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HAGIA SOPHIA The First Great Martyr of Christian Art & Architecture 2

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8 JOIN THE ARCHONS IN BERLIN FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY, HISTORIC WATERSHED EVENT Editor & Graphic Designer: John J. Mindala II With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, the Archons invite you to attend and participate in our 2nd International Conference on Religious Freedom in Berlin, Germany, December 4 and 5, 2013. Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America 5 "60 MINUTES" TO RECEIVE ATHENAGORAS HUMAN Spiritual Advisor: RIGHTS AWARD Rev. Alexander Karloutsos "60 Minutes" has been selected to receive the Executive Committee Award on October National Commander: 19 for its 2010 Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, Aktouarios news program on the Ecumenical National Vice Commander: Patriarchate and their J. Bouras, Depoutatos programming focusing the world's attention on religious freedom and Secretary: human rights offenders John Halecky, Jr., Ekdikos

Treasurer: James C. Fountas, Depoutatos 12 SINAI'S 1,500 YEAR-OLD MONASTERY SHUT DOWN BY EGYPTIAN SECURITY Mount Sinai's Saint Catherine's Monastery–which Functionaries employs 400 workers from the surrounding communi- Legal Counselor: ty–has ordered a total shutdown by Egyptian security Christopher Stratakis, Esq., Notarios 7 ARCHON DR. STEPHEN J. authorities YALLOURAKIS NAMED RECIPIENT Historian: OF BOURAS AWARD George E. Demacopoulos, PhD Didaskalos Tou Genous The Order is pleased to an- nounce that Archon Stephen J. Sergeant-at-Arms: Yallourakis, M.D., D.D.S., has Alexander Pritsos, Hieromnimon been nominated as the recipient of this year’s Nicholas J. Bouras ASSISTANT TREASURER: Award for Extraordinary Archon Andreas D. Comodromos, CPA Stewardship Dikaiophylax

17 ARCHONS MEET WITH PRIME The Archon is published by the Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical MINISTER SAMARAS Patriarchate in America. Members are encouraged to submit material pertaining Prime Minister 19 ARCHONS HOST LECTURE ON to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and of the Hellenic . All material should be typed 'FUTURE OF ORTHODOX-CATHOLIC RELATIONS' Republic Antonis and submitted electronically. The editor Samaras visited the reserves the right to edit all material Archon Dr. George Demacopoulos, the Order's submitted for publication. ©2013 United States and Historian and Fordham University Professor of met with many Archons during a Historical Theology lectured at the Museum of the luncheon hosted by Ambassador City of New York, organized principally by Regional OrderStAndrew

Christos Panagopoulos Commander Nikiforos Mathews PHOTO CREDIT: J. MINDALA archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 3

Hagia Sophia The First Great Martyr of Christian Art and Architecture

By Nikolaos Manginas

An even greater surprise came from the The whole history of Hagia Sophia is then It all started official magazine of Turkish Airlines, Skylife set to spin around the axis of the Sultans. with the of Hagia Sophia in Nicaea. (Issue 361, August 2013). The cover fea- Furthermore, in this publication, art histo- Then Hagia Sophia in Trabzon. Both of tured a lithograph of the church drawn from rian Prof. Semavi Eyice states: “The Hagia these glorious Byzantine churches – which the period of the and enti- Sophia is statically flawed by having a functioned for many decades as museums tled “Hagia Sophia: The Sultans’ Mosque.” central dome perched atop a long basilica – have now been turned into mosques, a The lengthy tribute – totaling twelve pages structure. The building was damaged in harsh reminder of their forced conversion in Turkish and English – presented the his- earthquakes because the dome is un- centuries ago. And this in accordance tory of Hagia Sophia from only an Ottoman able to bear the pressure. The architect with recent sudden decisions by modern perspective, especially highlighting the Sinan correctly identified this weakness political authorities. period during which it served as a mosque. in the Hagia Sophia and reinforced it, This selective memory cannot remain un- It is well known that following the Fall ensuring its survival to our day. At the noticed by anyone who knows that for one of the , numerous same time, Sinan was impressed by the thousand years without interruption, Hagia churches were converted to mosques by Hagia Sophia, which became an instruc- Sophia comprised the most significant the Ottomans. With the establishment of tive model for him.” Moreover, Rotterdam Church of Christendom. Moreover, to this the modern Turkish Republic in 1923, the University of Islam Prof. Ahmet Akgunduz day it remains a powerful symbol for all same spaces were gradually converted observes: “The Conqueror’s Hagia Sophia Christians, especially the Orthodox. into museums, which is what also occurred Foundation document tells the story of the with the Great Church, ’s Hagia This articles appropriates the image Hagia Sophia and of the building of the five Sophia, in 1934. Nevertheless, there are of Hagia Sophia to be a symbol of the great imperial mosques as well as of the now indications that certain factions are Ottomans and a point of reference for the properties, both movable and immovable, endeavoring to cultivate in popular opinion Sultans. Even though the article includes that belong to these complexes. At the the notion that Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, references to the construction of the end there are also some harsh words for the symbol of Christian faith, should be church, as well as the ages of Iconoclasm those who would violate the terms of the turned into a mosque. A few months ago, and the Crusades, the claim is that the foundation. Putting aside historic rivalries a Turkish citizen submitted an application golden age of Hagia Sophia commenced and mutual hostilities, Hagia Sophia should to the National Assembly for the conversion in 1453 and the Fall of . be restored as soon as possible to the of Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The and Christ-child flanked by Justinian I (left) and Constantine the Great (right). 4 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

HAGIA SOPHIA

spiritual aura for which it yearns.” The special tribute of Turkish Airlines, Skylife mentions the return of the build- ing to its former “spiritual aura.” No one would disagree with such a judgment, but we would like to remind readers that the scenes depicted on the Royal Gate still await the fragrance of incense. Beneath their asbestos covering, the – the unique images and mosaics of historical, spiritual and cultural value – are nostalgic for the sound of hymns. We must honestly admit once and for all that, in this structure, everything – from the slightest pebble to the dome that surpassed all expectations – happened for the glory of the Risen Christ and His Church. It all happened under Justinian, the Roman Emperor, for the Roman Empire that overcame all challenges and dimensions of this world (which in fact constantly tried to eliminate it!) and which ultimately became a universal concept, becoming, therefore, ecumenical. Times changed. In the place of horses bearing Emperors anointed by God’s mercy, conquerors entered the Great Church. Yet, from that reality to a claim and description of Hagia Sophia as the Sultans’ Mosque, that gap cannot be bridged. The selective presentation of the Church’s true history, a history that transformed nations and cultures, is unacceptable. It is truly as- tonishing that not a single word was printed to even sketch those moments of history. What of the magnificent moments of the Consecration of this spectacular Church? The enthronements of Patriarchs and installations of Emperors? The singularly sublime Services? The splendid lighting of the lamps, the feasts and the festivals? What of the daily rhythm and official life of the Imperial City of Constantinople and its people, which evolved inside and around In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who the Great Church? One such moment is ordered this main church of Orthodox converted into a mosque. The building was a mosque from May 29, 1453 until 1931. It was then secularized and opened as a mu- precisely the reason for which the whole seum on February 1, 1935. Slavic world boasts of its over one thou- sand years of Faith in Christ. Because their predecessors, the people of Rus, Milliyet. On being asked, among other and not a mosque.” questions, about opinions formulated by entered the Great Church of Christ and Concluding our remarks, we certainly some on the reopening of Hagia Sophia witnessed and attended the awe-inspiring hope that this Church will return from its as a mosque, he emphasized that it could . Not knowing whether they nostalgic silence, but only if it is to return only be reopened as a Christian church, were standing on earth or in heaven, they to its original function and purpose, for otherwise it should remain a museum. The asked to be baptized in the waters of this which the finest and costliest materials Ecumenical Patriarch declared: “With re- faith, which created and still creates such were gathered into one location from all gard to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, it served universal wonders. parts of the world “so that Justinian might as a Christian church for over one thou- conquer Solomon.”  Last February, Ecumenical Patriarch sand years. If it is to reopen as a house of Bartholomew provided an interview to worship, then it should open as a Christian the widely circulated Turkish newspaper church. Because it was built as a church

Note: For historical accuracy, we should remind readers that the architect Mimar Sinan (1489-1588), who designed the largest mosque of the city, the Suleymaniye Mosque, was born of Greek Orthodox parents from the village of Sts. Anargyroi (Ağırnaz) in Cappadocia, near Caesarea, and was a victim of the forced levy and conversion of children (devşirme). archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 5

ANNUAL ARCHON WEEKEND

to receive Athenagoras Human Rights Award, Oct 19

New York – The CBS television news pro- "The news team has been a clarion voice for many religiously gram "60 Minutes" will receive this year's Athenagoras Human Rights Award pre- oppressed communities that continue to struggle for religious sented by the Order of Saint Andrew, the liberty and freedom of conscience. Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, at the organization's annual banquet –National Commander Limberakis Saturday, Oct. 19, at the New York Hilton Hotel in New York City. and freedom of conscience," said Anthony Past recipients of the award have included "60 Minutes" was selected for the J. Limberakis, M.D., National Commander Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H. award because its news program on the of the Archons. W. Bush, Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel and Ecumenical Patriarchate, first broadcast Mikhail Gorbachev. in 2010, continues to bring significant Mr. Fager will accept the award for CBS attention and support to the Ecumenical News at the banquet. This will not be the The Award is named in memory of Patriarchate and the Ecumenical Patriarch, first award presented to Mr. Fager. The Ecumenical Patriarchate Athenagoras, His All Holiness Bartholomew. Producers Guild of America voted him best who served in that capacity from 1948 producer in non-fiction TV news four times. until his death in 1972. Prior to his selec- CBS newsman Bob Simon and producer He also made TV Week's top 10 list of the tion as Ecumenical Patriarch, Athenagoras Harry Radliffe, the two key people behind most powerful television news executives. served as Archbishop of North and South the successful news program, continue In 2012 as well as this year, The Hollywood America. to focus attention on religious freedom Reporter named him one of the "35 most Established in 1986, the Athenagoras and human rights for the Ecumenical powerful people in the media." Patriarchate and other religious bodies and Human Rights Award is presented annually communities around the world. The program was selected for the honor at the Order of Saint Andrew's grand ban- because it meets the goals of the Archons quet to a person or organization, which has Working in concert with Jeffrey Fager, of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to up- consistently exemplified by action, purpose chairman of CBS News and executive hold and defend the historical status of and dedication concern for the basic rights producer of "60 Minutes," and Bill Owens, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as and religious freedom of all people.  executive editor of "60 Minutes," the news to emphasize the historical role of the team has been a clarion voice for many Ecumenical Patriarchate in the develop- religiously oppressed communities that ment of both eastern and western church continue to struggle for religious liberty relations. 6 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

ANNUAL ARCHON WEEKEND

Saturday, October 19 Sunday, October 20

8:00 Am - 9:30 Am 9:00 Am Archons-Elect Orientation Breakfast Matins [The Rendezvous Trianon, 3Rd Floor] [Archdiocesan Cathedral]

All National Council Members, Regional Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Commanders, Archons-Elect, and 319-337 East 74th Street annual Spouses (Between 1st And 2nd Avenues) New York, NY 10021 archon Archons-Elect: Please Confirm Your Tel: 212-288-3215 Attendance Expeditiously by calling the Office at 212-570-3550 or by e-mail to 9:00 Am

S ched u le o f Ev ents weekend [email protected] Procession of Archons and Archons-Elect oct 18-20 [Cathedral Undercroft, Lower Level] 10:00 Am - 1:00 Pm Annual Archon General Assembly Meeting Archons and Archons-Elect Assemble [Mercury Suite, 3Rd Floor] in Cathedral Undercroft, Lower Level for Friday, October 18 instructions, Photos and Procession into All Archons, Archons-Elect, and Spouses Cathedral. Archons should wear the Order 4:00 Pm - 5:30 Pm of Saint Andrew emblems. Joint Meeting of National Council and 1:00 Pm - 2:30 Pm Regional Commanders Archon Fellowship Luncheon * Archons-Elect * Be sure you have [Murray Hill, 2Nd Floor] with guest speaker Harry Radliffe, reserved your Archon emblems and producer of 60 Minutes Cross of St. Andrew by contacting the National Office at 212-570-3550 6:30 Pm - 10:00 Pm [The Rendezvous Trianon, 3Rd Floor] Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship All Archons, Archons-Elect, and Spouses 10:00 Am Cocktail Reception & Dinner Dance Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios [Rendezvous, Petit & Trianon Ballroom, 6:00 Pm - 7:00 Pm 3Rd Floor] Reception (Black Tie) of America, assisted by Metropolitans, Bishops and Visiting [Grand Ballroom Foyer, 3Rd Floor] Presentation of the 2013 Nicholas J. Bouras Award 12:00 Pm All Archons and Banquet Guests For Extraordinary Archon Stewardship to Investiture of New Archons of the Archon Stephen J. Yallourakis, MD, DDS Ecumenical Patriarchate by His Eminence 7:00 Pm - 10:00 Pm Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch New York Hilton Archon Grand Banquet (Black Tie) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 1335 Avenue of the Americas [Grand Ballroom, 3Rd Floor] (Between 53rd and 54th Streets) Presentation of Offikia & Cross of St. Andrew New York, NY 10019 Presentation of the 2013 Athenagoras Human Rights Award 1:00 Pm to 60 Minutes Reception [Cathedral Ballroom]

DEPARTED ARCHONS Andre C. Dimitriadis, PhD Chris Karafotias Archon Referendarios Archon Ekdikos Malibu, CA Skokie, IL Departed on August 13, 2013 Departed on July 21, 2013

Hon. Monte G. Basbas Eppaminondas Johnson Cleo N. Zambetis Archon Depoutatos Archon Laosynaktis Archon Megas Referendarios Concord, MA Sacramento, CA Canfield, OH Departed on May 25, 2013 Departed on September 16, 2013 Departed on July 18, 2013

George C. Chryssis George A. Kappos Archon Orphanotrofos Archon Maestor Southborough, MA Pepper Pike, OH Departed on May 31, 2013 Departed on August 25, 2013 archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 7 Archon Dr. Yallourakis named 2013 recipient of Bouras Award

The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle is pleased to announce that Archon Stephen J. Yallourakis, M.D., D.D.S., has been nominated as the recipient of this year’s Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship. A special tribute dinner dance will be held at the New York Hilton Hotel, Friday evening, Oct. 18, 2013, as part of the Order's annual three-day as- sembly, Oct. 18-20. Archon George Safiol, Award Committee chairman, said, "Archon Yallourakis has exemplified tremendous stewardship of time, talent and resources in support of the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the United States, and to the mission of the Order of Saint Andrew in which all Christians should be granted religious freedom rights. Our committee deemed it appropriate to recognize his efforts and name him as recipient of this prestigious Award in recognition of the extraordinary service exemplified by National Vice Commander Bouras."

Dr. Stephen J. Yallourakis he has been a member of Leadership 100 Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National since 2000 and, alongside his wife, spear- Commander of the Order, stated, “Archon is one of the founding members of Holy headed the first Leadership 100 initiation Dr. Yallourakis' contribution in many capaci- Trinity Mission Church in Kingsport, TN. program in the State of Tennessee. He has ties as an Archon of the Great Church of He was invested as an Archon in 2005 and participated in several Archon pilgrimages Christ is exemplary. His leadership donation conferred with the offikion, Aktourarios. He including, "The Return of the Relics of Saint towards the rebuilding of Transfiguration of has served on the National Council since " to the Phanar in 2006 Christ Our Savior Monastery on Halki which 2006. and to Rome in 2004 for the Feast of Sts. was destroyed by rioting workers of the In 2006, Dr. Yallourakis, and his wife Dr. Peter and Paul, led by His All-Holiness Turkish Forestry Ministry; his personal com- Anna, offered donations for the restoration Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. After mitment, along with his beloved wife Doctor of the historic Transfiguration of Christ Our a trip to the Phanar in 2004, Drs. Stephen Anna in the development, funding and Savior Monastery on the island of Halki. and Anna made it their personal mission to distribution of 160,000 copies of the Zine However, on November 13, 2007, eight educate the Orthodox community about the Magazine First Among Equals to educate officials of the local Ministry of Forestry in Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 2007, they set in our faithful throughout America regarding threw away roof tile, broke all the motion the religious education publication, the canonical, historical and ecclesiastical windows and window frames of the historic "First Among Equals" and in 2012 donated significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate monastery, which had survived numerous a national mailing of this publication to be and his many pilgrimages to the Mother fires and earthquakes throughout hun- sent to all parishes, clergy, Sunday school Church in Constantinople render him a dreds of years. The officials threatened educators and Archons nationwide. The most worthy recipient of this prestigious the residents and demanded that they following year, donations were made so that Award. Axios! Axios! Axios!” the publication could be placed in nearly abandon their homes because the houses The Nicholas J. Bouras Award is pre- 160,000 issues of the Orthodox Observer. were being demolished. In response, Drs. sented annually to an individual who has Yallourakis, provided additional financial Archon Yallourakis received his BS and DDS demonstrated extraordinary and incom- support towards the vandalized monas- from Case Western Reserve University in parable stewardship to the Order, enabling tery's renovation, remarking, "We here 1985 and his MD from Vanderbilt University Archons to vigorously pursue securing in the U.S. enjoy all of our freedoms and Medical School in 1989. He also received religious freedom for the Mother Church believe all people should enjoy basic un- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training form of Constantinople. The Award is named alienable rights given to us by our Creator. Vanderbilt in 1991 and currently maintains a after Nicholas J. Bouras, current National The Ecumenical Patriarchate, founded by private practice for the last 20 years. Vice Commander, who himself has demon- the Apostle Andrew, is the Sacred See for strated remarkable leadership as a faithful He and his wife Dr. Anna, have been mar- 250 million Orthodox Christians around the son of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Archon ried 23 years, and maintain dual residence world. We pray for a positive resolution to George D. Behrakis was the recipient of in Kingsport, TN and Los Angeles, CA. this tragic event and anxiously await the the inaugural Bouras Award in 2011 while They have two children, Michael Grant, 18, repair of the damage which has destroyed Archons John Halecky, Jr. and James C. and Stephanie Katherine Grant, 13, who our beloved Monastery." Fountas became dual-recipients the fol- are both actively pursuing and working in lowing year.  Serving the Church locally and nationally, the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. PHOTO CREDIT: ARHCON PANAGOS D. 8 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

The Theodosian Walls that surrounded the invite you to attend and witness the Archon to see how the walls of intolerance and Queen of Cities guarded the Ecumenical Second International Conference on Religious misunderstanding can come tumbling down, Patriarchate for over a thousand years. The Freedom: “Tearing Down Walls: Achieving and a new future for all people of goodwill remnants of those Walls still stand, but are Religious Equality in Turkey.” It will take place can begin. no longer a bulwark for the Mother Church. in Berlin, Germany, December 4 and 5, 2013. In their place have risen up barricades and This upcoming conference promises to be an The conference is being organized and hosted obstructions of religious liberty. But witness extraordinary, historic and watershed event, by the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, on the front side of this mailer the courage just as the first religious freedom conference Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in of those who remain, how the glory of the was in November 2010 at the European America in cooperation with the Patriarchal Resurrection shines on from the Lighthouse Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to the of the Phanar. . The coordination of the local Once again, politicians, diplomats, human political and church partners is undertaken With the blessings of His Eminence rights lawyers and advocates, scholars, by the Greek Orthodox Metropolitanate of Archbishop Demetrios of America, the religious leaders, journalists and members Germany with the blessings of His Eminence Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of minority communities will come together Metropolitan Augoustinos.

Departure Conference Day II Depart on Air Berlin non stop from JFK Air The Archon Second International Berlin 7249. Conference on Religious Freedom Day II DEC 2 DEC 5 Departs JFK at 5:55 pm. Lunch Lunch at the Adlon Hotel Arrival Arrive Berlin 7:30 am. Transfer airport to Berlin. Reception & Dinner Cocktail reception and farewell dinner

Orientation & City Tour Museum Island Tour Orientation tour including the Morning half day tour of Museum Island highlights of Berlin: including the Pergamum Museum, named DEC 3 DEC 6 ƒƒ The Berlin Wall and Museum after the ancient Greek city and housing the Acropolis of Pergamum, the Market ƒƒ Check Point Charlie Gate of Miletus, the Ishtar Gate of Babylon ƒƒ The Brandenburg Gate and other prized treasures, and one other art museum on the island. Short stop for coffee. Early check-in. Welcome Reception Christmas Markets In the evening, welcome reception and Afternoon half day tour of three specialty dinner at the Adlon Hotel Christmas markets.

Conference Day I Departure The Archon Second International Depart at 8:45 am on Air Berlin 6439 for Conference on Religious Freedom Day I Dusseldorf with arrival DEC 4 DEC 7 at 9:55 am. Lunch Lunch at the Käfer Restaurant at the Bundestag (German Parliament) Connect for Air Berlin 7450 departing Dusseldorf at 1:05 pm and arriving at JFK VIP Reception at 3:30 pm. VIP evening reception at US Embassy “… a photo from one of the churches of Constantinople … archons.org/newsletter | The Orderwhich of Sainthas aAndrew population the Apostle, of only Archons a few of the and Ecumenical one priest Patriarchate who is 9 responsible for three churches, but still has the courage to celebrate the Anastasi at midnight.” – Iakovos

The Order of Saint Andrew is offering individuals a great opportunity to witness an extraordinary, historic and watershed event!

Rates include the following services: Double occupancy: ƒƒ Round trip air JFK Berlin JFK on Air Berlin $3,075 + $515 air tax /fuel surcharge ƒƒ Early check in to Adlon Hotel on December 3 $3,590 (per person) ƒƒ Four nights hotel accommodation at the superior deluxe Adlon Kempinski including daily breakfast, service fees, and taxes Single occupancy: ƒ ƒ All private transfers $4,275 + $515 air tax /fuel surcharge ƒƒ Private sightseeing with a deluxe motor coach and English speaking guide as follows; $4,790 ƒƒ Orientation tour of Berlin including the Berlin Wall and Museum Deposit of $1,000 per person with a coffee stop due by October 10, 2013 or ƒƒ Half day tour of Museum Island including the Pergamum Museum late reservation fee of $50 per and one art museum person will apply.

ƒƒ Half day Christmas mart hopping tour with visit to three specialty Checks made payable to: Cloud Tours Christmas Marts 31 09 Newtown Avenue Long Island City, NY 11102 ƒƒ Welcome reception and dinner at the Adlon Hotel ƒ ƒ Participation in the Archon Second International Conference on Make your reservation by Religious Freedom for two days at the Adlon, with Day I lunch at contacting.... the Käfer Restaurant at the Bundestag (German Parliament) and Day II lunch at the Adlon. ƒƒ Reception at the US Embassy ƒƒ Farewell reception and dinner. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 10 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

2013 BERLIN CONFERENCE

Religious Freedom Mission to Berlin and Phanar in preparation of Archon Conference june 26, 2013  An update from National Commander Limberakis

New York–On behalf of the The Archon delegation trav- Order of Saint Andrew, I ex- eled to Constantinople to press deep appreciation to pay our respects to His All- the members of the Religious Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Freedom Mission Team who Bartholomew and received the just returned from Berlin, blessings of His All-Holiness Germany and Constantinople regarding the Conference and having left Saturday, June 15 other Archon activities. The and returned with the blessings Order hosted a dinner meeting of His Eminence Archbishop with His All-Holiness, Turkish Demetrios of America. The EU Minister Egemen Bagis, purpose of the mission was Archon George C. Rockas, National Commander Anthony J. Patriarchal Clergy and lay to finalize plans and logistics Limberakis, M.D., His All-Holiness and Archon Christopher leaders including Archon Laki for the Second International Stratakis. Vingas. Archon Religious Freedom Conference scheduled this After close consultation with December in Berlin, Germany, to further A. Hadjimichael and the ambassador of the US Ambassador to Turkey, the Hon. our religious freedom advocacy with Turkey H.E. H. Avni Karslioglu. These Francis J. Ricciardone who in his own Turkish government officials and to pay our officials were presented with Philadelphia right is an effective champion of religious respects to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Liberty Bell replicas symbolic of the reli- freedom and strong advocate of the Patriarch Bartholomew. gious liberty for which the Order is striving Ecumenical Patriarchate, our planned on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate meeting to Ankara was postponed due to Hosted in Berlin by His Eminence and religious minorities in Turkey. local unrest and the use of teargas near Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany the Embassy. who opened many doors for us, we had We had an outstanding meeting with the extensive and productive meetings with Hon. Philip D. Murphy, the United States Finally, productive meetings were held religious leaders, including the Roman Ambassador to Germany on the very with members of the religious minorities Catholic Cardinal of Berlin H.E. Cardinal day President Obama arrived in Berlin of Turkey who will be participating in the Rainer Maria Woelki and the President last Tuesday. We received the whole- Conference. of the Evangelical Protestant Church of hearted support of our ambassador and Germany Dr. Nikolaus Schneider, whose the Embassy for the Conference and its It should be noted that prior to the members exceed 24 million faithful; lead- willingness to host a reception at the new, Religious Freedom Mission, on May 15th, ers of respective think tanks including the magnificent Embassy (and underwritten the Archon leadership along with Regional Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation and by the Order), which is located next to the Commander Andrew E. Manatos had the Inter Dialog Institute; officials of politi- Brandenburg Gate, Germany’s most fa- meetings at the State Department with cal parties including the governing CDU/ mous landmark. We continue to work out Eric Rubin, Deputy Assistant Secretary CSU party and previously with the Green a multitude of details with the Conference of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs; Party and diplomats, including the ambas- headquarters hotel regarding conference at the office of US Ambassador-at- sador of Greece H.E. Panagiotis Zografos, rooms, interpreters, guest rooms, etc. Large for International Religious Freedom the ambassador of Cyprus H.E. Minas Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, at the archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 11

On Tuesday, June 18, the Archon delegation met with U.S. The Archon delegation with His Eminence Cardinal Rainer Maria Ambassador Philip D. Murphy at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. Woelki, Archbishop of Berlin.

The delegation meeting at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the think- The Archon delegation with Prof. Dr. Friedbert Pfluger, tank of the governing party Christian Democratic Union (CDU) with Undersecretary, Vice-President of the Inter Dialog Institute. Dr. Hans-Gert Pottering MEP, Honorary Professor and President of the European Parliament ret., Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer- Stifung. headquarters of the U.S. Commission on (CHIA) Commander Limberakis made Freedom (2004-2012) offered a compelling International Religious Freedom and its an informal presentation on the religious presentation. Chair Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett and at the freedom concerns of the Ecumenical White House Complex with Acting Senior Patriarchate at the CHIA Lunch Briefing The Religious Freedom Delegation con- Director for European Affairs and current on the State of Religious Freedom and sisted of Fr. Alexander and Presvytera Director for NATO and Western European Human Rights Abuses in the Eastern Xanthi Karloutsos, Legal Counselor Affairs Tara Leweling. (View photos of Mediterranean at the U.S. House of Archon Christopher Stratakis, Conference these meetings) At the request of Archon Representatives, where Dr. Elizabeth Chairman Archon George C. Rockas and Congressman Gus Bilirakis Co-Chair of Prodromou, Former Vice-Chair of the US the National Commander.  the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance Commission on International Religious 12 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION SINAI’S SAINT CATHERINE’S STARVES MONASTERY SHUTS DOWN By Mohannad Sabry of Al-Monitor

In the Sinai city of St. Catherine, a few Monitor on Monday, Sept. 2 "After the at- One example of the income generated by the thousand people and around 800 camels tacks on churches around the country in state is the tickets imposed by the have been left struggling since the first week the past two months, we received orders Ministry of Environment in 2004. Since then, of July, when Egyptian security authorities from security authorities to shut down for every single tourist is required to pay $5 to ordered the total shutdown of the town's security reasons." enter the town of St. Catherine's. 1,500-year-old monastery. Bedouin resi- "Despite having more time to pray and The monastery's administration told Al- dents of the mountainous area were forced practice, our priests live without crowds of Monitor that it operated at full capacity to sell their camels, which they cannot feed, visitors, we are suffering a major financial between 2004 and 2011, receiving 4,000 to feed their families. crisis, and we cannot cover the monastery's visitors — mostly foreign tourists — five days Over the past 50 years, St. Catherine's expenses and dozens of families that we a week. And even on the monastery's days Monastery closed its gates twice, in 1977 constantly support," said Paolos, who wore off, the town received hundreds of tourists when former President Anwar Sadat made his farming clothes covered in mud. climbing Mount Sinai and venturing around his historic visit to Jerusalem, and in 1982 the mountains on Bedouin safari trips. St. Catherine's Monastery employs 400 when the Egyptian military entered Sinai workers from the surrounding community "We demanded the Egyptian government after the withdrawal of Israeli forces. This at its olive groves, grape farms, honey bee allocate a portion of those profits to the de- time, the shutdown, which wasn’t explained farms and several processing facilities velopment of the local community to resolve by any official statements from either the including an olive oil press. As of the begin- its long-standing issues, but our requests Defense or Interior Ministry, was allegedly ning of September, the monastery reserves were never answered since the entrance ordered after a failed attempt to kidnap a decreased to a level that is barely enough to tickets were imposed," said Paolos. monk traveling in South Sinai in June and cover two months of expenditure. rising suspicions of a possible attack on Akin to the rest of Sinai's Bedouin communi- the monastery. "We respect the Egyptian government, and ties, and despite being a bustling, interna- we will continue to close if they require the tionally known tourist destination, residents "This is the third time we've closed since closure," said Paolos, "But we will have of St. Catherine's have no other sources of the early 1960s before the Israeli occupa- to drastically cut down salaries and other income and their infrastructure remains con- tion. And even during the occupation, we expenditures. We are saddened to lose siderably substandard, even non-existent. remained open," Father Paolos, a member the income we shared with the Bedouin Until today, potable water hasn’t reached of the monastery's Holy Council who's been community." St. Catherine's houses, and those who serving in St. Catherine's since 1972, told Al- don't have enough capital to dig wells are Meanwhile, the state authorities haven’t moved forced to buy water or carry their jerry cans to help rescue the ailing community despite to public taps built by other residents who generating millions of dollars in revenues from have operating wells on their farms. hundreds of thousands of tourists who have visited St. Catherine's over Since the January 2011 uprising that toppled the past two decades. Hosni Mubarak's 30 years of dictatorship, the prosperous, tourism-dependent life St. Catherine's Bedouins once enjoyed

started dwindling as Egypt de- : J. MINDALA scended into political and secu- rity turmoil, but no other time hoto credit

was as devastating for P this community as the two

Archons Stephen Cherpelis and Larry Hotzoglu participated in the 2009 Pilgrimage to Mount Sinai. Here, they stand before the ‘Burning Bush,’ “that burned with fire, and was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2) when God spoke to Moses for the first time. located on the grounds of Saint Catherine Monastery. 13

past months since the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi on July 3. Sheikh Mousa al-Jebaly, the founder of Sheikh Mousa Lodge that was built yards from the monastery in 1982, hadn’t re- ceived a single guest since the first week of July. Sipping boiled anis at his lodge yard, Jebaly spoke on behalf of his 7,000-member Jabaleyya tribe. "Everyone is out of business since the In 2009, Archons led a pilgrimage to Saint Catherine. Here, Fr. Justin Sinaites the mon- monastery's shutdown. The lodges, the astery’s librarian, spoke about the historic library–the oldest in the Christian world which camel stables, the safari guides and even preserves the second largest collection of early codices and manuscripts in the world (out- the supermarkets and restaurants," said numbered only by the Vatican Library). Jebaly. "If a foreigner appears in town now, it’s those living in the beach towns on the southern shore. They are not tourists, and giving rides and tours to visitors of the mon- government around $68,000 if bought at they don’t stay or shop in town." astery," said Mousa, who has worked tire- retail prices the Bedouins normally pay, an lessly since his father's death to save extra amount equivalent to that paid by 13,600 Jebaly said that the government turned a money for his marriage. But his life and future tourists for entrance tickets, which according blind eye to the town's deteriorating situ- plans were gradually destroyed by several to the monastery's estimates was collected ation. factors: deteriorating tourism conditions in less than four days until January 2011. "The tourism sector workers in Luxor have since 2011, the monastery's closure last month and, finally, the sale of his only camel. "We are not asking the government for been compensated for the losses they sus- millions of dollars, we are just asking it for tained over the past two and a half years. "Thanks to God, I sold the camel for a fair camel food, which would cost it nothing in But here no one even paid us a visit, not price," said Mousa, "but this camel was the comparison with the fortunes it made with even the Tourism Ministry and the Tourism family's only capital. Now we are spending the help of this community," said Mousa. Development Department." its money to live and when tourism returns "We don’t mind suffering until the tourism The Jabaleyya tribe — which moved from I will not be able to work." crisis is over, but selling our camels means destroying our lives permanently." Upper Egypt to St. Catherine's around At the town's coffee shop, Mousa, as well as 1,600 years ago and is committed to the several others who have sold or struggled The Bedouins' calculation was made yards protection of the Eastern Orthodox com- to feed their camels and a few tribal elders, from the town's local grocery shop, where munity and the monastery — is composed agreed that the town's main request for the hundreds of residents opened account tabs of four clans, known locally as quarters. A government is for it to provide townspeople to register their accumulating debts as they few decades ago, they imposed a system of with food for their camels, the community's bought food for their houses and camels. dividing all incoming businesses among the most precious possession. On Monday, the debts had reached 70,000 four quarters, and each quarter organizes its Egyptian pounds ($10,000) since the mon- A simple calculation made by the Bedouin members to take turns in providing the ser- astery shut down last month.  vices and reaping the profits. A strict ban on gathering proposed that one month's food monopolies is imposed by the tribal chiefs. for the town's 800 camels would cost the Ahmed Mousa, a 17-year-old Bedouin of the Jabaleyya, sat at the coffee shop in the town center. A couple of weeks prior, he sold his camel after he could no longer buy it food. His father passed away seven years earlier, and he has taken responsibility for his mother and two sisters since age 10. "Feeding a camel costs around 600 Egyptian pounds per month ($85). [This amount was] covered when I worked every day, 14 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

The mass exodus of Christians from the Muslim world By Raymond Ibrahim

A mass exodus of Christians is currently underway. Millions of Christians are being displaced from one end of the Islamic world to the other.

We are reliving the true history of how the murdered. One teenage Syrian girl said: nation and Islamization.” Only 440,000 Islamic world, much of which prior to the “We left because they were trying to kill Catholics remain in the Balkan nation, half Islamic conquests was almost entirely us… because we were Christians…. the prewar figure. Christian, came into being. Those who were our neighbors turned Problems cited are typical: “while dozens against us. At the end, when we ran away, The U.S. Commission on International of mosques were built in the Bosnian capi- we went through balconies. We did not Religious Freedom recently said: “The flight tal Sarajevo, no building permissions [per- even dare go out on the street in front of of Christians out of the region is unprec- mits] were given for Christian churches.” our house.” edented and it’s increasing year by year.” “Time is running out as there is a worri- In our lifetime alone “Christians might dis- In Egypt, some 100,000 Christian Copts some rise in radicalism,” said one author- appear altogether from Iraq, Afghanistan, have fled their homeland soon after the ity, who further added that the people of and Egypt.” “Arab Spring.” In September 2012, the Bosnia-Herzegovina were “persecuted for Sinai’s small Christian community was centuries” after European powers “failed to Ongoing reports from the Islamic world attacked and evicted by Al Qaeda linked support them in their struggle against the certainly support this conclusion: Iraq was Muslims, Reuters reported. But even Ottoman Empire.” the earliest indicator of the fate awaiting before that, the Coptic Orthodox Church Christians once Islamic forces are liberated And so history repeats itself. lamented the “repeated incidents of dis- from the grip of dictators. placement of Copts from their homes, One can go on and on: In 2003, Iraq’s Christian population was at whether by force or threat. In Ethiopia, after a Christian was accused least one million. Today fewer than 400,000 Displacements began in Ameriya [62 of desecrating a Koran, thousands of remain—the result of an anti-Christian Christian families evicted], then they Christians were forced to flee their homes campaign that began with the U.S. oc- stretched to Dahshur [120 Christian families when “Muslim extremists set fire to roughly cupation of Iraq, when countless Christian evicted], and today terror and threats have 50 churches and dozens of Christian churches were bombed and countless reached the hearts and souls of our Coptic homes.” Christians killed, including by crucifixion children in Sinai.” and beheading. In the Ivory Coast—where Christians have Iraq, Syria, and Egypt are part of the Arab literally been crucified—Islamic rebels The 2010 Baghdad church attack, which world. But even in “black” African and “massacred hundreds and displaced tens saw nearly 60 Christian worshippers “white” European nations with Muslim of thousands” of Christians. slaughtered, is the tip of a decade-long majorities, Christians are fleeing. iceberg. In Libya, Islamic rebels forced several In Mali, after a 2012 Islamic coup, as many Christian religious orders, serving the sick Now, as the U.S. supports the jihad on as 200,000 Christians fled. According to and needy in the country since 1921, to Syria’s secular president Assad, the same reports, “the church in Mali faces being flee. pattern has come to Syria: entire regions eradicated,” especially in the north “where and towns where Christians lived for centu- rebels want to establish an independent To anyone following the plight of Christians ries before Islam came into being have now Islamist state and drive Christians out… under Islamic persecution, none of this been emptied, as the opposition targets there have been house to house searches is surprising. As I document in my new Christians for kidnapping, plundering, and for Christians who might be in hiding, book, “Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s beheadings, all in compliance with mosque churches and other Christian property New War on Christians,” all around the calls telling the populace that it’s a “sacred have been looted or destroyed, and people Islamic world—in nations that do not duty” to drive Christians away. tortured into revealing any Christian rela- share the same race, language, culture, or economics, in nations that share only In October 2012 the last Christian in the city tives.” At least one pastor was beheaded. Islam—Christians are being persecuted of Homs—which had a Christian population Even in European Bosnia, Christians are into extinction. Such is the true face of of some 80,000 before jihadis came—was leaving en mass “amid mounting discrimi- extremist Islamic resurgence.  archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 15

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION REGIONAL NEWS Ecumenical Patriarch and Pope Francis prayer for peace in Syria

Istanbul–The Ecumenical "Let us closely follow the G20 Orthodox Patriarchate "wel- summit in St Petersburg, and comes the appeal of our broth- let us hope that decisions er in Christ, Pope Francis, taken [there] will be used to for a day of prayer and fast- contribute to a peaceful solu- ing for peace in Syria, the tion to the political question Middle East and the world, in Syria." a prayer that has been con- The Church of Constantinople, stant since the bloody conflict the patriarch said, "welcomes started in Damascus," said Pope Francis's appeal to the the Ecumenical Patriarch of Christians of the Earth to unite Constantinople, Bartholomew in prayer and fasting next I, during an official visit to Saturday so that peace may Estonia. prevail in the fiery Syrian land, "The Ecumenical Patriarchate hoping that God might enlight- and we personally look forward en the minds of policy makers ACLJ's Ekonomou and Foreign to the developments of the and prevent military actions situation in Syria, and more that would inevitably result in Language Professor Karavasilis generally in the Middle East, the death of innocent victims." praying that peace shall pre- featured speakers at Metropolis of In concluding, Bartholomew vail," the patriarch said during added, "We, too, shall heed the a meeting with the speaker of Atlanta meeting call from our brother in Christ the Estonian Parliament Ene Francis to pray next Saturday Ergma. for this purpose as we have Atlanta–With the blessings of Atlanta, mentioned the need For the Orthodox leader, only if always done since the start of of His Eminence Metropolitan to have a local public event in peace wins "shall it be possible the bloody conflict in Syria." Alexios of Atlanta, the Archons Atlanta to continue the empha- of the Metropolis of Atlanta sis on a Call to Action, saying, for Christians in the Middle [Source: AsiaNews] East continue to live without held their annual Spring "We are not going to go away any impediment in their lands." Meeting and Banquet, April and a constant message must 6-7, 2013 focusing on religious be sent to our government as freedom for the Ecumenical well as to Turkey.” Patriarchate and the remem- Dr. Niki Karavasilis, author brance of the 90th anniversary and professor of Foreign of the Destruction of Smyrna. His All-Holiness decries persecution Languages, gave a memo- The meeting was coordinated rable presentation on the 90th of Christians in Middle East by Regional Commander Dr. anniversary of the Destruction Manuel N. Tissura. Helsinki–Speaking at an is the example of persecution of Smyrna during an evening ecumenical gathering during endured today by Christians, Dr. Andrew Ekonomou , Senior banquet. The presentation of- a pastoral visit to Finland, irrespective of confession, in Counsel of the American fered an account of the horrific Patriarch Bartholomew I of the wider region of the Middle Center for Law and Justice, destruction of Smyrna empha- Constantinople decried the East, where even the simple provided a preview to the sizing the year 1922 as the year persecution of Christians in the admission of Christian identity Archon's Second International of Christian ethnic cleansing Middle East. places the very existence of Conference on Religious at the hands of the Turks. Her our faithful in daily threat,” he Freedom, recapping events book The Whispering Voices “One of these crucial chal- added. “These exceptionally from the 2010 Brussels of Smyrna, features accounts lenges is undoubtedly the extreme and expansive occur- Conference, which took place compiled by the families of the rise of so-called religious fun- rences of violence and perse- in the European Parliament. survivors.  damentalism, culminating in cution against Christians can- unjustifiable acts of violence Father George Tsahakis,

ATLANTA not leave the rest of us – who F and destruction as a result of Chancellor of The Metropolis are blessed to leave peacefully religious hatred,” said Patriarch and in some sense of security – Bartholomew, who holds a indifferent and inactive.” Archon in attendance: Dr. Manuel N. Tissura, Dr. George S. Kleris, primacy of honor among the Les George, Anthony Stefanis, Nick H. Katapodis, Nick Moraitakis, Eastern Orthodox churches. [Source: Catholic Culture] Steven Doulaveris, John Kalinoglou, Ron Canakaris, George Skoufis, Harry Cavalaris, John C. Scourtis; Andrew Kampiziones, “The image that is particularly Kostantinos Kozakos, George Donkar; Chris Mandaleris and critical and lasting in our minds James Arakas. PHOTO CREDIT: METROPOLIS O METROPOLIS CREDIT: PHOTO 16 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM NEWS

TheAn End To The Religious H Freedomope Chasm In Turkey Archon Dr. Cary J. Limberakis, Regional Commander of the Philadelphia region, recently provided the following update on the Religious Freedom Crisis in Turkey and the current status of the reopening of the Theological School of Halki at the request of National Philoptochos, who wished to publish it on their blog [http://philanthropybyphiloptochos.blogspot.com]. National Philoptochos Board members led by its President Mrs. Aphrodite Skeadas recently returned from a Philoptochos Pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Emblematic of the longstanding and pernicious Demetrios have formulated a multifaceted domestic religious freedom deficit in Turkey, the Halki School and international strategy to reopen Halki, as well as of Theology was forcibly shut down over 42 years address the other specific components that com- ago by the Turkish authorities and has been shut- prise the religious freedom deficit* that has raised tered ever since. Despite innumerable raised-then- the international consciousness of the religious dashed hopes over the ensuing decades, it appears freedom crisis in Turkey, but thus far has not been we are no closer to the actual reopening of the successful in opening the hallowed doors of Halki. only local Orthodox Seminary of the Ecumenical Archon presentations before the White House, Patriarchate than we were when it first closed, al- Congress, the State Department, the United States though that could change. Commission on International Religious Freedom, each of the 50 State Legislatures in the United States, The Seminary, located on one of the beautiful the European Union, the European Court of Human Princes' Islands in the off the coast Rights, at Europe's largest human rights meetings at of Constantinople and specifically on the grounds of the Monastery of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and with the Holy Trinity founded by Saint Photios the Great in the ninth cen- Turkish government leaders including Prime Minister Erdogan have tury, has graduated numerous Orthodox luminaries since 1844 when not even cracked the doors open. it formally opened including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, +Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, +Archbishop Iakovos of North Yet, as Orthodox Christians, we remain optimistic that the religious and South America and Saint Chrysostomos of Smyrna. However, freedom chasm that exists in Turkey will be addressed and we are today, the classrooms remain empty and the library consisting of beginning to see some signs of that: the confiscated Patriarchal an extraordinary collection of theological manuscripts and books Orphanage has been returned to the Ecumenical Patriarchate by the remains little used. government complying to a unanimous decision handed down by the European Court of Human Rights. Other properties are beginning to On his very first trip abroad, the newly inaugurated President Barack be returned back to the Church and other religious minorities via a Obama on April 6, 2009 stated "For democracies cannot be static laborious and time consuming administrative process. However, as -- they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression lead we have been accustomed to observe, whenever the Turkish govern- to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, ment takes a small positive step, often times it is offset by a nega- which is why steps like reopening Halki Seminary will send such tive step, and in this case by the ongoing attempts of some Turkish an important signal inside Turkey and beyond (emphasis added)." parliamentarians to reopen Agia Sophia as a practicing mosque. Prior to that, Presidents George W. Bush and at the very highest levels of American diplomacy sought to have the Seminary The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate will never, never give up reopened. Most recently, Secretary of State John Kerry has brought its struggle to seek complete and unfettered religious freedom for the issue up on his several visits to Turkey. the Holy and Great Mother Church of Constantinople, until the day the bells freedom can be heard around the world emanating from The Archons of America under the leadership of Archbishop the Saint George Patriarchal Cathedral located at the Phanar. 

Published on Thursday, July 4, 2013. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is an organization of women whose collective drive, dedication and heart help those who need it most. Philoptochos is Compassion. Philoptochos is Love. Philoptochos is Strength. For over eighty years, Philoptochos has been the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and has undertaken a multitude of philanthropic initiatives. PHOTO CREDIT: ARHCON PANAGOS D. archons.org/newsletter | The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 17

Archons meet with Prime Minister Samaras His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America received the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Antonis Samaras on August 9, 2013. Several Archons participated in a luncheon held at The Metropolitan Club in New York later that afternoon.

National Commander Limberakis greets the Prime Minister. Archons Andrew E. Manatos and Reince Priebus along with National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas offer a welcome.

Father Alexander Karloutsos, Archon Spiritual Advisor, speaks with [L-R] His Eminence, His Excellency, Archon Michael and his wife

PHOTO CREDIT: J. MINDALA His Excellency. Mary Jaharis and Archon Dennis Mehiel. 18 THE ARCHON | Fall 2013

PHOTO BRIEFS

His All-Holiness at The Monastery of Panaghia Soumela Trabzon – On August 15, His All-Holiness celebrated the great feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos at the historic monastery of Panaghia Soumela. This is the fourth consecutive year that His All-Holiness has led an annual pilgrimage to the historical monastery since its closure nine decades ago. The monastery was founded in 386 and functioned without interruption until 1923. atican radio ; v einar Prime Minister Andrus Ansip of Estonia Patriarchal Delegation at The Vatican ric P Tallinn – In response to a joint invitation by the Autonomous The Vatican – On June 29, in accordance with the tradition of Church of Estonia and the President of the Republic of Estonia, His exchanging formal visitations with the Roman Catholic Church, a All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew traveled to Tallinn, delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate attended the Patronal Estonia, from September 4-10, in order to preside over celebra- Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. His Eminence Metropolitan tions for the 90th anniversary since the declaration of the Estonian John of Pergamon, who led the delegation, conveyed the fraternal : ARCHON PANAGOS; D. E Church as Autonomous by the Mother Church of Constantinople. greeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Pope Francis. He had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Andrus Ansip, Also in the delegation were Bishop Athenagoras of Sinope from hoto credit

Prime Minister of Estonia, pictured here. Belgium and Archimandrite Prodromos Xenakis from Crete. P The Order'sarchons.org/newsletter Historian | The Order ofArchon Saint Andrew the Apostle, Demacopoulos Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 19 offers lecture on Orthodox-Catholic Relations

New York – A lecture, entitled, "The Papacy in Transition and the Future of Orthodox-Catholic Relations," was presented by Archon Dr. George Demacopoulos, Thursday, September 19, 2013. Dr. Demacopoulos is a professor of Historical Theology and co-founder of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University. The lecture was held at the Museum of the City of New York and was co-sponsored by the Archons of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey from Archon Districts 1, 2 and 3 and organized principally by Regional Commander Nikiforos Mathews.

Regional Commander Nikiforos Archon Dr. Demacopoulos' talk began with a demonstration of the ways that the resignation of Mathews introduces Archon Dr. Pope Benedict and the early actions of Pope Francis suggest that the Roman Catholic Church is Demacopoulos. moving in an unprecedented direction. : J. MINDALA Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sophianou, Consul General of National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D. welcomes Her Greece Georgios Iliopoulos, Archon Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Excellency Koula Sophianou, Consul General of Cyprus. Father Constantine and Presbytera Anna Mathews, Father Robert hoto credit

P Stephanopoulos and Drs. Maria & Anthony Limberakis. 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075-0106

The Order of Saint Andrew’s fundamental mission is to promote the religious freedom, wellbeing and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate–the spiritual center of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey.

5 Reasons to Attend thIS YEAR'S Conference

Support the Mother Church Witness World Class Presentations Attendance will demonstrate the Church in and Discussion America fully supports the quest of the Mother This conference, like the last, will feature some of Church for religious freedom and fundamental the best, brightest and most renowned human human rights. rights and religious freedom lawyers, scholars and advocates in the world. It will also feature some Be part of history of the most noted scholars and lawyers from The last conference was an historic event Turkey who will address various aspects of the because it was the first time an international Turkish legal and political system. Be prepared for conference focused on the rights of religious intellectual stimulation and mental captivation. minorities in Turkey that brought together all major constituencies - politicians, members of minority Berlin communities, diplomats, religious leaders, human As part of your trip to the conference, be sure to rights lawyers and advocates, scholars, journalists see the many historic sites of Berlin and its magic and political commentators. and beauty at Christmas time. For those wanting evening excitement, Berlin is renowned for having It also produced an historic result. Because of the some of the best night life in Europe. conference, members of minority communities for the first time began to meet regularly and work Mingle and Meet together to address common problems. The attendees and conference participants will be from varied backgrounds and have differing That never happened before. perspectives. During conference breaks and at conference receptions talk to the panelists and other attendees and be prepared to engage and be engaged. It will be rewarding and an experience of a lifetime.