VOL. 64 – NO. 1158 APRIL 5, 1999 http://www.goarch.org/goa/observer E-mail: [email protected] Archbishop Leads His Eminence, Other Delegation to White World Orthodox House for Proclamation WASHINGTON — Archbishop Spyri- Leaders, Speak Out don led a delegation of Greek-American leaders to the Oval Office for the annual proclamation signing on Greek Indepen- on Kosovo Crisis dence Day by President Bill Clinton. (full text of the Proclamation inside). NEW YORK – Archbishop This is the 14th consecutive year that this proclamation honoring Greek Indepen- Spyridon has taken several dence Day has been issued by the President of the United States. steps in response to the NATO Due to the Kosovo crisis, President air strikes against Yugoslavia Clinton was forced to clear his schedule except for two meetings, the meeting with and the situation in Kosovo. Archbishop Spyridon being one of them. In a private letter to President Clinton The Hellenic Republic was also repre- dated March 26, His Eminence asks the sented by Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris President to halt the bombing of Yugosla- Niotis, and Ambassador to the United States via. It was hand-delivered on March 28 by Alexander Philon. Archdiocesan Council President John During the meeting, Archbishop Spyri- Catsimatidis. don addressed the crisis in Kosovo. He told D. Panagos The Archbishop appealed for a cessa- the President: THE RESURRECTION, by the hand of iconographer George Philippakis, Holy Trinity, Hicksville, NY. tion of hostilities during the Holy Weeks of “In thanking you today, we are mindful can Congress National Chairman Andrew A. both Eastern and Western Christians, which of the conflict and strife that surrounds the Athens, who also serves as World Council of New Diocesan also coincides with Passover observances current situation in Kosovo. Many lives are Hellenes Abroad (SAE) president; and Andrew as well as Muslim religious observances. now at risk, and we pray that God, in His E. Manatos, president of the National Coor- In a separate letter on March 29 to providential loving care for all humankind, dinated Effort of Hellenes and creator of the Bishops Elected Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, de- will illumine the path of peace and righ- Greek Independence Day legislation. livered to the Yugoslav Mission to the United teousness, so that the force of arms may AHEPA (the American Hellenic Educa- Nations, the Archbishop urged him to use give way to the terms of a just and lasting CONSTANTINOPLE — The Holy and all of his powers to seek peace in the re- tional and Progressive Association) was rep- Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarch- peace. We offer our prayers for those who resented by its vice president, George gion. are in harm’s way: our own American ser- ate of Constantinople on March 13 elected In his letter to President Clinton, Arch- Dariotis, as well as the presidents of the three clergymen to fill the vacant Sees of vice men and women, the civilian popula- Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles, bishop Spyridon recalled that when “. . . the tion, and all those whose lives have been so the Archdiocese: the dioceses of New Jer- United States and the United Kingdom con- and the Maids of Athena. sey, Atlanta and Detroit. afflicted by the continuing conflict. Mr. Presi- The Archbishop was also accompanied ducted similar air strikes against Iraq . . . . dent, may God grant a speedy answer to all Bishop Alexios of Troas was elected the initiation of that action was planned so by the Archdiocese Executive Director of bishop of Atlanta, Bishop George of our prayers, and may he preserve you, our Print and Digital Media Fr. Philemon as not to begin after the commencement of nation, and our whole world in peace, tran- Komanon was elected bishop of New Jer- Ramadan, which is regarded as a holy month Sevastiades and Archdeacon Elias Villis. sey, and the Very Rev. Archimandrite Nicho- quillity and mutual respect.” Several high-level administration offi- by persons of the Islamic faith.” Greek-American leaders attending in- las Pissare was elected bishop of Detroit. The Archbishop further suggested that cials also participated, including: the At the time of their election, Bishop cluded: Archdiocesan Council President John President’s chief of staff, John Podesta; Of- “. . . the same consideration for the Chris- Catsimatidis, former Congressman and cur- Alexios had been serving in Atlanta as an tian people living in the territory now sub- rent President Emeritus of New York Univer- auxiliary bishop to His Eminence, Bishop ject to air attacks by NATO forces may pro- sity John Brademas; United Hellenic Ameri- See page 3 George was an auxiliary bishop to the Arch- vide an opportunity to re-initiate the nego- bishop and Fr. Pissare, was serving as pas- tiation process without loss of life. As you tor of Holy Cross Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. know, we are approaching the most holy Upon learning of the elections, Arch- season of the Christian year: that of the death bishop Spyridon immediately sent His All and burial of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Glorious Resurrection. The Serbian people, a telegram expressing his gratitude and the with hundreds of millions of other Ortho- gratitude of the Church in America for pro- dox Christians, this year celebrate the Res- viding the Archdiocese with these new urrection on April 11. eparchial bishops. “For the Roman Catholic minority Archbishop Spyridon’s among the Kosovo Albanians, Easter is cel- comments on the election ebrated the week before, on April 4, in com- “On behalf of all the faithful of our Holy mon with other Western Christians. Accord- Archdiocese, we praise and give thanks for ingly, I implore you to suspend the current the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love bombing campaign beginning on Thursday, of our Mother Church. I look forward with April 1, at least until after Monday, April 12. great joy to the ordination of Bishop-Elect This will allow for a respite of hostilities and Nicholas, and the enthronement of all the an opening for peace.” holy brothers who have been elected to the In his letter to President Milosevic, the Holy Eparchial Synod. May God grant to Archbishop wrote: “I have written to the each of them a fruitful ministry in His Holy President of the United States, suggesting Vineyard.” that the coming holy days commemorating The consecration of Bishop Nicholas the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord took place Saturday, April 3. Coverage will Jesus Christ are an auspicious time for a PRESIDENT CLINTON welcomed Archbishop Spyridon to the White House. White House photo They are shown with other Greek American leaders and White House staff memers. See NEW BISHOPS, page 2 See KOSOVO, page 9 PAGE 2 ORTHODOX OBSERVER APRIL 5, 1999 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS Ecumenical Patriarchate Elects New Diocesan Bishops from page 1 appear in the next issue of the Observer. The enthronements of Bishop Alexios and Bishop George will be forthcoming from the Archdiocese. Bishop Alexios of Atlanta Bishop Alexios has been serving as Archepiscopal Vicar of the Atlanta Diocese since Jan. 1, 1997. He will be enthroned on May 22at the Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta. He was born Anthimos Panagiotopoulos Dec. 25, 1943, in Patras, Greece, to Spyridon and Angeliki Panagiotopoulos. He is the old- est of five brothers and two sisters. He was tonsured a monk at Vatopedion Monastery in 1963 and graduated from the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy in 1964. In November 1965, he was ordained to the diaconate and served as archdeacon of the Metropolis of Patras until he entered HIS GRACE BISHOP ALEXIOS OF ATLANTAHIS GRACE BISHOP GEORGE OF NEW JERSEY HIS GRACE BISHOP NICHOLAOS OF DETROIT the National Kapodistrian University School Panteleimon and St. Spyridon. of Theology degree in 1975. A historian and working as an assistant to Bishop Philip of of Theology in Athens. While in Athens, he He was ordained to the priesthood on a scholar, he has written several books: Daphnousa (of blessed memory), who was served as deacon at the churches of St. Aug. 27, 1972 and assigned to St. Sophia “From Mars Hill to Manhattan: The History then the Diocese locum tenens. Later, he Church in Patras, while living as a brother of of the Archdiocese of North and South served Bishop Anthimos. Inside the Gerokomion Monastery of the Virgin Mary. America;” “The Odyssey of Hellenism in In 1990, he formally began his service Following his graduation from the Uni- America,” and “The Diamond Jubilee of the in the Pittsburgh Diocese as administrative versity of Athens School of Theology in 1973, Greek Archdiocese of America, 1922-1997.” assistant to Bishop Maximos. Archdiocese News - 2-4 he enrolled in the Boston University School of Bishop George will be enthroned on Nicholas was ordained as deacon July Challenge – 25 Theology and received his Doctor of Ministry Saturday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dioc- 6, 1991, by Bishop Maximos at Annuncia- degree in 1977. While at BU, he served as esan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, tion Church in McKeesport, Pa. Diocese News - 26 pastor of Dormition Church in Burlington, Vt. in Tenafly, N.J. He was then ordained to the priesthood Ecum. Patriarchate - 5 He returned to Patras upon completion Bishop Nicholaos of Detroit a week later by Bishop Maximos and co-cel- of his studies and served as Abbott of the ebrant Bishop Philip at Assumption Cathe- Greek section – 13-17 Gerokomion Monastery. The Archbishop informed the Bishop- dral in Denver on July 13. He was elevated HC/HC Report - 18 A year later, he was summoned back elect Nicholas personally, as they were to- to the rank of Archimandrite on the same day, to the United States to serve as dean of Sts. gether at St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, based on his years of Church service. Missions – 24 Constantine and Helen Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., attending the Biennial Metropolitan He served as Pittsburgh Diocese chan- Opinions - 8 N.Y., then was transferred to the Hellenic Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) Conven- cellor (1991-1995), and then as Detroit Dio- Orthodox Community in 1979. tion. Bishop-elect Nicholas has been serving cese chancellor (1996-1997). Orthodoxy Worldwide - 21 The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Pa- as the spiritual advisor to the Philoptochos. In August 1997 he was assigned by Parish Profile – 12 triarchate elevated the Very Rev. Anthimos Bishop Nicholas of Detroit was conse- Archbishop Spyridon to Holy Cross parish, crated on the Saturday of Lazarus, April 3, in in Brooklyn. People & Events – 27 to the episcopacy as Bishop of Troas on April 7, 1987. He assumed the name Alexios upon Brooklyn, N.Y. His enthronment will be April Bishop Nicholas has also served the Religious Education – 6 his consecration by Archbishop Iakovos on 18, at Annunciation Cathedral in Detroit. Church as an Archdiocesan Council mem- Nicholas E. Pissare was born in Glen ber; Stewardship Commission member; St. Retired Clergy - 7 May 17, 1987. He was enthroned a month later at St. Falls, N.Y. in 1953, to Emmanuel and Caliope Michael’s Home for the Aged board mem- Seminarian Profile – 18 Demetrios Cathedral as the first Choro- Pissare. After graduating from Glen Falls High ber; as a member of the Archdiocesan Dis- School, he attended Colgate University un- trict Spiritual Court, and as spiritual advisor Voice of Philoptochos – 11 episcopos for the Hellenic Community of Astoria. der the prestigious Colgate War Memorial to the Metropolitan Philoptochos. Women & Orthodoxy – 19 He was assigned the parishes in Scholarship, and graduated cum laude with During his ministry in Brooklyn, Bishop Queens, Long Island, southern Connecticut a bachelor of arts in 1975 with a major in Nicholas initiated innovative programs such and Upstate New York on Jan. 1, 1989, and French literature and classical studies. as Fair Share Stewardship, Inquiry Class for also was named director of the Hellenic Nicholas Pissare then enrolled Holy parishioners and engaged couples; started Cultural Center in Astoria. Cross School of Theology and graduated in a Brownies Girl Scout Troop; started the 1978 with a Masters of Divinity. He was the children’s Liturgical Choir of the Dimitrios USPS 412340 ISSN 0731-2547 Bishop George of New Jersey Published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese valedictorian. He also did post-graduate and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School; and of America. Semi-monthly in March, April, May, Bishop George is the first bishop of the work at the University of Athens. rebuilt the school’s library. June, October and November, and monthly in Church in America to come from the ranks He worked in public health for 10 years Bishop Nicholas’ family also includes January, February, July, August, September of married priests. His wife, Maria, died in in Denver, where he was active in the life of his siblings, brother Michael and Linda; and December. 1993. Assumption Cathedral. brother Pantelis and Gail, and sister Niki and MANAGING EDITOR: Consecrated on June 13, 1998, Bishop In 1983 he joined the Denver Diocese, Richard. Stavros H. Papagermanos George served as auxiliary bishop to Arch- EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) bishop Spyridon until November, when he PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: was appointed director of the Archdiocese Zoe Gnesoulis Office of Public Affairs in Washington. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: He was about to begin his new duties Irene Kyritsis and open an office near Capital Hill when CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Nicholas Manginas he was elected to fill the vacant Diocesan Eleni Daniels See of New Jersey. Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 Bishop George was born in Prodromos, and at additional mailing offices. Editorial and Thebes, Greece. He is a graduate of the Business Office: 8 East 79th Street, New York, Theological School of Halki. His assignments NY 10021. Phone (212) 570-3555, 774-0235. FAX (212) 774-0239. The Orthodox Observer is have included the Church of the Virgin Mary produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be in Constantinople; St. Demetrios Church in found on the Internet, at http://www.goarch.org/ goa/observer. E-mail: [email protected] Hamilton. Ontario, Canada; St. George Ca- Articles do not necessarily reflect the views thedral in Manchester, New Hampshire and and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdio- St. George Cathedral in Bethesda, Md. cese of America which are expressed in offi- cial statements so labeled. In the three parishes he served, Bishop Subscription rates are $5.50 per year. Canada George helped build churches and cultural $25.00. Overseas Air Mail, $55.00 per year. centers. In the last 27 years he served St. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek George community of Bethesda, Md., Orthodox Church in America are paid through known by people throughout not only for their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $3.00 is forwarded to the Orthodox growth in members and programs but for Observer. its Philanthropic endeavors, especially for IN CONNECTICUT POSTMASTER: Send address changes to its cooperative programs with the National His Eminence cuts the ribbon during a thyranixia ceremony for the new outer narthex at ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79th Street, Institute of Health. Annunciation Church in Stamford, Conn., on March 24. Assisting him is Fr. Constantine New York, NY 10021 Bishop George was awarded a Doctor Mathews, pastor, and other clergy. The church itself was built in 1987. APRIL 5, 1999 ORTHODOX OBSERVER PAGE 3 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS Archbishop Leads Delegation to White House

from page 1 fice of Management and Budget Deputy Director Sylvia Mathews; from the Na- tional Security Council: Deputy Assis- tant to the President for National Secu- rity Affairs James Steinberg, Senior Di- rector of European Affairs Tony Blinken, and Director for European Affairs Miriam Sapiro; From the Office of Public Liaison: Director Mary Beth Cahill, Richard Socarides and Christine Stanek. Following the official visit to the White House, the Archbishop went to the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathe- dral to officiate at the Doxology for Greek Independence Day. Later in the day, he attended a for- mal reception hosted by His Excellency, D. Panagos Ambassador Alexander Philon on the AT U.S. SENATE: occasion of Greek Independence Day WITH ARCHBISHOP Spyridon at the U.S. Capitol His Eminence, flanked by Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) (left) and Minority Leader are (from left) United Hellenic American at the Westin Fairfax Hotel. Tom Daschle (D-SD), and (from far left) Alexandros Philon; Ambassador of Greece to the Congress National Chairman Andrew A. In the afternoon, the Archbishop U.S., Grigoris Niotis; Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, and Andrew Athens, Andrew Athens, who also serves as World Council of visited the Senate and met with Major- Manatos and John Catsimatidis. ity Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and Minor- Hellenes Abroad (SAE) president, Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman John Catsimatidis and ity Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) to thank Andrew E. Manatos, president of the National them for the legislation that made the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes and creator of proclamation possible. the Greek Independence Day legislation. The Archbishop’s Response to President Clinton’s Proclamation

Thank you, Mr. President. American Revolution. These are the values which still inspire the Greek Orthodox Faith- Today, by your Presidential authoriza- ful of America to be proud citizens and fer- tion, the United States of America recognize, vent patriots of our beloved “land of the free” commemorate, and honor the heroic and “home of the brave.” These are the struggle for Independence by the People of values that this Proclamation, your Procla- THE WHITE HOUSE Greece. mation, honors today. I am reminded of what President John In thanking you today, we are mindful F. Kennedy once said, that as members of a of the conflict and strife that surrounds the GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: democratic society, “We seek not the world- current situation in Kosovo. Many lives are A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF wide victory of one nation or system but a now at risk, and we pray that God, in His GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 1999 worldwide victory of men.” providential loving care for all humankind, By the President of The United States of America That is to say, as people of a common will illumine the path of peace and righteous- A Proclamation heritage and vision, we seek the triumph of ness, so that the force of arms may give way those values and ideals that affirm and pro- to the terms of a just and lasting peace. We America has deep roots in Greece, and today we celebrate the friendship, mote the welfare of all humanity human offer our prayers for those who are in harm’s values, and aspirations our two countries have shared for more than 2 centuries. rights, religious liberty, self-determination, way: our own American service men and Greek thought and the passion for truth and justice deeply influenced many of and freedom from oppression and exploita- women, the civilian population, and all those our Nation’s earliest and greatest leaders. The documents our founders wrote to tion. These are the values which the Ortho- whose lives have been so afflicted by the establish our democracy and the political and legal institutions they created to dox Church has lived and proclaimed for two continuing conflict. Mr. President, may God preserve our independence and protect our rights reveal that influence. millennia, because we believe that all hu- grant a speedy answer to all our prayers, Later, recognizing this profound debt to Greek thought and culture and in- manity is created in the image and likeness and may he preserve you, our nation, and spired by the struggle of modern Greece in the War of Greek Independence, many of God. These are the values which inspired our whole world in peace, tranquillity and Americans left home to join in that distant fight for freedom between 1821 and the heroes of the Greek War of Indepen- mutual respect. dence and before them, the heroes of the Thank you again. 1832. In this century, the relationship between the Greek and American peoples deepened as we fought together in two world wars. The U.S. desire to help pre- serve freedom in Greece after the devastation of World War II moved President Truman to stand firm against isolationism and for postwar engagement abroad. The U.S. Senate Resolution Our nations stood together in Korea and in the Gulf War, and we continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder today in our efforts to find a lasting solution in the Balkans Designating March 25, 1999, as ‘Greek Reed, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Reid, Mr. Warner, and to promote democracy around the world. Independence Day: A National Day of Cel- Mr. Robb, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Rockefeller, The bonds of family have further reinforced our ties of friendship and shared ebration of Greek and American Democ- Mr. Hatch, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Schumer, Mr. ideals. All across our Nation, Americans of Greek descent have brought their en- racy’. (Agreed to by the Senate) Torricelli, Mr. Helms, and Mr. Chafee) sub- ergy, grace, and determination to every field of endeavor, and they have added SRES 50 ATS - 106th CONGRESS mitted the following Resolution; which was immeasurably to the richness and diversity of our national life. The sons and daugh- 1st Session - S. RES. 50 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary ters of Greece have flourished in America, and with their help, America too has Designating March 25, 1999, as ‘Greek March 18, 1999 flourished. Independence Day: A National Day of Cel- RESOLUTION Today, as we celebrate the 178th anniversary of the onset of modern Greece’s ebration of Greek and American Democracy’. Designating March 25, 1999, as ‘Greek struggle for independence, let us celebrate as well the great partnership between Independence Day: A National Day of Cel- our nations and the precious heritage of freedom and democracy we share. In the Senate of the United States ebration of Greek and American Democracy’. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of February 25, 1999 Whereas the ancient Greeks developed America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Mr. Specter (for Himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. the concept of democracy, in which the su- the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 1999, as Greek Independence Abraham, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Cochran, Mr. preme power to govern was invested in the Breaux, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Dewine, Mr. Durbin, people; Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call Mr. Domenici, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Fitzgerald, Whereas the Founding Fathers of the upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Hollings, United States of America drew heavily upon and programs. Mr. Gregg, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Hagel, Mr. the political experience and philosophy of IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of Kennedy, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Kerrey, Mr. ancient Greece in forming our representa- March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Inde- Murkowski, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Roth, Mr. Kohl, tive democracy; pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. Mr. Sessions, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Shelby, Whereas the founders of the modern Mr. Levin, Mr. Smith of New Hampshire, Greek state modeled their government af- Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Smith of Oregon, Ms. ter that of the United States in an effort to Mikulski, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Moynihan, Mr. Stevens, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Thomas, Mr. See SENATE, page 20 PAGE 4 ORTHODOX OBSERVER APRIL 5, 1999 archDIOCESE NEWS NY State Retains Greek Regents Exam Holy Eparchial Synod Issues Encyclical NEW YORK —The Modern Greek lan- onstrated once again the commitment of the Editor’s Note: This encyclical was issued before the election of the new diocesan bishops guage Regents exam, which state Education state of New York to encourage and pro- and, therefore, does not include their names. Department officials decided to eliminate mote the linguistic diversity and cultural rich- last fall, has been retained, Archdiocese and ness of all its citizens. state education officials announced at a “I want to commend Dr. DeMauro and March 10, 1999 press conference March 24. his staff especially for the cooperative and To the Pious and Christ-loving Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America The state Education Department re- sensitive spirit in which our recent discus- In our journey to the Holy Pascha, we, the spiritual fathers of the Greek Orthodox versed its decision following intensive ef- sions have been conducted. Archdiocese of America, address this joint encyclical letter to all of you. We greet you in forts initiated by Archbishop Spyridon and “I want to thank them for their open- the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we send out this message to each and every pursued by a blue ribbon committee of ness in this matter, for their willingness to one of you in the spirit of Christian love, unity and the mutual forgiveness that this Holy clergy, educators, parochial school and par- relate to the community which they serve Season of Lent inspires in all of us. ish representatives who lobbied state offi- as an active partner in the work of the gov- The Holy Season and the spirit of Lent call all the members of our Holy Archdiocese to cials in Albany over a period of several ernment, and for involving this community reach out to one another in a renewed and reinvigorated spirit of love, unity and forgiveness. months to reinstate the examination. in a serious dialogue about the needs and Our message to all is plain and simple: as your spiritual fathers, we are united in our The decision means that students who concerns of our children and the future. commitment to fulfill the command of love that comes to us from our Lord Jesus Christ. study Modern Greek will continue to receive “When our children receive recognition We affirm our Christian love for one another and for the spiritual father of us all, His All state credit by taking the Regents test, Dr. and support for mastering the language they Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Gerald E. DeMauro, coordinator of assess- learn in their homes, in their schools and in As for the problems and the challenges that we may face as the church, we affirm that ment for the state Department of Education, their churches, I think it is plain to see that we shall do so together sealed into a unity of purpose that will work harmoniously with said at the press conference. everyone benefits. respect, dignity and above all, Christian love. “This cooperative effort has been most He continued, “… as the spokesman We paternally exhort all our faithful to respond in this spirit of mutual love, consid- productive and promises to provide an on- for the Greek American community of New ering the Most Holy Days that lie before us, so that we may all enter into the joy of the going avenue for children to continue study York, I want to applaud the achievement Resurrection with hearts set aglow by the love of God. and demonstrate their skills for credit, this which we announce today.” We urge all our faithful to be themselves faithful to their vocation in Christ, and year, and for years to come,” he said. Among those attending the news con- support the unity, mission and ministry of their local Parish, their Diocese, the Archdio- The test is developed by the Archdio- ference were Constantine Galitsis of cese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Whatever challenges we may face, we shall surely cese, which has set up a review board and Hicksville, N.Y., chairman of the Arch- only overcome them if we face them together. appointed independent experts to review the diocesan Greek Language Examination Re- May the love of God, manifest on the Most Precious Cross and the Empty Tomb, so examination. view Board; review board members Dr. inspire all of us, that we may enter into the Queen of Feasts, ‘forgiving even those that hate Archbishop Spyridon, who sent a letter Nicholas Kladopoulos, director of the Arch- us’ and chant our hymns of the victory of Life over death. to all the faithful of New York in early No- diocese Department of Greek Education; With paternal love in Christ and blessings for the feast, vember urging them to work to reverse the and Stella Economou, assistant principal of state’s decision, expressed his joy on the The Bronx High School of Science; Maria eve of Greek Independence Day that the Makedon, head of the Regents Exam writ- exam has been reinstituted. ing team and deputy director of the Greek “On behalf of the Greek American com- Education Department; and members of the ______munity of our state, I want to thank Dr. committee to reinstate the Regents: Fr. ÿ SPYRIDON DeMauro and the Board of Education of the George Stavropoulos, Holy Trinity Church, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America state of New York for their work in bringing Hicksville, N.Y.; Fr. Kim Valasiades, St. Paul’s about this arrangement to continue award- Cathedral, Hempstead, N.Y.; attorney James ing Regents credit for worthy students of Comack, chairman of the Archdiocesan Modern Greek,” His Eminence said in his Committee on the Greek Examination; ______prepared statement. “The timing of this an- Petros Vlitas, Sts. Constantine & Helen Par- ÿ IAKOVOS, Metropolitan of Krinis nouncement could not be more propitious, ish Council president, Brooklyn; Alex Pritsos, and Presiding Hierarch coming as it does on this day, the eve of St. Nicholas Afternoon School Board presi- of the Diocese of Chicago ______Greek Independence Day, a day of joy and dent, Flushing, N.Y.; attorney Charles ÿ METHODIOS, Metropolitan of Aneon pride for all Greek Americans, a day to re- Capetanakis, Community School Board Dis- and Presiding Hierarch joice in the marvelous and unique cultural trict 20 member, Brooklyn; Constantine of the Diocese of Boston heritage of our ancestry. Rizopoulos, principal of St. Demetrios High ______“We know – do we not – that language School, Astoria; and Pauline Alexander, St. ÿ ANTHONY, Metropolitan of is the mother of culture, the bedrock upon Paul’s Parish Council member, Hempstead. Dardanellion and Presiding Hierarch which civilization is built. Language is the Other Examination Review Board mem- of the Diocese of San Francisco ground where heart and mind meet, it is the bers who were unable to attend are Profes- means by which humanity communicates sor John A. Rassias of The Rassias Founda- ______with itself across the generations.” tion, Dartmouth College, N.H.; Dr. Aristotle ÿ ISAIAH, Metropolitan of Proikonisos The Archbishop continued, “The Board Michopoulos, Hellenic College, and Dr. John and Presiding Hierarch of Education, by its actions today, has dem- G. Siolas, New York City Board of Education. of the Diocese of Denver ______ÿ MAXIMOS, Metropolitan of Aenos and Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Meet Broadcasters to Air Last Year’s the Resurrection Service at Flushing Staff NEW YORK—Telicare, a religious/ecu- The Odyssey Channel, a national inter- menical television channel available on faith cable network, is available in more than Cablevision of Long Island, N.Y., and the 35 million homes across the country on over Odyssey Channel, a national cable network, 1,500 cable systems. You many also watch will both air the Resurrection Service video- the Odyssey Channel on PrimeStar direct- ANITA POULOS taped in 1998 at St. Nicholas Church in to-home satellite - channel 84 and on C- Flushing. Bandsatellite dishes. Position: Management Information The Telicare program will air Sunday, Those communities receiving the Od- Systems assistant What are your concerns? April 18, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Channel yssey Channel should confirm the channel Duties: Update and maintain Arch- To strive to perform my duties to the 25 in Nassau and Suffolk countiesof New number with their local cable company. diocese membership rosters and mail- best of my ability to the benefit of the York. Communities not receiving the Odys- ing lists. Church. Odyssey Channel will air the Resurrec- sey Channel regularly should contact their Years at Archdiocese: 1 Age: 33 tion Service on Easter Sunday, April 11, noon local cable company and urge them to carry What do you like best about your Family: husband, James; two children to 1 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time, 11am to this special. job? Residence: Bayside, Queens (14 noon Central Time. For Mountain Time For those individuals who have access “I enjoy interacting with people from years); native of New Jersey check local listings. to satellite, the Odyssey Channel can be lo- different parishes.” Education: Farleigh Dickinson Uni- Produced by the Office of Television cated on Satcom C3, Transponder 5. How does the individual Church versity in New Jersey (two years), at- Ministry (formerly GOTelecom), the pro- For more information contact the Of- member benefit from your work? tended business school. gram features highlights of Holy Week and fice of Television Ministries at (212) 570- “Church members receive timely mail- Hobbies: Art, doll collecting is narrated in English. 3588. ings of materials from the Archdiocese.” Other interests: hiking, reading APRIL 5, 1999 ORTHODOX OBSERVER PAGE 5 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Patriarchal Proclamation on the Holy Pascha í B A R T H O L O M E W By the mercy of God Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch To the plenitude of the Church: Grace, peace and mercy from the Savior Christ who is risen in glory.

Christ is risen and life reigns. Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?

Dear brethren and beloved children in the Lord,

oday we are celebrating the recapitulation of all in Christ Jesus through His radiant Resurrection. The messages from the empty tomb bring salva T tion to the world: Resurrection, light, life and joy! The witnesses of the Resurrection through the centuries — the Apostles, the Fathers, the Doc- tors of the Church, the faithful laity — have proclaimed this message throughout the oikoumene. The hymnographers too have glorified this event: He ascended the Cross who descended from heaven To death came Life Immortal To those in darkness, the True Light To the fallen, the Resurrection of all. The Resurrection is light. This light illuminates and interprets the preceding mys- teries of the divine economy: the Manger, the Passion, the Cross, the Burial. The Resur- rection teaches us that God did not become human in order to suffer, “but in order to save humanity through His sufferings.” Therefore, the one “who knows the mystery of the Cross and Burial also knows the meaning of the previous events,” namely the cause and the purpose of the Incarnation of the Word. The one “who has been initiated into the ineffable power of the Resurrection also knows the reason for which God established everything formerly.” In other words, all these things, in their orderly succession, reveal the purpose of God’s wonders and His compassionate love. These mysteries revealed to everyone that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son so that those who believe in Him might be saved and have eternal life” ( John 3:16). The life of humanity lay in a tomb without hope. And it is through this lack of hope “that sin entered the world, and through sin, death” (Romans 5:12). Nevertheless, the Lord that loves humankind descended to the lowest places of the earth. He entered vol- untarily into the very center of death, and there “the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead” (I Peter 4:6), “saying to those in bondage: ‘come forth,’ and to those in darkness: ‘shine forth.’ ” Rightly then, boldly and confidently we cry out with our Father among the saints, John Chrysostom: “Death, where is your sting? Hades where is your victory? Christ is

risen and life reigns.” Life reigns and grows everywhere like flowers in spring, becoming once again the sovereign reality and beauty in all things. The fullness of life. The treasure of life. The grace and richness of life, joy, peace and light! We Orthodox Christians receive, cel- ebrate, and experience