DECEMBER 2010 • Vol. 75 • No. 1261 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected] $1.00 Archbishop, NCCC Archons Hold Leaders Meet 1st Religious with President Freedom WASHINGTON – Archbishop Deme- trios and 16 other leaders of major religious groups representing the National Council Conference of Churches of Christ (NCCC) met with by Stavros H. Papagermanos President Barack Obama on Nov. 1 for a substantive 45-minute meeting to discuss BRUSSELS – The Order of St. Andrew a wide range of issues. the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Pa- The meeting was arranged through triarchate once again opened new avenues the White House Office of Faith-Based and and expanded into new horizons in their Neighborhood Partnerships, with which incessant fight in defense of the rights of the Archdiocese of America maintains an the Ecumenical Patriarchate by organizing ongoing relationship, and the National the first international conference about Council of Churches of Christ USA. The religious freedom in Turkey. Archdiocese has been an NCCC member This two-day conference titled “Re- since its founding in 1950. ligious Freedom: Turkey’s Bridge to the As senior church leader, Archbishop European Union,” demonstrated that the Demetrios opened the meeting after the full recognition and respect for the religious introductions by NCCC President Peg freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Chamberlain and NCCC General Secretary for the other religious minorities in Turkey Michael Kinnamon. could form a bridge for Turkey to the Eu- Speaking on behalf of the Church lead- ropean Union, in which Turkey fervently ers, the Archbishop stated, “... it is not only seeks membership. an honor to be with you here today, Mr. The Archons International Religious President; it is a joy.” Freedom Conference held in Brussels His Eminence cited the Scriptural pas- Nov. 16 and 17 brought together 200 par- sage from Acts 10:38 in the original Greek ticipants, many scholars, religious freedom and human rights advocates, journalists,  to page 2 diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, representatives of the government of Turkey, lawyers and members of minor- ity communities who presented complex, Rebuilding diverse and contrasting viewpoints and per- spectives on the status of religious freedom in Turkey. All the presentations and reports St. Nicholas outlined the need for Turkey to take quick and decisive steps towards the provision of full religious freedom for all its religious minorities. at Ground Zero The Conference began in the morning of Nov. 16 in the large conference room NEW YORK – Between 700 and 1,000 of the fifth floor in the European Parlia- faithful attended a special St. Nicholas ment. Dr. Anthony Limberakis, national Vespers service Dec. 5 near the Ground commander of the Order of St. Andrew Zero site of the church destroyed in the welcomed the participants and Metropoli- Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. CHRISTMAS ENCYCLICAL tan Emmanuel of France, director of the Archbishop Demetrios conducted the Liaison Office of the Orthodox Church to service and afterwards addressed the large the European Union, read the Patriarchal congregation in attendance. Greeting. In his written exhortation, Ecu- In his remarks to the faithful, His The Nativity of Christ menical Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed Eminence stated unequivocally, “The the commitment of the Ecumenical Patri- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America archate “to the cause of religious freedom and the parish of St. Nicholas remain Come, O Faithful, and Let Us See Where Christ Is Born! for all peoples around the world, without firmly committed to the rebuilding of the exception and without prejudice. For if church at Ground Zero, honoring the (Orthros Hymn of the Feast) the freedom to express one’s faith in the long-standing agreement with the LMDC Divine, even as respect for differing views is (Lower Manhattan Development Corp.) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks abrogated in any way, then we must assert and the Port Authority. and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox that we are not truly free.” On this most solemn occasion, we Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Af- Archbishop Demetrios of America, once again affirm our commitment to re- ternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic who led the contingent of Archons from build here, in this sacred place, the Church Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America the United States, in his opening keynote of St. Nicholas, which will have a greater address, stated that “Freedom is not an scope and outreach that a simple parish Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, abstract isolated word and concept. Free- house of worship. On this glorious Feast of the Nativity of Christ we celebrate a truly wondrous event dom is integrally connected with two basic The rebuilding of St. Nicholas on in which God, in His infinite and marvelous grace, became man bringing us enduring concepts and realities: truth and love. There this site will be an appropriate memorial hope, newness of life, and eternal salvation. The holy birth in Bethlehem of our Savior is no way to develop any real and genuine in New York city to the 3,000 innocent occurred at a specific time, but His Incarnation and its significance for our redemption freedom without a parallel effort to be truth- people of all Faiths who lost their lives that are timeless. The Son of God, the Lord of Glory and King of kings who upholds the  to page 2  to page 3  to page 5 2 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS DECEMBER 2010 Archbishop Attends Rebuilding St. Nicholas NCCC Centennial  from page 1 NEW ORLEANS – Archbishop Deme- day and also serve as a center of peace and trios was one of more than 400 religious reconciliation.” leaders and people of faith who gathered Meanwhile, as the Observer was at the Marriott on Nov. 9 to celebrate the going to press, the Archdiocese and St. Centennial of the National Council of Nicholas Church have served notice on Churches in Christ and a century of ecu- the Port Authority of New York and New menical engagement and to discuss how Jersey (PA), the Lower Manhattan Devel- the churches might live and work together opment Corporation, the Empire State in an uncertain future. Development Corporation and associ- His Eminence led a Bible study during ated individuals of their intention to sue the three-day event. the agencies over their actions that have The Centennial Gathering of the Na- prevented the church from being rebuilt. tional Council of Churches and Church For more up-to-date information on this th World Service also marked the 100 and other developing stories please go to anniversary of the 1910 World Mission D. PANAGOS www.goarch.org Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, an Cardinal McCarrick receives the Athenagoras Award from Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Anthony event many church historians regard as Limberakis. Looking on are Archons James Fountas and John Hillocky Jr. (Full coverage page 4). the beginning of the modern ecumenical Meeting with the President movement. The theme for the Centennial Gath-  from page 1 ering is “Witnesses of These Things: Ecu- ‘Support Your Orthodox Observer’ menical Engagement in a New Era.” The and then in translation, in which St. Peter theme is taken from Luke 24:48 which Campaign Contributors declares that Jesus Christ passed his earthly is the scriptural theme text for the 2010 life doing good and healing. Special appreciation goes to the fol- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – an York; Bill and Audrey Marianes, Tucker, Ga.; The Archbishop stated that the pur- lowing individuals who have responded, additional reminder that there is one, George Matthews, Cumming, Ga. poses of the religious bodies of the NCCC thus far, to the “Support Your Orthodox multi-faceted ecumenical movement. were precisely “to do good and to bring Observer campaign, with their 2010-11 Patrons healing,” and he thanked President Obama Ecclesiastical Year donations. Gregory Stefanatos, Flushing, N.Y.; for his own efforts in doing the same. John and Nicola Poumade, Johannesburg, The meeting was decidedly low-key, Special Patrons Mich.; George Trias, Merrick, N.Y.; Dr. and with no public statements or photos re- Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Papadeas, Green- Mrs. Gregory Sophocleus, Towson, Md.; leased by the White House. wood Village, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ja- Zelma Gargelos, Solomon, Md.; Jim and Throughout the meeting, issues of haris; Demitrios Moschos, Worcester, Mass.; Cynthia Golding, Bellmore, N.Y. social concern, justice, education, religious John Metaxas, Katonah, N.Y., Andrew and liberty and care for “the least among us” Catherine Walsh, S. Glastonbury, Conn.; Dr. Donors were discussed. and Mrs. Vicki Pappas, Bloomington, Ind.; Frank and Diana Karathomas, Manala- The delegation raised pressing issues George Vourvoulias Jr., Green Lake, Wis.; pan, N.J.; Mr. and Mrs. J. Alexiou, Silver centering around Middle East peace the Anthony Fred Chapekis, Northbrook, Ill.; Spring, Md.; Elizabeth Gdisis, Woodside, plight of the dwindling Christian popula- Stephen Cherpelis, Douglaston, N.Y.; Clif- N.Y.; Harriet Alex, Warren, Mich.; Mary tion there, and the U.S.’s relationship ford Argue, Mercer Island, Wash.; Aphrodite Danatos Lake, Sewaren, N.J.; Betty Dido- with Cuba, urging the President to lift the and Peter Skeadas, Greenwich, Conn.; St. menico, Ohio; Antonia Megas, Nederland, travel ban from the U.S. to Cuba so that Photios National Shrine, St. Augustine, Fla.; Texas; Peter Daniels, Vestal, N.Y.; Rev. and American-based organizations like Church Paul and Eva Sogotis, Burlingame, Calif.; Sa- Mrs. Martin Lebrecht, Garland, Texas; Mr. World Service can support churches and vas Tsivicos, Wayside, N.J.; Anthony Mana- and Mrs. George Rokanas, Boca Raton, Fla.; communities there. Other issues discussed tos, Washington, D.C.; Louis Kircos, Grosse Mr. and Mrs. George Costidis, Middletown, included energy and climate, and immigra- Pointe, Mich.; Leon Andris, Bethesda, Md.; N.J.; Jim and Eileen Philips, Reno, Nevada; tion reform. Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Canonsburg, Pa.; Pauline Panagopoulos, North Andover, The meeting came after the leaders Anthony Stefanis, Atlanta; Arthur Anton, N. Mass.; Andrew and Rosalie Boulieris, Bel- had invited President Obama to their Nov. Andover, Mass.; Bishop Savas of Troas, New levue, Wash. 9-11 meeting in New Orleans to mark the 100th anniversary of the modern ecumeni- cal movement. He was on a tour of Asia To Contact Us and was unable to attend. In addition to Archbishop Demetrios, the delegation in- For questions about submitting informa- cluded the Rev. 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DECEMBER 2010 3 CHRISTMAS ENCYCLICAL Ecumenical Patriarchate The Nativity of Christ  from page 1 universe by His word of power, became Turkey Returns man so that we human beings might be redeemed, renewed, united with Him, and become fellow citizens with the Saints and Orphanage members of God’s household. ISTANBUL - Turkey complied with The magnitude and the depth of the a European Court of Human Rights event of the Nativity of Christ are impos- ruling on Nov. 29 and returned a 19th- sible to grasp, but yet its message is clear century orphanage to the Ecumenical and true. It is a message of grace, hope, Patriarchate in Istanbul, the center and salvation to all humanity and all of the of Orthodox Christianity around the created order. It is a message which we world, the Associated Press reported. both celebrate and share on this sacred The move is likely to appease the day, an invitation to “come and see” what European Union which also calls on our loving Creator and God has done the Turkish government to reopen a for us. Greek Orthodox seminary and return On the night of the Nativity, the dozens of other properties such as angels appeared in the glory of God and school buildings and churches seized announced the birth of Christ to the from Jewish and Christian foundations shepherds. In response the shepards decades ago. said, “Let us go…and see this thing that “It is an important development to has happened.” Accepting the invitation show respect for law, democracy and to participate in this glorious event, they minorities,” said Cem Murat Sofuoglu, came and saw the newborn Christ, and an attorney for the patriarchate, after becoming amazed by what God had done receiving the title deed. “A right has for our salvation, went away glorifying and been taken back.” praising Him for all that they had seen and Turkey took control of the 19th- heard (Luke 2:8-20). century building in 1997, many years Following the Nativity, wise men in D. PANAGOS the East saw a mysterious star and fol- after it was abandoned, on the grounds Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew displays the newly acquired deed to the former orphanage that it belonged to another foundation lowing it came seeking the King who was building on Prinkipos island during a visit by Archon Fanis Economides and Metropolitan Gerasimos born in Judea. Upon learning of the place and had fallen into disuse. of San Francisco in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Andrew. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, of the birth of the Lord, they came and however, said the government had generations of church leaders, including from raising new leaders. The church’s saw the Christ child, offered Him gifts, refused to issue the necessary permits Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, leader has to be a Turkish citizen, and worshipped Him. Responding to the for the maintenance and repair of the until it was closed by Turkey in 1971. The which makes it difficult for the dwin- invitation presented to them in the sign of structure, one of the largest wooden official argument for the seminary’s clo- dling Greek community of several the star, they came and encountered the buildings in the world. sure is that a religious institution without thousand to produce any candidates. One who would be a great ruler of His The European court ruled in June government oversight is not compatible But in a move to address that people as foretold by the prophets (Mat- that the land was registered to the Ecu- with the secular institutions of Turkey, problem, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip thew 2:1-12). menical Patriarchate, giving it de facto a country where all Muslim clerics are Erdogan’s government recently granted As the shepherds and wise men re- legal status to the building. trained and paid by the government. Turkish citizenship to 12 senior clerics ceived the invitation to “come and see” Turkey is also under pressure to TheEcumenical Patriarchate says at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, so that the superb miracle of the Incarnation of reopen a theology school on Prinkipos Ankara refuses to open the seminary they could succeed the 70-year-old God, so too we are invited on this great island outside Istanbul that trained because it wants to prevent the church Bartholomew. feast to come and encounter Christ, and to see the great and marvelous work He has done for us and our salvation. On this day we come and see the brilliant light of truth and life shining through the darkness and CLER GY UPDATE despair of our world. We hear a message of hope and grace that causes us to cease Ordinations to the Diaconate all other thoughts and activities and direct John (Hayden) Haby, by Metropoli- our hearts and minds to the One who has tan Isaiah of Denver at St. Demetrios come to bring us peace and assurance. We Church, Fort Worth, Texas 08/10/10 come to Christ and encounter justice, holi- Demetrios (Walter) Belsito – Bishop ness, and love and realize the necessity of Andonios of Phasiane at Holy Trinity these for true and abundant life. Church, Waterbury, Conn. 09/03/10 We are also called to share our joy in Dimitrios Lee – Bishop Savas of Troas Christ and to offer this invitation to every- – St. Spyridon Church, Sheboygan, Wis. one. We are the bearers of the good news 10/24/10 of what God has done for us in defeating sin Chrysostom (Gregory) Panos – Bishop and death. We are the messengers shouting Andonios of Phasiane – St. Paraskevi to the world as did the angels, “Glory to Church, Greenlawn, N.Y. 11/13/10 God in the highest!” We are, as the star of Assignments the East did to the Magi, to lead all who are Fr. John Verginis – St. George Church, searching to come and see Christ, to come Massilon, Ohio 08/08/10 and see the One who brings life and hope, Fr. Philemon Patitsas – Holy Trinity Ca- peace and joy into every heart that receives thedral, Charlotte, N.C. 10/15/10 Him. We are the people who are called to Fr. George P. Savas – Annunciation gather all God’s people to His home, to Church, Ft. Myers, Fla. 10/31/10 an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. Offikia On this blessed Christmas Feast of joy Fr. Nicholas Louh – Office of Confessor, Photo by Elizabeth Symonenko and love, I offer to you and your families bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios of At Ukrainian gathering my wishes for a beautiful day of worship Atlanta 10/04/10 Archbishop Demetrios off ers a prayer at the Oct. 28 19th regular Sobor (clergy-laity council) of the and fellowship filled with the peace and Fr. James Katinas – Office of Protopres- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, N.J., where he also off ered the greet- the presence of God. May we offer together byter, bestowed by Archbishop Deme- ings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Also shown are Archbishop Antony (left), Archdeacon our gratitude to our Lord for what He has trios 10/24/10 Panteleimon and Metropolitan Constantine. done for us through His glorious Incarna- Fr. Paul Pappas – Office of Economos, tion. May we also offer the invitation to all bestowed by Metropolitan Evangelos of to come and see the glory of the newborn New Jersey 10/24/10 Change of Address Lord. Fr. Konstantinos Kalogridis – Office of Economos, bestowed by Archbishop With paternal love in Christ, Demetrios 10/25/10 To submit a change of address: By phone contact Soula Podaras at 212.774.0235 – e-mail: spo- Fr. Demetrios Tonias – Office of Econo- [email protected] – fax: 212.774.0239. Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New mos, bestowed by Metropolitan Metho- dios of Boston 11/08/10 York, NY 10075. Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish. † Archbishop DEMETRIOS of Amer i ca 4 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS DECEMBER 2010 Archons Bestow Athenagoras Award, Induct 42 New Members by Jim Golding

NEW YORK – The Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate bestowed their Patriarch Athenagoras Human Rights Award upon Theodore Cardinal McCarrick and inducted 42 new members at their annual meetings and banquet Oct. 30-31. Cardinal McCarrick, former Arch- bishop of Newark, N.J., and Archbishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Arch- diocese of Washington, was honored for his years of strong support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and also for his interfaith leadership. The Cardinal helped lay the groundwork for the 1994 Bosporus Conference in Istanbul that declared “A crime committed in the name of religion is a crime against religion.” He was named a member of the United States Commission for Inter- national Religious Freedom in 1999 after previous service on the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Reli- gious Freedom Abroad. Archbishop Demetrios noted at the Archons banquet on Oct. 30, that Cardinal McCarrick’s career has been “a ministry of consistency with a powerful insistence on values.” His Eminence recalled hearings held in Washington relating to religious freedom at which the cardinal testified under adverse conditions. “With a broken arm he came to “It was a courageous statement,” Congress to testify on behalf of religious said Cardinal McCarrick. “Raising the freedom for the Patriarchate,” he said. excommunications was not easy. They Another speaker, Greece’s ambas- put love over theology.” He called it sador to the United States, Vassilis a “pure celebration of the mystery of Kaskarelis, noted the cardinal’s strong God.” support for the re-opening of the Halki theological school. New Archons Fr. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., presi- The next day, after the Divine Liturgy dent of Fordham University, Cardinal at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral, McCarrick’s alma mater, recalled the new Archons assembled on the solea the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- to receive the oath of office from Arch- tholomew to Fordham in November bishop Demetrios. 2009 and the establishment of the Cen- The following were inducted: Wil- ter for Orthodox Studies through the liam John Antholis, St. Sophia Cathedral, efforts of two of the faculty members Washington; Peter Theodore Arbes, Holy who were being inducted as Archons, Trinity, Westfield, N.J.; Charles Leonard Associate Professors of Theology Drs. Beck Jr., MD, Prophet Elias, Holladay, George Demacopoulos and Aristotle Utah; John Joseph Bilanin, Holy Ghost, Papanikolaou. Phoenixville, Pa.; Ronald Emanuel Ca- Archons National Commander An- narakis, Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta. thony Limberakis introduced Cardinal Nicholas John Chakos, Holy Cross, McCarrick for the award presentation Pittsburgh; Paul G. Chilgris, Annuncia- through a GOTelecom video presenta- tion, Decatur, Ill.; Elias Daminakis, Sts. tion on the cardinal’s life and accom- Raphael, Nicholas and Irene, Palm Har- plishments. bor, Fla.; Jimmy Daskalos, St. George, Dr. Limberakis also discussed the Albuquerque, N.M; George Demaco- Order of St. Andrew’s current efforts to poulos, PhD., St. Paraskevi, Greenlawn, Fordham University President Fr. Joseph McShane addresses the Archon Banquet. Looking on are Master promote the religious freedom of the N.Y.; Andre C. Dimitriadis, PhD., St. of Ceremonies Mike Emanuel, National Commander Dr. Limberakis and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. Ecumenical Patriarchate. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles. Toms River, N.J.; Dimitrios S. Panagos, He said the Archons are “singularly John P. Eliopoulos, MD, St. George, Holy Trinity, Hicksville. focused on the well-being and defense Lynn, Mass./St. Katherine, Naples, Fla.; Aristotle Papanikolaou, PhD., Sts. of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and will David P. Gdovin, St. Michael, Bingham- Constantine and Helen, Andover, be relentless in the pursuit of religious ton, N.Y.; Thomas G. Jordan, Assump- Mass.; Peter J. Pappas Jr., Holy Resur- freedom for the Patriarchate at all times tion, St. Claire, Mich.; George James rection, Brookville, N.Y.; James Pedas, and at all places.” Kallins, MD; St. George, Downey, Calif.; St. Sophia, Washington; John Psaras, He added that “progress is be- Michael Kapeluck, Sts. Peter and Paul, Holy Cross, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, N.Y.; ing made in Turkey,” especially with Carnegie, Pa.; Michael A. Karloutsos, Anargyros P. Sakellaris, St. Catherine, the recent return of ownership of the St. George, Philadelphia/St. Luke, Braintree, Mass.; Emil Skoicypec, St. Patriarchal orphanage on the island Broomall, Pa.; Emanuel G. Katsoulis, Andrew, South Bound Brook, N.J.; of Prinkipios but that “serious, life- Archangel Michael, Port Washington, Spiridon Spireas, PhD., St. George, threatening issues remain unresolved.” N.Y.; Arthur Labros, Annunciation, Trenton, N.J.; William S. Stavropoulos, In accepting the award that he Milwaukee/Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. Demetrios, Saginaw, Mich./St. Kath- called “an extraordinary honor,” the Wauwatosa, Wis.; Demetreos Anthony erine, Naples, Fla.; John Tangalos, St. Cardinal noted that he had read the Limberakis, St. Vasilios, Peabody, Mass. John the Baptist, Sterling Heights, Mich. works of Ecumenical Patriarch Athena- Andrew Nicholas Liveris, St. Dimi- James Tasios, Annunciation, Winston- goras and said “he really was the man trios, Saginaw, Mich./Kimisis, South- Salem, N.C.; Anthony Thomopoulos, who introduced ecumenism to the ampton, N.Y.; Paul Micevych, PhD., St. St. Sophia, Los Angeles; Demosthenes world.” The Cardinal also praised “the Andrew, Los Angeles/Sts. Volodymr and Vasiliou, St. Demetrios, Upper Darby, courage displayed by Patriarch Athena- Olga, St. Paul, Minn.; Frank Mihalopou- Pa./St. Luke, Broomall, Pa.; James B. goras in his meeting with Pope Paul VI los, Holy Trinity, Dallas; Basil Nicholas Zafiros, Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, in 1966 when the two leaders lifted the Mossaidis, St. Catherine, Falls Church, N.Y.; Leonard Zangas, Archangel Mi- mutual excommunications from 1054. Va.; Nicholas Nichols, St. Barbara, chael, Port Washington, N.Y. Dr. Anthony Limberakis. DECEMBER 2010 5 Archons Organize First International Religious Freedom Conference

 from page 1

ful and to speak the truth.” His Eminence also spoke about how this conference can constitute an ‘open door’ for Turkey and offered the example of St. Paul who at cru- cial times of his ministry was presented by God with an open door, explaining that “An open door is a new opportunity for entering into unknown areas of human experience, for discovering new possibilities for enhanc- ing human relationships, for learning new ways of co-existence among religiously, culturally, and ethnically diversified people. An open door is an entryway into a new era of understanding and mutual respect between the religious minorities and the state in which they live. An open door can also be viewed as a new opportunity for eliminating the unacceptable limitations of religious freedom unfairly imposed upon the religious minorities in Turkey and specifically on the Ecumenical Patriarch- ate. Under this perspective, the present International Conference so carefully and PHOTOS: ARCHON D. PANAGOS methodically organized by the Archons of Archbishop Demetrios addresses the international conference on religious freedom held at the European Union Parliament building. our Ecumenical Patriarchate constitutes the open door for Turkey to demonstrate her mosphere, the evening of Nov. 17, with a willingness to build the bridge of connec- farewell banquet. Archon George C. Rockas, tion with the European Union.” (see full a lawyer from Boston, chaired the organiz- text: www.goarch.org/news/head-brussels- ing committee and the conference with address-11-17-2010) the assistance of Archon John Zavitsanos, a A series of speakers on a variety of lawyer from Texas. The Order of St. Andrew, topics relating to religious freedom and hu- its Board of Directors, officers and members man rights ensued. Rabbi Arthur Schneier, under the invaluable guidance of their president of the Appeal of Conscience spiritual advisor Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Foundation spoke about religious freedom undertook and completed with success a as a fundamental human right and stated monumental task. The Archon delegation that “the litmus test of democracy is how from the U.S. consisted of 85 people includ- the majority treats the minority.” Several ing Metropolitans Alexios of Atlanta and speakers presented an overview of the is- Evangelos of New Jersey. sues and concerns of the religious minori- The First Archon International Confer- ties in Turkey. ence on Religious Freedom was sponsored A panel discussion that followed, by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, featured representatives of the religious Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in minorities of Alevi Muslims, Armenians, America and the Pammakaristos Brother- Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Prot- hood of Archons of the Ecumenical Patri- estants and Syriacs (Aramaeans) in Turkey. archate in Europe, represented by its Presi- Among the U.S. delegation were (second row from left) Metropolitans Evangelos of New Jersey, Av- Other topics included the Turkish legal dent Odysseus F. Sassayiannis. Significant goustinos of Germany, Panteleimon of Belgium, Polycarp of Spain and Alexios of Atlanta. Also shown system as it pertains to the rights of religious was the role of the Patriarchal Liaison Office are Rabbi Arthur Schneier, head of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (far right) and Dr. Limberakis. minorities, the obligations of Turkey under of the Orthodox Church to the European treaties and conventions, the U.S. policy vis- Union, headed by Metropolitan Emmanuel a-vis religious freedom and a second panel of France. discussion offering legal and humanitarian perspectives on the issues. Side Activities Among the speakers was Egemen Ba- The Archon’s delegation upon arrival gis, minister for European Union Affairs and in Brussels on November 14, attended the chief negotiator of the Republic of Turkey. Archieratical Divine Liturgy presided by The Archons, commending him for his Metropolitan of Belgium Panteleimon, efforts on behalf of religious minorities in at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael Turkey, presented him with a commemora- and Gabriel. The Cathedral was formally tive plaque. celebrating the feast day of the Archangels The first day concluded with a recep- (Nov. 8) with hundreds of Orthodox faith- tion honoring the Archons of the Ecumeni- ful of Brussels attending. Metropolitan cal Patriarchate, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Panteleimon welcomed the Archons from to Belgium Howard W. Gutman and his America and following the Liturgy hosted wife, at the Ambassador’s residence. them in a festive program with the partici- Day two of the conference entitled pation of representative groups from the “Crossing Over,” was held at the Conrad Omogeneia. Brussels hotel and included views from On Nov. 15, the Archons visited the the Turkish side, from the European Par- Monastery of Chevetogne, which was liamentarian’s side and from the side of founded in 1925, devoted to Christian unity the European Court of Human Rights. It between Rome and the Orthodox Christian explored issues of interfaith understanding world. In the Monastery, there is a Byzan- and of compatibility of religious freedom tine church, dedicated to the Exaltation of At the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, His Eminence met with the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and the secular Turkish state. A final panel the Holy Cross. That evening an opening re- Howard Gutman (to right of Archbishop) and a group of native Christian Aramaeans, who still discussed all the questions previously raised ception and dinner was held at the Conrad. speak Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time of Christ, and come from southeast and attempted to propose answers and a Archbishop Demetrios formally welcomed Turkey. Though they now reside in many locations around the world, including the U.S. and Europe, the group is fighting for recognition of their rights within Turkey, which denies their existence, and framework for the dialogue going forward. all participants and praised the vision and where a sizable minority continues to reside. “It was an extraordinary event of last- the hard work of the Order of St. Andrew ing significance… a civil, respectful and in realizing this international conference. Athenagoras of Sinopi, who has life long man Catholic Church, originally built in the spiritual discourse,” said Dr. Limberakis in The day after the conclusion of the ties with the area, guided the group with 12th century, known as the repository of a his closing remarks, noting the diversity of conference, Nov. 18, the Archons and other great care and hospitality. venerated phial said to contain a cloth with the religious communities included in the participants, led by Metropolitan Alexios, In Ghent, Europe’s second largest city the blood of Jesus Christ that was collected conference. visited Ghent and Bruges, two historic cit- in the Middle Ages, the group began its by Joseph of Arimathea and brought from The many contributions of speak- ies dating back to the middle ages, which visit with a stop at the Orthodox Church of the Holy Land by crusaders of the Second ers and participants were sincere and are protected and recognized by UNESCO Apostle Andrew. Crusade. The trip concluded with a visit to enlightening and the conference formally as places of significant cultural and natural In Bruges, of particular interest was the Orthodox Church of Sts. Constantine concluded in an upbeat and hopeful at- heritage and value for the World. Bishop the visit to the Holy Blood Chapel, a Ro- and Helen in Bruges. 6 DECEMBER 2010 HC/HC NEWS School President Refl ects on 10-Year Ministry at HC-HC

by Jim Golding thought to be a seminary only. We must become more successful in evangelizing BROOKLINE, Mass. – For Fr. Nicholas the reality of our undergraduate college as Triantafilou, his service to the Church has a liberal arts college in itself and our gradu- been a kind of odyssey, but not one that ate school as, yes, preparing young men has taken him throughout the Mediter- for the priesthood, yet also a theological ranean, just over much of the continental school preparing young women and men U.S. for service to our Church at large and for A native of Woburn, Mass., Fr. Trian- th the general academic world. tafilou, who has just completed his 10 O.O: – What do you look for in year at the helm of Hellenic College-Holy potential students? Cross School of Theology, attended Holy Fr. T: Women and men who are pil- Cross after a stint in the Marine Corps, and grims of faith, committed to bettering our graduated in 1963. society at large with academic potential He then began three years of service and the ability to live in community within as assistant priest at St. Vasillios Church in an undergraduate and graduate campus. Peabody, Mass., under Fr. Stanley Harakas. We also look for people who have a defi- From there he went on to Annun- nite or potential calling to service in our ciation Cathedral in Houston as assistant churches and to the holy priesthood. under Fr. George Kalpaxis for six months O.O: – Which Metropolises provide before becoming the proistamenos in the largest number of students? 1966 and later cathedral dean. Fr. T: These numbers appear in our In 1970 Fr. Nick and Presbytera Diane annual report and fluctuate from year to established the Annunciation Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. Triantafi lou at a recent ceremony where His Eminence bestowed a year. pectoral Cross in honor of his 10 years of service to the school. School, which went on to become one of O.O: – Have the requirements for the top-ranked private elementary schools 10 years as president? benevolence of God, this goal has been re- becoming a priest changed over the in the city of Houston. Fr. Triantafilou: I consider this a most alized to a respectful degree. For example: past 10 years? Archbishop Iakovos tapped him as privileged election/assignment. The entire • Kallinikeion Greek Studies Institute Fr. T: In essence, no. We live in a soci- Archdiocesan Vicar General in 1987. He HC/HC family, His Eminence Archbishop • The Mary Jaharis Institute ety that is consistently becoming more and was called upon to serve in many loca- Demetrios, the members of the Eparchial for Byzantine Arts and Culture more multicultural with an interweaving tions. While still at Annunciation, Fr. Nick Synod, the auxiliary bishops, trustees, • Institutes and Lectures of these cultures. Our future priests must restarted St. Nicholas Church in El Paso deans, faculties, staff and students, as • Cantonis Chair be able to learn the process of maintain- and established Transfiguration Church well as the alumni board have been most of Greek Studies (Activated) ing and celebrating the pristine tenets and in Austin. cooperative and supportive. It is a privi- • Archbishop Demetrios Chair integrity of the One, Holy, Catholic and He was called to Archdiocese head- lege, also, to represent our beloved School of New Testament Studies Apostolic Church. quarters in 1992 where he served as ex- across the parishes of our Archdiocese at • Stephen & Catherine Pappas O.O: – Has the number of Greek ecutive director of the Archbishop Iakovos the meetings and conferences of our ac- Patristic Institute ethnic background students decreased Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. crediting agencies, the Boston Theological • Achilleas and Anastasia Thomas over the years? What would you attri- He next served for three years at Holy Institute (BTI) and other venues, confer- Styliades Pastoral Theology Chair bute this to? Trinity Cathedral in Charlotte, N.C. from ences and educational institutions in the • Missions Institute Fr. T: Our School reflects the same 1996 to 1999 and, for the past 28 years, United States and Greece. By God’s grace, • Pontian Lectures multi-ethnicity that our parishes do across has been the Archdiocese liaison with An- all the aforementioned people have joined • Diaconate Studies – 2010 the country. nunciation Church in Nassau, Bahamas. in a common effort for the well–being and (Program of our Eparchial Synod O.O: – Has the average age of semi- Following his service as Vicar General, progress of our School. We can identify hosted by HCHC) narians risen over the past 10 years? he was named director of the Boston Me- definitive steps that have advanced the life • Office of Vocation Ministry Fr. T: Yes. We belong to the As- tropolis Camp and Retreat Center at Con- and mission of our School. • Lilly Endowment Grant – 2003: sociation of Theological Schools of the toocook, N.H. by Metropolitan Methodios O.O: – What goals did you set • Programs for the Theological United States and Canada, which awards of Boston in 1999. forth? Have they been attained? Exploration of Vocation us accreditation. The average of the Fr. Nick came full circle in 2000, Fr. T: Amongst the goals which really • CrossRoad – A program for rising person attending these 264 schools is ap- returning to Boston upon being named fall under the category of the Calling to Orthodox high school seniors proximately 34 to 40. Our average in the president of HC-HC by Archbishop Deme- Stewardship of our beloved School were funded by OVM graduate school is approximately 30 to 32. trios on Aug. 1. an increase of students, both in Hellenic Another goal was to address immedi- O.O: – How many seminarians To mark his 10-year milestone, the College and Holy Cross – which has been ately infrastructure needs of replacement have worked in another career field Observer asked Fr. Triantafilou to reflect attained. We have doubled the number of and improvement. Over $3,000,000 have before entering Holy Cross? on the institution’s progress with a look to undergraduates which now is a bit shorter been procured and expended to address Fr. T: Each year differs. The average the future. (The following interview was than 100 and the graduate school has ap- these issues. Our campus has been almost is somewhere between 35 and 50 percent. conducted via e-mail). proximately 136 students. A second goal totally renewed, and we welcome any and O.O: – How much traveling do Orthodox Observer: Fr, Triantaf- was to procure more financial support all visitors of our Church membership to you do in the course of a year for the ilou, how would you assess your first for our academic programs. Again, by the visit their school. school? Is this mostly for fund-raising? O.O: – What is the current enroll- Fr. T: I travel approximately 30 to ment of Holy Cross and Hellenic Col- 40 percent during the school year. The lege? reasons are, first, to project the vision and Fr. T: Holy Cross – 134; Hellenic Col- mission of both Hellenic College and Holy lege – 81 Cross and their place in the life of our O.O: – What is a realistic projection Church and Orthodoxy in America. Sec- of enrollment over the next five years? ondly, for fund-raising. This fund-raising Fr. T: An 8-10 percent enrollment addresses the annual budget, sponsor- increase each year. ing of academic chairs and the possible O.O: – What is the approach to re- procurement of funds for new required cruiting new students? What challenges buildings. do you face in attracting students to O.O: – What is the financial out- the school? look for the school in the foreseeable Fr. T: We have increased our staff size future? by one full-time person and one half-time Fr. T: We are optimistic that our Board person in order to cover more territory, of Trustees, who have increased their an- make more presentations, and respond nual giving substantially, our Hierarchs, more efficiently to increase for potential clergy, national organizations, and, of students across all Orthodox bodies in the course, our staff will increase their efforts United States. We are in the discussion to be stalwart heralds of our School’s process of how we may be able to address mission and that our faithful across the Photos: D. PANAGOS the greater international market. country will continue to respond faithfully Second–year Seminarians of Holy Cross School of Theology with Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. One of the central challenges con- Triantafi lou. tinues to be that we are looked at and  to page 37 DECEMBER 2010 7 The Voice of P hiloptochos Christmas 2010 To the National Board, Chapter Presidents and Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, “Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake; let the rich man invite the poor to his table! Today we received a gift which we did not ask for; let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us and beg.” ( St. Ephraim the Syrian on the Eve of the Nativity) The most sacred birth of the most Holy Child transformed the world for all ages to come. He was given the pre- cious name of Jesus, “The name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9) and only by His mercy we continue to live each and every day. He was born in a manger more than two thousand years ago on that miraculous night in Bethlehem and by His humble entry into the world, thus began the salvation of humankind. Through His example we are given D. PANAGOS the gift of everlasting life by emulat- Toronto Philoptochos members in front of Archdiocese headquarters with Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios, Mrs. Skeadas and other Philopto- ing our Lord through our relationship chos members and clergy. with Him, with one another and with nature on earth. We commemorate and celebrate the most important event in history as Toronto Philoptochos Members Visit Archdiocese Headquarters The Nativity provides reason and hope for our existence. It is the love of God Approximately 50 members of the of America from your hometown Toronto. Palm Beach, Fla., to be in the presence of our Father that pierced the darkness Philoptochos chapter in Toronto visited Toronto and New York City are unique- His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop of hopelessness that sacred night. It is the Archdiocese on Nov. 12 as part of their ly similar. Neither is the capital of their Sotirios of Canada where he shared many our Philoptochos ministry that pierces trip to New York where they were received respective countries, although some may interesting experiences and anecdotes. the despair of the infirmed and suffer- by Archbishop Demetrios, and welcomed argue that New York City is the capital of Please convey our deep respect to His Emi- ing by offering agape and compassion. National Philoptochos President Aphrodite the world. Both Toronto and New York are nence, Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios The Greek Orthodox Ladies Skeadas, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, the most populous cities of their respective and express to His Eminence that we ea- Philoptochos Society lives the mes- chancellor and spiritual advisor to the countries and both are considered to be the gerly await his return to the United States. sage of this holy season as we seek to Philoptochos and other clergy and Philop- cultural, economic and financial capitals of As Philoptochos women of North treat ill children, aid the fragile elderly, tochos board members. their countries, rich, diverse, cosmopolitan, America, TOGETHER we offer hope to the assist students, offer friendship to the Below is President Skeadas’ welcome international and historically embedded disadvantaged while evoking the Hellenic lonely and forgotten, support our message to the group. as the destination for immigrants. Those ethos. As volunteers of this great conti- men and women in uniform overseas Archbishop Demetrios of America is heralding from Toronto are referred to as nent, TOGETHER we provide assistance and provide kindness to many more. the Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Torontonians; however, we’re just called while empowering the less privileged. As a The faithful stewards of Philoptochos Philoptochos Society comprised of 27,500 New Yorkers. collage of Philoptochos sisters, TOGETH- express their love and dedication by stewards from 485 chapters in the United Within the boundless diversities of ER we compose a tapestry intricately and practicing the beautiful lessons of our States. As our beloved and respected Spiri- our two distant cities--yet two neighboring durably woven with similar values. The Lord. In thanksgiving, being mindful tual Father, His Eminence offers his bless- countries--the Philoptochos Societies stand various threads intertwined with rainbow of God’s many blessings, the women ings while inspiring and enlightening the united in our mission, our faith and our hues reflect the principles, traditions and of our great Society wholeheartedly women of Philoptochos and all the faithful. Orthodoxia. Our common goals--of both heritage boldly imbued with our strong resolve with deeper promise and re- His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane Societies--offer a springboard to develop and abiding faith. newed spirit to aid and embrace is the Spiritual Advisor of the Ladies Philop- stronger idea generation and exchange. Let On behalf of the National Philop- those in need utilizing their collective tochos Society. His Grace, most loved this be the beginning of many dialogues as tochos Society, we offer to each of our resources. and esteemed, is recognized as a pillar of we meet today at the Holy Greek Orthodox Canadian Philoptochos sisters a small Let us be spiritually cognizant and Philoptochos offering his time and support Archdiocese of America where, in 1931, the remembrance of your visit to the Archdio- embrace the gift of life and our envi- endlessly. Ladies Philoptochos Society was founded cese of America, a memento of stationery ronment and multiply our efforts to On behalf of the Greek Orthodox La- by then Archbishop Athenagoras of blessed with the United States Philoptochos logo serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. dies Philoptochos Society, I greet you and memory. which was adopted at our 2006 National Especially at this glorious time of year, welcome you. We are honored that you I was privileged this past year, when Philoptochos Biennial Convention in let us beseech Him in our prayers to visit us in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at the home of a Philoptochos member in Nashville, Tenn. guide us to wise choices, to live our lives appropriately, to assume respon- sibility on behalf of those in need and Social Worker Rejoins National Philoptochos Staff as stewards of this Earth, to preserve by Christine Karavites for Fordham University’s Graduate School and provided training to clergy, local and our globe. of Social Work. national affiliates to assess and respond to “Fall on your knees! O hear the Paulette Geanacopoulos, LMSW, Ms. Geanacopoulos previously worked local social service needs. angel voices! O night divine, the night former lead social worker of the National for seven years in the National Philoptochos Paulette received her BA from City Col- when Christ was Born; Philoptochos Social Service Department, Social Services Department. In this capacity lege of New York and her MSW from Hunter O night, O Holy Night, O night has rejoined the staff of the National Philop- she supervised the development of multi- College School of Social Work. divine!” (Placide Cappeau de Roquem- tochos as the social worker. cultural, multi-issue social work services Paulette welcomes the opportunity aure) Ms. Geanacopoulos is a Licensed that addressed the needs of a broad base to enhance the critical mission of social May you and your families receive Social Worker with extensive professional of clients as well as issues of family services, services for the National Philoptochos and the blessings of the Lord and His experience with social work programs and health, mental health, substance abuse, the constituents whom we serve. bountiful gifts as we commemorate other leadership roles in related non profit and eldercare. She established a National Her expertise and extensive work the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and organizations. She served as the executive Domestic Violence Program through gov- experience will serve as a great asset to may you continue to glorify Christmas director of the New York Citizen’s Com- ernment grant resources and published National Philoptochos as the organization as meaningful throughout your year mittee on Aging that is responsible for The Domestic Violence Awareness Manual. initiates its drive for the new Philoptochos and always. advancing policies to improve the wellbe- The program is targeted to women Center of Philanthropy which will expand With love and admiration ing of older adults and as the executive who are unable to access mainstream programs and services for the Chapters and in the Newborn King, director of the Women’s City Club. She services due to cultural and/or language those needing services. Aphrodite Skeadas currently holds a position as adjunct pro- barriers. She developed public/private Contact information: social services@ fessor in social welfare policy and services partnerships to expand service options philoptochos.org 8 DECEMBER 2010 Let’s Ask the Priest Editor’s note: This new feature pres- to listen to their story if they begin to tell ents questions to randomly selected clergy. us about it. Readers are welcome to submit ques- If they indicate they are open to any tions to the Orthodox Observer about faith additional connection with us, whether it topics and contemporary moral issues. is to talk again, to visit, to ask for a prayer, Questions should be a maximum of 25-35 etc., we must offer it as we would to any words in length. other person. Questions may be e-mailed (type Ask We must not put in any way, any ex- Priest in the subject line) or sent as typed pectations/obligation on them, as a kind of submissions by regular mail. (See page 2 “payment” for being or talking or spending for contact information). time with them. The entries used in each issue will be We have to use the passage of the determined by space limitations and appro- Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) as how we are to priateness of the topic. Anyone submitting be and behave, the rest is in God’s hands. questions should include their name and Fr. Basil Arabatsis city of residence. St. Demetrios Church As it is the first-time publication of this Saco, Maine feature, the questions below were either provided by the priest answering the ques- Q: What can you do to encourage tion based on his experience, or submitted those who attend church once or twice to the priest by the Observer. a year to come to more often? A: I strongly believe that this is one of Q: How do you encourage kids to the most important parts of our ministry. go to church without forcing them? I, and we all, must make sure they are A: In the Orthodox Faith, we baptize welcomed the proper and professional infants for a reason – so that they may way; services to be conducted in a most be full participants in worship as early as impeccable way; the sermon to touch their possible. The earlier children become ac- everyday life; the choir performing well; to customed to worship services, the easier it offer programs in the ministry so they can is for everyone involved. Baptizing children participate; to ask them to get involved; to after five months generally makes it more personally follow up with them and engage difficult for them to become comfortable them in a positive manner; to teach those in in new situations such as worship services. the ministry to be mindful of their presence Start early and worship may just become a in our midst; to invite them to join us at the way of life. Sunday fellowship hour and have them sit Be on time. If you are chronically late, with those we know will affect them in a you are sending your children the message positive way. that worship services are not really that The priest should make sure he calls important. Being on time shows respect, and visits them to show we care and we and this will not be lost on your children. want to see them with us. The Church is Be peaceful. Being angry and yell- ALL of us together. The Church is here to ing undermines the very act of worship. proclaim the gospel of love and joy and Children will not want to participate in exhibit the positive in our daily life. something that is presented with negativity. Fr. Demetrios Recachinas Parents need to let their children know that Holy Cross Church going to church is something that the family Bridgeport, Conn. does, and should let them know this with a matter-of-fact smile and a gentle voice. Q: “I come from a fairly large par- They should also know that after worship ish, and know we have lots of children they will have time to do other things, and but do not see them regularly attend that when they are independent they will church services. This seems especially be making these decisions on their own. true of our young adults. How do we If you are just now committing your keep our youth in the Church? What family to regular worship, be honest with can our Church do? your children so that they may take you A: From the earliest days of Christian- seriously and not consider you a hypocrite. ity, entire households were taught the faith, Confess to them that you wish to establish baptized and brought into the Church (Acts new habits, and that you are calling upon 16:15) In addition, we have our infants them to step up along with you. Worship- formally brought to the Church on the 40th ping together is not likely regretted after day and “churched.” the fact, and always leaves you better than This churching on the 40th day and our before. practice of infant baptism point to the fact Be an example of faith before, during that we expect our children to be in church, and after our sacred worship services. praying, worshipping and participating in Fr. Angelo Artemas the sacramental life with their parents from Sts. Peter & Paul Church their earliest days. Glenview, Ill. By receiving the grace of God through the sacraments and soaking up the various Q: How do you get occasional wor- sights and sounds and other sensorial stim- shippers to come to church all year? uli that characterize our Orthodox worship, A: This must be the question of ques- our young children have the opportunity to tions! be immersed in heavenly worship. Over the years all priests meet with If we combine this liturgical experi- dozens and hundreds of (Orthodox Chris- ence with consistent age-appropriate tians), both parishioners and non parishio- teaching by parents and a home life also ners who just never developed an ongoing consistent with what is taught and valued spiritual life, which includes worship. at church, our children see and experience A number of points is important to all around them a Christ–centered life. remember in doing outreach to all and It should not be surprising that children especially this “group” of people. more often than not adopt the values and All of us want kindness and not criti- interests of their parents. cism. So they must be treated as any other Also, the parish youth ministries are person we meet in our everyday life. Unless meant to partner with our parents and we are “clairvoyant” and we know what is complement what is being taught and mod- inside their hearts, we have to be kind to eled home. We parents need to take seri- them. ously our role in the Christian formation Another point is sincere interest in of our children. Our goal and expectation who they are. The same way we would stop should be that our children “convert” to and listen if a neighbor was experiencing difficulties in their life, we have to accept  to page 28 DECEMBER 2010 9

Members of the Annunciation Cathedral organizing committee for the St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival. Houston Cathedral to Host 2011 National Oratorical Festival

by Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos of the five topics in the Junior Division is: “In St. John’s Gospel, Philip invites The 2011 Archdiocese St. John Chrys- Nathanael to ‘Come and see’ (John 1:46). ostom Oratorical Festival will take place at What would you want someone to experi- the Annunciation Cathedral, in Houston ence in his or her first visit to an Orthodox on June 3-5. Christian parish?” One of the Senior Divi- Co-chairs of the host committee are sion topics poses the question, “St. Paul the Fr. Michael Lambakis, Irene Cassis and encourage the Christians in Ephesus to Maria Georgeton. ‘grow up’ (Ephesians 4:13-15). What is Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, Arch- Christian maturity, and how does one diocese co-chair of the Oratorical Festival, become a mature Christian?” recently met with the host committee to Although, the Archdiocese Oratori- discuss the events for the weekend. cal Festival weekend is months away, the Soon to celebrate its 28th year, the challenge before us now is for each me- Oratorical Festival continues to challenge tropolis to select district and metropolis and inspire Greek Orthodox youth to chairpersons and the dates of each event. research a topic, to write about it and to Once this information is finalized, it will be deliver their homily to the congregation. posted on the web-site of the Department Time and time again, past participants of Religious Education. The next step is share experiences about their participa- to encourage more parishes to include tion, especially if they advanced to the the Oratorical Festival in their ministries National Festival. Michael Goodfriend, a so that future participants can also say, “I 1984 Oratorical Festival participant, who see the festival’s manifestation in virtually took first place honors in the Junior Divi- everything I do.” sion in the very first Oratorical Festival, Houston committee members are talked about how, “…it is impossible to Maria Georgeton, Cynthia Kostas, Irene quantify the impact the festival has had on Cassis, Diamantis Cassis, Presbytera Mar- my life. I see the festival’s manifestation in garet Orfanakos, Kathy Pappas, Karen virtually everything I do.” Weimmer, Frank N. Demeris, Susan En- The 2011 Oratorical Festival topics terline, Joni Zavitsanos, Maria Mitchell, are posted on the web-site of the Depart- Poppy Padley, Marie Halvatzis, Fr. Daniel ment of Religious Education and once Payne, Mark Enterline, Evlalia Hurley and again, offer a vast array of themes. One Dr. Constance Michalos.

New dome fi nds a home southeast of Nome Photo by Fr. Leo Schefe Members of Holy Transfi guration Church in Anchorage, Alaska made good use of their 6 hours and 5 minutes of daylight available to them on Dec. 1 to place the dome atop their new church currently being constructed. The televised event took place at 10:30 a.m. The temperature was 5 degrees above zero. 10 DECEMBER 2010 SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Offered to Com mu ni ties, Or ga ni za tions, Church fes ti vals and all other func tions. Chicago Metropolis Honors Metropolitan Kontos Foods famous for its POCK ET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its origi nal prod ucts once again. Iakovos, Holds Benefit for Retreat Center CHICAGO – More than 800 faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Fillo Spanakopita gathered on Oct. 28 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Metropolitan Iakovos as a Kataifi Tyropita hierarch and his 30 years of archpastoral service to the Metropolis. The annual dinner celebrates the Delicious, traditional products made with the highest quali ty ingre di ents feast day of St. Iakovos (James) and was presented by the Metropolis Clergy Syndes- Courteous Service • WE SHIP EVERYWHERE in the US & CAN A DA mos. It also served as a fund–raiser for the Metropolis youth camp. Exclusive Distributor for USA & CANADA of TRIKOMITES HALOUMI Fr. James Dokos served as the master of ceremonies for the event. KONTOS FOODS, INC • EVRIPIDES KONTOS, Pres i dent Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos intro- BOX 628, PATERSON, NJ 07544 duced Metropolitan Iakovos at the benefit • Fax: (973) 278-7943 fund-raiser. The bishop noted, “When I (973) 278-2800 first met then Bishop Iakovos of Chicago, not only was he already a bishop for 10 years -- enthroned as the bishop of the re-constituted Diocese of Chicago in May 1979, becoming the spiritual father of us many thousands of faithful -- but he also METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS OF CHICAGO became my spiritual father, inspiration, of the Metropolis Philoptochos and parish model and guide. Now thirty years later, I chapters will ensure that the St. Iakovos am privileged to stand before you to share Retreat Center will be a place of spiritual a vision of the future that has determined renewal and fellowship. a beautiful history.” Since its purchase, the Retreat Center Metropolitan Iakovos began life in has hosted more than 1,500 people from Athens, born into a family that had recently the six states of the Metropolis, with 80 come to mainland Greece from Alatsata of percent of the guests using it for day events Asia Minor, forced to evacuate with thou- and the remained for overnight stays. sands of others at the advance of Turkish Fund-raising has begun to develop troops in 1922. He left his native Greece Phase One of the center. for America, serving as a parish priest and Improvements to the property have then as a bishop of the Church, going on to included the transformation of an exist- serve as president and professor of liturgics ing structure into the interim Chapel of at Holy Cross School of Theology. Zoodochos Peghe, where the Metropolis chancellor, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos Fanari Youth Camp recently celebrated the first Divine Liturgy. For nearly 36 years, the Fanari Camp Also renovated is a log cabin with ministry has served the youth of the Me- sweeping views of the property. The 2,000 tropolis at various rented sites. square–foot building includes 22 beds and The Metropolis has endeavored to es- meets the ADA (Americans with Disabilities tablish a permanent retreat center for Camp Act) standards. Fanari, a goal that is becoming a reality. Mr. Vranas noted the following dona- Bill Vranas, president of the St. Iakovos tions of $100,000 that will make possible a Retreat Center Board, announced that, year-round retreat center. Donors included through contributions of church members Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Labros; The Novak in the Metropolis and other parts of the Foundation; the Constantine S. Siavelis U.S., a $2.3 million property in Wisconsin Family; Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glen- was purchased and the mortgage was paid view, Ill.; Dr. Jeff and Stella Winternheimer; in just over a year and a half. and an additional anonymous gift from a According to Metropolitan Iakovos, couple that experienced Camp Fanari in “The acquisition of this property presents to their youth. us a fulfillment of a dream shared by myself Nick Kasmeotes, retreat center devel- and thousands of our faithful.” opment consultant, spoke of the many ways The 137–acre St. Iakovos Retreat Cen- to donate to the retreat center. “We can all ter is located northeast of Lake Geneva, do something: a donation of any amount Wis., about an hour from Chicago and will bring the center closer and closer to Milwaukee. The property offers rolling hills, begin Phase I of the development. tree-lined paths, an apple orchard, streams, John Balourdos, a founding retreat an aerated pond and a private eight–acre center board member, said the next phase lake. The property also contains numerous of development includes a hotel–style buildings including a main house; a meeting building, a residence lodge with 35 rooms facility and various outdoor athletic arenas. each with a small kitchenette and private The Retreat Center will host many func- bathroom. The new structure will be able tions and ministries especially the summer to accommodate 70 adults or 140 youth for and winter camp sessions. All Metropolis overnight stays. stewards own this property. This residence lodge, consisting of The largest gifts were donated by the three 8,000–square–feet floors totaling following major donors: Chris Tomaras, 24,000–square–feet, will house residents $1 million; Chicago Metropolis Clergy Syn- for overnight stays on the upper two floors. desmos, $250,000; Nicholas Bouras, (N.J.), The lower level will accommodate meetings $200,000; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Athens, or breakout room usage. $100,000; Mr. and Mrs. Kosmas Pablecas, Future plans include reconfiguring $100,000; Mr. and Mrs. Steve Regopoulos; the log cabin dormitory into a commercial $100,000 and a $100,000 anonymous kitchen capable of serving 100 guests. The donation. dining area in the cabin will also be used as The Metropolis Philoptochos has breakout rooms for smaller groups. pledged over $100,000 and counting. As In addition to the existing chapel, a Joanne Stavrakas, Metropolis Philoptochos Byzantine–style chapel is planned that can president has stated “the continued support accommodate about 125 faithful. DECEMBER 2010 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 11 Consecrations

photos by Kostas Lymperopoulos Metropolitan Evangelos places the holy relics into the altar table. Priests assisting were Deacon Panayiotis Hanley, Fr. James Moulketis and Fr. Paul Pappas. New Jersey Church Event Held Oct. 24 TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Metropolitan the parish consists of 700 families. Evangelos of New Jersey consecrated An athletic center/classroom build- St. Barbara Church on Oct. 24. ing is under construction and near Assisting in the Consecration were completion. Fr. Pappas, who has led parish priest Fr. Paul (Apostolos) Pap- the parish since 2006, was honored on pas, and other clergy from the area. consecration day by being granted the The parish was founded in 1972, and office of “Economos” by Metropolitan celebrated the first Liturgy on Jan. 7, Evangelos. 1973. The Thyranoixia, (opening of the A banquet followed the ceremo- doors) of the church took place on Nov. nies. Among those attending was 29, 1992, officiated by Metropolitan Consul General of Greece Ambassador Bishop Silas of New Jersey. Presently, Aghi Balta.

Among the faithful following in the procession around St. Barbara Church were several Archons and Consul General of Cyprus Koula So­ anou (center). Pennsylvania Church Consecrated Nov. 14 YORK, Pa. – Annunciation Church day morning with a Hierarchical Divine was consecrated Nov, 14 with Metro- Liturgy, featuring the placement of these politan Maximos of Pittsburgh officiating. relics into the new holy altar table, the “Our house of worship and prayer was dressing of the table with new vestments, finally dedicated to God and transformed and the anointment of the altar with Holy into sacred space after 30 years since Myrrh. its construction,” explained Fr. Andrew The holy icons inside the church, as Tsikitas, parish priest, who presides over well as its doors and windows, were also more than 175 member–families. anointed. Once a building has been con- “The church itself is set aside from secrated as a church it may not be used the rest of the complex, differentiating it again for a secular purpose. from the classrooms, offices, and the Hel- Metropolitan Maximos also installed lenic Cultural Center, where the Greek a new sub-deacon for the parish, Joseph food festivals and other social/cultural Baxter of Mechanicsburg, Pa. events are held,” Fr. Tsikitas said. Members of the consecration com- While the consecration encompasses mittee include parish council President the whole church, the ceremony centers Bill Skouras, Chairman Dorothy Livaditis, on the holy altar and its table. Beginning Georgia and Bud Anstine, Alex Daoularis, Saturday evening with Great Vespers, the Helen Lewis, Sophia and Gus Livaditis, altar was cleared and holy relics from Andreanna Papayannis, and Presbytera saints were prepared. It continued Sun- Katherine Tsikitas. 12 DECEMBER 2010

Baltimore Cathedral Off ers Vital Ministry to Senior Citizens by Melody Simmons “It is just good to see everyone,” said Joanne Deitz, a volunteer and member HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The bright yel- of the Annunciation parish. “One of the low walls of the activities room at the St. women here who we have all known John the Baptist Orthodox Adult Center for years recently lost her husband. She here help to create a sense of comfort just wanted to sit in her house, she was and belonging. On a recent autumn day, so devastated. When she started coming a group of seniors gathered to play a to the center, she came alive again. Now fast-paced game of trivia. she is the life of the party. She sings and “What is the capital of Texas?” asked she plays games.” Laura Timberlake, a worker at the center. The center is located in a quiet busi- “In what state is Wrigley Field located?” ness park, not far from the headquarters The day center is believed to be the of McCormick & Co. Inc., the giant spice first gathering place for seniors started manufacturer whose daily mixing of by a Greek Orthodox parish in the U.S. goods sends the scent of nutmeg, cin- Leaders of Annunciation Cathedral namon and garlic wafting through the in downtown Baltimore began plan- outdoor air. ning its model in 2007. They obtained a Inside, comfortable chairs, a sofa Maryland adult medical day care license and an extra–large dining table greet last year and opened the doors this past the seniors. The home-like setting has June 7. helped many to settle in and adjust to Photos: MELODY SIMMONS Seniors at the center visit with their grandchildren. “It was started because of the vol- the change of leaving home and being ume of phone calls from parishioners in a different location. employee who monitors each senior’s GOYA visit to help out, sing and even saying they had elderly parents and “Our program starts with breakfast needs and administers medication when dance around the spacious floor. grandparents who had a need for a safe of koulourakia, muffins and coffee at 9 needed. West works for El Shaddai Fr. Dean visits frequently and holds place to go and for somebody to stay a.m. and then we begin activities like Healthcare, a Baltimore-based private Liturgy at least twice a month. “We start with them,” said the Very Rev. Constan- word games, trivia and Wii bowling,” elder care company that is a partner in every day with a prayer, each meal with tine (Dean) Moralis, dean of the Cathe- said Pat Bartsocas, program coordina- the center’s operations. a prayer and we have a constant parade dral. “There were a lot of people in need tor at the center, and a member of the “We want them to feel like they are at of visitors throughout the week,” said Fr. of companionship.” Cathedral parish. home,” West said. “And they love seeing Dean. “When the liturgy is celebrated, Most of the seniors that gather here “They reconnect with their lives here. each other. Our families tell us they see big they are chanting the hymns and the on weekdays have known each other They get a purpose and they become inde- changes in their loved ones at home after responses along with me. The liturgy is for decades. They have worshipped pendent. They are not sitting home wait- they return from the center. We’re all social committed to memory. Some things are together in the Cathedral’s grand and ing for their children to return from work. beings and this allows them to be social.” never forgotten.” ornate sanctuary, raised their families They go and do something on their own.” The center has a capacity of 60. Of- together, socialized over the years and The center also has a key medical ten, there are nearly a dozen seniors there Melody Simmons is the regional even worked as volunteers at countless component. Program director and reg- each day as word of the center has begun correspondent for the Observer in the Baltimore Greek festivals. istered nurse Linda West is a full-time to spread in the Baltimore community Baltimore area. She is a member of An- where there are several Greek, Russian nunciation Cathedral in Baltimore, its and Serbian Orthodox churches. Seniors Philoptochos board and the Women’s are transported to and from the location Guild of the parish. Ms. Simmons in buses and vans owned by the center. worked as a reporter for 20 years at Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, δοξάσατε! The cost is $72 per day, which in- the Baltimore Sun, Maryland’s largest cludes round–trip transportation, two daily newspaper, was nominated for full meals and snacks, activities and a Pulitzer Prize in 1996 and has won day trips around Baltimore. One such numerous regional and national jour- MANY trip included an impromptu tour of the nalism awards. She currently writes for Cathedral, located about 25 miles away. The Daily Record, a weekday business “A lady said she had not been to journal in Baltimore, covering real es- BLESSINGS church in years and so we all climbed in tate. Ms Simmons has also worked as a the bus and went to the Cathedral where correspondent for People magazine, The we had a tour and lunch,” Bartsocas said. New York Times, The Washington Post, THROUGHOUT Meals are all prepared fresh in a full Baltimore Magazine, National Public kitchen, and include homemade spa- Radio and presently writes for the Johns THE NEW YEAR! nokopita, pastitsio, avgolemono soup, Hopkins University School of Medicine stuffed zucchini and shrimp with pilafi. biannual newsletter and its monthly Recently, a batch of sweet loukoumades newspaper. After graduating from the were created to help celebrate a birthday. University of Florida College of Journal- Visitors include children, grandchil- ism and Communication, she worked dren, clergy and volunteers. briefly for the Birmingham (Ala.) News. Whenever there is no school, many A native of Jacksonville, Fla., she grew Χρόνια Πολλά! local teenagers from the Annunciation up in the parish of St. John the Divine.

Dr. Gregory & Stellee Papadeas, Venetia, Ioanna, Nicolia & George

Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral–Denver, Colorado Annunciation Cathedral Goyans perform a dance for the audience. DECEMBER 2010 13 Paid Advertisement POSITION FOR NEW DEAN Hellenic College, Inc. invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of Hellenic College. The application and nomination deadline is December 17, 2010. The selection process is expected to be completed by April 30, 2011. The Dean is expected to assume office on July 1, 2011. Overview Founded in 1937 and located in Brookline, Massachusetts on 59 scenic acres overlooking Boston, Hellenic College is the only full-fledged Orthodox Christian institution of higher learning in the United States. Under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Hellenic College, Inc. is comprised of an undergraduate liberal arts and selected professional college, known as Hellenic College, and Holy Cross Graduate School of Theology. Hellenic College offers the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA) with concentrations in Classics, Elementary Education, Human Development, Management & Leadership, Literature and History, and Religious Studies. The Graduate School of Theology grants the degrees of Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Theology (Th.M.). The institution holds accreditation with New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada. Responsibilities The Dean of Hellenic College reports to the President. The Dean helps define the character and direction of the College; leads, advocates, and plans new educational initiatives; and serves to sustain the commitment to innovation and excellence in undergraduate teaching and curricular development. The Dean supervises the Faculty of Hellenic College, including personnel procedures, and maintains the College’s academic standards in teaching, research, and service. The Dean provides The delegation of pilgrims from Massachusetts with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. academic and educational leadership through the exercise of honesty, integrity, flex- ibility, sensitivity, and decisiveness. The Dean serves as the College’s advocate and liaison to its internal and external constituencies. The Dean serves on the Presidential Executive Caucus and is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic Qualifications include an earned doctorate degree from an accredited university; an outstanding record of teaching effectiveness and scholarship sufficient to hold the rank of full professor; fluency in written and spoken Modern Greek; excellent com- Group Visits Ecumenical Patriarchate municative and interpersonal skills; a deeply held commitment to the development of BOSTON – A delegation of Greek students, faculty, and staff; and an appreciation for, an understanding of and commit- Orthodox and Roman Catholic pilgrims ment to the faith and learning mission of the College within the context of Orthodox from the Worcester area headed by Christianity and its contribution to the life of our nation. Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and Application Those interested in candidacy are urged to visit the Hellenic College Bishop McManus of the Roman Catholic Web site prior to submitting an application. Applicants should submit a letter of inter- Diocese of Worcester recently traveled est detailing relevant experience, accomplishments, philosophy of higher education, to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the curriculum vitae, and a list of at least five professional references with E-mail addresses Vatican where they met with Ecumeni- and telephone numbers. All nominations, inquiries and applications will be confiden- cal Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope tial until a limited number of finalists are identified for campus interviews, at which Benedict XVI. point only the names and résumés of finalists will become public. Nominations and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew applications must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format to: “mailto:hellenic- told local Catholic and Orthodox pil- [email protected]” [email protected] grims their presence at the Ecumenical Patriarchate was critical for Christian unity. He, and Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, both noted the trip coincided with an important Orthodox-Roman Catholic dialogue taking place in Vienna. Viewing the Metropolis of Boston history book The Sept. 15-26 pilgrimage to the with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spiritual centers of the two Churches was Turkey, the pilgrims headed to Rome a first for the Worcester Roman Catholic for the pope’s Wednesday audience and Diocese, although Metropolitan Metho- visits to holy places there and in Assisi. dios led such pilgrimages with Boston Metropolitan Methodios greeted archbishops in 1996 and 2007. This pil- the Pope on behalf of the Ecumenical grimage to Turkey and Italy sprung from Patriarch. Pope Benedict said he was joint vespers at St. Spyridon Greek Or- pleased to meet the Metropolitan and thodox Cathedral in Worcester in 2009. that this pilgrimage was happening, and After the Orthodox Divine Liturgy mentioned the dialog Catholic and Greek Sept. 19, Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- Orthodox theologians were having in tholomew, Metropolitan Methodios and Vienna about the role of the bishop of Bishop McManus spoke at St. George Rome in Christianity’s first thousand Church and at the Patriarch’s residence. years, before the Catholic and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Churches split in 1054. personally gave each pilgrim a cross and “The pilgrimage afforded all of us a book. He later attended the pilgrims’ the opportunity to walk in the footsteps dinner and sat with them. of Sts. Peter, Paul, and Andrew and be Metropolitan Methodios briefed the inspired to pattern our lives after these Ecumenical Patriarch on their pilgrim- pillars of our Christian faith,” Metropoli- age, a first with the Worcester Diocese, tan Methodios said in comments about where official Greek Orthodox-Roman the pilgrimage e-mailed to The Catholic Catholic dialogue in America is thought Free Press. to have begun on Sept. 9, 1965 at St. “It was most inspiring to see how Spyridon Cathedral. all the pilgrims bonded together and After visiting the Ecumenical Pa- recommitted themselves to work for the triarchate, Ephesus and other sites in progress of our two Churches. We had many opportunities to discuss the vari- ous issues that keep us divided while we prayed for the international dialogue par- ticipants who were meeting in Vienna. It was indeed a blessing to attend the Divine Liturgy at the Phanar and to sit at dinner with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Papal audience in Rome left a great impression on the pilgrims. May the Lord hasten the day that we share the cup of Communion.”

Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Metropolitan Metho- – Information provided by Tanya dios and his group of pilgrims to the Vatican. Connor of The Catholic Free Press. 14 DECEMBER 2010

Photos: D. PANAGOS Archbishop addresses Greek school teachers at St. Demetrios High School. Hundreds Attend Greek Teachers Seminar in Astoria ASTORIA – The 20th annual Staff De- velopment Seminar on Nov. 2 sponsored by the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education drew more than 300 Greek parochial and day school teachers from communities in upstate New York, West- chester County, all parts of Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey. The seminar took place St. Demetrios High School in Astoria and consisted of English and Greek programs. Separate workshops were held for principals and for grades K-12. Archbishop Demetrios attended a Maria Makedon. number of the workshops and was the assistant professors at St. John’s University featured speaker at the luncheon. School of Education; Maria Makedon, director of the Direct Workshop topics included: multiple Archdiocesan District Office of Education, intelligences in early childhood; working and her staff organized the entire event in with children and families from multi-cul- collaboration with the New York City day tural backgrounds, teaching children about school principals and the professors of St. health and nutrition, integrating webquests John’s University/School of Literacy, of the in the classroom, recognizing cyber bully- Manhattanville College/Early Childhood ing, using assessments effectively to guide Education and the Aristotle University of instruction, teaching literacy through litera- Thessaloniki/Institute of Modern Greek ture and the visual, performing and com- Studies. “This year’s teacher seminar was municative arts and smart board training. one of the most successful ones we’ve or- Archbishop Demetrios discussed the ganized. The Archbishop and I visited the progress of Greek education as it related to classrooms when the morning workshops the influence of Christianity and specifically, were in session,” said Mrs. Makedon. “His Orthodoxy in its development. Eminence was very pleased to hear from He also noted that, at the White House the presenters positive comments about meeting of National Council of Churches in our teachers’ involvement and participa- Christ leaders with President Obama, the tion in their respective workshops. This discussion included how education can showed how dedicated the teachers of our help individuals climb out of their condi- parochial schools are. We are grateful for tion of poverty and the contribution of faith- their dedication and indebted to our com- related schools to the American education munity schools for providing the best Greek system. He added that the drop out rate Orthodox education.” for faith-based schools is insignificant when Presenters included Dr. Patricia Var- compared to the public schools. din, chair of Early Childhood Education at His Eminence noted that the Arch- Manhattanville College; Laura Woodson, diocese schools in particular “have the adjunct professor, Manhattanville College; additional wealth of culture … in addition Dr. Smita Guha, Dr. Aliya Holmes, Dr. Athe- to language.” na Lentini, and Dr. Joanne M. Robertson, — by Jim Golding DECEMBER 2010 15 Technology 101

How the Archdiocese Ministers to the Faithful Digitally

by Jim Golding

For those of you about to change the ribbon on your 1950s-vintage Royal manual typewriter, or if you eat and sleep with or are otherwise super-glued to your BlackBerry, feel free to skip this page. This is basic information for anyone wishing to become acquainted with the Archdio- cese’s world wide web site and its offerings. Since the early 1990s, the Archdiocese has strived to keep pace with rapid technological advances in the world of the Internet and to maintain a relevant presence in cyberspace. In 1994, with a grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, a website was established as a means of reaching out to young adults who made heavy use of the Internet, which was becoming an increasingly popular form of communications. The result was the Orthodox Access Ministry, developed by then Arch- diocesan Youth Ministry Director Fr. Angelo Artemas, Boston Diocese Youth Ministry Director Deacon Theodore Barbas, and a first-year seminarian at Holy Cross School of Theology, Theodore (Theo) Nikolakis of Peabody, Mass. At that time, all one needed to gain access was either a Macintosh com- puter with 3 megabytes of free space on the hard drive, or an IBM compatible personal computer with Windows 3.1 and 4 megabytes of storage. As the technology quickly advanced along with the need to expand its presence on the Internet, the ministry grew to become the Department of Theo Nicolakis views the Archdiocese website on his fl at screen, ipad and iphone. Internet Ministries of the Archdiocese with Theo Nikolakis as director fol- lowing his graduation with an M.Div. in 1996 (He later earned a masters in tion through the Online Chapel, Our Faith, Ministry Outreach, Multimedia management and systems from New York University). Programs and Ministry Resources. The technological and operational demands of the Church’s Internet Daily Bible readings and sites to purchase books and other materials Ministry spawned the Archdiocese Department of Information Technologies are also provided. “We view this as a direct way of ministering to our faith- in 1999, of which he also serves as director. ful and those interested in the Orthodox faith and life, “ said Mr. Nikolakis. The Internet Ministries staff of three operates from offices at Hellenic “The Apostles used the Roman road system to carry the message of the College–Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline. gospel. The Information Technologies Department is at Archdiocese headquar- Following that example, we’re using the roadway of the Internet to ters in New York. Mr. Nikolakis divides his time between the two locations. proclaim the gospel.” The most–visited online presence of the Internet Ministries, www. He spoke in more detail about the function of the Internet Ministries goarch.org, immediately offers the visitor a wealth of information and links and its current projects in the following brief interview. to other sites and programs: news and events, Archdiocese information, public speeches and messages of Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual informa-  continued on iPad below

Terminology of Selected Electronic

OBSERVER – What is the role of the Department of In- Gadgets and Websites ternet Ministries? Theo Nikolakis – Internet Ministries is responsible for the For the many of us non-technically the iPhone version is essentially a combina- technology ministry of the Archdiocese to the metropolises, the savvy individuals, the terms listed below all tion of the music and videos apps on the parishes, members of the Church and those seeking the Orthodox have something in common as they relate iPod Touch. faith. The department executes the Archdiocese’s Internet and to the Church. They are a digital means of – iPad: a tablet computer also designed digital efforts, including the web, social networking and mobile gaining access via the Internet to the Arch- and developed by Apple. It is particularly diocese website and other Orthodox faith- marketed as a platform for audio and visual technology. related websites. (Adapted from Wikipedia). media such as books, periodicals, movies, – iPod: a portable media player de- music, and games, as well as web content. OBSERVER – How do you prepare new programs for signed and marketed by Apple. As with At about 25 ounces, its size and weight the Internet? many other digital music players, iPods can are between those of most contemporary TN – The majority of the services are developed in-house. also serve as external data storage devices. smartphones and laptop computers. Like Right now we have two full-time programmers working on the Storage capacity varies by model. Several iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is con- programs. It takes anywhere from 12 weeks to a year to program open source alternatives are available for trolled by a multi-touch display–a break a new application. We also have to maintain and support existing the iPod. iTunes and its alternatives may from most previous tablet computers, services and help the parishes and metropolises with their sites. also transfer photos, videos, games, contact which used a pressure–triggered stylus. The information, e–mail settings, Web book- iPad uses a Wi–Fi data connection to browse  page 18 marks, and calendars to iPod models sup- the Internet, load and stream media, and porting those features. The iPod branding is install software. also used for the media player applications (apps) included with the iPhone and iPad;  page 18 16 DECEMBER 2010 Some Helpful Spiritual Guides & Resources for the Christmas Season Orthodox Christians began prepara- Hopko – Another daily meditation book tion for the birth of our Lord on Nov. 15 for the fast—best for adult reading level. with the Christmas fast. In this holy season, The author draws on the biblical readings this fasting period provide a time to quiet and the liturgical hymns of Christmas and our hearts to prepare for the arrival of our Epiphany, as well as from the writings of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. saints and Church Fathers, to produce a Here are some prayers and resources wonderful book of meditations for Advent, to guide your family through this period. Christmas and Epiphany. Published by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press. Prayer for the Nativity Fast “For to Us a Child is Born and Parent “Lord Jesus, You have come so many Companion.” This full–color magazine times to us and found no resting place, resource helps young people learn more forgive us for our overcrowded lives, our about the Nativity Season. vain haste and our preoccupation with The ‘Zine is available for ordering self. Come again, O Lord, and though from the Department of Religious Educa- our hearts are a jumble of voices, and our “Help us to be still so we can hear the story about giving that children will enjoy. tion (www.religioused.goarch.org) and minds overlaid with many fears, find a place angels announce Your Nativity. Pages in the book are meant to be colored the parent companion with family activi- however humble, where You can begin to “Help us to keep our eyes clear so we by children. Published by Light and Life ties for all ages is available for download- work Your wonder as you create peace and may follow the star to Your Son’s birth. Publishing. ing or printing on the website of the joy within us. “Help us to turn our minds, hearts, and “The Littlest Angel” by Charles Taz- Center for Family Care at www.goarch. “If in some hidden corner, in some whole bodies toward You so that we may well – A classic for elementary school aged org/archdiocese/departments/family/add- out-of the-way spot, we can clear away the realize that the best gifts come from above. children and older—even adults will enjoy resources/christmasguide. clutter, and shut out the noise and dark- “As You so loved the world that You this beautiful story about giving a gift to ness, come be born again in us, and we gave us Your only begotten son, help us the Christ child. Published by Ideals Chil- Websites with Resources shall kneel in perfect peace with the wisest to share this love with family, friends, en- dren’s Books. and Activities for the Nativity Fast and humblest of men. emies, and everyone we meet. “The Coin” by Karen Papandrew – A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (www. “Help us to enter into this Christmas “We ask this in Your holy name Father, chapter book for preteen children. This goarch.org) – A wealth of information on Fast with humility, yet with joy. And finally and the Son, and the Holy Spirit now and adventure story sends three friends travel- the different feasts surrounding the Nativ- Lord, give us Christmas from within, that forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.” ing back in time to learn about the birth ity. While on this site, visit pages for the we may share it from without, on all sides, – Taken from For to Us a Child is of Christ first hand. Published by Drew Center for Family Care, the Department of all around us, wherever there is need. God Born Parent Companion by the Center for Publishing Company. Outreach and Evangelism, and the Depart- help us, every one, to share the blessing of Family Care. “Daily Meditations and Prayers for the ment of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Jesus, in whose name we keep Christmas Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany” by for additional resources for families. holy. Amen.” Books on the Nativity for All Ages Presbytera Emily Harakas and Fr. Anthony Orthodox Family Life (www.theo- – Taken from Daily Meditations and “Jesus is Born” by Sergia Clare Ana- Coniaris – Excellent for use daily by both logic.com/oflweb) – This out-of-print Prayer for the Christmas Advent Fast and tolios – For very young children under teenagers and adults. publication has many articles and tips for Epiphany by Presbytera Emily Harakas and age three and slightly older. This is a very Could also be used as a daily family parents and families raising their children Fr. Anthony Coniaris. simple book that builds the Nativity icon devotional tool. Provides scripture read- in the Orthodox Christian Church. starting with the cave and ending with Je- ings for each day along with the words of Prayer for the Nativity Fast sus. It includes an introduction for parents select hymns from the Orthros (Matins), For Families with Younger Children explaining how to use the book. Published Vespers, the Hours of the Nativity, etc. Submitted by the Department of “Lord, Our God as You entered into by St. Nectarios Press. with a brief Scripture verse, a prayer and Youth Ministry-Youth Worker Pulse. To the world as a newborn baby enter also “An Icon for Christmas” by Theofani an inspiring meditation. subscribe, visit www.goarch.org/archdio- into our hearts so that we may prepare for Katris Gonis – For preschool children Published by Light and Life. cese/departments/youth/youthworkers/ Your glorious coming. and older. This book tells a wonderful “The Winter Pascha” by Thomas youth_listserv DECEMBER 2010 17 PEO PLE Church Off ers Important Outreach to the Greater Community 35,937th place Kay Brakatselos, administrative as- PARISH profile sistant at the National Philoptochos Office, completed the Nov. 7 New York Name: Assumption Marathon in 5 hours, 7 minutes, 51 sec- Greek Orthodox Church onds, finishing 35,937th among the 45,344 Location: Madison, Wis. participants. As reported in the previous issue of the Observer, Kay, 43, has been Metropolis of Chicago training over the entire year. The day after Size: about 190 families the marathon, she was described as having “rubbery legs.” Founded: 1951 Clergy: Fr. Richard Michael Vanderhoef ”Classic” runner (M.Div. Holy Cross 2002; bachelor’s Speaking of marathons, Victoria Kou- degree in music, U. of Wisconsin ‘96; tris, a member of Annunciation Cathedral master’s in library and information in Boston, ran the Athens Classic Mara- sciences, U. of Wisconsin. ‘98) thon on Oct. 31 as this year marked the 2,500th anniversary of the Battle of Mara- E-mail: [email protected] thon. She raised approximately $6,000 for Web: www.ogocwi.org the AHEPA Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. Noteworthy: Priest serves parish Victoria, a member of the Cathedral youth group, is the daughter of Pavlos and So- where he grew up phia Koutris of Westwood, Mass. She was ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH one of 12,500 runners completing the original race from Marathon to Athens. MADISON, Wis. – Back in the serves as the systems librarian for the were 50 cents a month. As planned, her father joined her at the 1960s, the capital of the Badger State Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning At first the community shared space 25km mark, yet she was surprised when acquired the nickname of “The People’s Resources Center at HC/HC, in which he at a Methodist church, which was going many of her cousins joined them with 200 Republic of Madison,” because of the oversees the library catalog and electronic to build a new building. meters to go. Victoria said, “Entering the University of Wisconsin’s reputation as data bases. It’s a job he can perform from The Greek community soon ac- Panathinaiko Stadium and finishing the a center of intense protest against the Madison by “telecommuting.” He also quired it, purchased icons from Greece original marathon with my family by my Vietnam War by the radical left element lectures and conducts workshops on and transformed the former Methodist side was incredible and a moment I will of its student body. Byzantine liturgical music, promoting the building into an Orthodox church. cherish forever.” Nowadays, the university, the proper usage of Byzantine chant in Ortho- Priests from Milwaukee and Chi- largest employer in the city along with dox churches. He also served as adjunct cago served the community until a Earns doctorate the state government, is known for its professor at the seminary from 2002-06. permanent priest, Fr. Nicholas Katinas, champion football team, sharing the was assigned. Karen Psaros Kain, daughter of Donna NCAA Big Ten college football title Early years The second priest, Fr. Anthony Ger- and John Psaros of Traverse City, Mich., with Ohio State and Michigan State The parish history notes that the first giannakis, a native of Crete and a Halki earned a doctoral degree in Educational universities, and as a major regional Greek to have come to Madison was Louis graduate, arrived in 1968. He built up Leadership from Western Michigan Uni- medical center. Russos, a native of Pylos, who arrived in the campus community and developed versity on Nov. 8. Along with her PhD, she The football team ranks fourth 1902. He and his wife operated a soda programs for the Assumption youth. also received a specialty certificate in Total nationally according to the AP poll and fountain, and made “home-made choco- Fr. Anthony left after five years, Quality Management from Ferris State will play TCU in the Rose Bowl. lates, ribbon candy and candy canes.” went to Toronto, and eventually be- University. Karen is the parish council There also is an Orthodox Christian A year later, another Greek, Fost came Bishop Anthony, first of Denver, president for Archangel Gabriel Church in Fellowship group at the school that is Choles arrived. After working for Russos, then of San Francisco, then Metropoli- Traverse City, led by Fr. Iakovos Olechno- ministered to by Fr. Vanderhoef. he opened a theater in a small city outside tan Anthony of the Dardanelles. wicz. Karen and her parents are originally The Greek Orthodox community of Madison. In 1975, with parish membership from Munster, Ind., where they attended in Madison also has changed over the By the 1920s, a number of Greek Or- growing to the point of needing more St. Demetrios Church in Hammond. years. During the early to mid-1900s the thodox families had moved from the city space, the parish, under Fr. George city was home to as many as a dozen of Fond du Lac, a small city about 70 miles Dounelis, decided to double the size of Greek restaurants and confectionary northeast of Madison at the south end of the existing church, rather than to buy Leaders honored shops owned by Greek immigrants, ac- Lake Winnebago. land and build an entirely new building, St. Demetrios Church in Upper Darby, cording to a parish history. Now there But they continued to be active at Holy with the help of a Romanian Orthodox Pa., recently honored 21 former parish are only three Greek-owned restau- Trinity Church in Fond du Lac, going back architect who fled Communist Roma- council presidents of the community. They rant’s in the city. Other Greeks owned for Christmas, Easter and other religious nia, and who made the proposal to were: Nickolas Birbilis, Konstantinos Mel- cleaners and florist shops. holidays and events. modify the church. lonas, Thedoros Koukos, Charles Mangos, The second and third-generation Priests from that parish also would It was transformed into the Ortho- Emanuel Leventelis, Vicky Adkinson, Jerry parishioners are more likely to be travel to Madison and conduct services at dox cross-shaped church with a dome Kahrilas, Konstantinos Sioutis, George employed as professors and staff at a local Episcopal church. still in use today. Koudelis, Meletios Ioannou, Theofilos the university, or work in state govern- World War II brought major changes. Konstantinidis, Theofanis Nikopoulos, ment or in health services, among other Madison became a training center for Army Current status Prodromos Boukidis, Philip Nicolaides, professions. radio operators, including troops of several Over the years, Orthodox Chris- Demosthenes Vasiliou, Anestis Baridis, There are not many immigrants Orthodox ethnic backgrounds. The Army tians from Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Albania, Sotirios Maniatis, Dr Nikolaos Tsirakoglou, now and the parish has a pan–Ortho- arranged for Orthodox services to be held. Romania, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Stavros Liapis, George Agatsiotis and Mi- dox character, including members of Following the war, the Madison other nations have become members chael Vousdoukas. Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian descent. Greeks wanted to establish their own of the parish. Fr. Vanderhoef himself is of Russian church, but the Fond du Lac parish was The priest described his parish and Ukrainian background. He grew up opposed to that idea, fearing a loss of ministry as “inclusive to all Orthodox UW Hellenic Studies in the parish as it was the only Orthodox members, and pressured Bishop Ezekiel backgrounds” and strives to make the Orthodox of other backgrounds “feel at The University of Washington Hel- Christian church in Madison. of Chicago not to authorize a new parish. home as much as possible.” lenic Studies Program held a celebration “I grew up in the Greek culture and The Madison Greeks were fearful that The community is still growing and dinner at St. Demetrios Church Com- bonded with the culture,” he said. He some of their young people were joining Fr. Vanderhoef, who was assigned to munity Center as the program continues did so to the point where he decided the Episcopal Church and marrying out- the parish following his ordination on toward its goal of funding a full-time posi- to become a priest after completing his side the church, the parish history noted. Palm Sunday, 2008, said members hope tion. Participants included John T. John, studies at the University of Wisconsin. As succinctly described in the movie to expand their building in the future. president of the Hellenes of the Northwest For several years he put his un- “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” the history The church currently has a Sunday and a program co-founder; Seattle natives dergraduate music education to use as stated that “…a Greek girl was rarely al- School with 45 students, but there pres- Emanuel and Marilyn Rouvelas, UW gradu- assistant choir director and chanter at lowed to date a non-Greek. It just wasn’t ently is no Greek school. ates established an endowment in his par- the parish. done. They were expected to find a Greek The parish has an outreach ministry ents’ honor; Dr. Angelos Pangratis, deputy He enrolled at Holy Cross School husband and to raise their children in a for the city of Madison and holds special head of the European Union delegation of Theology in 1998 and later entered home where Greek was spoken and the events to collect clothes and school sup- to the United States; and Dr. Theodore the priesthood. He has never really left food was Greek and the family religion plies for needy individuals and a book Kaltsounis, UW Professor Emeritus and the school or his library training and would be Greek Orthodox.” drive with a local elementary school, also a program co-founder. music background. However, in 1951, Bishop Ezekiel did The 12–year old program currently In addition to his pastoring As- authorize the establishment of the Hellenic has more than 400 students taking a vari- sumption Church, Fr. Vanderhoef Orthodox Community of Madison. Dues  to page 28 ety of courses. 18 DECEMBER 2010 Technology 101 The Archdiocese’s Digital Ministry

 from page 15 do you receive on the Archdiocese website? OBSERVER – How do you deter- TN – We get close to 200,000 visitors mine what to offer on the website? a month, according to Google. We have TN – We use our theological train- reached every conceivable place around ing and practical ministry background, the world. The countries with the highest along with our technical knowledge and number of visits are the U.S., Canada, the expertise. We asked ourselves “How can UK, Greece and Germany. we make the message of the Gospel real OBSERVER – What products are in people’s lives through technology. All of you currently developing. us have over 10 years experience in youth TN – Right now we’re launching the ministry and leadership roles in Sunday Orthodox Youth Bible. It contains the Old School, youth camps, GOYA and other and New Testaments and contains mate- youth programs. We use all these elements rial specifically aimed at the youth and to come up with new products. We see young adults. It was a collaborative effort what the potential need is and develop a with the Departments of Youth and Young solution to meet that need. Adult Ministries and Religious Education. OBSERVER – How do you obtain One of its special features is a reading plan the information for the website? that covers the 100 most important stories TN - We all work as a team and have of the Bible. It gives readers the ability to partners that include narthex press, Holy track their reading plan. The Youth Bible Transfiguration Monastery and various edition has been made possible by grants publishers who have given us permission from FAITH Endowment and Leadership to use their materials. We also take mate- 100.We are also developing the Interactive rial the Archdiocese has produced over the Children’s Bible. years, repackage it and present it in some OBSERVER – What other benefits meaningful way. are derived from the Archdiocese OBSERVER – Which site has the website? most visits? TN – It’s important to note that, TN - There is the Iconograms service through these products and services, which offers electronic icon greeting cards people have found out about Orthodoxy for free. There are more than 1,000 differ- and used it as part of the process to be- ent card themes for name days, feast days, come Orthodox, or become Orthodox as etc. More than 200,000 cards have been a result of the material on the website. For sent out since 2003. those who already are Orthodox, it is an The program started in 1998 in part- opportunity to engage the faith on a daily nership with Blue Mountain Greeting basis. It gives people the opportunity to Cards. Since then we have built our own become exposed to the rich faith and life system. Over the past 12 years, more than of Orthodoxy. It is a ministry tool. This is 1 million cards have been sent. a digital ministry that helps to advance the OBSERVER – How many visits message of the Gospel and the Church. Selected Gadget and Website Terms  from page 15 website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries – iPhone: a line of Internet and of commentary, descriptions of events, multimedia-enabled “smartphones” also or other material such as graphics or designed and marketed by Apple Inc. video. Entries are commonly displayed An iPhone functions as a camera phone, in reverse-chronological order. Blog including text messaging and visual voice- can also be used as a verb, meaning to mail, a portable media player, and an In- maintain or add content to a blog. Most ternet client, with e-mail, web browsing, blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to and Wi-Fi connectivity. The user interface leave comments and even message each is built around the device’s multi-touch other via widgets on the blogs and it is screen, including a virtual keyboard this interactivity that distinguishes them rather than a physical one. from other static websites. Many blogs – BlackBerry: a line of mobile e-mail provide commentary or news on a par- and smartphone devices developed and ticular subject; others function as more designed by Canadian company Research personal online diaries. Bishop Savas of In Motion (RIM). It functions as a per- Troas is in the process of developing an sonal digital assistant with address book, official Archdiocese blog. calendar and to-do list capabilities. It also – Facebook: a social network service functions as a portable media player with and website launched in February 2004 MERRY CHRISTMAS support for music and video playback that is operated and privately owned and camera picture and video capabili- by Facebook Inc. As of July, Facebook ties. BlackBerry is primarily known for has more than 500 million active users, AND its ability to send and receive (push) which is about one person for every 14 Internet e-mail wherever mobile network in the world. Users may create a personal service coverage is present, or through profile, add other users as friends and A HAPPY NEW YEAR Wi-Fi connectivity. It is mainly a messag- exchange messages, including automatic ing phone with the largest array of mes- notifications when they update their saging features in a smartphone today, profile. including auto-text, auto-correct, text Additionally, users may join com- prediction, support for many languages, mon interest user groups, organized by keyboard shortcuts, text emoticons, workplace, school, or college, or other from push email, push Facebook and Myspace characteristics. Facebook allows anyone notifications, push Ebay notifications, who declares themselves to be at least 13 push instant messaging with BlackBerry years old to become a registered user of Messenger, Google Messenger, ICQ, the website. Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo – Twitter: a website that offers a so- CAPITAL PRINTING Messenger and threaded text messaging. cial networking and microblogging service, – Blog (a blend of the term web log): a type of website or part of a  to page 28 ΔEKΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2010 ΕΤΟΣ 75 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1261 Συνάντηση Οικουµενικός Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής ∆ηµητρίου και Πατριάρχης: θρησκευτικών Αρχηγών «Το Πατριαρχείο µας µε Πρόεδρο Οµπάµα στο Λευκό Οίκο έχει και επισήµως ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý νοµική προσωπικότητα»

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ο Σεβασµιώτατος ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµήτριος, την 1η Νοεµβρίου 2010, συµµετείχε µαζί µε άλ- Εµφανώς συγκινηµένος ο Οικουµενικός λους θρησκευτικούς αρχηγούς των εκκλη- Πατριάρχης Βαρθολοµαίος παρέλαβε αργά ης σιών µελών του Εθνικού Συµβουλίου Χρι- το µεσηµέρι της ∆ευτέρας 29 Νοεµβρίου στιανικών Εκκλησιών (NCCC – Η.Π.Α.) σε από τους δικηγόρους του Πατριαρχείου κ.κ. µια ουσιαστική συνάντηση µε τον Πρόεδρο Τζεµ Σοφούογλου και Γιάννη Κτιστάκι, λέκτορα στο ∆ηµοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήµιο Οµπάµα, διαρκείας 45 λεπτών που πραγµα- Θράκης, το “ταπού”, τον κτηµατολογικό τοποιήθηκε στην αίθουσα Roosevelt του τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας του Ορφανοτροφείου της Λευκού Οίκου. Πριγκήπου µετά την επανεγγραφή του στην Μετά τις εισαγωγικές προσφωνήσεις κυριότητα του Οικουµενικού Πατριαρχείου.. της προέδρου του Εθνικού Συµβουλίου Νωρίτερα το έγγραφο είχε επιδοθεί στου δύο Χριστιανικών Εκκλησιών Peg Chamberlain νοµικούς εκπροσώπους του Πατριαρχείου και του γενικού γραµµατέως Michael από τους αρµοδίους του Κτηµατολογικού Kinnamon, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ∆ηµήτριος ως Γραφείου της Πριγκήπου. ο έχων τα πρεσβεία θρησκευτικός αρχηγός Έτσι ολοκληρώνεται µια δικαστική και εκ µέρους όλων προσφώνησε τον Πρό- περιπέτεια που έφτασε στο Ευρωπαϊκό ∆ι- εδρο τονίζοντας ότι «....το γεγονός της συ- καστήριο ∆ικαιωµάτων του Ανθρώπου το ναντήσεως µαζί σας σήµερα δεν αποτελεί οποίο και δικαίωσε το Οικουµενικό Πατρι- µόνο τιµή αλλά και ιδιαίτερη χαρά για όλους αρχείο. µας». Ο Σεβασµιώτατος αναφέρθηκε στο Σε δηλώσεις τους οι δικηγόροι του βιβλικό χωρίο των Πράξεων των Αποστόλων Πατριαρχείου αναφέρθηκαν σε αυτή τη δια- (10:38) από το πρωτότυπο στα Ελληνικά και δικασία ενώ σηµείωσαν ότι η επανεγγραφή ακολούθως σε µετάφραση στα Αγγλικά στο στο όνοµα του Πατριαρχείου σηµαίνει και οποίο ο Απόστολος Πέτρος δηλώνει ότι ο έµµεση αναγνώριση της Νοµικής Προσωπι- Ιησούς Χριστός κατά την επίγεια παρουσία κότητας που οι κρατικές Αρχές της Τουρκί- Του ...διήλθεν ευεργετών και ιώµενος. ας επισήµως αρνούνται να του αναγνωρίσουν. Στη συνέχεια ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξήγη- Το ίδιο βράδυ, κατά τη διάρκεια της σε στον Πρόεδρο ότι οι δραστηριότητες των δεξιώσεως µε την ευκαιρία της θρονικής θρησκευτικών οντοτήτων του NCCC εξυ- εορτής της Εκκλησίας της Κωνσταντινου- πηρετούν αυτόν ακριβώς το σκοπό όπως πόλεως για την 30ήν Νοεµβρίου, ο εκφράζεται από το παράδειγµα του Χριστού Οικουµενικός Πατριάρχης αναφέρθηκε στην δηλ. «να ευεργετούν και θεραπεύουν». Πα- ιστορική αυτή εξέλιξη σηµειώνοντας ότι ράλληλα δε ευχαρίστησε τον Πρόεδρο αποτελεί ένα «δώρο» του Αποστόλου Ανδρέα Οµπάµα για τις δικές του προσπάθειες προς του Πρωτοκλήτου. Είπε, µεταξύ άλλων, ο Πατριάρχης: «Θα αυτή την κατεύθυνση. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ήταν παράλειψη από µέρους µου εάν δεν συναντήσεως αντηλλάγησαν απόψεις για ανέφερα εις την αγάπη σας κατ’ αυτήν την θέµατα κοινωνικής προνοίας, δικαιοσύνης, ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ εύσηµον ηµέρα και ώρα, ένα µεγάλο γεγονός εκπαίδευσης, θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών και το οποίον συνέβη σήµερον εις την ζωήν και φροντίδος για τους αναξιοπαθούντες συναν- στην ιστορία της Μητρός Εκκλησίας και της θρώπους µας. ∆εῦτε ἴδωµεν πιστοί, ποῦ ἐγεννήθη ὁ Χριστός περί αυτής ενταύθα οµογενείας. Η συνάντηση πραγµατοποιήθηκε διά (Ὕµνος Ὄρθρου Χριστουγέννων) Αντιλαµβάνεστε ότι εννοώ την έκδοση µέσου του ειδικού γραφείου του Λευκού και την επίδοση εις ηµάς του τίτλου Οίκου για θέµατα πίστεως (White House Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς ιδιοκτησίας επ’ ονόµατι του Πατριαρχείου µας, Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood καί ∆ιακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν διά το ακίνητον του Ορφανοτροφείου της Partnerships) µε το οποίο η Ιερά Αρχιεπι- Συµβουλίων, τά Ἡµερήσια καί Ἀπογευµατινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώ-χους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Πριγκήπου µας το οποίο, και µαζί µε αυτό το σκοπή Αµερικής διατηρεί συνεχή επαφή και Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Πατριαρχείο µας και η οµογένεια, πέρασαν συνεργασία και µε τη συµβολή του Εθνικού Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς. τόσο δύσκολα χρόνια, διότι δεν µπορούσαµε Συµβουλίου Χριστιανικών Εκκλησιών να ανεχθούµε την αδικία που µας είχε γίνει Η.Π.Α., του οποίου η Αρχιεπισκοπή είναι Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, τόσα χρόνια αγωνίας αλλά και αγώνων διά την επαναπόκτησιν του µεγαλοπρεπούς αυτού ιδρυτικό µέλος από το 1950. Στή λαµπρή Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέννων ἑορτάζουµε ἕνα ἀληθινά θαυµαστό γεγονός κτηρίου των πατέρων µας, το οποίο µας ανήκει Εκτός του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπι- κατά τό ὁποῖο ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῇ ἀπείρῳ καί θαυµαστῇ χάριτι Αὐτοῦ ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος καί µᾶς εξ ολοκλήρου και ασυζητητί. σκόπου Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµητρίου η αντιπρο- χάρισε διαρκῆ ἐλπίδα, νέα ζωή καί αἰώνια σωτηρία. Ἡ ἁγία γέννηση τοῦ Σωτῆρος µας στή óåë. 22 σωπεία των θρησκευτικών αρχηγών περι- Βηθλεέµ ἔγινε σέ συγκεκριµένο χρόνο, ἀλλά ἡ Σάρκωσή Του καί ἡ σηµασία της γιά τή  ελάµβανε τους εξής: Rev. John McCullough, λύτρωσή µας εἶναι διαχρονική. Ὁ Υἱός τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὁ Κύριος τῆς ∆όξης καί ὁ Βασιλεύς τῶν ΕΠΙΤΥΧΙΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΡΩΤΗ ∆ΙΕΘΝΗ executive director and CEO of Church βασιλέων ὁ ὁποῖος διακρατεῖ τό σύµπαν µέ τόν λόγο τῆς δυνάµεώς Του, ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος World Service, Bishop Johncy Itty of οὕτως ὥστε ἐµεῖς οἱ ἄνθρωποι νά λυτρωθοῦµε, νά ἀνακαινισθοῦµε, νά ἑνωθοῦµε µέ Αὐτόν, ∆ΙΑΣΚΕΨΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΙΣ ΘΡΗΣΚΕΥΤΙΚΕΣ Church World Service, Bishop Mark καί νά καταστοῦµε συµπολίτες τῶν Ἁγίων καί µέλη τῆς οἰκογενείας τοῦ Θεοῦ. ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΕΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Τό µέγεθος καί τό βάθος τοῦ γεγονότος τῆς Γεννήσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι ἀδύνατον νά Church in America, Bishop John R. Bryant κατανοηθῇ ἀλλά τό µήνυµά της εἶναι σαφέστατο καί ἀληθινό. Πρόκειται περί µηνύµατος ΠΟΥ ∆ΙΟΡΓΑΝΩΣΕ ΤΟ ΤΑΓΜΑ ΤΩΝ of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) χάριτος, ἐλπίδος καί σωτηρίας γιά ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα καί τόν δηµιουργηθέντα ΑΡΧΟΝΤΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΥ Church, Rev. Sharon Watkins of the κόσµο. Εἶναι µήνυµα γιά τό ὁποῖο πανηγυρίζουµε ἐνῶ συγχρόνως τό µοιραζόµεθα αὐτή τήν ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΙΟΥ ΣΤΙΣ ΒΡΥΞΕΛΛΕΣ Σελίδα 21 Σελίδα 21  óåë. 20 20 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2010 Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο: Πρώτη διεθνής διάσκεψη Αρχόντων για θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες Στηρίζουν και υπερασπίζουν τα δικαιώματα και τα δίκαια του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου

ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý απόψεων την οποία χαρακτήρισε μια ατμό- σφαιρα πολιτισμού, σεβασμού και πνευματι- κότητος» και σημείωσε την ποικιλομορφία ΒΡΥΞΕΛΛΕΣ – Το Τάγμα του Αγίου και διαφορετικότητα όσων συμμετείχαν Ανδρέου των Αρχόντων του Οικουμενικού στην διάσκεψη. Πατριαρχείου στις Η.Π.Α άνοιξε για μια Ο κ. Γεώργιος Ρόκας, δικηγόρος και ακόμη φορά νέους δρόμους και νέους ορίζο- άρχοντας από τη Βοστώνη, πρωτοστάτησε ντες στον αδιάκοπο αγώνα που διεξάγει για στη διοργάνωση της διάσκεψης και προή- την υπεράσπιση των δικαίων του Οικουμε- δρευσε των εργασιών της με τη βοήθεια και νικού Πατριαρχείου, διοργανώνοντας στο συνδρομή του άρχοντα και δικηγόρου από Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο, την πρώτη Διεθνή το Τέξας Ιωάννη Ζαβιτσιάνου. Στην αποστο- Διάσκεψη για τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες λή των Αρχόντων του Τάγματος του Αγίου στην Τουρκία. Η διάσκεψη με την επωνυμία Ανδρέου συμμετείχαν 85 άτομα εξ Αμερικής «Θρησκευτικές Ελευθερίες: Η Γέφυρα της συμπεριλαμβανομένων των Σεβ. Μητροπο- Τουρκίας προς την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση» λιτών Άτλαντας κ. Αλεξίου και Νέας Ιερσέ- κατέδειξε ότι η πλήρης αναγνώριση και ο Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ ης κ. Ευαγγέλου. Καθοριστικός ήταν ο ρόλος σεβασμός των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών Το Τάγμα του Αγίου Ανδρέου των Αρχόντων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στις Η.Π.Α. και η συμβολή του π. Αλεξάνδρου Καρλού- του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και των διοργάνωσε την πρώτη Διεθνή Διάσκεψη για τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες στην Τουρκία, στην τσου, συμβούλου και υπευθύνου του Τάγμα- έδρα του Ευρωπαϊκού κοινοβουλίου, στις Βρυξέλλες. άλλων θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων στην τος του Αγίου Ανδρέα. Τουρκία θα μπορούσε να αποτελέσει γέφυρα στιγμές της ζωής του ευκαιρίες υπό μορφή Η διεθνής διάσκεψη συνδιοργανώθηκε προς την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, στην οποία η θύρας ανεωγμένης. από το Τάγμα των Αρχόντων του Αγίου Τουρκία επιθυμεί διακαώς να ενταχθεί. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξήγησε ότι «μια Ανδρέα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και Στη διάσκεψη η οποία πραγματοποιή- ανοιχτή πόρτα είναι μια νέα ευκαιρία εισόδου την Αδελφότητα των Οφφικιάλων του Οι- θηκε 16 και 17 Νοεμβρίου στις Βρυξέλλες σε περιοχές άγνωστες για την ανθρώπινη κουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στην Ευρώπη συμμετείχαν 200 περίπου λόγιοι, υποστηρι- εμπειρία, μια ευκαιρία για την ανακάλυψη «Παναγία η Παμμακάριστος» την οποία κτές των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών και των νέων δυνατοτήτων καλλιέργειας των ανθρω- αντιπροσώπευσε ο πρόεδρός της Οδυσσέας ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, δημοσιογράφοι, πίνων σχέσεων αλλά και για την εκμάθηση Σασσαγιάννης. Σημαντική για τη διοργάνω- διπλωμάτες, κοινοβουλευτικοί εκπρόσωποι, νέων τρόπων συνύπαρξης μεταξύ ανθρώπων ση και έκβαση της διάσκεψης ήταν και η θρησκευτικοί αρχηγοί, εκπρόσωποι της πολύ διαφορετικών από πλευράς θρησκευ- συμβολή του Γραφείου του Οικουμενικού Τουρκικής κυβερνήσεως, δικηγόροι και εκ- τικής, πολιτιστικής και εθνικής. Πατριαρχείου στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, του πρόσωποι των μειονοτήτων οι οποίοι επι- Μια θύρα ανεωγμένη είναι σημείο ει- οποίου ηγείται ο Μητροπολίτης Γαλλίας κ. κέντρωσαν τις παρουσιάσεις τους στο θέμα σόδου σε μια νέα εποχή κατανόησης και Εμμανουήλ. των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών γενικά και αλληλοσεβασμού μεταξύ θρησκευτικών ανέλυσαν τα προβλήματα θρησκευτικής μειονοτήτων και του κράτους στο οποίο Άλλες δραστηριότητες ελευθερίας που αντιμετωπίζουν οι θρησκευ- διαβιούν. Μια ανοιχτή πόρτα μπορεί επίσης Η αποστολή των Αρχόντων αμέσως τικές μειονότητες της Τουρκίας. να θεωρηθεί ως νέα ευκαιρία για την απάλει- μετά την άφιξη της στις Βρυξέλλες στις 14 Παρουσιάστηκαν σύνθετες, διαφορετι- ψη των απαράδεκτων περιορισμών της Νοεμβρίου εκκλησιάστηκε στον πανηγυρί- κές και πολλές φορές αντικρουόμενες από- θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας που αδίκως έχουν ζοντα Μητροπολιτικό Ναό των Αρχαγγέλων ψεις και εκτιμήσεις που αντανακλούσαν την επιβληθεί επί των θρησκευτικών μειονοτή- Μιχαήλ και Γαβριήλ. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία διαφορετικότητα των ομιλητών. Όμως, των στην Τουρκία και ειδικά επί του Οικου- προεξήρχε ο Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Βελγίου κ. κοινό συμπέρασμα και επαναλαμβανόμενη μενικού Πατριαρχείου. Υπό αυτήν την διά- ζήτηση στην οποία παρουσιάστηκαν νομι- Παντελεήμων, ο οποίος και καλωσόρισε τους επωδός των εισηγητών υπήρξε η αδιαμφι- σταση, η παρούσα Διεθνής Διάσκεψη, η κές και ανθρωπιστικές απόψεις για το θέμα. Άρχοντες και στη συνέχεια τους φιλοξένησε σβήτητη ανάγκη για αποφασιστικά και οποία τόσο προσεκτικά και μεθοδικά έχει Μεταξύ των ομιλητών ήταν και ο Εγκε- σ’ ένα εορταστικό ομογενειακό πρόγραμμα γρήγορα βήματα της Τουρκίας για την παρο- οργανωθεί από τους Άρχοντες του Οικου- μέν Μπαγκίς, υπουργός Ευρωπαϊκών Υπο- σε παρακείμενη αίθουσα εκδηλώσεων. χή πλήρους θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας και μενικού Πατριαρχείου, αποτελεί μια ανοιχτή θέσεων και κύριος διαπραγματευτής της Την επομένη ημέρα 15 Νοεμβρίου, η αναγνώρισης για όλες τις θρησκευτικές πόρτα για την Τουρκία ώστε ν’ αποδείξει την Τουρκίας με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, στον ομάδα των Αρχόντων περιηγήθηκε την μειονότητες. προθυμία της να κτίσει γέφυρα συνδέσεως οποίο οι Άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Πα- ιστορική μονή Chevetogne, η ο οποία ιδρύ- Η διάσκεψη ξεκίνησε το πρωί της 16ης με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση». (πλήρες κείμε- τριαρχείου επέδωσαν αναμνηστική πλάκα θηκε το 1925. Στη μονή αυτή υπάρχει βυζα- Νοεμβρίου στην αμφιθεατρική αίθουσα συ- νο της ομιλίας βλ. www.goarch.org/news/ για τις ενέργειές του στα θέματα των θρη- ντινός ναός αφιερωμένος στης Ύψωση του νεδριάσεων του πέμπτου ορόφου του Ευρω- head-brussels-address-11-17-2010) σκευτικών μειονοτήτων στην Τουρκία. Τιμίου Σταυρού. παϊκού Κοινοβουλίου. Ο Δρ. Αντώνιος Λυ- Την ομιλία του Αρχιεπισκόπου ακο- Το βράδυ της πρώτης ημέρας των εργα- Το ίδιο βράδυ πραγματοποιήθηκε εναρ- μπεράκης, διοικητής του Τάγματος, καλω- λούθησε μια σειρά ομιλητών σε θέματα σιών της διασκέψεως ο πρέσβης των Η.Π.Α κτήριο δείπνο στο ξενοδοχείο Conrad πα- σόρισε τους συμμετέχοντες και ο Σεβ. Μη- σχετικά με τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες και στο Βέλγιο κ. Howard Gutman και η σύ- ρουσία του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου ο τροπολίτης Γαλλίας κ. Εμμανουήλ ο οποίος τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα. ζυγος του παρέθεσαν στην πρεσβευτική οποίος ανεφέρθη με επαινετικά λόγια στους είναι ο διευθυντής του Γραφείου της Ορθο- Ο ραβίνος Arthur Schneier από την Νέα κατοικία δεξίωση προς τιμήν του Αρχιεπι- Άρχοντες για την πρωτοβουλία της διοργά- δόξου Εκκλησίας στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, Υόρκη, ο οποίος είναι και πρόεδρος του σκόπου Δημητρίου, των Αρχόντων του νωσης διεθνούς διασκέψεως. μετέφερε τον Πατριαρχικό Xαιρετισμό. Στο Ιδρύματος «Έκκληση Συνειδήσεως» Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και όλων των Εξ άλλου μετά το πέρας των εργασιών γραπτό μήνυμά του ο Οικουμενικός Πατρι- (Appeal of Conscience Foundation) τόνισε συμμετεχόντων. της διάσκεψης, εως στις 18 Νοεμβρίου, οι άρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος τόνισε την προσή- ότι η θρησκευτική ελευθερία είναι βασικό Οι εργασίες της δεύτερης ημέρας της Άρχοντες περιηγήθηκαν σε δυο ιστορικές λωση του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στη ανθρώπινο δικαίωμα σημειώνοντας ότι το διασκέψεως πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο Ξενο- πόλεις του Βελγίου με ιδιαίτερη σημασία, οι θρησκευτική ελευθερία όλων των ανθρώπων κριτήριο που χαρακτηρίζει μια δημοκρατία δοχείο Conrad των Βρυξελλών και συμπε- οποίες χαίρουν της αναγνώρισης και προστα- χωρίς εξαιρέσεις και χωρίς προκαταλήψεις. είναι ο τρόπος με τον οποίο η πλειονότητα ριέλαβαν απόψεις από την τουρκική πλευρά, σίας της UNESCO ως μνημεία πολιτιστικής Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος, συμπεριφέρεται προς την μειονότητα. την πλευρά ευρωβουλευτών του Ευρωπαϊ- κληρονομιάς για όλο τον κόσμο. Την ομάδα, ο οποίος ηγείτο των Αρχόντων εξ Αμερικής, Οι αξιόλογοι ομιλητές παρουσίασαν μια κού Κοινοβουλίου και αυτήν του Ευρωπαϊ- υπό την ηγεσία του Σεβ. Μητροπολίτου στην εναρκτήρια ομιλία του σημείωσε ότι «η γενική επισκόπηση των θεμάτων και των κού Δικαστηρίου Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμά- Άτλαντας κ. Αλεξίου, ξενάγησε με ιδιαίτερη λέξη Ελευθερία δεν είναι μια έννοια απομο- προβλημάτων των θρησκευτικών μειονοτή- των. φροντίδα και φιλοξενία ο Θεοφ. Επίσκοπος νωμένη και αφηρημένη, αλλά είναι αναπό- των στην Τουρκία και ο δημόσιος διάλογος Οι εισηγητές παρουσίασαν θέματα δι- Σινώπης κ. Αθηναγόρας. σπαστα συνδεδεμένη με δύο άλλες βασικές που ακολούθησε περιελάμβανε εκπροσώ- αθρησκειακής κατανόησης και ερεύνησαν Στην πόλη Ghent, μεταξύ των πολλών έννοιες και πραγματικότητες: την αλήθεια πους των θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων της το ερώτημα της συμβατότητος του κοσμικού μνημείων επισκέφθηκαν και την ορθόδοξη και την αγάπη. Δεν είναι δυνατόν να αναπτύ- Τουρκίας, δηλ. εκπροσώπους των Αλεβί κράτους της Τουρκίας με τις θρησκευτικές εκκλησία του Αποστόλου Ανδρέα. Στη πόλη ξει κανείς αληθινή και γνήσια ελευθερία Μουσουλμάνων, των Αρμενίων, Καθολικών, ελευθερίες. Bruges, μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον είχε η επίσκεψη χωρίς παράλληλα να είναι αληθινός και να Ελληνορθόδοξων, Εβραίων, Προτεσταντών Τέλος, ομάδα εισηγητών έκανε ανασκό- στο μικρό ρωμαιοκαθολικό ναό του Παναγί- λέει την αλήθεια», είπε χαρακτηριστικά. και Συροϊακωβιτών Ορθοδόξων. πηση όλων των θεμάτων που συζητήθηκαν ου Αίματος όπου φυλάσσεται φιαλίδιο που Άλλες εισηγήσεις αφορούσαν στο με την μορφή ανοιχτού διαλόγου που σκο- όπως λέγεται, περιέχει κομμάτι υφάσματος Θύρα ανεωγμένη τουρκικό νομικό σύστημα και τις διατάξεις πό είχε να προτείνει λύσεις και να θέσει το με το αίμα του Χριστού το οποίο διέσωσε ο Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμε- του για τα δικαιώματα των θρησκευτικών πλαίσιο προώθησης των θρησκευτικών Ιωσήφ ο από Αριμαθαίας και μετέφεραν από ρικής κ. Δημήτριος αναφέρθηκε στη δυνα- μειονοτήτων, στις υποχρεώσεις της Τουρ- ελευθεριών στη Τουρκία. τους Αγίους Τόπους οι σταυροφόροι της 2ας τότητα που παρέχει η διάσκεψη αυτή ως μια κίας σύμφωνα με τις διεθνείς συνθήκες και «Ήταν ένα εντυπωσιακό γεγονός με Σταυροφορίας. ανοιχτή πόρτα για την Τουρκία και έφερε στην εξωτερική πολιτική των Ηνωμένων μεγάλη βαρύτητα», είπε ο Δρ. Λυμπεράκης Τέλος η διαδρομή κατέληξε στον ελλη- ως παράδειγμα τον Απόστολο Παύλο, προς Πολιτειών για τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες. στον επίλογο της διήμερους διάσκεψης και νορθόδοξο ναό των Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου τον οποίο ο Θεός παρουσίαζε σε κρίσιμες Τέλος υπήρξε και μια δεύτερη ανοιχτή συ- σημείωσε ότι επρόκειτο για «ανταλλαγή και Ελένης της πόλης Bruges. ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2010 ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 21 ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Σελίδα 19 ἁγία ἡµέρα, εἶναι µήνυµα-πρόσκληση στούς συνανθρώπους µας νά ἔλθουν καί νά ἴδουν αὐτό τό ὁποῖο ὁ ∆ηµιουργός καί Θεός µας ἔχει κάµει γιά µᾶς. Τήν νύχτα τῶν Χριστουγέννων, οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐµφανίσθηκαν µέσα στήν δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἀνήγγειλαν τήν γέννηση τοῦ Χριστοῦ στούς ποιµένες. Ἀπαντῶντας οἱ ποιµέ- νες εἶπαν: ∆ιέλθωµεν δή ἕως Βηθλεέµ καί ἴδωµεν τό ρῆµα τοῦτο τό γεγονός (Λουκ. 2:15). Ἀποδεχόµενοι τήν πρόσκληση νά συµµετάσχουν σ’ αὐτό τό ἔνδοξο γεγονός, ἦλθαν καί εἶδαν τόν νεογέννητο Χριστό, καί ἔκθαµβοι ἀπ’ αὐτά τά ὁποῖα ὁ Θεός εἶχε κάµει γιά τή σωτηρία µας, ἔφυγαν δοξάζοντες καί αἰνοῦντες τόν Θεόν ἐπί πᾶσιν οἷς ἤκουσαν καί εἶδον (Λουκ. 2:20). Ἀµέσως µετά τήν Γέννηση τοῦ Σωτῆρος, σοφοί ἄνδρες, Μάγοι ἐξ Ἀνατολῶν, εἶδαν ἕνα µυστηριῶδες ἄστρο καί ἀκολουθῶντας το ἦλθαν ἀναζητῶντας τόν Βασιλέα ὁ Ὁποῖος γεννήθηκε στήν Ἰουδαία. Μαθαίνοντας περί τοῦ τόπου γεννήσεως τοῦ Κυρίου, ἦλθαν καί εἶδαν τό βρέφος Ἰησοῦν, Τοῦ προσέφεραν δῶρα καί Τόν προσκύνησαν. Ἀνταποκρι- νόµενοι στήν πρόσκληση πού ἔγινε σ’ αὐτούς διά τοῦ σηµείου τοῦ ἄστρου, ἦλθαν καί Φωτογραφίες: JOHN MINDALA συνάντησαν Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος θά ἐγένετο µεγάλος ἡγέτης τοῦ λαοῦ Του ὅπως προεῖπαν οἱ προφῆτες (Ματθ. 2:1-12). Ὅπως οἱ ποιµένες τῆς Βηθλεέµ καί οἱ ἐξ Ἀνατολῶν Μάγοι δέχθηκαν τήν πρόσκλη- Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός στο Σημείο Μηδέν ση νά ἔλθουν καί νά ἴδουν τό ὑπέροχο θαῦµα τῆς Σαρκώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔτσι καί ἐµεῖς Ο Σεβασµιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής ∆ηµήτριος προσκαλούµεθα σ’ αὐτή τήν µεγάλη Ἑορτή νά ἔλθουµε καί νά συναντήσουµε τόν Χρι- την Κυριακή 5 ∆εκεµβρίου, παραµονή της εορτής του Αγίου στό καί νά δοῦµε τό µεγάλο καί θαυµάσιο ἔργο τό ὁποῖο ἔκαµε Ἐκεῖνος γιά µᾶς καί γιά Νικολάου, τέλεσε ειδικό αρχιερατικό εσπερινό στο σηµείο τή σωτηρία µας. Τήν ἡµέρα αὐτή ἐρχόµεθα καί βλέπουµε τό λαµπρό φῶς τῆς ἀληθείας όπου βρισκόταν η οµώνυµη εκκλησία του Αγίου στο “Σηµείο καί τῆς φεγγοβόλου ζωῆς πού διαπερνοῦν τό σκοτάδι καί τήν ἀπελπισία τοῦ κόσµου Μηδέν” στο κάτω Μανχάταν, παρουσία περισσότερων µας. Ἀκοῦµε µήνυµα ἐλπίδος καί χάριτος τό ὁποῖο κατασιγάζει ὅλες τίς ἄλλες σκέψεις των 700 πιστών, οι οποίοι αψηφώντας το τσουχτερό κρύο καί δραστηριότητες καί κατευθύνει τίς καρδιές καί τίς διάνοιές µας σ’ Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος έδωσαν βροντερό παρών, συνεισφέροντας στις προσπάθειες ἔχει ἔλθει γιά νά φέρῃ εἰρήνη καί ἀσφάλεια. Ἐρχόµεθα στόν Χριστό καί συναντοῦµε ανοικοδόµησης του Ορθόδοξου Ναού, ο οποίος καταστράφηκε δικαιοσύνη, ἁγιότητα καί ἀγάπη καί διαπιστώνουµε πόσο αὐτά εἶναι ἀπαραίτητα γιά νά κατά τις τροµοκρατικές επιθέσεις της 11ης Σεπτεµβρίου. Την τελετή κάλυψαν πολλά τοπικά αµερικανικά Μέσα Μαζικής ἔχουµε ἀλήθεια καί περίσσεια ζωῆς. Ενηµέρωσης, καθώς και οµογενειακά-ελληνικά. Καλούµεθα, ἐπίσης, νά µοιρασθοῦµε τήν χαρά µας ἐν Χριστῷ καί νά προσφέρουµε αὐτή τήν πρόσκληση σέ ὅλους. Εἴµεθα οἱ φορεῖς τῆς καλῆς εἰδήσεως αὐτῶν πού ἔκαµε ὁ Θεός γιά µᾶς ὑπερνικώντας τήν ἁµαρτία καί τόν θάνατο. Εἴµεθα οἱ ἀγγελιαφόροι πού ἐπαναλαµβάνουν στόν κόσµο τήν δοξολογία τῶν ἀγγέλων κατά τήν νύκτα τῆς Γεννή- σεως τοῦ Κυρίου ∆όξα ἐν Ὑψίστοις Θεῷ! (Λουκ. 2:14). Εἴµεθα αὐτοί πού ὅπως τό ἄστρο τῆς Ἀνατολῆς ὁδήγησε τούς Μάγους, καλούµεθα νά ὁδηγήσουµε ὅλους ἐκείνους οἱ ὁποῖοι ἀποζητοῦν νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν τόν Χριστό νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος φέρει ζωή καί ἐλπίδα, εἰρήνη καί χαρά στήν κάθε καρδιά ἡ ὁποία Τόν δέχεται. Εἴµεθα αὐτοί οἱ ὁποῖοι καλούµεθα νά συγκεντρώσουµε ὅλο τόν λαό τοῦ Θεοῦ στόν οἶκο Του, γιά νά συναντήσῃ τόν Κύριό µας Ἰησοῦ Χριστό. Σέ αὐτή τήν εὐλογηµένη Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέννων, Ἑορτή τῆς χαρᾶς καί τῆς ἀγάπης, ἀπευθύνω σέ σᾶς καί τίς οἰκογένειές σας τίς θερµότατες εὐχές µου γιά µία ὑπέροχη ἡµέρα λατρείας καί ἀδελφοσύνης γεµάτη µέ τήν εἰρήνη καί τήν παρουσία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἄς προσφέρουµε µαζί τήν εὐγνωµοσύνη µας στόν Κύριό µας γιά ὅ,τι ἔκαµε γιά µᾶς µέσῳ τῆς ἐνδόξου Σαρκώσεώς Του. Ἄς ἀπευθύνουµε ἐπίσης τήν πρόσκληση σέ ὅλους νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν τήν δόξα τοῦ γεννηθέντος Κυρίου. Με πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, Θρονική Εορτή της Πρωτόθρονης Εκκλησίας ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀµερικῆς ∆ηµήτριος Φωτογραφία: Ν. ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ † ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ .– Ο Πρωτόκλητος Μαθητής του Χριστού, ο Άγιος Απόστολος Ανδρέας, είναι ο ιδρυτής της Εκκλησίας της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, γι’ αυτό και την περασµένη Τρίτη, 30 Νοεµβρίου στο Φανάρι, µε πανεπίσηµη Πατριαρ- χική Λειτουργία τιµήθηκε η Θρονική Εορτή της Πρωτόθρονης Εκκλησίας, του Οικουµενικού Πατριαρχείου. Το πρωί, στις 9, εισόδευσε στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου ο Πατριάρχης του Γένους κ.κ. Βαρθολοµαίος και χοροστάτησε των Καταβασιών. Ακολούθησε η Ευχαριστιακή Σύναξη. Ελαβαν µέρος Αρχιερείς από διάφορα µέρη της Ορθόδοξης Οικουµένης, συλλειτούργησαν δε τα µέλη της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου του Οικουµενικού Πατριαρχείου, ο Σεβασµιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Ζακύνθου κ. Χρυσόστοµος, ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάµου Ιωάννης και ο Μητροπολί- της Κωνσταντίας–Αµµοχώστου Βασίλειος, εκπρόσωπος της Εκκλησίας της Κύπρου. To Our Customers, Παρέστησαν εκπρόσωποι άλλων Εκκλησιών και Οµολογιών, µε κυριότερη πολυµε- λή Ρωµαιοκαθολική Αντιπροσωπεία υπό την ηγεσία του Καρδιναλίου Kurt Koch, νέου Προέδρου του Ποντιφηκού Συµβουλίου για την προώθηση της ενότητος των Supporters, Friends Χριστιανών. and Co-workers Συνάντηση Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής ∆ηµητρίου και θρησκευτικών Αρχηγών µε Πρόεδρο Οµπάµα We Wish óåë. 19  Miller of the Moravian Church, Thomas Merry Christmas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Swain of the Religious Society of Friends, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt Jr. of the Christian Rev. Wesley S. Granberg-Michaelson of Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr Stanley the Reformed Church in America, Bishop and J. Noffsinger of the Church of the Brethren, Sharon Zimmerman Rader of The United Archbishop Khajag S. Barsamian of the Methodist Church, Metropolitan Jonah of Armenian Church of America, Bishop the Orthodox Church in America, Rev. a Blessed & Happy New Year Katharine Jefferts Schori of the Episcopal Geoffrey Black of the United Church of Church, Rev. Gradye Parsons of the Christ, and Dr. Walter L. Parrish III of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Rev. Dr. Betsy Progressive National Baptist Convention. 22 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2010 Οικουµενικός Πατριάρχης: «Το Πατριαρχείο µας έχει και επισήµως νοµική προσωπικότητα»  óåë. 19 Εχάσαμε όλες τις δίκες εδώ ως γνωστόν, και στο τέλος αναγκασθήκαμε να προσφύγουμε εις το Ευρωπαϊκό Δικαστήριο Δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου, όπου και εδικαιώθημεν. Η Τουρκική Κυβέρνησις, εν συνεχεία, δεν ήσκησε το δικαίωμα που είχε διά την αναψηλάφιση της δίκης, αλλ’ απεδέχθη την απόφαση του Στρασβούργου και ξεκίνησε, εν συνεχεία, όλες τις απαιτούμενες διαδικασίες, οι οποίες και εστέφθησαν σήμερα από την επιτυχία αυτήν, του να έχουμε εις τας χείρας μας από της μεσημβρίας της σήμερον, δια χειρών των νομικών συμβούλων μας και εκπροσώπων μας τον περιπόθητο τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας. Επαναλαμβάνω και υπογραμμίζω επ’ ονόματι του Πατριαρχείου μας, που σημαίνει όχι απλώς ότι επαναποκτούμε το ακίνητό μας, αλλά σημαίνει ότι πλέον το Πατριαρχείο μας έχει και επισήμως νομική προσωπικότητα και έχει δικαίωμα να έχει ακίνητο περιουσία και εαν δεν είχε νομική προσωπικότητα δεν θα ημπορούσε να έχει σήμερα εις τα χέρια του τον τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας του Ορφανοτροφείου της Πριγκήπου. Είναι μία ευοίωνος εξέλιξις. Θα ευχόμασταν να μην είχαν οδηγηθεί τα πράγματα εδώ που οδηγήθησαν, διότι Ταξιαρχών Σωσθενίου (Στένης) του Βοσπόρου ύστερα από τόσα χρόνια αγώνων και αγωνίας όπου και χοροστάτησε με την ευκαιρία της καταλήξαμε στον ίδιο παρονομαστή που εορτής της Σύναξης των Αγίων Αρχαγγέλων. λέμε. Καταλήξαμε στο να έχουμε και πάλι “Εμείς δεν είμαστε από τους ανθρώπους τον τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας που είχαμε στα χέρια που απογοητευόμεθα και καταθέτουμε τα μας και από την περίοδο της Οθωμανικης πνευματικά όπλα”, είπε ο Πατριάρχης ο Αυτοκρατορίας και από την περίοδο της οποίος έκανε ιδιαίτερη αναφορά στα 23 Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας. κατειλημμένα -από τη Γενική Διεύθυνση Έχουμε τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας από το 1929 Βακουφίων- ιδρύματα της Ομογένειας, και αδίκως και κακώς αι εφ’ ημάς τεταγμέναι ένα από τα οποία είναι και ο Ναός των αρχαί και ιδιαιτέρως η Γενική Διεύθυνση Παμμεγίστων Ταξιαρχών Στένης. Βακουφίων ημφισβήτησε αυτόν τον τίτλο “Έχουμε χρέος, έχουμε ηθική ιδιοκτησίας, που το ίδιο Τουρκικό κρατος μας υποχρέωση προς την μνήμη των Πατέρων είχε δώσει και οδηγήθημεν στα δικαστήρια, μας οι οποίοι μας τα εκληροδότησαν όλα αυτά, ηδικήθημεν, το δεχτήκαμε, και καταλήξαμε να τα προστατεύσουμε, να τα διαφυλάξουμε και πάλι, επαναλαμβάνω, εκεί απ’ όπου και να τα παραδώσουμε στις γενεές που θα ξεκινήσαμε, αδίκως και ματαίως ... μας ακολουθήσουν”, τόνισε ο Οικουμενικός Τέλος καλό όλα καλά, όπως λέμε. Δόξα Πατριάρχης, ενώ αναφερόμενος στην τω Θεώ πάντων ένεκεν. Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης τόνισε ότι ο Ας είναι ένα μάθημα και μία υπόμνηση αγώνας για την επαναλειτουργία της “θα είναι Φωτογραφίες: Ν. ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ συνεχής και ανένδοτος”. για όλους μας ότι ποτέ δεν πρέπει να Οι δικηγόροι του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου κ.κ. Σοφούογλου και Γιάννης Κτιστάκις, απογοητευόμεθα, ποτέ δεν πρέπει να «Ήρθαμε εδώ για να ενισχύσουμε κρατούν τον κτηματολογικό τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας του Ορφανοτροφείου της Πριγκήπου (επάνω απαισιοδοξούμε, ποτέ δεν πρέπει να με την παρουσία μας, με την ευλογία της φωτογραφία) μετά την επανεγγραφή του στην κυριότητα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου. καταθέτουμε τα πνευματικά όπλα, αλλά Μητρός Εκκλησίας, να ενισχύσουμε ηθικώς να εξακολουθήσουμε ως ομογένεια και την ταλαιπωρημένη αυτή Κοινότητα που και καταθέτουμε τα πνευματικά όπλα. Το χθες, πολύ σωστά και πολύ δίκαια, και αυτό ως Μεγάλη του Χριστού Εκκλησία, να ο ναός της είναι κατειλημμένος (mazbut). αγωνιστικό φρόνημα μας το χαρίζει ο Θεός θα βοηθήσει στις επί μέρους Κοινότητες, στα αγωνιζόμεθα και να έχουμε το ίδιο αγωνιστικό Ενθυμούμαι την πρώτη χοροστασία που και οι Πατέρες μας και είμαστε αποφασισμένοι επί μέρους Ιδρύματά μας να συντονιστούν φρόνημα και να υπολογίζουμε εις την έκανα ως Πατριάρχης το 1991, και σε κάποια να διεκδικήσουμε μέχρι τέλους και τα maz- και να αγωνιστούν το ένα δίπλα στο άλλο Πρόνοια του Θεού, η οποία Πρόνοια του άλλη χοροστασία μου εδώ, σας το υπενθύμισα but και τις εκκλησίες του Γαλατά και ό,τι με αλληλεγγύη, με ομόνοια, με αγάπη κάτω Θεού ξεπερνά όλα τα ανθρώπινα εμπόδια, πολύ λίγες ημέρες μετά την ενθρονισή μου άλλο παρανόμως μας αφαιρέθηκε» είπε ο από τη σκέπη της Μητρός Εκκλησίας για να όλες τις ανθρώπινες δυσκολίες, και μας εξάγει ότι έδωσα λόγο ότι θά αγωνιστώ, ότι θα Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. καταλήξουμε σε δίκαιες λύσεις», πρόσθεσε. εκάστοτε εις αναψυχήν. προσπαθήσω και αυτή την εκκλησία και τις «Είχε η Μεγάλη του Γένους Σχολή τη Ο Πατριάρχης πριν ολοκληρώσει τους Ο Θεός γνωρίζει τους τρόπους, του άλλες εκκλησίες και τα άλλα ιδρύματά μας που δικαίωσή της από το Ευρωπαϊκό Δικαστήριο λόγους του δεν παρέλειψε να αναφερθεί και δρόμους, και τα μονοπάτια, τα οποία δεν είναι κατειλημμένα αδίκως και παρανόμως Δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου, είχε το στο ζήτημα της άδειας επαναλειτουργίας μπορούμε εμείς να φανταστούμε. να τα επαναφέρουμε, εις την νομιμότητα, εις Πατριαρχείο μας τη μεγάλη δικαίωσή του για της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης από Και ιδού το αποτέλεσμα για μας που δεν την κανονικότητα, εις την ομαλή ζωή με το το Ορφανοτροφείο. το Κράτος και τόνισε: «Να δώσει την άδεια επαύσαμε ουδέ επί στιγμή να ελπίζουμε στην να επιτραπεί και σε αυτά τα ιδρύματά μας και Εγγράφεται και πάλι το Ορφανοτροφείο επαναλειτουργίας της Χάλκης του χρόνου αγάπη και την φιλανθρωπία του Θεού, μέχρι σε αυτές τις κοινότητές μας να διεξάγονται επ΄ονόματι του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου που συμπληρώνονται 40 χρόνια από το την τελική μας δικαίωση”. εκλογές και να διοικούνται από αιρετά και διερωτώμεθα γιατί όλη αυτή η περιπέτεια, κλείσιμό της. Και εκεί ο αγώνας μας μέχρι στελέχη, από ανθρώπους που θα τους εκλέγει ο δικαστικός αγώνας, τα έξοδα, αφού είχαμε της επαναλειτουργίας της Σχολής μας θα Συνεχής και ανένδοτος εκ των κόλπων της η Ομογένειά μας. τίτλο ιδιοκτησίας για το Ορφανοτροφείο επ΄ είναι συνεχής και ανένδοτος διότι το αίτημά ο αγώνας για τη Χάλκη Μετά παρέλευσιν 19 ετών από τότε που ονόματι του Πατριαρχείου, ότι ο ιδιοκτήτης μας είναι δίκαιο, διότι αυτό που έγινε πριν 40 Λίγες ημέρες νωρίτερα, ο Οικουμενικός το είπα αυτό, δεν κατορθώθη να επιτευχθή. ήταν το Πατριαρχείο. χρόνια ήταν άδικο». Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος εμφανίστηκε Ούτε ο νέος βακουφικός νόμος 2008 Γιατί αυτό να αμφισβητηθεί; Λοιπόν ο Η εφημερίδα “Ζαμάν” έγραψε αποφασισμένος να συνεχισθεί ο αγώνας αποκατέστησε τα κατειλημμένα βακούφιά μας. αγώνας μας είναι δίκαιος. Δεν ζητούμε τίποτε μεταξύ άλλων την Πέμπτη 2 Δεκεμβρίου για τα δίκαια της Ρωμηοσύνης, τα οποία Όμως αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι ο αγώνας περισσότερον από αυτά που μας ανήκουν. πως “δεδομένου ότι η επιστροφή του καταστρατηγούνται, όπως ανέφερε σε ομιλία θα σταματήσει. Εμείς δεν είμαστε από Έχουμε χρέος, έχουμε ηθική υποχρέωση Ορφανοτροφείου της Πριγκήπου για του στον Ιερό Ναό των Παμμεγίστων τους ανθρώπους που απογοητευόμεθα προς την μνήμη των Πατέρων μας οι το Ελληνικό Ορθόδοξο Πατριαρχείο οποίοι μας τα εκληροδότησαν όλα αυτά, να ολοκληρώθηκε αυτήν την εβδομάδα, Για ερωτήματα σχετικά τα προστατεύσουμε, να τα διαφυλάξουμε οι δικηγόροι του Πατριαρχείου έχουν και να τα παραδώσουμε στις γενεές που θα ξεκινήσει μια παρόμοια διαδικασία για την με τον Κανονισμό για θέματα επιλήψιμης σεξουαλικής μας ακολουθήσουν και εν τούτω έγκειται επιστροφή των άλλων κτιρίων που ανήκουν συμπεριφοράς κληρικών της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ο αγώνας μας και εδώ και στην Ευρώπη σε ιδρύματα της ελληνικής μειονότητας ή για σχετικές καταγγελίες και όπου έχουμε τις δυνατότητες και με της Τουρκίας...Η απόφαση της Γενικής καθ΄οιονδήποτε τρόπο να διεκδικήσουμε τα Διεύθυνσης Ιδρυμάτων για να επιστρέψει καλέστε χωρίς χρέωση τον ειδικό αριθμό (877) 554-3382 δικαιώματά μας. το ορφανοτροφείο στο Πατριαρχείο Όλες οι καταγγελίες θα ληφθούν σοβαρά υπ’ όψιν Λοιπόν ο αγώνας συνεχίζεται. σηματοδοτεί την πρώτη φορά που η και θα διερευνηθούν πλήρως και με απόλυτη αμεροληψία. Ελπίζουμε ότι και το συντονιστικόν τουρκική κυβέρνηση έχει επιστρέψει όργανον για τα πράγματα της Ομογενείας το κατασχεθέν περιουσιακό στοιχείω σε μια Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε Αγγλικά ή Ελληνικά σε εθελοντή ή εθελόντρια. οποίον απεφασίσθη να συγκροτηθεί μόλις μειονοτική ομάδα”. DECEMBER 2010 23 TICKETS TO GREECE ON SALE Από ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – ΑΘΗΝΑ – ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ DELTA (OLYMPIC) - ALITALIA - AIR FRANCE - BRITISH - KLM - LUFTHANSA Boston Cathedral Honors Veterans ONE WAY ROUND TRIP BOSTON – A large contingent of past included a wreath placement, flag folding From and present veterans at Annunciation Ca- and description, “taps,” an inspirational From $ From $ thedral of New England participated in a Veteran’s Day message by John “Jake” moving Veterans Day Program at the Cathe- Comer, former National Commander of dral dedicated in their honor on Nov. 14. the American Legion, the presence of Greek The memorable event was attended American WWII Hero, John Katsaros and 218 318 ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗΣ by an overflow crowd of veteran family patriotic musical selections by the Cathedral members, relatives, Cathedral stewards and choir and Carillon System. ΧΑΜΗΛΕΣ ΤΙΜΕΣ ΑΠ΄ΟΛΗ ΤΗΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗ friends. 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Jerusalem pilgrimage A group of parishioners from Annunciation Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. had an audience with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem during their recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Their pastor, Fr. Demetri Kangelaris, led the pilgrimage. Community Milestones 60–Year Celebration cluded Lisa Georgouses, Beth LaMotte, NEW YORK – More than 500 persons Georgia Ryerson, Georgene Shanley, Eleni gathered at St. Gerasimos Church on Man- Soukoulis, Katy Sutter and Didi Tatooles, hattan’s Upper West Side on Oct. 24 to mark for their efforts, which contributed to the the parish’s feast day and 60th anniversary. event’s success. The parish council president, Spiros These 50th anniversary activities have Vikatos, welcomed and thanked the hun- been coordinated by a general committee, dreds of guests, family and friends, who chaired by Jim Smirles. Other members were present to venerate St. Gerasimos include Jim and Suzanne Santos, Chris and share in Christian fellowship. At the Atsaves, Elaine Buscaglia, Christy Goule- social hour after the Divine Liturgy, those tas, Mary Ann Langas, Lee Poteracki and in attendance gathered to meet and greet Jim Soukoulis. Fr. Angelo Artemas, pastor, family members and friends. served as advisor. “Saints Peter and Paul Church was 50–Year Gala first envisioned by a handful of determined GLENVIEW, Ill. -- More than 900 pa- young couples who wanted to establish a rishioners and guests celebrated the 50th Greek Orthodox church in the north shore anniversary of the founding of Sts. Peter and suburbs where they had moved,” explained Paul Church at a dinner dance on Oct. 10. Smirles, a charter member who also de- “We were overwhelmed by the phe- veloped the first Sunday school program nomenal turnout. It was magical to be for parish youth. “That perseverance and surrounded by so many people who were resourcefulness resulted in a beautiful all in such a festive mood,” stated Suzanne church building and community center, as Santos, who co-chaired the dinner dance well as a thriving church community, here with her husband, Jim, the parish council in Glenview.” president. “We are grateful to the founders and The event was underwritten by several our first pastors – Fr. Dennis Latto and Fr. donors including, Andrew Athens, the Peter George Scoulas – for their inspiring lead- G. Colis family, Mark and Karen Koulo- ership and their gift of faith,” Fr. Artemas george, Pat Kuchuris, the Elaine Pappas noted. “We owe it to them to continue their estate and Glenview State Bank. legacy and pass on our traditions, faith and Planning Committee members in- worship to the next generation.” 24 DECEMBER 2010 DECEMBER 2010 25 METROPOLIS NEWS Denver OCF Members Help Local Charities DENVER -- Imagine one day focused entirely on serving our neighbor. One day where Orthodox Christians, young and old, Greek, Romanian, Antiochian, Russian, and converts alike take time to use their own hands to work for the benefit of local nonprofit organizations. Several of the Orthodox Christian parishes in Denver did just this on ‘Saturday of Service’ (SoS) on Oct. 2. The idea originated as a way for Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) students as well as the women of Philoptochos to work on a project together. It quickly and naturally, however, became an all inclusive Metropolitan Isaiah and young adults from Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapters at the Texas cemetery. event for clergy and laity of all ages and from all area Orthodox churches. Over 150 pan-Orthodox vol- Young Adults Restore Moslem Cemetery in Texas unteers from several area parishes participated in a most gratifying KENDALIA, Texas – Young adults for several months, has taken on new mean- thodox cemetery on the Turkish island of hands-on labor of love. Twelve local from three parishes and several Orthodox ing with recent news in the United States Imvros, the childhood home of Ecumenical charities, which are perpetually in Christian Fellowship chapters restored a and Europe. Continuing debate regard- Patriarch Bartholomew, was vandalized. need, received that assistance in a Moslem cemetery on the grounds of the ing the building of a Moslem center near On Oct. 28 more than 75 graves were des- grand way. Holy Archangels Monastery, near San An- Ground Zero in New York City is drawing ecrated by unknown perpetrators. The ‘Denver Rescue Mission’ saw tonio, Oct. 30. issues of religious tolerance to the forefront. The cemetery service project proved many OCF members serving at two The Metropolis of Denver-sponsored As well, just two days prior to the Holy to be a positive experience and provided a different soup kitchens. ‘Champa the service project, conducted by Metropo- Archangels effort, and in stark contrast to valuable lesson in religious tolerance and House,’ the local shelter for battered lis Youth Director Deacon Paul Zaharas the restoration work done there, an Or- understanding for all participants. women and their children, involved and Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis of Houston’s Fr. Lou Christopulos and Presbytera Annunciation Cathedral. Marsha from St. Catherine’s in Green- The Moslem cemetery exists on the wood Village scraping, sanding, and grounds of the Holy Archangels Monas- taping the common areas in prepa- tery, which was established on the site of ration for painting by professional a former Moslem religious school. Since painters. acquiring the property the Fathers of the Others assisted with ‘Connec- Monastery have removed or altered nearly tions,’ a therapeutic riding center for all of the facilities to suit their monastic highly sensitive children, including work, but have allowed the cemetery, which children with autism. These volun- contains some 25 graves, to remain undis- teers painted hen houses, white- turbed. While no formal agreement was washed the inside of stables, and made in the transfer of property regarding fixed leaky roofs. ‘Synergy Residential the upkeep of the cemetery, the abbot, Treatment Center’ for young men at Father Dositheos, and Metropolitan Isa- risk will be the recipient of a brand iah consider it important to show proper new basketball court because of a respect for the dead, without bias toward generous anonymous donation. other cultural or religious backgrounds. Other volunteers helped refugees The Metropolis Office of Youth and with assimilation to American culture Young Adult Ministries drew college stu- and teaching English as a Second dents from Houston, Austin, and San Anto- Language at a resettlement center. nio to participate in the project. The young The list goes on…children vol- adults assisted the Fathers of the Monastery unteered at a local clothing bank, in the cemetery beautification landscaping ‘A Precious Child.’ Volunteers of all around the graves, setting stone monu- ages delivered almost 50 meals to the ments upright, completely clearing the homes of people struggling with life- grounds of rubble, and painting the fence threatening illnesses through ‘Project around the cemetery. Angel Heart.’ Outdoor yard work and The project, which had been planned painting was performed at ‘Our Cen- ter.’ Local youth sorted clothing and food at ‘Sister Carmen.’ Volunteers helped paint 12 rooms at ‘Families First,’ using paint and assistance gen- erously donated by Lowe’s. In all, more than $16,000 in dona- tions were collected from parishioners and AHEPA to fund these projects, and over 600 man hours were volunteered on Saturday of Service. Later that afternoon, about 50 vol- unteers met at the Metropolis Center of Denver for a Vespers service, fol- lowed by a barbecue. A representative volunteer from each charity then gave a mini–report about their group’s experience. 26 DECEMBER 2010 Marriage and Family Consequences and Challenges When Orthodox Marry Non-Christians

by Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D., LMFT would never ask my future spouse to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do.” In I recently got engaged to a non-Chris- short, these couple dynamics - along with tian man with a Moslem background, and others that I have not elaborated upon in I went to my priest to discuss marriage. He this short article - make it extremely dif- informed me that he could not perform ficult to impossible for Orthodox to get a wedding for an Orthodox Christian and back into good standing when they marry non-Christian. He also informed me that non-Christians. if I married my fiancee, I would lose my Question 2: If I lose my sacramen- sacramental privileges….I was so upset by tal privileges, can I baptize my future this news that I left without asking some children? other important questions. I was hoping It is especially challenging for Ortho- you might be able to answer them. First, dox spouses who have fallen out of good if I marry outside of the Greek Orthodox standing with their faith background to Church, how do I get back into good raise and nurture their children in the standing? Second, if I lose my sacramental Orthodox Church. However, despite the privileges, can I baptize my future children numerous challenges, if intermarried in the Church? Third, I am a godparent couples/parents can help the priest under- and I am wondering how my decision to stand how they intend to raise and nurture marry outside of the Church may affect their children in the Orthodox Church my status as a godparent? Fourth, do you when neither parent is in good standing, think my non-Christian partner will feel most priests will baptize their child(ren). welcomed in my Church? Question 3: How will my decision E- mail Respondent to marry outside of the Church affect my status as a godparent? I receive e-mails like this regularly. Greek Orthodox Christians are Like this respondent’s message, the pre- blessed with godparents who are expected ponderance of this e-mail includes a num- to assist parents in helping their children ber of difficult, unsettling questions. This form a religious identity. To accomplish article will provide short answers to the this task, godparents provide a much above questions. Other questions which needed role model that their godchild are more particular to specific couples and can emulate when maturing in the faith. their families will not be addressed here. However, godparents who fall out of good It is my hope that the following informa- standing are seriously impaired and at a tion will help educate more of our faithful distinct disadvantage in their efforts to with regard to the challenging realities that perform their role as completely as the Orthodox encounter when they consider Church prescribes. marriage to a non-Christian. Question 4: Will my non-Christian partner feel welcomed at our Church? Consult Your Priest and Hierarch Based on my research, I have found In my efforts to address questions and that most non-Orthodox partners find concerns, I always preface my comments our congregation open and welcoming. by urging respondents to validate any and This is not to suggest that there are no all guidance I give with their parish priest. exceptions, because I am certain that I suggest this protocol because their parish there are instances when non-Orthodox priest can help respondents understand partners and outsiders have been treated their hierarch’s specific positions related inhospitably. Yet, I believe these instances to the questions they ask me. With that are exceptions and not the rule. As such, stated, after reviewing what follows, if you I believe that your spouse would feel wel- have additional questions or concerns, I comed in our churches. urge you to e-mail me and/or consult your I would nonetheless urge you to priest for clarification. make an appointment with your local Question 1: How do I get back into pastor to obtain his opinion and counsel. good standing? Such an appointment could also address If an Orthodox Christian chooses any questions you may have, as well as to marry a non-Christian outside of the further educate you with regard to the Orthodox Church he/she falls out of good level of participation and involvement you standing and can no longer participate in and your partner can have in the life the the sacramental life of the Church. For Church community you attend. example, sacraments like Holy Commu- nion and Holy Unction are not available A Few Concluding Thoughts to him/her. In an effort to get back into In our pluralistic, multi-religious, good standing, the Orthodox partner must multicultural society, the probability that receive the Sacrament of Marriage in the some Orthodox will meet, date and fall Orthodox Church. in love with a non-Christian is reasonably While this guideline appears to pro- high. For this reason, I believe it is increas- vide an easy fix for Orthodox who marry ingly more important that we educate our non-Christians, in reality it is a very com- young people with regard to the pastoral plex because the non-Christian partner guidelines the church follows with regard must convert to the Christian faith in order to Orthodox who marry (a) non-Orthodox for the couple to receive the Sacrament Christians, and (b) non-Christians. (Ortho- of Marriage. In most cases, this is not a dox who marry non-Orthodox Christians viable option, since such a step requires who believe in the Trinity can marry in the non-Christian partner to reject their the Church and retain their sacramental non-Christian background. privileges). To compound the difficulty, most All too often I have encountered Or- Orthodox partners are either ambivalent thodox who dated and are engaged with a or unwilling to make such a request of non-Christian who were unaware of these their partner. The following short state- pastoral guidelines and emotionally devas- ment from an e-mail I received the other tated when they discovered the Orthodox day from another respondent begins to Church’s position regarding Orthodox explain why. “I could never convert to my partner’s religious tradition, and I  to page 28 DECEMBER 2010 27 28 DECEMBER 2010 which is entitled: Pastoral Guidelines for Intermarriage. There is also a con- Let’s Ask the Priest Marriage and Family siderable amount of useful information on the sidebar of this Website under  page 8 replace God and His Church with other  from page 26 the subsection, “When Orthodox Marry priorities. If we want to keep our youth Non-Christians.” the Orthodox faith before they leave home. in the Church, we need to look at our- who marry non-Christians. When this This information is available to By convert, I mean that we help selves as parents and make sure that occurs, the Orthodox partner is forced educate, ameliorate and prevent as them make the Orthodox faith their God and His Church are number one into making some very difficult deci- many future pastoral problems as pos- own, that they learn to engage their on our priority list and that our values, sions. In many cases, these decisions sible that result when Orthodox marry own will in regular prayer, fasting, activities and our own witness reflect compel the Orthodox partner to leave non-Christians. participating in the services through this to our children. his/her faith tradition. singing, serving in the altar, greeting, They will most likely stay in the To increase awareness among our Fr. Charles is a faculty member ushering, and reading, going to confes- Church if they see it is the most impor- faithful, the Interfaith Marriage Web at Nyack College in the Department sion, and taking on active leadership tant part of our lives. site (www.interfaith.goarch.org) has a of Counseling. He serves St. Nicholas roles in the various youth ministries. Fr. Theodore Dorrance downloadable, readable brochure that Church in Newburgh, N.Y, and is the Our children today have many choices. St. John the Baptist Church can easily be reproduced and shared Archdiocese’s resource person to in- They are constantly tempted to Beaverton, Oregon with adolescents and young adults termarried couples and their families. THE PERFECT GIFT Selected Gadget and Website Terms  from page 18 (such as for smartphones), or by Short Message Service (SMS) available in certain HOLY TRINITY’S COOKBOOK enabling its users to send and read other countries. While the service is free, access- users’ messages called tweets. Tweets are ing it through SMS may incur phone service RECEIVES NATIONAL FAME text-based posts of up to 140 characters provider fees. Since its creation in 2006, displayed on the user’s profile page. Tweets Twitter has more than 100 million users. are publicly visible by default, however – YouTube: a video–sharing website senders can restrict message delivery to where users can upload, share, and view their friends’ list. videos. It uses Adobe Flash Video tech- $18.95 Users may subscribe to other author nology to display a wide variety of user- tweets–this is known as following and sub- generated video content, including movie scribers are known as followers. All users clips, TV clips, and music videos, as well as In Circulation since 1957! can send and receive tweets via the Twitter amateur content such as video blogging and THANK YOU for helping make our cookbook a success website, compatible external applications short original videos. LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH equally. There is no organ and the church 30 Race Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403 PARISH PROFILE has a four-part a-cappella choir. Steward- ship is the main revenue source. The Please send me ______copies of “Popular Greek Recipes” at $18.95 plus  from page 17 church has a large Greek festival in late July that is one of 20 festivals recognized by the Fr. Vanderhoef told the Observer and that $6.00 postage and handling for each copy. (Total $ 24.95 each) city of Madison as an official summer fes- some parishioners help build houses for Enclosed you will fi nd $ ______for this order tival. “It’s big for us,” said Fr. Vanderhoef. Habitat for Humanity. “The Philoptochos Greek festival funds are used solely Name ______chapter raises a lot of funds for our out- for capital improvements and maintenance Ad dress______reach ministries and for charity work to expenses. City______State ______Zip Code ______help families that are struggling,” he said. For services, Greek and English are used — Compiled by Jim Golding

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Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Mission of Ocala DECEMBER 2010 29 METROPOLIS NEWS Youth Meetings Held TROY, Mich. – Members of the Arch- diocese Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team gathered from around the country for their bi-annual Youth Ministry Team meet- ings, which took place Oct. 19-21 in Troy. The Youth Ministry Team was hosted by Metropolitan Nicholas and the Metropolis of Detroit, and includes each Metropolis Youth Director and the Ionian Village director. Meetings included worship, teambuilding exercises, discussion on the challenges of ministering to young people, the role of social networking in ministry, and a review of new and existing parish resources provided by the National Depart- ment. The next day included a discussion with the legal committee about the Policies and Procedures for Screening and Selecting Youth Workers (Youth Protection Manual) and its implementation throughout all Me- tropolis Camps and Retreats. Updates were also given about the successes of Young Adult Ministry parish visits, the Find Them, Greet Them, Love Them campaign, and 10 in 10, which highlighted 10 service projects ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo in 2010, one in each Metropolis. Summer Goyan’s of St. Paraskevi Church in Greenlawn, camping programs were also reviewed, NY, and their parent chaperons recently visited including future dates for camp director Archdiocese Headquarters where they were re- training in Dallas at the 2011 Orthodox ceived by Archbishop Demetrios. The group also Camp and Youth Worker Conference. toured other sites and attractions in Manhattan.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo Participants in the Direct Archdiocesan District Religious Education Seminar with Dr. Vrame, Bishop Andonios and Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos, pastor. Religious Education Seminar Emphasizes Teaching with Enthusiasm MERRICK, N.Y. – A recent Direct you finished Sunday School you can stop Archdiocesan District Religious Education learning, and that the challenge facing the Seminar at St. Demetrios Church featured a Church is, :”How do we engage adults in- presentation by Dr. Anton Vrame, director volved in learning the faith so that learning Litsa Kapsalis with her quilt project that raised $570 for Saint Basil Academy. of the Archdiocesan Department of Reli- becomes lifelong.” He continued, “We’re gious Education, who spoke on the topic not offering enough at most of our parishes “Enthusiastic Religious Education.” for the grown ups. We have to think beyond 7–Year–Old Raises Funds for Academy “It’s important that we do this ministry graduation. Don’t give them the message with joy and enthusiasm,” Dr. Vrame told that ‘now it’s done.’” LAKE FOREST, Ill. – “Would you like she wanted to help the children of Haiti the gathering of about 40 participants. “It’s Also in attendance was Bishop Andon- to donate to help the children of Saint who were struck by the devastation of the a great privilege to be a Sunday School ios of Phasiane, chancellor of the Archdio- Basil Academy?” was the cry that was heard terrible hurricane earlier this year. As a re- teacher. You have to think about the min- cese, who spoke briefly. from 7-year-old Litsa Kapsalis as she stood sult, she sold lemonade and seashells and istry in biblical terms, with conviction and He noted that, in contemporary parish in front of her booth during the Hellenic sent the proceeds (through the IOCC) in confronting challenges.” culture, “there is a lack of appreciation for American Academy’s (affiliated with Holy to benefit the orphans of Haiti. Among Dr. Vrame said at the Oct. 30 seminar religious education. Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Chi- her other campaigns, Litsa collected and that students should see the enthusiasm “All too often you’re viewed as babysit- cago) Greek Fest in Deerfield, Ill. donated $630 worth of toys and donated for living Orthodox life in the actions and ters. Don’t be disheartened by that. Litsa, along with Madeleine, her them to Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, attitude of their teachers. He also said that He continued, “God has chosen us to 5-year-old sister, and Konstantine, her Ill., a home for children in need. one of biggest problems that exists as a serve; and we are obligated to serve to the 3-year-old brother, spent two days during Some of her upcoming projects Church is young people feel that “once best of our abilities.” the Labor Day weekend selling squares include collecting clothing, diapers and made of fabric to festival guests for $2. other necessities to send to an Orthodox The guests, in turn, wrote messages orphanage in Belarus and assisting girls and drew pictures on the squares for at an orphanage in Crete. Locally, Litsa is Washington State Greek–American Museum Incorporated the children of Saint Basil Academy; the currently asking for donations of blankets SEATTLE– The Greek-American His- officers of the Museum Board are John T. squares were later sewn into a quilt by for homeless children in the Chicago area. torical Museum of Washington State has John, president; Taso Lagos, vice presi- Litsa and her yiayia and sent to the Acad- When asked by Greek radio personal- completed its incorporation and received dent; Mary Dallas-Smith, secretary; and emy. Litsa and her siblings raised a total ity, Sotiris Rekoumis, what message would approval for a 501(c)3 tax exemption from John Nicon, treasurer. of $570 during the fest and also received she like to send to people to inspire them the Federal Internal Revenue Service. Other directors are Thalia Denos, a $25 gift card as a donation from Staples. to help others, Litsa replied, “I would like The museum can now receive donations, Helen Georges, Joann Nicon, and Straton All of the monies that were raised along to tell everyone not to worry, that Chris- bequests, and gifts, both financial and of Spyropoulos. with the Staples gift card were donated to touli is with you.” historical materials relating to the Greeks For more information or to offer Saint Basil Academy to buy school supplies If you would like to contribute to in Washington state. Two initial contribu- potential items of historical significance for their resident children. Litsa’s philanthropic endeavors, please tions, one from the John P. Angel Founda- relating to Greeks in Washington state, Litsa’s philanthropy began this past send donations to: Over the Rainbow tion and the other from the St. Demetrios contact [email protected] by e-mail, summer when she started her own non- Children’s Charities, PO Box 785, Lake Church of Seattle 75th Anniversary Com- 206.325.8554 by phone, or write to the profit organization called, “Over the Forest, IL 60045, or contact her at: over- mittee, are providing funds for some basic museum c/o 1515 East Olin Place, Seattle, Rainbow Children’s Charities” because [email protected] archiving and recording equipment.The WA 98112. 30 DECEMBER 2010

The core mission of Faith is to promote Hellenism and an understanding of the Greek Orthodox faith through a series of high quality innovative educational programs and cultural initiatives through an endowment to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Faith works to support the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in creating the ministries and educational programs that promote an understanding of our Greek Christian Orthodox faith, Hellenic culture, and the relationship of the two to each other and to America’s multicultural landscape. The primary focus of Faith is to support the existing educational programs as well as to promote new programs and opportunities that will incorporate new technologies, resources and that partner with secular, educational, and cultural institutions for young, adult and elderly audiences.

The Founding Members wish you

and a new year filled with peace and joy! Maria Allwin Elaine Jaharis Panikos Papanicolaou Hon. Ambassador George L. Argyros Michael Jaharis* John Pappajohn George D. Behrakis* Steven Jaharis John A. Payiavlas* Nicholas J. Bouras* Michael Johnson Mr. & Mrs. George Sakellaris John P. Calamos Peter T. Kikis* Alexander G. Spanos* John A. Catsimatidis Hon. Ambassador. Dean Spanos George Coumantaros* Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis Michael Spanos James S. Chanos George M. Marcus Chris Spyropoulos Andre Dimitriadis Dennis Mehiel Kyriakos Tsakopoulos Peter Georgiopoulos C. Dean Metropoulos George J. Tsunis Constantine Iordanou James Moshovitis* P. Roy Vagelos * Original Founding Member

499 Park Avenue, 23th Floor Tel: (212) 644-6960 [email protected] New York, NY 10022 Fax: (212) 779-7605 www.FaithEndowment.org DECEMBER 2010 31 there are any shut-ins that could use visi- tors. If you prefer, perhaps there are some tasks around the church like cleaning or Family organizing that could use your help. What Shall Give a Gift of Your Talent—each of us has been created by God with different gifts and talents. The greatest present we can give our Lord is to fulfill our abilities through a life of obedient faith. God has We Off er? Connections given us everything and we should actively seek ways to give glory to Him. Everyone by Melissa K. Tsongranis has some way they can offer themselves to others. Consider activities that you Christmas morning is here. Your little enjoy or things you are good at and how ones awaken at the crack of dawn—if not you can share those blessings and talents earlier—and eagerly run through the house with others. Be as creative as possible and screaming “Let’s open our presents!” Still always look for opportunities to reflect in bed, you try to buy some extra shut- Christian love. eye, but it’s no use. Your children are now Give a Gift of Your Treasure—Christ- in bed with you, jumping up and down. mas can be an expensive time of year, but if They chant things which have little to do we are making Christ’s Nativity the primary with “peace on earth and goodwill to all” focus, it only makes sense that we should and more with the advertising campaigns allow some of our Christmas spending to launched well before the beginning of the go towards helping the less fortunate. Talk holiday season. You reluctantly roll over to your parish priest or local Philoptochos and get up, realizing that if you don’t, it chapter for ideas on how to help out. Each is only a matter of time until one of your of us should give within our means. But little cherubs lands on your stomach. Does we should try to be as generous as we can, this sound familiar? Trust me; you’re not and we need to teach our children to do alone. Big business partnered with media the same. has done a tremendous job of teaching our Practice Random Acts of Kindness— children what they want Christmas to be this can be a lot of fun for your family to about—presents and lots of them! spice with which we honor in advance the hungry and thirsty and you gave me food try to do. Try to do little things for others But let’s look at this a different way— death and burial of Jesus and through which and drink; I was naked and sick and you daily and try not to get caught doing them. whose birthday is it anyway? What have we too, is represented our own renunciation clothed me and visited me.” (Adapted from Shovel the snow your neighbor’s sidewalk done to teach our children the true mean- of bodily pleasures. Lord Jesus, accept my Lovely Little Stories for People of All Ages by while they are away. Pay the toll for the car ing of Christmas? Would we send our child offering. Metropolitan Germanos Polizoides) behind you. Anonymously leave cookies on to a friend’s birthday party with a present for There is a fictional story told about a your co-workers’ desks. The possibilities themselves? While I’m not advocating doing fourth wise man named Artaban. He was Our Offering are limitless. away with traditional Christmas gift-giving, to meet up with the other three Magi and What do we get our King for His birth- we should aim to gain some perspective journey to see the newborn Christ. With day? We offer to Him lives that witness to His In Conclusion amidst the scads of boxes and rolls of wrap- him, Artaban had three valuable jewels to love. Here are some practical suggestions It is never too late to offer a gift to ping paper. Each Christmas we need to ask give the newborn baby. Along the way, he to get your family started this Christmas. Christ. Even if you are just getting around ourselves and our families what we should came across an injured man who needed You don’t need to do them all–start simple, to reading this in January or even March, get Christ. It is His birthday after all. assistance. In order to help, he needed to adapt and add to them to work for you don’t wait until next Christmas to get sell one of the jewels he had and, because family, and above all else get your whole started. To really honor the birth of Christ, The Gift of the Magi of this, he was delayed and he did not make family involved. our gifts will not be confined to the period In the second chapter of the Gospel of it to Nazareth to worship Him. But he did Remember the Reason for the Season– of Christmas but, rather, it will become a Matthew, we read that the Magi (also known not give up, and he set off to follow the this may be a cliche, but the fact that we part of our life. Actually, life is the gift and as wise men) followed the star to the Christ Holy Family to Egypt where they fled with are celebrating Christ’s Nativity needs to we should thank God for the blessing of it child. When they arrived they worshiped the Christ child. On his way, he assisted a become the primary focus of our family’s and offer back to Him every single day. In Him and presented Him gifts of gold, frank- woman whose baby boy was about to be Christmas. The exchange of gifts should closing, take some time to reflect on the incense, and myrrh. These three gifts were slain because of Herod’s order and bought be secondary. Make sure to attend services following prayer from the Vespers of the of great monetary value, but their treasure his freedom with the second jewel and for the Nativity as a family. Teach everyone Nativity. Pray it as a family. May the joy of lay in the significance of each present. The never found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. how to chant the Apolytikion. our Lord’s Nativity guide you throughout gold was a gift for a king, the frankincense Artaban wandered for 33 years search- You can find this information by this blessed season. was a gift for God, and the Myrrh was a gift ing for the Christ to give Him the last searching for “nativity” at www.goarch. What shall we offer You, O Christ, for someone who was to die. The Magi’s jewel. Finally, he heard that Jesus was to org. Make sure you have a copy of the icon who for our sake has appeared offering honored who Christ is and what be crucified in Jerusalem. He rushed there placed prominently where your family often on the earth as a man? He came to do for mankind. They presented with plans to use the jewel as a ransom for gathers in the home. If you don’t have one, Every creature which You these treasures out of respect for the King Christ’s life. On his road, he stopped to consider ordering one at www.orthodox- have made offers you thanks. of Heaven and Earth. In the book The Year help a young girl who was being beaten by marketplace.com. The angels offer You a song. of Grace of the Lord, we read: two soldiers, and consequently, used the Give a Gift of your Time–yes, it is a busy The heavens, their star. Like the Magi, we offer our treasures final gift he had intended to give Christ. A time of year, but carve out time to spend The wise men, their gifts. and we offer the little child the most pre- little while later, when Jesus was dying on preparing for the arrival of our Lord and The shepherds, their wonder. cious things we have. In spirit we offer gold, the Cross, Artaban realized that he could Savior Jesus Christ. Find time every day to The earth, its cave. the sign of Jesus’ sovereignty over all riches neither free Him nor pay tribute to Him, be quiet, read the Bible, and pray. The wilderness, the manger. and all created things, a sign also of our own as he did not have any jewels left. He col- Also, consider other ways you can give And we offer You a Virgin Mother. detachment from earthly goods. In spirit lapsed from sorrow. But when he was lying of your time. O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us! we offer incense, the sign of adoration, for face down, he heard a voice, saying: “I was Talk to your parish priest and see if Jesus is not only the King of the universe, Melissa Tsongranis is the associate he is our God. We offer in spirit myrrh, the director of the Center for Family Care. 32 DECEMBER 2010 DECEMBER 2010 33 National Ministries Ionian Village Offers Teens a Spiritual Summer by Jim Golding wax icon portrayed by Luke the Evangelist. It survived a fire but has been blackened. Ionian Village provides a spiritual, so- cial and cultural summer camp experience Cephalonia every year for hundreds of Greek Orthodox A neighboring island of Zakynthos, it teen-agers. contains the preserved body of St. Gerasi- For three weeks, it provides an escape mos. Campers can crawl into his hut in an from a culture wired to the Internet, to TV underground cave where he lived in seclu- and to other electronic devices that seem sion for months. to dominate their daily existence, especially during the summer. Patras This issue’s article will focus on the Campers visit the Cathedral of St. spiritual aspects of the Ionian Village expe- Andrew, located where the “first-called” rience. The facility lies along a beachfront disciple of Christ was crucified on an X- of the western Peloponnesus facing the shaped cross. The cross is displayed in an Ionian Sea. The closest “civilization” is the airtight glass case. nearby village of Bartholomio, population about 3,200. Aegina The camp director is Fr. Jason Roll, a One of the most-visited religious sites, 2009 graduate of Holy Cross School of The- this island off the coast of Athens, it contains ology who had been named director while the monastery established by St. Nektarios still completing his last year at the seminary. and his tomb. Visitors who put their ear to Before becoming a priest, Fr. Jason had the tomb report occasional knocking or a career for 10 years in pharmaceutical sales Fr. Jason Roll officiates at a Saturday evening “Night with God” liturgy. scratching from within. as a territorial representative in the Sacra- mento, Calif., area for the Eli Lilly company. phones and any other electronic devices saint appeared in their dreams.” Ossios Loucas A native of Portland, Oregon, Fr. Jason (don’t even think of bringing a laptop) Located near Delphi in Central Greece, majored in business at Oregon State Univer- where they are safely stored until the end Mega Spilleon the Church of Ossios Loucas is built into a sity. He was drawn to serve the church and of the camp. They may call home during This “great cave” outside of Kalavryta in hill and contains the relics of the saint and strongly influenced by his parish priest, Fr. free time with a phone card at the office, the central Peloponnesus features a church iconography that is painted into the rock Theodore Dorrance. and families may call the camp. and monastery built into the side of a cliff. It wall. Ionian Village’s cultural and social Campers are asked to bring a Bible. is significant as the site of the Icon of the Vir- aspects of their experience will be the sub- Ionian Village Program gin Mary “Directress” a three-dimensional ject of a subsequent article in the Observer. The program consists of two three- Daily Routine week sessions. The first session runs from Upon arriving, campers are organized June 29 to July 18 and the second session according to cabins, with 12 to 15 kids as- takes place from July 25 to Aug. 13. (See ad signed to each building. Three counselors on opposite page). also live in each cabin as supervisors. Their As director of Ionian Village, Fr. Jason day begins with prayers and breakfast oversees a volunteer staff at each session followed by a rotational schedule of four of three priests and 30 counselors. There activities: arts and crafts, music and Greek is also a doctor on the staff. culture, Orthodox Life (OL) and athletics. Counselors must be 21 years of age or During OL, campers gather in an am- older and have first-aid proficiency. phitheater among a cluster of pine trees The camp itself occupies about 130 on the camp property where wide-ranging acres. There are cabins to house the stu- discussions about the Faith take place led dents and staff, a kitchen, restrooms and by a priest, a deacon or a seminarian. offices. The camp underwent extensive At night after dinner, talks and ser- renovations earlier this year financed by monettes are given in the amphitheater. anonymous donations arranged by the Saturday nights a “Night with God” Divine Archdiocese. Director of Administration Liturgy by candlelight is celebrated. Dur- Jerry Dimitriou. ing each three–week camp, day trips are The process for prospective campers conducted to sites of religious significance begins with online registration, which at the following locations: begins Dec. 15 and continues through the end of April. (Visit www.ionianvillage.org). Zakynthos Campers from around the country as- One day, campers travel by boat to semble at Kennedy Airport in New York the the large island of Zakynthos, just off the Campers gather in prayer at the amphitheater in the pine woods. day prior to the beginning of the session for coast, to view the body of St. Dionysious, the flight to Athens. considered the patron saint of the camp. A lengthy bus ride to the camp follows. Fr. Jason told the Observer that “a lot of Once there, campers must turn in their cell campers in the past have reported that the

(Left) At the lunch table. (Right) Lights of Christ – Campers arrive for a church service. 34 DECEMBER 2010 Centennials Hoosier State Faithful Celebrate Indianapolis’ 100 INDIANAPOLIS – Holy Trinity Church the parish with love and dedication. Holy celebrated its Centennial Sept. 17-19, with Trinity presented a gift of $5,000 to Metro- Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan politan Nicholas in support of the “Friends Nicholas of Detroit at the home stadium of of the Metropolis” program. the NFL’s Colts football team. Holy Trinity was honored to host two The weekend began on Friday evening former Holy Trinity pastors – Frs. Chris with an informal clergy dinner at a local Hadgigeorge (retired) of Toledo, Ohio and country club hosted by event chairman James Rousakis of Clearwater, Fla. Dr. Dennis Dickos, Parish Council Presi- Fr. Nicholas Samaras of West Nyack, dent Gail Zeheralis and the other council N.Y., son of the late Bishop Kallistos – an- members. other influential former Holy Trinity pas- More than 650 parishioners and guests tor – honored his father’s memory with his attended the Centennial Gala at Lucas Oil presence. Frs. Soterios Rousakis of San Jose, Stadium the following day. Highlights in- Calif., and Mark Lichtenstein of Camp Hill, cluded performances by the Indianapolis Pa. also took part. Fr. Soterios, son of Fr. Symphony Orchestra and opera soprano James, grew up at Holy Trinity and Fr. Mark Stella Zambalis. came to Orthodoxy via the parish in 1990. Members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra perform several selections on stage beneath the Audience members also viewed a video A number of other clergy represent- horseshoe symbol of the Indianapolis Colts. retrospective titled “A Century of Witness to ing central Indiana Orthodox parishes Two Millennia of Faith” and performances were also in attendance. Past presidents of by Holy Trinity’s choir and youth dance Philoptochos and the parish council were troupes. recognized. Guests also enjoyed a view of the In- On Sunday both hierarchs celebrated dianapolis skyline that was unveiled when the Archierarchical Liturgy assisted by the the stadium’s massive wall of windows assembled clergy. Holy Trinity’s choir, (six stories high, the second largest in the directed by William Christoff, and Chanter world) were opened. During dinner, guests Constantine Maniakas provided their glori- reminisced via multi-screen digital displays ous accompaniment. of photographs dating back to the parish’s A special guest, former parish chanter beginnings. Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, led a group that Both hierarchs moved the assembled provided an outstanding presentation of crowd with their heartfelt words of recog- the day’s Orthros. nition and encouragement. Archbishop Immediately following the liturgy, Demetrios made particular note of the ap- Their Eminences surprised and honored propriateness of the unique surroundings, Dr. Dennis Dickos by bestowing upon him calling the decision to host the event at the the Medal of St. Paul for his many years of Clergy and hosts – With Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas are (left) Fr. Soterios sports arena “inspired” and likening the devotion to Christ’s Church. Rousakis, (center) Presbytera Maria and Fr. Anastasios Gounaris and Dr. Dennis Dickos. “constant motion” of sport to our goal of Philoptochos offered an elegant brunch fulfilling Christ’s teachings. after Liturgy before Archbishop Demetrios’ A $20,000 donation was presented to departure for Chicago to take a flight to Archbishop Demetrios to benefit Holy Cross Istanbul for a meeting with Ecumenical School of Theology and made in honor of Patriarch Bartholomew. Fr. Anastasios and Presbytera Maria Gou- “ Holy Trinity looks forward to its next naris. Since Fr. Anastasios was assigned to century of service to both God and man – Indianapolis by the late Bishop Timothy and as the leader of the Orthodox commu- in 1991, Fr. and Presbytera have served nity of central Indiana,” Fr. Gounaris said.

Members of the Greek dance troupe perform before hundreds of celebrants at the Lukas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Metropolitan Nicholas greets parishioners following the Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church. DECEMBER 2010 35 Centennials Tribute to President Truman Part of Kansas City Church Celebration by Marina N. Maib of our Lord.” He continued, “Our culture is the vehicle that has brought our ancient KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Annunciation faith to this great country of America. This Church celebrated its 100th anniversary the is why I will always be grateful to God that weekend of Oct. 22-24 with guest-of-honor my parents came here so many years ago Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan and they made a life for themselves and had Isaiah of Denver presiding over the festivi- children and directed their children in the ties under the theme “Serving Christ, Serv- ways of our holy apostolic faith.” ing People.” A highlight of the weekend A church building committee and par- was a tribute held at the Harry S. Truman ish psalti who immigrated to Kansas City Presidential Library and Museum in Inde- from Greece commented, “When I came pendence, Mo., on Oct. 22. Archbishop here, I didn’t know anything. I had to Demetrios, along with Metropolitan Isaiah, learn the language and the customs. The and more than 175 Annunciation parishio- community was like a family to me and ners honored President Truman for his sup- they provided the support that I needed port of Greece during the difficult period of to become a true American and to adopt the late 1940s, and his special relationship myself to this new way of life. with Archbishop Athenagoras. “The good thing about now is that we Archbishop Demetrios reflected on have different people with different back- Truman’s dedication to Greece, its culture, grounds. Many of the people that attend Archbishop Demetrios speaks at the Tribute to President Truman at the Truman Library. its continuation as a democratic society and our church today have chosen to become his leadership within the Greek community Orthodox versus the ones who immigrated and the United States. from Greece that didn’t choose, instead, The Archbishop spoke about the they were born into that,” Mr. Vrentas said. friendship between President Truman and “The celebration of our 100th anniver- Archbishop Athenagoras (subsequently sary was truly a momentous event that will Patriarch Athenagoras) and illustrated the continue to have a positive pastoral and impact their close personal relationship communal impact for many years to come,” had on shaping world policy. Also at the Fr. Katinas said. library event, he laid a memorial wreath at “For me, the liturgical services were the gravesite of President and Mrs. Truman. the highlight of the weekend’s celebra- “Our event at the Truman Presidential tions. Having Archbishop Demetrios and Museum and Library was informative and Metropolitan Isaiah leading us in praising inspirational in that – largely through the and thanking God for His greatness and outstanding lecture given by Archbishop abundant blessings was truly a foretaste of Demetrios – it celebrated the unique his- His Kingdom.” toric and friendly relationship between President Truman and our parish as well Reflections as Patriarch Athenagoras and Greece,” said Through coming together on this Fr. James Katinas, Annunciation’s pastor. historical evening, the Annunciation parish- At the Divine Liturgy celebrating the parish’s centennial, the Archbishop and Metropolitan are as- The evening concluded with a pre- ioners reflected on the sacramental life of sisted by past and present clergy. sentation of two gifts from Archbishop the Annunciation parish in Kansas City. In Demetrios to the director of the Harry S. celebrating births, baptisms, chrismations, Truman Presidential Library and Museum, marriages, liturgical services, and ordina- Dr. Michael Devine. They were a letter tions over the last 100 years, the parish not from President Truman to Archbishop only reflected on the past, but also looked Athenagoras in April 1945 and a Western forward to the future of their church and Union telegram from the Archbishop to the the endless possibilities God has provided. president congratulating him on winning The future of the parish is in the hands the 1948 election. of the growing youth population in the On Oct. 23, a Divine Liturgy took place church. As a community, the Annunciation at the church. Archbishop Demetrios, Met- parish has provided their youth with an ropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Annunciation’s environment within the Orthodox Church pastor Fr. James Katinas, Archimandrite for them to develop and expand their un- Neophytos Kongai of Kenya, Fr. Charles derstanding of our faith. Sarelis, and Fr. Mark Curtright all partici- From the friendships they have formed pated in the church’s centennial. through Greek dancing and GOYA, to the Members of the GOYA chapter with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah. The banquet later that day included endless learning opportunities they have a video slide presentation by Nicholas experienced through Catechism school, Katinas, son of Fr. Katinas, and a speech Ionian Village, and the OCF at the University commentary written by this writer and of Kansas, they represent great promise for narrated by master of ceremonies Kiki Vale. the future of the Annunciation parish. The slide show was created in memory of As the Annunciation parish came to- the first Greek immigrants to Kansas City gether for this historical weekend to look in 1903. After the presentation, both Arch- back at five generations since those first bishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah young Greek men came to Kansas City to addressed the audience. fulfill the American dream, pride filled their “On behalf of our Metropolitans from hearts with their families and where they all over the country, I congratulate this came from as well as where they are today. parish,” said Archbishop Demetrios. “This As community members celebrate the community was created in 1910 and within past 100 years, they now stand ready with the 100 years so much has happened in the the grace of God–who is the same yesterday world that has made it what it is today.” today and forever–to strengthen us and Metropolitan Isaiah said it left him guide us every step of the way. speechless and reminded him of his parents and their difficult journeys from Greece to Marina N. Maib is special correspon- America. The Metropolitan stated, “I am dent for the Observer in the Kansas City filled with a little bit of emotion at this mo- area. Marina is in her senior year at the Uni- ment because I reflect back to my parents versity of Kansas where she is a journalism who came to this country as immigrants major. She is the daughter of Archdiocesan around the First World War. Council member Keith and Elaine Maib, “As a first–generation American–born, I who served as co–chairs of the Centennial do feel the beauty of the power of the Holy celebration weekend. Marina was a coun- Archbishop Demetrios and Centennial Chairman Keith Maib display the letter from Truman to Spirit who guarantees that our holy faith will selor at Ionian Village last summer and is a Archbishop Athenagoras dated April 1945 and a Western Union telegram from the Archbishop to continue until the second glorious coming member of OCF at the university. the president congratulating him on winning the 1948 election. 36 DECEMBER 2010 Centennials OCF 2011 OCF Real Break OCF Real Break is a popular alterna- Church Marks tive to the traditional spring break. Each th spring, over 100 students attend various trips in the United States and countries 100 Year around the world. Log onto www.ocf.net/ realbreak for a list of 2011 trip descrip- tions, which include: New York: Emmaus in North Texas House, Project Mexico, Constantinople, FORT WORTH, Texas – St. Deme- Romania, Guatemala 1, Guatemala 2, trios Church celebrated its centennial Buenos Aires and Toronto, Canada. the weekend of November 5-7. Highlights included Greek Comedy 2010 College Conference Night featuring the comedy of Basile’s, St. Demetrios parishioners andf friends, and Metropolitan Isaiah on the solea. FISHERS, Ind. – Orthodox Christian “Growing Up Greek in America” that Fellowship will hold its 2010 College kicked off the weekend events. Conference at several locations and is A “Cowtown BBQ - A Walk Down accepting registrations at www.ocf.net/ Memory Lane” event took place Nov. programs. 6 with Greek and American music and This year’s conference focuses on the friends getting together to talk about theme of “Behold, I make all things new,” loved ones and memories of many (Rev. 21:5) and will take place in four great days past, which were recorded locations; Chicago, Salem, S.C., Bolivar, in a 178-page “Memory Album” and a Pa., and Dunlap, Calif. display of old and new photographs Hundreds of college students from around the community center throughout North America gather each On Nov. 7, a Hierarchical Divine year at the college conference to learn and Liturgy and memorial service followed grow in Orthodox Christian faith. by a formal dinner concluded the week- The event displays pan-Orthodox end commemoration. coordination and unity. Metropolitan Isaiah officiated, Students participate in workshops along with Fr. Michael Stearns, pas- with clergy and lay leaders which address tor, Deacon Paul, and newly ordained topics relevant to college-aged students. Deacon John (Haydn Haby) A limited number of scholarships are Guests included the first Orthodox available and offered on a first come-first priest ordained at St. Demetrios in served basis. 1948, Fr. Photios Pentikes of Seattle, For more information and to register along with Fr. and Presbytera Grim- online visit: www.ocf.net. maka, former members of St. Demetrios Connie Laverty, fi rst to be baptized, and Dr. Patras, fi rst woman parish council president. from Maine, Pennsylvania, Massachu- the first to be baptized at St. Demetrios, read declaring Nov. 7 as Greek Ortho- setts, Houston, Waco, Dallas, and Eu- Connie Laverty and Mary Dieb, and dox Day in Fort Worth, Texas Conference sites less, Texas and friends from California the first woman to be elected parish Our prayers are that our dear St. College Conference Mid-West and Athens, Greece. council president in early seventies, Demetrios continues to grow and bring New Gracanica Monastery- Third Also among the 200 people in at- Dr. Dorothy Patras. enlightenment of the Orthodox faith Lake, Ill.; Dec. 29 – Jan. 1, 2011; Keynote tendance were two members who were A proclamation from the city was to our great city. speaker: Metropolitan Jonah. College Conference South Diakonia Center - Salem, S.C., Dec. 28 – Jan. 1, 2011; Keynote speaker: Fr. John Parker. College Conference East Antiochian Village - Bolivar, Pa., Dec. 28-31; Keynote speaker: Dr. Gayle Woloschak. College Conference West St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap, Calif.; Dec. 27-30; Keynote speaker to be an- nounced. For more information, contact: Pres- bytera Shyla Hadzellis, development di- rector, OCF; [email protected]; www.ocf.net

OCF Opening at U. of Oregon EUGENE, Oregon – St. George Church in Eugene recently opened St. Nectarios House to serve the needs of the Orthodox Metropolitan Isaiah , Rev. Stearns, Deacon Paul and Deacon John and altar boys at the Divine Liturgy. ministry at the University of Oregon. Fr. Jerry Markopoulos and the parish Rev. Photios Pentikes, the only ordained priest council had identified a need for an ex- from St. Demetrios (1948) panded ministry there. Eugene is home to more than 40,000 college students. The parish made an effort to connect GET RESULTS with both Orthodox students and students interested in finding out more about the Orthodox faith. ADVERTISE The parish rented a house within four blocks of the university as a location for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) observer to meet and where students to gather in fellowship. @ Five young women reside in the house, along with the house director. The director, Ann Campbell, is a St. goarch.org Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary graduate and has experience with residential life. Among the programs offered are a Tel.: (212) 570-3555 monthly community service project, a regular patristics reading group, readers’ services, and social events such as movie Fax: (212) 774-0239 nights. DECEMBER 2010 37 HC/HC NEWS President Briefly Noted Philoptochos gift The National Philoptochos Society Re ects on has donated $23,000 to HC-HC for the purchase of a walk–in freezer urgently needed in the school’s kitchen. 10-Year Ministry This is in addition to $60,000 given by the Society this year that was used to  from page 6 carpet all the rooms in the Polemanakos Dormitory. and generously as they have in the past. The Society has given $716,000 to We are most grateful that the 2010 Clergy- HC-HC since 2003 for capital improve- Laity Congress, the Archdiocesan alloca- ments, in addition to over one million tion to our School has been increased. dollars for scholarships. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment and National Philoptochos Language program have been enormously generous in their Dr. Stamatia Dova, associate pro- financial support each year to our School fessor of Classics and Modern Greek and students. They have set historic bench- Studies and director of the Kallinikeion marks of financial aid. Institute at Hellenic College, has an- nounced that the Kallinikeion Founda- O.O: – What are the most difficult D. PANAGOS Seniors of Holy Cross School of Theology with Archbishop Demetrios, and Fr. Trianta lou. tion will fund the Institute, once again, problems you face on a daily basis? th Fr. T: I prefer to consider issues as in summer 2011, its 10 year. opportunities and challenges, rather staff. Particular enumeration of these a general article such as this prohibits This is an intensive, full-immersion than problems. St. Paul says, “I can do challenges and opportunities cannot be us from discussing responsibly other modern Greek language program for all things through Christ who strength- developed in a general article. renewed and new programs. Another Hellenic College and Holy Cross full- ens me.” Philippians 4:13 Our Lord O.O: – Has the number of faculty writing and article on our School could time students. There have been 222 told us “In the world, you will have af- members remained constant, or have feature programs in general. graduates since the program’s inception. fliction, but be of good courage, I have they increased over the past 10 years. O.O: – What changes, if any, do conquered the world.” St. John 16:33. Fr. T: Basically, the number of fac- you feel you need to make in the Students accepted With this assurance of our Lord Jesus and ulty members has remained steady. We school’s operation? In the curricu- College Year in Athens has accepted with the example of St. Paul, the chal- have increased slightly in the number of lum? In other areas? Hellenic College senior Christopher Zaf- lenges we face are patiently addressed: full-time faculty as well as the number of Fr. T: I would prefer these issues to eres of California and junior Christian meeting the needs of our wonderful adjunct faculty. remain part of our in-house discussions Siskos of New York for its study abroad single students and marvelous married O.O: –Which programs have been at this time. I encourage our faithful program that is focused on the history couples as they attempt to respond to most successful? across the Archdiocese to support our and civilization of Greece and the East the callings God has granted them is our Fr. T: We are thankful to God for the Archdiocesan Ministries, Metropolises, Mediterranean. blessed privilege. Our opportunities are grace He has bestowed upon our historic National Philoptochos, Leadership 100, Its mission is to offer each student an abundant as we receive the support, the programs in the disciplines of Theology, Faith Endowment, Archons of the Ecu- academically rigorous program of studies encouragement and the counsel of our while we are grateful for our renewed menical Patriarchate, St. Basil’s Academy combined with the vibrant experience of many supporters who share the minis- programs in Pastoral Theology, Patris- and our beloved Hellenic College and day to day contact with the people, monu- tries of our School. We have opportuni- tics, Field Education, Management and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of ments and landscape of Greece. ties to offer our stewardship to each Leadership, Social Ministry and Office of Theology. and every student, faculty member and Vocation Ministry. Again, the confines of O.O: – Thank you Father. Scholarship recipients Ten freshman students entering Hellenic College this year were awarded Chrysostom Scholarships. Any winner on the parish level of the St. John Chryso- CrossRoad 2010 Applications Available for Summer 2011 stom Oratorical Contest (sponsored by BROOKLINE, Mass. –The CrossRoad overlooking Boston, and Boston itself. This road of the cross involves following Christ the Archdiocese Department of Religious Summer Institute at Hellenic College pro- summer, students visited historic Faneuil and encountering Him in their neighbor. Education) is eligible for the scholarship vides a refreshing opportunity for Orthodox Hall, experienced the New England shore, The CrossRoad summer institute is provided they meet entrance require- youth to focus on being in the world but not and saw Boston via a “Duck Tour.” now accepting applications for summer ments and maintain a 3.0 GPA. of the world with its materialism, consumer- Participants placed the most value on 2011. CrossRoad leaders look forward to The award is for 100 percent of tuition ism and self-focus. the unique elements of the program: daily providing high school students with an the first year and 80 percent the following CrossRoad’s goal is to help students classes with theological faculty, Vespers at excellent opportunity for vocational explo- three years. discern how their faith in Christ can inform seven area Orthodox parishes, and par- ration, which will benefit participants both This year’s recipients, from eight their life calling to match their God-given ticipating in service activities during the last now and in the years to come. Applicants states, are: Alexis Campbell, Irene Drack- gifts with the needs of the world. Due to stage of the program. must be in their junior or senior year of high ley, Anna Efthimiadis, Sophia Hailer, Erin overwhelming interest since 2004, Cross- Described by many as a “life-changing school. Applications can be downloaded Hunt, Melissa Likiadopoulos, Emmanuel Road has expanded to two sessions and just experience,” CrossRoad provides a strong from the CrossRoad website at www.cross- Maginas, Sebastian Mot, Theodosios Palis celebrated its seventh year. foundation for the future leaders of the road.hchc.edu. CrossRoad is funded by a and Jessica Tindle. The CrossRoad summer institute, di- Church. Through its three stages, Wrestling grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the rected by Mary Long with Daniel Belonick as with Vocation, Vocation and Christ, and Vo- Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endow- BTI conference assistant director, combines faculty instruc- cation and the Neighbor, CrossRoad fulfills ment Fund, and through the philanthropy Holy Cross, a member of the Boston tion, a staff of seminary students, a campus its mission by helping the youth see that the of several donors. Theological Institute, hosted a part of the BTI’s mission conference, Boston2010, th the fourth international mission confer- 25 Annual Missions Lecture Held at HC/HC ence held this year, the others being held in Tokyo, Edinburgh and Cape Town. by John Papson Christian Missions One Center After Ed- mented Fr. Luke Veronis, the Missions In- Close to 200 participants visited Holy inburgh 1910.” stitute director. “Not only did we expose Cross for Vespers in Holy Cross Chapel BROOKLINE. Mass. – The new Mis- This year’s annual lecture was held in our HC/HC students to a serious thinker and the 25th annual missions lecture sions Institute of Orthodox Christianity conjunction with the Boston Theological like Dr. Papathanasiou, but we also in- sponsored by the Endowment for Ortho- at HC-HC hosted the 25th annual En- Institute’s (BTI) 2010 Conference, “The troduced many non-Orthodox mission dox Missions. dowment Fund for Orthodox Missions Changing Contours of World Mission and leaders and thinkers to Holy Cross and (EFOM) Lecture on Nov. 5, featuring a Christianity.” the reality that our Church is intimately Scholarship established noted missiologist, Dr. Athanasios Pa- This four-day conference took place involved in the worldwide missionary The Alfred G. Vonetes “Theosis pathanasiou. at a different BTI school campus each day. endeavor.” Scholarship Fund” has been established Dr. Papathanasiou, editor-in-chief of The others were Harvard, Boston College Among those attending were Dr. R. at Holy Cross in memory of Mr. Vonetes, the theological journal Synaxis, author of and Boston University. Peterson, BTI executive director; the Rev. who devoted many years of his life serv- “Essays on Church Mission in an Age of Nearly 200 people attended the lec- Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis, the Archbishop ing the Church on a local, regional and Globalization,” and a participant of short ture at HC-HC. Iakovos Professor of Orthodox Theology; national level. term mission trips to Kenya, Tanzania, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald, dean of The fund was established by Michele Nigeria and South Korea, spoke on the our 25th annual lecture to coincide with Holy Cross; Helen Nicozisis and Fr. Alex- Bongiovanni, Mr. Vonetes’ granddaughter, topic “Journey to the Center of Gravity: the BTI’s international conference,” com- ander Veronis, EFOM founders. and other family members. 38 DECEMBER 2010 OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL SERVICES REAL ESTATE MUSICIANS GEORGE KENT•GREEK•AMERICAN•INTERNATIONAL Handling all your legal affairs in Greece FOR RENT ORCHESTRA & ENTERTAINMENT Florida, Clearwater, luxury condo NAPLES, FLORIDA ATTENTION! EXCELLENT NEWS - SOMETHING NEW! Managing your property, wills and estates, transfers, with waterfront view, furnished FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PLEASE EVERYONE OF ALL AGE GROUPS sales and purchases, and any other legal issues 2 bedroom, 2 bath, with balcony. Be an informed FOR YOUR SOCIAL AFFAIR! A BEAUTIFUL SOLUTION AND MONEY SAVER! IN ADDITION TO OUR GREEK MUSIC, WHICH COVERS ALL Heated pool and covered parking. Buyer • Seller !!! THE REGIONS AND COLONIES OF GREECE WITH GREEK KLARINO, Nikitiades & Associates Near shopping. 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Book & Autobiography Writing in Both Languages Photography & Video Legal Translations • Fast service • Reasonable prices Dimitrios To Purchase Photos from all events visit (646) 460-0470 • (917) 210-3487 • e-mail: [email protected] www.panagos.com BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS You can find us on Facebook “ Rejoice” CALL NOW (516) 931-2333 Ÿ e Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christian Picture Books GUIDELINES Iconographic Illustrations and Scriptures FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHS Tell the Story of Jesus 1) Conventional photographs: Author: MARIA ATHANASIOU We accept Color or Black & White photos, printed www.mariabooks.com on photographic paper. Photographs should be sharp www.artplusinspiration.com and clear. Pictures printed on color printers, either Ink- Advertisement Disclaimer jet or Laser and photocopies or clippings of previously published photos are NOT accepted. IF YOU ARE MOVING ORTHODOX OBSERVER does not endorse, support, sanction, or 2) Digital photographs: We accept digital pictures if they conform to the verify the information or material printed as advertisement unless following specifications: Mail this coupon to the Orthodox Observer otherwise specifically indicated. ORTHODOX OBSERVER has no • Minimum resolution 1600 pixels wide x 1200 pixels high (approx. 2 mega pixels, digital cameras 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 affiliation with any of the organizations/companies/advertisers, should be set to high resolution, high quality. If you scan AND a standard photograph -usually 4x6”- use a minimum of listed in, described on or printed, and it makes no representations 300 dpi. We discourage scanning your own photos, send Ask your parish to forward your name and new address to the or warranties whatsoever with regard to those organizations or any the actual photo.) Observer in order for you to con tin ue receiving the newspaper • File format JPEG or TIFF (JPEGs are smaller files other organization, entity or person. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER and easier to e-mail, TIFFs are better quality) IF • Color mode RGB, color depth minimum 8-bit. you move but your new home is located in the district reserves the right to edit, categorize, revise, or refuse any display or • Image files placed within any word-processing file of the same parish, then list your new address below: classified advertisement. In addition, the ORTHODOX OBSERVER or any other application are not accepted. • Digital pictures can be submitted by e-mail, DVD/ NAME ______has the right to terminate any ad at any time for any reason. Parties CD-ROM, (Disks can not be returned). • E-mail to: [email protected] • lefteris@goarch. posting ads are responsible for the accuracy and content of their org. In the subject line write only the word “photos” ADDRESS ______VERY IMPORTANT: Attach the image files and do not ads. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER will not be liable for any damages include them in the body of the e-mail or they will not be usable. CITY______STATE ______ZIP______arising out of errors or omissions. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER will 3) Please include information about the photo(s); place, time and event as well as the names of all persons PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR OLD LABEL not be held liable for any damages of any kind relating to any ad. shown, left to right. DECEMBER 2010 39

The True Spirit of Christmas “Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Christ ning of the period in which retailers go certain things. However, do not buy-in to In this Christmas season, we must comes from heaven; meet Him. Christ is from being in the red (i.e., posting a loss the hype. Buying the latest technology or remember that it is truly the season of on earth; exalt Him. O you earth, sing to on the books) to being in the black (i.e., clothing or shoes will not make you the giving. We will naturally give to our fam- the Lord. O you nations, Praise Him in joy turning a profit). coolest. It might make you pretty popu- ily and friend. But make a special effort for He has been glorified.” It is unfathomable the things peo- lar, for a little while. But only the fruit of to give to those in need (donate clothing, (Katavasia of the Nativity) ple will do to get the best deal on the X the Spirit (like peace, love, kindness, and volunteer your time, make a donation to “Black Friday” … Sounds menacing, Box 360 or the latest product by Apple. gentleness) will bring you true joy and a philanthropic organization). right? But this is the name attributed to But how many people do you know who deep friendships, rather than temporary the day after Thanksgiving, which is con- wait for hours in anticipation of hearing happiness and superficial relationships. COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST sidered to be the biggest shopping day of the Holy Gospel? Do you spend days or The blessed Nativity of our Lord and the year. People prepare weeks in advance even weeks preparing for a major feast GIVE TO TRULY LIVE Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest gift we for Black Friday every year. Many people day or to receive the Holy Sacrament or In Matthew 16:24-27, we read the fol- could ever receive. God made a commit- wait hours outside in anticipation of Black the Eucharist? lowing: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ment to us … offering His Only-Begotten Friday. In fact, some people have even lost It seems as if we have become swept ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let Son so that we might inherit eternal life. their lives trying to take advantage of what away in the lights and glamour of “Christ- him deny himself, and take up his cross, We can return that gift by offering of our- is available on Black Friday. mas” the retail phenomenon and the Na- and follow Me. For whoever desires to selves to Christ. Christmas is a beautiful The term Black Friday may have tivity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. save his life will lose it, but whoever loses time to evaluate your personal commit- originated in Philadelphia, where it was But how can we turn the focus away from his life for My sake will find it. For what ment to prayer life, sacramental life, and used to describe the heavy and disruptive Black Friday ads and back to the Advent profit is it to a man if he gains the whole participation in the liturgical life of your pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would Season and the Nativity of Jesus Christ and world, and loses his own soul? Or what church. occur on the day after Thanksgiving (see the true spirit of Christmas? will a man give in exchange for his soul? Also, talk to your parish priest about origin of the name Black Friday below). For the Son of Man will come in the glory starting a teen Bible study to deepen your More recently, merchants and the media REJECT MATERIALISM of His Father with His angels, and then He knowledge and understanding about the have used it instead to refer to the begin- There is nothing wrong with buying will reward each according to his works.’” Holy Scriptures. Merry Christmas All Over the World ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER - DECEMBER 6 There are Christians all over the world. So naturally, many countries have different traditions and customs. Have you ever wondered how people greet each “O father and Bishop Nicholas, the other at Christmas in France, Russia, or even Japan? Here are a few translations holiness of your life has set you before for the common greeting “Merry Christmas.” Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ your flock as a rule of faith, an example of Holiday_greetings for more Christmas greetings in other languages. meekness, and a teacher of temperance. Arabic: Milad Majid Therefore, you acquired greatness through Chinese (Cantonese): Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun humility and spiritual wealth through pov- Chinese (Mandarin): Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan erty. Pray to Christ God that He may save French: Joyeux Noel our souls.” Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus. Bliadhna mhath ùr! (Apolytikion of St. Nicholas) German: Froehliche Weihnachten From his youth, St. Nicholas was an ex- Greek: Kala Christouyenna! ample of piety, virtue, and service to Christ’s Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka Church and the faithful. St. Nicholas made a Hebrew: Mo’adim Lesimkha. Chena tova. commitment to the Church very early in his Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie life, studying theology and being ordained Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto by his uncle, Archbishop Nicholas. He was Spanish: Feliz Navidad later elected bishop of Myra. Romania: Cracuin Fericit St. Nicholas is known as the “Wonder- Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom worker” because of his countless acts of giving, as well as many miracles attributed to him. He never wanted recognition or attention for his good deeds. For example, he secretly left gold enough for the marriage 2010 Annual OCF College Conference portions of three maidens whose fathers DISCUSS 21:5) and is being held in four loca- were plagued by debt. Even when he was 1) How can the life of St. Nicholas tions, Chicago-area, Salem, S.C., Boli- discovered, St. Nicholas made the man inspire us and guide us on the path to var, Pa., and Dunlap, Calif.. promise never to reveal his good deeds. salvation? “Hundreds of college students And this simply scratches the surface of 2) What makes it difficult for us to be from throughout North America gather his generosity. He gave all his inheritance to humble? each year at College Conference in or- those in need… the poor, the ill, the aban- 3) Do we expect something in return der to learn and grow with one another doned, and those who have been treated when we give something? Why or why not? in their Orthodox Christian faith. unfairly. For this and many other reasons, 4) How does it make you feel when With student organizers and par- St. Nicholas is one of the most beloved and you are given something? ticipants coming from all jurisdictions, honored saints in the Orthodox Christian 5) How does it make you feel to give the event is an exemplary display of tradition. to someone in need? pan-Orthodox coordination and unity. During the conference students participate in workshops facilitated by Why We Look Forward to Christmas clergy and lay leaders which address The decorations, the music…it is with beautiful decorations and with hymns topics relevant to college–age students. impossible not to get excited about Christ- of joy and celebration marking the coming As well, shared witness and Chris- mas. It is one of those special times when of our Lord and Savior. tian fellowship are woven into the time families and friend gather in a spirit of Most of all, Christmas is a time of The 2010 College Conference is together making the event a truly edi- love and joy. We have to admit… It is fun peace and joy… We take this special time just around the corner. This year’s fying and transformative experience.” getting gifts. But it is even more fun to see of year to truly give thanks to God for send- conference focuses on the theme of For more information and to register the smile on people’s faces when you get ing us the most precious and awesome “Behold, I make all things new,” (Rev. online, please visit: www.ocf.net. THEM something! Our churches are filled gift of His Son. 40 DECEMBER 2010

May the joy and peace of the Infant Christ Child dwell in your hearts now and evermore!

 

Constantine G. Caras, Chairman Charles H. Cotros, Vice Chairman George S. Tsandikos, Treasurer Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary Paulette Poulos, Acting Executive Director

Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, Incorporated Advancing Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America