DECEMBER 2016 • Vol. 81 • No. 1321 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected] $1.00

What’s Inside

Orthodox Observer photo Between Heaven and Earth Topping–out ceremony took place at St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine P. 4–5

Codex returned Archbishop Demetrios presents the 9th century manuscript of the New Testament to the Metropolis of Drama, Greece P. 2 Warm coats National Philoptochos President proposes “One Warm Coat” campaign P. 7 Greek education seminar “My Greek” textbook series, discussed at Long Island GReek teachers seminar P. 20 Missions successes Orthodox Christian Mission Center reports on a successful year P. 21 Church history The Church History articles by Dr. William Samo- nides resume after a 6-month hiatus P. 22 Family connections Bishop Sevastianos of Zela leads Men’s Retreat at St. Basil Academy P. 23 Movie review (1658) iconographer Ilias Moskos Fr. Angelo Artemas reviews “Arrival” P. 24 CHRISTMAS ENCYCLICAL Youth–young adults Steven Christoforou on loving our enemies The Nativity of Christ Scriptures and the beautiful hymns of our P. 27 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the As the Father has sent me, services that sacred story of how Christ Presidents and Members of the Parish Coun- so I send you. was born of the Virgin Mary and as an (John 20:21) Metropolis of Boston cils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, infant was wrapped in swaddling clothes An interview with Metropolitan Methodios on the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical and laid in a manager. We contemplate current ministries of the Metropolis Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Beloved Brothers the miraculous and joyous appearance of P. 28 Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the and Sisters in Christ, the angels proclaiming to the shepherds Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the On this glorious Feast of the Nativ- entire Greek Orthodox Family in America ity of our Lord, we hear from the Holy uu to page 3 2 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS DECEMBER 2016 To contact Archbishop Demetrios Completes 9th Century National Ministries New Testament Codex Return to Greece

Archives by Stavros H. Papagermanos 212.570.3517 DRAMA, Greece – Archbishop Deme- [email protected] trios on Dec. 3 returned a rare 9th century Greek manuscript of the complete New Communications Testament, known as Codex 1424, he 212.774.0244 received from the Lutheran School of [email protected] Theology at Chicago to its rightful own- ers, the Holy Metropolis of Drama and its Greek Education Hierarch, Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama; 212.774.0233 and the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoin- [email protected] issa, from which the manuscript had been stolen by the Bulgarians in 1917. Internet Ministries The manuscript found its way to 646.519.6690 a European book dealer and was pur- [email protected] chased in 1920 by Levi Franklin Gruber, who later became president of Chicago’s Inter–Orthodox, Ecumenical Lutheran Theological Seminary, one of and Interfaith Relations six seminaries that eventually evolved into the Lutheran School of Theology at 212.570.3593 Chicago (LSTC). Gruber had bequeathed [email protected] the codex to his widow, and the School subsequently received his entire rare GOA/D. Panagos photo Ionian Village book collection from her. Earlier this year, 212.570.3538 Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama receives the codex from Archbishop Demetrios and the Rev. Dr. James the Ecumenical Patriarchate directly and Nieman, president of LSTC on Dec. 3. [email protected] through its representation in the United States, requested the return of the manu- accompanied the icons of the historic Bartholomew for the occasion. Center for Family Care script, to which LSTC voluntarily and Panagia Eikosifoinissa and of St. Barbara. The Archbishop in his remarks out- 845.424.8175 readily agreed. Metropolitan Barnabas of Neapolis lined three important factors that led to [email protected] In an official ceremony on Nov. 15 and Stavroupolis, joining the people of the return of the manuscript. First, he at the school, LSTC President Dr. James Drama in celebration, walked the route said, this would not have happened if it Parish Development Nieman, presented the manuscript to to the cathedral along with those coming were not for the initiative, the prestige 847.825.1432 Archbishop Demetrios who took it back from the United States for the events sur- and authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch. [email protected] to Greece. rounding the manuscript’s return. They Secondly, he spoke of the impor- On the eve of the feast of St. Barbara, included Rev. Dr. James Nieman, the tance of the resolve and determination Philanthropy the great martyr, –who is the patron saint Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago of Metropolitan Pavlos in seeking and 212.774.0283 of this city– a great procession began president, his wife JoAnn; Fr. Alexander recovering stolen items from around the from the location known as the springs [email protected] Karloutsos and Presbytera Xanthi; and world. of St. Barbara and led to the great and Archon George Tsougarakis. As a lawyer, Lastly the Archbishop thanked whole- ornate Cathedral of Drama, dedicated he assists efforts of the Ecumenical Patri- heartedly LSTC President Dr. Nieman and Public Affairs to the Entrance of Theotokos into the archate to locate and obtain lost or stolen his community who voluntarily returned 212.774.0400 Temple. The city’s philharmonic bands manuscripts. the historic manuscript in a Christian [email protected] led the procession, and a multitude of Archbishop Demetrios and Metropol- manner, in peace and in love. groups followed: school children, town, itan Pavlos waited at the Cathedral for the The Archbishop said the return of Registry professional and cultural organizations procession’s arrival and the repatriation this ancient handwritten copy of the New 212.570.3558 with their flags and banners. ceremony began. The Archbishop read Testament is the first of the signs from [email protected] Altar boys, priests and monastics a message sent by Ecumenical Patriarch God; “it is a sign and a miracle, the first in a series of signs to come, as we await Religious Education more like it from universities, museums 646.519.6300 How to Contact Archdiocesan Institutions, and other institutions to follow the great [email protected] Metropolises and Related Agencies and Organizations and beautiful example of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.” Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism Direct Archdiocesan District Tel. 212.288.3215; www.thecathedralnyc.org Dr. Nieman delivered his address 212.570.3500; www.goarch.org Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology 646.519.6160 in English, as Archdeacon Panteleimon Metropolis of Chicago 617.731.3500; www.hchc.edu [email protected] Papadopoulos translated into Greek for 312.337.4130; www.chicago.goarch.org Saint Basil Academy all those in attendance. Metropolis of Boston 845.424.3500; www.stbasil.goarch.org Dr. Nieman, based his remarks upon Youth and Young Adult Ministries 617.277.4742; www.boston.goarch.org St. Michael’s Home the greeting from St Paul’s letter to the 646.519.6780 Metropolis of Denver 914.476.3374; www.stmichaelshome.org Philippians and to all Christians: χάρις 303.333.7794; www.denver.goarch.org [email protected] St. Photios National Shrine υµίν και ειρήνη – grace upon you and Metropolis of Atlanta 904.829.8205; www.stphotios.com 404.634.9345; www.atlmetropolis.org peace. “The desire to live in a reality of Metropolis of Detroit Other key organizations and services grace and peace, he said, drove us to re- NEXT DEADLINE 248.823.2400; www.detroit.goarch.org National Philoptochos turn this ancient book…we did not have Metropolis of Pittsburgh to return this book we wanted to, so we Deadline for submitting information, 212.977.7770; www.philoptochos.org 412.621.5529; www.pittsburgh.goarch.org Internet Ministries: www.internet.goarch.org could right a wrong we never caused,” he articles and photos for consideration in Metropolis of San Francisco • Orthodox Jobs: www.orthodoxjobs.com said and added: “Alongside our delight in the January 2017 issue: Friday, Jan. 13 415.753.3075; www.sanfran.goarch.org • Orthodox Marketplace: www.orthodoxma- returning it to you is a lingering sorrow. Photos should be sent as a large format Metropolis of New Jersey ketplace.com We have lost something dear, a treasure .jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). 908.301.0500; www.nj.goarch.org • Online Store for Parishes: www.goarch.org/ beyond reckoning that nothing can repay. E-mail to: [email protected] freebookstore That’s what makes this a true gift. We have Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, Archdiocesan Institutions • Orthodox Children’s Bible Reader Online: returned it to you with sadness, yes, but 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075. Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity cbr.goarch.org also in freedom, knowing the joy it brings our friends in Christ. Consider this little book, he added, as a sign of grace – a EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at addi- token of the yet more profound gift of tional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced en- GREEK SECTION EDITOR, mercy and healing only God can bring.” tirely in–house. Past issues can be found on the Internet at: Immediately following, the manu- PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING: www.observer.goarch.org • e–mail: [email protected] Eleftherios Pissalidis script Codex 1424, placed in a clear USPS 412340 ISSN 0731–2547 Articles and advertising do not necessarily refl ect the views and GRAPHIC ARTIST: opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are plexiglass display, was brought out to the In 2016, published monthly Abel Montoya expressed in offi cial statements so labeled. solea and was handed over by Archbishop except February–March and July–August ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. Demetrios and Dr. Nieman to Metropoli- by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. BUSINESS MANAGER: Marissa P. Costidis Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. tan Pavlos and Abbess Alexia of the Holy Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa, as Editorial and Business Offi ce: THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Dn. Eleftherios Constantine the faithful in attendance applauded. 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. GOA Photographer: Dimitrios Panagos TEL.: (212) 570–3555 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, FAX (212) 774–0239 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Manginas 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 uu to next page DECEMBER 2016 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 3 Archbishop Returns Codex to Greece uu from page 2 Demetrios, Dr. James Nieman, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos and Archon Metropolitan Pavlos in his response, George Tsougarakis, as a token of first expressed hymns of gratitude for the appreciation. Theotokos, Holy Mother of God, and then The last part of the ceremony expressed the gratitude of the faithful included the signing of official docu- of his eparchy to Ecumenical Patriarch ments marking the return of the Co- Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios dex by all participants named above and those who worked together and and other contributors. contributed to the successful return of Following the ceremony, Arch- the manuscript. bishop Demetrios officiated at the His All-Holiness, he said, is the flag magnificent Byzantine service of GOA/D. Panagos photo bearer of this struggle for justice for the Great Vespers for the Feast of St. Prayer service Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa, Barbara, the Great Martyr, who is the and from his example we derive strength protector and patron saint of this city. A gathering of parishioners, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey o cials, Greek and Cypriot consuls and resolve to continue. general and news media representatives gathered in front of St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center To view photos of the event, visit: on Dec. 6, the Name Day of St. Nicholas. Archbishop Demetrios o ciated at the service. He also spoke of the long and signifi- https://flic.kr/s/aHskMysq8a Also attend- cant history and role of the Monastery of ing the service were Metropolitan Pro- Panagia Eikosifoinissa in the history of kopios of the neighboring Metropolis CHRISTMAS ENCYCLICAL Orthodoxy and Greece. of Philippi, Neapoleos and Thassos (city He said that the thoughtful words of of Kavala) and visiting Metropolitan uu from page 1 temptations. Christ entered our life in a Dr. Nieman should reach the ears of those Barnabas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis miraculous way, to sanctify our humanity neighbors who ransacked the monastery (a Metropolis bordering Thessaloniki). the good news: For there is born to you and to restore us to the image and like- and still refuse to recognize their acts and Additionally, the three-hour service was this day in the city of David a Savior, who ness of God. In so doing He became the return all that was taken. attended by all local officials and govern- is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). We marvel way to heaven and eternal communion Metropolitan Pavlos awarded ment representatives, officials of the busi- at the inspiration of the wise men as they with God. Through His offering He de- the highest honor of the Church ness and education sectors, officers of the traveled from distant lands to offer gifts feated death and revealed His power to of Drama, the Golden Medal of St. armed forces and the civil authorities and and reverence to the newborn King. give abundant and eternal life. Chrysostom of Smyrna to Archbishop hundreds of faithful. We celebrate this Feast and event With Christ in our midst we offer filled with grace, the Incarnation of Jesus a beautiful witness of Him through our Christ for our salvation. He was sent for worship. us. He was sent to reveal the magnitude of We also affirm that the Feast of the FAITH Endowment Offers God’s love for us, to lead us in the path of Nativity is a feast of invitation. He assured righteousness, and to make possible our us that as the Father sent Him, He sends Travel Grants to Ionian Village salvation and our full reconciliation with us to invite others to come and know Him God. He came so that we could know (John 20:21). He sends us as His voice into th For the 10 consecutive year, at thefaithendowment.org/travelgrant Him, and in Him find truth and life. a challenging and changing world. As the FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy for participations of Session One and Today, we know Him as the Christ shepherds responded to the proclama- and Hellenism, will award full and par- Session Two, ages 15-18. Completed child, the hope for all humanity, and the tion of the angels, we glorify and praise tial financial aid travel grants to qualify- applications must be received in the fulfillment of divine promises. He is the God for all that we have seen and heard, ing campers participating in the 2017 mail by the Feb. 3, 2017 deadline. Full dayspring from on high (Luke 1:78), the and we are sent by Him to share the Ionian Village summer camp program. applicant criteria can be found at the Anointed One, who has come to preach good news. As the wise men came and “FAITH Travel Grants to Ionian Village” link above. the gospel to the poor, to heal the bro- worshipped him, our hearts are filled with are primarily need-based financial aid Applicants are encouraged to follow kenhearted, to give sight to the blind, and joy and thanksgiving. We are sent into a awards; however, each applicant’s aca- FAITH on Facebook (facebook.com/ to set at liberty those who are oppressed changing world as witnesses of His grace demic performance will also be weighed faithendowment) for program updates (Luke 4:18). proclaiming, For unto us a Child is born, into the evaluation review process. and award notification timelines. Prior- We know Him as truth and love. In unto us a Son is given: And His name is Each year, Ionian Village partici- ity is given to high school seniors. the Vespers of the Feast we proclaim, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the pants travel across Greece and visit In 2016, FAITH awarded 45 FAITH “When the Lord Jesus was born of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). significant sites of Greek history, cul- travel grants to Ionian Village to young holy Virgin, all the world was enlight- May the blessings of the incarnate ture and the Greek Orthodox faith. At people from all metropolises in the U.S. ened.” He reveals truth, and the light of God, our Lord Jesus Christ be with each the end of each program, the campers who may not otherwise have had the truth shines within our hearts and minds, of you and your families during this holy return home with strengthened faith, opportunity to visit Greece. In addi- dispelling the darkness of sin and death. season of His Nativity, and together may lifelong friendships and an expanded tion to underwriting financial aid travel He reveals that the foundation of truth we be the voice of Christ inviting all to appreciation for the Greek Orthodox grants, FAITH sponsors the “FAITH is God’s love for us, and with this love come and see and glorify Him. Church and Hellenic culture. Scholarships for Academic Excellence” He became flesh and dwelt among us, Elaine Jaharis, a FAITH Endowment program each year. so that we behold His glory, full of grace With paternal love in Him, founder, Ionian Village alumna and This competitive merit-based schol- and truth (John 1:14). Grants Committee chairman, spoke arship series awards college scholar- Today, we know Him through His on behalf of the Founders of FAITH, ships to high school seniors ranked power to give life. We know Him be- “We are sincerely pleased to offer this within the top of their graduating class. cause He knows our human condition, transformative and spiritually enriching For more information about this and our struggles and limitations, and our † DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of Ameri ca experience to young people who may other programs, visit thefaithendow- not otherwise have the opportunity to ment.org. For more information, call: connect to their Hellenic roots and Or- 212-644-6960 or email info@thefaithen- thodox faith.” Application are available dowment.org L–100 Welcomes New Members NEW YORK – The Archbishop Iako- membership contributions since incep- CLERGY UPDATE vos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund tion were $76.6 million, the investment Executive Committee and Board of portfolio totaled $79,094,931, while total ropolitan Iakovos of Chicago 10/26/16 Trustees welcomed eight new members assets stood at $91.1 million, he added. Ordinations to the Priesthood Fr. Vincent Minucci – Office of Confes- at a membership meeting Nov. 10–11 at Some 75 members and guests at- Dn. Gregory Floor – Metropolitan sor, bestowed by Metropolitan Metho- the Harvard Club. tended the Membership Recruitment Methodios of Boston – Transfiguration dios of Boston 10/30/16 The Executive Committee and Board Dinner. Speakers included Tsandikos; Church, Lowell, MA 10/16/16 Fr. Jerry Hall – Office of Protopresby- of Trustees addressed issues ranging from Founder and Chairman Emeritus Arthur ter, bestowed by Archbishop Deme- membership to grant distributions and C. Anton; Treasurer Thomas G. Jordan, Assignments trios 11/06/16 the investment portfolio. In 2016, Leader- Membership Committee Chairman Theo- V. Rev. Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis – Fr. Lukas Gikas – Office of Confessor, ship 100 has recruited 50 new members dore K. Zampetis, and Executive Director St. Thomas, Clifton, NJ 10/01/16 bestowed by Metropolitan Iakovos of to date with total membership reaching Paulette Poulos. Fr. Robert Stephanopou- Fr. Nicholas Rafael II – St. Demetrios Chicago 11/13/16 1,022, including 589 fulfilled members, los, Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Church, North Wildwood, NJ 11/15/16 Fr. Chrysostomos Gilbert – Office of according to George S. Tsandikos, chair- dean emeritus, offered the invocation. Fr. Angelo Artemas – St. George Archimandrite, bestowed by Arch- man. New members who joined included Church, Clifton, NJ 12/01/16 bishop Demetrios 11/13/16 Archbishop Demetrios offered pa- Aegina G. Angeliades, Spyros and Kay Fr. Demetrios Sean Govostes – St. Fr. Gregory Christakis – Office of ternal remarks and his vision for the Georgopalis, Steve and Eleni Kreatsoulas, George Church Schenectady, NY Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan Church’s future. Angelo and Joanna Mallas, Bess Nicholas, 12/01/16 Methodios of Boston 11/20/16 Tsandikos also reported that cu- Nicholas and Pauline Papain, Christopher Offikia mulative grant distributions reached L. Rendon and Ari and Gina Tsatsaronis. Fr. Apostolos Georgiafentis – Office Retired Clergy $45,753,441 in 2016, while total grants Preparations are under way for Lead- of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Met- Fr. Peter Souritzidis 12/01/16 approved through 2017 will reach ership 100’s 26th annual conference to be $47,524,841. As of Oct. 31, total inviolate held Feb. 9–12 in Manalapan, Fla. 4 DECEMBER 2016

With Topping–Out, Church/Shrine Completion in Sight

by Jim Golding years. He praised the parishioners of the original St. Nicholas parish who NEW YORK – The herculean effort persevered in keeping the church func- to rebuild St. Nicholas at the World tioning and not selling the property for Trade Center reached a monumental the construction of the original World milestone on Nov. 28 with an afternoon Trade Center towers in the late 1960s. topping-off ceremony at the site of the Other speakers included John new church and national shrine. Dolan, project executive for Skanska Traditionally, the ceremony is a Construction, the main contractor for builders’ rite held when the last beam the past two years; who expressed his (or equivalent) has been placed on top gratitude for being involved in the proj- of a structure and a small tree or leafy ect; Patrick J. Foye, executive director branch is temporarily installed on the of the Port Authority of New York & roof. New Jersey; and Steve Plate, chief of As befitting a church, rather than capital projects for the Port Authority. a tree or branch, a temporary nearly Foye noted the “steadfast support” seven–foot steel cross was hoisted to from New York Gov. Mario Cuomo in the top of St. Nicholas. bringing about the successful undertak- Following the program with several ing of the project. speakers, Archbishop Demetrios con- Praising the perseverance of the ducted a brief prayer service and aghi- members of the Archdiocese, Plate asmo prior to the lifting of the cross. stated that, “People who finish the race A crowd of nearly 100 attended, and never give up always succeed. God including members of the original St. bless you all on this special day.” Nicholas parish, officials of the Port Concluding the program, Archbish- Authority of New York and New Jersey, op Demetrios recognized the efforts of GOA/D. Panagos photos Skanska Construction and major do- those who have tenaciously supported nors including Peter J. Pappas, Leader- the project to rebuild St. Nicholas from ship 100 Chairman and Archdiocesan its inception, especially the late Michael Council Vice Chairman George Tsan- Jaharis, and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos. dikos and Executive Director Paulette The Archbishop also noted Gov. Poulos. Cuomo’s “very, very instrumental” role Jerry Dimitriou, executive director in bringing about project’s success. for administration at the Archdiocese His Eminence said the message welcomed those in attendance, includ- of St. Nicholas is that of “an opening ing several news media organizations. toward a non-material reality – the pres- “This is a very, very emotional day ence of God,” and that the mission and for all of us,” said Dimitriou, who has of this church will be to offer a vision been overseeing the construction phase “beyond the bolder imagination.” of the project and has been actively involved in the effort over the past 15 uu next page THE FATHERS INTERPRET Apostoliki Diakonia, a significant and multi-faceted ministry of the Church of Greece, published in 1996 the book OΙ ΠΑΤΕΡΕΣ ΕΡΜΗΝΕΥΟΥΝ authored by Archbishop Demetrios of America. Orthodox Observer photo The book contained six original studies on patristic biblical exegesis. Now, Apostoliki Diakonia has published these studies in English in a new book titled THE FATHERS INTERPRET.

To purchase your copy of The Fathers Interpret ($15 per copy + $6 S&H) please call 212-774-0244, or email [email protected], or comple the order form below and mail it to: Department of Communications, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

Yes, I want to order _____ copies Name: ______Enclosed is my check for: Address: ______$______or

Exp. date: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Card No.: ______Phone: ______Name on Card: ______

Signature: ______Email: ______DECEMBER 2016 5

St. Nicholas Topping–Out It will be a meaning that the pain tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its experienced in the dark days of 9/11 construction. “led to the triumph of the human It was long an important compo- will.” nent of timber frame building. The In the brief service following the practice migrated initially to England program, that included prayers and and throughout Northern Europe, hymns relating to the cross and to then to the Americas. St. Nicholas, the Archbishop blessed News organizations covering the the temporary cross with holy water. event included the New York Times, Assisting were Archdeacon Pan- New York Post, local network affili- teleimon Papadopoulos and Deacon ates of ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox and Eleftherios Constantine. local TV station New York 1. Estimated completion date of Greek media included the daily the church and national shrine is National Herald, the weekly Greek expected to be spring 2018, when News, NEO magazine and Antenna the permanent cross will be installed. (ANT1) TV. The “topping out” a new building can be traced to the ancient Scandi- Further coverage can be seen at navian religious rite of placing a tree www.stnicholaswtc.org and the Face- atop a new building to appease the book page for SNC.

GOA/D. Panagos photos

Opposite page – (top) Archbishop Demetrios blesses the temporary steel cross to be placed atop the dome. The 7-foot cross was placed on the 50-foot wide dome. The interim cross will be replaced by a permanent cross when the church is completed, sometime in the spring of 2018. (center) Steve Plate, who oversees all capital projects at the World Trade Center and has been a moving force behind the e ort to build the new church, addresses the gathering about his joy at seeing the project become a reality. (bottom) Looking west toward the church with the newly installed cross.

Above – Onlookers, including His Eminence, Archdeacon Panteleimon, Deacon Eleftherios and others, follow the journey of the cross after it is hoisted up by a crane to the top of the dome. (top right), which took about 11 minutes. Skan- ska construction workers prepare to receive the cross for placement on a steel ring that connects the individual ribs that will support the dome. (lower right) His Eminence is joined by major donors, Port Authority o cials, Leadership 100 representatives George Tsandikos, chairman, and Executive Director Paulette Poulos, the Consul General and Consul of Greece and other dignitaries. 6 DECEMBER 2016

“ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) A Blessed Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year George S. Tsandikos, Chairman Argyris Vassiliou, Vice Chairman Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary Thomas G. Jordan, Treasurer Paulette Poulos, Executive Director

Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, Incorporated ADVANCING ORTHODOXY AND HELLENISM IN AMERICA DECEMBER 2016 7 Archdiocesan Institutions - Philoptochos

Philoptochos Provides Warm Coats for the Holidays

by Barbara Pasalis

Following the success of last term’s Feeding the Hungry pro- gram, National President Maria Logus proposed additional hands- on projects for the consideration of the chapters. These included an expansion of the Feeding the Hungry program, Giving Trees to provide personal items and necessities to the less fortunate living in shelters during the holi- Orthodox Observer photo days, “Phone Home” cards for service men and women stationed Executive Board – National Philoptochos Executive Board members hold their festive fall meeting at the Center for Philanthropy on Dec. abroad, Autism Social Stories, 5. Also present is Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, their spiritual advisor. a reinvigoration of the Literacy program and the One Warm Coat initiative. The One Warm Coat campaign St. Louis Chapter Hosts President’s has been proposed as a project for the holidays and throughout the Christmas Message winter season. National Philop- “Operation Shower” tochos has partnered with One To the members of the National Warm Coat, a San Francisco–based ST. LOUIS – On Nov. 10, the St. only provide amazing must-haves for Philoptochos Board, the Metropolis organization that facilitates the Nicholas Church chapter hosted a the moms and their babies, but also Boards, Chapter Presidents, Stewards distribution of coats to the needy dinner and baby shower to assist give these women and their families and Friends of Philoptochos, and unfortunate. expectant mothers whose partners a chance to come together and cel- At a recent soup run on a cold Chapters conduct a coat drive are deployed military personnel. ebrate. and windy night in New York, Philop- to collect gently used and cleaned Held just a few days before Veterans As an invited speaker at the tochos members enthusiastically coats and jackets and then take Day, the event was a joint effort of event, Ms. Morrissey shared with the filled sustainable bags with hot them to a drop off location in their the chapter and Operation Shower, attendees her desire to give back to meals, healthy sandwiches, personal local area for distribution. a national organization founded in her community and to make a dif- hygiene items and fresh, warm cloth- One Warm Coat will help 2007 by LeAnn Morrissey to provide ference in the lives of our military ing, for the hungry and homeless. Just chapters organize a coat drive. a “baby shower in a box” for four families. This became the inspiration before leaving, one of our guests, a Free tools including banners, fly- expectant mothers. The support she for Operation Shower. On behalf of young man, smiled sweetly, turned ers, a thermometer for your goal, received during the process of put- the grateful ladies of the St. Louis and observed, “When you’re here thank you letters, etc. are avail- ting the boxes together, the gratitude chapter, Georgia Ferretti, president, with us, it’s just like Christmas Day.” able once the chapter registers at of the mothers and the morale boost presented Ms. Morrissey with a check The Feast of the Nativity should onewarmcoat.org. Finally, they for the fathers inspired Ms. Morrissey for $1,000 to support the work of cause each of us to reflect not only will provide a list of distribution to continue and expand the program. her organization. More importantly, on the humble and extraordinary centers within a specific zip code Over the years, Operation Shower thanks to many generous donors, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus where chapters can drop off the has hosted showers for thousands chapter presented her with a large Christ, but also on the continuing coats. of military families, thanks to the volume of diapers and baby wipes for significance of His birth to all of us. Of course, your chapter may overwhelming support of individu- distribution to numerous deserving For our young guest at the soup run, wish to personally distribute coats als, groups and corporate sponsors expectant military families. the comfort of the meal, the warmth and other items of clothing. nationwide. The National Philoptochos con- of the clean clothing and the kindness Indeed, at soup runs in New Operation Shower’s mission is tinues its commitment to support- and love shown to him by strang- York City this winter, National to ease the stress of deployment ing our troops overseas. The New ers fully embodied the meaning of Philoptochos Board and local by hosting joyful baby showers for Philanthropic Initiatives committee Christmas. chapter members will distribute military families across the country. continually researches organizations As members of Philoptochos, we scores of winter coats, windbreak- The baby showers provide expectant that provide assistance to those in the know the joy of helping others. We ers, shirts, pants, socks and under- military families with high quality service, veterans, and their families know that whatever we give comes clothing to the needy. The sincere products for their babies while recog- here in the United States and abroad. back to us one hundred fold. Our thanks of the Philoptochos goes to nizing and honoring all that they do We encourage chapters to honor guest was right - love for one another the Haymondo Family of Uniforms for our country. Since its founding, and demonstrate support for our US and kindness extended to someone by Park Coats in Brooklyn, N.Y, Operation Shower has evolved into a troops and veterans by embracing in need, coupled with the hope of who generously donated so many national program, sometimes hosting one or more of these projects. Visit salvation, should be central to our of the items. baby showers for up to 25 expectant www.philoptochos.org/outreach/ understanding and our celebration As noted above, the One moms at a time. The showers not projects/veteranslinks of Christmas. Fulfilling the mission of Warm Coat initiative is just one Philoptochos, and more importantly, of the many projects proposed living our faith through philanthropy, to the chapters by the national NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE enables us to reaffirm that message in organization. President Logus ourselves and to instill that belief in stressed that each chapter should 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.theHotline.org our children and youth. choose the project or projects that • As we celebrate Christmas and are most relevant and appropriate the joyful commemoration of God’s for their community. The key is to Anonymous and Confidential Help love for us, my prayer is that our engage the chapter and parish in from Trained Advocates 24 hours/day hearts will overflow with humanity a project the entire community and with love for one another and believes in and embraces. In this that we will fully experience and way, the work of Philoptochos 7 days/week embrace the beauty and grace of the will be meaningful and valuable Nativity. throughout the country. Referrals to Local Programs Maria Logus 8 DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 9 STERLING TRAVEL 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. 08865 www.hellastickets.com • [email protected] Cheap Tickets, Great Price You are the Voice 20 Lauren Lane, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 of Christ in TICKETS 2 GREECE ON SALE a Changing World. ‘As the Father has sent ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ από Me; so I send you.’ $ John 20:21 ΑΘΗΝΑ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ 299Με επιστροφή Orthodox Observer 2017 Deadlines + FUEL FEES + TAXES EXTRA • Περιορισμένος αριθμός θέσεων • Restrictions Apply Note: The following is the tentative deadline schedule for submitting articles and photos to the Orthodox Observer for consideration in 2016. In rare instances, it may be necessary to change a deadline. If that occurs, the new date will appear in red letters. Χαμηλές τιμές για ΑΠΛΗ ΜΕΤΑΒΑΣΗ • ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΕΣ ΚΙ ΑΠΟ ΑΛΛΕΣ ΠΟΛΕΙΣ Month Deadline Highlights 2017 P.O. Box 800306, Miami, Fla., 33280 January Friday, Jan. 13 Post Epiphany coverage February–March Friday, Feb 10 Easter issue April Friday, March. 24 Τηλεφωνείστε δωρεάν (Call Toll Free): 1.800.473.3238 • 1.908.213.1251 May Friday, April 21 HCHC commencement issue June Friday, May 26 July–August Friday, June 23 September Thursday, Aug. 31 New ecclesiastical year begins ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗ October Friday, Sept. 29 Archon weekend issue November Friday, Oct. 27 Thanksgiving issue December Thursday, Nov. 30 Christmas issue

From the entire AHEPA Supreme Lodge, Board of Trustees & all our National officers Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017 Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισµένος ο καινούριος χρόνος 2017 Often Imitated, NEVER Duplicated Join AHEPA TODAY! • www.ahepa.org 10 DECEMBER 2016 Metropolis News

ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΡΜΕΣ ΕΥΧΕΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ 2017

Specialists in Travel to Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus & Jordan • Tailor made itineraries to any of our unique destinations. • European Honeymoon & Wedding specialists. • European Family Vacations. • Customized European Group Travel. • Specialists in Greek Orthodox groups to the Holy Land, Constantinople & Greece. JOIN US ON OUR GREEK ORTHODOX Annunciation parish photos PILGRIMAGES & CULTURAL TOURS: Archbishop Demetrios addresses parishioners at Annunciation Church’s centennial dinner. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Havana, Cuba PILGRIMAGE TO CUBA: With visits to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Havana: April 21 - 25, 2017 • Led by Fr. John Lardas of Archangel Michael Church in Port Akron Church Marks Centennial Washington, NY AKRON, Ohio – Parishioners of An- to create the church. A lunch of gyros, HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES: April 25 - May 03, 2017 nunciation Church celebrated the 100th souvlaki, village fries, and watermelon • Led by Fr. Stephen Karcher of St. Anthony Church in anniversary of their church Nov. 4-5 was provided. There were many activities Reno, NV - October 10 - 17, 2017 Led by Fr. James Retelas weekend. for the children to enjoy: face painting, a • The Archbishop presided at the photo booth, a balloon bender, and vol- of Annunciation Church in Sacramento, CA Archierarchal Divine Liturgy on Nov. 5. leyball. A dunk tank, featuring Fr. Andy PILGRIMAGE TO RUSSIA: Moscow & St. Petersburg: July 10-20, 2017 In addition to Archbishop Demetrios Lentz and Fr. Jerry Hall, was a big hit. PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY: Italy & Sicily: Oct., 2017 and Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, par- On March 26, the first Festival of the ticipating clergy included pastor Fr. Jerry Arts at Annunciation took place. Parish- Visit us at: www.GreekOrthodoxPilgrimages.com Hall, Deacons Ryan Gzikowski and Mark ioners were invited to bring their art to Studebaker, Archdeacon Panteleimon display. 31 09 Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY 11102 Papadapoulos, Frs. Michael Monos, Dean Photographs, sculptures, and glass- Tel.: (718) 721-3808 Toll Free: 1-800-223-7880 Botsis, Metropolis Chancellor George ware are a few of the mediums repre- Fax: (718) 795-4356 E-mail: [email protected] Callos, Fr. William Bartz, whose father, Fr. sented at the Festival. In addition to the George N. Bartz, had been a longtime par- physical art, there was a performance seg- www.cloudtours.com ish priest in Akron, and Fr. Andrew Lentz. ment which ranged from acrobatics and The celebration started in January karate to original performances, poetry with a kickoff luncheon and ended with readings and various instrument solos. the Gala Weekend. The talented artists spanned the age Other events included a Founders range of the church: from preschool to Day picnic on July 10, where the parish great–grandparents. It was a night of took coffee hour outside for a celebration appreciation for the many talents of our of the families who gathered together parishioners.

Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Savas, and Fr. Jerry Hall with parish council and centennial com- mittee members. Guidelines for Centennial News As the Archdiocese will mark the 100th to the start of festivities. If a celebratory activity year of its founding in 1922, a number of par- such as a banquet or other formal program, ishes founded in the decades the late 19th and is planned, an article and photos may be sent early 20th centuries have already celebrated immediately after it has taken place. Articles their centennials and more and more commu- and stories may be 500 to 700 words in length. nities will also mark this important milestone Pictures should be high resolution (300 dpi or in the coming years. greater). Photos posted online are not of high The Orthodox Observer welcomes enough resolution for use in a print publica- articles and photos from parishes on their tion. Further photo guidelines are available on celebrations and offers a few guidelines for the classified advertising page. submission of articles and information about More information, e-mail: jim@goarch. these events. Communities planning a series org Parishes observing this event in 2017 are of events taking place over the course of asked to send a brief e-mail as to the date the year, may submit an article noting these of its primary celebration so a listing of all activities two or three months in advance for these communities may be included in the publication in an issue of the Observer prior December issue. DECEMBER 2016 11 Metropolis News RIZOS JEWELRY 36-05 162 Street, Flushing, NY 11358 tel.: 718.445.7272 • fax: 718.445.5133

Photo courtesy of Allen Altchech Photography the one and only jewelry store in the USA Theofanis Economidis, Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, Metropolitan Gerasimos and Vickie and George Demos. that designs and manufactures christening crosses. WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE THE GREEK AMERICAN San Francisco Metropolis Celebrates COMMUNITY ALL OVER THE COUNTRY SINCE 1972 Ministries, Honors Leaders Please visit our website www.rizosjewelry.com by Kristen Bruskas our stewards, as the eagle is a universal and check our wonderful collection symbol of strength, authority and free- NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Honoring dom. It also represents the Lord’s vast Chris Rizos the extraordinary leadership of Gerry and embrace of all His people, keeping them Jeannie Ranglas and celebrating the min- safe beneath His protective wings. Upon istries of the Metropolis of San Francisco being presented with their award, the highlighted the 2016 Gala held Nov. 12. Ranglases commented that their work The Ranglases were honored with for the Church “is a labor of love. It is a Merry Christmas the Theofanis Economidis Award in rec- way for us to share the blessings we have ognition of their devoted stewardship and received to help the Church grow and exemplary leadership to the Metropolis thrive.” They continued on to say, “We of San Francisco with Metropolitan Gera- accept this award not just for ourselves, and a simos remarking, “This honor being be- but on behalf of our family – from our stowed upon you tonight does not signify grandparents to our parents, our siblings the completion of your work, but rather and our children – they have all been in- it pays tribute to your faithful service and strumental in our work for the Church.” Happy New Year your ongoing devotion to the Church.” The 2016 Gala was chaired by Ar- ΕΜΠΝΕΥΣΗ • ΤΕΧΝΗ • ΠΡΩΤΟΤΥΠΙΑ A capacity-filled ballroom with over chon George and Vickie Demos from 420 guests enjoyed a beautiful evening Huntington Beach, Calif. In his welcome filled with tributes to Gerry and Jeannie remarks, George Demos commented, Ranglas, including messages from Lead- “There is no task that is too great or ership 100 Chairman George Tsandikos too small for Gerry and Jeannie. They and Executive Director Paulette Poulos, are examples of faith in action and they To donate and National Philoptochos President inspire all of us through their dedication to the St. Nicholas National Shrine, make checks payable to: Maria Logus. Video messages from Ecu- and commitment.” Leading the program Greek Orthodox Archdiocese menical Patriarch Bartholomew and Arch- were Masters of Ceremony Nicole Dalkas bishop Demetrios highlighted the work Castrale, recently retired from the LPGA Mailing Address: of the Ranglas’ for the Church, and their Tour and current commentator on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, steadfastness as faithful stewards and Golf Channel, along with Jenni Pulos, 8 East 79th St., New York, NY 10075 exemplary Orthodox Christians. Gerry co–star and executive producer of Bravo www.stnicholaswtc.org serves on the Archdiocesan Council, is TV’s Flipping Out. a member of the Board of Trustees of Major sponsors for the Gala includ- Leadership 100, and is an Archon of the ed: Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, George Ecumenical Patriarchate. Jeannie is presi- C. and Vickie Demos, O’Melveny & My- dent of the Metropolis of San Francisco ers LLP, Isidoros and Maria Garifalakis, Philoptochos, and also serves as first vice and the George and Judy Marcus Family president of the National Philoptochos. Foundation. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board also The evening opened to the sounds presented Jeannie with a diamond en- of the 1940’s with the Esquires Big crusted gold dove pin encircled by a chain Band performing as guests entered the symbolizing the bonds of unity and peace elaborately decorated ballroom, and also inherent in the ministry of Philoptochos. provided entertainment during dinner. Also included in the Gala program Greek singer Harry Varthakouris, son was a video highlighting the ministries of the legendary Yiannis Parios, was the of the Metropolis. featured performer at the Gala. In addi- This offered deeper insight into the tion to his singing career, Varthakouris is vast array of programs and ministries widely known for writing, arranging and which are being offered for the benefit producing hit songs for Antonis Remos, of our clergy and faithful. Another video Despina Vandi, Sakis Rouvas and Natassa entitled “Family, Faith and Philanthropy” Theodoridou. He was accompanied by chronicled the lives of Gerry and Jeannie Maestro Nikos Kouros, and Theo Pasialis Ranglas and their leadership and dedica- on the bouzouki. tion to the Church. Proceeds from the Gala will support the ongoing development and expan- Economides Award sion of the ministries which have been The Ranglases were presented with cultivated through the efforts of the Me- the Theofanis Economidis Award, named tropolis Strategic Plan which was initiated in honor of its first recipient and pre- in 2012 and has brought forth a more sented to distinguished stewards in rec- comprehensive and visionary infrastruc- ognition of their leadership, inspirational ture to provide meaningful and relevant vision, hard work, and humble service ministries for the clergy and faithful of the to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. Metropolis. For more information on the The stunning crystal Baccarat Imperator vibrant ministries of the Greek Orthodox Eagle has been chosen as the symbol to Metropolis of San Francisco, visit www. honor the extraordinary leadership of sanfran.goarch.org. 12 DECEMBER 2016

Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year!

Michael & Robin Psaros, Alexandra, Leo & Marina ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2016 ΕΤΟΣ 81 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1321 Εγκύκλιος Συγκινητική τελετή επιστροφής και παραδόσεως κλαπέντος χειρογράφου στην Ι. Μητρόπολη Δράμας

που ήρθε από τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες για να συμμετάσχει στους εορτασμούς της επι- στροφής του χειρογράφου στην οποία συμ- μετείχαν ο Δρ. James Nieman, πρόεδρος της εν Σικάγω Λουθηρανικής Θεολογικής Σολής με την σύζυγό του JoAnn, ο π. Αλέξανδρος Καρλούτσος μετά της πρεσβυτέρας Ξανθής και ο Άρχων Γεώργιος Τσουγκαράκης, ο οποί- ος, ως δικηγόρος συνεισέφερε σημαντικά στις προσπάθειες του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου να εντοπισθούν, να επανακτηθούν και να επα- ναπατρισθούν και άλλα χαμένα και κλαπέντα κειμήλια και χειρόγραφα. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος και ο Μητροπολίτης Δράμας Παύλος ανέ- μεναν στο ναό για την άφιξη της λιτανείας και αμέσως μετά άρχισε η τελετή του επα- ναπατρισμού του πολύτιμου χειρογράφου του 9ου αιώνος. Ο Αμερικής Δημήτριος 25 Δεκεμβρίου 2016 ανέγνωσε γραπτό μήνυμα του Οικουμενικού GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου ειδικά για την συγκεκριμένη τελετή. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος σημείωσε τρεις βα- Χριστούγεννα του Σταύρου Η. Παπαγερμανού την τοποθεσία «πηγές της Αγίας Βαρβάρας» και καταλήγει στο Μητροπολιτικό Καθε- σικούς παράγοντες που οδήγησαν στην Καθώς ἀπέσταλκέν ΔΡΑΜΑ – Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπί- δρικό Ναό της Δράμας. Προπορεύονταν οι επιστροφή του χειρογράφου. Πρώτον, όπως σκοπος Γέρων Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος επανέ- φιλαρμονικές της πόλεως και ακολουθούσαν είπε, είναι σαφές ότι το πολύτιμο αυτό κεί- με ὁ Πατήρ, φερε το Σάββατο 3 Δεκεμβρίου 2016 κατά τη σχολεία, πολιτιστικά και επαγγελματικά μενο δεν θα επέστρεφε εάν δεν επενέβαινε διάρκεια λαμπρής και συγκινητικής τελετής σωματεία και οργανισμοί με τα λάβαρα και ο Παναγιώτατος Πατριάρχης μας, η πρωτο- κἀγώ πέμπω ὑμᾶς βουλία και το κύρος του οποίου κατέστησαν στο Μητροπολιτικό Ναό των Εισοδείων της τις σημαίες τους. Στη συνέχεια ιερόπαιδες, Ἰωάν. 20:21 Θεοτόκου στη Δράμα ένα σπάνιο χειρόγραφο μοναχές και κληρικοί συνόδευαν τις δύο εφικτή την επιστροφή του κειμένου σε μια του κειμένου της Καινής Διαθήκης του 9ου εικόνες της λιτανείας, πρώτα την εικόνα περίπτωση που τέτοια κείμενα, σπανιότατα Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί εάν ποτέ επιστρέφονται, είπε, και τόνισε ότι Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλα- αιώνος γνωστό ως Κώδικας 1424, και το της πολιούχου Αγίας Βαρβάρας και αμέσως επέστρεψε στους νόμιμους ιδιοκτήτες του, μετά την ιστορική και χρυσοποίκιλτη εικόνα «οφείλουμε ευγνωμοσύνη στον Οικουμενικό βεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς μας Πατριάρχη για αυτή του τη πρωτοβουλία Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέ- δηλαδή στην Ιερά Μητρόπολη Δράμας και της Παναγίας Εικοσιφοινίσσης, η οποία για στην Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Εικοσιφοινίσσης, πρώτη φορά τα τελευταία δέκα χρόνια εξήλθε και την μοναδικότητα της επεμβάσεώς του». δρους καί Μέλη τῶν Συμβουλίων τῶν Δεύτερον, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος αναφέρθηκε στον Ἑλληνορθοδόξων Κοινοτήτων, τῶν από όπου το χειρόγραφο είχε κλαπεί από τους της μονής για την περιφορά. Συμμετέχοντας Βουλγάρους το 1917. στον ιστορικό εορτασμό του λαού της Δράμας καθοριστικό ρόλο της επιμονής και αποφα- Διακεκριμένων Ἀρχόντων τοῦ Οἰκου- σιστικότητος του Μητροπολίτου Δράμας κ. μενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τά Ἡμερήσια Οι εκδηλώσεις άρχισαν την παραμονή ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Νεαπόλεως της εορτής της Αγίας Μεγαλομάρτυρος και Σταυρουπόλεως κ. Βαρνάβας ηγείτο της Παύλου, ο οποίος «πάλευε μέρα και νύχτα», καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλο- είπε χαρακτηριστικά. Τέλος, ο Σεβασμιώτατος πτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, Βαρβάρας, προστάτιδος και πολιούχου της λιτανείας προπορευόμενος χιλιάδων λαού και Δράμας με μεγάλη λιτανεία που ξεκινά από συνοδευόμενος επίσης από αντιπροσωπεία ευχαρίστησε ολοψύχως την κοινότητα και τον τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί πρόεδρο της εν Σικάγω Λουθηρανικής Θεο- ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα λογικής Σχολής Δρ. James Nieman, ο οποίος, τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. όπως είπε, ήρθε ο ίδιος εδώ για να παραδώσει το κείμενο εθελουσίως, με χριστιανικό τρόπο, Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί ειρηνικά και με αγάπη. Επιπλέον, ο Αρχιεπί- καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, σκοπος σημείωσε ότι το σημερινό γεγονός Στή λαμπρή Ἑορτή τῆς Γεννήσεως της επιστροφής του χειρογράφου αυτού της τοῦ Κυρίου μας ἀκοῦμε ἀπό τήν Ἁγία Καινής Διαθήκης είναι αρχή των σημείων Γραφή καί τούς ὑπέροχους ὕμνους τῶν που μας δίνει ο Θεός, «είναι ένα σημείο και ἀκολουθιῶν μας τήν ἱερή ἱστορία τῆς ένα θαύμα που γίνεται σήμερα και είναι το Γεννήσεως τοῦ βρέφους Χριστοῦ ἀπό πρώτο, είναι η αρχή των σημείων». Συμπλή- τήν Παρθένο Μαρία, τό Ὁποῖο τύλιξε ρωσε δε ότι «περιμένουμε από πανεπιστήμια, σέ σπάργανα καί τοποθέτησε σέ μιά από μουσεία κι απ’ άλλους χώρους παρόμοιες φάτνη. Θεωροῦμε τήν θαυματουργική ενέργειες ως συνέχεια σε αυτή την ωραία και καί χαρμόσυνη ἐμφάνιση τῶν ἀγγέλων μεγάλη κίνηση που έκανε η Λουθηρανική οἱ ὁποῖοι ἀνήγγειλαν στούς βοσκούς Θεολογική Σχολή του Σικάγου». τήν καλή εἴδηση: Ὅτι ἐτέχθη ὑμῖν σή- Ο Δρ. James Nieman, μίλησε κατόπιν μερον Σωτήρ Ὅς ἐστιν Χριστός Κύριος ἐν στα Αγγλικά, και ο Αρχιδιάκονος της Αρχιε- πόλει Δαυίδ (Λουκ.: 2:11). Θαυμάζουμε Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας πισκοπής Αμερικής π. Παντελεήμων Παπα- τήν ἔμπνευση τῶν μάγων οἱ ὁποῖοι δόπουλος μετέφραζε στα Ελληνικά για το ταξίδευσαν ἀπό μακρινές χῶρες γιά νά εκκλησίασμα. προσφέρουν τά δῶρα καί τόν σεβασμό Ο δρ. Nieman ξεκίνησε την ομιλία του με των στό νεογέννητο Βασιλέα. Ημερίδα Επιμορφώσεως Εκπαιδευτικών το χαιρετισμό του Αποστόλου Παύλου προς Ἑορτάζουμε τήν Ἑορτή καί τό γε- τους Φιλιππησίους, και κατ’ επέκταση προς γονός αὐτό πλημμυρισμένοι ἀπό χάρη, ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.– Υπό την αιγίδα του τοχή. Περισσότεροι από 250 εκπαιδευτικοί Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Γέροντος – διευθυντές, καθηγητές και δάσκαλοι – συμ- κάθε χριστιανό, χάρις υμίν και ειρήνη. «Η καθώς πανηγυρίζουμε τή Σάρκωση επιθυμία μας να ζούμε σε μια πραγματικότητα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ γιά τή σωτηρία Αμερικής κ.κ. Δημητρίου έλαβε χώρα η ετή- μετείχαν στις εργασίες της Επιμορφωτικής σια Ημερίδα Επιμόρφωσης Εκπαιδευτικών Ημερίδας. χάριτος και ειρήνης, είπε, μας οδήγησε στο μας. Ἐστάλη γιά μᾶς. Ἐστάλη γιά νά να επιστρέψουμε αυτό το αρχαίο βιβλίο... δεν ἀποκαλύψῃ τό μέγεθος τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ την Τρίτη 8 Νοεμβρίου 2016, στο Λύκειο Η Ημερίδα αρχίσε με προσευχή από Αγίου Δημητρίου στην Αστόρια. τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Γέροντα ήμασταν αναγκασμένοι να το επιστρέψουμε, Θεοῦ γιά μᾶς, γιά νά μᾶς ὁδηγήσῃ στήν δεν ήταν αναγκαίο, δεν ήμασταν υποχρε- ὁδό τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καί νά καταστήσῃ Η Ημερίδα απευθυνόταν στους εκπαι- Αμερικής κ. κ. Δημήτριο βοηθούμενος από δευτικούς που υπηρετούν στα ημερήσια και τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο του Καθεδρικού ωμένοι, θέλαμε να το επιστρέψουμε για να τα απογευματινά/Σαββατιανά σχολεία της Ναού Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, Πανοσιολ. επανορθώσουμε ένα κακό το οποίο εμείς δεν uu Σελίδα 16 Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφέρειας και της γύρω περιοχής και είχε αθρόα συμμε- uu Σελίδα 14 uu Σελίδα 16 14 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2016 Ημερίδα Επιμορφώσεως Εκπαιδευτικών Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Εκπαιδευτικής Περιφερείας uΣελίδα 13 π. Νεκτάριο Παπαζαφειρόπουλο. Ο διευθυντής του Σχολείου, Δρ. Ανα- στάσιος Κουλαρμάνης κάλεσε στο βήμα την κ. Μαρία Μακεδών, διευθύντρια του Γραφείου Παιδείας, την οποία και συνεχάρη για το άξιο έργο της προς όφελος των κοινο- τικών σχολείων. Η κ. Μακεδών ευχαρίστησε την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Δημητρίου για τη φιλοξενία της, και τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο για την εμπιστοσύνη και τη βοήθειά Του, καθώς επίσης και τους εκπαιδευτικούς για το έργο που επιτελούν στα σχολεία της περιοχής. Πρώτος ομιλητής της Ημερίδας ήταν ο κ. Amit Levi, ο οποίος αναφέρθηκε στο επίκαιρο θέμα “School Safety & Security”, το οποίο απασχολεί όλους τους σχολικούς φορείς το τελευταίο διάστημα. Την επιμέλεια του αγγλικού προγράμματος, που περιελάμ- βανε ένα ευρύ και ποικίλο αριθμό εργαστη- ρίων πάνω στο θέμα “Math & Science”, είχε αναλάβει η εταιρεία Catapult Learning, εται- ρεία επίσημα αναγνωρισμένη από το Υπουρ- γείο Παιδείας της Πόλης της Νέας Υόρκης σε συνεργασία με το Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφέρειας. Όσον αφορά το Ελληνικό πρόγραμμα, το Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπι- κής Περιφέρειας είχε προσκαλέσει δύο εξαί- ρετες καθηγήτριες τις κυρίες Χαρούλα Ντάλ- Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας λα, Λέκτορα στο Early Childhood Education Department του Brooklyn College/CUNY και Μαρία Καλιαμπού, Senior Λέκτορα στο Η κ. Ντάλλα τόνισε πως «Κάθε μαθητής «Θρησκευτικά», «Ρεαλιστικά» κ.λ.π, και καθηγήτριες αντάλλαξαν απόψεις και προ- Hellenic Studies Program του Yale University, έχει το δικό του ξεχωριστό ρυθμό ανάπτυξης. πρότεινε δραστηριότητες για την κατανό- βληματισμούς με τους συμμετέχοντες εκ- οι οποίες ενθουσίασαν το κοινό. Πρέπει να κοιτάμε το παιδί σφαιρικά, δηλαδή ηση και την παραγωγή του γραπτού λόγου παιδευτικούς. Και από τα δύο προγράμματα Στο πρώτο μέρος, η κ. Ντάλλα ενημέ- να μην εστιάζουμε μόνο στη σωματική, αλλά ενός παραμυθιού στη νεοελληνική γλώσσα, δεν έλειπε το παιγνιώδες της διδασκαλίας, ρωσε τους εκπαιδευτικούς σχετικά με τις να ενδιαφερόμαστε και για τη συναισθημα- που μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν από τους χαρίζοντας μια πιο ευχάριστη ατμόσφαιρα. μαθησιακές δυσκολίες των παιδιών όλων τική του ανάπτυξη». εκπαιδευτικούς στη σχολική αίθουσα. Με βάση τις φόρμες αξιολόγησης που των ηλικιών, όπως η δυσλεξία, η διάσπαση Στο δεύτερο μέρος, η κ. Καλιαμπού, Στη συνέχεια, η κ. Καλιαμπού τόνισε παρέλαβε το Γραφείο στο τέλος της Ημερίδας προσοχής και το ευρύ φάσμα του αυτισμού, όντας λαογράφος και η ίδια, αναφέρθηκε στη τη σημασία της δημιουργικής γραφής μέσω από τους παρευρισκόμενους, αλλά και τα που μαστίζει την εποχή μας. Επίσης ανέφε- «δύναμη» των παραμυθιών στη διδασκαλία της ελεύθερης έκφρασης και παρουσίασε προφορικά τους σχόλια, όλοι οι δάσκαλοι και ρε ποικίλους τρόπους αντιμετώπισης των και εκμάθηση της νεοελληνικής γλώσσας, δύο θεατρικές παραγωγές παραμυθιών, διευθυντές αποχώρησαν ικανοποιημένοι με προβλημάτων αυτών, ανάλογα με το βαθμό ένα θέμα πρωτότυπο για τους Έλληνες εκπαι- που δημιούργησαν οι φοιτητές της υπό την πλούσια εφόδια και νέες ιδέες για την καθη- δυσκολίας τους και το οικογενειακό περιβάλ- δευτικούς. Παρουσίασε διάφορες κατηγορίες εποπτεία της. μερινή διδασκαλία τους και τον ουσιαστικό λον των μαθητών. παραμυθιών, όπως «Μαγικά παραμύθια», Στο τέλος από κάθε παρουσίαση, οι αγώνα τους για την ελληνική παιδεία.

Ἡ Θρονική ἑορτή τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας

Ἡ Ἁγία τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μ. Ἐκκλησία ἀντεφώνησε διά λόγων εὐλαβείας καί Ἐμμανουήλ, Σασίμων κ. Γενναδίου, Ἀδρι- ριακός Λουκάκης, Πρέσβυς τῆς Ἑλλάδος μετά λαμπρότητος καί κατά τά εἰωθό- εὐγνωμοσύνης πρός τόν Προκαθήμε- ανουπόλεως κ. Ἀμφιλοχίου, Πέτρας καί ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ, καί κ. Εὐάγγελος Σέκερης, τα ἐτίμησε τήν ἱ. μνήμην τοῦ ἱδρυτοῦ νον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, ἐκφράσας καί τήν Χερρονήσου κ. Γερασίμου καί Καρπενησίου Γεν. Πρόξενος ἐνταῦθα, ἡ Εὐγεν. κ. Δα- καί προστάτου αὐτῆς Ἁγίου ἐνδόξου προσήλωσίν του εἰς τήν ἐκκλησιαστικήν κ. Γεωργίου, ἐπί παρουσίᾳ τῆς ἐπισήμου νάη Βασιλάκη καί ὁ Ἐντιμ. κ. Γεώργιος Ἀποστόλου Ἀνδρέου τοῦ Πρωτοκλή- μουσικήν παράδοσιν τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Ἀντιπροσωπείας τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Ρώμης. Γαϊτάνης, Πρόξενοι, ὁ Ἐξοχ. Πρέσβυς του, ἑορτάσασα τήν Θρονικήν αὐτῆς Πατριαρχείου. Τόν πανηγυρικόν λόγον τῆς Θρονικῆς τῆς Οὐκρανίας ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ κ. Andrii ἑορτήν. Ἀκολούθως, ὁ Παναγιώτατος μετέ- Ἑορτῆς ἐξεφώνησεν ὁ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Sybiha μετά στελεχῶν τοῦ Ὑπουργείου Τήν παραμονήν τῆς Ἑορτῆς, βη εἰς τό Σισμανόγλειον Μέγαρον ἔνθα Σηλυβρίας κ. Μάξιμος. Πολιτισμοῦ τῆς Οὐκρανίας, ὡς καί ὁ Τρίτην, 29ην Νοεμβρίου, ἡ Α. Θ. Πα- ἐγένοντο τά ἐγκαίνια τῆς φωτογραφικῆς Ἐκκλησιάσθησαν οἱ Σεβ. Μητροπολῖται ἐνταῦθα Γεν. Πρόξενος αὐτῆς Ἐντιμ. ναγιότης ὁ Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης ἐκθέσεως τοῦ Ἐντιμ. κ. Νικολάου Μαγ- Γέρων Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντῖνος, Γέρων κ. Vasyl Bodnar, ἐκπρόσωποι τῆς ἐν τῇ κ. κ. Βαρθολομαῖος ἐχοροστάτησεν γίνα, Δημοσιογράφου – Φωτογράφου, τό Χαλκηδόνος κ. Ἀθανάσιος, Γέρων Δέρκων Πόλει Συροϊακωβιτικῆς Κοινότητος, συ- ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ κατά τόν περιεχόμενον τῆς ὁποίας περιλαμβάνει κ. Ἀπόστολος, Γέρων Περγάμου κ. Ἰωάννης, νεργάται τοῦ Δημάρχου Beşiktaş, ἐκ μέ- Ἑσπερινόν, τῇ συμπροσευχῇ πολλῶν φωτογραφικά στιγμιότυπα ἐκ τῆς 25ετοῦς Πέργης κ. Εὐάγγελος, Τρανουπόλεως κ. ρους αὐτοῦ, Καθηγηταί καί μαθηταί τῶν ἁγίων Ἀρχιερέων ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ Πατριαρχικῆς διακονίας τῆς Α. Θ. Πανα- Γερμανός, Ἴμβρου καί Τενέδου κ. Κύριλ- Σχολείων τῆς Ὁμογενείας καί πλῆθος ἐξωτερικοῦ. Κατ᾿ αὐτόν ἐκκλησιάσθη- γιότητος τοῦ Πατριάρχου, ἐπί τῇ εὐκαιρίᾳ λος, Λέρου, Καλύμνου καί Ἀστυπαλαίας πιστῶν ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐξ Ἑλλάδος. σαν, ὁ Ἐξοχ. κ. Ἰωάννης Ἀμανατίδης, τῆς ἐπετείου ταύτης. Εἰς τήν ἐκδήλωσιν κ. Παΐσιος, Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου Μετά τήν ἀπόλυσιν, ὁ Πατριάρχης Ὑφυπουργός Ἐξωτερικῶν, ἐκπρο- ταύτην παρέστησαν πλεῖστοι Ἱεράρχαι, ὁ κ. Στέφανος, Προύσης κ. Ἐλπιδοφόρος, προσεφώνησε τήν ἐπίσημον Ἀντιπροσω- σωπῶν τήν Ἔντιμον Ἑλληνικήν Κυ- Ἐξοχ. κ. Ὑφυπουργός, πλῆθος Ὁμογενῶν Σιγκαπούρης κ. Κωνσταντῖνος, Κυδωνιῶν πείαν τοῦ Βατικανοῦ, ἀναφερθείς εἰς τάς βέρνησιν, μετά τῶν Ἐντιμ. κ. Γεωργίου καί μέλη τοῦ θρησκευτικοῦ, διπλωματικοῦ, κ. Ἀθηναγόρας, Σμύρνης κ. Βαρθολομαῖος, κοινάς μετά τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος τοῦ Πάπα Ψιάχα, Διευθυντοῦ τοῦ Διπλωματικοῦ ἐκπαιδευτικοῦ, καλλιτεχνικοῦ καί ἐπιχειρη- καί Ἱεραπύντης καί Σητείας κ. Κύριλλος, Φραγκίσκου ἀπόψεις καί δράσεις διά του Γραφείου, καί κ. Φωτίου Κοντοῦ, ματικοῦ κόσμου τῆς πόλεως ἡμῶν. ὁ Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀνθηδῶνος κ. Νε- τήν παγκόσμιον κρίσιν καί τά σύγχρονα Διευθυντοῦ τοῦ Πολιτικοῦ Γραφείου, Ἡ ἐκδήλωσις ἔκλεισε διά ὁμιλίας τοῦ κτάριος, Ἐπίτροπος τοῦ Παναγίου Τάφου προβλήματα τῶν λαῶν καί ἀπήντησεν καί πλῆθος πιστῶν ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ Παναγιωτάτου. ἐνταῦθα, οἱ Θεοφιλ. Ἐπίσκοποι Λεύκης ὁ Σεβ. Καρδινάλιος κ. Kurt Koch, ὅστις Θεσσαλονίκης. κ. Εὐμένιος, Ἁλικαρνασσοῦ κ. Ἀδριανός, ἐπέδωκεν ἑόρτιον συγχαρητήριον Μή- Ἐν τῷ τέλει τοῦ Ἑσπερινοῦ ἡ Α. Η ΘΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΟΡΤΗ Ἐρυθρῶν κ. Κύριλλος καί Ἐψηφισμένος νυμα τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος τοῦ Πάπα. Θ. Παναγιότης ἀπένειμε τό Ὀφφίκιον Τήν ἐπαύριον, Τετάρτην, 30ήν Νοεμ- Ἐπίσκοπος Στρατονικείας κ. Στέφανος, ὁ Τήν μεσημβρίαν, παρετέθη ἐπίση- τοῦ Ἄρχοντος Πρωτοψάλτου τῆς Ἁγί- βρίου, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ὁ Πατριάρχης Θεοφιλ. Ἐπίσκοπος τῶν ἐνταῦθα ΡΚαθο- μον γεῦμα εἰς τήν Πατριαρχικήν Τράπε- ας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μ. Ἐκκλησίας εἰς τόν προέστη τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς καί Συνοδικῆς λικῶν κ. Rubén Tierrablanca, Κληρικοί ζαν, εὐλογηθέν ὑπό τοῦ Παναγιωτάτου. ἕως σήμερον τοποτηρητήν τῆς Πρω- Θείας Λειτουργίας ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ, Ἄρχοντες Τό ἑσπέρας, ἐδόθη ὑπό τοῦ Πατρι- τοψαλτίας Μουσικολ. κ. Παναγιώτην Ναῷ ἐν συλλειτουργίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Μη- Ὀφφικιάλιοι ὑπό τήν ἡγεσίαν τοῦ Ἐντιμολ. άρχου καί τῆς Ἁγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου Νεοχωρίτην, ὅν καί προσεφώνησε τροπολιτῶν Πριγκηποννήσων κ. Ἰακώβου, κ. Ἀνδρέου Ζομπανάκη, Προέδρου τῆς ἐν δεξίωσις ἐπί τῇ Θρονικῇ Ἑορτῇ, ἐν τῷ ξε- διά λόγων πατρικῶν καί παρώτρυνεν Προικοννήσου κ. Ἰωσήφ, Φιλαδελφείας Ἀθήναις Ἀδελφότητος «Παναγία ἡ Παμ- νοδοχείῳ «Intercontinental», πρός τιμήν αὐτόν ἵνα συνεχίσῃ τήν μεταλαμπά- κ. Μελίτωνος, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, μακάριστος», ὁ ἐκπρόσωπος τῆς Ἐντίμου τοῦ Διπλωματικοῦ Σώματος καί πολλῶν δευσιν τῆς μουσικῆς κληρονομίας τῆς Μυριοφύτου καί Περιστάσεως κ. Εἰρηναί- Ἑλληνικῆς Κυβερνήσεως Ἐξοχ. κ. Ἰωάννης ἐπισήμων τῆς τοπικῆς κοινωνίας, καθ᾿ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας. ου, Μύρων κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Κωνσταντί- Ἀμανατίδης, Ὑφυπουργός Ἐξωτερικῶν, ἥν ὁ Πατριάρχης ἀπηύθυνε χαιρετισμόν Ὁ νέος Ἄρχων Πρωτοψάλτης ας-Ἀμμοχώστου κ. Βασιλείου, Γαλλίας κ. μετά τῶν συνεργατῶν αὐτοῦ, οἱ Ἐξοχ. κ. Κυ- ἑλληνιστί, τουρκιστί καί ἁγγλιστί. Φωτογραφία:  e White House ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2016 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 15 Επιμορφωτικά Εκπαιδευτικά Σεμινάρια σε Μητροπόλεις της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.– Κατά τη φετινή σχολική Διευθύντρια του Σχολείου με τους σχολικούς χρονιά το Γραφείο Ελληνικής Παιδείας της φορείς συγκίνησαν με τη φιλοξενία τους και Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής πραγματοποίησε χαροποίησαν τους δασκάλους μας. Κατά την σειρά επιμορφωτικών σεμιναρίων για τους έναρξη ο Δρ. Ευθυμιόπουλος μετέφερε την διδασκάλους των Κοινοτικών Σχολείων ως και αγάπη και τις ευλογίες του Σεβασμιωτάτου των άλλων φορέων και τσάρτερ. Αρχιεπισκόπου Γέροντα Αμερικής κ. Δημητρί- Τα σεμινάρια αυτά υπό την αιγίδα και ου, ο οποίος δεν μπόρεσε να παραβρεθεί λόγω ευλογία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου ειλημμένων υποχρέωσεών Του. Γέροντα Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου είχαν σκοπό Το σεμινάριο τίμησε με την παρουσία του να βοηθήσουν τους δασκάλους μας να ανα- ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδας Δρ. Κωνστα- νεώσουν τις γνώσεις τους με νέες μεθόδους ντίνος Κούτρας, ο οποίος στο σύντομο χαιρε- διδακτικής πρακτικής με ένα σύνολο ομαδικών τισμό του εξήρε τη σημασία της διδασκαλίας εργασιών. της Ελληνικής γλώσσας προτρέποντας τους Η επιμόρφωση αυτή πρόσφερε ένα δασκάλους μας να δίνουν ό,τι καλύτερο στα «φρεσκάρισμα γνώσεων», με την ανταλλαγή παιδιά του Ελληνισμού. εμπειριών, με νέες μεθόδους διδακτικής και Ευελπιστούμε και αναμένουμε, είπε ο Δρ. με σύγχρονες ερμηνείες παιδαγωγικών φαι- Ευθυμιόπουλος, ότι όλοι όσοι συμμετείχαν και νομένων. παρακολούθησαν το σεμινάριο να έχουν δια- Με την ευλογία των Σεβασμιωτάτων μορ¬φώσει ένα πλαίσιο περαιτέρω γνώσεων Μητροπολιτών Βοστώνης κ. Μεθοδίου και μέσα στο επιθυμητό φάσμα των παιδαγωγικών Ατλάντας κ. Αλεξίου και με την εξαιρετική συ- αρχών και διδακτικών προσεγγίσεων. νεργασία των Γραφείων Παιδείας των οικείων GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ Μετά την ιστορική αυτή συνεργασία Μητροπόλεων άρχισε ένα ιστορικό οδοιπο- όλων, και την επιτυχία του οδοιπορικού, μια ρικό με αρχή το Clearwater, στη συνέχεια το από έναν ιδιαίτερο δίαυλο επικοινωνίας να να νιώσουν μέλη μιας ενεργής εκπαιδευτικής νέα σειρά επιμορφωτικών σεμιναρίων έχει Charlotte, το Hicksville της Νέας Υόρκης, και τροφοδοτήσουν τους δασκάλους μας με νέα κοινότητας με κοινές ανάγκες και στόχους. προγραμματιστεί και για τις άλλες Μητρο- τέλος τη Βοστώνη. δεδομένα. Ο Διευθυντής Παιδείας Δρ. Ι. Ευθυμι- πόλεις. Υπό την Αιγίδα και τις ευλογίες του Με την ευτυχή συγκυρία και την ευγενική Οι εισηγήσεις περιλάμβαναν την διδακτι- όπουλος αξιολογώντας τα αποτελέσματα Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Γέροντα συμμετοχή της Ομοσπονδίας Ελληνοαμερι- κή θεματικών ενοτήτων αρχίζοντας από την αυτού του οδοιπορικού εξέφρασε την ικανο- Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου και με τις ευλογίες κανών εκπαιδευτικών και του Οργανισμού προσχολική αγωγή (προνήπια-νήπια) και στη ποίησή του για την εξαιρετική επιτυχία των των Μητροπολιτών Σεβασμιωτάτων Σικάγου «Ελληνική Παιδεία Αμερικής» αναπτύχθηκε συνέχεια τη διδακτική των υπολοίπων τάξεων σεμιναρίων. κ. Ιακώβου, Νέας Ιερσέης κ. Ευαγγέλου, Αγίου ένας δίαυλος συνεργασίας, που συνέβαλε ου- Δημοτικού-Γυμνασίου σύμφωνα με τη φιλοσο- Θερμές ευχαριστίες εκφράζονται στις Φραγκίσκου κ. Γερασίμου και Πιτσβούργου κ. σιαστικά στην επιτυχή πραγματοποίηση των φία των σχολικών βιβλίων της σειράς «Τα Ελ- κοινότητες που φιλοξένησαν και συνέβαλαν Σάββα, η επιμορφωτική ομάδα του Γραφείου επιμορφωτικών σεμιναρίων. ληνικά μου», που έχουν εκδοθεί από το Τμήμα ουσιαστικά στην πραγματοποίηση των Σε- της Ελληνικής Παιδείας με την ευγενική Η προσπάθεια αυτή με την παρουσία Ελληνικής Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής. μιναρίων. συμμετοχή και συμβολή της Ομοσπονδίας καταξιωμένων εισηγητών έδωσε πολλά παι- Στα πλαίσια αυτών των παιδαγωγικών Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες εκφράζονται στους Ελληνοαμερικανών Εκπαιδευτικών ως και του δαγωγικά οφέλη, αφού υποστηρίχθηκε από διεργασιών, η συμβολή και η συμμετοχή των Σεβασμιωτάτους Μητροπολίτες Βοστώνης κ. οργανι¬σμού «Ελληνική Παιδεία Αμερικής» θα όλους τους φορείς και παράγοντες που αλλη- διδασκόντων ήταν ουσιαστική. Μετά τις Μεθόδιο και Ατλάντας κ. Αλέξιο, γιατί μας μπορέσει να πραγματο¬ποιήσει τη νέα σειρά λεπιδρούν στη σχολική ζωή των κοινοτικών σύντομες εισηγήσεις, πραγματοποιήθηκε επε- αγκάλιασαν με ιδιαίτερη αγάπη. των επιμορφωτικών σεμιναρίων και σ’ αυτές μας σχολείων. ξεργασία και παρουσίαση ενοτήτων από τους Στη Μητρόπολη Βοστώνης οι εργασίες τις Μητροπόλεις. Τα μέλη της ομάδας των εισηγητών, με ίδιους τους επιμορφούμενους ανά ομάδες. του Σεμιναρίου πραγματοποιήθηκαν σε αίθου- Οι εργασίες των Σεμιναρίων θ’ αρχίσουν επικεφαλής τον Διευθυντή Ελληνικής Παιδεί- Κατά την παρουσίαση ομαδικών εργα¬σιών, σα της Μητροπόλεως, η οποία είχε στολιστεί από το Pittsburgh στις 25 Φεβρουαρίου και θα ας Δρα Ιωάννη Ευθυμιόπουλο, αποτελούσαν οι επιμορφούμενοι έγιναν οι ίδιοι «μαθητές». για να υποδεχτεί τους δασκάλους δίνοντάς συνεχιστούν στο Σικάγο στις 4 Μαρτίου, στο η Δρ. Μαρία Ηρακλέους από το Παιδαγωγικό Η παιδαγωγική αυτή διαδικασία δημιούργησε τους ιδιαίτερη χαρά και αίσθημα ικανοποίησης. Τεναφλάι της Νέας Ιερσέης στις 11 Μαρτίου Ινστιτούτο Κύπρου, η Μαρία Τελειοπούλου, μια διάθεση ανανέωσης, δοκιμάζοντας στην Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι ο Σεβασμιώτατος και θα καταλήξουν στη Μητρόπολη του Αγίου μέλος της συγγραφικής ομάδας και βοηθός πράξη προτεινόμενες πρακτικές, ανάλογες κ. Μεθόδιος παρακολούθησε όλη τη διάρκεια Φραγκίσκου. Εκεί θα πραγματοποιηθούν δύο του Διευθυ¬ντή Ελληνικής Παιδείας, ο Ιωάν- προς τις ανάγκες των μαθητών που υπάρχουν των μαθημάτων και συμμετείχε και ο ίδιος σεμινάρια στις 18 Μαρτίου στο Λος Άντζελες νης Γιαβάρας, μέλος επίσης της συγγραφικής στις τάξεις τους. Τα νέα εφόδια που απέκτησαν ενεργά δείχνοντας ακόμη μια φορά το ενδι- και 19 στο Μπέλμοντ του Αγίου Φραγκίσκου. ομάδας και η Παναγιώτα Παπαγρηγορίου, οι δάσκαλοι, πέραν του θεωρητικού υπό- α¬φέρον του για την Ελληνική μας παιδεία. Η επιμορφωτική αυτή δραστηριόηττα ως εκπαιδευτικός, από το Ελληνοαμερικανικό βαθρου, είχαν κυρίως πρακτικό χαρακτήρα. Θερμές ευχαριστίες εκφράζονται στα διαδικασία και θεσμός δημιουργεί νέες τάσεις Ινστιτούτο του Μπρονξ. Τους βοήθησαν να ξεφύγουν από «διδακτικά Σχολεία τσάρτερ, «Αθηναϊκή Ακαδημία στο και σηματοδοτεί την ολοένα αυξανόμενη συ- Για πρώτη φορά μια τέτοια επιμορφωτική στεγανά» και να γνωρίσουν νέες διδακτικές Clearwater, όσον και στην «Ακαδημία Σωκρά- νείδηση του ρόλου που καλούνται να παίξουν ομάδα βρέθηκε κοντά στους δασκάλους μας μεθόδους. Παράλληλα, είχαν την ευκαιρία της» στο Charlotte για τη θερμή υποδοχή και οι διδάσκαλοί μας. και με ιδιαίτερη προθυμία, αγάπη και δυναμική να μοιραστούν προβληματισμούς αλλά και ζεστή φιλοξενία τους. Παρουσιάζει παιδαγωγική μετεξέλιξη, ανταποκρίθηκε στις ανάγκες τους, ξεπερνώ- επιτυχείς διδακτικές πρακτικές, οι οποίες Στην «Ακαδημία Σωκράτης», την έναρ- πολυπλοκότητα αλλά και πολλαπλότητα. ντας τις προσδοκίες τους. αλληλοσυμπληρώνονταν και εμπλουτίζονταν ξη του Σεμιναρίου ευλόγησε ο π. Βασίλειος Προάγει τη διαδικασία της σχολικής ζωής και Όλοι οι εισηγητές με επιδεξιότητα, γνώση με εκείνες των άλλων συναδέλφων τους. Η Τσουρλής, Ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος της Αγίας γι’ αυτό όλοι οφείλουμε να την στηρίξουμε. Να του γνωστικού τους αντικειμένου και ιδιαίτε- ανταλλαγή εμπειριών τούς έδωσε τη δυνα- Τριάδας, εκπροσωπώντας το Σεβασμιώτατο διευκολύνονται οι δάσκαλοί μας για να έχουν ρη παιδαγωγική εμπειρία, κατόρθωσαν μέσα τότητα να έρθουν πιο κοντά μεταξύ τους και Μητροπολίτη Ατλάντας κ. Αλέξιο, ενώ παρα- ενεργή συμμετοχή, ώστε με τις νέες παιδαγω- κολούθησε το πρόγραμμα των εργασιών του γικές πρακτικές που αποκτούν να διδάσκουν Σεμιναρίου . με επιτυχία την ελληνική μας γλώσσα, την Ἐπίσημος Ἀντιπροσωπεία τοῦ Βατικανοῦ εἰς τά Πατριαρχεῖα Στην Κοινότητα της Αγίας Τριάδας στο ιστορία, τις ελληνορθόδοξες παραδόσεις και Hicksville της Ν.Υ. η αίθουσα ήταν λαμπρο- την πολιτισμική μας κληρονομιά. Αποτελεί Τήν μεσηβρίαν τῆς Τρίτης, 29ης Νοεμβρίου, τριαρχεῖα τό κάτωθι Μήνυμα τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος φορεμένη. Ο π. Θεοφάνης Παπαντώνης, και η καθήκον και υποχρέωση όλων. ἀφίχθη ἐκ Ρώμης ἡ ἐπίσημος Ἀντιπροσωπεία τῆς τοῦ Πάπα Φραγκίσκου (για την 25η επέτειο της Α. Ἁγιότητος τοῦ Πάπα Φραγκίσκου ἀποτελου- εκλογής του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθο- μένη ἐκ τῶν Σεβ. Καρδιναλίου κ. Kurt Koch, λομαίου): Προέδρου τοῦ Ποντιφηκοῦ Συμβουλίου διά «Ἁγιώτατον Βαρθολομαῖον τήν προώθησιν τῆς ἑνότητος τῶν Χριστιανῶν, Ἀρχιεπίσκοπον Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Θεοφιλ. Ἐπισκόπου κ. Brian Farrell, Γραμματέως Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριάρχην τοῦ Συμβουλίου, καί Ὁσιολ. κ. Andrea Palmieri, Ἦτο ἀφορμή μεγάλης χαρᾶς δι᾿ ἐμέ κατά Ὑπογραμματέως αὐτοῦ, τῇ συμμετοχῇ καί τοῦ ἐν τήν πρόσφατον συνάντησίν μας ἐν Ἀσσίζῃ νά Ἀγκύρᾳ Νουντσίου τοῦ Βατικανοῦ Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπι- δυνηθῶ νά ἐκφράσω προσωπικῶς εἰς τήν Ἁγιό- σκόπου κ. Brian Russell, ἵνα παραστῇ κατά τήν τητά Σας τά συγχαρητήριά μου ἐπί τῇ εἰκοστῇ Θρονικήν Ἑορτήν τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μ. πέμπτῃ ἐπετείῳ τῆς ἐκλογῆς Σας ὡς Ἀρχιεπισκό- Ἐκκλησίας. Τήν Ἀντιπροσωπείαν ὑπεδέχθησαν που Κωνσταντινουπόλεως καί Οἰκουμενικοῦ ἐκ μέρους τῆς Α. Θ. Παναγιότητος τοῦ Πατρι- Πατριάρχου. Σᾶς διαβεβαιῶ, ἀγαπητέ ἐν Χριστῷ άρχου ἐν τῇ αἰθούσῃ τῶν ἐπισήμων τοῦ Ἀερο- Ἀδελφέ, περί τῆς πνευματικῆς ἐγγύτητός μου δρομίου, οἱ Πανιερ. Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Τελμησσοῦ ἐπί τῇ σημαντικῇ ταύτῃ ἐπετείῳ, καθώς ἑνοῦμαι κ. Ἰώβ καί Πανοσιολ. Ὑπογραμματεύς τῆς Ἁγίας μεθ᾿ Ὑμῶν ἐν δοξολογικῇ προσευχῇ πρός τόν καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου Διάκονος κ. Ἰωακείμ. Θεόν Πατέρα, πηγήν πάσης ἀγαθωσύνης, διά Ἡ Ἀντιπροσωπεία τό ἑσπέρας προσῆλθεν τάς δαψιλεῖς εὐλογίας ἅς ἐπεδαψίλευσεν εἰς εἰς τά Πατριαρχεῖα ἔνθα ἐγένετο ἐπισήμως δεκτή τήν ζωήν καί τήν διακονίαν Σας καί, δι᾿ Ὑμῶν, ὑπό τῆς Α. Θ. Παναγιότητος τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ εἰς τήν Ἐκκλησίαν. Ἐκφράζων τάς καλυτέρας Πατριάρχου κ. κ. Βαρθολομαίου, ᾯτινι καί ἐγκαρδίους εὐχάς μου διά τήν ὑγείαν καί τήν ἐπέδωκε προσωπικόν δῶρον τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος πνευματικήν Σας εὐεξίαν, ἐπαναλαμβάνω πρός τοῦ Πάπα. τήν Ὑμετέραν Παναγιότητα τά αἰσθήματα τῆς σταθερᾶς ἐκτιμήσεως καί φιλίας μου, καί εὐχα- Ὁ Πάπας πρός τόν Πατριάρχην ρίστως ἀνταλλάσσω μετ᾿ Αὐτῆς τόν ἀδελφικόν Εὐγενεῖ φροντίδι τῆς ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ Νου- ἀσπασμόν ἐν Κυρίῳ». ντσιατούρας τοῦ Βατικανοῦ ἐλήφθη εἰς τά Πα- Πάπας Φραγκῖσκος - 19 Ὀκτωβρίου 2016 Γραφείο Ελληνικής Παιδείας Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής 16 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2016 Εγκύκλιος Συγκινητική τελετή επιστροφής και παραδόσεως uΣελίδα 13 κλαπέντος χειρογράφου στην Ι. Μητρόπολη Δράμας δυνατή τή σωτηρία μας καί τήν πλήρη συμφιλίωσή μας μέ τόν Θεό. Ἦλθε γιά uΣελίδα 13 νά Τόν γνωρίσουμε, καί νά ἀνακαλύ- ψουμε τήν ἀλήθεια καί τή ζωή ἐν Αὐτῷ. προκαλέσαμε», είπε, προσθέτοντας: «Μαζί με Σήμερα, Τόν γνωρίζουμε ὡς τό τη χαρά που νοιώθουμε επιστρέφοντάς σας το παιδίον Ἰησοῦν, τήν ἐλπίδα τῆς ἀνθρω- βιβλίο αυτό, νοιώθουμε και απέραντη λύπη. πότητος, καί τήν ἐκπλήρωση τῆς θείας Χάσαμε κάτι αγαπημένο, έναν θησαυρό που ὑποσχέσεως. Εἶναι ἡ ἀνατολή ἐξ ὕψους δεν αντικαθίσταται με τίποτα. Κι αυτό είναι (Λουκ. 1:78), Ἐκεῖνος ὁ Ὁποῖος ἐχρίσθη που το καθιστά ένα πραγματικό και ειλικρι- καί ἔχει ἔλθει εὐαγγελίσασθαι πτωχοῖς, νές δώρο. Σας το επιστρέψαμε με λύπη, ναι κηρύξαι αἰχμαλώτοις ἄφεσιν καί τυ- όντως, αλλά και εν ελευθερία, γνωρίζοντας φλοῖς ἀνάβλεψιν (Λουκ. 4:18). τη χαρά που φέρνει στους εν Χριστώ φίλους Τόν γνωρίζουμε ὡς ἀλήθεια καί μας. Θεωρείστε λοιπόν το μικρό αυτό βιβλίο ἀγάπη. Στόν Ἑσπερινό τῆς Ἑορτῆς ως σημείο χάριτος, και ως ένδειξη του ακόμα διακη-ρύσσουμε ὅτι ὅταν ὁ Χριστός πιο ουσιαστικού δώρου του ελέους και της ιά- γεννήθηκε ἐκ Παρθένου, ὅλος ὁ κό- σεως που μόνο ο Θεός μπορεί να προσφέρει». σμος φωτίσθηκε. Αμέσως μετά, το χειρόγραφο Κώδικας Ἀποκαλύπτει τήν ἀλήθεια, καί τό 1424, το οποίο είχε τοποθετηθεί νωρίτερα φῶς τῆς ἀλήθειας λάμπει μέσα στίς από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο και τον καρδιές καί τό νοῦ μας, διαλύοντας τό Μητροπολίτη Παύλο σε ειδική διαφανή σκοτάδι τῆς ἁμαρτίας καί τοῦ θανάτου. προθήκη, μεταφέρθηκε στον Σολέα, όπου ο Ἀποκαλύπτει ὅτι ἡ βάση τῆς ἀλή- Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος και ο Δρ. Nieman θειας εἶναι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ γιά μᾶς, το παρέδωσαν επισήμως στον Μητροπολίτη GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ Δράμας κ. Παύλο και στην ηγουμένη της καί μέ τήν ἀγάπη αὐτή ὁ λόγος σάρξ Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος με τον Μητροπολίτη Δράμας Παύλο (αριστερά), και τον Αρχιδιάκονο Παντελεήμονα Μονής Εικοσιφοινίσσης γερόντισσα Αλεξία, ἐγένετο καί ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν, οὕτως ετοιμάζονται να τοποθετήσουν το χειρόγραφο της Καινής Διαθήκης σε ειδική διαφανή προθήκη. ὥστε νά Τόν δοῦμε στήν δόξα Του πλή- καθώς το εκκλησίασμα χειροκρότησε. ρη χάριτος καί ἀληθείας (Ἰωάν. 1:14). Ο Μητροπολίτης Δράμας Παύλος στη φτάσει στην Δράμα επισκέφθηκε το ιστορικό του νέου (Καρσλίδη) του Ομολογητού, ο Σήμερα Τόν γνωρίζουμε διά τῆς δική του ανταπόκριση, ανέπεμψε πρώτα μοναστήρι της Παναγίας της Εικοσιφοινίσ- οποίος ήταν ο ιδρυτής της μονής και η ιστο- δυνάμεώς Του νά δίδῃ ζωή. Τόν γνω- ύμνους ευγνωμοσύνης προς την Παναγία σης, χτισμένο ψηλά στις πλαγιές του χιονι- ρία της είναι άρρηκτα συνδεδεμένη με το βίο ρίζουμε διότι Ἐκεῖνος γνωρίζει τήν Θεοτόκο και στη συνέχεια εξέφρασε την σμένου Παγγαίου. και το ποιμαντικό έργο του Οσίου Γεωργίου. ἀνθρώπινη κατάστασή μας, τίς ἀγω- ευγνωμοσύνη του πιστού λαού της Μητρο- Χοροστάτησε στη δοξολογία για την Το μοναστήρι αυτό μαζί με το ιστορικό νίες, τά ὅρια καί τίς προκλήσεις μας. πόλεώς του προς τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη επιστροφή του χειρογράφου κώδικος και μοναστήρι της Παναγίας της Εικοσιφοινίσσης Ὁ Χριστός εἰσῆλθε στή ζωή μας μέ Βαρθολομαίο, τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής περιηγήθη στους χώρους της Μονής, η οποία συναποτελούν τον πνευματικό πλούτο της θαυματουργικό τρόπο γιά νά ἁγιο- Δημήτριο και όλους όσους εργάσθηκαν από υπήρξε προπύργιο της Ορθοδοξίας ανά τους Μητροπόλεως Δράμας. ποιήσῃ τήν ἀνθρωπότητά μας καί νά κοινού και συνέβαλλαν στην επιστροφή του αιώνες. Ακολούθησε επίσκεψη στο ιστορικό ἀποκαταστήσῃ τήν κατ’ εἰκόνα καί χειρογράφου. «Ο Παναγιώτατος», είπε, «είναι Επίσης κατά τη διάρκεια του Σαββάτου και μαρτυρικό Δοξάτο, τόπο σφαγής και καθ’ ὁμοίωση Θεοῦ ἰδιότητά μας. ο σημαιοφόρος του αγώνος της δικαιώσεως 3 Δεκεμβρίου, ο Σεβασμιώτατος επισκέφθηκε μαρτυρίου των κατοίκων του, δύο φορές στη Πράττοντας αὐτό, ἔγινε ὁ Ἴδιος ἡ της Ιεράς Μονής Εικοσιφοινίσσης και λαμ- την Ιερά Μονή της Αναλήψεως του Σωτήρος πρόσφατη ιστορία του, το 1913 και το 1941. ὁδός πρός τόν οὐρανό καί τήν αἰώνια βάνουμε δύναμη από το παράδειγμά του». στους Ταξιάρχες (Σίψα) της Δράμας. Εκεί Φωτογραφίες από τις εκδηλώσεις: κοινωνία μέ τόν Θεό. Αναφέρθηκε επίσης στη μακρά ιστορία προσκύνησε τα λείψανα του Αγίου Γεωργίου https:// ic.kr/s/aHskMysq8a Μέσα ἀπό τήν προσφορά Του και το σπουδαίο ρόλο που διαδραμάτισε η νίκησε τό θάνατο καί ἀπεκάλυψε τή Μονή Εικοσιφοινίσσης στη ζωή της Ορθοδο- δύναμή Του νά χαρίζῃ ἄφθονη καί ξίας και της Ελλάδος στο διάβα των αιώνων. αἰώνια ζωή. Ο κ. Παύλος ευχαρίστησε ιδιαίτερα τον Μέ τόν Χριστό ἀνάμεσά μας προ- Δρ. Nieman και είπε ότι τα λόγια του ήτο μία σφέρουμε ὡραία μαρτυρία τοῦ Ἰδίου διαδαχή πραγματική την οποία θα έπρεπε διά τῆς λατρείας μας. Ἐπιβεβαιώνουμε, να ακούσουν και οι Βούλγαροι ορθόδοξοι ἐπίσης, ὅτι ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέν- αδελφοί μας, μήπως και ντραπούν και επο- νων εἶναι ἑορτή προσκλήσεως. Μᾶς μένως αποφασίσουν να επιστρέψουν όλα όσα ἐβεβαίωσε πώς ὅπως Ἐκεῖνον Τόν ηρπάγησαν από τη Μονή Εικοσιφοινίσσης. ἔστειλε ὁ Πατήρ Θεός, Ἐκεῖνος στέλλει Ο κ. Παύλος απένειμε ως δείγμα ευγνω- ἐμᾶς νά προσκαλέσουμε ἄλλους νά μοσύνης την ανώτατη τιμή της Ι. Μητροπόλε- ἔλθουν καί νά Τόν γνωρίσουν (Ἰωάν. ως Δράμας, το Χρυσούν Μετάλιο του αγίου 20:21). Χρυσοστόμου Σμύρνης στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Μᾶς στέλλει ὡς φωνή Του σ’ἕναν Δημήτριο, στον Δρ. James Nieman, στον πρω- μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο γεμᾶτο προ- τοπρεβύτερο Αλέξανδρο Καρλούτσο και στον κλήσεις. άρχοντα και νομικό Γεώργιο Τσουγκαράκη. Ὅπως οἱ βοσκοί ἀνταποκρίθηκαν Στο τέλος της τελετής υπεγράφη το στήν ἀναγγελία τῶν ἀγγέλων, ἐμεῖς πρωτόκολλο της παραδόσεως του χειρο- δοξάζουμε καί ὑμνοῦμε τόν Θεό γιά γράφου Κώδικος 1424 από όλους τους προ- ὅλα ὅσα ἔχουμε δεῖ καί ἀκούσει. Μᾶς αναφερθέντες οι οποίοι συνέβαλλαν στην στέλλει ὁ Ἴδιος γιά νά μεταφέρουμε επιστροφή του. GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ τήν καλή εἴδηση. Μετά το πέρας της τελετής, ετελέσθη Κατά το πολυαρχιερατικό συλλείτουργο στον Μητροπολιτικό Ναό Εισοδίων της Θεοτόκου της Δράμας, τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ὅπως ἦλθαν οἱ μάγοι καί τόν με βυζαντινή λαμπρότητα Μέγας Πανη- Αμερικής Δημήτριο περιβάλλουν ο Μητροπολίτης Δράμας Παύλος (δεξιά) και ο Μητροπολίτης Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρου- προσκύνησαν, ἔτσι καί οἱ καρδιές μας γυρικός Εσπερινός της εορτής της Αγίας πόλεως Βαρνάβας. εἶναι γεμᾶτες ἀπό λατρευτική χαρά Μεγαλομάρτυρος Βαρβάρας, πολιούχου της καί εὐχαριστία. Μᾶς στέλλει σ’ ἕναν πόλεως Δράμας στον οποίο ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο ὡς μάρτυρες Δημήτριος χοροστάτησε, συμπροσευχομένων τῆς χάριτός Του διακηρύσσοντας , ὅτι των Σεβασμιωτάτων Μητροπολιτών Φιλίπ- παιδίον ἐγεννήθη ἡμῖν, Υἱός καί ἐδόθη πων, Νεαπόλεως και Θάσου κ. Προκοπίου, ἡμῖν, καί καλεῖται τό ὄνομα Αὐτοῦ Με- Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρουπόλεως κ. Βαρνάβα γάλης Βουλῆς Ἄγγελος (Ἠσαΐας 9:6). και του οικείου Ποιμενάρχου Σεβασμιωτάτου Εἴθε οἱ εὐλογίες τοῦ Σαρκωθέντος Μητροπολίτου Δράμας κ. Παύλου. Επί πλέον Θεοῦ καί Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ νά παρέστησαν οι πολιτικές και στρατιωτικές εἶναι μέ τόν καθέναν ἀπό σᾶς καί μέ τίς αρχές του τόπου, επίσημοι εκπρόσωποι των οἰκογένειές σας αὐτή τήν ἑορταστική φορέων και των ιδρυμάτων της περιοχής και περίοδο τῶν Χριστουγέννων, καί εἴθε πλήθος πιστών. ὅλοι μαζί νά γίνουμε ἡ φωνή τοῦ Χρι- Την Κυριακή το πρωί 4 Δεκεμβρίου 2016, στοῦ πού καλεῖ ὅλους νά ἔλθουν νά στον ιερό Μητροπολιτικό Ναό Εισοδίων δοῦν καί νά Τόν δοξάσουν της Θεοτόκου χοροστάτησε στον Όρθρο ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, Δημήτριος, και ακολούθως προεξήρχε στην πολυαρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία, συλλει- τουργούντων των Σεβασμιωτάτων Μητρο- πολιτών Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρουπόλεως κ. Βαρνάβα και Δράμας κ. Παύλου. † ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος Την προηγουμένη Παρασκευή 2 Δεκεμ- GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ βρίου 2016, πριν ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος Επίσκεψη στην ιστορική μονή Παναγίας της Εικοσιφοινίσσης. DECEMBER 2016 17 18 DECEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 19 Reflections ARETI KETIME The American Tour 2017 Orthodoxy Helps TRADITIONAL GREEK FOLK MUSIC with a Tribute to the “American” Rebetiko. Overcome Life’s Challenges The teenager that

by Fr. David Eckley Our Christian Orthodoxy with stole our hearts its valuable rituals, hymnology, deep at the opening If we seem accepting of the events mystical belief, sacramental attitudes around us in this American culture, and lifestyle initially arrived here on ceremonies of Orthodox Christians must address the this continent in Alaska, California and false gods that beg our attention and Florida as a missionary endeavor. the 2004 Athens our action, our works. Orthodoxy followed the exhorta- Olympic Games Many of us may be saddened by the tion of Christ Himself, to “go therefore many, many acts of obvious cruelty and and teach all nations, baptizing them embarks on her neglect of those who, because of war, in the name of the Father, the Son, the must flee their situation and risk every- Holy Spirit…” second American thing to find a more quiet place so their Orthodoxy was not then, nor is lives may not be threatened. now, an occupying force. It came to performance tour We live in a republic that declares this foreign place to bring the gospel in February, March, the truth that “life, liberty and the pur- of the Divine Conqueror, Christ, who suit of happiness” is our vision, guarantees eternal life and the capacity April and May 2017. It is that vision that has drawn many to struggle, to overcome all obstacles people to the United States. Each of us through prayer, fasting and sharing life A SYN-PHONIA ENTERTAINMENT production, (a company that strives for the have this emerging hope as part of our through the giving of alms. preservation of Greek culture, heritage and traditions through music), this personal family history. Orthodoxy brought to this conti- LIVE presentation will re-affirm Ketime’s vast scope of musical talent and It is almost (at times like the pres- nent the idea of mutuality, a sense of uncompromised charm and dignity in performance. ent) seems like “an embarrassment of community proscribed by the voice of riches. Christ when speaking to His Disciples as This performance is available to any Greek Organization/ Parish in the U.S. ” The opportunities presented to He speaks to us today when there was and Canada. A wonderful fund raising tool, it can either be in concert form or each of us we have appropriated by hard then as there is now the controversy of “Glendi” style as part of another event (Apokriatiko). work in an occupation, in acquiring primacy. Organized Dance Groups may also participate in the performance. knowledge through public education, He brought them to true under- (Instructive seminars by Ms. Ketime on the subjects of Byzantine Music, Greek standing by saying to them, “the first in freedom to be mobile geographically, Folk Music and Dance, their styles and origins are also available.) in being able to choose our lifestyle, in shall be last and the last first.” A life being a responsible citizen, and to wor- dedicated to service, humility and love For information on presenting this performance in your city: ship God, as we declare in our currency, but, above all, agape love. “In God We Trust.” The vision is still valid for Orthodox, SynPhonia Entertainment 646 623-0270 or [email protected] In this new millennium that began yet quite rigorous. We are given this re- 16 years ago, many of the above values minder in every Divine Liturgy, “Let us have come under threat. As a result, fear love one another so that we may with abounds and extremely serious issues one mind confess”…The response by appear to grow daily. The time of testing all present, “the Father, Son and Holy has always been with us. Our collective Spirit, one in essence and undivided.” cultural history has been under siege in The Creed that we confess and so many ways. From the earliest desires profess is the necessary element in over- to have freedom, to have freedom to coming the current challenges of “flood, worship, has led us to divisiveness and fire, war, displacement, civil unrest and separation from one another. invasion by alien forces.” Neither the vision of “In God We Our way of love has always been the Trust” nor “E Pluribus Unum” (from solution to our individual and national many, one) have been fulfilled to the identity. Let us claim the gift of “mercy greatest degree for the general public and judgment” as we address our im- or minorities expressed by nationality, mediate future. language, race and wealth. The world is looking to us all as Our system of republican govern- the example of goodness, generosity ment, though called “the noble experi- and hope. Let us each who are eligible ment in democracy” has been continu- express our conscious, thoughtful deci- ally emerging through difficult trials sions for leadership so that it is prayed within and from outside our borders in the Divine Liturgy…”our leaders may from imperial appetites. govern in peace and that in their tran- The capacity to govern ourselves quility we may live a serene life in piety and be responsible in our public deal- and holiness.” May it be so! ings, our economic growth, our reli- gious understanding and knowledge Fr. Eckley serves the parish of St. have lagged behind the moral and John the Prodromos Church in Amarillo, spiritual sensibility so necessary! Texas.

Questions about submitting Change of Address To submit a change of address: news and photos: Contact Soula Podaras at 212.774.0235 Jim Golding (212) 570.3557; e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] fax: 212.774.0239. Or regular mail to: For advertising or the Greek section: Orthodox Observer, Lefteris Pissalidis, (212) 570. 3555; 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075-0192 [email protected] Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish. 20 DECEMBER 2016 Greek Education

GOA/Dimitris Panagos Dr. Efthymiopoulos addresses the Greek teachers attending the Long Island seminar. Greek Education Department Seminar Spotlights ‘My Greek’

by Constantine S. Sirigos to it, our principles, values, traditions and the respect they foster. I urge you to HICKSVILLE, N.Y. – The teachers devote all your energy to the cause – as who are dedicated to the children of has Dr. Efthymiopoulos for decades.” the community and the preservation of Efthymiopoulos also acknowledged Hellenism in America have long ben- the dedication of Timoleon Kokkinos, efited material and moral support from who recently announced his retirement the Archdiocese Department of Greek after years of service at the afternoon Education whose national director is Dr. school of St. Demetrios in Astoria. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos. Holy Trinity parish in Hicksville hosted the depart- They can’t get enough of “My Greek” ment’s annual seminar for teachers and Efthymiopoulos spoke about the administrators in the Metropolitan New success of the My Greek series. “These York area on Nov. 11. books have become unobtainable,” he The seminar, which this year became said, adding, “They have been so well re- a national traveling seminar, focused on ceived that the demand is extraordinary.” the latest additions to the well-received The first press run was sold out, as was textbook series “Τα Ελληνικά Mου- My the updated second; some books are now Greek.” The books are published by the in their third run. department. Among the series’ achievements is Efthymiopoulos spoke of the impor- facilitating the teaching of pronunciation tance of their mission to preserve the quality through the device of activities Greek language and heritage, and the integrated into grammar and vocabulary Orthodox faith in America. He thanked instruction. Fr. Theophanis Papantonis and the Hicks- In multiple areas, “We give the teach- ville community for hosting the seminar. ers the power to teach them well,” he Parish afternoon Greek school Director said. The series’ methodology teaches lan- Antonia Nikitopoulos offered welcoming guage by placing lessons in the context of remarks. Greek history, culture and religion, inte- Speakers addressing the gathering grating language and heritage instruction. included Stella Kokolis, president of the “Language instruction must be Federation of Hellenic-American Educa- connected with other aspects of life… tors, who declared the initiation of the facilitating the interest of the students and traveling seminar historic for the Commu- knowledge retention” beyond what read- nity. Efthymiopoulos agreed, and added ing a text can accomplish, he stressed. it was historic not only for what was pre- The Hicksville program began with a sented and where, but because it is being video displaying pictures from the depart- implemented through the cooperation ment’s most recent seminar in Cyprus, of the local metropolises and organized followed by a presentation by Maria with the counsel and some financial Heracleou of the Pedagogical Institute of support from groups like the Federation University of Cyprus titled “Experiential and Hellenic PAIDEA of America, whose and Creative Teaching Methods in the president, Vasiliki Filiotis, noted that the Pre–K and Kindergarten textbooks the valuable seminars inform academics of in series “Tα Ελληνικά Μου – My Greek.” developments and innovations in their Maria Teleiopoulou, assistant to field, adding “It is important for us to Efthimioupoulos and part of the “My work with the findings of experts.” Greek” writing team, spoke about teach- Dr. Konstantinos Koutras, Consul ing approaches in the new Issue 1A, Level General of Greece in New York and 1 and Issue 1B, Level 1 textbooks of the Thaleia Chatzigiannoglou, head of the My Greek series. Consulate’s Office of Education Affairs, Yiota Papagrigoriou, who teaches praised the department’s initiatives. at the Greek American Institute of at Koutras offered words of inspira- Zoodochos Pege Church in the Bronx, tion and support to the educators and presented “Actitivities Involved in the Pro- emphasized that “the language is what duction of the Pronunciation Textbook immigrants bring from Greece, and it ‘Gino My Parrot,” Issue 3, Level 1. contains everything…it is so rich and full The books are designed to bridge that it contains everything the mind needs the Kindergarten and post Kindergarten for mankind to appreciate the power of experiences. Special care is taken to pro- Hellenism.” vide smooth transitions and strong links “You are the strength we need” to as the students advance. make the changes necessary for the pro- Ioannis Giavaras, a member of the motion of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, he writing team for My Greek, presented declared, “and to transmit our traditions “Our Historical, Religious, and Cultural to our children and their families…It’s Heritage ‘Meteora and Mistras - Near the not just the language, but the things tied gates of Heaven”, Issue 1, Level 3 book. DECEMBER 2016 21 OCMC Mission Teams Experience Widespread Successes by Sara Staff received to be used for medicines, or- phanages, conferences, retreats, camps, 2016 has been another awesome and projects for the mission teams. year for OCMC short–term mission Following the mission trips, at least teams. Many missionaries have traveled 14 team members felt a calling on their across the globe to answer the call of heart for long-term mission service, and “making disciples of all nations,” and four have already started the process the impact of that has been profound. to become long-term missionaries. Not The Orthodox Christian Mission only that, but teams have helped raise Center sent 20 teams consisting of 122 awareness of missions in the lives of team members to spread the message 1,060 supporters, including over 510 of Christ’s love through the Orthodox new donors! Church. Team members represented OCMC is very thankful for another 10 different jurisdictions, 33 states, impactful year for mission teams. To with two from the United Kingdom be part of Christ’s ministry on earth is and India. an incredible blessing. Every individual There were a variety of ages repre- who participates on a team is answering sented from 7 to 78 years old. the call to make disciples of all nations Teams traveled to seven countries and impacting lives with Christ’s love. on four continents. Logging more than The Orthodox Church around the world Photo courtesy of Kristina Koutsoupis 641,600 miles flown. They ministered can continue to grow through the ef- Kristina Koutsoupis with children she ministered to during her short-term mission trip to Alaska. to 1,200 adults, 2,400 youth and young forts of these missionaries and mission Kristina is a member of St. Mark’s Church, Boca Raton, Fla. adults, cared for 1,500 patients, and teams. For all who served on or financed numerous other unrecorded individuals mission trips, thank you. Your love and hope. what teams are available for 2017, check were reached. for Christ and the Orthodox Faith has It’s already time to consider joining out ocmc.org or call OCMC at 1-877- Over $18,000 in grant money was brought many people encouragement a 2017 short-term mission team. To see 463-6787 (ext. 142). 22 DECEMBER 2016 Church History Metropolitan Gennadios’ 1926 Mission

by William H. Samonides, Ph.D. in 1917, the Sts. Constantine and Helen parish purchased the Disciples of Christ building, celebrating their first Liturgy In 1926, Metropolitan Gennadios of on Dec. 5, 1920. The consecration of this Thessaloniki (1868-1951) visited America. building, initially planned for 1921, did During the 1920’s, the political rivalry not occur until Archbishop Alexander between Eleftherios Venizelos and the made his first visit to Rochester in 1926. Greek royalists created tensions within The consecration took place on the and among parishes across America. Fourth Sunday of Great Lent. It was cool From 1923 to 1930, the Greek Ortho- and rainy with temperatures in the 40’s. dox Church of North and South America On that April day in Rochester, clergy headquartered in New York, headed by from Toronto and the six other Greek Or- Archbishop Alexander, had jurisdiction, thodox parishes in upstate New York, as but the Autocephalous Church of America well as a choir from Buffalo, participated and Canada in Massachusetts, presided in the services. Metropolitan Gennadios over by self-proclaimed Archbishop Vasi- and his party attended but did not take lios Komvopoulos, was also contending part in the dedication itself. Afterward for the loyalties of the Orthodox faithful. other members of the Metropolitan’s Metropolitan Gennadios, a native of party were guests at a public luncheon. Prussa, Asia Minor, served as head of the The Metropolitan and Archbishop were Church in Thessaloniki from 1912 until able to meet privately over lunch at a his death in 1951. He was honorary head local home. of the Young Men’s Christian Association Later that afternoon, Metropolitan in Thessaloniki, just as the Metropolitan Gennadios and his party boarded a train in Athens was honorary head of the YMCA for Niagara Falls for a brief sightseeing there. A Protestant organization founded diversion before proceeding to Toronto. in London in 1844, the YMCA had a Archbishop Alexander and his party long history in Greece. The first chapter were feted at a public dinner that night. was established in Athens in 1892, and The next day, the Archbishop traveled to Venizelos later opened another in Thes- FARES BEGIN AT... Syracuse to make preparations for the saloniki. After the fall of Smyrna and the consecration of the St. Sophia church $ defeat of the Greek army in Asia Minor in scheduled to take place in May, then 299 plus 1922, the refugee crisis was overwhelm- ONE WAY tax returned to his headquarters in New ing. The Thessaloniki chapter of the York City. $ plus YMCA provided significant assistance at Metropolitan Gennadios, near the 480 tax this difficult time. end of his travels in America, visited Low- £∂§∂∆∂ ROUND TRIP On March 25, 1926, Metropolitan To Athens or Thessaloniki ell, Mass., the headquarters of Archbishop º£∏¡∞ from New York Gennadios and two companions arrived Vasilios. He had planned no meeting ∂π™π∆∏ƒπ∞ in America on a mission sponsored and with the hierarch and avoided presiding RESTRICTIONS DO APPLY • SPACE IS LIMITED • CALL TODAY underwritten by the Thessaloniki YMCA. LOWEST HOTEL & CAR FARES AVAILABLE LOWEST at services in either of the two Lowell PRICES IN The purpose of this two-month visit was parishes. The highlight of his Lowell visit ∂¶π∫√π¡ø¡∏™∆∂ ª∞∑π ª∞™ ™∆√ π¡∆∂ƒ¡∂∆ THE MARKET to thank the YMCA and the American Contact: Eleni & Ari Poulos was a mass meeting of local Greeks at WEB: www.eleni.com • E-mail: [email protected] people for their help in resettling the Asia the Memorial Auditorium. His message Minor refugees and to raise additional Επίσης αναλαμβάνουμε focused on the importance of unity: NON STOP FLIGHT US AIR FROM funds. It also provided an opportunity I advise you to forget the differences Διαβατήρια και Συμβολαιογραφικά for fact-finding about the workings of (Πληρεξούσια, Μεταφράσεις, which have separated you in the past PHILA TO ATHENS the YMCA. Metropolitan Gennadios and Πιστοποιητικά, κ.λ.π.) AND CONTINUE TO THESSALONIKI and to remember your common, glori- his delegation stressed that the visit was ous tradition as a race and as a religious 1-800-989-4733 5 Bayberry Drive, Broomall, PA 19008 “to help solidify friendship between his people. Your interests as well as those of Call Now and Begin Saving Money with Eleni Tours, Inc. 610-355-7730 • Fax: 610-355-0823 country and the United States. Although your native land and your mother church the mission is strictly non-political and demand that you unite. . . . In 1912, many non-partisan, it carries the official recog- of you present here tonight helped us nition of the Greek government.” They rid Bulgaria and the rest of our lands of took great pains not to compromise the the last vestige of Turkish oppression. mission, remaining neutral between Unfortunately, Greece met with a great the rival jurisdictions. Metropolitan national disaster in 1922 and was forced Gennadios did not schedule any public to support more than 1.5 million refugees meetings with Archbishop Alexander, from Asia Minor. I do not wish to remind although he and his delegation passed you of this except in such a manner as through New York City several times as to bring to your minds the necessity of they crisscrossed the country. forgetting the past and going forward to Among his many American destina- the realization of the dreams and ideals tions, Metropolitan Gennadios had been of your nation invited to visit Rochester, N.Y., by the For another five years, this goal re- head of the local YMCA, who had also mained elusive. Political passions took served the YMCA in Thessaloniki. The time to cool. Beginning with the mission Metropolitan arrived in Rochester on th of Metropolitan Damaskinos in 1930 April 9 to attend the 10 annual dinner and continuing with the extraordinary of the local YMCA. efforts of Archbishop Athenagoras, unity The chapter arranged an elaborate finally became a reality for the Church demonstration to show the Metropolitan in America. the practical benefits the YMCA provided The author thanks Irene Georgantas to the youth and the community. of Rochester and Mary Steve of Uhrichs- Metropolitan Gennadios had origi- ville, Ohio. nally planned to leave Rochester for Toronto on Sunday, April 11, when the Editor’s note: After a six-month Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in hiatus, Dr. Samonides is resuming his Rochester was to be consecrated by Arch- articles relating to the Church in America bishop Alexander. After much discussion, and its clergy in the early 1900s. He is also his party was persuaded to remain in collecting information from parishes and town for the consecration. individuals for articles that will be part Greek Orthodox services had been of the Orthodox Observer’s coverage held in Rochester since the community in 2022 relating to the centennial of the organized in 1910. After incorporating Archdiocese. DECEMBER 2016 23 Family Connections Epiphany: The Festival of Lights

by Angie Giallourakis These theological truths are beautifully expressed in the hymn of the day: Growing up in an Orthodox Chris- Lord, when You were baptized in the tian home, my family faithfully observed Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was the celebration of Epiphany. My mother made manifest. For the voice of the Father would take my brother and me to the gave witness to You, calling You Beloved; Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Waters and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, con- service at Sts. Constantine and Helen Ca- firmed the certainty of His words. Glory to thedral in Cleveland, Ohio. You, Christ our God, who appeared and My first recollection of this feast day enlightened the world. was with Fr. Peter Kyriakos of blessed Even today, the chanting of this beau- memory. During the service Fr. Peter tiful hymn brings tears to my eyes and would bless the entire congregation with warms my heart. Holy Water. As children we found this im- My thoughts always return to my mensely pleasurable — being sprinkled childhood where I would hear my mother with Holy Water would make us smile and chanting this joyful yet solemn hymn along giggle. Imagine water gently hitting your with our priest. face and hair, and inside the church! Upon Following the church service, the seeing us react our mother would smile faithful approach the priest to be blessed and kindly whisper, “The Holy Water is with Holy Water and receive a vial to bring for your health.” I am sure she meant for home and share with family. The vial of our salvation, but at that time we didn’t Holy Water can be placed on the family understand the concept. iconostasis to be used with reverence and Celebrating Epiphany in the Ortho- faith throughout the year. dox Church is profoundly important! The Epiphany season offers another It has been celebrated since the earliest important opportunity for the family. Invit- centuries of the Church. Epiphany means ing the priest into the home for a house “the showing forth” or “the manifestation” blessing creates a family tradition con- and marks the beginning of Jesus’s public necting the Church and home. The visit ministry on earth. The term Theophany can become a family affair where children more accurately describes the manifesta- participate by cleaning their bedrooms, tion of God and the revelation of the Holy singing the hymn of the feast, and praying Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to with their parish spiritual father. the world. The Epiphany or Theophany These are important tasks! Holy Water feast is celebrated on Jan. 6, with forefeast is a form of God’s grace: it cleanses, sanc- services offered on Jan. 5; the Blessing of tifies, and strengthens us in the spiritual the Waters is performed both days. January struggle towards salvation. 5 is a strict fast day, a day of preparation Positive and loving memories of the for this momentous feast. The hymns for Faith in the home can become embedded the forefeast focus on the readiness of all in our children’s hearts and souls and creation for the presence of Jesus Christ: help direct them to a more focused life Make ready, river Jordan: for behold, in Christ. Christ our God draws near to be baptized Celebrating the baptism of our Lord by John, that He may crush with His divin- gives us an opportunity to reflect on our ity the invisible heads of the dragons in own baptisms. As we observe this feast in Blueprints for the Little Church: the waters. Rejoice, wilderness of Jordan; our home, let us challenge ourselves with dance with gladness, mountains. For the the words of St. Nektarios: Creating an Orthodox Home eternal Life has come to call back Adam. “Christians, have we understood the How do we as Orthodox parents judgment—for incorporating the (Vespers of the Forefeast) great responsibility that we have taken keep our children in the Church primary practices of Orthodox spiri- Emphasis is placed upon the great- on before God through baptism? Have throughout their lives? It all begins tuality into your family life at every ness of the One who comes–first for the we come to know that we must conduct with involving them in the life of the stage of its growth and throughout river Jordan, then for the whole creation, ourselves as children of God, that we must Church from birth onward–in the par- the church year. Watch the webinar and especially for Adam and his children. align our will with the will of God, that we ish and also at home. Blueprints for at www.family.goarch.org. Order the Through His baptism, Christ sanctifies all must remain free from sin, that we must the Little Church provides practical book at www.ancientfaithpublishing. creation. love God with all our hearts and always ideas and encouragement–without com/store. At the moment of Jesus’s baptism, two patiently await union with Him? revelations occur. Two fundamental truths Have we thought about the fact that of our faith are proclaimed: God as Trinity our heart should be so filled with love that and Jesus Christ as both God and Man. it should overflow to our neighbor?” God in His love and mercy has revealed Order your Ecclesiastical Himself to us. God, who is beyond all our Angie Giallourakis, PhD, is the Re- ability to know, comes to us and reveals source Coordinator for the Center for Himself that we may commune with Him. Family Care. Wall Calendar AN ANNUAL RESOURCE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS. Bishop Sevastianos Leads Men’s Retreat he Calendar features full-color icons, the names of the Saints, a fasting guide, at St. Basil’s Academy and daily Scripture readings and Tcommemorations following the liturgical GARRISON, N.Y. – On Nov. 5 the Basil Academy, also took place. Center for Family Care sponsored its The event was developed as part of protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of third annual Archbishop Michael Memo- the Center for Family Care’s Philadel- Constantinople. In addition, thumbnail icons rial Men’s Retreat at St. Basil Academy, phia initiative. It aims to provide men on major feast and saint days, fasting symbols, led by Bishop Sevastianos of Zela. of the Archdiocese with a platform for and more. He offered the presentation “Ex- spiritual formation through multifaceted $ ploring Our Roles as Fathers and Sons.” programming. Call 212-774-0224 or send a check for 5 each Calendar to: Clergy and laymen from the greater New The mission of Philadelphia is to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America York area gathered for a wonderful day foster the basic characteristics of the Dept. of Communications of spiritual edification and fellowship. Faith and its practice for men to inten- 8 East 79th Street A memorial service for Archbishop Mi- tionally engage their roles in Church, New York, NY 10075 chael of America, who is interred at St. home, and society. 24 DECEMBER 2016 American Friends Movie Review of the Blind in Greece Providing Resources to the Blind in Greece since 1946 Arrival

by Fr. Angelo Artemas seen the face of God. Is humanity ready to behold the face of God? Our Mission During this Advent season (the The aliens appear as tall columns 40-day preparation for the Nativity with seven arms, and they have land- The American Friends of the Blind in Greece of Christ), it seemed fortuitous that ed in 12 different earthly locations. identifies, acquires, and delivers the best the movie “Arrival” was released on The number “7” in Hebrew equates Nov. 11. to “perfection,” and the number “12” possible resources and opportunities available to Based on “Story of Your Life” by biblically corresponds to the 12 tribes Ted Chiang and starring Amy Adams of Israel and the 12 apostles – the organizations in Greece, dedicated to improving the and Jeremy Renner, the Sci-fi mystery New Jerusalem. “12” also has univer- thriller about the arrival of aliens to sal implications in that it is the sum of lives of Greece’s blind and severely sight- impaired Earth strikes several spiritual and 3 (eternity/trinity) times 4 (universal/ universal chords that seem to parallel complete). people. We are a 501(c) (3) charitable organization the Christmas celebration. Numerically it can be argued dedicated to supporting resources for training for The alien landing immediately that the perfect beings have arrived sends military officials, astronomers to usher in a perfect world; echoes the blind in Greece. and scientists across the globe into a of Galatians 4:4 When the fullness panic, setting off a debate on whether of time had come God sent His Only to attack or attempt to communicate. begotten Son. It is quickly determined that the The 12 alien vessels are shaped universal mode of communication like towering half-eggs, evoking im- would first be in “language” rather ages in Orthodox icons of the Resur- than “science,” hearkening to the rected Christ rising from a half-egg Gospel of John 1:1 In the beginning (tomb), and eggs as symbols of the was the Word, and the Word was with resurrection. God, and the Word was God and Gen- There is no gravity in these ves- esis 1:3 God said let there be light… sels, as what is thrown upward con- God spoke and it was created. tinues upward, just as the Cross of A scientist in the story vehe- Christ elevates humanity. mently argues that the particular The heroine of the story is Lou- language of beings even determines ise, while her flawed ally is Ian (re- their ideology (consider that in the calling Genesis 2:18 It is not good face of a culture of foul language, that man should be alone upon the Our History slang, emojis (ideograms used in earth, Genesis 1:26 male and female Since 1946 we have helped in the support of electronic messages and Web pages) He created them). “Louise” comes and memes (ideas, behaviors, or from the Germanic for warrior, and services for the blind via Faros – The Lighthouse styles that spread from person-to- “Ian” is rooted in “gift.” Biblically person within a culture). “Louise” parallels “Ellias” while “Ian” for the Blind –located in Athens, Greece. We have A hostile response to the arrival corresponds with “John,” prominent of the aliens could have catastrophic prophets and forerunners. Louise created infrastructures and services that can meet results, while a peaceful response and Ian beget “Hannah,” Hebrew the total needs of visually-impaired individuals could bring unexpected blessings. for the grace of God. The Nativity As the world celebrates the Word season is rife with biblical prophecy to help them live a dignified, independent and become Flesh, is humanity respond- and God’s grace. ing positively to the arrival of God? Spoiler alert: Through the fren- activity-rich life. Faros provides services such as: The communication break- zied actions and communications by through in the movie comes when Dr. Louise, and thanks to the last minute • Lending Library with Braille and Audio Books Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams), restraint by military build-ups, the impulsively removes her contagion aliens bring unity and peace to the • Metal Works Unit gear and helmet, much to the sur- earth’s combustive nations; Luke prise and protest of the experts, and 2:14 …peace on earth and goodwill • Brushes/Brooms Workshop looks at the alien beings face to face. to man. Many saints of the Orthodox faith The Orthodox faith reminds us • Ceramics Workshop have taught that communion and that we are all aliens in a strange land, paradise require face to face intimacy longing for home. May we discover • Training and rehabilitation Center with others and with God (consider spiritual meaning and blessings in all that in the face of a culture where of God’s creation, and may this Holy With the severe economic crisis Greece has endured humans communicate with others Season once again encourage us on through face to face contact with our journey to paradise. for nearly two years, the public funding for Faros devices). The alien faces remain shrouded, Fr. Artemas is pastor of St. George has dramatically decreased. Now, more than ever, recalling Exodus 33:20 …no one has Church in Clifton, N.J. the blind people of Greece need our help.

Won’t you please help us help the blind in Greece by making your tax deductible contribution to our organization? To donate: visit us at www.friendsoftheblind.org

Or by mail: The American Friends of the Blind in Greece C/O Cambridge Trust, One Harbour Place, Portsmouth, NH 03801 DECEMBER 2016 25 Metropolis News Metropolitan Iakovos Serves Thanksgiving Meal to Needy CHICAGO – Metropolitan Iakovos mously. Over 150 meals this year where joined Annunciation Cathedral and St served to those in need of assistance George Church in Chicago for Thanks- in Chicago. About 60 volunteers come giving Feed the Hungry (at right). out each year from the two parishes For 26 years, the Metropolitan has to make this event possible. Each year attended this Thanksgiving Day event an anonymous cathedral steward of- and serves the mashed potatoes. fers hats, gloves, and socks to each of Food is donated by a dual steward the people attending in addition to a of the Cathedral and St. George anony- hygiene packet with various products.

Parish centennial Chancellor visits Metropolitan Iakovos visited Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos Assumption Church in Homer presided at the Divine Liturgy at Glen, Ill., Oct. 2, to celebrate their th St. Demetrios in Hammond, Ind., 100 anniversary. Also attending on Nov. 13. Metropolis of Chicago/John Ackerman photos was Congressman Dan Lipinski, More than 30 participants in who presented an official proc- this year’s Metropolis of Chicago lamation from the U.S. House of Youth Choir chanted the hymns. Representatives.

Chicago Archons Hold Annual Feast Day Service CHICAGO – Metropolis of Chicago ber of Metropolis clergy and 20 Archons Archons hosted their annual Vespers attending on both days. A luncheon and Liturgy services honoring St Andrew, followed the Nov. 30 Liturgy. The guest patron saint of the Order of St. Andrew speaker, John Zavitsanos, presented “The and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Ecumenical Patriarchate: The Assult over Services took place at St Andrew the Last 60 Years. Will the Church be Ex- Anniversary Proclamation Church in Chicago. Metropolitan Iakovos tinguished in Constantinople?” officiated at the Vespers Service while Zavitsanos, a Houston attorney, The City of Champaign, Ill., issued a proclamation Oct. 14 recognizing the upcoming 50th anniversary of Three Hierarchs Church in Champaign. Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos officiated became an Archon in 2004 and regularly at the Divine Liturgy with a large num- speaks on issues affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was part of the legal team that successfully won the return of certain properties of the Ecumenical Patriarchate against the government of Turkey in the European Court of Human Rights. He currently serves as a member of National Council of the Order of St Andrew, is a member of Archdiocesan Council, and a parishioner of Annuncia- tion Cathedral in Houston. Metropolis of Chicago Archons are actively working to increase awareness of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constan- tinople as well as the challenges facing the continued longevity of the church in Constantinople. As part of a larger nationwide initiative to increase aware- ness through the passage of Resolutions of Support for the Religious Freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constan- tinople in each state within the United States, the Metropolis of Chicago Archons have begun a political lobbying campaign to gain passage in the 2017 Spring Leg- islative Session in the two states under their oversight that have yet to pass this resolution; Indiana and Minnesota. In total, these Religious Freedom Resolutions in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople have been passed in 45 States, by the U.S. House Chicago Chancellor Visits Indiana Parish of Representatives and Senate and the European Union, and strongly supported SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Metropolis of Chicago Chancellor Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos visited St. Andrew Church on Nov. 27 and o ciated at Sunday by former Pope Benedict, Pope Francis, services. He also updated parishioners on the status of the important resolution in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Indiana former President George W. Bush, and state Sen. Mike Bohacek, who represents a portion South Bend, sent an important message to the parish indicating his full support of the resolution. President Barack Obama. 26 NOVEMBER 2016 OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS BOOKS REAL ESTATE A Greek woman makes her way in the second half of the twentieth century while her husband becomes one of the richest men in the world. • ADVENTURE • LOVE • FAMILY • FRIENDSHIPS • STRUGGLES • SUCCESSES • DESTINY Athena a Modern Greek Life by Aliki Alexxa A novel in 3 volumes Amazon.com, also Kindle Edition PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY FOR SALE ο Η εταιρία ALEXIOU BROTHERS η οποία βρίσκεται στο 17 χιλιόµετρο της KARDAMYLA, CHIOS Εθνικής Οδού Τρικάλων-Λαρίσης από το 1978 ασχολείται αποκλειστικά ΘΕΣΗ ΣΚΑΡΔΑΝΑΣ µε την κατασκευή ξυλογλυπτικών έργων βυζαντινής τέχνης και 2 1/2 STREMMATA - HARBOR VIEW τεχνοτροπίας. Είναι δε από τις λίγες που έχουν εναποµείνει στον ΣΕ ΟΙΚΙΣΜΟ - ΑΡΤΙΟ ΟΙΚΟΔΟΜΗΣΙΜΟ WELL – WATER • 160,000 EURO ελλαδικό χώρο, απασχολούν µόνο παραδοσιακούς τεχνίτες-µάστορες Please call DR. EMMANUEL KRATSIOS και δραστηριοποιούνται σε ολόκληρο τον κόσµο. Αναλαµβάνουµε 317.270.8381 την ανάληψη κατασκευής µοναδικών ξυλόγλυπτων έργων σε παραδοσιακούς, ορθόδοξους βυζαντινούς ρυθµούς σε Ιερούς Ναούς, GREEK ART GIFTS & FESTIVAL NEEDS Παρεκκλήσια και Μονές σε οποιαδήποτε πολιτεία των ΗΠΑ. Βασικές αρχές της επιχείρησής µας είναι η ποιότητα των υλικών που χρησιµοποιούµε, η συνέπεια στο χρόνο παράδοσης των έργων και η διαχρονικότητά τους. GREEK SOLDIER IN THE 2ND WORLD WAR ecently, amazon.com published and distributed New Retail website Rthe English version of a book titled LIFE AS A GREEK www.iakaf.com • 718.229.4100 SOLDIER 1941-1945, written by JOHN NIKOLOPOULOS, a Greek veteran of the Battles of El Alamein, Italy and GREEK ART & PERSONALIZED GIFTS December 1944 Events in Athens. 220 photographs and 7 maps, of that period, Advertisement Disclaimer are included in the 592 ORTHODOX OBSERVER does not endorse, support, sanction, or verify pages book. the information or material printed as advertisement unless otherwise The sale price is US $15.00, specifically indicated. ORTHODOX OBSERVER has no affiliation with considered low for this book, any of the organizations/companies/advertisers, listed in, described on because the author does not or printed, and it makes no representations or warranties whatsoever expect a particular fi nancial with regard to those organizations or any other organization, entity or profi t. He hopes that Greeks person. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER reserves the right to edit, categorize, living abroad, particularly in English speaking nations, and revise, or refuse any display or classified advertisement. In addition, the especially younger generations, who speak but it is diffi cult to ORTHODOX OBSERVER has the right to terminate any ad at any time read Greek, would be interested in. for any reason. Parties posting ads are responsible for the accuracy and The content of this book is by one third (1/3) about the battles in content of their ads. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER will not be liable for any which the writer participated in and by two thirds (2/3) about the damages arising out of errors or omissions. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER history of the sociopolitical events in occupied Greece, the Middle will not be held liable for any damages of any kind relating to any ad. East as well as hose following the Varkiza Agreement up to 1950.

PILGRIMAGE TOURS GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHS 1) Conventional photographs We accept Color or Black & White photos, printed on photographic paper. Photographs should be sharp and clear. Pictures printed on color printers, either Inkjet or Laser and photocopies or clippings of previ- ously published photos are NOT accepted.

2) Digital photographs We accept digital pictures if they conform to the PERSONALIZED GREEK GIFTS Discover MOUNT ATHOS following specifications: We organize tours that will open up • Minimum resolution 1600 pixels wide x 1200 pixels high (approx. 2 mega pixels, digital cameras the world of monastic life to you. should be set to high resolution, high quality. If you Observe and share in the monks’ daily journey scan a standard photograph -usually 4x6”- use a mini- mum of 300 dpi. We discourage scanning your own as well a peruse the architectural wonders photos, send the actual photo.) • File format JPEG or TIFF (JPEGs are smaller files of the Athonite monasteries. and easier to e-mail, TIFFs are better quality) Group as well as individual tours are available. • Color mode RGB, color depth minimum 8-bit. • Image files placed within any word-processing We o er Athos hiking and climbing as well. file or any other application are not accepted. Speak  uent Greek and English. • Digital pictures can be submitted by e-mail, CD- ROM, Zip, Floppy Disk (Disks can not be returned) • E-mail to: [email protected]. In the subject www.mountathostour.com line write only the word “photos” VERY IMPORTANT: Attach the image files and [email protected] do not include them in the body of the e-mail or they will not be usable. Contact : ( 011 30) 2310 554548 3) Please include information about the photo(s); place, time and event as well as the names of all per- Mobile: (011 30) 6949311953 sons shown, left to right. DECEMBER 2016 27 National Ministries: ‘In The Now’ Department of Youth and Young Adults

From the Director : How to Love Our Enemies by Steven Christoforou love is not a human reaction; it is a something nice for someone, even when completely divine reaction and an op- we don’t want to, can help bring forgive- As Christians, we know that forgive- portunity for salvation. We can forgive ness and healing. ness and love are incredibly important. because all things are possible in Christ, 5. Take Your Time Yet it’s often far from easy. who defeated death and gave us life. Hearts don’t always change over- Here are five ways to move closer to 3. Reframe the Situation night. Even if you try to apply this advice something difficult, yet transformative: Once we’ve identified our enemies, today, you’ll face challenges and dif- loving our enemies. we may be surprised that our response is ficulties. Remember to be patient: King 1. Acknowledge Your Enemies making a difficult situation worse. Nega- David sent a man to his death, St. Mary We can’t heal our relationships if tivity can build in our hearts over time, of Egypt spent years enslaved to her lust, we don’t first admit there’s a problem, and cause us to focus on someone’s St. Paul persecuted the Church before which is how any confession needs to faults. It can help to be mindful of our he joined it. Each of the saints stumbled start. It helps to reflect and be honest sins first, and try to view our enemies in on the way to holiness, and we’re no about whether we view people nega- a more sympathetic light. different. All we can do is trust in God’s tively, as enemies. To pray for them, we 4. Do Something Nice salvific work, and do our best. need to first know them. Loving our enemies is easier said This month, take a small step to- 2. Know Love than done. Yet, just like fasting can af- wards loving an enemy, or towards As Christian explains on “The fect our spiritual state, there are things forgiving someone who you feel has Trench,” responding to enemies with we can do to soften our hearts. Doing wronged you. Pan-Orthodox Conference Scheduled in January

The Archdiocese and Y2AM (the keynote and feature nine short presenta- ply interested in learning more about Department of Youth and Young Adult tions, each exploring ways to overcome ministry, I highly recommend that you Ministries and the Office of Camp- the divisions that often separate our join us. ing Ministries) will host the annual ministry efforts. For more information on the Orthodox Youth and Camp Workers Apart from the educational benefit, conference and featured speakers, or Conference, scheduled for Jan. 26–28 at this conference is a wonderful opportu- to reserve your spot and make hotel Transfiguration Church in Austin, Texas. nity to connect with others doing criti- accommodations, please visit Ortho- The department last hosted this cal work for the Church. It’s a chance doxYCC.org. conference in January 2013; each of the for youth and camp workers to come canonical Orthodox jurisdictions hosts together for prayer and fellowship, on a rotating basis. developing bonds that will help them The theme of this year’s conference overcome the ministry challenges that is “The Seamless Garment: Towards lay ahead. a Unified Model of Ministry.” Though I personally look forward to this we often approach ministry with an ice conference every year: to honing my cube tray model, dividing people and ministry skills, opening myself to new programs into distinct groups, the goal ideas and insights, and developing of the conference is to work towards a friendships with my coworkers in coherent and unified model of ministry Christ’s vineyard. grounded in Christ. If you’re involved with youth and The conference will begin with a young adult work of any kind, or sim- 28 DECEMBER 2016 Metropolis News Metropolis of Boston: Upholding Tradition, Building for the Future This is the first of a series of interviews for families like the catechetical school, with the Metropolitans of the Archdio- or adult classes teaching Orthodoxy, cese focusing on their ministries, be- those people are not going to come to ginning with Metropolitan Methodios your church. The issue is befriending of Boston. everyone who comes to our door and going out and bringing back people BOSTON – With the traditions of that have left the church. We want them Thanksgiving deeply rooted in New back – and we tell them so.” England, Metropolitan Methodios Having served as president of Hel- noted in his interview the major con- lenic College Holy Cross for six years, tinuous philanthropic outreach of the he knows that for the Church to flour- Philoxenia House. ish nationwide “We really have to make “It’s a beautiful ministry for breth- sure the school is number one on our ren from all over the world, Orthodox list of priorities…the school always was and non-Orthodox who come for medi- and always will be the spinal column cal issues,” he said. “We welcome them that holds the Archdiocese together.” to Philoxenia House which is on the While he is no longer directly in- campus of the seminary. We provide volved, he does interact with students them free room and board and take and faculty and he tells his priests to en- them to and from hospitals.” courage young men who have a calling. Chancellor Fr. Ted Barbas, Fr. Vas- “We try to mentor them as much as Alex Mavradis photo silios Bebis, Eleni Pantelis – a banker possible so they develop as students, Metropolitan Methodios with summer camp participants at the Metropolis camp in Contoocook, N.H. who volunteers her time, and Philop- and find extra scholarship money for tochos member Maria Tamvakologos them.” are key people. Yet the ever-pressing need for Hellenic College, his M.Div from Holy receive. It is the honest-to- God truth The Metropolis’ Philoptochos also more priests demands initiative and Cross, and a Master of Sacred Theology that I have never asked anyone to do- has an outreach to veterans. Tragically, imagination. from Boston University, nate money to the Metropolis or “some return only to find themselves “I hope that there are laymen who He continued his any of the projects that have on the street because their wives di- wish to become priests and serve the theological studies at been built in my time. vorced them, they literally don’t have a communities throughout the Archdio- the University of Thes- I always tell them ‘go house to live in. The Metropolis coop- cese that are too small to support full- saloniki and his path and see with your own eyes erates with local veterans associations time pastors.” led him back to his and if you like what you and organizations to provide what we He said those places can be served hometown to serve see, you can donate’ and can for them.” by people who are also working as at St. Spyridon in the thank God people have Washington Heights Various parishes help with local pharmacists, physicians, attorneys, who been more than gener- section of Manhat- homeless people, especially around come to the seminary and slowly but ous and that is why we Thanksgiving. “We do the best we can surely finish their theological studies. tan and, ultimately, are able to do what to be good American citizens of Greek He is a proponent of the school of to Boston. “I never Orthodox faith,” the Metropolitan said. theology summer diaconate program, expected to be- we do here.” Fotis Papir- He emphasizes outreach to cradle which is producing deacons who can come the bishop of is, who had Orthodox and converts. At the monthly help the Church in various ways, but he Boston in 1984…I meeting of clergy, “We keep emphasiz- adds “I am encouraging all the deacons served the am grateful to God church ing to each other the need to open the to continue their studies at Holy Cross that I am here embrace of the Church to everybody, evenings and during the summer so in Asto- in Boston. I’ve ria, NY especially those not born into the that they get a full theological educa- been sur- Orthodox Church. we make them feel tion and become ordained as priests to oversees rounded all the min- at home. We do whatever we can so serve those six or seven communities by very that they feel not like strangers, but as in New England that cannot afford a istries and Yi- member of the House of God.” full-time priest…parishes that now anni Michaelidis is We are trying – especially with our only have priests serving liturgy the new Metropolis college kids…a couple of years ago one or two times a month…. youth director. we began a program known as Ortho- are not going to have much of “We are really trying doxy on Tap. We find speakers that a life. You have to have a priest to reach out, especially to go to various restaurants and speak to who is there mentoring and lov- young people,” Metropolitan young adults who otherwise don’t go to ing and taking care of whatever Methodios said. church for one reason or another. Last parishioners there are more than He is especially proud of the week there were 70 kids at a restaurant just on a Sunday,” and properly St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Cen- who participated in an open discussion trained priests with lay professions ter in New Hampshire. about where the Church is and where can do that. “It’s a large property – about 300 it’s going.” Metropolitan Methodios used his acres – that hosts spring, summer and They are reaching out to the own experience as an example of the winter camps. “We are constantly build- “nones” who tell surveyors they have important role a parish priest plays in ing to accommodate the children that no religious affiliation, and Metropoli- recruiting priests. go there.” tan Methodios said, “we find that the He grew up in a family with a response is very good…we tell the brother and sister in which his parents, youth here we are; we are an Orthodox Stavroula and Vasilios Tournas, and his church, we love you and want you to uncle and aunt were devoted to the For a listing be part of our community.” Church, but “a parish priest can really He notes that in his Metropolis “the influence a young man” to pursue the of the parishes language issue with the liturgy is really priesthood, especially when parents that correspond non-existent. have other plans for their sons. with the numbers There are only a few communities “I was a young kid when Archbish- that celebrate the liturgy predominant- op Iakovos was enthroned on April 1, on the map, ly in Greek” – but he acknowledges that 1959 and I was an altar boy at that ser- visit having services in English is not enough vice. I looked at him as someone very for Orthodoxy to flourish in America. special and that influenced me, and good the Orthodox Observer website “If the language is English but the so did my parish priest at Holy Trinity priests and www.goarch.org/observer, people are not nourished by a good Cathedral in Manhattan who was a very laymen that re- December 2011 issue, page 32. choir and a healthy sermon, or the com- good preacher and pastor, Fr. Constan- ally love the Church munity does not have good programs tine Kazanis. He received his BA from and whatever I ask, I