THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Monthly Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 8 August 2013

METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS ADDRESSES CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY

Below is the keynote address of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, presented in June at the 2013 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference in Boca Raton, Florida. It is an insightful piece, filled with information on numerous activities and programs within the Metropolis that directly impact our New Orleans Holy Trinity Cathedral community. Please take time to read it.

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to this wonderful city of Boca Raton in the southern part of the United States in our Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta. At this time, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for taking the time to be with us and bless us later on today and to stay and celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Also, I convey the blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, our spiritual father, who is constantly thinking about us and praying for us, along with all the members of the Patriarchal Synod. Although we may not realize it, I believe that we here in America are the largest and most productive eparchy.

As we begin this evening the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity Assembly, the gathering of representatives from all the communities in our Holy Metropolis of Atlanta, I give thanks and praise to Almighty God for all His Abundant blessings. Among them is this special opportunity to gather as the people of God, because we know that where two or three are gathered together there Christ is also, to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, which we have just celebrated on Pentecost, and to discuss our common concerns, sharing our ideas, hopes, and dreams for the future of our Metropolis of Atlanta and, especially, for our young people.

Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit that the Lord promised would guide and protect the church for ages to come. But, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles for much more than just preaching or evangelism—the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles so that they would be inspired and strengthened to continue the work of our Lord in the world. All of us have also experienced our own Pentecost—at our Chrismation, we received the “seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It is by the Holy Spirit that we are spiritually awakened and understand that we now have a commission from Christ Himself. So, like the Apostles, we too receive the Holy Spirit and are sent out into the world to be witnesses to the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It is this same spirit that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, our Mother Church, has nurtured and cultivated through the centuries. Even today under cruel persecution and oppression, our Mother Church maintains the faithful witness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as it did in the glorious days of Byzantium. Here, in the United States, our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese holds high the torch of Truth, and it is up to us to protect this light, making it a beacon that will enlighten us, inspire us, and spread the light of Christ into all the world as His “light shines in the darkness.”

My brothers and sisters, this is our Orthodox understanding of the divine mission—that we have been called to deliver this message to the nations, beginning with our own brothers, sisters, spouses, children, families, and friends; in our own communities; in our Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta; and the entire Archdiocese of America. We have received the great treasure of Orthodox

1200 ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70122 First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America Continued from previous page Christianity, and we are not to hide our treasure but rather share it with others. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard That’s why we have chosen our theme for this gathering: “In everything you do, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122 put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” 504.282.0259 – Fax 504.283.5586 holytrinitycathedral.org (Proverbs 3:6) in order to better understand our mission. In a simple way, our theme gives us the advice that in whatever we undertake we are to do it with Liturgical Services love and with all our heart and mind, with commitment, and then let God do the Sundays – Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am job. Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am

Having said that, we need to examine ourselves both personally and as a group Cathedral Clergy in the communities we serve. Some people may say that they trust God, but do Very Reverend Father Maximos Pafilis we trust Him with our whole heart? When things are good in our lives, do we [email protected] 504-609-1499 trust Him? If bad things happen in our lives, do we still trust Him? Or, do we Chanters: Petros Demarinis, Demetrios Pappas trust Him only in certain areas of our life but ignore Him in others so that we can Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos do whatever we want to do? In other words, are we here to do His will, or are we expecting Him to do what is our will? Indeed, have not we seen many times 2013 PARISH COUNCIL President: Nick Moustoukas, MD that the real answer is that we live our lives according to our understanding 1st Vice President: Mike Kleamenakis, OD without ever seeking His will. 2nd Vice President: Constandinos Vennis Treasurer: Christ Kanellakis We should trust God in every part of our lives and also submit to Him in His Secretary: Vladimir Ammons decisions for us. Trusting God means that we put our faith in Him even when we Members: Evangelia Bilalis, Panagiotis have doubts or fears. Putting God first means that every decision we make, Patselikos, Steven E. Psarellis, Eleftherios Toras, every second of everyday, needs to be for the glory of God. It means that we Socrates Toras, and Elias Tsatalios should not be afraid to do things that seem difficult or uncomfortable. Trusting EDUCATION God and putting Him first means we may have to step outside of our comfort Greek School zone in faith. When we do, He will accomplish His purposes because by putting Instructors: Father Maximos Pafilis God first we will make wise decisions. God has blessed us with many different and Fay Kalergi gifts and talents, and if we let Him, He will surely use us to accomplish His will. Sunday School Following Holy Communion So, really, my brothers and sisters, the real question we should be asking Director: Maria Michailakis

ourselves is not what we want from God but what He wants from us. And, certainly, the answer is “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Of course, here today, I am not speaking to individuals who I must work to Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons convince to join me in delivering God’s message of love, but rather I am AHEPA President: Spiro Latsis surrounded by my family of faith, faithful servants of our Lord and His Holy Daughters of Penelope Church, both clergy and laity, who believe in our common mission and are President: Barbara Stavis Wolf willing to devote their time, talent, knowledge, energy, and resources in order to Education, Culture, and Youth Ministries support it. After all, our clergy spends years of study to prepare themselves to Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis dedicate their lives to the task of leading people on the path to salvation. Our GOYA Coordinators: Maria Michailakis and lay leaders willingly offer themselves and their abilities to implement policies Maria Patselikos and programs that will help others. President: Sophia Marathonitis Advisors: Maria Stokes, Argeta Labatut, Therefore, we are the chosen ones, the blessed ones, according to our Lord, Despina Patselikos, Lenna Korominas who reminds us that “with men, it is impossible, but not with God; for with God, Hellenic Dancers all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) Our God has chosen us, whom we serve Coordinator: Vivi Demarinis in our Holy Orthodox Church. Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Katerina Tsatsoulis Sutton So, having now spoken a little about the purpose of this gathering, where all the HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) clergy and laity come together as members of one body, the holy, catholic, and Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef apostolic church, where we were all baptized in the name of the Father and of Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos the Son and of the Holy Spirit, I would like to share with you some of the Philoptochos wonderful things that have been accomplished in the life of our Metropolis with President: Connie Tiliakos the assistance and involvement of all of you and many others, who are not PTA present since our last Clergy-Laity Assembly two years ago in New Orleans in President: Vicki Mantikos McCallef 2011. St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou My beloved ones, since our last meeting at the Clergy-Laity Assembly, many Support: Secretary, Vickie Catsulis wonderful things have happened in our Metropolis and our local parish Maintenance: Darrell Blunt communities. New programs have been developed and implemented at the 9 2 Metropolis and local level, and, along with that, existing programs have been improved. So that all in all, we should be very pleased at the progress that is taking place in our Metropolis not only in material ways but more importantly in spiritual ways.

We have regular gatherings of the clergy at our Diakonia Retreat Center, organized by the chancellor and Clergy Syndesmos President Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou with the assistance of the Diakonia Retreat Center Director Rev. Fr. Vasile Bitere, to spiritually uplift and educate our clergy. I am proud to report that most of our clergy attend twice a year. Last year we were honored and privileged to welcome president of St. Basil’s Academy Fr. Constantine Sitaras and professor of Pastoral Theology at Holy Cross School of Theology Dr. Phillip Mamalakis at the Diakonia Retreat Center, and later on psychologist and author Dr. Stephen Muse led us in discussions, which will help us to understand our personal, family, and parish life. This year at our Lenten retreat our Ierokyrix, Fr. Chistodoulos Papadeas, spoke to us about confession and about how as priests we need to confess, if we are to have harmony in our lives and in our families. For I have noticed that if there is disharmony and trouble, it is because we have lost our focus on what is really important. When we examine ourselves in confession, we not only discover wrong doing but also find power from God through prayer to apologize. Confession enables us to reconcile ourselves with our Creator and each other.

That is why for years we have had the ministry of the Ierokyrix, or traveling preacher and confessor, here in our Metropolis of Atlanta. For five years, Very Rev. Fr. Grigorios Tatsis, now His Grace Bishop Gregory, served as our Ierokyrix before his elevation as Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. However, God sent us Very Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Papadeas to replace him as Ierokyrix, and Fr. Christodoulas has continued to travel around our Metropolis, visiting different communities and offering the Sacrament of Confession, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, giving homilies and inspirational talks. I am very pleased to report that all our priests and the faithful have been most enthusiastic and welcoming so that a great number of the faithful have been moved to seek the Sacrament of Confession, receiving forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

We are so blessed that our Metropolis has the largest number of students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross, both male and female. It was a pleasure for me to ordain Rev. Fr. Michael Marcantoni as a Deacon and as a Priest; Rev. Fr. John Codis, who serves as ephemerios at St. Demetrios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Rev. Fr. John Wallace, who serves as ephemerios at St. Nektarios in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Rev. Fr. Micah Hirschy, who serves as ephemerios at Holy Trinity/Holy Cross Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. Deacon Steven Klund was ordained this year and will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday. We have also ordained five permanent Deacons—Deacon George Malanos, who serves Holy Trinity in Charleston, South Carolina; Deacon Tikhon Cobb, who serves Holy Trinity/Holy Cross Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama; Deacon John Patelis, who serves St. Stefanos in St. Petersburg, Florida; and Deacon Athanasios Kartsonis and Deacon Michael Koloniotis, who serve St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, Florida. Sadly, in this past year His Grace Bishop John of Amorion passed away, as did Rev. Fr. William Gaines and Rev. Fr. John Liadis. May their memories be eternal!

Our Metropolitan Council, composed of both clergy and lay members, meets faithfully twice a year to discuss issues and make decisions about the everyday life of the Metropolis. While there are many things to consider and discuss, the financial situation of our Archdiocese, our Metropolis, and our communities is always an important topic. I want to take a moment at this point to share with you that, although we know that the financial situation is still difficult in our country, we have not stopped building up programs and facilities. Rather, we are constantly finding ways to ease the burden on the parish communities. For example, we have asked the communities to contribute a portion of the proceeds from Greek Festivals that are designated for charities to our Diakonia Retreat Center. In this way, communities are not asked to add this item to their budget. I am proud to report that almost all of our communities have either supported the Retreat Center in this way this year or are planning to contribute next year. Some communities do not designate any of the proceeds from their Greek Festival to charity, and I encourage them to begin thinking about this. I should also mention that your brothers and sisters on the Metropolitan Council and the Diakonia Retreat Center Board, including myself, are not merely preaching, but offering our share to support the ministry of the Center. (NOTE: Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Orleans donated $5,000 to the Diakonia Retreat Center from its 2013 Greek Festival.)

Of course, one of our primary goals in our Holy Metropolis of Atlanta is to always strive to better serve our priests, parish councils, and the faithful of our communities. Therefore, the position of “Ambassador” of the Metropolis of Atlanta was instituted. Ambassadors are dedicated and committed laypeople, who assist the Vicars and our Metropolis in facilitating effective communication and understanding between the priests, communities, and the Metropolis. So, I wanted to recognize and thank our Ambassadors: Dr. George Mavros, George Psetas, Dr. Ted Vlahos, Harry Demas, Michael Forest, Polly Hillier, Evvie White, Jimmy Stevens, John Scurtis, Electra Spillis, Panayiotis Zotos, Dr. Tom Copoulos, Robert Buchanan, Christ Kanellakis, James Mohamed, Dr. Nick Moustoukas, Les George, Dr. Michael Missios, and Tommy Yearout. Speaking of charitable endeavors, our Philoptochos chapters, led by Metropolis Philoptochos Board President Laura Nixon and 3 with the support of our priests, parish councils, and the faithful, have been very active and productive, taking the responsibility to assist the Metropolis, specifically the regional Agape Luncheons, to raise money for the purpose of clergy education and for educational programs. The Metropolis Philoptochos Clergy Education Fund contributes financially to the seminary and also makes it possible for us to sponsor educational and inspirational programs for our clergy and seminarians. In 2012 successful luncheons were held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. Our Atlanta Philoptochos also hosted an elegant luncheon benefiting the National Philoptochos “Open the Doors Campaign’” for the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy in New York. The Metropolis chapters are always very supportive of national Philoptochos missions, as the largest contributor to St. Basil’s Academy, from Vasilopita donations. Several chapters have a Parish Nurse Program, prison ministries, and support programs for children, seniors, the homeless, and autism. Several chapters have active Medical Ministry programs, assisting the critically ill and their families, helping with translation, accommodations, medications, and transportation, among other needs. Their website continues to help improve communication between chapters and the Metropolis Philoptochos Board. The annual Metropolis Philoptochos Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center is such a wonderful weekend of fellowship and spiritual renewal that I suggest it be held twice a year—in the spring and in the fall.

Under the able leadership of Regional Archon Commander Dr. Manuel Tissura, the Archons are well-organized with regular meetings, special programs, retreats, and speakers and are constantly seeking to raise awareness of the plight of our Mother Church and assist the Metropolis in its efforts to minister to the faithful. Last year the prominent columnist and radio personality Jay Sekulow was the keynote speaker at the Religious Freedom Initiative Dinner hosted by our Metropolis of Atlanta Archons. This year’s event featured author Dr. Niki Karavasilis, a noted authority on the Smyrna catastrophe. A retreat was held in September in St. Augustine with the special theme of our St. Photios Shrine.

In the Metropolis of Atlanta, we consider marriage and family and youth ministry a priority because in today’s society our young people and our families are under great stress. The world is pulling them further and further from the truth of our faith. I believe that we cannot allow the world and its values to define our lives rather than our Orthodox Christian faith. This is why it is so important to make every effort to assist our youth and families in nurturing and supporting their spiritual lives.

So, we are constantly thinking about programs and the means by which we can support our youth and our families. Through our St. Stephen’s Summer Youth Camp, Winter Youth Rally, HDF, and other youth activities and retreats, and the Family Life Ministry, there are many opportunities to learn how to act with love and respect towards ourselves and each other and to nurture a personal, vital, and living faith. The Metropolis of Atlanta Education, Hellenic Culture, and Youth Diakonia department, under the leadership of the Youth Coordinator Presbytera Mari Mars and more recently Stephanie Reid, is constantly looking for and developing opportunities for improvement.

The Metropolis of Atlanta Family Life Ministry, led by chairman Fr. Gregory Georgiou and Paul Marchman, has been a great success. In the past year, a Family Ministry website and blog with many resources was created, and several Marriage Enrichment and parenting seminars and presentations were held.

The Winter Youth Rally is an annual event in December where hundreds of young people (GOYANS—grades 7-12) gather in Atlanta for athletic competitions, Bible Bowl, spiritual workshops, fun, fellowship, and worship. This year attendance was over 600 youth, youth workers, and volunteers. The 2012 Hellenic Dance Festival, under the leadership of Gerry Clonaris and hosted by the parish community of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was again a tremendous success with 500 dancers and 1,000 attendees, a Choral Festival, and workshops. From a dance festival this event has evolved into a full celebration of our faith and culture, where entire families come and participate in many programs related to our Orthodox spiritual life and Hellenic culture.

St. Stephen’s Summer Camp is as always the highlight of our youth programs. At St. Stephen’s, Metropolis of Atlanta youth participate in an organized and balanced schedule of activities, which offers them a well rounded experience of Orthodox worship, learning, and fellowship. Co-Executive Directors Fr. Matthew Carter and Fr. Athanasios Haros and Presbytera Mari Mars directed five successful sessions of camp. Almost 500 campers participated last year with over 60 volunteers, including seminarians, priests, deacons, doctors, and nurses. Although I give thanks for the teenagers that attended camp, I am concerned for the thousands of children in our Metropolis, who have never attended, and I wonder why.

The situation is even more crucial when our young people leave their homes to attend college. We know the statistic that 60% of our young people will leave the Church during their college years, never to return. Our Bishops’ Assembly has taken this issue seriously so that they have appointed a national OCF coordinator with regional coordinators to better organize our important ministry to college students. Thanks be to God, with the assistance of our parish communities, through innovative programs such as the parish “adopt-a-student,” and “Work Daze” retreats at the Diakonia Center, Rev. Fr. Anthony Salzman continues his diligent work as OCF Chairman to foster growth in OCF ministries on the parish level.

4 The Metropolis of Atlanta 2012 Oratorical Festival took place at Holy Transfiguration in Marietta, Georgia. We are grateful to Festival Co-Chairs Fr. James Berends and JoAnne Lindholm for making this event a memorable one. It was such a pleasure to attend the 2013 Oratorical Festival held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and chaired by Fr. Joseph Samaan and Dr. Maria Angeliadis. It was a beautiful and inspirational event, but I could not help but notice that very few communities participated.

I often hear parents complain about their children—yet, we do not take advantage of all the wholesome and Christian programs and activities offered by our Metropolis and our parish communities. There always seems to be time for basketball or soccer, but never time for such things as the Oratorical Festival. I remember asking a mother where her husband and son were, and she replied that they were at the soccer game rather than in church. At this, I bowed my head and prayed for her and her family. Our clergy should make a special effort to promote such activities and programs, and the parents should ensure that their children participate. Why would we choose to let our children live in darkness, according to the values of a society that is increasingly anti-Christian?

There are other programs and gatherings initiated in previous years, which have become cherished traditions. One of these is the Archangel Michael Feast Day and Honors. Every year on the weekend closest to the Feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel (November 8), we gather not only to celebrate our patron saint but also to honor and recognize one adult and one youth member from each Metropolis parish community at an Honors Banquet and an Archieratical Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral. Those chosen for the Archangel Michael Honors exemplify in their lives the loving spirit and generous commitment of a Christ-centered life. Thus, this special occasion celebrates and gives thanks for all our devout, faithful stewards in our Metropolis family, who unselfishly offer their time, talents, energy, and resources to the glory of God and in His Holy Name.

We have many blessings and many special occasions to rejoice and give thanks to God.

Anniversaries: 50th St. Stefanos in St. Petersburg, Florida; 50th Transfiguration in Florence, South Carolina; 50th Holy Mother of God in Tallahassee, Florida; 60th St. Demetrios in Daytona Beach, Florida; and 75th Holy Trinity in Columbia, South Carolina Consecrations: St. Katherine in Naples, Florida; St. Athanasios in Gulf Shores, Alabama; Holy Transfiguration in Marietta, Georgia; Annunciation in Mobile, Alabama; St. John the Theologian in Panama City, Florida; Holy Trinity in Orlando, Florida; and St. John the Baptist in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Thyranoixia: St. John Chrysostom in Hobe Sound, Florida; Holy Trinity in Columbia, South Carolina; Greek Orthodox Mission in Ocala, Florida; St. Katherine in Melbourne, Florida (Educational Building); and St. Andrew in Miami, Florida (Educational Building) Ground Blessing: St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, Florida

Naturally, this in only a summary of the everyday life, along with some of the highlights, of our Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta. We give glory to God by our actions and thank Him for all the wonderful opportunities given us by our Holy Church to work in His Vineyard. Truly, we thank God for all His abundant blessings for all these ministries would not be possible without the assistance and involvement of all the clergy, parish council presidents and members, the Philoptochos, and all the faithful. All these resources, talent, and energy are assisted and enhanced by the staff and volunteers of our Metropolis…. I would be remiss if I did not mention the wonderful work being done by our Executive Committee, not only in our Metropolis but across the entire country, starting with Dr. Larry Gess and George Matthews and continuing with Bill Marianes. They have traveled at their own expense to share their knowledge and expertise with parishes across the US. Now, we also have Dr. Michael Missios, offering ways to better organize and operate our parishes on a day-to-day basis.

In closing I want to share with you some inspiring and exciting things that are happening in our global Church, both here in the United States and abroad. A few years ago there was a gathering in Switzerland of all the Patriarchal and autocephalous Orthodox Churches under the leadership of His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. At that meeting, the decision was made to better organize local Orthodox Churches in the same territories. Naturally, this is happening here also. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, advised by His All-Holiness, has organized gatherings and meetings of all the canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States. I myself have participated in all these meetings, and I wanted to share with you the spirit of cooperation, respect, understand, and, most of all, love that pervades these meetings. Although all of us are united in the Eucharist, the unity in which we believe, we are not united administratively. Of course, this is something that has to be corrected. Under the leadership of our Archbishop, exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we have cultivated a spirit of brotherly love and unity during our dialog. Now, we need your prayers, your understanding, and your support so that this spirit will continue, and one day we shall all be part of one Orthodox Church in the United States, always with the respect and guidance of our Mother Church. Thank you and God bless you. 5

The Divine Liturgy: Part XX

The Artoclasia A continuing series on the Divine Liturgy by Father Christos Mars, who serves Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia

The Artoclasia, or Blessing of the Loaves, is a service full of meaning and symbolism that derives from the Gospel of St. Matthew and the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. This service can be held at the end of the Vespers service, at the end of Orthros, or even at the end of the Divine Liturgy. It is traditional to have the Artoclasia service at the Vespers service rather than the other two; however, the Church, in its infinite wisdom, allows it to follow the others so that the faithful may experience this great and wonderful service. As a sign of devotion faithful individuals offer five round loaves of bread for personal or family anniversaries such as name days and other occasions, bearing close connection with the experience of the Orthodox faith. It is also offered by organizations for the same reasons. The Artoclasia should NEVER be offered in memory of someone or on the occasion or commemoration of the death of someone or a group of people. For this our faith has the Memorial Service (see Part XIX). The five loaves are reminiscent of the five loaves and two fishes that Jesus Christ blessed in the desert and by which five thousand men were fed. (By men I mean males as in the ancient days women and children were not counted. When it says five thousand men, it means five thousand men not including women and children.) The Artoclasia also symbolizes and brings into practice the Agape meals for the very early Christian communities. In the early church, after the faithful received the Body and Blood of Christ, they would gather in a common meal, thus signifying the brotherly association established between them by their common faith and by their receiving the same sacramental Lord. This meal was known as the Agape Meal. Later, the Agape Meals served a charitable purpose by providing meals to the poorer among them. It was soon after that the Agape Meal was removed from the Sacrament of Holy Communion as the sacrament itself migrated to the morning rather than the evening. The significance behind the Artoclasia service includes also the fact that among the Orthodox bread continues to be highly valued not only as a basic food but also as the supreme symbol of the Body of Christ for it is the bread, which consecrated through the Holy Spirit in the Divine Liturgy, becomes the Body of Christ. Christ has been repeatedly designated as the Bread of Life and also as ‘the Bread which came from heaven.’ Bread also symbolizes the Church of Christ, which has spread all over ‘as the wheat on the mountains and which was gathered by Christ into one body.’ Thus, bread has been given a mystical meaning according to which it constitutes the essence of the spiritual life of the Christian. From ancient times the blessed bread of the Artoclasia service has been considered to effect personal sanctification and to help the individual against bodily infirmities and illness ‘if taken with faith.’ The Greek term “Artoclasia” derives from the very words used by the Evangelists in describing the Mystical (Last) Supper at which Christ ‘broke bread’ and offered it to His disciples as His own Body. Also, ‘bread is broken’ in the Artoclasia service, signifying not only the identity in term but also a far more significant affinity between the Lord’s and His Church’s breaking of bread. The service begins with petitions for whom the Artoclasia service is being held. I shall focus on the prayers as the petitions put us in the correct mindset to pray. The first prayer reads as follows, “Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the intercession of our most pure Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary; the power of the precious life-giving Cross; the protection of the 6 honorable heavenly bodiless powers; the supplications of the honorable, glorious, prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Lycia; Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, the wonderworker; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the victorious, Demetrios the myrobletes, Theodore Teron, and Theodore Stratelates; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; (the saint of the day) whose memory we commemorate today; and all your saints accept our prayer; grant us forgiveness of our transgressions; protect us under the shelter of your wings; drive away from us every enemy and adversary; grant peace to our life; Lord, have mercy on us and on your world; and save our souls as a good and loving God.” This prayer asks us to bring to mind Christ through the help and intercessions of various saints. We are asking Christ to grant us our prayers, to forgive us, to protect us, to drive away from us enemies, to grant peace to our life and to all the world, and, finally, to save our souls. These are all things that each of us would like throughout our lives and is a great way to focus our minds on what is taking place. Following this a wonderful hymn is chanted, usually by the clergy as they cense the loaves. The hymn reads, “Hail, most blessed, Mary, Virgin Theotokos, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.” The hymn comes from scripture at the account of where the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear Christ—the Annunciation. What follows next is the prayer for the actual blessing of the five loaves, which is taken from the scripture account in the Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 14. The prayer reads “Lord, Jesus Christ our God, You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness and from them five thousand men were filled. Bless now these loaves, the wheat, the wine, and oil and multiply them in this holy church, this city, in the homes of those who celebrate today, and in your whole world. And, sanctify Your faithful servants, who partake of them.” The prayer concludes with an exclamation, “For You are He Who blesses and sanctifies all things, Christ our God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.” The people respond with “Amen.” Following the blessing of the loaves, the priest, chanters, and choir sing the following verse from Psalm 33, “Wealthy people have become impoverished and have hungered, but they, who seek the Lord, shall not lack any good thing.” This shows the continuity between the Old Testament and New Testament in terms of Christ and His ministry. The Artoclasia is then taken away, cut, and distributed to the people so they, too, can be filled with the Love of Christ. With this explanation of the Artoclasia, we conclude our series on the Divine Liturgy. I pray that it has been enlightening to all, who have read these articles, and that we have a better understanding of one of the most important sacraments of our Orthodox Faith.

+Fr. Christos P. Mars 7 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE DISTRICT CONVENTION

The Daughters of Penelope congratulate the new Chapter Officers that were elected and installed in June and express sincere appreciation for all of the work, dedication, and effort of the outgoing officers. On June 21-23, 2013, the Delta District #16 Convention was held in San Antonio, Texas. Barbara Stavis Wolf from the Daughters of Penelope and George Psilos from AHEPA were the New Orleans representatives. In addition to attending meetings, there was a Welcome Night with lots of food and friendship, the Grand Banquet with great food and Greek dancing, a dinner cruise on the San Antonio River, and visits to the Alamo. George Psilos was elected AHEPA District Warden, and Barbara Stavis Wolf was elected SKEPSOU District Newsletter Co-Editor. Mary Ellen Grace won a $50 Visa Card, the Daughters Membership Award, for helping to bring in the most new members to a Chapter in the District. The Chapter also won $100 in the District Scholarship Raffle, thereby recouping the investment of purchasing tickets. The Scholarship Raffle finances the District Scholarships that are awarded each June to students in the District.

Save the Dates: The Chapter is looking forward to the upcoming Past President's Tea to honor outgoing President Adrienne Dabbs Owen. It will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 1:00 pm at the New Orleans Ritz Carlton. Our September meeting is on Sunday September 8 after Church Services.

LEFT—George Psilos and Barbara Wolf at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas RIGHT—George Psilos, center, with Joan and Nicholas Lambron at the San Antonio District Convention

Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated on August 15 each year

and commemorates the repose (dormition and in Greek kimisis) or "falling-asleep" of the

Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Feast also commemorates the

translation, or assumption into heaven, of the body of the Theotokos.

The Holy Scriptures tell us that when our Lord was dying on the Cross, He saw His

mother and His disciple John and said to the Virgin Mary, "Woman, behold your son!" and to John, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:25-27) From that hour, the Apostle took care of

the Theotokos in his own home. Along with the Biblical reference in Acts 1:14 that confirms that the Virgin Mary was

with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, the tradition of the Church holds that she remained in the home of the Apostle John in Jerusalem, continuing a ministry in word and deed.

At the time of her death, the disciples of our Lord, who were preaching throughout the world, returned to Jerusalem to see the Theotokos. Except for the Apostle Thomas, all of them were gathered together at her bedside. At

the moment of her death, Jesus Christ Himself descended and carried her soul into heaven. Following her repose, the body of the Theotokos was taken in procession and laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. When the Apostle Thomas arrived three days after her repose and desired to see her body, the tomb was found to be empty. The bodily assumption of the Theotokos was confirmed by the message of an angel and by her appearance to the Apostles.

8 METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY IN BOCA RATON by Barbara Stavis Wolf

It was my pleasure to represent Holy Trinity Cathedral as a delegate at the 2013 Clergy-Laity Assembly in Boca Raton, Florida, on June 27-June 30. Many people that I met were still very complimentary of the enjoyable time they had at the 2011 Clergy-Laity in New Orleans. The meetings this year were interesting and well attended. Seminars were presented on improving education in our church communities, and discussion was held about finances, budgeting, and stewardship. Programs of the Metropolis and Archdiocese were discussed, and Metropolitan Alexios and Archbishop Demetrios were available to talk about concerns of the Clergy and the Laity.

During the Philoptochos Luncheon several members from the area were recognized for their 50 years membership in the organization. A complete report will be submitted to the Church Board. The Conference was very informative and provided an opportunity to learn more about the workings of our Church and Metropolis.

The 50 Years Philoptochos Members with Metropolitan Alexios

CATHEDRAL ROOF UPDATE VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL Work on the Cathedral roof is underway and will continue for an estimated 90 days. It will Vacation Church School is here! Please check be followed by waterproofing both buildings, the schedule below for the allotted times. painting, and repairs. During this time you are Parents interested in registering their asked to refrain from parking directly behind child/children for VCS must contact the the altar. The daily work schedule is 7:00 am to Cathedral office immediately. 5:00 pm including weekends, if needed for rain delays. Work will stop, if needed, for scheduled Thursday, August 8—9:00 am to 12:00 pm weekly services. Such delays, however, will Friday, August 9—9:00 am to 12:00 pm prolong the job. Saturday, August 10—9:00 am to 12:00 pm

The roofer is greatly concerned about activity around the church while his crew is working. Tiles can fall from the roof, as well as nails and construction debris. There will be workmen, 2013-2014 trucks, lifts, etc. moving constantly around the SUNDAY SCHOOL and GREEK SCHOOL entire premises throughout the day. His opin- ion for safety reasons is to limit access to Classes begin Sunday, September 8, 2013 the facilities while they are working. We shall follow this request until all the scheduled Register your child/children now! repairs are completed. 9 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T

COMPREHENSIVE REGISTRATION FORMS DUE AUGUST 25 The new comprehensive registration form, enclosed in the July issue of The Flame, is due Sunday, AUGUST 25, 2013. Specifically created by the Education, Culture, and Youth Ministries Committee, the form encompasses all aspects of youth related activities in the Holy Trinity Cathedral community, as well as the adult Greek School classes. In an effort to simplify and consolidate the annual registration process, each family will complete only one form, and, in turn, the information will be shared among the various directors. Your cooperation is essential to ensure proper account of participants and the correct ordering of materials when applicable. Please submit your completed form to the Cathedral office on or before the aforementioned deadline.

REPEATED APPEAL FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE RECRUITS At this time there is only one member of the Audit Committee. The parish bylaws, as well as the Uniform Parish Regulations, state that three members are needed to conduct an audit. Parish Council members are prohibited from serving in this capacity. The Parish Council has made inquiries but has been unsuccessful in recruiting additional members to serve on this committee. If you are interested and "qualified" to serve, please submit your name to the Parish Council for consideration.

LOOKING FOR CAREGIVER Diana and Brian Peterson are looking for an experienced daytime caregiver from 2-3 days a week for their twin one year old daughters. If interested, please contact Diana—[email protected] or 504-602-9966.

UPDATE ON TABLESCAPE DINNER Plans for the Philoptochos “Come and See Dinner,” scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2013, in the Hellenic Cultural Center, are underway. The dinner, which will feature beautiful tablescapes and a silent auction, is one of two annual fundraisers that sustain the worthy philanthropic projects of Philoptochos. A planning meeting to discuss details and responsibilities of tablescape hosts and hostesses will be slated within the month. If you wish to host a tablescape, please contact Vickie Catsulis at 504-282-0259 or Anthoula Malachias at 504-456-6870.

“COME AND SEE DINNER” SILENT AUCTION Silent Auction Chairperson Helen Malachias welcomes items for the Silent Auction and asks that you give your solicitations to her or Viki Moustoukas. Additional solicitation letters are available in the Narthex and the Cathedral office. All solicited gifts must be submitted to Philoptochos by October 1, 2013. Your support will be deeply appreciated.

AUGUST 2013 ~ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤOΣ 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2013 1 2 3

GRAY BAPTISM 12:00 pm Strick Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Dormition Fast Begins

ΙΟΣ 2013

Paraklesis 6:00 pm Paraklesis 6:00 pm Vespers 6:00 pm 2013 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 th 6 Sunday of Matthew Holy Transfiguration V A C A T I O N C H U R C H S C H O O L Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:00 am 2013 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Daughters Meeting 12:00 pm MARTIROSOV BAPTISM 12:00 pm Vespers 5:00 pm Paraklesis 6:00 pm Paraklesis 6:00 pm Paraklesis 6:00 pm Paraklesis 6:00 pm Vespers 6:00 pm 2013 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 th 7 Sunday of Matthew

Orthros 8:45 am Dormition of the Theotokos Hall Rental Set Up 9:00 am Indian Association Hall Rental Orthros 9:00 am Access Hall 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Paraklesis 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Event 5:00 pm to 12:00 am Paraklesis 6:00 pm Vespers and Artoclasia Parish Council Meeting Vespers 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 th 8 Sunday of Matthew Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Philoptochos Ozanam Inn Orthros 8:45 am 2:00 pm Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Education/Culture Meeting Young Adults BBQ in the Bayou PTA Meeting and Elections 7:00 pm 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm 12:00 pm Vespers 6:00 pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

9th Sunday of Matthew Philoptochos “Let’s Get

Orthros 8:45 am Beheading of John the Started Brunch” 10:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Baptist Philoptochos Board Meeting HTC Family Day-Birthday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Celebration 12:00 pm BAER BAPTISM 1:30 pm REGISTRATION FORMS DUE! Vespers 6:00 pm

2013 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS

Thank you to everyone who has returned his/her 2013 Stewardship Commitment Card. As of July 26, the Cathedral office has received stewardship commitments of $96,665.00 from 250 of the roughly 270 families in our community. Of this amount $77,285.00 was paid with the average pledge being $386.66 per family/individual. If you have not done so yet, please consider your 2013 financial stewardship commitment. We continue to collect the 2013 forms. For your convenience additional copies are available in the Cathedral Narthex or the office. Thank you for your support.

Ammons, Denise and Fred Cotsoradis, Brille and Stephen Kardoulias, Rhonda and Emanuel Levidis, Ermioni and Theodosis Papadopoulos, Laura and Kyriakos Strain, Martha and James R. Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Craver, Mariellen and Marshall Karmoukos, Antonia and Nicholas Leyva, Helen Papazis, Irene Stratikis, Suzanne and George Andersson, Billie and W. Paul Dabbs, Stella Karmoukos, James Lorio, Kathryn and Philip Pappas, Christina and Nicholas Stratis, Argyro A. Andres, Christine P. Demarinis, Eleftheria and Petros Karmoukos, Stephanie and John Lupu, Luminita and Viorel Pappas, Despina K. Stratis, Nicholas Andrews, Bethlehem K. DiGiorgio, Catherine Katsaros, Afroditi and Elias Maag, Diana Sophia Patselikos, Despina and Panagiotis Stratis, Stavros Andrews, Christy and Gregory DiGiorgio, Olga Kiriazis, Stavros Maag, Maggie and Richard Patselikos, Maria Sutton, Katerina and Ashley Angelico, Jean Dimitry, Victoria Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick MacInnes, Deborah Pavlou, Fotine Tadros, Katherine and Daniel Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Dongieux, Pam and Glenn Kleamenakis, Evangelia Madonia, Arlene and Jason Payavla, Callie Theodoron, Sophie Angelus, Maria and George Doussa, Sandra Kleamenakis, John W. Mailhes, Tina K. Pelias, Magda Thornton, Maria Apostol, Tudor Dytyuk, Ivan Kleamenakis, Jr., Michael Makridakis, Nick M. Pelias, Marilyn Tiliakos, Connie and Alex Apostolides, Marlene and Spyridon Fotiades, Joan Kleamenakis, Jr., Nicholas A. Malachias, Anna Pembo, Angela Toras, Eleni and Nikolas Athas, Nancy Fotiades, Julie Kleamenakis, Stephen A. Malachias, Anthoula and Paris Pembo, Dayna and Tony Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Baer, Elisabeth and Jason Fouquet Callie Kleamenakis, Sue and Michael Malachias, Helen and Charles Peters, Todd J. Toras, Laura and Socrates Bakamitsos, Marion and Georgios Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Klein, Maria and Gary Malachias, Ilya Peterson, Diana M. and Brian Tsaoussidis, Haris Baldrachi, Peggy Tsatsoulis Fyssas, Despina and George Kloumassis, Niki Malachias, Vange and Bill Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Tsatalios, Jeanette and Elie Barnett, Missy and Jac Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Koga, Vaughan and Sebastian Manoussaridis, Stavros Petratos, Angelina and Demetrios Tsatalios, Peter Barry III, Nicholas Taylor Gamvrogianis, Erin and Dimitris Koniditsiotis, Cornelia and John Mantikos, Rania Ponder, Helene and Casey Tsatsoulis, Angela and John Bell, Victoria and Jon Gamvrogianis, Roula and Stamatis Konos, Marcella and Pete Mantikos, Vasili and Miranda Webb Popa, Maria and Vasile Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Benoit, Katherine and Chris Gattuso, Ioana and Roy Kontaxis, Athena Mantis, Rosy and Thomas Prekas, Maria Tzavellas, Fotini and George Beraki, Yergalem H. Gemisis, Georgios Kontos, Mary and Chris Marathonitis, Maria and Eleftherios Pricope, Aliona and Ovidiu Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Bilalis, Evangelia and Petros Georges, Anita Kontoudis, Despina McCallef, Vicki and Anthony Psarellis, Michael Vatakis, Evagelia and Dimitris Bilalis, Markella Georges, Constantine Kouloubis, Frank Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Psarellis, Steve E. Vatranis, Constantina and Demetrios Bilalis, Mathoula Gervais, Angela and Derrick Kouloubis, Mary and John Michailakis, Pam and Gus Psillias, Andrew Veltsos, Carla and Dimitri Bilalis, Michael Giannopulos, Mary Kountouroudas, Chrisovalantis Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Psilos, Gail and Tony Vennis, Koula and Constandinos Bouzon, Nicholas Gioganis, Lazarus Kountouroudas, Kalliopi and Markos Moustacas, Maria and Constantinos Putnam, Andrea and John Venturatos, Carol and Steve Bouzon, Sandy and Spiron Grass, Kalliope and Matthew Kringas, Angie Moustaka, Dimitra Ramirez, Anna and Jesus Venturatos, Donna and Gregory Bozinis, Ena and Theodoros Haddad, Vilam Kringas, Connie Moustoukas, Despina Ramirez, Maria and Ramon Venturatos, Evelyn and James S. Bratsas, Dorothy Halkias, Athanasios S. Ktistakis, Maria Regina and Stephanos Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Razza, Anna B. Venturatos, Stephanie Cabali, Juanita Halkias, Feroniki Kyame, Faith Munch, Andrea and Joseph Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Vloutis, Frank Caridas, Pauline Hansel, Stephen A. Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Naquin, Georgia and Lee Rico, Anastasia and Roger Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Catinis, Ana and George Hansel, Tonya and Andrew Kyriakos, Kali M. Neofotistos, Alexandre Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy and John Williams, Despina and George Catsulis, Victoria Howard, Jr., Homer Labatut, Argeta and Lawrence Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael F. Salman, Samira Anne Wisdom, Maria and Andrew Chancy, Dena and James Howard, Stela Labatut, Michael Nicoladis, Maria Skoufalos, Ofeliamanda and Dimos Wolf, Barbara Stavis Charalampidis, Panagiota and Dimitrios Howard, Stephan LaCour, Alexandra Nicoladis, Peggy and Frank Sotiropoulos, Christine and Evangelos Wolf, William Christakis, Ares Ioannidis, Eleftherios Lambousy, Katherine and Peter G. Nicopoulos, Sue and Constandinos Spanolios, Dimitrios Yiannopoulos, A. N. Christakis, Joann S. Ioannidis, Emmanuel Latour, Patrick Nugent, Elaine Michalos Spanolios, Maria and Emanuel Zannis, Marie Christakis, Loukia and Michael Jeanfreau, Tricia and Troy Latsis, Katherine and Spiro Owen, Adrienne and Greg Spetsiotis, Demetrios N. Zarganas, Glikeria and Alexandros Christakis, Maria T. Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Latsis, Kathy and George Padasis, Stavros Spetsiotis, Nicholas, D. Zetzmann, III, Robert E. Christakis, Nektarios Kambouris, Ermione and Antonios Lear, Angela and Darrin Padasis, Triantafillia and Nikolaos Spinu, Cristina and Leonard Zetzmann, Kaler Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Kanellakis, Christ and Sophia Pappas Levendis, Eleni Pantazis, Poli and Angelo Stefanias, Maria and Adonios Zetzmann, Kathy and Robert Chronis, Diane and Nicholas Kapesis, Nataliya Levendis, John D. Pantiushenko, Inna Stokes, Maria and Brian Zouboukos, Carol and Nick Commagere, Anastacia Kanellos Kardoulias, Despina and Nicholas Levendis, Nicki M. Papadopoulos, Denise and Dennis