solo, band, Greek and American plays, religious, Greek and American singing St. George, Piscataway singers presented Bye, Bye, Birdie ( American singing category) group and Greek dance. All categories are judges and tro- St. George Asbury Park/Ocean religious singers. phies are awarded. After the competi- tion concludes, the Goyans relax with a dance and a vespers service. Then all the participants, together with their ad- visors, gather in the Bouras Community Center for the awarding of trophies. Each GOYA chapter cheers as the names are called, until finally, the last award is given for overall points. This year’s first place overall win- ner was Kimisis Tis Theotokou from Holmdel, 2nd was Holy Trinity from Westfield and 3rd place went to St. George Asbury Park/Ocean. For a complete list of win- ners log on to: www.goarch.org/ The Greek Play cast members from St. John the Theologian special/2014sightsandsounds.pdf Ascension, Fairview Greek dancers. in Tena y. Correction In the Feb-March issue, the obituary for Dr. Nicholas Kladopoulos indicated he had appointed Maria Makedon as the assistant director of the Department of Education in 1989. Mrs. Makedon said that Archbishop Iakovos had appointed her to the position. Omission In the January issue, the picture from the Boston Metropolis on page 32 did not include the photo credit of the professional photographer, Areti Bratsis. APRIL 2014 29 Day Schools California’s St. Nicholas School: Where Tradition Meets Technology

by Sheree T. Spraglin St. Nicholas School photos NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Nationwide, there are physicians, attorneys, engineers, professionals, and even a naval fighter pilot/ Annapolis graduate with one shared and unique quality – they are all graduates of St. Nicholas School in Northridge, California. Though many are adults today, hundreds of young men and women have begun their educational years under the watchful and prayerful guide of our precious school, which opened its doors nearly 40 years ago in the fall of 1977. Serving children from preschool through eighth grade, St. Nicholas School has a current enrollment of 178 students and is currently seeking licensure to ex- pand the pre-school program to include Photos courtesy of St. Sophia School toddler care, with plans for infant care on the horizon. The school was founded by the Very Rev. Spencer T. Kezios, now pas- tor emeritus, with the first principal, Cleo Alaoglu at his side. browsing the bookstore and typing and researching skills to creating St. Nicholas School has always oper- visiting the Archbishop Iakovos their own websites using html. ated with the highest values placed on Museum. Our St. Nicholas Church and school academic achievement, moral character, They tour the grounds campus is completely powered by solar and Orthodox Christian values. and appreciate the connection energy, so our students have a first-hand Due to the accelerated curriculum and between our two schools; sepa- appreciation of new technologies and pro- the employment of excellent teachers, the rated by the span of our great gressive thinking. students receive admittance into the finest nation, but united in faith and St. Nicholas School in Northridge of- area high schools. While our students are the desire for knowledge. fers children a highly-accelerated education expected to excel in all core subjects, they Our 8th grade seniors under the protective grace of our Lord Jesus are also blessed to participate in our extraor- spend a week on retreat at our Christ and His holy Orthodox Church. dinary art and music programs. Metropolis St. Nicholas Ranch Our alumni are continually visiting Our teachers offer a comprehensive and Retreat Center while visit- our campus, to share their adventures, humanities program in the middle school, ing the nearby Monastery of the all the while crediting their years at St. by interweaving art and music history along- Life-Giving Spring. Nicholas for the foundation that upheld side studio lessons and chorus to enhance They love the guided horse- their eventual academic and professional the Social Studies curriculum. Students also back ride, but the highlight is a accomplishments. engage in drama and musical performances The hallmark event was appreciated by trip up the mountain to Kings Canyon Na- For more information about St. Nicho- during the yearly Christmas program. both our school and parish families. tional Forest to marvel at the giant Sequoias. las School, visit www.stnicholaseducation. Students are taught Greek from kin- Our students have enjoyed the benefit And for the first time, our sixth and sev- com. dergarten through sixth grade. Though St. of outdoor education trips to enhance their enth grade students will begin a new tradi- Nicholas School serves a rich and diverse studies, expand their experiences and cre- tion with a three-day, life science excursion Sheree T. Spraglin is St. Nicholas student body, each student is inspired to ate lasting memories. to Catalina Island. Wildlife, marine biology School principal. Board president is Nicho- appreciate our Hellenic history, culture, Each May, our fifth grade class travels and ecological studies drive the curriculum las Bomicio. traditions and language. to Boston for a one-week experience that for this highly-anticipated trip. While it is true that some of our stu- is an absolute highlight of their academic St. Nicholas School also dents many never speak or read another career at St. Nicholas School. has a strong tradition of athletic word of Greek once leaving our school, it As they are completing their social stud- excellence with league sports is equally true that they will have gained an ies course on American history, they are able offered throughout the school appreciation for learning another language to walk in the paths, stand in the places and year. while breaking down syntax and grammar re-live the excitement and sacrifices of the Our boys flag football, bas- from an early age. American Revolution. ketball, and soccer seasons run These skills undoubtedly serve them It is a trip filled with history, culture parallel with our girls’ basketball, well in future areas of study. Students of and fun (we often attend a Red Sox game soccer and volleyball seasons. many faith backgrounds attend our school, and visit the local theater). There is always excitement but all are required to participate in religion The trip is then capped off with a visit and energy flowing freely in our classes and attend Orthodox Christian wor- to Hellenic College Holy Cross School of newly-remodeled gymnasium ship services conducted by Fr. Anthony Theology in Brookline, Mass. while our students enjoy the Savas, pastor; Fr. Michael State, assistant The children spend a morning on pride and school spirit which priest, or retired priest Fr. Vasilios Thanos. the campus worshipping in the chapel, team sports create. This March students as young as kin- Also within the realm of dergarten celebrated Greek Independence celebrating our physical gifts, Day during our annual Greek program. we offer after-school enrichment They recited poems and famous quotes, programs including, sang religious and folk songs, and per- dance, soccer and ka- formed several folk dances all in Greek. rate. Though we are steeped in the clas- sics and hold to tradi- tional standards, we are equally immersed in modern tools and methods of education. Each classroom is equipped with Smart Board technology and our newly-upgraded, custom designed com- puter lab is used daily by our students learn- ing everything from 30 APRIL 2014 Stewardship ‘How Much Is it?’ by Fr. Jim Kordaris in the slot. Some who were accustomed to receiving change were flustered and asked Each Sunday morning the big wooden others to change a large bill for them. doors of St. George Church swing open The most common and also the most as a welcome, and in doing so, allow the encouraging response came from indi- sounds of New York to serve as a backdrop viduals who asked, “How much?” When to worship. the greeters replied with “give whatever You can hear the clip-clop of the hors- you want,” they would ask again, “but how es pulling the hansom cabs toward Central much?” When the greeters again reassured Park, though they are often drowned out them to give whatever they want as they by the sirens from Midtown North Precinct have been blessed, you could almost see across the street. the wheels turning in their heads as a smile Change comes slowly to an old city came over their faces. Then they reached parish where, during the difficult years into their pockets, wallets and purses and of mass exodus from the city, churches gave as they wished from their hearts. struggled to survive. The result? People entered into Sun- Though once a hub of community ac- day worship feeling that they had made tivity, many small New York City parishes their own decision on what they would re- were forced into survival mode just to turn to God for the blessings in their lives. keep their doors open. Concern with the They no longer got the first impres- collection of “dues” had erased the smiles sion upon walking into church that “It’s all from the faces of those whose responsi- about money.” Spirits were up, offerings bility it was to make ends meet, and any increased, and even stewardship contribu- expenditure that was not a necessity was tions gradually increased. delayed if not dismissed. So, you might ask, did cutting a hole As an experiment one week, parish in the candle stand cause a paradigm shift? leaders came in on Saturday with power No. But it was one big step in a process tools, cut a hole in the top of the candle of helping people to understand that the stand, placed a lock on the drawer and a church is interested in more than money. slotted brass plaque over the hole with a A friendly greeting, sincere smile and a simple message, “Candles, Thank You.” handshake are a better way to greet people The price tags for each size and type than a transaction for candles. of candle were put away. A small sign was In the end, everybody wins - members placed near the candles informing people and visitors are engaged in the life of the that no change is available and asking church, the commotion at the candle them to give an offering as they have been stand is reduced, and the message is clear blessed. that the Church is interested in you as a On Sunday, no one stood watch person on your journey toward salvation behind the candle stand. None of the in Jesus Christ. greeters said a word, but waited to see the response of parishioners and visitors Fr. Jim Kordaris serves the Archdio- as they entered. Many people took it in cese as director of Stewardship, Outreach stride and placed their usual contribution & Evangelism. Change of Address Questions about submitting To submit a change of address: Contact Soula Podaras news and photos: at 212.774.0235 e-mail: [email protected] Jim Golding (212) 570.3557; fax: 212.774.0239. [email protected] Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, For advertising or the Greek section: 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075-0192 Lefteris Pissalidis, (212) 570. 3555; Be sure to include old address, [email protected] new address and name of parish. SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Offered to Com mu ni ties, Or ga ni za tions, Church fes ti vals and all other func tions. Kontos Foods fa mous for its POCK ET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its orig i nal prod ucts once again.

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“We no longer knew whether we were in Heaven or on earth.” Re ections on Real Break Constantinople 2014 – Representatives of Prince Vladmir of Kiev, upon seeing Hagia Sophia for the first time.

by Marina Horiates

There were 13 of us. We came from all over. We studied nursing, law, theology, medicine, linguistics, geology. As we stood in the tedious security line at JFK, our boarding passes insisted we were travel- ling to Istanbul. But our true destination was quite different. The streets of Constantinople are paved with the rich history of our Ortho- dox Church. A few short hours after our flight landed, we found ourselves shiver- ing before the gates of the Ecumenical Pa- triarchate, and our chills were not merely from the rain. Just ahead of us loomed the large black doors of the closed St. Peter’s Gate, sealed shut since martyred Patriarch Gregory V was hanged there on Easter Sunday in 1821. As we hurried through the side entryway that night, and every day thereafter, those sealed doors reminded us of the struggle that Christians still face every day in that city. We saw evidence of this struggle throughout Constantinople in the days that followed. We visited several beauti- ful Byzantine churches which still bore Fr. Evagoras Constantinides photo the jarring marks of their conversion to Real Break participants in Hagia Sophia with Fr. Evagoras Constantinides (center). mosques after the fall of Constantinople. We stood speechless beneath the dome of It was amazing to learn that we were Hagia Sophia, and listened as tour groups sitting in a room with the man who was passed by, chatting amongst themselves, convening the next one, over one thou- “Isn’t it nice that the Ottomans even al- sand years later. lowed icons in their mosques?” When we met with Metropolitan We climbed deep beneath a Turkish Elpidophoros at Halki, he told us “If you rug store to pray in the hidden remains are self-confident in your knowledge of of an ancient Orthodox Church buried the faith, then you are ready to meet the below the city, chanting Agni Parthene other, whoever that may be. with tears in our eyes as megaphones The only way to do that is to be edu- blared the Muslim call to prayer above us cated.” We were educated beyond belief. in the streets. In one week, we venerated relics of saints In the words of our trip’s spiritual and patriarchs, visited Holy Springs, and leader Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, we learned about the Holy Myrrh and Chris- came to Istanbul and left having seen mation, the responsibilities of Archons, Constantinople. and the importance of mission work. But we did not simply see a city cling- We discussed marriage and family life ing to the shadow of what Constantinople in the church, the role of technology and once was. innovation, and the importance of women The work of the Ecumenical Patriarch- in our faith, even though we cannot be ate is still extremely relevant to Orthodox ordained. Christians all over the world. We arrived We saw the need for unity in the at the conclusion of the 2014 Synaxis of church, and the significance of the work the Primates of the Orthodox Church, and of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. we attended the concelebration on the We broadened our understanding of Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Patriarchal Orthodoxy and the history behind it. Church of St. George, where we were pres- Most importantly, we realized that we ent for the official reading of the message all have a responsibility to preserve our of the Primates. Orthodox faith. To think, on the Sunday of Lent that We’ve all heard that “the youth is the celebrates the triumph of Orthodoxy and future of the church,” but we cannot pla- the end of Iconoclasm, we were present cate ourselves with this notion of a distant for this historic event with all the Patri- future where we will become relevant. archs of the Orthodox Church, chanting We are the now of the church. As with them as they raised their icons in the Archbishop Anastasios of Albania told us: procession. “Now is the time for creativity, not repeti- We met with His All-Holiness on the tion. We must think, pray, and act boldly.” Monday following this historic Synaxis, This week, we learned that we cannot be and he taught us about the centuries-old passive in our walk with Christ. experience of the Mother Church, the The Church is beautiful and historic, Ecumenical Movement, and the signifi- and it is our job to protect the truth it cance of the Great and Holy Synod which stands for. will take place in 2016, as agreed during this Synaxis. Marina Horiates is a member of Holy At this Great Synod, all the Orthodox Trinity Church in Dallas with her family. Primates will be present to discuss impor- She is a junior at Yale University, where tant theological questions in our Church. she studies English Literature and pre- We all knew from Sunday school that the medical studies. After graduation, she last Ecumenical Council took place in plans to attend medical school and special- 787 A.D. ize in pediatric oncology. 32 APRIL 2014 Prison Around the Archdiocese Ministry

Around the Archdiocese is a subcat- from throughout the egory of Metropolis News that presents Metropolis partici- Blessings Beyond Bars very brief news and information items pated in the Friday Salutations service. from a variety of communities. Items may by Christiana Roulakis be submitted to the Orthodox Observer “It was a beautiful for consideration. (50 to 100-word limit). and most inspiring weekend of thanks- The Orthodox Christian Prison Minis- News of greater significance, and pictures, try (OCPM) has recently launched its first will continue to appear in Metropolis News. giving for the faith- fulness expressed by Lenten Youth Project, ‘Blessings Beyond these youth of our Bars,’ which engages children and young Church in transition adults to learn about prison ministry. 1. CAMARILLO, Calif. – St. Demetrios Metropolis,” said Fr. Christopoulos. OCPM provides an interactive lesson plan, Church of Camarillo in California, led by hands-on craft activity and fundraising ideas Fr. Gary Kyriacou, has undergone a major St. Catherine also held a special for youth. transformation this past year. The parish The lesson plan can be done with sold its existing church and rented the event April 6 with a 30th anniversary youth groups, Sunday school classes and old Camarillo City Library until the new families. The lesson allows children to ex- complex is completed. The first building service celebrating its first Divine Liturgy plore Matthew 25:36, “I was naked and you scheduled for completion next year is called clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; held April 1, 1984. Metropolitan Isaiah the AGAPE building. The contractor set the sored a Lenten Lecture on the Tradition of I was in prison and you came to Me. Then celebrated the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, cross on the top of the building, which was the Kollyva on March 15. A symposium by the righteous will answer Him, saying ‘Lord, assisted by the founding pastor Fr. Dean bolted in place on the rooftop of the two- the Association of Byzantine Chanters was when did we see You hungry and feed You, Talagan, and Frs. Louis Christopulos and storey structure by Fr. Gary. held at the church on March 16. On March or thirsty and give You drink? When did we Paul Fedec and Deacons James Foreso and 30, partnering with Rotary International, see You a stranger and take You in, naked John Kavas. New building, future church the parish held a “Meals of Hope” event, and clothe You? Or when did we see You 2. TEMECULA VALLEY, Calif. – St. helping to prepare 50,000 meals for the sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And Hard workers Nicholas Church has purchased a building homeless. On April 5 the parish’s Orthodox the King will answer and say to them, ‘As- 4. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 72-year-old that will be the parish’s new home in Mur- Men’s Club, with the Metropolis of Atlanta suredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did Dimitris Yfantis and his wife, Maria, age rieta, Calif. This is first step for the com- and the Archdiocese, held a Men’s Lenten it to one of the least of these My brethren, 70, members of Three Hierarchs Church, munity, which plans to build a new church Retreat. you did it to Me.’” recently were featured in an issue of The on the property. St. Nicholas Church serves For the craft activity, children are guid- Daily Illini, the newspaper of the Univer- all Orthodox Christians regardless of their Highest honor ed to convert shoe boxes into mock prison sity of Illinois for their years of dedicated ethnic origins. Services are in English and 6. RALEIGH, N.C. – Maria Tsikerda- cells using paint, straws, popsicle sticks, service to the school. The couple travel 30 Greek, with some prayers and hymns sung nos, a member of Holy Trinity Church, cut-outs of icons that OCPM distributes to minutes a day, five days a week to work in in Arabic, Russian, Romanian, and Spanish. recently was presented the Girl Scouts people in prison and other supplies. OCPM the school’s kitchen, cafeteria and nearby For more information, call the parish priest, Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl encourages instructors to continue the residence hall. Mr. Yfantis also cleans the Fr. Andrew J. Lesko (909) 224-5046. Scouting. At her parish, Maria serves as conversation about prison ministry while church in the evenings. president of the Orthodox Christian Fel- making the craft. Once the craft activity is Festival and anniversary lowship and helps at the psaltirion. “Maria complete, children are encouraged to use A busy month 3. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. – is a blessing to our community,” said her the box to collect donations that will help 5. CLEARWATER, Fla. – Holy Trinity St. Catherine parish hosted the St. John parish priest, Fr. Paul Christy. OCPM fill prisons with Orthodox Bibles, Church hosted several activities over the Chrysostom Metropolis of Denver Oratori- prayer books, icons and Orthodox books. past month, Fr. James T. Paris, protopresby- cal Festival March 28-30 weekend. Fr. Lou OCPM thanks Sylvia Leontaritis with ter, noted. The Philoptochos chapter spon- Christopoulos reported that 30 participants Chaplaincy the Adventures of an Orthodox Mom blog and her children who helped design this lesson plan and craft activity in collabora- tion with OCPM. OCPM is the official prison ministry of the Orthodox Church, under the Assembly of Canonical Bishops. The mission of the organization is to bring the love of Christ to those who are in prison by providing encour- agement, material support, transition and reintegration services, Christian education, spiritual guidance, and the sacramental life of the church. Each year, OCPM trains priests and parishes on how to minister to those in Chaplain in Afghanistan prison and distributes books, prayer cards, Fr. David Hostetler, a priest of the Greek Orthodox icons and Orthodox Bibles to those in prison. Archdiocese and Navy chaplain serving with the Visit OCPM’s website to get involved with this U.S. Marines, has been assigned for one month in Lenten youth project. http://theorthodoxpris- Afghanistan for Holy Week and Pascha services. onministry.org/blessings-beyond-bars/ For Orthodox personnel in Afghanistan may request more information, contact Christiana Roula- access to their services via their own unit chaplain. kis: [email protected]

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RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES The Ascetic Lives of Mothers Special Agents of Christ by Annalisa Boyd. You’re never too young to be one of the special agents God uses to accomplish by Annalisa Boyd pride. It is thinking of others before your- A few years ago I had the rare oppor- self. You might be thinking, “Wait, I’m a tunity to visit a monastery. This was my His will in the world. Special Agents of Christ serves as a training manual to pre- mom. I’m always thinking of others before first visit to a monastery and I was nervous. I heard it said once that motherhood pare children for serving Christ in the real myself!” I agree. We do spend a lot of time Reading about the lives of the saints, is a type of asceticism. Like the ascetics, world. The examples of special agents of mothers find themselves in a situation that thinking of our children and providing for the monastics, made me wonder if I would the past the saints encourage these young requires their utter devotion, self-denial, them day in and day out. Humility is tied in feel discontent with my life after spending saints to serve God here and now. Available daily emotional exercises, facing extreme with the virtue of happiness. When Christ time there, longing for the a focused life of through Ancient Faith Publishing. challenges, and much prayer. I have read endured the cross, it was “for the joy set prayer and service to Christ. Following a Sacred Path by Elizabeth about the lives of many saints who became before Him” (from Heb. 12:2). Letting our Standing in the newly built church I White. Practical advice for parents (and edu- brides of Christ and lived as monastics. joy be evident as we serve in our homes was drawn to the icon of the Annuncia- cators) on raising children to understand The idea of being able to spend sustained or in our churches shows our children the tion. There was Mary in the presence of the and love their faith. Includes activities the time in prayer or the reading of the Holy blessing that comes from service. Archangel Gabriel willingly accepting the family can share that encourage children to Scriptures made me wonder how on earth Liberality call to be the mother of Christ! She was discover spiritual truths for themselves and a lay person -- a mother -- could possibly Liberality is living generously; it serves called and her response made it possible own them for life. Available through Ancient contend with this world and reach that as a weapon against greed. Give freely to for mankind to be saved! At that moment I Faith Publishing. heavenly finish line St. Paul talks about. others when it is within your power to realized that my responsibility as a Christian After expressing this concern to the Mother do so, without any expectation of getting wife and mother was to be an imitator of A QUOTE FOR FAMILIES Abbess of a monastery, I was relieved when something in return. This includes giving to the Theotokos. Of course I would not be “Pray and then speak. That’s what to she responded with this quote. the homeless, friends, enemies, neighbors, called upon to bear the God of all creation, do with your children. If you are constantly “You greatly delude yourself and err, and those in our own families. but, I realized, I had been called upon to be lecturing them, you’ll become tiresome and if you think that one thing is demanded Chastity mother to the children the Lord had blessed when they grow up they’ll feel a kind of op- from the layman and another from the Chastity is a weapon against lust; it me with and He daily awaits my answer. pression. Prefer prayer and speak to them monk; since the difference between them isn’t only for virgins. Chastity is purity of Will I surrender my will and follow Him as through prayer. Speak to God and God will is in that whether one is married or not, heart, mind, and body. This means being our own Blessed Mother did? speak to their hearts. That is, you shouldn’t while in everything else they have the same mindful of what we watch, read, listen to, Each of us, mother or not, has a calling give guidance to your children with a voice responsibilities... Because all must rise to and say. We don’t want to hide our heads to embrace the life Christ has called us to. that they hear with their ears. You may do the same height; and what has turned the in the sand or make some alternate reality We are not forced to submit or coerced into this too, but above all you should speak to world upside down is that we think only for our children, but we do want them to obedience. We are presented with a ques- God about your children. Say, ‘Lord Jesus the monk must live rigorously, while the understand the world around them in a tion. We are each asked if we will follow Christ, give Your light to my children. I rest are allowed to live a life of indolence. loving and godly context. Him. He leaves the answer to us. entrust them to You. You gave them to me, “(St. John Chrysostom) Mildness but I am weak and unable to guide them, so, please, illuminate them.’” When we accept a little child (or big- Mildness is used to fight wrath and Annalisa Boyd is an Orthodox writer And God will speak to them and they ger one) in His name, we are accepting the anger. It consists of kindness, gentleness, whose books are sold by the Department of will say to themselves, “Oh dear, I shouldn’t ascetic life of motherhood. The “rules” of and calm in word and action. Whether you Religious Education, OrthodoxMarketplace. have one child or many children, home can com and Holy Cross Bookstore. In addition have upset Mummy by doing that!” And motherhood include the two command- with the grace of God this will come from become a chaotic place. Mildness is closely to “The Ascetic Lives of Mothers,” her books ments Christ gave: “The first of all the com- their heart.” related to temperance and humility because include: “Hear Me” and “Special Agents of mandments is: ‘And you shall love the Lord —Wounded by Love, Christ.” They are published by Ancient Faith your God with all your heart, with all your it requires a lot of self-control and humility Elder Porphyrios, p. 203 soul, with all your mind and with all your to address the myriad of issues each home Publishing (formerly Conciliar Press). strength.’ This is the first commandment. faces with kindness, gentleness, and calm. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall Of course there will be those days you are love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no tempted to lock yourself in the closet and other commandment greater than these” curl up in the fetal position, but the God of (Mark 12:29–31). the universe is there on those days, too. As How do we apply these command- we seek the Lord, through prayer and the ments to the mothering of our children? observance of the sacraments, we can be the Consider the virtues taught by the Church calm in our homes. His power is that big! and how they apply to your own life. Temperance These are spiritual habits we can pursue at Temperance is a weapon against glut- any time. They are tools to help us as we tony. Practicing self-control, moderation, endeavor to “work out our salvation with and restraint as a mother sets a good ex- Oriental carpet & area rugs Ceramic tile & grout cleaning fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12), both for ample to your children in how they should Upholstery & fine fabrics Headboards & bed frames the salvation of our own souls and so that approach life. These lessons are taught each we may be light-bearers for our children as church year through the observation and Drapery & shades Fabric walls we help them walk along the way. celebration of the fasts and feasts. Learn- Marble & stone cleaning Leather furniture Each “rule” is given with the under- ing to celebrate without gorging ourselves standing that you will seek out the guidance helps us to appreciate the sacrifice of the of your own spiritual advisor, the person fast and embrace the blessing of the feast. who knows you and your life and family Happiness situation, for the specific ways to walk for- Happiness protects us from envy. ward in Christ. There is a time for great rejoicing and a time for sorrow. For Christians, even the times The Virtues Humility of sorrow are tempered with joy, because Humility is the weapon used against we know this world is temporary and we press on toward the world to come. We can help our children embrace happiness by being, well, happy. We can be happy because we are thankful to the Lord for all His blessings, for our family and for how He provides for us. We can also be happy for how He provides for others. The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. Because of His great sacrifice for us, we can truly rejoice even in the midst of trials. Diligence We use diligence to fight against sloth or laziness. Diligence is doing any task (work/chore/job/responsibility) until it is completed to the very best of our ability. Of course, as mothers, we have times when emergencies come up and plans must change, but if we strive to set the example of managing our time well so we can be Serving the Tri-State Area diligent in our responsibilities, we will find 212.777.4040 fabracleen.com fabracleenstoneandtilecare.com it time well spent. 34 APRIL 2014 Synaxis of Hierarchs Message Movie Review uu from page 4 as with other Christians and people of other faiths. humankind, in accordance with the Lord’s 9. Above and beyond all challenges, last commandment and assurance: “Go ye, we proclaim the good news of a God, ‘Son of God’ Has Hits and Misses and make disciples of all nations . . . And who “so loved the world” that He “dwelt lo, I shall be with you until the end of the among us.” Thus, we Orthodox remain by Fr. Gary Kyriacou goes into Lazarus’ tomb and “breathes” ages” (Matt. 28.19-20). full of hope. Despite all tensions, we nev- life back into him, rather than “calling 8. We live in a world where multi- ertheless dare to hope in the “almighty Dating as far back as 1906 there have with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus come out.’ culturalism and pluralism are inevitable God, who is and who was and who is to been over two dozen movies made about (John 11:43)” The thieves accompanying realities, which are constantly changing. come” (Rev. 1.8) For we remember that Jesus Christ. The latest installment, this Christ at the crucifixion are on the wrong We are conscious of the fact that no issue the last word – the word of joy, love, and year’s Son of God, is loosely based on the sides, and there are no guards keeping in our time can be considered or resolved life – belongs to Him, to whom is due all Gospel of St. John. watch at the Lord’s tomb. without reference to the global, that any glory, honor and worship to the ages of The opening sequence portrays the Even with these missteps, the film polarization between the local and the ages. Amen. Apostle John as an aged and worn man nar- did well with the portrayal of the Apos- ecumenical only leads to distortion of the rating the inspiring first lines of his Gospel, tles: specifically Peter, John and Thomas. Orthodox way of thinking. At the Phanar, the 9th of March, 2014 “In the beginning was the Word…” The character development of Ni- Therefore, even in the face of voices of + Bartholomew of Constantinople The dramatic opening gave me the codemus, the Pharisee, also rang true. dissension, segregation, and division, we + Theodoros of Alexandria impression this film would be an accurate The structure of Holy Week, the raising are determined to proclaim the message of + Theophilos of Jerusalem account, but many artistic liberties were of Lazarus, the Lord’s entrance into Je- Orthodoxy. We acknowledge that dialogue + Kirill of Moscow taken with the gospel and not all of them rusalem, and the “woes,” beginning at is always better than conflict. Withdrawal + Irinej of Serbia were purposeful. There were times the Matthew 23:23 were properly arranged and isolationism are never options. We + Daniel of Romania film seemed too tied to a chronological and inspiringly executed. reaffirm our obligation at all times to be + Neophyte of Bulgaria recounting of the earthly ministry of Christ, On the whole, I was disappointed open in our contact with “the other:” with + Ilia of Georgia and other times it seemed to follow odd with the movie and didn’t feel it merited other people and other cultures, as well + Chrysostomos of Cyprus tangents. a trip to the theater. After an inspiring montage briefly re- However, it does bring the Gospel telling the Old Testament, the story takes alive in a way that could be useful in an off at the birth of our Savior. Being quite educational context. Used in conjunction Letters familiar with Mel Gibson’s Passion of the with a properly planned curriculum, with Christ (2004), I was anticipating that this the ability to pause and discuss while ref- film would focus more on the ministry of in the Ravensbrück concentration camp erencing scripture, the movie would be a Christ than the depiction of the crucifixion. Historic meeting in 1945. And, while I don’t recall the good tool to make the Gospel relatable for I was disappointed by the focus on the precise date, I remember as a teenager those growing in faith. Editor, beating and crucifixion which Gibson’s film in the mid-1970s being very impressed Used as a teaching tool, parts of the I read with interest the article in the covered 10 years ago. by a front-page headline in the Orthodox movie on DVD would be a good way to January 2014 issue of the “Orthodox Ob- Aspects and highlights of the New Tes- Observer which read “Orthodox Proclaim begin discussion of the life, ministry and server”. Historic Meeting of Pope Paul VI, tament were covered, some out of order, Lydia a Saint.” passion of Christ with students. Age-appro- Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras with and others done with too much spectacle. Since the proclamation of saints is not priate sections of the film could be used interest and with sadness. Unnecessary events, not scripturally the exclusive province of the Ecumeni- to engage and inspire students to delve The body of the article includes and founded, have been added to further pro- cal Patriarchate, attention must be given deeper into the Bible and the real story. I quote “May this meeting of ours,” said nounce the cruelty of the Romans. to the many, many saints proclaimed Holy Week, coming this April to every Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, “be It’s hard to be negative about any in recent years by other autocephalous Orthodox Church in the world, offers a the first glimmer of dawn of a shining and film attempting to recount “The greatest Orthodox churches, including almost all spiritually moving experience of the Lord’s holy day in which Christian generations of story ever told,” and the earthly ministry of the saints who lived and struggled in Passion. The hymns of the Great Week, the future will receive communion in the of Christ which are near and dear to my America (including St. Herman of Alaska, Holy Scripture, and the concentrated set- holy Body and Blood of the Lord from the heart. I wanted to be inspired, but was St. Innocent the Apostle to America, St. ting of church allow us to truly identify same chalice, in love, peace and unity, and often confused as when, in response to Nicholas of Zica, and St. Raphael Ha- with the love our Lord has for us. will praise and glorify the one Lord and Christ’s call to ministry, Peter asks, “Lord waweeny of Brooklyn; all of whom were Some parts of Son of God were mov- Savior of all.” what do you want from me?” and Christ added to the calendar of saints in the last ing and engaging, but there is no substi- Yet I also quote from each issue of our replies, “To change the world.” The forty-five years.) tute for the original. church bulletin “Non Orthodox Visitors Apostles did, in fact, change the world, One of the joys of our faith is that Read the Book. Please Note: Holy Communion is offered but there was no need for the writers of God is constantly revealing new saints to Orthodox Christians who have properly the film to change scripture. among us. Fr. Kyriacou, pastor of St. Demetrios prepared themselves. Visitors are welcome There were many other things that This is not a phenomena that occurs Church in Camarillo, Calif., worked in the to receive the Antidoron (Blessed Bread), felt wrong in this movie. The Sermon only every fifty years or so. Let us celebrate film and TV industry for several years as a which is distributed at the end of the Di- on the Mount was divided into sections, that! screenwriter. He occasionaly reviews signifi- vine Liturgy. and presented at different times. Christ cant programs and movies of significance. It would seem that 50 years would be John Paterakis more than sufficient to bring the essence New York, NY of the statement by Patriarch Athenagoras Obituary to fruition, or were these but idle words uu from page 10 politan Philip has been commended and that in reality had no meaning. Rely on God decorated by many governments. Dan Colovas Awards presented to him by ecclesi- Dearborn, Mich. Editor, the late Metropolitan Antony (Bashir) as astical authorities include the Order of the What will it take to wake up the Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan Bush Unburned from the Archbishopric of people of this once free and God-fearing of all North America. He was elevated to Mount Sinai, the Cross of Lebanon from New saints nation? Why are we all just standing back Archimandrite in July and was elected for the Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon and the and letting those in Washington tell us the See of New York by the Holy Synod of Order of Saint Mark from the Patriarchate Editor, what we can and can’t do? the Antiochian Patriarchate on Aug. 5, 1966. of Alexandria and all of Africa. In 1981, the I was pleased to note that the front Today, we allow the government He was consecrated to the episcopacy Aug. Trustees and faculty of Saint Vladimir’s page of your January issue included a to make their own laws and ignore the 14, and enthroned at his Cathedral of St. Orthodox Theological Seminary awarded report on the decision of the Holy Synod Constitution, and everything it stands for. Nicholas in Brooklyn, N.Y, on Oct. 13, 1966. Metropolitan Philip the honorary degree of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to proclaim Why have we lost all pride in our once free On Aug. 19, 1975, Patriarch Elias IV of Doctor of Divinity and, on May 20, the glorification of Fr. Porphyrios and Fr. country? How can we get it back? (Mou’awad) named Metropolitan Philip as 1995, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School Meletios. This event is truly an important We can start by admitting that we primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Chris- of Theology also bestowed an honorary and joyous occasion in the life of our all need to put God back in charge. If tian Archdiocese of North America. Doctor of Divinity Degree in recognition of church. you look back in time, you seldom saw He was an outspoken advocate for Arab Metropolitan Philip’s leadership provided However, you included the statement a church whose doors were closed, like Christians — including Palestinian refugees to the Antiochian Archdiocese and Ortho- that “These are the first canonizations we see today. and those displaced by Lebanon’s and doxy at large. since St. Nektarios of Aegina in 1961.” How can we ignore God, and then call Syria’s civil wars. Yet he always insisted that Metropolitan Philip is survived by his This, of course, is totally incorrect. on Him when tragedy strikes? Years ago we his church adapt to American ways and wel- eldest brother, Nassif Saliba of Shreen, The Ecumenical Patriarchate has thanked God for our blessings every day. come converts with no ethnic connection Lebanon, his younger brother and sister- proclaimed many new saints since 1961. Only God can help us, but we have to the Middle Eastern roots of the church. in-law Dr. Najib Saliba and Elaine Saliba of In December of 2012, St. Nikephoros the chosen to remove Him from our lives, so In February 1987, some 2,000 Evangeli- Shrewsbury, Mass., and numerous other Leper was proclaimed a saint by the Holy where do we turn? cal Christians embraced the canonical Or- relatives in the United States and Lebanon. Synod (Our own Metropolitan Savas of We better wake up before it’s too thodox Church and the Antiochian Ortho- Archbishop Demetrios attended the Pittsburgh was a member of the Synod late and we are almost to that point. dox Archdiocese. This was made possible Tisagion service on March 28 and the and participated in that action.) Remember, God helps those who help through the leadership of the Evangelical funeral service March 29 at St. Nicholas An- In 2004, the Holy Synod added to the themselves. churches and Metropolitan Philip. tiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn. calendar of saints Mother Maria Skobtsova, Fran Glaros-Sharp For his many charitable deeds and Burial was Monday, March 31, at Antiochian a remarkable saint of our times who died Clearwater, Fla. renowned humanitarian concern, Metro- Village in Pennsylvania. APRIL 2014 35 Hagia Sophia Report ICOMOS Turkey–Brie ng on the Hagia Sophia Museum

ICOMOS Turkey, the International The erection of a new structure next to Council of Monuments and Sites, National a monument of World Heritage Site status Committee of Turkey, recently issued a report warrants close scrutiny, even if this is the The ORTHODOX OBSERVER has been offering Greek (below) regarding two issues of concern have reconstruction of a historic structure that was recently emerged regarding Hagia Sophia previously demolished. Orthodox faithful in America and around the world Museum, the first of those being the plans for The Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye news from our Archdiocese, our Metropolises and the reconstruction of the now extinct building Mosque have provided the essence -the our parishes for almost 40 years. Originally begun of Hagia Sophia Madrasa, and the second, the fundamental values- of the World Heritage primarily as a theological magazine by Archbishop public debate surrounding the refunctioning designation of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, Athenagoras in 1934, the ORTHODOX OBSERVER was of Hagia Sophia Museum. as per criteria 1 and 2, and for their serving as The report a reference for the architectural development transformed into its present format and role by Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most that followed afterwards, as per criteria 3 and Archbishop Iakovos in 1971. remarkable monuments of the world, was 4. It should be emphasized at this point, that inscribed on the Heritage List in 1985 as part the use and the environmental context of Each member of the national Church continues to of the Historic Areas of Istanbul; the inscrip- both monuments (Suleymaniye Mosque and receive a complimentary copy of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER tion brought with it a commitment on the part Hagia Sophia Museum) in 1985 have played as part of their stewardship to their local parish. of the Turkish state to protect and use the an important role in meeting the Criteria of monument in accordance with the principles World Heritage listing. Over the years, mailing and printing costs have of the World Heritage Convention and related Considering the present state of the tra- continued to rise and have outpaced increases in international documents. ditional residential quarters of Suleymaniye theORTHODOX OBSERVER’S income resources. Advertising Two issues of concern have recently and Zeyrek and the way that the Land Walls revenue and donations contribute to our revenue, emerged regarding Hagia Sophia Museum, have been engulfed by urban development, it but an increasing shortfall exists because of these the first of those being the plans for the recon- can be said that Sultanahmet Archaeological Supportrising costs. your struction of the now extinct building of Hagia Park has preserved its integrity and continuity Sophia Madrasa, which we have already an- relatively intact and that the historical stratig- The ORTHODOX OBSERVER, which will print 10 issues in nounced in our letter dated 12.06.2013, and raphy is still legible. However, reconstruc- 2013, has initiated a campaign to raise additional the second, the public debate surrounding the tion and refunctioning interventions such as refunctioning of Hagia Sophia Museum. This described above will clearly cause the loss of funds for these rising costs. We invite you to letter focuses on the former; however, for the this authenticity and integrity. participate as a Donor, Patron or Special Patron. latter, what should briefly be underlined is this The risks that would arise from the Any decision for the change of use, plan- reconstruction of the madrasa, which is so Voluntary donations are welcome in one of the ning and conservation interventions on each close/adjacent to the Hagia Sophia, were com- following categories: and every World Heritage Site must be made municated by the members of the Scientific with consideration of the situation, attributes Committee to the Minister of Culture and • DONOR $25 and uses of the site/ structure at the time of its Tourism in 2011, and Minister Ertugrul Gunay inscription on the World Heritage List, with a accordingly instructed the General Director of • PATRON $50 holistic approach and thorough consultation Cultural Heritage and Museums Orhan Duz- •SPECIAL PATRON $100 with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and gun to have the project withdrawn. the international and national committees of However, in the period that followed, Special Patrons will receive its advisory body ICOMOS. An approach to not only did the issue of reconstruction of a complimentary DVD the contrary will call into question the World the madrasa not disappear from the agenda of the award winning: Heritage status of the site. but the Ministry of Culture and Tourism also In 1993, the State of Conservation of abolished the Scientific Committee in Sep- “Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ Hagia Sophia Museum was reviewed with a tember 2012. Afterwards, the project that the monitoring mission undertaken by UNESCO Istanbul Directorate of Surveying and Monu- Those contributing to the campaign experts. As a result of a concerned criticism ments had had prepared was re-submitted to within the mission’s report, the Ministry of the Fourth Conservation Board of Istanbul, will receive a special mention in each issue Culture and Tourism decided to create a which approved the project unanimously on of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER. ‘Scientific Committee’ for the Hagia Sophia; December 19, 2012. *The ORTHODOX OBSERVER welcomes gifts of any size, the Committee was established with the The approval of the reconstruction participation of specialists in architectural proposal for the two-storey madrasa build- including sponsorship of a full issue. history, structural and seismic engineering ing, leaning against the western facade of For more information contact Marissa Costidis and conservation from Bogazici and Istanbul the Hagia Sophia, reveals only the lack of Technical Universities and of three officials re- professional knowledge of the Conservation at phone: 212-570-3555. sponsible for the Museum’s management and Board members regarding the World Heritage maintenance, as well as international experts. legislation. If one is to consider how many As its first task, the Scientific Committee 1,500-year-old buildings are still standing in ✓Yes, I want to Support our ORTHODOX OBSERVER set out the priorities of works that needed to the world today, as well as how, among these, ❏ be done; it made efforts to instill the practice the Hagia Sophia may be one of a handful of ❏Enclosed is my 2013-2014 Ecclesiastical Year donation. of commencing conservation interventions outstanding accomplishments of architectural 00 00 on the site only after a specific project was history, the implications of constructing a new ❏ $25 Donor ❏ $50 Patron designed for them and approved by the ‘fake historic monument’ immediately next to ❏ $10000 Special Patron Conservation Board for Cultural and Natural it shows the gravity of the situation. Special Patrons will receive a complimentary DVD of the award winning: Assets of the Ministry. The proliferation of imitations and recon- During the UNESCO mission of 1993, structions that are far from being authentic “Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ Professor Cyril Mango, one of the experts within a cultural heritage district as deeply appointed on the mission, drew attention layered and expansive as Istanbul’s World Name: ______to the archaeological potential of the area Heritage areas, would be a factor that under- Address: ______to the northwest of the Hagia Sophia, where mines the integrity of the site in general and the remains of the madrasa were found, and the significance of the authentic structures City: ______State: ______Zip: ______proposed that archaeological investigations be within it. Replicas of buildings, reconstructed conducted in the area. This proposal has to with no good reason, and the superficiality Phone: ______E-Mail: ______this day not been addressed; on the contrary, of which even the layman can detect, should further initiatives have been developed in have no place within a World Heritage Site. SUBSCRIBER’S NUMBER (located above your name on the mailing label): ______recent years toward the reconstruction of the We hereby express our view that insisting I authorize the ORTHODOX OBSERVER to charge my: demolished madrasa. In 2009, the madrasa, on the execution of the reconstruction project, which had been demolished in the 1940s, was most recently with the concrete steps taken to registered as a 1st grade historic monument this end immediately following the Conser- by the Fourth Conservation Board for Cultural vation Board approval, will have a negative Card No.: ______Expiration Date: ______and Natural Assets of Istanbul; accordingly, impact on the Outstanding Universal Value Name on Card: ______Signature: ______documentation, restitution and restoration of Istanbul and the Hagia Sophia, and create proposal drawings were prepared for the area. a serious risk for the Historic Areas of Istanbul Thank you for your generosity. Mail this form and/or make your check payable to: On April 4, 2011, the reconstruction project World Heritage Site. submitted to the Board was referred to the From the Executive Committee of ICO- Orthodox Observer Hagia Sophia Scientific Committee, requesting MOS TURKEY via the Archons of the Ecumeni- 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075-0106 their comments. cal Patriarchate. 36 APRIL 2014 Church History Easter in America: A Tale of Three Cities

by William H. Samonides, Ph.D. on April 27, 1897: It was Easter in the on the day, and it will be difficult to hold Chicago. Icons were hung on the walls, calendar of the Greek Church yesterday, services here. The Hellas Society endeav- and there was a supply of candles and Many of the pioneering priests who and the little chapel in Kinzie Street was ored to secure a priest from Philadelphia, frankincense left over from the dedication, came to America in the early 20th cen- thronged with worshipers. Not so many and later one from Baltimore, but thus far but there was no priest to offer an Easter tury arrived shortly before or during Holy as there were at the Palm Sunday services they have been unsuccessful. service. The nearest Greek Orthodox cleric Week. Communities that were striving a week ago – there were wide gaps in the The Hellas Society was formed in was in Phoenix, hundreds of miles away. to establish a parish often tried to bring lines that stood with bowed heads against Altoona, Pa. in 1911 for the purpose of This did not deter the patients, who a priest from overseas to celebrate the the long walls. Many of those who had establishing a Greek cemetery. One of gathered in the chapel for prayer and services of Great Lent, Holy Week, and been the most faithful of good Fr. Phi- their first projects was to arrange for a informal services during Holy Week. At Pascha. ambolis’ little flock repeated their Easter priest to conduct Easter Liturgy. At the 1 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 24, 1938, During Great Lent in 1902, Holy Trin- devotions on the big ocean steamer that is time, there were more than 60 parishes technological advances and a radio broad- ity in New York City brought Fr. Leonidas plowing across the Atlantic, with its prow in America, and the best that the Altoona cast from Seattle brought the Liturgy to Adamakos to this country, and during pointed toward the war-ridden land of community could manage was to hold them. Patients who were deemed strong Great Lent in 1903, they brought over Fr. the Hellenes. informal services at the offices of the Hel- enough were allowed to have a bedside Zissimos Typaldo. Although the parishioners return- las Society. It was not until Easter 1913 radio to listen to the Resurrection service. In April 1907, Frs. Demetrios Pe- ing to Greece could have stayed and that they were able to celebrate their first They kept a light burning in the cha- trides, Kyrillos Vafiadakis, and Thomas celebrated Easter safely in America, they Divine Liturgy. The parish of Holy Trinity pel until it was consecrated and named for Papageorge arrived to serve parishes in were moved by a sense of duty to their was established in 1924. St. Barbara. Although the Sanatorium and Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and Savannah, homeland and their Church to take up New Mexico was one of the last states the Chapel closed in 1942, the memory respectively. arms against the Turks. Fr. Phiambolis to establish a Greek Orthodox parish. It lives on. One of the early priests who came to himself had urged them to do so. was in 1944 that a permanent parish was For 150 years, since the establishment America in time to celebrate Easter was As Greeks continued to immigrate formed in Albuquerque with the charter- in 1864 of Holy Trinity parish in New Fr. Panagiotis Phiambolis (1840-1927). and settle wherever this country had ing of St. George. Orleans, the Greek Orthodox faithful in He was the first Greek Orthodox priest to jobs for them, there were never enough During the previous decade, the America have been united in their desire serve in Chicago. priests. The smaller communities had a AHEPA Silver District Sanatorium had to celebrate Holy Week and Pascha in their He arrived in March 1892 and con- difficult time competing with the cities, opened in Albuquerque for the care of own community. tinued to serve the Annunciation parish which had the resources to bring a priest Greeks with respiratory ailments, and This was not always easy, as demon- until the end of the century. Of the more to these shores and offer him a contract. many Greeks from around the country strated by the experiences of the Greeks than 30 Easter Liturgies that Fr. Phiambolis Even for a community with a sizable Greek had settled in the area. of Chicago, Altoona, and Albuquerque, celebrated during his years in America, population, it could take time to establish In March 1937, Archbishop Athena- but the faithful throughout this country perhaps the most challenging was in 1897. a parish. goras had dedicated the Sanatorium. The persevered. Easter is now celebrated at The Thirty Day War between Greece and On Holy Friday, April 21, 1911, the next year, one of the eight patient cottages almost 600 Greek Orthodox parishes, Turkey was officially declared on April following article appeared in the Altoona was converted into a chapel, which was chapels, and monasteries throughout the 18, just before Holy Week. At the time, Mirror: No Priest Available. completed just in time for Easter. Archdiocese. parishioners were meeting in a rented The Greeks of Altoona are in some- Presbytera Stella Petrakis supervised room on the third floor of a large com- what of a quandary as to how they are to the preparation of the chapel while her The author thanks Eric Casanave of mercial building in Chicago. celebrate Easter . . . All the Greek priests husband, Fr. Mark E. Petrakis, was serving Altoona and Katherine Pomonis of Albu- As The Chicago Tribune reported throughout the country will be engaged at Sts. Constantine and Helen parish in querque for their assistance. APRIL 2014 37 St. Katherine College O ers Orthodox Christian View

by Frank J. Papatheofanis, MD,Ph.D. Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant management science is the most popular faith backgrounds. Students come away concentration followed by kinesiology The founding of St. Katherine College knowing that hard questions about faith and nutrition. is tied to its motto, “Inquiry Seeking Wis- can be offered and often addressed from a The faculty includes experienced dom”. Many colleges in America today tout vast literature and teachings of Orthodox doctoral-level instructors as well as oth- their ability to teach students to inquire and Christianity. ers who have attained the highest degree ask questions, and they offer classes in criti- All students are expected to attend in their discipline. Interdisciplinary col- cal analysis and logic to achieve such ends. chapel services twice a week and to par- laboration is at the center of our teaching While it is invaluable that the ability to ticipate in the life of a local church com- program. The college accepts transfers, ask questions is taught at places that offer munity. An unexpected occurrence is in and a transfer student was the inaugural academic degrees, there is a gap that follows receiving feedback from students who graduate in 2011. such instruction and orientation. Specifical- become interested in Orthodox Christian We receive considerable local and ly, one is forced to ask the purpose behind catechesis. national attention for our athletic pro- such inquiry. The overwhelming answer is But the college is not a seminary or grams, and over half our student body is that inquiry for its own sake is of value and church, and instruction is offered in the comprised of student-athletes. Baseball, defines the purpose of such education. liberal arts and sciences. Concentrations men’s and women’s basketball, cross- This represents a limited educational include: art, biotechnology, business, eco- country, golf, men’s & women’s soccer, serve as chaplains and we have an active matrix. Moreover, to Orthodox Christians, nomics, and management science, chem- softball, tennis, and women’s volleyball OCF chapter. We also receive the ongoing inquiry for its own sake should not be a istry and biochemistry, English language and beach volleyball are offered at the in- prayers and blessings of the fathers of St. sufficient answer because we know that and literature, history, interdisciplinary tercollegiate level. Teams are in different Catherine Monastery in the Sinai. Jesus Christ identified the life of the mind studies, kinesiology and nutrition, music, independent conferences and will come Inquiry Seeking Wisdom is applied as central to those who sought to love philosophy, public health and policy stud- together next year as NAIA programs. daily in the life of this community. In addi- Him: ‘Teacher, which is the great com- ies, and theology, and students earn a BA Most importantly, we receive atten- tion to the academic, athletic, and cultural mandment in the law?’ And he said to him, or BS degree in one of these areas. The tion for our Integrated Core Curriculum. opportunities afforded at the college, we ‘You shall love the Lord your God with curriculum is enriched by student intern- The Core includes the above-mentioned aspire to create a community of service. all your heart, and with all your soul, and ships, practica, and field and laboratory theology classes, three semesters of sci- Our students regularly participate in with all your mind. This is the great and experiences. ence, two semesters of mathematics, and feeding the homeless, construction projects first commandment.’” (Mt 22:36-38; RSV) Their education is completed by re- a foreign language. through Project Mexico, local environmen- The college was founded under searching and writing a Senior Thesis. This The Core also includes a semester on tal clean-up, and a myriad of other service the idea that to inquire after Wisdom is requires the application of skills leaned in the methods of interdisciplinary studies, learning engagements. to inquire after the Lord, Holy Wisdom classes and other work to an original prob- six semesters of integrated courses cover- It is in preparing our students for a life Himself. This perspective gives inquiry a lem or hypothesis. The thesis serves as a ing economics, history, and philosophy, of learning and service to others that we meaning that matters rather than simply manuscript for publication or a job paper/ and a Senior Thesis, all under the supervi- think represents the living out of Inquiry a blind academic purpose. Students who portfolio for those seeking employment. sion of an academic advisor. Seeking Wisdom. To learn more about the choose to attend the College enter a life The college was founded in 2010 and Students also take research methods college, visit www.stkath.org, or phone of inquiry that is formed in and by a com- began instruction in September 2011. courses in preparation for their thesis. A 760-943-1107. munity of Orthodox Christian teaching Its life is directed by a community ethos thesis advisor is assigned to the student and witness. guideline. according to their area of exploration. Frank J. Papatheofanis, MD, Ph.D., is All of our students are required to The first entering class included 12 Finally, the college enjoys the support founder and president of St. Katherine Col- complete a course on Orthodox Christi- students; this increased to 37 students of the jurisdictional hierarchs of the West. lege; professor of public health and policy anity as well as a course on New Testa- in 2012-13 and 107 students in 2013-14. A hierarch serves on the college’s board studies; and consultant member, for the ment taught from an Orthodox Christian Students come from 15 states and repre- of directors from each of the Orthodox Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops perspective. A benefit of this sequence is sent a broad distribution of backgrounds Christian jurisdictions on a rotating basis. of North and Central America Committee the discussions held between students of and interests. business, economics, and Priests from the surrounding communities for Theological Education. [email protected]

DISCOVERING ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY is a series of talk shows designed to introduce and explain the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity. Also included are four Bible Studies presented by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. We are grateful for the generous offering of funding from the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund who has recognized the importance of religious education to Greek Orthodox Christians and to all people. Topics in this series range from, What is Orthodox Specialists in Travel to Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Christianity? to The Orthodox Liturgical Year - and from The Modern Church to Faith & Pop Culture. Canary Islands, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus & Jordan We have covered a wide range of topics with our • Tailor made itineraries to any of our unique destinations. goal of producing these programs in simple, easy • European Honeymoon & Wedding specialists. to understand terms. • European Family Vacations. To purchase your 7 DVD set ($75 includes • Customized European Group Travel. S&H) please call 212-774-0244, or e-mail • Specialists in Greek Orthodox groups to the Holy Land, [email protected], or complete the St. Catherine’s Monastery, Constantinople & Greece. form below and mail it to: GOTelecom, 8E. 79th Street, New York, NY 10075. Join us on our special Greek Orthodox Pilgrimages.

Yes, I want to order _____ DVD set(s) Name: ______May 12 – 23: HOly land & COnstantinOPle Enclosed is my check for: $______or Address: ______May 29 – Jun 11: HOly land & CyPrus I authorize GOTelecom to charge my: City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Jun. 7 – 18: FOOtstePs OF st Paul – COnstantinOPle, Exp. date: _____ Phone: ______nOrtHern GreeCe (salOnika & MeteOra) & atHens Card No.: ______E-mail:______31 09 Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY 11102 Name on Card: ______Tel.: (718) 721-3808 Toll Free: 1-800-223-7880 Fax: (718) 795-4356 E-mail: [email protected] Produced by This series has been made possible with a grant from the Leadership 100 www.cloudtours.com Endowment Fund 38 APRIL 2014 OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE TRAVEL SERVICES NAPLES FLORIDA REAL ESTATE MOUNT ATHOS PILGRIMAGE

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It nearly rained on their parade (actu- ally there were a few sprinkles toward the end), but a cold, blustery afternoon on March 30 didn’t deter several thousand marchers from the annual Greek Indepen- dence Day procession up Fifth Avenue. This year, parishes and organizations from New Jersey, New York and Connecti- cut comprised the 108 units, including 47 floats, that participated. They represented every region of Greece, along with Cyprus and a group of Armenians who march each year in honor of Greek Independence Day. As they customarily do each year, a unit of Evzones from Greece also took part. Parade grand marshals included U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and newly appoint- ed Ambassador to Norway George Tsunis. To view several hundred additional Dimitrios Panagos photo pictures that couldn’t quite be squeezed Marching alongside Archbishop Demetrios was U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who was onto this page, go to the Archdiocese Dis- the sponsor of a bill that allowed citizens from Greece to work in the United States for an 18-month trict website: www.goarch.org period to help alleviate the economic crisis the nation has been facing.

AHEPA’s former Supreme President John Gros- somanides.

Goyans represented many communities of the Direct Archdiocesan District.

A small sampling of participating groups in- cluded Hellenic clubs from area universities and high schools, Greek schools, GOYA chapters, Philoptochos, Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA chapters, organizations of various regions in Greece, professional and trade organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Electri- cal Workers and individual parishes.

Orthodox Observer Photos