NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 • Vol. 83 • No. 1334 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected] $1.00 Arch. Council What’s Inside A Blessed Christmas Adopts Balanced Budget for 2019 Assembly of Bishops Meet in Cleveland p. 2 At its Oct. 19 meeting, the Arch- diocesan Council overwhelmingly ad- Holy Eparchial Synod opted a balanced budget for 2019. The Official statement budget had previously been reviewed p. 3 and recommended for adoption by both the Executive Committee and the Fi- Archdiocese budgets nance Committee of the Archdiocesan Adopted for 2018-19 Council. (The budget is also available p. 5 on the Archdiocese website www.go- arch.org). The budget was reviewed in Philoptochos detail and significant points were dis- New goals for new term cussed as described below. p. 7 The Total Commitment revenue from parishes will remain the same for Ecumenical Patriarchate the second year in a row with both 2019 Statements on Ukraine and 2018 Total Commitment revenue p. 8 being held to the 2017 amount. All changes to the budget that were Archons Athenagoras Award passed by the Clergy Laity Congress in Fr. Alex and Presvytera Xanthi July are included in this budget. honored The amount budgeted for the Ecu- p. 11 menical Patriarchate has been increased to gradually restore prior cuts. Required Archdiocese payments to Opioid program the pension plan are up to date and the NJ Metropolis combatting abuse Archdiocese has budgeted an additional p. 13 payment of $500,000 to be made to the pension plan in 2019. It was noted that Greek fire responses $1 million will be included as an addi- IOCC extends aid; more dona- tional payment to the pension plan when tions received the 2020 budget is prepared. p. 14 A line item for unresolved/unpaid pre-2018 obligations is still included in California crises: Metropolitan the budget. Gerasimos’ statements The budget retains a General and p. 20 Legal Contingency of $1 million to en- sure that unanticipated expenses to that Obituaries level do not cause a budget deficit. pp. 28-29 The departmental/ministry budgets were reviewed with each department/ Total Commitment Program ministry director and their input was p. 32 taken into account in determining the budget amounts. Members of the Finance Budget COMING NEXT ISSUE Sub-committee were present via confer- Coverage of Centennials for ence calls for most of the Departmental/ Washington, Houston and Wa- Ministry meetings. terbury, Conn., parishes. Significant progress on the Arch- diocese’s financial condition was also reported when discussing the budget. With funding received from Alma Bank and the difficult and painful steps taken to eliminate the 2017 structural deficit of the Archdiocese, a number of suc- cesses were reported. The efforts to achieve those successes were overseen by the Executive Committee and Arch- bishop Demetrios, and implemented by Archdiocese Chancellor Bishop Andon- Subscribe Online ios, Chief Financial Officer Fr. Soterios Baroody, and officers and staff of the Recognizing that many people now receive their information Archdiocese. Those successes include: online, and in our continuing efforts to make news more easily All restricted accounts that were re- accesible, you may opt-in to receive the Orthodox Observer on- quired to be restored, were restored. line edition. When subscribing you will receive your newspaper Amounts due to the St. Nicholas by email only. To opt-in send an email to: Church and National Shrine account [email protected]. Include your name, as it appears, were returned and with full interest paid. along with the five or six digit number below the word DIGIT The voluntary contribution of $681,000 on your label. Allow 3-4 months for the change.  to page 3 2 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 To contact Archdiocese News National Ministries

Archives 212.570.3517 [email protected]

Communications 212.774.0244 [email protected]

Greek Education 212.774.0233 [email protected]

Internet Ministries 646.519.6690 [email protected]

Inter–Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations 212.570.3593 [email protected]

Ionian Village 212.570.3538 [email protected]

Assembly of Bishops photo Center for Family Care 845.424.8175 Members of the Assembly of Bishops with staff members and children from the local parish who posed for a photo-op. [email protected]

Public Affairs 9th Assembly of Bishops Convenes in Cleveland 212.774.0400 [email protected] CLEVELAND – The Assembly cal significance our Mother Churches Cross School of Theology, and the of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the are dealing with, I take this opportunity Very Rev. Dr. John Morris, Ph.D., pas- United States of America convened its to emphasize the need, now more than tor emeritus, presented to the hierarchs Registry ninth annual meeting Oct. 2-4, begin- ever, for our Assembly to strengthen our on the topic of baptism, chrismation and 212.570.3558 ning with a celebration of the Divine relationships and continue our essential the reception of converts. The speakers [email protected] Liturgy at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox work serving the Orthodox faithful of emphasized the diverse practices across Cathedral in Parma, Ohio. this country.” jurisdictions and even amongst hier- Archbishop Demetrios, the Assem- After approval of the agenda and archs. The discussion revealed that this Religious Education bly chairman, opened the meeting with last year’s meeting minutes, Archbishop delicate matter must be researched fur- 646.519.6300 a prayer. Michael, the Assembly treasurer, pre- ther by the Assembly in order to arrive [email protected] Twenty-five hierarchs were pres- sented his financial report and proposed at a pastorally sensitive yet canonically ent. Prior to the meeting, the hierarchs budget. The treasurer encouraged the appropriate response. Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism of the Russian Orthodox Church Out- hierarchs to continue to support the As- Second Day 646.519.6160 side of Russia notified the chairman that sembly financially. On the second day, during the morn- they have suspended their participation The secretary gave a brief update on ing session, the Assembly hierarchs [email protected] in the Assembly in light of events cur- the activities of the Assembly’s commit- discussed ways to support cross-juris- rently ongoing in Ukraine. tees in 2018. The secretary, who serves dictional cooperation among parishes at Youth and Young Adult Ministries After the roll call, Archbishop as the liaison for Orthodox Christian the local level. The hierarchs issued the 646.519.6780 Demetrios offered his opening remarks. Fellowship (OCF), emphasized the im- following statement in that regard: [email protected] Recalling the words of the Apostle St. portance of OCF reaching out to Ortho- “The Assembly of Canonical Or- Paul to the Corinthians, “A great door dox college freshmen during their first thodox Bishops of the United States of for effective work has opened to me, and 40 days on campus, to engage them in America is committed to encouraging there are many adversaries.” (1 Cor. the life of the Orthodox Church while spiritual unity, communication, and co- NEXT DEADLINE 16:9) His Eminence continued, “The at college. operation among the parishes of various door is open, but there are many adver- He called on the hierarchs to help jurisdictions situated in the same geo- Deadline for submitting information, saries for us, too. Many challenges. This articles and photos for consideration in OCF’s efforts by encouraging parishes graphic areas. The work of local the Jan. - Feb. 2018 issue: is why it is vitally important to be to- to submit the names of matriculating Friday, Jan. 19 gether, to act together, to strengthen the college freshmen so that OCF can con-  to page 29 Photos should be sent as a large format.jpg work of this Assembly.” tact them. attachment (300 dpi min.). He went on to express his sorrow at At the conclusion of the business E-mail to: [email protected] the absence of the Moscow Patriarch- session, two guest speakers, the Rev. Dr. Change of Address Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, ate and said, “given the various difficult Alkiviadis Calivas, professor emeritus To submit a change of address: 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075. matters of ecclesiastical and geopoliti- of Liturgics at Hellenic College Holy Contact Soula Podaras at 212.570.3555 e-mail: [email protected] EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at addi- fax: 212.774.0239. tional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced en- Or regular mail to: PRODUCTION & GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Orthodox Observer, tirely in–house. Past issues can be found on the Internet at: th Thanasis Armagos 8 E. 79 St., New York, NY 10075-0192 www.observer.goarch.org • e–mail: [email protected] Be sure to include old address, USPS 412340 ISSN 0731–2547 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views and new address and name of parish. opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are BUSINESS MANAGER & ADVERTISING: expressed in official statements so labeled. In 2017, published monthly Marissa P. Costidis except February – March and July – August Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. by the Greek Orthodox­ Archdiocese of America. THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. Questions about submitting Dn. Eleftherios Constantine Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church Editorial and Business Office: in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. news and photos: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 GOA Photographer: Dimitrios Panagos Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. Jim Golding (212) 570.3557; TEL.: (212) 570–3555 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, [email protected] FAX (212) 774–0239 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Manginas 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 3 Meeting of Holy Archdiocesan Eparchial Synod Council NEW YORK– The Holy Epar- chial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Meeting Archdiocese was convened for its regular fall meeting at the Synodal Summary chamber of the Holy Archdiocesan headquarters in New York City on NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Oct. 17-18. Archbishop Demetrios Council’s Oct. 18-19 fall meeting fo- presided with the participation of all cused on reports on finance, adminis- the Metropolitans of the Synod. tration and St. Photios Greek Orthodox The Synod discussed in depth Church and National Shrine. (Related the following: 1. The Synod welcomed warmly stories on this page and pages 5 and 32). newly elected Metropolitan of Chica- The Council’s committees met Oct. go, Nathanael, as its newest member GOA/D.Panagos photo 18 to discuss the ongoing progress of and wished him every blessing from the various ministries and departments God. A visit to St. Nicholas of the Archdiocese. 2. Discussed the cases of candi- Archbishop Demetrios and several members of the Holy Eparchial Synod toured the site of St. At the regular session on the 19th, dates for ordination and took the ap- Nicholas Church and National Shrine during their fall meetings. They also inspected the interior of Finance Committee Chairman Louis propriate decisions according to each the building. With His Eminence, from left: Metropolitans Alexios of Atlanta, Methodios of Boston, Kircos gave a lengthy presentation on case. Metropolitan Nicholas of Chicago (behind Metropolitan Methodios), Isaiah of Denver, Nicholas of long-term goals and changes that have 3. Reviewed the list of clergy Detroit and Savas of Pittsburgh, Nathanael of Chicago and Bishop Sevastianos of Zela (then chief been made to procedures. candidates for Episcopacy which will secretary of the Synod), and Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh (behind the bishop). “A year ago we were in the midst of be submitted for approval to the Ecu- turmoil and crisis, but today things menical Patriarchate. 4. Approved the transfer of the  to page 21 chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, to the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta A Positive Report where he will continue his Archpas- toral ministry assisting Metropolitan for Clergy-Laity Alexios. To fill the chief secretary posi- Congress tion, Metropolis of San Francisco Chancellor Bishop Apostolos of Me- deia was transferred to Archdiocese Metropolitan Methodios of Bos- headquarters. ton, along with co-chairmen Michael 5. Discussed the successful 44th Sophocles and Peter Bassett, presented Clergy Laity Congress that took GOA/D.Panagos photo a noteworthy report to the Archdiocesan place July 1-5 in Boston. The Holy Council’s fall meeting on the success of Synod expressed its warmest con- Affirmation of members July’s Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress. gratulations and satisfaction to Met- Archbishop Demetrios administers the oath of affirmation to members of the Archdiocesan Council While there was initial concern ropolitan Methodios of Boston for at their fall meeting. about undertaking the congress in Bos- the congress. ton, and a potential liability of $1.88 mil- 6. The Synod discussed the pos- Officers, Exec. Committee Members Named lion if the event was not held, Sophocles sibility of a special central informa- explained, there were safeguards and tion bank where it could store elec- controls in place that resulted in a finan- tronically copies and certificates of At the Archdiocesan Council’s Oct. Patrick Crosson, Livonia, Mich.; Fr. cial profit of about $524,000. Church Sacraments. This subject will 19 fall meeting, Archbishop Demetrios Larry Legakis - Toledo, Ohio; Fr. Mark “This was a very successful con- be investigated further. named the following officers for the Leondis, Boca Raton, Fla.; Fr. James gress in terms of what it accomplished. 7. The Synod members were 2018-20 term. Paris, Clearwater, Fla.; Argygris Vassil- We had great reviews,” Bassett said. informed and discussed with the George Tsandikos was reappoint- iou, Stamford, Conn.; Presvytera Nicole Attendance was about 15 percent Archdiocese Chancellor Bishop An- ed as vice chairman; Elaine Allen was Keares - Strongville, Ohio; Steve Sellas, higher than the previous congress held donios, Audit Committee Chairman named treasurer to succeed Michael Bridgeport, W.Va.; George E. Danis, in Nashville, Sophocles noted, and that Eleni Allen, Audit Committee presi- Psaros. Catherine Bouffides-Walsh was Hudson, Mass.; Fr. Nicholas Krom- dent, and Finance Committee Chair- Bassett had conduced further negotia- reappointed secretary. mydas, Weston, Mass.; Fr. Paul Palesty, tions with the hotel “to reduce obliga- man Lazaros Kirkos, subjects related Executive Committee members Flushing, N.Y.; Gerry Ranglas, Rancho to the continuous progress of the tions substantially less.” include Finance Committee Chairman Santa Fe, Calif.; Dino Yotides, Pur- Total cost for the Boston congress Archdiocese financial condition, the Louis Kircos, Administration Commit- chase, N.Y.; Gus M. Pablecas - South construction of St. Nicholas Church was $840,000, well below the costs of tee Chairman Constantine Caras, new Barrington, Ill.; V. Rev. Chrysostom Pa- previous recent congresses. and National Shrine and the results Audit Committee Chairman Maria Ste- nos - Metropolis of Chicago chancellor; of the second phase audit for its con- fani, George Behrakis, Dr. Louis Rous- struction. Fr. Theodore Poteres, Merrillville, Ind.; 8. Subjects related to Holy Cross salis and Theofanis Economides. Ex- Michael T. Laudizio, Sr., Chicago, Dr. and Hellenic College were discussed, officio members are Chancellor Bishop Halina Woroncow, Mantorville, Minn.; Council Adopts as well as ways to respond to those Andonios of Phasiane, Chief Financial Angela Krenzelak, Eighty Four, Pa,; H. issues. Officer Fr. Soterios Baroody and all Steven Poulos, Canton, Ohio; Nicholas Balanced Budget 9. The Synod was informed by Metropolitans of the Holy Synod. Kourtis, Needham, Mass.; Stamatis N. the Metropolitans of New Jersey and New members Astra, Brookline, Mass.; Constantine  from page 1 Chicago, their Eminences Evange- The following are new council (Costa) Sideridis, Salem, Mass; Bill to page 29 los and Nathanael, who are currently members: Larry Hotzoglou - Bayside, Marianes, Gainesville, Ga.; Chris Rong- to St. Nicholas Church and National serving at the Holy and Sacred Syn- N.Y.; George E. Loucas - Supreme Pres- os, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and George Stam- Shrine was paid in 2018. od of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, ident, AHEPA, North Royalton, Ohio; boulidis, Rockville Centre, N.Y. All amounts due Metropolises were about the autocephaly issue of the paid in full. Church of Ukraine and deliberated All amounts due Hellenic College/ on the subject. Administration Committee Addressing Issues Holy Cross were brought up to date. 10. The day before their meet- All past due amounts to the pension ing, on Oct. 16, the Synod reviewed Administration Committee Chair- been carried over for further discus- plan were paid. the translation of the prayers of the man Constantine Caras, at the Archdi- sion by the Archdiocesan Council. Scheduled debt repayments of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great ocesan Council’s fall meeting, gave an One other issue under study is amounts borrowed from Alma Bank are from the original Greek text into update on four areas of concern being how to deal with a parish that does being made. English which were submitted by studied by the committee: term limits not fulfill its total commitment obli- The Archdiocesan staff commit- the Synodal Committee on Liturgical for Archdiocesan Council members, gations year after year. Under current ted to ensuring that the adopted budget Matters. possibly restricting family member- regulations, the hierarch of the me- is followed and the Officers, Finance The Holy Eparchial Synod’s ships on parish councils and placing tropolis may remove parish council Committee, and Audit Committee pro- two-day deliberations ended on Oct. limits on the ability of clergy to exer- members. vided assurance that they will be dili- 18 and the Hierarchs then participat- gently carrying out their oversight re- ed in the fall Archdiocesan Council cise control over church funds. The Administration Committee These issues were presented at will study these issues further and of- sponsibilities regarding the budget, the meeting held at the Marriot Marquis financial statements and the internal in Times Square. the Clergy-Laity Congress in July but, fer proposals at the Council’s spring because of the time factor, they have meeting. Location to be determined. control procedures of the Archdiocese. 4 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses its enormous gratitude to George Stamboulidis and Elias Trahanas of BakerHostetler and David Daly and Lisette Weinstein of PwC for their service in connection with the rebuilding of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.

bakerlaw.com

Rendering by Santiago Calatrava NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 5 Archdiocese News Adopted Budgets for 2018-2019 Revenue 2018 2019 Parish Total Commitment Program $22,000,000 $22,006,884 Less: Metropolis Total Commitment sharing (payment of Metropolis revenue shown here as reduction to GOA revenue) (800,000) (800,000) Foundation Grant 1,200,000 1,200,000 Sale of donated property 350,000 240,000 Unrestricted Gifts 250,000

Total Revenues $22,750,000 $22,646,884 Uses Ecumenical Patriarchate 1,000,000 1,250,000 Holy Cross Hellenic College 1,000,000 1,250,000 St. Nicholas Church & National Shrine Grant 170,000 -- St. Nicholas Fundraising support 125,000 Metropolis Payroll, Payroll Tax and Benefits 5,790,000 5,919,394 Metropolis minimum support increase 165,000 Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops/OCMC 10,000 15,000 GOA Ministries/Departments/Offices Administration and General Services 438,000 559,200 Clergy-Laity Congress (breakeven projected –net of revenue of $800,000) Communications (net of revenue of $240,000 each year) Correspondence 186,000 189,600 Development 284,100 Ecumenical 447,400 395,500 Eparchial Synod & Archives 294,800 308,850 Marriage & Family-Center for Family Care 450,400 453,700 (net revenue of $22,000 in 2018) Marriage & Family pre-2017 L-100 Grant 300,000 Finance 645,000 647,700 Greek Education (net 2018 revenue-$55,000; and 20,000 in 2019) 240,800 235,350 Information Technology 880,600 886,800 Internet Ministries (net 2018 revenue $55,000; and $30,000 in 2019) 437,900 468,900 Ionian Village (net 2018 revenue $1.9 million; $1,939,000 in 2019) (21,600) 187,400 Office of the Archbishop (net 2018 restricted revenue 280,000) 754,600 849,940 Office of the Chancellor (net 2018 revenue $3,000) 353,400 345,300 Orthodox Observer (net 2018 revenue $100,000; $60,000 in 2019) 417,800 508,400 Parish Software 182,800 143,000 Pre-ordination evaluation 80,000 100,000 Philanthropy & Clergy Assistance (net 2018 revenue $25,000) 55,000 100,000 Public Relations (net 2018 revenue $25,000) 282,800 329,100 Registry (net 2018 revenue $20,000) 96,300 31,000 Religious Education (net 2018 revenue $400,000; $560,000 in 2019) 723,000 690,000 Retired and unassigned Bishops 300,000 357,900 Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism (net 2018 revenue $8,000) 284,800 337,100 Youth (net 2018 revenue $60,000; $114,400 in 2019) 529,000 505,700 Subtotal GOA Ministries/Departments/Offices $8,636,000 $9,210,840 Operating expenses and affiliate support services

Affiliates and other GOA Payroll, Payroll Tax and Benefits 905,000 708,600 Reimbursements from affiliates for payroll and related expenses (825,000) (637,950) Archdiocesan Council, Committee and Synodal Meetings 300,000 300,000 Building Repairs 215,000 120,000 Maintenance, Leases & Other General Expenses 635,000 560,000 Property and Liability Insurance 1,100,000 1,350,000 Insurance allocated to Metropolises in 2019 (669,000) Utilities, Telephone, Postage, Printing 348,000 350,000 Legal, Audit & Contract Services 565,000 555,000 Additional pension plan contribution 500,000 Applied to past Obligations and Reserves 1,686,000 300,000 New Banik loan & interest payments 215,000 525,000 General and Legal Contingencies 1,000,000 1,000,000 Total Uses $22,750,000 $22,646,884 Note: The budget above excludes very generous restricted grants that may be received from Leadership 100, FAITH, and others. Any such grants create revenue and an equal amount of disbursements. 6 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 7 Philoptochos President Logus Announces Goals for the New Term

By Barbara Pasalis new program being initiated is a virtual book club, which will be hosted on our National Philoptochos President website with the goal of enriching the Maria Logus announced her goals for souls and minds of our members. In the 2018-20 term at the first meeting of order for this to be an exciting and in- the new National Board held on Octo- formative program for our membership, ber 19. we will need volunteers to suggest ap- Following the success of its 2016- propriate book titles, as well as to serve 18 programs and the incredible mo- as discussion facilitators. GOA/D.Panagos photo mentum that energized delegates at the If you have a book to recommend 2018 National Philoptochos Biennial or would like to volunteer to serve as 2018-20 National Philoptochos Executive Board. 1st Row: Georgia Vlitas, Evangeline Mekras Scurtis, Convention in Boston, President Logus a facilitator, please contact us at: con- Maria Logus, Joanne Stavrakas, Martha Stefanidakis, Barbara Pasalis, Irene Politis; 2nd Row: Elaine seeks to continue this momentum into [email protected]. Zetes, Pam Argyris, Theone Dickos, Barbara Vittas, Crystal Thomas, Jennifer Constantin, Irene Steffas; the new term with new and expanded Members of the clergy are also in- Not Pictured: Jeannie Ranglas. programs, initiatives and challenges to vited to make recommendations and our metropolises, chapters and faith- contribute their views to our virtual Archbishop Reappoints Maria Logus ful and dedicated stewards. These pro- reading community. grams and initiatives are designed to Feed the Hungry. Building upon as National President, Executive Board assist the underserved in our communi- the incredible success of our Feed the ties, as well as our members and parish Hungry program, President Logus is Archbishop Demetrios, Philopto- In advisory positions are: Protocol communities. challenging Philoptochos chapters to chos Society chairman has reappointed Officer Maria Stavropoulos, Parliamen- Operation Classroom. The US De- increase their service to provide 1.5 mil- Maria Logus of New York to a third term tarian Irene Steffas, with the legal ad- partment of Education has announced lion meals by the 2020 convention. as national president, and announced visor to be named. Continuing in their that over 94% of public school teachers The chapter providing the 1.5 mil- the Executive Board’s reelection, at the role on the Executive Board are Direct provide school supplies for their class- lionth meal will be recognized at the National Board’s inaugural meeting Archdiocesan District President Jen- rooms out of their own resources with- convention, as well as the chapter with- Oct. 19. The Archbishop praised Miss nifer Constantin; Metropolis of Boston out any expectation of reimbursement. in each metropolis that provides the Logus and the board for their commit- President Elaine Zetes, Metropolis of What if every Philoptochos chapter most meals. ment to the Philoptochos mission and Denver President Barbara Vittas, Me- across the US adopts an underfunded Community Educational Initiative. the Church. tropolis of Atlanta Presdent Irene Poli- school in their community and provides During the 2016-18 term, Philoptochos Executive Board members are: First tis, Metropolis of Detroit President The- needed support? This could be library developed initiatives designed to edu- Vice President Jeannie Ranglas, Sec- one Dickos, Metropolis of Pittsburgh books, art supplies, school supplies, tis- cate our parish communities on current, ond Vice President Evangeline Mekras President Crystal Thomas, Metropolis sues for runny noses, backpacks with critical issues facing our society. These Scurtis, Third Vice President Joanne of San Francisco President Jeannie Ran- weekend meals for students who de- have been presented by Philoptochos Stavrakas, Secretary Barbara Pasalis, glas, Metropolis of New Jersey Anasta- pend on school food for sustenance and chapters, youth directors and clergy to Treasurer Martha Stefanidakis, and As- sia Michals, and Metropolis of Chicago who go hungry on the weekends. If a our parish communities. Feedback has sistant Treasurer Georgia Vlitas. President Pam Argyris. chapter is considering a more ambitious confirmed the positive impact these project, they could consider providing programs are having on our youth and their school with a “comfort closet” communities-at-large. Make A Difference Day: where children can obtain personal hy- Thus far, Philopotchos has devel- giene items and warm clothing. oped programs on Bullying, Women’s Chapters Nationwide Pay It Forward Multiply the number of schools Heart Health, Technology Safety in the served by the number of students and Computer Age, Inclusion Ministry, and In honor of Archbishop Demetrios’ imagine the lives we could reach and Alzheimer’s Disease. nameday, chapters across the country positively impact! For a small financial These can be accessed on our web- were asked to “Make a Difference with investment, Philoptochos stewards can site at: http://philoptochos.org/outreach/ Philoptochos” on National Make A Dif- affect the next generation of scientists, educational-initiatives/. In addition, ference Day, Oct. 27. artists, religious leaders, teachers, and new initiatives are being developed on Chapters were to choose three good perhaps even a president. the topics of Opioid Addiction, What deeds to bestow upon an individual or Our president challenges every You Need to Know About Vaping, and a organization, and then to ask that indi- chapter to get involved and adopt a new Women’s Health Initiative. vidual or organization to Pay It Forward school. Additional information on start- St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox in turn by bestowing a good deed on ing a program will soon be available on Church and National Shrine Fund- three other people or organizations. our website. raising Initiative. The president asks “When given the choice between Speaker’s Program. National all chapters to reinvigorate their efforts being right or being kind, choose kind.” Philoptochos is initiating a Speaker’s to contribute to the construction of St. Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Program on a variety of relevant topics Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and The following two chapters includ- Children at St. George Cathedral Make Thank You to inform and inspire our members. The National Shrine at the World Trade Cen- ed their entire communities in their ef- Cards for Veterans (Hartford Philoptochos photo) programs will take place at the Philop- ter. forts to “Make a Difference and Pay It tochos Center of Philanthropy and will Through the loving, generous sup- Forward.” be livestreamed on Facebook. port and dedication of our chapters and St. Demetrios Church, Merrick, service and giving back. The first program took place Nov. metropolises, Philoptochos stewards a- NY 26 and featured Maria Skafidas, head of cross the nation have contributed $1.6 In honor of Archbishop Demetrios, St. George Cathedral, Hartford, corporate communications and investor million of their $2 million goal. As we St Barbara’s Philoptochos Chapter col- Conn. relations of Lowes Corporation, co-au- begin the 2018-20 term, it is time to lected and packed a week’s worth of The last weekend of October St. thor of the book, Journeys, An Ameri- renew our fundraising and do our part groceries for 40 local families in need. George Cathedral Sunday School and can Story, a collection of essays on the to complete St Nicholas Church and These groceries were brought to the Greek School children partnered with immigrant experience in America. Shrine, which will stand for all the Bellmore/Merrick Community Cup- Philoptochos to create beautiful Veter- Join us either live at the Center or world to see as a beacon of Orthodoxy board, which in turn, discreetly gives ans Day cards for the Veterans in the via Facebook to hear Maria Skafidas’ and a testament to the healing power of the food to the families. St Barbara’s community and locally, in honor of Na- message of how immigrants have de- faith. also donated an entire Thanksgiving tional Make A Difference Day. fined the true scope of American great- We invite all women to embrace meal to these families. The children presented their cards ness. Additional information can be our programs and projects and to join The contributions of the youth in to the veterans in the community on found on our website at www.philopto- us on our journey of service to our God, their Greek and Sunday schools made Nov. 11 in recognition of their service. chos.org. our members, our communities and our a huge difference, and the children They also delivered cards to local Vet- Books We’re Reading. Another world. learned the importance of community erans Hospital. 8 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Ecumenical Patriarchate Official Patriarchate Statement Explanation on the Granting on Ukraine Church Autocephaly of Autocephaly NEW YORK – The Greek Ortho- dogmatic reasons, in accordance with ISTANBUL - Ecumenical Patri- tions and communities, and all parties dox Archdiocese of America releases the canonical prerogatives of the Patri- arch Bartholomew and the Holy and and individuals involved in the grant- below an important announcement by arch of Constantinople to receive such Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patri- ing of the Tomos. our Ecumenical Patriarchate related to petitions by hierarchs and other clergy archate of Constantinople voted at its These two hierarchs of the Ecu- the serious issue of the autocephaly of from all of the Autocephalous Churches. formal session April 20 to proceed with menical Throne serve the large Ukrai- the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Thus, the above-mentioned have been taking the necessary steps for granting nian Orthodox community in North Presided by His All-Holiness, the canonically reinstated to their hierar- autocephaly to the Orthodox Christians America, which is under the omopho- Ecumenical Patriarch, the Holy and chical or priestly rank, and their faithful of Ukraine. rion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Sacred Synod convened for its regular have been restored to communion with This decision was made after ex- attesting to the abiding ties that bind session from Oct. 9-11 to examine and the Church. tensive study and discussion based on Kiev and Constantinople. discuss items on its agenda. 4) To revoke the legal binding of the the responsibilities and rights of the In its ecclesial responsibility The Holy Synod discussed in par- Synodal Letter of the year 1686, issued Ecumenical Patriarchate as enumer- and regard for healing divisions and ticular and at length the ecclesiasti- for the circumstances of that time, which ated by the sacred canons, and the his- strengthening unity among the Au- cal matter of Ukraine, in the presence granted the right through oikonomia to torical reality that in 1589 when the tocephalous Orthodox Churches, the of His Excellency Archbishop Daniel the Patriarch of Moscow to ordain the Church of Russia received its status Ecumenical Patriarchate is sometimes of Pamphilon and His Grace Bishop Metropolitan of Kyiv, elected by the as a patriarchate from the Ecumenical obliged to adopt difficult resolutions. Hilarion of Edmonton, Patriarchal Ex- Clergy-Laity Assembly of his eparchy, Patriarch, the Metropolis of Kiev, the In its historical role and right to archs to Ukraine, and following exten- who would commemorate the Ecumeni- capital of Ukraine, was not included hear appeals from Churches isolated sive deliberations decreed: cal Patriarch as the First hierarch at but remained under the jurisdiction of for diverse reasons from the rest of the 1) To renew the decision already any celebration, proclaiming and af- Constantinople. Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Pa- made that the Ecumenical Patriarchate firming his canonical dependence to the Additionally, within the Patriarchal triarchate is occasionally compelled to proceed to the granting of Autocephaly Mother Church of Constantinople. and Synodal “Praxis” (act) of 1686 assume painful initiatives. Finally, in its to the Church of Ukraine. 5) To appeal to all sides involved there is further affirmation that the traditional consideration and maternal 2) To reestablish, at this moment, that they avoid appropriation of Church- Ukraine remained under the Ecumeni- concern not to neglect even a single lost the Stavropegion of the Ecumenical es, Monasteries and other properties, as cal Patriarchate. sheep (as in Christ’s parable in Luke Patriarch in Kyiv, one of its many Stav- well as every other act of violence and Fully conscious of the ecclesi- 15.1-7), the Ecumenical Patriarchate ropegia in Ukraine that existed there retaliation, so that the peace and love of astical, political and geopolitical di- is from time-to-time required to reach always. Christ may prevail. mensions of granting autocephaly to out in reconciliation and forgiveness. 3) To accept and review the peti- At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukraine, the Ecumenical Patriarchate The historical reasons in support of the tions of appeal of Filaret Denisenko, 11th of October, 2018 commissioned a delegation – compris- Ecumenical Patriarchate’s involvement Makariy Maletych and their followers, From the Chief Secretariat of the ing Their Eminences John Metropoli- in seeking a canonical resolution to the who found themselves in schism not for Holy and Sacred Synod tan Geron of Pergamon, Metropolitan ecclesiastical anomaly in Ukraine have Emmanuel of France, and Metropoli- been analyzed and elaborated in a num- tan Bartholomew of Smyrna - to visit ber of places, notably in numerous ar- its sister Orthodox Autocephalous ticles found on the following websites Churches throughout the world from and links: May through July 2018, to inform them 1) The Documents Speak (Greek and explain its decision. and English) https://www.goarch. Within the framework of preparing org/-/the-ecumenical-throne-and-the- to issue the Tomos (official document church-of-ukraine granting autocephaly), the Ecumeni- 2) www.archons.org; and https:// cal Patriarchate appointed two exarchs www.archons.org/news/archon to the Ukraine –Archbishop Daniel of 3) The Interview by Archbishop Pamphilon (from the United States) Job of Telemessos https://panortho- and Bishop Ilarion of Edmonton (from doxcemes.blogspot.com/2018/09/arch- JEWELRY Canada) - to deliberate with congrega- bishop-job-getcha-of-telmessos.htm ΕΜΠΝΕΥΣΗ • ΤΕΧΝΗ • ΠΡΩΤΟΤΥΠΙΑ Ecumenical Patriarch, Ukraine President Sign Agreement on Cooperation and Coordination

ISTANBUL - Ecumenical Patriarch Agreement on Cooperation and Co- Bartholomew and President Petro Poro- ordination before their colleagues and shenko of Ukraine on Nov. 3 reaffirmed numerous representatives of the mass their desire to enhance the cooperation media in the Chamber of the Throne. between the Ecumenical Patriarchate His All-Holiness characterized the and the Ukrainian Nation—within the day as historic for relations between the framework of the process for granting Ecumenical Patriarchate and Ukraine, autocephaly to the unified Orthodox while underscoring that the signed Church in Ukraine—during the Presi- Agreement “will expedite the granting “the one and only jewelry store in the USA dent’s visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch- of the Tomos recognizing the Autoceph- that designs and manufactures christening crosses” ate’s headquarters at the Phanar. aly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.” Chris Rizos The Ecumenical Patriarch warmly “This autocephaly, which for years received President Poroshenko, ac- – not to say centuries – you have so fer- Please visit our website companied by Stepan Kubiv and Gen- vently and nostalgically awaited is your nadiy Zubko, vice prime ministers of right, just as it was the right of all the www.rizosjewelry.com his government; Pavlo Klimkin, min- other people of Eastern Europe and the and check our wonderful collection ister of foreign affairs; Stepan Poltorak, Balkans, whose churches received au- minister of defense; and Yurij Lutsenko, tocephaly from the Mother Church of WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE THE GREEK AMERICAN prosecutor general, together with a large Constantinople. It is also the exclusive COMMUNITY ACROSS THE COUNTRY SINCE 1972 delegation of his colleagues and Andriy prerogative of the Ecumenical Patri- Sybiha, ambassador of Ukraine to the archate, in accordance with the Holy Republic of Turkey. Canons, to grant this autocephaly when 36-05 162 Street, Flushing, NY 11358 Immediately following their pri- it deems fit, whenever circumstances vate meeting in the Patriarchal Office, have matured. tel.: 718.445.7272 • fax: 718.445.5133 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and News Release from the Press Office President Poroshenko signed a Bilateral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 9 Archdiocese News Archdiocese Begins Bishop Apostolos National Study Appointed Chief

NEW YORK – As announced at Secretary of Holy July’s 44th Clergy Laity Congress in Boston, the Archdiocese recently en- Eparchial Synod gaged the consulting services of Cap- inCrouse and the Barna Group as part NEW YORK – Archbishop Deme- of a review of the effectiveness of the trios has announced that, effective Nov. National Church’s various departments, 15, His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Me- programs and ministries. deia has been appointed the new Chief Archdiocese officials will work Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod. with the firms to design a survey for dis- Additionally, His Grace will have other tribution in the coming months to clergy duties related to his episcopal identity. and lay leaders across the country for This position was previously held their feedback. by Bishop Sevastianos of Zela. After Steps will be taken to ensure the GOA/D.Panagos photo validity of the study and the anonymity serving for more than 12 years as chief and confidentiality of responses. secretary of the Holy Synod and as His Eminence joins other religious leaders at the Park East Synagogue for a memorial to remember spiritual advisor to the National Philop- The survey’s ultimate purpose is the Pittsburgh shooting victims. to gauge how to best use the resources tochos Society, Bishop Sevastianos will committed to the National Ministries, relocate to the Metropolis of Atlanta and to determine how to optimize in- Archbishop Joins NY Religious Leaders where he will serve as auxiliary bishop. vestment in, and to use the financial Bishop Apostolos served as chan- resources provided mostly by the Arch- in Solidarity with Pittsburgh Victims cellor of the Metropolis of San Fran- diocese parishes through the Total Com- cisco since November 2011. mitment Program. By Stavros Papagermanos of Life Synagogue” back in 1965, and Prior to his consecration as a bishop Once finalized, the survey will be then added that the Pittsburgh massa- in December 2014, he served as dean of forwarded to the Direct Archdiocese NEW YORK – Archbishop Deme- cre brought back very bitter memories St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, N.Y. District and Metropolises for distribu- trios, joined other distinguished reli- from the summer of 1944, when during Bishop Apostolos is a native of the tion. Survey results will be collected gious leaders Oct. 31 in the Park East the Nazi occupation of Thessaloniki, island of Rhodes, Greece. and analyzed by the Barna Group to be Synagogue, in a memorial event titled shared with the Archdiocese in consid- Greece; close to 60,000 Jews, friends, “United Against Hate,” an inter-reli- classmates and neighbors were force- ering National Ministry commitments in Matt. 24:37 the future. gious gathering of Leaders in solidarity fully loaded to trains for a horrendous “Like many religious groups in the with Pittsburgh and the victims of the trip which ended in the crematoria of But as the days of massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Auschwitz. current American landscape, the Greek Noah were, so shall also the Orthodox Church is dealing with chang- “This is a gathering of brothers Furthermore, the Archbishop, in his es in cultural norms and worldview, eco- and sisters coming and sitting together coming of the Son of Man be. nomic shifts and the need for budgetary in peace,” said Rabbi Arthur Schneier,  to page 12 adjustments due to overall giving,” stat- who led the event, is senior rabbi of ed Archdiocesan Council Vice President Park East Synagogue and founder of the George Tsandikos. “In light of this, it is Appeal of Conscience Foundation, the not only appropriate but imperative that event co-sponsors. the Archdiocese canvass Her parishes Michael Peterson, on behalf of the and faithful to see how She can better Appeal of Conscience Foundation, pre- respond to their needs, and determine sented the program as a children’s choir whether or not, that which the Church is sang “A prayer for Peace.” currently doing on a national level is of substantial use and support to those on Rabbi Schneier spoke of the present the local level,” he concluded. very painful time in our country and of The Barna Group is a visionary re- the holocaust, of which he is a survivor. 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Following the Secretary General across the U.S. and around the world, in- cluding many Protestant denominations, and offering messages of condolence, Catholic parishes, and faith leaders. No- solidarity and peace were Archbishop MERRY CHRISTMAS table clients have included the Salvation Auza, the papal nuncio and permanent & HAPPY NEW YEAR Army, World Vision, Compassion, the observer of the Vatican to the United American Bible Society, and Habitat for Nations; Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ Humanity. Roman Catholic Archbishop of New ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟ TO 2019 CapinCrouse, a New York-based York; the Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel III, national full-service CPA and consulting dean of St John the Divine Cathedral; firm devoted to serving nonprofit orga- the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, Dioc- nizations, provides professional solu- esan Primate for the Eastern Diocese tions to organizations whose outcomes of the Armenian Church of America; are measured in lives changed. Since Sheikh Musa Drammeh, chairman of 1972, the firm has served domestic and the Islamic Cultural Center of North international outreach organizations, Limited availability - Buy your tickets soon America; and Consul General of Israel WE FLY YOU TO GREECE FROM ALL CITIES IN THE US universities and seminaries, founda- in New York Ambassador Dani Dayan. tions, media ministries, rescue missions, *Roundtrip fares from New York relief and development organizations, Archbishop Demetrios said that churches and denominations, and many “no proper words can express my sor- TOLL-FREE: 800-223-5570 others by providing support in the key row and that of the Greek Orthodox areas of financial integrity and security. Community in the United States,” and Email: [email protected] The Chancellery has applied for a reiterated the unequivocal condemna- grant to underwrite the entire project’s tion for the acts of hate, evil and vio- cost so as not to burden the Archdiocese lence. The Archbishop talked about www.HomericTours.com budget. his personal connection with the “Tree 10 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Archdiocese News Archdiocese Presbyters Council Holds Fall Meetings

By Fr. Mark Leondis

SAN ANTONIO - Archdiocese Presbyters Council (APC) members gathered in San Antonio for their fall meetings Oct. 31-Nov. 1. APC photo Representatives from each Me- tropolis were present, and together we Archdiocese Presbyters Council members at their gathering in San Antonio worked in brotherly love under our meeting theme from St. Paul’s First love and serve on another,” and this is tional development and personal well- benevolence.” Epistle to the Thessalonians, “Therefore manifested in fulfilling our mission. ness. For more information on the Arch- encourage one another and build up For almost 50 years the APC has This mission is accomplished diocese Presbyters Council, log on to each other, as indeed you are doing.” (1 served as a “vital ministry of our Arch- through retreats, continuing education, our website at www.apc.goarch.org or Thessalonians 5:11) diocese, begun as a vehicle by which brother-to-brother outreach, ministry contact the APC president via email at During the two-day meeting, we the clergy of our Archdiocese would development, clergy family care and [email protected]. heard reports from each Metropolis/ receive counsel from and offer counsel DAD brotherhood, as well as various to the Archbishop concerning various Archdiocesan ministries; held lengthy priestly issues” from our first president, Archdiocese Awards 49 Scholarships discussions in serving our brothers; fo- Fr. Alkiviadis Calivas. cused on opportunities to better com- Officers are elected at the Clergy- The Scholarships Committee of Brown (Wilmington, N.C.), Constan- municate with our hierarchs and fellow Laity Congress and serve for a two-year the Archdiocese has awarded a record dina Brown (Boulder, Ohio), Gabriella clergy; grew in our priestly calling; and term. Newly elected officers are: Presi- amount of scholarship funds for the cur- Dashiell (Brook Park, Ohio), Anastasia continue the planning of our 2019 Na- dent: Fr. Mark Leondis; Vice-President: rent academic year 2018-19, from three Diavatis (Fletcher, N.C.), Christopher tional Clergy Retreat (to be held in San Fr. Paul Kaplanis; Treasurer: Fr. George scholarship programs. Dimitropoulos (Corona, Calif.), Mary Antonio in October 2019). The Theme Gartelos; Secretary: Fr. Michael Ellis. Gioles Scholarship Fellios (Fallbrook, Calif.), Eleni Hara- of our Retreat is “Pray Harder; Work “The mission of the Archdiocesan The George & Naouma Gioles mis (Williamsburg, Va.), Markella Hat- Smarter: Rekindle the gift of God in Presbyters Council is to serve the clergy Scholarship Fund was established in zakis (Boston), Paige Hillock (Chicago), you” (2 Timothy 1:9). of the Archdiocese by supporting our 1997 with a generous gift from Mar- Christina Kallinosis (Rahway, N.J.), The APC vision is “Brothers who priests through spiritual growth, educa- ian Gioles in memory of her beloved Napoleon Kanari (Volo, Ill.), Christina parents, to honor their commitment to Keares (Strongsville, Ohio), Panayioti the Orthodox faith, their love for their Logothetis (Woodcliff Lake, N.J.), Eleni Hellenic heritage, and their desire to Marinos (Lancaster, Pa.), George Mar- help those who are orphaned or in need. kopoulos (Addison, Ill.), Calliope Mc- Scholarships are awarded annually to Bride (Lawrenceville Ga.), Demi Pana- Greek Orthodox students committed to gopoulos (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Malorie serious study in degree-earning under- Papadelias (Orange Beach, Ala.), Geor- graduate programs at accredited colleges gia Pappas (West Chicago, Ill.), Corinna or universities in the United States. Robinson (Valrico, Fla.), Parris Skiouris To date, the Gioles Scholarship has (Decatur, Ga.), Andriana Stenros (Peta- given out over $175,000 since its incep- luma, Calif.), and Katrina Storton (Palm tion in 1999. Desert, Calif.) Ten scholarships were awarded to Paleologos Graduate Scholarship the following students: Hannah Gar- The Paleologos Graduate Scholar- land (Virginia Beach, Va.), Eleni Hara- ship Fund was established in 2007 to as- mis (Williamsburg, Va.), Paige Hillock sist students enrolled in graduate studies (Chicago), Napoleon Kanari (Volo, Ill.), leading to advanced degrees in academic Nicholas Kapolis (Akron, Ohio), Pan- fields other than theology. This award is ayiotis Kousoulas (Flemington, N.J.), open to students from all the jurisdictions Eleni Marinos (Lancaster, Pa.), Calliope of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox McBride (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Vasiliki Bishops of the United States of America. Motsios (Hudson, Fla.), and Alexander Thirteen scholarships were granted Sarantis (Freeland, Mich.). to the following 12 students: Anthony Malta Scholarship Gilbert (Mesa, Ariz.), Benjamin Han- The Katina John Malta Scholarship sen (Columbia Heights, Minn.), Lydia Fund was established in 2002 through a Bailey (Waco, Texas), Grace Cambra generous gift from the estate of Katina (Kirksville, Mo.), Maximilian Ramseyer John Malta, in recognition of the love (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Douglas Pierce she had for the Church and to honor her (Lincoln, Neb.), Mark Huggins (Nash- desire to help others, especially children ville), Nikoletta Livingston (Brighton, and youth of the Orthodox Christian Mass.), Aristotelis Nayfa (Spartanburg, faith. S.C.), James Heracklis (Gastonia, N.C.), As a reflection of the pan-Orthodox Anna-Elise Anderson (Alexandria, Va.), nature of the scholarship program, these and Elizabeth Waters (Norman, Okla.). awards are open to students from all ju- 2019 Scholarships risdictions of the Assembly of Canonical It is expected that all three of these Orthodox Bishops of the United States scholarships will once again be available of America. for the 2019-20 academic year. Applica- This year, 27 scholarships were tions will be available at the beginning granted to the following students: Luke of February 2019 on the website of the Andruchow (Chula Vista, Calif.), Nicho- Archdiocese, www.goarch.org. las Barbarino (Las Vegas, Nevada), Al- Applications may also be requested exandra Benc (Watchung, N.J.), Sam- at that time by e-mail at scholarships@ uel Bournelis (Canton, Ohio), Demetri goarch.org NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 11 Archons Archons Bestow Athenagoras Award to Their Spiritual Advisor NEW YORK - The annual Archons ing chairs and tables at the State Depart- banquet featured the Order of St. An- ment; when I celebrate the Divine Litur- drew the Apostles’ presentation of its gy and enjoy the first seat in our Church, Athenagoras Human Rights Award to my co-disciple takes the last pew to Fr. Alex and Presvytera Xanthi Karlout- ensure proper discipline in the Narthex sos. and Nave; while I’m the maître’d su- The record number of guests – perstar at our Hamptons Greek Festival, about 1,300 – filled the Hilton hotel my privileged Presvytera is peeling on- banquet hall to honor the Archons’ ions, washing pans and baking baklava. spiritual advisor Fr. Alex and Presvytera My Protopresvytera is more than the Xanthi for their nearly 50 years’ service wind beneath my wings; Xanthi is my to the Church. compass, my curb, and my conscience. As soon as audience members Without Xanthi, there would be no Fr. were seated, emcee Mike Emanuel of Alex: everything I have done, or be- Fox News announced the surprise ap- came, I owe to the love of my life. That pearance of former Vice President Joe is why, Presvytera, as the songwriter Biden. sang “I love you more today than yes- Biden spoke for about 15 minutes terday, less than tomorrow!” on his longtime friendship with Fr. Alex Fr. Alex reflected on the loss of his and his feelings of warmth toward the GOA/D.Panagos photos mother and its aftermath. “… with help Greek American community. from Yiayia Stavroula, he raised six He said that, as he is free to com- Fr. Alex and Presvytera Xanthi receive the award from Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Anthony Limberakis children, all by God’s lifesaving grace. ment on the particular issue of religious as the more than 1,000 applaud. (Orthodox Observer photo) Because of them, and the heroic taken- freedom since he is out of office, that the for-granted parish priests and presby- Church should be free to function in the tion to carrying out his priestly ministry. tries to help me grow as a person and teres, past and present, I see the Arch- world without the threat of political tyr- A video tribute narrated by George develop as a priest.” diocese through my parents’ hope filled, anny and praised Ecumenical Patriarch Stephanopoulos highlighted the life and Fr. Alex also expressed “our heart- but pained eyes…” Bartholomew for his support of inde- varied ministries of Fr. Alex and Pres- felt gratitude to the Archons of the Or- Fr. Alex also stressed the great im- pendence for the Ukrainian Church. vytera over their nearly five decades of der of Saint Andrew and, most espe- portance of completing St. Nicholas Also attending was the represen- service, which included youth ministry, cially, to their indefatigable National Greek Orthodox Church at the World tative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- communications, public affairs, spiritual Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, a Trade Center. tholomew, Metropolitan Emmanuel of advisor to Leadership 100, the Archons fellow PK and trusted brother, for this “We have to rid ourselves of the France, who introduced the patriarch’s and FAITH: An Endowment for Or- august honor. And in the person of Dr. dreaded disease of indifference and video greeting. He noted Fr. Alex and thodoxy and Hellenism, and his efforts Maria Limberakis, we thank all the Ar- come together and build the light on the Presvytera’s “longtime friendship they over the past 17 years to promote and chondisses, the spouses who encourage hill that is St. Nicholas.” have for the Phanar.” push for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas and empower their respective husbands Archbishop Demetrios concluded The Metropolitan of France also Greek Orthodox Church and National and families to be faithful Orthodox the evening, praising the Fr. Alex for his praised the Order for raising $1.4 mil- Shrine at the World Trade Center. Christians, and advocate for religious many accomplishments in addition to lion in recent months for the Ecumeni- In his comments upon accepting freedom and human rights of the Moth- his work with Leadership 100, the Or- cal Patriarchate’s worldwide ministries. the award from Archbishop Demetrios er Church. der of St. Andrew, and FAITH Endow- Commenting briefly on the Ukrai- and Archons National Commander Dr. “Speaking of the precious word ment, which included organizing 18 nian issue, Metropolitan Emmanuel Anthony Limberakis, Fr. Alex said, “Al- mother, a most cherished name for visits to the White House for the Greek stated that “an autocephalous Ukrainian though we are not the most worthy re- someone who lost his mother at age 9, Independence Day celebrations, his key Orthodox Church is an ecclesiastical re- cipients of this Award, we are immense- how can I express what the Mother of role in organizing the Holy and Great ality long overdue.” He continued, “the ly aware and humbled by its worth.” my children and the yiayia of our ten Council held in Crete in 2016, his ser- Church is in pain because of the break- He acknowledged the roles that oth- grandchildren, has meant, and means vice as liaison at various political levels, ing of fellowship and the lack of under- ers have had in helping him develop as to me? (I love my children and grand- and his pastoring of Kimisis Church of standing. The mistakes of the sins of the a priest, including: the late Fr Byron Pa- children more than life itself.) Together, the Hamptons, including building a new past can no longer be tolerated.” panikolaou. “He was truly a hierarch’s my wife Xanthi and I, have worked and church and community center. The program included a presenta- priest; he challenged me to love unto served in the holy priesthood for over His Eminence added that, “Pres- tion, “A Brother’s Love,” by Fr. Alex’s madeness to the flock entrusted to me.” 48 years. While I was seen processing vytera Xanthippe is doing superhuman brother James, who reminisced about Patriarch Bartholomew, who inspired with popes and patriarchs, my unseen work taking care of their family, giving experiences with his brother from child- him “to put Christ and his Church above co-worker was sorting suitcases at air- Fr. Alex the possibility to move through hood, especially when their mother, everything else,” Archbishop Iakovos, ports; while I was in receiving lines with different levels and activities. It is un- Olga, died at age 34, leaving their father, “one of great religious leaders of the 20th presidents and first ladies at the White necessary to add they deserve the Athe- Fr. Michael, to raise six children in addi- century who “entrusted me with minis- House, Presvytera Xanthi was arrang- nagoras Humanitarian Award.” 27 New Archons Inducted in October

The following individuals where inducted into the Order of St. Andrew/ Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Oct. 28 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral. Robert Buhler, Lake Forest, Ill.; Emanuel Cotronakis, Juno Beach, Fla.; Harry Dimopoulos, PhD., Naples, Fla., Fotios Frangakis, Hermitage, Pa.; Sam Galeotos, Cheyenne, Wyo.; John Harbilas, Camp Hill, Pa., Phillip Kafarakis, Silver Spring, Md.; George Koulianos, DVM, Tarpon Springs, Fla., Louis Laros, Champaign, Ill.; George Loucas, North Royalton, Ohio. York; Matthew Mirones, Staten Island, Wayside, N.J.; John Patzakis, San Mari- N.Y.; Sarantos Vallas, Brooklyn, N.Y.; John Louizos, Stamford, Conn., N.Y.; no, Calif.; Michael Psyllos, Port Wash- James Vavas, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Howard Angelo Mallas, Glen Cove, N.Y., Wil- Anthony Pantazopoulos, Lower ington, N.Y. West Jr., Carnegie, Pa.; Christos Yiant- liam Marusich DDS, Johnson City, Gwynedd, Pa.; George Pappas, Wash- Dimitrios Rozanitis, Philadelphia; sou, MD, Colleyville, Texas; and Steve N.Y., John Joseph Mindala II, New ington; Steve Paragioudakis, MD., Nicholas Seketa, DPM, Johnson City, Zeis, Asheville, N.C. 12 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Leadership 100 Archdiocese News Leadership 100 to Celebrate 35th Fr. Cantos Named Youth Anniversary at Annual Conference Worker Compliance Officer

By George Shira subject of “Health and Wellness: Im- NEW YORK – Fr. Demetrios-Earl for the Judiciary Committee of the proving our Quality of Life.” Cantos, pastor of Holy Cross Church, California State Legislature where he Leadership 100 will celebrate The opening forum on Feb. 21 Flagstaff, Ariz., was recently named drafted laws concerning child abuse the 35th anniversary of its founding will feature one of the most promi- as Archdiocese youth worker compli- and domestic violence. at its annual Leadership 100 Confer- nent Archdiocese ministries: The ance officer. He additionally volunteered with ence, Feb. 21-24 at the Boca Raton Center for Family Care. Its director, His duties will ensure the imple- the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Fla. Fr. Alexander Goussetis and Semi- ment and enforcement of this new pro- helping women and children escape Leadership 100 was founded in narian and Clergy Couple Care Co- gram announced at the 44th Clergy-La- abusive situations. 1984 by Archbishop Iakovos and a ordinator Presvytera Kerry Pappas, ity Congress in Boston, at every Greek He is licensed to practice law in small group of dedicated lay leaders. will give the presentation on the Orthodox parish, school and ministry both California and New York. He Beginning with a modest member- Center’s far-reaching work. in the Archdiocese. attended both Holy Cross School of ship it has grown to 1,088 members. Archbishop Demetrios will con- A new system of registry for all Theology and the Aristotle University Over the last three and a half duct the traditional Bible study and a those involved in ministries or pro- of Thessaloniki, Greece, in obtaining decades, more than $51 million in Health and Wellness Panel will fol- grams primarily serving the Church’s his Masters of Divinity degree. He grants has been disbursed to sup- low in the afternoon. youth will require certification and a was ordained a clergyman in 1998. port the National Ministries and The program Feb. 22 program background check for children’s safe- As a priest, he served at St. Deme- institutions of the Archdiocese, as will include the general assembly, a ty and their parents’ peace of mind. trios Church in Tucson, Ariz., as chap- well as Metropolis Ministries, other lecture by His Eminence, a luncheon He is a former legal assistant to lain to the nuns at the Monastery of the programs and projects that advance and a business forum featuring Ve- Archbishops Spyridon and Demetrios Life-giving Springs in Dunlap Calif., Orthodoxy and Hellenism, and hu- ras. and also served as Metropolis of San pastor to St Nicholas Church in Tem- manitarian needs in the nation and February 23 events will include Francisco chancellor under Metropoli- ecula, Calif., (now Murrieta), and as- around the world. a brunch and special forum by Stel- tans Anthony and Gerasimos. sistant priest at St Spyridon Church Featured speakers will include lene Volandes, Other activities will Fr. Earl was born in San Diego, in San Diego. He currently continues George Veras, the sports Emmy include golf and tennis tournaments and grew up in the St. Spyridon parish to serve as the priest at Holy Cross Award-winning chief operating offi- and awards, and a walk/run event. under Fr. Theodore Phillips. Church of Flagstaff, Ariz., on week- cer of the Pro Football Hall of Fame An evening black-tie grand ban- He graduated from the University ends. and founder and president of Ve- quet will feature the presentation of of San Diego School of Law. Fr. Earl works from the Phoenix ras Communications Inc., Stellene the Archbishop lakovos Leadership In his early career as a lawyer, he area. His phone number specifically Volandes, editor in chief of Town 100 Award for Excellence. worked as a senior policy consultant for this position is 480-653-6420. and Country magazine, and L-100 The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Chairman Emeritus George D. Beh- will be celebrated on Sunday, Feb. rakis who will moderate a panel of 24 at St. Mark Church in Boca Ra- renowned medical specialists on the ton. Archbishop Joins NY Religious Leaders in Solidarity with Pittsburgh Victims

 from page 9 tion and peace, and visited the Park East Synagogue during his 2009 US Patriar- personal meeting with Rabbi Schneier, chal Trip. STERLING TRAVEL conveyed the condolences and the very Also present at the gathering were sincere feelings of sympathy of Ecu- other religious leaders, political and dip- www.hellastickets.com • [email protected] Cheap Tickets, menical Patriarch Bartholomew, who lomatic dignitaries, police and commu- Great Price is a true universal apostle of reconcilia- nity representatives. TICKETS 2 GREECE ON SALE HCHC ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ από Hellenic College Holy Cross $ Launches Revamped Website BROOKLINE, Mass. – Hellenic the improvements and enjoy browsing ΑΘΗΝΑ College Holy Cross (HCHC) has its pages. And of course, we welcome launched a redesigned website, www. your feedback.” The redesign project hchc.edu to increase awareness and was spearheaded internally by Melanie support for HCHC’s growing number Pappas, marketing design manager, ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ of academic programs and initiatives. who managed content and design while Με επιστροφή The new website was developed us- working closely with a Boston-based ing cutting-edge principles of responsive web development agency that specializ- + FUEL FEES + TAXES EXTRA • Περιορισμένος 299αριθμός θέσεων • Restrictions Apply design to offer an improved user experi- es in creating high-performance “web- ence on all devices. A notable new ad- sites, web apps, and digital marketing Χαμηλές τιμές για ΑΠΛΗ ΜΕΤΑΒΑΣΗ • ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΕΣ ΚΙ ΑΠΟ ΑΛΛΕΣ ΠΟΛΕΙΣ dition is the seamless integration of the solutions. school’s social media feeds, which will For more information, please con- allow for the sharing of user-generated tact the Office of Marketing and Com- content on a much larger scale. munications at 617.850.1278 or mpap- P.O. Box 800306, Miami, Fla., 33280 “We are thrilled with the modern [email protected]. look and enhanced functionality of our Follow Us: new website and know it will be an Facebook:@helleniccollegeholycross Τηλεφωνείστε δωρεάν (Call Toll Free): 1.800.473.3238 • 1.908.213.1251 essential tool in attracting prospective Instagram:@helleniccollegeholycross students to our school,” said Fr. Twitter: @HCHCBoston ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗ Christopher Metropulos, HCHC presi- YouTube: HCHCMedia dent. “We hope you will make note of Website: www.hchc.edu NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 13 Metropolis News NJ Metropolis Launches Program to Combat Opioid Abuse

WESTFIELD, NJ - Metropolitan because it is real and exists in every Evangelos of New Jersey unveiled a parish,” said Tom Trachy. new awareness program and informa- Fr. Kosmas Karavellas, proista- tional video about opioid abuse at the menos of Sts. Constantine and Helen recent 2018 Metropolis Clergy Laity Church in Annapolis, Md., added, “I conference, the Metropolis Opioid Re- have had to experience the loss of sponse Effort (M.O.R.E). He named a members of our parish to opioid abuse committee of Metropolitan Council and have had to try and console and members to plan and oversee the ini- minister the loving surviving family tiative. members who have to look back each The committee consists of clergy day and wonder if they could have and lay members under the chairman- done more. I don’t want anyone to ship of Archon H. James Polos, a Met- have to live through that. The MORE ropolitan Council member and a stew- program will go a long way to start the ard of St. George parish in Piscataway, dialogue in our churches.” N.J. “We must do all that we can to Concerns about opioid abuse assist and guide the faithful have to which have affected our youth and not deal with opioid abuse by their loved only, throughout the country, even in ones or friends. We must also provide our parishes and communities were information and access to resources discussed at a meeting of the Metro- to assist families with identification politan Council and the decision was of abuse and intervention methods. made that we must also face reality MORE has begun the dialogue but and deal with this crucial issue which now it will be up to each parish to has found its way into the Orthodox continue the discussion, challenge the Christian home. status quo and insure that local experts The Metropolitan asked Polos to are brought in to drill down further on serve because of his involvement as the important elements of abuse. The a public safety director and county MORE program will better inform and elected official. The committee im- prepare parents and families and most mediately began work on the program importantly send a strong message to with clear direction from The Metro- our youngsters about the dangers of politan who said, “This issue must be addiction to hopefully keep them on brought into the light and our parishio- the right track before they become ad- ners should not be afraid to talk about dicted. We can and we should all do this disease or embarrassed to seek MORE,” said Metropolitan Evange- help from their parish or this Metropo- los. “This video is one of the most lis. Our Church needs to do MORE to compelling and important works I help those afflicted with this disease have seen developed to address opi- and we need to reach beyond the bor- oid abuse in our Greek Orthodox par- ders of our church to enlist help and ishes because it encourages people to support for our own who are affected openly discuss the issue and seek help and as our Orthodox faith teaches us, when necessary from the Church and offer help and support for others in the the other expert resources provided,” communities where we live and wor- said Mihalopoulos. ship.” The video is posted on the Me- With that charge in hand, the com- tropolis website (www.nj.goarch.org/ mittee looked beyond the creation of a ) and parishes throughout the Metrop- standard written encyclical and instead olis and the Archdiocese are encour- focused on the creation of a video so aged to show it in their parish at or- that Metropolitan Evangelos could ganizational meetings such as GOYA, speak directly to the people about this Philoptochos and PTO.The M.O.R.E very important yet very sensitive and program and video is simply the first personal issue. step in what should be an ongoing dia- A very powerful video was pro- logue at the community level. duced which includes a message from Follow up discussions and meet- Metropolitan Evangelos, true life sto- ings organized by the priest and par- ries from members of the Church and ish council at the parish level are also critical information about awareness necessary to further the dialogue and and response offered by Dionysios the dissemination of important infor- Mihalopoulos, a U.S. Drug Enforce- mation and resources in each region of ment Agency assistant special agent the Metropolis. in charge. He was born in Greece and presents in both Greek and English. Tom and Chrystallo Trachy, shared details of their struggle with Matt. 24:4-5 their young son who ultimately lost his struggle with addiction. “If shar- ing and viewing this video can even “Take heed that no one help one family become more aware deceives you. of this issue and be able to intervene with their child in time to save their For many will come in My life, it will be well worth the time and name, saying, ‘I am the tears we have shed to be a part of this important program. My wife and I ap- Christ,’ and will deceive plaud the Metropolitan for taking a many leadership role to bring opioid addic- tion in our community into the light 14 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Subscribe Online Response to Greek Fires Recognizing that many people now receive their information online, and in our continuing efforts to make news more easily accesible, you may opt-in to receive the Orthodox Observer on- IOCC Greece Fire Response line edition. When subscribing you will receive your newspaper by email only. To opt-in send an email to: Extends to Meet Long-Term Needs [email protected]. Include your name, as it appears, along with the five or six digit number below the word DIGIT By Rebecca Loumiotis meat. Many families are also using the on your label. Allow 3-4 months for the change. assistance to buy much-needed clean- BALTIMORE – International Or- ing supplies for their damaged homes. thodox Christian Charities (IOCC) The cards allow recipients to de- continues relief efforts in east Attica termine what their most immediate after July’s deadly fires, now offer- needs are and to address them with ing vouchers for school supplies, ba- flexibility and independence. sic furniture, and kitchen appliances Complementing support for indi- for families whose homes were badly viduals and families, IOCC is helping damaged or destroyed. communities regroup after the fires, IOCC, in cooperation with Apos- supplying trash bins to the municipali- toli, the humanitarian arm of the Arch- ties of Rafina-Pikermi and Marathon. diocese of Athens, is providing pre- The new bins replace those that were paid school-supply cards according to destroyed by intense heat and flames. affected families with limited income Having them in place means that and school-age children. waste collection can resume, making These cards allow recipients to cleanup easier for residents. shop at a large office-supply and book- IOCC is the humanitarian and store chain for the specific items they development agency of the Assembly need as the school year gets underway. of Canonical Bishops of the United Families with limited income States of America. Since its inception whose houses were badly damaged by in 1992, IOCC has provided more the fires are also eligible for assistance than $661 million in humanitarian re- purchasing items such as cooktops, lief and sustainable development pro- washers, beds, tables, and chairs to grams in over 60 countries worldwide. help make their homes livable again. Today, IOCC applies its expertise in In addition to this new assistance, humanitarian response to man-made IOCC continues supporting access to and natural crises in Europe, Afri- food with prepaid grocery cards, also ca, the Middle East, and the United distributed through Apostoli, so fami- States, offering assistance based sole- lies affected by the fires can shop a lo- ly on need. cal chain on their own for essentials Rebecca Loumiotis is IOCC| com- like Greek-grown produce, dairy, and munications manager More Donations for Fire Relief The following donations for Greek Mass.; Holy Cross, Macon, Ga.; Holy fire relief victims were received after Cross, Belmont, Calif.; Holy Transfigu- inTroducing Sept. 12 and include those received ration, Mission, Columbus, Ga.; Holy through Nov. 28. This brings the total Trinity, Baton, Rouge, La.; Holy Trinity, amount contributed as of Nov. 28 to Canton, Ohio; Holy Trinity, Ambridge, This isn’T jusT a cruise ship. iT’s an advenTure. $336,678.88. Pa. In response to an appeal from St. Athanasios, Gulf Shores, Ala.; Archbishop Demetrios to assist the vic- St. Barbara, Sarasota, Fla.; St. George, opa! greek cruise FEBRuaRy 17- 24, 2019 tims of the recent fires in Attica, Greece; New Castle, Pa.; St. George, Bakers- Enjoy Fabulous Ship Entertainment, Great Greek Entertainment, Parties & Events! parishes and individual donors respond- field, Calif.; St. John, Bluepoint, N.Y.; ed generously. St. Mary’s, Johnstown, Pa.; St. Nek- Donations after that date will ap- tarios, Charlotte, N.C.; St.Sophia Ca- Miami Florida pear in the January-February issue of thedral, Miami; Sts. Constantine and Nassau Bahamas the Orthodox Observer. Helen, Fayetteville, N.C.; Metropolis of Cozumel Mexico Donations by Parish or Organization San Francisco, St. George Church, St. All Saints Church, Peoria, Ill., An- Paul, Minn. Music by nunciation, Kalamazoo, Mich., As- A- Mr. and Mrs. Taso Abariotes, Blair, 2019 sumption, Manchester, N.H., Neb., Borka Andric, Glendale, N.Y. westerN Alex Assumption, Danbury, Conn. C- A. K. Cheronis (no city listed) cariBBeaN Kouros St. Luke, East Longmeadow, Mass., D- Mr. and Mrs. William E. Davis III< Holy Apostles-Sts. Peter & Paul, Haver- Charlotte, N.C.; Mr. and Mrs. Perry G. Roatan Honduras hill, Mass., Holy Trinity, Lowell, Mass., Diamaduros, Charlotte, N.C.; Mr. and Costa Maya Mexico Holy Trinity, Asheville, N.C., St. Mrs. James Dunn, Matthews, N.C. Basil the Great, New Haven, Conn., E- Christian I. Elmiger, Boulder, Colo. St. Barbara, Durham, N.C., St. F- Tasos Farentinos, San Francisco; all This and Demetrios, Saginaw, Mich. G- Bruce Geerdes, Broomfield, Colo.; our own Private St. Demetrios, Weston, Mass., St. Diane S. Gretes, Monroe, N.C.; Greek Events and Eleftherios, New York, St. George, I,J,K- Carol. J. Jelush, Charlotte, N.C.; Entertainment The Aegean Duo Knoxville, Tenn., Effie Krol, Dacono, Colo.; Mr. and You must reserve Nick Mouganis & Steve Tavelaris St. Peter the Apostle, Bronx, N.Y., Mrs. Harry W. Krause, Lake Wylie, BAsIle your cabin with St. Spyridon, Sheboygan, Wis., Sts. Pe- S.C.; TRAVELGROUP for entry to our private Greek ter & Paul, Boulder, Colo., Zoodohos M- Maria E. Marcucci, New Rochelle, Functions. Rates start at Peghe, Bronx. N.Y., Mathew Melonakis, Broomfield, MAMMA MIA! $899 per person, double NoMiNaTEd occupancy. Gov’t taxes FoR 5 ToNy Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toledo, Colo, Susan Messina, Hancock, N.H. of $139.97 are additional. awaRdS Ohio; St. John the Baptist, Cedar Rap- N- Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Neary, Information subject to change at anytime ids, Iowa; St. George, New Castle, Pa.; Charlotte, N.C.; without notice. Sts. Peter and Paul, Frederick, Md. P- Penelope A. Pappas, Carbondale, Sponsored by St. Mark Raindrop Turkish House, Dal- Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Pappas, Greek Orthodox Church of Ocala, Florida. las-Richardson, Texas; St. John, Charlotte, N.C.; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Youngstown, Ohio; St. Sava Serbian Poulias, Fort Mill, S.C.; Demetrios J. www.opacruise.com Orthodox Church, Jackson, Calif.; Holy Powers, Berthoud, Colo. Spirit, Rochester, N.Y.; Holy Trinity, R- Patricia Radulovic, Mamaroneck, Nashville; Annunciation, Mobile, Ala. For Reservations Contact: Local 561-447-0750 • Toll Free 1-866-447-0750 Ext 102 or 108 N.Y. [email protected] • www.travelgroupint.com/opa-greek-cruise Assumption, Chicago; Dormition S- Susan L. Smith, Boulder, Colo. 125 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 14, Boca Raton, FL 33432 of the Mother of God, Burlington, Ver- W- William W. White, Henderson, mont; Metropolis of Boston, Brookline, Nevada. ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ - ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2018 ΕΤΟΣ 83 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1334 ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ΤΟΥ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΊΟΥ ΠΕΡΙ ΑΥΤΟΚΕΦΑΛΙΑΣ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΥ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΥ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς ΟΥΚΡΑΝΙΑΣ συνῆλθεν εἰς τήν τακτικήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς εἰς τήν αἴθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱερᾶς ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 17ην καί Αμερικής κοινοποιεί κατωτέρω την 18ην Ὀκτωβρίου 2018 ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τοῦ βαρυσήμαντη επίσημη ανακοίνωση του Σεβασμιωτάτου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἀμερικῆς Οικουμενικού μας Πατριαρχείου σχετικά με κ. Δημητρίου καί τήν συμμετοχήν ἁπάντων τῶν Σεβασμιωτάτων Μητροπολιτῶν-Μελῶν το σοβαρό ζήτημα της αυτοκεφαλίας της αὐτῆς. Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας Ουκρανίας. Ἡ Σύνοδος συνεζήτησεν ἐκτενῶς τά ἑξῆς: Ἀνακοινωθέν (11/10/2018) 1. Ἐν ἀρχῇ τῆς πρώτης συνεδρίας Συνῆλθεν, ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τῆς ἡ Ἱ. Σύνοδος ὑπεδέχθη ἐγκαρδίως τόν Α.Θ.Παναγιότητος, ἡ Ἁγία καί Ἱερά Σύνοδος νεοεκλεγέντα Σεβασμιώτατο Μητροπολίτη εἰς τάς τακτικάς αὐτῆς συνεδρίας κατά τάς Σικάγου κ. Ναθαναήλ ὡς μέλος αὐτῆς καί ἡμέρας 9-11 τ.μ. Ὀκτωβρίου 2018. Κατ᾿ αὐτήν ηὐχήθη εἰς αὐτόν πᾶσαν παρά Θεοῦ εὐλογίαν. ἐξητάσθησαν καί συνεζητήθησαν τά ἐν τῇ 2. Συνεζητήθησαν ὑποθέσεις ὑποψηφίων ἡμερησίᾳ διατάξει περιλαμβανόμενα θέματα. κληρικῶν διά χειροτονίαν καί ἐλήφθησαν αἱ Τό ἱερόν σῶμα ἠσχολήθη ἰδιαιτέρως ἁρμόζουσαι ἀποφάσεις. καί διά μακρῶν μέ τό ἐκκλησιαστικόν θέμα 3. Ἀνεθεωρήθη ὁ κατάλογος τῶν τῆς Οὐκρανίας, παρόντων καί τῶν Ἐξάρχων ὑποψηφίων πρός Ἀρχιερατείαν κληρικῶν ὁ τῶν ἀποσταλέντων εἰς Οὐκρανίαν, ἤτοι ὁποῖος ἐν συνεχείᾳ θά ἀποσταλῇ πρός ἔγκρισιν τοῦ Πανιερ. Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Παμφίλου κ. Καλά Χριστούγεννα εἰς τό Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον. Δανιήλ καί τοῦ Θεοφιλ. Ἐπισκόπου Edmon- 4. Ἐνεκρίθη ἡ μετάθεσις τοῦ Ἀρχιγραμματεύοντος τῆς Ἱ. Ἐπαρχιακῆς ton κ. Ἱλαρίωνος, καί, κατόπιν διεξοδικῶν Συνόδου Θεοφιλεστάτου Ἐπισκόπου Ζήλων συζητήσεων, ἀπεφάσισε: κ. Σεβαστιανοῦ εἰς τήν Ἱεράν Μητρόπολιν τῆς 1) Νά ἀνανεώσῃ τήν ἤδη εἰλημμένην Ἀτλάντας ὅπου θά συνεχίσῃ τήν Ἀρχιερατικήν ἀπόφασιν ὅπως τό Οἰκουμενικόν διακονίαν του παρά τῷ Σεβασμιωτάτῳ Πατριαρχεῖον χωρήσῃ εἰς τήν χορήγησιν Μητροπολίτῃ Ἀτλάντας κ. Ἀλεξίῳ. Εἰς αὐτοκεφαλίας εἰς τήν Ἐκκλησίαν τῆς πλήρωσιν τῆς κενουμένης θέσεως τοῦ Οὐκρανίας. Ἀρχιγραμματεύοντος τῆς Συνόδου μετατίθεται 2) Νά ἀνασυστήσῃ τό ἐν Κιέβῳ τό ἐκ τῆς Ἱ. Μητροπόλεως Ἁγίου Φραγκίσκου γε νῦν Σταυροπήγιον τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ εἰς τήν ἕδραν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Πατριάρχου, ἕν ἐκ τῶν πολλῶν ἐν Οὐκρανίᾳ ὁ Θεοφιλέστατος Ἐπίσκοπος Μηδείας κ. Σταυροπηγίων Αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν παρελθόντων Ἀπόστολος. αἰώνων. 5. Συνεζητήθη ἡ ἐπιτυχής 44η 3) Κατά τάς κανονικάς προνομίας τοῦ Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευσις τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Πατριάρχου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως ὅπως Ἀμερικῆς ἡ ὁποία συνῆλθεν τόν παρελθόντα δέχηται ἐκκλήτους προσφυγάς ἀρχιερέων καί Ἰούλιον εἰς Βοστώνην, Μασσαχουσέττης, καί ἡ Ἱερά Σύνοδος ἐξέφρασε τά θερμά ἄλλων κληρικῶν ἐκ πασῶν τῶν Αὐτοκεφάλων συγχαρητήρια καί τήν ἰκανοποίησιν αὐτῆς Ἐκκλησιῶν, νά δεχθῇ τάς σχετικάς αἰτήσεις πρός τόν Σεβασμιώτατον Μητροπολίτην τοῦ Φιλαρέτου Ντενισένκο καί τοῦ Μακαρίου Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιον διά τήν ἐπιτυχῆ καί Μαλετίτς καί τῶν σύν αὐτοῖς, οἵτινες καρποφόρον διεξαγωγήν τῶν ἐργασιῶν. εὑρέθησαν ἐν σχίσματι ὄχι διά δογματικούς 6. Ἠγέρθη τό θέμα τῆς δυνατότητος λόγους, καί νά ἀποκαταστήσῃ αὐτούς μέν εἰς δημιουργίας εἰδικοῦ κέντρου πληροφοριῶν διά τόν ἀρχιερατικόν ἤ ἱερατικόν αὐτῶν βαθμόν, τήν ἠλεκτρονικήν ἀποθήκευσιν ἀντιγράφων τούς δέ πιστούς αὐτῶν εἰς ἐκκλησιαστικήν καί πιστοποιητικῶν ἐκκλησιαστικῶν κοινωνίαν. Μυστηρίων. Τό θέμα θά ἐρευνηθῇ περαιτέρω. 4) Νά ἅρῃ τήν ἰσχύν τοῦ Συνοδικοῦ 7. Τά μέλη τῆς Συνόδου εἶχον τήν Γράμματος Ἐκδόσεως τοῦ ἔτους 1686, τοῦ εὐκαιρίαν νά ἐνημερωθοῦν καί νά συζητήσουν ἐκδοθέντος διά τάς τότε περιστάσεις, διά μετά τοῦ Πρωτοσυγκέλλου Θεοφ. Ἐπισκόπου τοῦ ὁποίου ἐδίδετο, κατ᾿ οἰκονομίαν, τό Φασιανῆς κ. Ἀντωνίου, τῆς κ. Ἑλένης Ἄλλεν, δικαίωμα εἰς τόν Πατριάρχην Μόσχας νά προέδρου τῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς Ἐλέγχου καί τοῦ κ. Λαζάρου Κίρκου, προέδρου τῆς Οἰκονομικῆς χειροτονῇ τόν ἑκάστοτε Μητροπολίτην Ἐπιτροπῆς, θέματα τά ὁποῖα ἀφοροῦν Κιέβου, ἐκλεγόμενον ὑπό τῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς εἰς τήν συνεχῆ πρόοδον τῆς οἰκονομικῆς Συνελεύσεως τῆς Ἐπαρχίας αὐτοῦ καί καταστάσεως τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς, ὀφείλοντα νά μνημονεύῃ “ἐν πρώτοις” τοῦ εἰς τόν ὑπό ἀνέγερσιν Ἱερόν Ναόν καί Ἐθνικόν ὀνόματος τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριάρχου εἰς Προσκύνημα τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου καί εἰς τά ἔνδειξιν κανονικῆς ἐξαρτήσεως. πορίσματα τῆς δευτέρας σχετικῆς ἐρεύνης 5) Νά κάμῃ ἔκκλησιν πρός πάσας τάς ἀναφορικῶς πρός τήν οἰκοδόμησιν αὐτοῦ. ἐμπλεκομένας πλευράς νά ἀποφεύγουν 8. Συνεζητήθησαν ἐπίσης θέματα τῆς καταλήψεις Ναῶν, Μονῶν καί ἄλλων Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς Τιμίου Σταυροῦ καί περιουσιακῶν στοιχείων, ὡς καί πᾶσαν πρᾶξιν Ἑλληνικοῦ Κολλεγίου καί αἱ καταβαλλόμεναι βίας καί ἐκδικητικότητος, εἰς ἐπικράτησιν τῆς προσπάθειαι ἀντιμετωπίσεως αὐτῶν. εἰρήνης καί τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ. 9. Ἤκουσεν παρά τῶν Σεβασμιωτάτων Ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις, τῇ 11ῃ Ὀκτωβρίου Μητροπολιτῶν Νέας Ἰερσέης κ. Εὐαγγέλου 2018 καί Σικάγου κ. Ναθαναήλ, οἱ ὁποῖοι μετεῖχον Ἐκ τῆς Ἀρχιγραμματείας τῆς Ἁγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου Σελίδα 16 16 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ - ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2018 ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ΤΗΣ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΥ  Σελίδα 15 τῶν ἐργασιῶν τῆς Ἁγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τάς πληροφορίας περί τοῦ θέματος τῆς αὐτοκεφαλίας τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Οὐκρανίας, καί συνεζήτησαν ἐπί αὐτοῦ. 10. Την προτεραίαν τῆς συνεδρίας τῆς Συνόδου, ἤτοι τήν Τρίτην, 16ην Ὀκτωβρίου τρ.μ., τά μέλη τῆς Συνόδου εἶχον τήν εὐκαιρίαν νά ἐπερξεγασθοῦν τήν μετάφρασιν τοῦ πρωτοτύπου ἑλληνικοῦ κειμένου τῶν εὐχῶν τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας τοῦ Μεγάλου Βασιλείου εἰς τήν Ἀγγλικήν γλῶσσαν τό ὁποῖον ὑπέβαλεν ἡ Συνοδική Ἐπιτροπή ἐπί Λειτουργικῶν Θεμάτων Ἡ ἐπί διήμερον συνεδρία τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἐπαρχιακῆς Συνόδου ὡλοκληρώθη τήν μεσημβρίαν τῆς Πέμπτης, 18ης Ὀκτωβρίου, 2018. Ἀκολούθως τά μέλη τῆς Συνόδου μετέβησαν εἰς τό ξενοδοχεῖον Marriott Mar- quis πρός συμμετοχήν των εἰς τάς ἐργασίας τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκοπικοῦ Συμβουλίου τῆς Ἱ. GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς. Μέλη της Συνόδου Η Ιερά Επαρχιακή Σύνοδος διεξήγε την φθινοπωρινή σύναξή της στην έδρα της Αρχιεπισκοπής τον μήνα Οκτώβριο. (από αριστερά) Επίσκοπος Ζήλων Σεβαστιανός (τότε γραμματέας της Συνόδου), Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης Ευάγγελος, Μητροπολίτης Πιτσβούργου Σάββας, Μητροπολίτης Ατλάντας Αλέξιος, Μητροπολίτης Βοστώνης Μεθόδιος, Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, Μητροπολίτης Ντένβερ Ησαΐας, Μητροπολίτης Ντητρόϊτ Νικόλαος, Μητροπολίτης Αγίου Φραγκίσκου Γεράσιμος και Μητροπολίτης Σικάγου Ναθαναήλ. ΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΤΡΟΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΘΕΣΗ ΣΤΟ

ΠΙΤΤΣΜΠΟΥΡΓΚ GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Εκ μέρους της Ελληνικής Ιεράς Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Γέρων O Επίσκοπος Μηδείας Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος, εξέφρασε αισθήματα Απόστολος διορίσθηκε δυσπιστίας, αγανακτήσεως, πόνου και θλίψεως για τη φρικτή τρομοκρατική και ρατσιστική Αρχιγραμματέας της επίθεση εναντίον αθώων ανθρώπων οι Ιεράς Επαρχιακής οποίοι το Σάββατο 27 Οκτωβρίου 2018, εκτελούσαν τα θρησκευτικά τους καθήκοντα Συνόδου στη συναγωγή “Δέντρο της Ζωής” του Πίτσμπουργκ της Πενσυλβάνιας. ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος δήλωσε: Δημήτριος ανακοίνωσε ότι ο Επίσκοπος Μηδείας Απόστολος διορίσθηκε Εορτασμός Αγίου Δημητρίου «Έντεκα αθώοι άνθρωποι έχασαν τη Αρχιγραμματέας της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος προέστη στην Ακολουθία της Εορτής του Αγίου Δημητρίου ζωή τους και άλλοι έξι τραυματίστηκαν Συνόδου από 15 Νοεμβρίου 2018. Ο στον Καθεδρικό Ναό Αγίου Δημητρίου, Αστόρια, στις 26 Οκτωβρίου. Ο Αρχιδιάκονος λόγω της θρησκευτικής τους πίστεώς, καθώς Θεοφιλέστατος θα επωμισθεί και άλλα Παντελεήμων (κρατών το Ευαγγέλιο) και ο Διάκονος Ελευθέριος συνεορτάζουν στη ανέπεμπαν τις προσευχές τους και τελούσαν τις καθήκοντα συνάδοντα με τον επισκοπικό Μικρή Είσοδο (κάτω). Στην Ακολουθία του Εσπερινού στον Ι. Ναό Αγίου Δημητρίου, ακολουθίες του Σαββάτου στη συναγωγή τους βαθμό του. Πριν από τον διορισμό του Merrick, Long Island, το προηγούμενο βράδυ με τον προϊστάμενο Αιδ. Νικηφόρο Φακίνο στο Πίτσμπουργκ. Είμεθα συγκλονισμένοι αυτόν, ο Επίσκοπος Απόστολος υπηρέτησε και αρκετούς κληρικούς από κοντινές ενορίες. και θρηνούμε την παράλογη απώλεια της ως πρωτοσύγκελλος στη Μητρόπολη ζωής των συνανθρώπων μας από αυτή την Αγίου Φραγκίσκου από τον Νοέμβριο αντισημιτική φρικτή εκδήλωση μίσους, κακού 2011. Την θέση του Αρχιγραμματέα και βίας. Καταδικάζουμε απερίφραστα αυτή καί ως πνευματικός σύμβουλος της και όλες τις πράξεις βίας και τρομοκρατίας Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Κυριών κατείχε που στρέφονται εναντίον της κοινωνίας πριν ο Επίσκοπος Ζήλων Σεβαστιανός ο και ειδικότερα εναντίον ανθρώπων για την οποίος καλείται πλέον να υπηρετήσει την θρησκευτική τους πίστη και εκφράζουμε την Μητρόπολη Ατλάντας. δικαιολογημένη αγανάκτησή μας ως πολίτες Πριν από την χειροτονία του σε που σέβονται και τιμούν την ανθρώπινη επίσκοπο τον Δεκέμβριο 2014, ο Επίσκοπος ζωή, και τις αρχές της ελευθερίας και της Μηδείας υπηρέτησε ως Ιερατικώς δικαιοσύνης. Προϊστάμενος του Καθεδρικού Ναού Ενωμένοι, δηλώνουμε την αλληλεγγύη Αγίου Δημητρίου, Αστόριας. Ο Επίσκοπος μας προς τις οικογένειες των θυμάτων και Απόστολος κατάγεται από το νησί της Ρόδου. προς τους επιζώντες, συμπεριλαμβανομένων και των τεσσάρων αστυνομικών οι οποίοι τραυματίστηκαν την ώρα της τρομοκρατικής ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ Α’ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ επιθέσεως κατά την εκτέλεση του καθήκοντός τους. Βρισκόμεθα παρά τω πλευρώ της Κεφάλαιο 2 Στίχοι 22 εβραϊκής κοινότητος του Πίτσμπουργκ καθώς θρηνεί αγαπημένα πρόσωπα. Ως έθνος και τίς ἐστιν ὁ ψεύστης εἰ μὴ ὁ ως Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί στις Ηνωμένες ἀρνούμενος ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς οὐκ Πολιτείες, προσευχώμεθα αδιαλείπτως και ἔστιν ὁ Χριστός; οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ διακαώς στον Παντοδύναμο Θεό να χαρίζει ἀντίχριστος, ὁ ἀρνούμενος τὸν ίαση, παρηγορία και καθοδήγηση σ’ αυτή τη GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος πατέρα καὶ τὸν υἱόν. δύσκολη γεμάτη προκλήσεις εποχή». ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ - ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2018 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 17 Η συνεργασία γονέων-δασκάλων για τη βοήθεια των μαθητών στο σπίτι στην εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας μέσα από την Ιστορία, τον Πολιτισμό και την Μυθολογία. Το φετινό εκπαιδευτικό επιμορφωτικό σεμινάριο του Τμήματος Ελληνικής Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 12 Νοεμβρίου 2018 στην κοινότητα του Αγίου Πέτρου του Αποστόλου στο Μπρονξ, υπό την αιγίδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου Γέροντα Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου και την συμμετοχή της Ομοσπονδίας Ελληνο-Αμερικανών Εκπαιδευτικών και του Οργανισμού «Ελληνική Παιδεία Αμερικής». Οι εργασίες του σεμιναρίου ξεκίνησαν με προσευχή από τον Σεβασμιώτατο Γέροντα Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο, συνεπικουρούμενο από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο του Ναού του Αγίου Πέτρου Αρχιμανδρίτη π. Μάξιμο Πολίτη, τον Αρχιδιάκονο Παντελεήμονα Παπαδόπουλο και τον ψάλτη Γεώργιο Καζούλη. Ήταν ένα σεμινάριο διαφορετικό από τα άλλα, αφού περιείχε μια νέα θεματολογία που αφορούσε τη συνεργασία γονέων και δασκάλων για την καλύτερη εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας μέσα από την χρήση των βιβλίων της Ιστορίας και του Πολιτισμού και της Μυθολογίας. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Γέροντας Αμερικής GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος κ. Δημήτριος εξήρε τις προσπάθειες του Τμήματος Ελληνικής Παιδείας για την πρωτοπόρα θεματολογία που επιλέγει και -Αμερικανών Εκπαιδευτικών κ. Στέλλα σεμινάρια και σε άλλες περιοχές της Αμερικής. και η συζήτηση, ανάλυση και σύνθεση των αναφέρθηκε στη σημασία των σεμιναρίων ως Κοκόλη αναφέρθηκε στην ανταπόκριση Είναι σημαντικό, είπε, να έχουμε ως δάσκαλοι προτάσεων των δασκάλων αλλά και των ευκαιρία για τους δασκάλους να ενημερωθούν των εκπαιδευτικών και στην ουσιαστική και την ενεργό συμμετοχή της οικογένειας του γονέων και κηδεμόνων ανά ομάδες. Στη σε νέες μεθόδους και πρακτικές που μπορούν αποτελεσματική συνεργασία με το Γραφείο κάθε μαθητή στο εκπαιδευτικό μας έργο. συνέχεια, εκπρόσωποι από κάθε ομάδα να χρησιμοποιήσουν στο εκπαιδευτικό τους Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής σε εκπαιδευτικά Ζητούμε τη δραστηριοποίηση των γονέων εργασίας παρουσίασαν τις προτάσεις τους. έργο, αλλά και να μοιραστούν μεταξύ τους θέματα. Η κ. Βασιλική Φιλιώτη, πρόεδρος του αλλά και των γιαγιάδων και των παππούδων Η καινοτομία του σεμιναρίου έγκειται ιδέες και προβληματισμούς. Οργανισμού «Ελληνική Παιδεία Αμερικής» στο σπίτι με πνεύμα συνεργατικότητας, στο γεγονός ότι για πρώτη φορά κλήθηκαν Ο Αρχιμανδρίτης π. Μάξιμος καλωσόρισε παρότρυνε τους γονείς και τους δασκάλους χωρίς να αντικαταστήσουμε το ρόλο του να το παρακολουθήσουν γονείς και μέλη του όλους τους παρεβρισκόμενους στην αίθουσα να γίνουν πρεσβευτές της ελληνικής γλώσσας. δασκάλου στο σχολείο αλλά μάλλον να συλλόγου των γονέων και κηδεμόνων των «Στηβ Ζερβούδης» της κοινότητας του Ο Πρόεδρος του συλλόγου «Προμηθέας» τον επικουρήσουμε. Υπάρχουν πολλοί σχολείων. Αγίου Πέτρου και επεσήμανε ότι ο πλούτος κ. Δημοσθένης Τριανταφύλλου ανέφερε ότι και διαφορετικοί τρόποι που μπορούμε Για να μπορέσουν να βοηθήσουν τα της ελληνικής γλώσσας και οι άπειρες όλοι μας είμαστε συνεχιστές του έργου του να χρησιμοποιήσουμε προκειμένου να το παιδιά, χρειάζεται οι ίδιοι οι γονείς να δυνατότητες εξέλιξής της, την καθιστούν ένα Ομήρου. επιτύχουμε αυτό. Θα έχουμε όλοι την ευκαιρία πιστεύουν στην αξία της ελληνικής γλώσσας πολύτιμο εκφραστικό μέσο στην καλλιέργεια Ο Διευθυντής του Τμήματος Ελληνικής να αντλήσουμε συμπεράσματα κυρίως σχετικά και σε αυτό που μπορούν να κάνουν. του παγκόσμιου πολιτισμού. Τον συντονισμό Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής Δρ. με το πώς μπορούμε να καλλιεργήσουμε τον Όλες οι προτάσεις που παρουσιάστηκαν των εργασιών είχε η βοηθός του Διευθυντή Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος, ο οποίος είχε και προφορικό λόγο μέσα από την Ιστορία, τον στο σεμινάριο θα μελετηθούν και θα Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής κ. Μαρία την ευθύνη του σεμιναρίου, εξέφρασε την Πολιτισμό και τη Μυθολογία. κωδικοποιηθούν από το Γραφείο Παιδείας, Τελειοπούλου. ικανοποίησή του για την πορεία του και την Το χαρακτηριστικό του σεμιναρίου ώστε να μπορέσουμε να καταλήξουμε σε Η Πρόεδρος της Ομοσπονδίας Ελληνο- ευχή να πραγματοποιηθούν τέτοια πρωτοπόρα ήταν οι σύντομες δεκάλεπτες εισηγήσεις συμπεράσματα για περαιτέρω δράσεις. ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΠΙΜΟΡΦΩΤΙΚΗ ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΑΜΕΣΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗΣ ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑΣ

Υπό την αιγίδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου Παιδείας της Ομογένειας. Η κ. Φιλίππου Αρχιεπισκόπου Γέροντος Αμερικής κ.κ. ευχαρίστησε την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Δημητρίου έλαβε χώρα η ετήσια Ημερίδα Δημητρίου για τη φιλοξενία της, τον Επιμόρφωσης Εκπαιδευτικών την Τρίτη 6 Αρχιεπίσκοπο για την εμπιστοσύνη και Νοεμβρίου 2018, στο Ελληνοαμερικανικό τη βοήθειά Του, καθώς επίσης και τους Λύκειο Αγίου Δημητρίου στην Αστόρια. εκπαιδευτικούς για το έργο που επιτελούν Η Ημερίδα απευθυνόταν στους στα σχολεία της περιοχής. εκπαιδευτικούς που υπηρετούν στα Το αγγλόφωνο πρόγραμμα άνοιξε με ημερήσια και τα απογευματινά / Σαββατιανά την ομιλία της η κ. Teresa Bruno, η οποία σχολεία της Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής αναφέρθηκε στο επίκαιρο θέμα “Using Περιφέρειας και της γύρω περιοχής και Data to Drive Instruction”, δηλαδή για το είχε αθρόα συμμετοχή. Περίπου 270 πώς η χρήση των δεδομένων κατευθύνει εκπαιδευτικοί - διευθυντές, καθηγητές τη διδασκαλία στη σχολική τάξη. Την και δάσκαλοι - συμμετείχαν στις εργασίες επιμέλεια του αγγλικού προγράμματος, που της Επιμορφωτικής Ημερίδας, η οποία περιελάμβανε ένα ευρύ και ποικίλο αριθμό διεξάγεται ετησίως από το 1990 την εργαστηρίων, είχε αναλάβει η εταιρεία πρώτη Τρίτη του Νοέμβρη, ημέρα των Brienza’s Academic Advantage, εταιρεία αμερικανικών εκλογών. επίσημα αναγνωρισμένη από το Υπουργείο Η Ημερίδα αρχίσε με προσευχή από Παιδείας της Πόλης της Νέας Υόρκης, σε τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Γέροντα συνεργασία με το Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου GOA-Δημητρης Παναγος Αμερικής κ. κ. Δημήτριο. Ακολούθησε Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφέρειας. Τις ειση- καλωσόρισμα από τον Αιδ. Βοηθό Ιερέως γήσεις που είχαν στόχο την αναβάθμιση του Καθεδρικού Ναού Αγίου Δημητρίου των δεξιοτήτων των εκπαιδευτικών της προγράμματος «Ellinopoula Project». εντός και εκτός της Πολιτείας της Νέας Αστορίας, π. Αναστάσιο Πουράκη. προσχολικής και πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευ- Χαιρετισμούς απηύθυναν ο νέος Υόρκης. Η σχολική σύμβουλος του Σχολείου σης, έκαναν οι καθηγήτριες Dr. Virginia Γενικός Πρόξενος της Κυπριακής Έπειτα, οι Έλληνες εκπαιδευτικοί των Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, κ. Ελένη Russell, Sandy Gross, Maria Mavrides και Δημοκρατίας, κ. Αλέξης Φαίδωνος-Βαντέ, Απογευματινών/ Σαββατιανών Κοινοτικών Καραγιώργου, χαιρέτισε την Ημερίδα Teresa Bruno. και ο νέος Συντονιστής Εκπαίδευσης του Σχολείων παρακολουθήσουν το καινοτόμο ευχαριστώντας δημόσια την πρώην Όσον αφορά το Ελληνικό πρόγραμμα, το Γενικού Προξενείου Ελλάδας στη Νέα πρόγραμμα Εκμάθησης της Νεοελληνικής διευθύντρια του Γραφείου Παιδείας της Γραφείο Παιδείας Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Υόρκη, Δρ. Γεώργιος Σταθόπουλος. Στη ως Δεύτερης Ξένης Γλώσσας «Ellinopoula Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφέρειας, κ. Περιφέρειας είχε προσκαλέσει δύο συνέχεια, η κ. Αμυγδάλου παρουσίασε Project» από την υπεύθυνη της εταιρείας Μαρία Μακεδών, για την πολυετή προ- εξαίρετες εκπαιδευτικούς, την κ. τη μεταπτυχιακή της εργασία με θέμα «Η κ. Άννα Σακκή, μέσω διαδραστικής σφορά της στην Παιδεία. Η υπεύθυνη του Καλλιόπη Αμυγδάλου-Δημητρακοπούλου, επίδραση της Εξέτασης της Νεοελληνικής διαδικασίας, παίρνοντας μέρος με τη χρήση Γραφείου Παιδείας, κ. Αθηνά Φιλίππου- μεταπτυχιακή απόφοιτο του College of Γλώσσας (Greek Regents Examination) ως υπολογιστών. Κατέχη, επεσήμανε πως η μέντοράς της κ. Education/University of Massachusetts και τεστ επίτευξης ξένης γλώσσας». Παράλληλα Ο Σεβασμιότατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος κ. Μαρία Μακεδών υπηρέτησε ακούραστη υπεύθυνης του τμήματος Greek Regents η κ. Φιλίππου ανέφερε ενδεικτικά Δημόσια Δημήτριος συνεχάρη τους εκπαιδευτικούς για 48 χρόνια την Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής, στο απογευματινό σχολείο του Αγίου και Ιδιωτικά Λύκεια και Πανεπιστήμια για το καθημερινό τους έργο στη διατήρηση αποτελώντας μία από τις πιο σημαντικές Γεωργίου στο Χάρτφορντ, Κοννέκτικατ, που αναγνωρίζουν την Εξέταση της προσωπικότητες της Ελληνορθόδοξης και την κ. Άννα Σακκή, διευθύντρια του Νεοελληνικής Γλώσσας (Greek Regents) Σελίδα 18 18 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ - ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2018 Εγκύκλιοι Ἑορτή Συνάξεως τῶν Ἀρχαγγέλων

Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί ὑπερήλικες. στήν ἀνάγκη γιά φροντίδα, ἀσφάλεια γιά τήν ὑποσχέθηκαν βοήθεια γιά τόν σκοπό τῆς Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἡ Ἁγία Γραφή καί οἱ ὕμνοι τούς ὁποίους ὑγεία καί εὐημερία, καί δύναμη γιά ἐκείνους λειτουργίας τῆς νέας αὐτῆς ἐγκαταστάσεως. Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί ψάλλουμε στήν Ἑορτή αὐτή μᾶς βοηθοῦν νά πού χρειάζονται σωματική βοήθεια καί Γιά τήν ὑποστήριξη αὐτῆς τῆς Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν κατανοήσουμε τό ἔργο αὐτῶν τῶν οὐρανίων πνευματική τροφή. προσπαθείας καί μέ τήν ἐλπίδα τῆς Κοινοτικῶν Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί ὄντων. Οἱ ἄγγελοι εἶναι ἐν τῇ παρουσία τοῦ Στήν ἐφετεινή ἐπέτειο, εἴμεθα λειτουργίας τοῦ νέου Οἴκου Εὐγηρίας Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Θεοῦ, προσφέρουν ἀενάως δοξολογία καί εὐλογημένοι διότι ἔχουμε τήν εὐκαιρία Ἁγίου Μιχαήλ τό 2020, καλῶ τίς ἐνορίες τῆς Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες εὐχαριστία καί διακηρύσσουν τήν ἁγιότητά νά διαπιστώσουμε τήν ἐπέκταση τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας νά περιαγάγουν εἰδικό Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον Του. Ὡς θεϊκοί διάκονοι δημιουργηθέντες διακονίας τοῦ Ἁγίου Μιχαήλ στήν ὑπηρεσία δίσκο τήν Κυριακή, 11 Νοεμβρίου. Οἱ δωρεές πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. ἀπό τόν Θεό, ἐκπληρώνουν τό θέλημα καί περισσοτέρων τροφίμων. Τό πρῶτο στάδιο τῶν πιστῶν μας πρέπει νά ἀποσταλοῦν Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν τίς ἐντολές Του, καί δι’Αὐτοῦ παρέχουν στούς τῶν ἐργασιῶν ἔχει ἤδη ὁλοκληρωθεῖ ἐπί στόν Ἅγιο Μιχαήλ μέ τήν ἔνδειξη Ταμεῖο Χριστῷ, πιστούς καταφύγιο, ἀσφάλεια καί δύναμη οἰκοπέδου πού ἀγοράσθηκε τό 2014 στήν Ἐπεκτάσεως. Προσκαλῶ ἐπίσης τίς ἐνορίες Σήμερα, ὅπως ἑορτάζουμε τήν Ἑορτή στίς δυσκολίες. πόλη Uniondale. Τά ἀρχιτεκτονικά σχέδια νά διαδώσουν τίς πληροφορίες σχετικά μέ τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀρχαγγέλων καί εὐχαριστοῦμε Ἐπί ἕξι δεκαετίες, ἡ διακονία τοῦ Ἁγίου εὑρίσκονται στή φάση ὁλοκληρώσεως ἔτσι τήν διακονία αὐτή καί τήν ἐπέκτασή της. τόν Θεό γι’ αὐτούς τούς ἁγίους Μιχαήλ ἀποτελεῖ διακονία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί ὥστε ἡ νέα ἐγκατάσταση νά ἔχῃ χωρητικότητα Ἐπί 60 ἔτη, ὁ Ἅγιος Μιχαήλ ἔχει προσφέρει ἀγγελιαφόρους, ἑορτάζουμε ταυτοχρόνως τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας ἡ ὁποία μιμεῖται 150 τροφίμων καί νά προσφέρῃ τέσσερα ὑπηρεσίες σέ ἀνθρώπους ἀπό ὁλόκληρη τήν καί τήν 60ή ἐπέτειο λειτουργίας τοῦ τό ἅγιο ἔργο τῶν ἀγγέλων. Ὁ Ἅγιος Μιχαήλ ἐπίπεδα φροντῖδος ἀπό ἀνεξάρτητη διαβίωση Ἐκκλησία τῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Συνεχίζει νά εἶναι Οἴκου Εὐγηρίας Ἅγιος Μιχαήλ. Χάρις εἶναι χῶρος ὅπου ἡ παρουσία καί ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ ἕως νοσηλευτική βοήθεια καί περίθαλψη γιά οἶκος πίστεως καί φροντῖδος, προσφέροντας στόν ὁραματισμό καί τήν πρωτοβουλία Θεοῦ εἶναι παροῦσα καί διοχετεύεται. Εἶναι ἀπώλεια μνήμης. Ὅπως ὁ ὁραματισμός γιά μαρτυρία τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τῆς τοῦ μακαριστοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἀμερικῆς χῶρος στόν ὁποῖον ἡ πίστη καί ἡ λατρεία τόν Οἶκο Εὐγηρίας Ἅγιος Μιχαήλ υἱοθετήθηκε ὑπηρεσίας μας ἐν Χριστῷ. Μιχαήλ, καί μέ τίς προσπάθειες καί συνεχίζουν νά ἀποτελοῦν οὐσιαστικό κομμάτι μέ πίστη καί ἀγάπη ἀπό τόν κλῆρο, τόν λαό δωρεές πιστῶν ἀπό ὁλόκληρη τήν Ἱερά τῆς ζωῆς τῶν τροφίμων. Εἶναι διακονία καί τίς ἐνορίες, καταλήγοντας στά ἐγκαίνιά Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, Ἀρχιεπισκοπή, ἄνοιξαν οἱ θύρες τοῦ Ἁγίου στήν ὁποία ἀκολουθοῦμε τό θέλημα καί τήν του τό 1958, προσκαλῶ ὅλους τούς πιστούς Μιχαήλ ἐπίσημα στίς 25 Μαΐου 1958. Τήν καθοδήγηση τοῦ Χριστοῦ νά φροντίζουμε τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς νά δεσμευθοῦν ἡμέρα αὐτή, ξεκίνησε ἕνα ἱερό ἔργο μέσῳ αὐτούς πού ἔχουν ἀνάγκη, προσφέροντας καί νά πράξουν τό ἴδιο διά προσευχῶν καί ἑνός ἱδρύματος καί μίας διακονίας ἡ ὁποία ἐπιβεβαιώνοντας τήν ἀξία καί ἀξιοπρέπεια τῆς γενναιοδώρων οἰκονομικῶν συνεισφορῶν. συνέχισε νά προσφέρῃ εὐσπλαγχνική καί ζωῆς τήν ὁποία μᾶς ἐχάρισε ὁ Δημιουργός Μαζί, εὐχαριστοῦμε τόν Θεό γιά τούς πολλούς ποιοτική φροντίδα σέ Ἑλληνορθοδόξους μας. Ὁ Ἅγιος Μιχαήλ εἶναι ἐπίσης καταφύγιο δωρητές καί εὐεργέτες πού συνεισέφεραν καί † ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος Ἑορτή Εὐχαριστιῶν ΕΝΑΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΣ ΜΙΛΑΕΙ ΣΤΟΝ ΘΕΟ Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί ἐχάρισε εἶναι ἱερή. Μᾶς ἔπλασε κατ’εἰκόνα Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους καί καθ’ὁμοίωσή Του. Μᾶς ἔδωσε ἀναπνοή Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί ζωῆς. Εἶναι ἡ πηγή τοῦ εἶναι μας καί ὁ λόγος Δέν ξέρω νά προσεύχομαι Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας. Ὁ μεγάλος καί ἐλεήμων Θεέ μου, δέν ξέρω νά προσεύχομαι. Κι ὅμως αἰσθάνομαι τόσο βαθιά τήν ἀνάγκη Κοινοτικῶν Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Θεός, μᾶς ἐδημιούργησε μέ ἀγάπη γιά νά τῆς προσευχῆς. Θέλω νά προσευχηθῶ. Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους εἴμεθα σέ κοινωνία μαζί Του καί νά βιώνουμε Ὧρες ὧρες μέ συνεπαίρνει ἡ λαχτάρα νά μιλήσω μαζί Σου. Νά ἔλθω σέ ἐπαφή μέ Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες τήν εὐλογία καί τήν ἁγιότητα τῆς ζωῆς καί τῆς Σένα, τόν Ἄρρητο κι’ Ἀνεξιχνίαστο. Μά χάνω τίς λέξεις. Δέν μπορῶ νά συναρμολογήσω Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον ἀδελφοσύνης. τά νοήματα. Οἱ σκέψεις μου μπερδεύονται. Καλά καλά δέν ξέρω καί τί νά πῶ μερικές πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Εὐγνωμονοῦμε τόν Θεό γιά τήν ἄφθονη φορές, ἐνῶ καταλαβαίνω, ὅτι ἔχω νά πῶ τόσα καί τόσα... Κάτι ἀκαθόριστο, συγκεχυμένο, Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν ζωή τήν ὁποία μᾶς προσφέρει. Ὁ Κύριός μας Χριστῷ, ἐπιβεβαίωσε ὅτι ἦλθεν ἵνα ζωὴν ἔχωμεν καὶ χωρίς μορφή καί σχῆμα, ἀναδεύει μέσα μου. Ἕνας κόσμος ἰδεῶν, αἰσθημάτων, σκέψεων, Εὐχαριστοῦμε τόν Θεό κατά τήν περισσὸν ἔχωμεν (Ἰωάν. 10:10). Αὐτή εἶναι ἡ βιωμάτων σέ διαρκή παλίρροια. εὐλογημένη αὐτή ἡμέρα, ὅπως κάνουμε ζωή πού μποροῦμε νά ἔχουμε τώρα. Εἶναι ζωή Δέν θέλω νά Σοῦ κρύβομαι, Θεέ μου. Στά χρόνια πού πέρασαν δέν προσευχήθηκα καί πρέπει να κάνουμε πάντοτε, γιά τό ἡ ὁποία βιώνεται καθημερινά σέ κοινωνία μέ παρά ἐλάχιστα. Ἀπό τήν ἐποχή πού ἤμουνα παιδί, στίς τελευταῖες τάξεις τοῦ Δημοτικοῦ, δῶρο τῆς ζωῆς πού μᾶς δίνει. Τήν ἡμέρα τόν Θεό, καθοδηγούμενη ἀπό τήν παρουσία ὡς σήμερα ἀπουσίασε ἡ προσευχή ἀπ’τή ζωή μου. αὐτή ἀναλογιζόμεθα τίς πολλές πλευρές καί τή χάρη Του. Εἶναι ζωή ἡ ὁποία ἀποτελεῖ Γι’ αὐτό καί τώρα, πού μέ καίει ἡ δίψα τῆς ἐπαφῆς μαζί Σου, δέν μπορῶ, δέν ξέρω καί ἐμπειρίες τῆς ζωῆς μας γιά τίς ὁποῖες μαρτυρία στόν κόσμο τῆς πίστεώς μας σέ νά Σοῦ μιλήσω. Ἐπιχειρῶ νά προσευχηθῶ καί μοῦ ἔρχονται στό στόμα οἱ ἴδιες φράσεις, εἴμεθα εὐγνώμονες· ἀλλά ἡ οὐσία εἶναι ὅτι Αὐτόν. Ἄφθονη ζωή εἶναι ἡ ζωή ἡ ὁποία πού χρησιμοποιοῦσα ὅταν ἤμουν μικρό παιδί. Μά σήμερα, στήν κατάσταση πού εἶμαι, εὐχαριστοῦμε τόν Θεό γιά τήν ζωή πού μᾶς βιώνεται στή χαρά τῆς Ἀναστάσεως, τήν μοῦ φαίνονται τόσο ξένες, τόσο ἀπόμακρες, πού ντρέπομαι νά τίς χρησιμοποιήσω γιά ἔδωσε, καί Τόν εὐγνωμονοῦμε γιά ὅ,τι ἔκανε ἐλπίδα τῆς σωτηρίας καί τήν προσμονή τῆς προσευχή. γιά μᾶς. Καθώς προσφέρουμε τιμή καί δόξα, ἐκπληρώσεως τῶν ὑποσχέσεων τοῦ Θεοῦ. Σέ ἱκετεύω, Παντοδύναμε: Μάθε με νά προσεύχομαι. Μίλησέ μου. Δίδαξέ με ἐπαναλαμβάνουμε μέ τόν Ψαλμωδό αἰνέσω Εἶναι ζωή πάντοτε εὐγνώμων, προσφέρουσα τή θεία τέχνη τῆς ἐπικοινωνίας μαζί Σου. τό ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ μετ’ὠδῆς, μεγαλύνω αὐτόν εὐχαριστία σέ Ἐκεῖνον γιά ὅλα. Καθισμένος στά πόδια Σου εἶμαι ἕτοιμος νά Σέ ἀκούσω. Τά μάτια μου Ἐσένα ἐν αἰνέσει (Ψαλμ. 68:31). Ἡ συνεχής προσφορά εὐγνωμοσύνης ἀτενίζουν τήν ὥρα αὐτή. Ἡ εὐγνωμοσύνη μας προσφέρεται μας μέ ὕμνους καί προσευχές, μέ τήν συμμετοχή Στά χείλη μου καίει τό παλιό αἴτημα τῶν Ἀποστόλων Σου: «Κύριε, δίδαξον στόν Δημιουργό μας διότι ἡ ζωή πού μᾶς μας στήν Θεία Εὐχαριστία, καί μέ τήν μαρτυρία ἡμᾶς προσεύχεσθαι». μας, εἶναι ἐπίσης καί ἡ ἀπάντησή μας στήν ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ὑπόσχεση γιά αἰώνια ζωή. Ἡ πίστη μας στήν Σῶσε με ἀπό τούς πειρασμούς ὑπόσχεση γιά σωτηρία προσφέρει μαρτυρία ΕΠΙΜΟΡΦΩΤΙΚΗ σέ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο, διότι γνωρίζουμε Σῶσε με, Κύριε. Οἱ πειρασμοί μ’ ἔχουν περικυκλώσει. Μοῦ ρίχνονται λυσσασμένοι ἀπ’ἔξω. ΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ὅτι Ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἡμᾶς διὰ Μέ σφυροκοποῦν κι’ἀπό μέσα. Ἰησοῦ ἐγερεῖ καὶ παραστήσει σὺν ὑμῖν. Τὰ γὰρ Ζῶ μέσα σέ ἀφόρητη ἔνταση. ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ πάντα δι᾿ ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ Τό αἷμα μου κυλάει καυτό. Ἡ ἔξαψη ἐγγίζει καί τή μικρότερη ἴνα τοῦ σώματός μου, Θεέ μου.  Σελίδα 15 τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Θεοῦ (Β΄Κορ. 4:14-15). Δυνάμωσέ με, Πατέρα μου, γιά νά μήν ὑποκύψω σ’αὐτή τήν ἐξέγερση τῆς σάρκας. Μήν της Ελληνικής Γλώσσας και Καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα μέ ἐπιτρέψεις νά συνθηκολογήσω μέ τόν ὑπάνθρωπο πού μοῦ ἐπιτίθεται. κληρονομιάς, επισημαίνοντας τον τίς οἰκογένειές μας καί τούς φίλους μας, Ἡ συνθηκολόγηση εἶναι θάνατος στήν περίπτωση αὐτή. ουσιαστικό ρόλο της Ελληνορθόδοξης καθώς λατρεύουμε στίς κοινότητές μας τήν Θεέ μου, κάνε με ἀδιάλλακτο στή μάχη κατά τῶν πειρασμῶν, ἀδυσώπητο, σκληρό, Εκκλησίας στον αγώνα αυτό. εὐλογημένη αὐτή μέρα στή διάρκεια τῆς ἱερᾶς ἄκαμπτο. Στο τέλος από κάθε παρουσίαση περιόδου τῶν Χριστουγέννων, εἴθε οἱ φωνές Μετάβαλε τό σῶμα μου σέ ἀτσάλι, τή σάρκινη καρδιά μου σέ γρανίτη. του ελληνόφωνου και αγγλόφωνου μας νά ὑψωθοῦν ὡς εὐγνωμοσύνη πρός τόν Ὦ Θεέ μου, πόσο δύσκολος εἶναι ὁ ἀγώνας! προγράμματος, οι καθηγήτριες αντάλλαξαν Θεό γιά τή ζωή ἡ ὁποία εἶναι ἱερή, ἄφθονη καί Μοῦ πιάνεται ἡ ἀναπνοή. Κραυγή ἔγινε ἡ προσευχή μου. Σῶσε με. απόψεις και προβληματισμούς με τους συμμετέχοντες εκπαιδευτικούς. Με βάση αἰώνια. Ἔχουμε ζωή ἐν Αὐτῷ καί γι’αὐτή τή ζωή Γίνε προστάτης μου στή δύσκολη τούτη ὥρα. τις φόρμες αξιολόγησης που παρέλαβε το εἴμεθα εὐγνώμονες. Σέ παρακαλῶ, Σοῦ δέομαι, Παντοδύναμε, πρόσταξε στήν τρικυμία νά κοπάσει. Γραφείο στο τέλος της Ημερίδας από τους Δρόσισε μέ τήν αὔρα τῆς χάριτός Σου τό ἀναμμένο μου μέτωπο. Ἐνίσχυσε τή θέλησή μου, πού ἀγωνίζεται ἀπεγνωσμένα νά ξεφύγει τό σφιχταγκάλιασμα παρευρισκόμενους, αλλά και τα προφορικά Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, τους σχόλια, όλοι οι δάσκαλοι και τοῦ κακοῦ. διευθυντές αποχώρησαν ικανοποιημένοι Ρίξε τή βροχή τῆς ἀγάπης Σου, γιά νά σβήσει τίς φωτιές τῶν παθῶν. Κράτησέ με ὄρθιο. με πλούσια εφόδια και νέες ιδέες για την Δῶσε μου τή νίκη. καθημερινή διδασκαλία και τον ουσιαστικό Διατήρησε τό μέτωπό μου καθαρό, Κύριε. αγώνα τους για την παιδεία. Λύτρωσέ με, Θεέ μου, ἀπό τήν ἄχαρη, τήν ἐναγώνια τούτη στιγμή. Αθηνά Φιλίππου - 26η Νοεμβρίου 2018 † ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος  from page 1

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 19 Church History Religious Education Fr. Panagiote and Christmas 1927 Are We Teaching the Faith?

By William H. Samonides, Ph.D. including local and state politicians By Rev. Dr. Anton Vrame what God wants? Forgiveness? Mercy? and clerics of all denominations. Humility? Caring for my neighbor, the Christmas 1927 was memorable Delays persisted, and it soon be- Now that we several months into our one I don’t like? I might have a problem.” for the Greek Orthodox faithful of An- came clear that the Nov. 1 deadline Sunday Church school year, I want to ask, Through the stories, God’s message, nunciation parish in Decatur, Ill. would not be met, and the church “Are we teaching the Faith?” Our task is the Good News that God is loving, forgiv- On that day the first services were would not be ready for dedication be- to pass on the contents of the Orthodox ing, seeks justice and righteousness, care held in their own church, which con- fore Dec. 20. The floors, heating plant, Christian Faith to another generation. and compassion and wants all people to tinues to be used 91 years later. This windows, altar, and pews still had to Naturally, a central dimension of reli- return to His way is communicated. The first Greek Orthodox church between be installed, and the interior remained gious education is providing students an parables, based in people’s experiences, Chicago and St. Louis was built by completely undecorated. By the end opportunity to talk about their lives, hav- became the tool for bringing them more a small community. Only 28 Greek of November, all exterior construction ing great discussions about their questions deeply into the Faith itself. To put this families, about 100 people, lived in work was done. The brick and stone and experiences, so that we can study the into an Orthodox Christian setting, I can Decatur, which was a booming rail, structure, topped with a copper dome Faith itself. imagine the questions that could follow: agricultural, and manufacturing center that rose 45 feet above the ground, When we ask students to share their Who is this God we keep talking about? Is on the Illinois prairie. became a prominent addition to the experiences, we are stirring up the soil it the God I heard about from my friends The parish traces its origin to a Decatur skyline and a sign of hope for so that we may plant the seeds of the or on television? Who is His Son, Jesus 1919 state charter for the “Hellenic parishioners. Orthodox Christian Faith. To stir things Christ? Who is the Holy Spirit? How are Society of Decatur, Ill.,” but it was not On Dec. 21, the final work of in- up, we must challenge their assumptions we supposed to pray and worship? How until Fr. Emmanuel Panagiote (Papap- stalling the floors, fitting the doors, about their experiences, asking the “criti- am I supposed to live my life, treat my anagiotou, 1891-1949), their founding and plastering the basement wall was cal thinking” questions about their lives, neighbors? And plenty of others could be priest, arrived in the spring of 1927 completed. The last major problem either to affirm what they already know asked. that church construction began. The was that the windows had not arrived or to begin to change them. Why do they When these questions start being church was a tangible demonstration from the manufacturers in Pittsburgh. think the way they do? Where did they raised, our work as religious educators † DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America of the faith and perseverance of this It was decided that the first services get some information? Why does it make really begins. Our work is to lead our community, and the local press record- would be held on Christmas Day, with sense (or not) to them? Where does their students (edu care means to lead forth, to ed the details. It was also an achieve- or without windows. The contingency Orthodox Christianity “fit in” with that? draw out) into these questions, to move ment for Fr. Panagiote, who was serv- plan was for cloth coverings to be The parables of Jesus were stories beyond their personal thoughts about ing at his first parish in America. placed over the openings in the walls. that His hearers could easily understand them and to dive into the sources of our Eighteen-year-old Manolis Pa- With the furnace running full blast and because they were stories about the ev- Christian Orthodoxy – Scripture, Saints, papanagiotou had arrived in America parishioners wearing extra layers, the eryday experiences of the people of His Liturgy, Theology, History – the shared in February 1909 as a layman. In 1917 building would be warm enough to day. They included stories about farmers, experiences of our Church. he volunteered for the U.S. Army hold services — even in the cold of an families, masters and servants, religious This is when we open the Bible, read serving as a cook in France with the Illinois December. leaders, people in prayer, and others. I’ve the Fathers and our contemporary theolo- American Expeditionary Forces dur- In an answer to prayer, the win- always imagined Jesus’ hearers listening gians, study the texts of our services, and ing World War I. His time in uniform dows arrived just three days before to the parables and responding, “Aha! more, in order to learn what the Orthodox earned him American citizenship. He Christmas and were immediately That’s my life too.” And then after a mo- Christian Faith has taught for centuries was naturalized in New Jersey on June installed. The pews were not yet in ment, continuing, “Wait a minute. That’s and continues to proclaim. 21, 1918. place, so chairs were set out. After the war, in March 1920, this The first service took place on status allowed him to return to Samos Christmas Day. No neighboring clergy to visit his ailing father, who was the from Chicago or St. Louis attended, local priest. According to his passport since they had duties at their home Καλά Χριστούγεννα application, Papapanagiotou planned parishes. It was a time for the Decatur a visit of six months. Instead he re- parish to celebrate the birth of Christ Merry Christmas mained for seven years. He married, and look forward to their future. and the first two of his three children The interior decoration and ico- were born. He also attended seminary nography were completed before and trained for the priesthood. After Great Lent, and services resumed. his ordination in 1923, he remained Following the opening of the Decatur Specialists in Travel to Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus & Jordan in Samos. His father, whose eyesight church, Greek Orthodoxy continued to • Tailor made itineraries to any of our unique destinations. • European Honeymoon & Wedding specialists was failing, needed assistance carry- flourish in central Illinois. Five more • European Family Vacations. • Customized European Group Travel. ing out some of his priestly duties. Illinois parishes — in Champaign, • Specialists in Greek Orthodox groups to the Holy Land, Constantinople & Greece. After his father died, Fr. Pan- East St. Louis, Kankakee, Peoria, and JOIN US ON OUR GREEK ORTHODOX PILGRIMAGES & CULTURAL TOURS: agiote returned to the U.S. in March Springfield — were established over PILGRIMAGE TO JORDAN AND THE HOLY LAND: 1927 with his wife and children. He the next century. Jan 15-29, 2019 was assigned by Bishop Philaretos Fr. Panagiote remained in Decatur led by Fr. Michael Platanis of Chicago to the fledgling parish in for another two and a half years. In of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia, SC Decatur. He arrived during Great Lent March 1930, he and his family reluc- PILGRIMAGE TO JORDAN,HOLY LAND, CYPRUS and celebrated Easter with his flock on tantly returned to Greece because of Jan 16 - Feb. 2, 2019 April 24 at services held at St. John’s property issues that required his im- led by Fr. Jon Magoulias Episcopal Church. mediate attention. of Annunciation Church in Modesto,CA Property for a new church was When Fr. Panagiote left this place HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES: purchased by June 1927. The plans where so much significant work had Feb 10-19, 2019 were drawn up in July, and a build- been done, he told the parishioners: “I led by Fr. John Vlahos of the Archdiocesan Cathedral in NYC & ing contract for $17,950 was signed will always have a feeling in my heart Fr. Chysostomos Gilbert of Annunciation Church in NYC. in early August. By this time most of that cannot be wiped away toward the the money had been collected. The Feb 15-23, 2019 people of Decatur. I can never forget led by Fr. Luke Veronis contract called for completion of the you, and although many miles will church by Nov. 1, before the onset of separate us, I will always remember of Sts Constantine & Helen Church in Webster, MA winter weather. Late summer rains in- you and ask the blessing of God to PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY terfered with excavation of the base- you all.” May 4-15, 2019 ment, the initial stage of the work. The Fr. Panagiote would not stay long led by Fr. Costa Keares delivery of building materials was de- in Greece. His youngest daughter of St. Paul Church in North Royalton, OH layed, construction slowed, and costs needed urgent medical care, which ne- Visit us at: www.GreekOrthodoxPilgrimages.com ballooned to $50,000. Except on ma- cessitated a return to this country. For jor feast days, services were held at a the last 19 years of his life, he served 31 09 N A L I , N 11102 nearby school. Fr. Panagiote laid the at parishes in Jacksonville, Fl., Miami, T 718 721-3808 T F 1-800-223-7880 cornerstone on Sunday, Sept. 25, 1927. Charleston, S.C., Omaha, Neb., and F 718 795-4356 E- The afternoon ceremony was a major Louisville, Ky., where he passed away event attended by some 500 people, in 1949 at the age of 57. 20 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Metropolis News Over 300 at Human Trafficking Forum San Francisco Metropolitan By Presvytera Aida Stratos world of human trafficking. She saved herself and her two young children from Responds to Shootings, Fires PASADENA, Calif. - An “Action this horrendous and dangerous situation and Educational Forum Against Human and encourages the idea that survivors Trafficking and Modern Slavery” held are overcomers. Editor’s note: Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco has issued the on Nov. 4 at St. Anthony Church drew Several community organizations following two statements on the tragedies taking place in California involv- more than 300 Pan-Orthodox Christians were present and provided additional ing the fatal shootings Nov. 8 at a club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., that also and other concerned citizens. materials and contacts for all those in- claimed the life of one Greek Orthodox parishioner, and the horrendous Leading this effort was Metropoli- terested in taking action: Bureau of Vic- plague of wildfires fires in Northern and Southern California that began Oct. tan Nikitas of the Dardanelles, coordi- tim Services, CASA of Los Angeles, 7-8. As the Observer went to press the fires continue to burn with more than nator of the Patriarchal Task Force on East LA Women’s Center, Fair Trade 60 people dead and more than 1,250 missing. Modern Slavery. LA, Five Acres, Journey Out, Men Professionals from various orga- Standing Against Trafficking, Redeem- Statement on Thousand Oaks Shootings nizations offered presentations on pre- ing Love, San Gabriel Valley Human venting and combating human traffick- Trafficking Task Force, Saving Inno- One life lost is too many. Yet today we mourn the tragic killing of 13 ing and modern slavery, and rescuing cence, Ekota Film - Theotokos Girls’ young people who were enjoying an evening at the Borderline Bar and Grill and protecting its victims. The informa- Orphanage in India, Through God’s in Thousand Oaks, Calif. when gunfire erupted. A nightclub full of college tive presentations provided a call to ac- Grace, Trafficking Victims Assistance students and young adults quickly turned into a crime scene with dead and tion on addressing and eradicating this Program Catholic Charities of Los An- injured people, and people literally running for their lives. terrible plight befalling many innocent geles, Women Against Child Traffick- We grieve with the families and friends of all those who are suffering people. ing. In addition, the United Orthodox from yet another senseless act of violence. There are no words that can ad- Several Orthodox clergy and their Communities Committee provided each equately provide solace and comfort, especially with the loss of young life. parishioners attended, as well as Me- attendee with a small take-home Pro- The bright future of these 13 people has been snuffed out like a candle, and tropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie gram and Resource Guide with the on- the flame extinguished by the tears of those left behind who will forever have Ranglas. Planning for this forum was line contact information for each of the a void in their lives. led by the United Orthodox Communi- organizations and their representatives, One of those killed was 27-year old Telemachus “Tel” Orfanos, a mem- ties with the help of St. Anthony prois- along with graphics, statistics, and ad- ber of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge. Orfanos’ family tamenos Fr. Peter Stratos, and assistant ditional facts about the global crisis of has been active in the parish for many years, and Tel served as an altar boy in priest Fr. Christopher Retelas, who also human trafficking. his youth. This young man was a veteran of the United States Navy, and was served as the master of ceremonies for At the conclusion of the presenta- a survivor of the Route 91 massacre in Las Vegas in 2017. the afternoon event. tions, participants had an opportunity to There is nothing more powerful than prayer, and we must come together The United Orthodox Communi- speak with the presenters and the many as an Orthodox family, raising our voices and our hearts in collective prayer. ties is comprised of volunteers from organizations present. This provided all (Metropolitan Gerasimos asked that all communities offer a Trisagion on Orthodox parishes from throughout those in attendance with the chance to Sunday, Nov. 11 for the repose of the souls of those who perished, and prayers southern California. Support for this connect with organizations and identify for the restoration of the health of those who were injured, and for the families event was also provided by Metropoli- ways they could personally take action. and friends who are suffering emotional trauma from this horrific ordeal). tan Joseph of the Antiochian Orthodox United Orthodox Communities hopes The time is now for us to also raise our collective voices throughout this Christian Archdiocese of America; and that this is the first of many such gath- country to all civic and religious leaders that definitive and decisive steps Bishop Maxim of the Diocese of West- erings in the Metropolis and across the must be taken to eradicate this kind of violence that continues to befall our ern American of the Serbian Orthodox Archdiocese. nation. We must not allow this type of behavior to become commonplace; it is Church. The more people are able to be edu- up to us as people of faith to act in unity to stamp out this evil. In addition to Metropolitan Niki- cated and empowered about this press- Let us continue to pray for peace in the world, so that no more innocent tas, presenters included representatives ing community and global crisis, the lives may be lost through random acts of violence, terrorism and war. May from the Sheriff Jim McDonnell from more connected we become with the God, the source of peace and unconditional love, sustain us all through this the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Of- warriors fighting on behalf of the most tragedy. fice; Lisa Coen, Deputy in Charge – vulnerable, thereby making a greater Human Trafficking Section for the Los impact as Orthodox Christians. Statement on the California Fires Angeles County District Attorney’s “The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Office; and Susan Patterson, Director San Francisco has made a serious com- Fires are once again spreading in both northern and southern California, of Through God’s Grace Ministry and mitment to join this effort and follow the creating dangerous and even deadly conditions for the people in these areas. author of “How You Can Fight Human direction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Following years of drought, the parched land becomes instant fuel for fire Trafficking.” to eliminate this plague on humanity,” whether the conditions are a result of adverse weather or human carelessness. The most moving testimony was of- stated Metropolitan Gerasimos. “It is up Unfortunately, the end result is the same - mass destruction, loss of life, and fered by Tyesa Harvey who gave a pow- to us to heighten the awareness and take devastation to God’s creation. erful and inspirational personal witness action so that all God’s people may live There are currently two major areas impacted by the fires. In southern of survival and victory from the dark in peace and be freed of oppression.” California, the Hill and Woolsey Fires are threatening several faithful from the parishes of St. Demetrios in Camarillo and St. Nicholas in Northridge. Over 100 families are presently evacuated and are seeking shelter with family, SF Metropolis Ministries, Leadership friends and with the assistance of community agencies. Several homes and structures have been destroyed and many more are in harm’s way. None of our parishes are in the path of the fires, but with the excessive By Kristen Bruskas supreme president of the Pan-Arcadian winds, we continue to monitor this situation very closely. Federation. The Kallinses are also mem- The Camp Fire in northern California has grown to be the most destruc- The Metropolis of San Francisco bers of Leadership 100. tive wildfire in the state’s history, ravaging over 6,400 homes and more than Gala on Oct. 13, attended by more than In recent years, St. Nicholas Ranch 250 commercial buildings, as well as claiming the lives of at least 23 people. 450 people, celebrated Metropolis min- and Retreat Center was the beneficiary We do not have parishes in this immediate area but we pray for all those suf- istries and honored the leadership of Dr. of two full-size basketball courts do- fering from this raging inferno. We have also been recently informed of at James and Virginia Kallins. nated by the Kallins family, who also least one parishioner who lost their home in the fire. Because of the excessive Dr. James and Virginia Kallins supported the development of the Greek smoke, this has led to unhealthy air quality, and the minimal containment of were presented with the 2018 Theofa- Village camp at St. Nicholas Ranch these fires indicate that these conditions will only worsen in the days ahead. nis Economidis Award in recognition of since its inception in 2010. Dr. and Mrs. Several of our clergy are trained as First Responders with IOCC and they their years of service and their legacy of Kallins were also honored with the Met- remain active and ready to assist local agencies and provide for the spiritual generosity. The Kallins’ have been ar- ropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award and emotional needs of those impacted by the fires. dent supporters of the Metropolis, Arch- at the Folk Dance and Choral Festival in Please pray for the strength and safekeeping of the firefighters and those diocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate. 2013. in law enforcement working to protect and preserve our land and the residents As an Archon in the Order of St. Andrew In his keynote address, Metropoli- of these areas. We also ask for God’s comfort, through the intercessions and the Apostle, he has served as a regional tan Gerasimos commented, “Tonight is the Protection of the Theotokos, that those suffering may find consolation and Archon commander for the Metropolis, a celebration on many levels. First and be uplifted during this time of uncertainty, fear and devastation. coordinating several events to heighten foremost, we celebrate our faith in God, With Love in Christ, the awareness of the struggle for reli- our common heritage, and our love for +Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco gious freedom by the Mother Church. serving others. He has also served on the Metropo- We also celebrate the accomplish- lis and Archdiocesan Councils, and as ments and extraordinary leadership of NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 21 Archdiocese News Metropolis News Archdiocesan Council Fall Meeting Summary  from page 3 aremuch different,” he said. “There are important issues that still must be dealt with.” He said there is “significant over- sight now in place to ensure that situa- tion never rises again.” Kircos also noted that, within the past nine months, restricted account funds from the St Nicholas Shrine ac- count that had been used in the operat- ing budget “have been returned with interest paid, and monies due to the Me- tropolises, HCHC and the GOA pension fund have all been restored.” He added that the Archdiocese fi- nances are now “on a firm footing.” (See related budget articles and ad- Federation of Church Musicians photo opted budgets, pages 1, 3 and 5). During the Finance Committee’s presentation, council member Andrew Church musicians of the Metropolis of Chicago with Metropolitan Nathanael at St. Nektarios Church Manatos of Washington pointed out that other religious bodies, such as many Protestant denominations, as well as Chicago FGOCM Features Youth and Adult Choirs Jewish and Islam faith groups, offer greater financial support to their reli- By Diakonissa Mary Zaharis in worship at this very moving Divine of service, Federation Logo Pins for 60 gious organizations than parishes of the Liturgy. years of service, and Mother of Pearl Archdiocese. “We don’t compare well,” PALATINE, Ill. - The Holy Me- Under director Kevin Lawrence crosses for 50 years of service, icons of he said. “It’s not part of our culture, but tropolis of Chicago Federation of Greek and accompanist Al Costis, the confer- St Kassiane for years of service other it can become part of our culture.” Orthodox Church Musicians hosted ence sang the entire liturgy in English. awards were bestowed on worthy re- In a report to the council on the ac- their 61st annual Choir Conference at The youth choir sang under the direc- cipients. tivities of the Archons of the Ecumeni- St. Nectarios Church. tion of Stacey Cunningham and accom- Weekend highlights included a cal Patriarchate, Judge B. Theodore This year’s conference theme was panist Rosie DeSanto. workshop that focused on the health and Bozonelis noted the continuing efforts “Praising God with the Saints & An- After the service, Metropolitan Na- care of the voice presented by Mayo of the Order relating to fighting for re- gels” and was the first time in several thanael presented Federation President Clinic otolaryngologist Dr. Nicolas ligious freedom in the world, which in- years that a joint conference included Nick Chimitris with an icon and gave Maragos, Trivia Night, dinner and en- cluded hosting an international religious both youth and adult choirs. the oath of office to the new Federation tertainment at Medieval Times, Greek freedom conference in Washington ear- Metropolitan Nathanael, assisted Board. dancing, and warm fellowship. lier this year, and the visit to the Euro- by Frs. Chrysostomos Panos, Peter A community lunch attended by The Federation, founded in 1957, pean Union in Vienna that took place in Balkas, Deacons Chris Avramopoulos, 400 people followed, hosted by the St. serves churches in Illinois, Indiana, early November. and Zacharias Zaharis led the congrega- Necatarios choir and the St. Nectarios Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wiscon- He also announced that Archon tion and the 100-voice combined choir Philoptochos. Honor stoles for 70 years sin. George Safiol of Weston, Mass., would be this year’s recipient of the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Illinois Stewardship. Prior to the council’s adjourn- ment, members approved a motion Parish to from Demitrios Moschos of Worcester, Mass., expressing support and full con- Prepare fidence for Archbishop Demetrios and the Metropolitans of the Archdiocese. 100,000 Meals Honored at Gala to Feed Hungry Dr. James and Virginia Kallins, for their WESTCHESTER, Ill. - Holy Apos- lifetime of service and stewardship.” tles Church is partnering with Feed 6 Special greetings during the Gala Outreach and will serve as a host site on Holy Apostles Philoptochos photo included a video message to Dr. James Jan. 12 for packaging 100,000 nutritious and Virginia Kallins from Ecumenical meals for the benefit of hungry children Parish members pack meals during past Feed the Hungry efforts Patriarch Bartholomew, and tribute let- and their families in the Chicago area. ters from Archbishop Demetrios, the United in the ministry of helping “Holy Apostles’ response to this ef- packed 101,412 nutritious meals. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, and others and addressing hunger, the par- fort has been nothing short of amazing. The Holy Apostles community is Leadership 100. ish plans to package nutritious meals of Since 2011, we’ve done close to 100 looking forward to making “Feed 6 Major sponsors for the Gala includ- macaroni and cheese fortified with soy events with area churches, schools, and Outreach 2019” another tremendous ed: the Kallins Family, George and Judy and vitamins-many multiples more nu- corporations, and Holy Apostles ranks success in hopes of perpetuating this Marcus Family Foundation, Gerry and tritious than popular brands available in at the top when compared to all others important ministry. Feed 6 Outreach Jeannie Ranglas, and Angelo K. and So- the supermarket. Each package created in terms of fundraising, participation, currently organizes meal packing events fia Tsakopoulos Family. Guests enjoyed can feed six children, and all meals are and production.” in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and dancing at the conclusion of the Gala to donated to food banks, soup kitchens, or At last year’s event, Holy Apostles Michigan. the sounds of the Greek Rebetiko Trio social service agencies. raised $25,000 and turned the parish’s Meal packaging events are enter- and vocalist Andrea Charls. “This will be the third consecutive multi-purpose room into a meal-pack- taining, giving, caring experiences that Proceeds will support the ongo- year Holy Apostles parish has been in- ing factory. Thirteen “assembly line” generate a sense of unity and purpose. ing development and expansion of the volved in this meal-packing project,” tables allowed three shifts to work from Interested parishes can access the Feed ministries which have been cultivated said Bill Kanatas, regional manager of morning to afternoon. By day’s end, 6 website www.feed6.org for more in- through the Metropolis Strategic Plan the Feed 6 Outreach program in Illinois 490 volunteers, from preschoolers to formation. initiated in 2012. who also helps with event coordination. seniors, grandchildren to grandparents, Submitted by Larry Pavlo 22 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Commentaries Special Ministries IT’S ABOUT TIME! Inclusion and Special Needs By Fr Angelo Artemas vivifying body, and a compelling dis- By Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis to make everyone feel included. It is not missal. In order to fully participate and that I lack desire. I lack knowledge. In today’s corporate world, the is- experience its richness, faithful should If there was a pothole in front of a I applaud my community for put- sue of punctuality is being approached arrive before it begins. The Word of church and one out of every five cars ting this retreat together, specifically with increasing seriousness. The norm God (Epistle, Gospel AND Sermon) that came into the lot ran over the pot- the parents who asked that we offer this. for U.S. business culture tends to al- must be heard before the Word of God hole and popped a tire, the church would Because in beginning a dialogue, we can low a five-minute window for showing (the Eucharist/Holy Communion) is waste no time in repairing the pothole. It create an environment that will allow for up for appointments, but in many other received. Receiving without hearing is would be taken care of immediately. the best possible outcomes for the most countries being on time is late. like marching in graduation ceremonies About one in five people has a number of people. For those who have Jim Schleckser, founder of the Inc. without ever receiving course instruc- “special need.” This may be a physi- children with special needs, please open CEO Project, who works closely with tion. Those who receive without hearing cal handicap or a mental one. But there a dialogue with your priest, your Sun- CEOs, observes the following: I’d like are walking away as staged Christians; are a good number of people affiliated day school director and your GOYA ad- to zero in on people who are habitually those who receive after hearing walk (or who perhaps could be affiliated but visor. To those who are priests, Sunday late and what message that behavior feel disenfranchised or alienated) with school teachers and GOYA advisors and into the world to change it. Jesus taught our churches who have a special need parents, work in concert with parents sends to the rest of us. In short, it tells us the multitudes before He fed them, He that challenges them from having the of special needs children and their chil- that our time is less valuable than theirs. taught His disciple before He celebrated full experience of belonging to a church dren. Because where there is a dialogue, If being late is one of your bad habits, the Last Supper, and He opened their community. Are we doing enough to then good things can begin to happen. you need to break it now or risk insulting minds to understanding the Scriptures minister to those among us who have Where there is no dialogue, we gener- friends and business associates. Show before he broke bread. His disciples special needs? Are we doing enough to ally guess wrong and people get hurt you value someone else’s time as much changed the world. make sure they feel included? The an- unintentionally and sadly, sometimes as you value your own. Tackle your tar- Stewardship has often been de- swer is, most likely not. intentionally. Where there are willing diness. Punctuality shows respect. scribed as Time, Treasure and Talent. Let’s take perhaps the most obvious parents who want to open a dialogue, Greek Orthodox faithful are notori- Average financial contributions to their one - a physical handicap. Churches that when there is no one to dialogue and ous for being late to church. The same is churches among the Greek Orthodox don’t have signs for handicap parking, work with, they feel alone and discour- not the case for faithful from other Or- faithful is far below other denomina- who don’t have a wheelchair ramp, or aged. Where there is willingness on the thodox jurisdictions, and certainly not tions. Is there a correlation between how who don’t have a place where someone part of parish leadership to be inclusive the case for faithful from other Christian in a wheelchair can sit in the church but no direction, there is frustration. If we approach time and treasure? sanctuary are not going to be able to EVERYONE can come to the table with denominations. Why are we so late for Consistently one of the biggest pet effectively minister to those who have the love the Christ teaches us to have, church when we can make it to court, peeves of brides and wedding plan- physical handicaps. There are people we can create environments for all of the doctor office, the theater, stadiums, ners is guests who arrive late for the who can’t come up to receive Holy our children that are safe, and offer the arenas, the airport, school and work ceremony. Those guests disrespect the Communion because they can’t walk or opportunity for the joys of parish life to on time? Our ancestors were diligent bride on her special day. Another issue can’t get a wheelchair on the solea of the be accessible to everyone. to wake up early and make sure they altogether is skipping the service and at- church. If the priest or the ushers are not Everyone has deficiencies of some opened their business as early as 5am tending only the reception – how is this paying attention, there will be people kind. And everyone has gifts. There is or 6am, and would not have dared open not obnoxious? No bride should to be who unintentionally are denied the op- no one who doesn’t have a deficiency, up late. What message are we sending disrespected on her day, and the Bride portunity to receive Holy Communion. a challenge or a struggle. There is no other people about how much we value of God/His Church should not be disre- If our church is to be one of “inclusion,” one who doesn’t have a gift and a tal- church, and what message are we send- spected on the Day of the Lord. then we need to find ways to include ent, a way to express Christ’s love to the ing our children? Do we need any other people with physical handicaps. world. When we are patient with one The purpose of this message, how- another’s challenges and promote the data to understand why younger genera- Enough about Greek Time! It is nei- ever, primarily to address another special expression of each person’s gifts, then tions are not remaining in the church? ther cute nor quirky, it is disrespectful. need, which is children with develop- we have again the love that Christ tells Why should anyone take our worship Enough about excuses and difficulties mental disorders like autism. A growing us to have for one another. seriously when people can just parade and traffic (especially that horrendous number of children are being diagnosed Let’s start the conversation, but let’s in any time they want? Sunday morning traffic); being on time with this and other types of develop- not have that be the end. Let start talk- The Divine Liturgy is not like some is a choice. It is time to serve the Lord. mental disabilities that make participa- ing and then let’s start doing. Because kind of open exhibit in a gallery - it has God help us if we think our time is more tion in the life of the church a challenge. Christ came for all people. He included a specific beginning, an edifying and valuable than His. Not only are the children challenged, everyone. He called everyone. Even the but their parents are as well. A child ones that the crowds try to push away. who is struggling begets concerned He called everyone. And He still does. parents who are worried. Combine that It is up to us to help one another to hear with people who don’t know what to the call, to heed the call, and to come to Remembering Bishop do, or who give uncomfortable looks to Christ. We all play a role in that. We are parents who children are “different” and to include everyone in that. This recent Gerasimos Papadopoulos it makes for an uncomfortable experi- retreat in our parish was eye opening, ence. Social settings like Sunday school because it made me aware of challenges and GOYA bring other challenges. I’m that I didn’t know were challenges for By Fr. Peter A. Chamberas not writing this message today to pro- people, and it opened a constructive chical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cross claim that I have any answers. In fact, conversation about very workable solu- Chapel and a moving gravesite memo- I’m struggling to use even the proper tions to these challenges. Eight years ago, in October 2010, rial service behind the chapel, where terminology to write about this. Howev- May God bless all of our children an entire week was dedicated at Holy one can see the dynamic expression of er, something recently happened in our and all of our parents, and may He open Cross School of Theology and Hellenic the undying faith and love of Bishop parish which inspired me to write this our minds and our hearts so that we can College to mark the commemoration Gerasimos as it is engraved on the mar- message. We had a retreat on a recent respond with love, the kind of love that of the centennial of the birth of Bishop ble that covers his sacred relics: “For to Saturday, which was led by Presvytera seeks to include everyone, in the hope Gerasimos (Oct. 10, 1910 – Oct. 10, Toni Mihalopoulos (a presvytera from that the joy that comes from Christ may me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” the Metropolis of Chicago, who also is indeed be shared through His Church 2010). (Phil 1:21). part of a ministry called “Pick Up Your with everyone. During that week the life and work Even before this particular com- Cross and Follow Me.” Let’s get the conversation going. of Gerasimos Papadopoulos (1910- memoration in 2010 and certainly since We talked about making our church And then let’s start doing! 1995), Bishop of Abydos, was celebrat- then, there has been much prayerful re- environment more inclusive of people Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis is the ed and honored by a series of events flection and devout consideration of the with special needs, specifically our proistamenos of St. John the Baptist that included talks and lectures from his saintly life and blessed work of Bishop young people with developmental and Greek Orthodox Church in Tampa, Fla. learning disabilities. For the first time in He writes a daily series called “The former students who are now clergy and Gerasimos by the faithful people of the my 20 years as a priest, I used the word Prayer Team” that is published on the professors, and one from his nephew, Church in America. The collective ec- “autism” in a sermon in church the next Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), Dr. Stylianos G. Papadopoulos, profes- clesial consciousness is gradually grow- morning. If we keep things quiet, it is and which has resulted in three books: sor emeritus of the University of Athens. ing and maturing and more and more as if we think it doesn’t happen in our “Let All Creation Rejoice: Reflec- A highlight of the celebration was people are seeking to be more fully churches or to our children. Some of tions on Advent and the Nativity” the posthumous publication and presen- informed and to participate in this God- us want to do something but are afraid “The Road Back to Christ: Reflec- tation of the magnum opus of Bishop pleasing effort through their own stories that if we say or do the wrong thing, we tions on Lent, Holy Week and the Resur- risk offending a parent or a child. And rection “ Gerasimos, A Commentary on the Gos- and testimonies. so most of us throw up our arms and do “Blessed is the Kingdom, NOW and pel of St. John. The events were con- Fr. Chamberas is former chaplain nothing because we don’t know what to Forever: Reflections on the Divine Lit- cluded with the celebration of a hierar- at Hellenic College Holy Cross. do. I confess I have struggled with how urgy” (due out in December) NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 23 Family Connections Christ’s Family - Our Family

By Melissa K. Tsongranis history of each one of us that he takes upon himself and overcomes. The book of the genealogy of Je- For each one of us has some of the sus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of features of those of Jesus’s ancestors Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac who are the furthest form holiness. begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah Christ wasn’t born into a perfect and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and family but, rather, a fallen one, as we all Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, are. His entry into the world was neither and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Am- cute nor pretty. He was born in a cave minadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, filled with smelly animals and, shortly and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon after, his family fled the country be- begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed cause of a jealous, murderous king. So by Ruth … (First verses from the gospel the Christmas story indicates all sorts of reading for the Sunday before the Nativ- imperfection and turmoil. ity (Matthew 25:1-25) Ultimately, it says that in the midst For a long time, in my spiritual im- of our own brands of chaos, we should maturity, I wondered why the Church really be focused on the One born in a designated this reading for the Sunday manger for our salvation. When our before Christmas. I understood it traced hearts are inclined this way, we can the lineage of Jesus Christ, but it hardly readily accept that He came to take seemed inspirational, most of the names away our sins no matter our struggles, were ones I hadn’t heard of. However, no matter our weaknesses. Whom did with the gift of time and God’s grace, I He come for? Did you Watch? came to understand that this is so much He came for the man who just lost more than a simple list of generations. his job and doesn’t want to tell his fam- The Church, in her wisdom, has keenly ily. Introducing our Children to the Bible set the reading in the last days before the He came for the widow and her Nativity of our Lord as a valuable les- children who just lost their husband and “If you really think about how many form hearts and minds for God, whether son. father. influences our children have, how many clergy or laity, adult or youth. The Bible At this point, within a week of Dec. He came for the family struggling hours they spend in front of the televi- often graces our homes’ bookshelves 25, many of the noble intentions I have with addictions. sion, with their phones, with music, in and icon stands; how often do we read for the Nativity Fast have usually been He came for the new mother strug- school, and there is so little time devoted it as a family? discarded and replaced by the tasks that gling with post-partum depression. to God. The more time that we can con- “Introducing Our Children to the “need” to get done for Christmas. He came for the wayward teen who nect them to the spiritual life and one of Bible,” with Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, I’ll tell myself I’m trying to focus is imprisoned for selling drugs. the most important points, of course, is conveys the significance of fostering on the birth of Christ, but I still sub- He came for these and every single reading the Bible - the more we need to an environment where the treasury of consciously want my Christmas to look one of us so that we, in our imperfec- do that. It is very useful in their spiritual the Scripture becomes more familiar to like many of the images we are bom- tion, can be made perfect through Him. formation. All of the (Holy) Fathers talk our children. The webinar isn’t a crash barded with this time of year - families In our folly, we frequently romanticize about how important it is to read the Bi- course on the Bible’s contents, but and homes that are happy, healthy, and Christmas and forget to concentrate on ble; it is part of our Orthodox tradition rather a heartfelt exhortation to priori- seemingly perfect. I’m not sure about the primary subject, God becoming in- … St. John Chrysostom said that read- tize its regular reading as a family, even you, but my house doesn’t look like a carnate. ing the Bible sanctifies you. It attracts through challenges such as busy sched- picture from a Pottery Barn catalog, and Christ’s Nativity isn’t necessarily the grace of the Holy Spirit.” – Dr. Jean- ules and our own lack of confidence to my family (myself included) - though about being merry and bright. It is about nie Constantinou guide. loved dearly is far from perfect. being present with Him in whatever Scripture, as the sacred canon of A basic understanding of Scripture This is where the family ties listed joys, challenges, and realities we’ve God’s revelation to His people, holds remains an essential part of an Orthodox within the gospel reading become im- been given. So even if you don’t have an integral position within the Church’s Christian’s development, and kids need portant. Fr. Thomas Hopko, in his book the stocking hanging by the chimney, or living tradition. It is read, sung, and ref- a faithful example. “Train up a child in The Winter Pascha, writes: can’t be home for Christmas this year, erenced throughout Orthodox Christian the way he should go, and when he is old What needs to be clearly under- you can still invite the Christ Child to expressions of worship and sacraments. he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs stood is that the ancestors of Jesus were humbly be born in your heart. In addition to the communal aspect, each 22:6) not all just and holy men. Amongst them If you struggle this Christmas, of us is called to “grow in the grace and To view the webinar and the ac- are also sinners; those who have com- reach out! Go to the Savior in prayer, to knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus companying discussion material, visit mitted incest, adultery, murder; an alien your parish for support, and other agen- Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and the reading www.family.goarch.org and click on woman, the names of Judas, of Thamar, cies for help. God didn’t create you to of Scripture outside of a liturgical set- the “Webinar” icon/link? on the right of David and Ruth are filled with spiri- struggle alone. Christ is Born! Glorify ting is foundational. It is intended to side of the page. tual significance. Him! Jesus wanted, humanly, to be linked Melissa is the associate director with ‘all that’ and to ‘all those.’ He want- for the Center for Family Care. She is a ed to clear a way for himself through the graduate of holly Croos School of theol- sins and crimes of men. And so it is the ogy. Family Connections is a ministry of the Center for Family Care of the Family Matters Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For more information about the Center’s Family Matters is a podcast pro- cus by Jesse Itzler. Ministries please contact: Phone (646) 519-6695 duced by Fr. Alex Goussetis, the direc- Connecting Young Adults through tor of the Center for Family Care, and Faith and Service. Fr. Alex speaks with E-mail: [email protected] features interviews, reflections, book re- Jonathan Metasophia on young-adult Website: www.family.goarch.org views, and narratives to encourage dia- perspectives within the Church. Jona- Facebook: www.facebook.com/center for Family Care logue and strengthen families. You can than is an adjunct instructor at Hellenic listen to the it at: www.ancientfaith. College where he teaches a two-semes- The Center for Family Care was established with a major grant from the com/podcasts/familymatters. Recent ter contextual education course titled episodes include: Community Engagement. Archbishop Iakovos An “Outsider’s” Visit to a Monas- Elder Thaddeus on Family Life. Fr. Leadership 100 Endowment Fund Inc. tery. Fr. Alex offers a book review and Alex offers a reflection on the chapter commentary on Living with the Monks: regarding family life from the book Our We are grateful for its support What Turning Off My Phone Taught Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Me about Happiness, Gratitude and Fo- Thaddeus of Vitovnica. 24 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018

A compelling Thoughts From L.A. biography of a man Attaining and Realizing who believed in Our Comfort Levels his strength by Fr. John S. Bakas to a “power at work within us” (v.20). to influence This is the language not of the spa in a Politically correct clichés abound in health club. Paul is speaking about the his destiny. our secular culture. You hear such terms church when he says “work out your as; “micro-aggressions, “safe spaces,” own salvation with fear and trembling” “hate speech” and when all else fails, (Philippians 2:12). Paul has no time for just throw out “racist.” It’s enough to spa-la-la Christianity; he rightly under- Available at Amazon.com make one crawl under the bed covers stands that Christian character emerges and hibernate. with a work out, not a handout. But the expression that perhaps de- Unfortunately, too many Christians fines so much of our spiritual ailing is, are more interested in unsightly wrinkles “I’m not comfortable with your opin- than unsightly habit removal. We have ion.” “I’m not comfortable with what misused the gospel message to support you write on Facebook and other forms a theology of material prosperity: “Now of social media.” Comfort has become to him who by the power at work within the buzz word of our times. Somehow us is able to accomplish abundantly far we want to have our troubles and anxi- more than all we can ask or imagine, to eties massaged away. him be glory in the church and in Christ Massage therapy is part of an ex- Jesus to all generations, forever and ploding trend. Spas and massage ther- ever. Amen (Ephs 3:20-21). Yet, God’s apy businesses are a growing phenome- power is at work within us to challenge non, reaching out and grasping the tight us to change, not to increase our com- tendons and tense muscles of people ev- fort. Can you imagine believers who erywhere, even on the remote and rural go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, edges of the United States. forgive those who sin against them and In 1989, there were 30 day-spas in love their enemies? FARES BEGIN AT... the United States. Now there are 2,600 Can you fathom the training, the plus massage parlors in malls and small discipline, the exercise, the pain to pro- $ plus 299 tax shopping centers. Even airports have duce believers who are strong and mus- ONE WAY them for the weary and tense travelers. cular? If you can, then you understand $ plus Spas are popping up like meadow that we are called to a love life not a life 480 tax daisies in springtime. 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He’s writing growth that peaks with one’s complete a letter to the Ephesians from prison. knowledge and experience of God. Seaweed wraps not available. The ques- We go to the spa to feel and look tion we put to the apostle is whether it younger. We go to the Holy Spirit to is biblically defensible to describe the feel and look older. God is not so much church as a sort of spa for sinners. There interested in age defiance as he is in is a long tradition of allegorical interpre- age reliance. The age-reliance products tations which see the church as a hospi- God offers are prayer, inner spiritual tal for the spiritually sick or a harbor for strength, power, and – most important – the storm-tossed soul. deep – tissue love. But the church as a spa where Love is generated by knee bends, Christians can name it and claim it and prostrations in sincere prayer and repen- seize the pampering and prosperity we tance. With this, we will all find com- call the American dream is a lie. fort. One might try to make a case for Fr. John S. Bakas is dean of Saint spa Christianity. It goes this way: Peo- Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles and ple who go to spas don’t go there to adjunct professor of Orthodox Theology work, but to be worked upon. And if by at the Loyola Marymount University a spiritual spa experience, one means a School of Theology. willingness to let the Holy Spirit mas- sage one’s spiritual muscles, pounding, chopping and kneading until the deep tissue of the soul is touched and twisted, 1 John 2:22 then fine. Perhaps there’s a point there. But it’s not in the Bible or teachings Who is a liar but he who of the Church. denies that Jesus Instead, Paul prays that the Ephe- sians will be “strengthened in your inner is the Christ! being with power through His Spirit” He is antichrist who denies (3:16). He also speaks of being “rooted the Father and the Son. and grounded” in love (v.17). He refers NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 25 Parish Profile Industrial City Attracts Industrious Greeks leaving their car. Also benefitting the parish was the AT A GLANCE establishment of charitable trusts by great benefactor the late Harry Zahars in Name: St. Nicholas Greek 1992. A second great benefactor, George Varouh, gifted the new church with the Orthodox Church Platytera and iconostasion. Fr. Michael also noted the com- Location: Lorain, Ohio munity is in the process of establish- ing a Capital Improvement Plan to help Founded: 1923 maintain and sustain the aging church St Nicholas Parish photo building and parish. With four Ortho- Clergy: Fr. Michael C. Gulgas dox parishes in Lorain, there are many ecumenical outreach opportunities that St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church St. Nicholas actively takes part in, in- (Holy Cross 1982) cluding Sunday of Orthodoxy and Holy stretched for nearly three miles and then moved on to Broadway. She also Unction Services, religious seminars Size: About 154 stewards employed thousands of local residents. had movie roles, including the 1973 film and other celebrations throughout the Most parishioners who worked for those “The Sting” opposite Robert Redford. year. A Sisterhood of Orthodox women Web: www.stnicholas. companies have since retired. By the 1960s, the need arose for a was initiated among the churches as Historical background new, larger church and a building fund well. The other three jurisdictions are oh.goarch.org By 1923, the pioneer Greek set- was established. A four-acre site was OCA (Russian), Serbian and Ukrainian. tlers organized a parish. The first priest purchased in southwest Lorain and In addition to the standard church E-mail: [email protected] of record, according to a parish history groundbreaking for the present church groups and religious educational out- by Nicholas Barbaresso, was Fr. George took place in October 1971. The parish reach, the parish has established a Dougekos, who held services in various moved to its new location a year later. monthly “Night with Father” for adult LORAIN, Ohio – The Orthodox store rooms in South Lorain and later at In October 1995, Bishop Maximos catechism and quarterly “Parish Family Christian presence in this Cleveland the YMCA. of Pittsburgh consecrated the church. Nights” for a relaxed family gathering at suburb of about 65,000 consists of The committee formed to build a Recent years church. churches in four jurisdictions, of which church raised $3,500, purchased two Fr. Michael Gulgas is an Ohio na- Weeping Icon St. Nicholas is the largest. lots for $2,000 in central Lorain and bor- tive and third-generation Greek Ortho- “We were blessed 30 years ago to Located along Lake Erie some 30 rowed $10,000 for the mortgage. dox with roots in Asia Minor, he arrived be drawn into the Miracle of the Weep- miles west of Cleveland, the city, begin- A Greek school also was established in the community in 1984 after serving ing Icons at Camp Nazareth in Mer- ning in the early1900s, attracted Greek and, in 1931, the “Greek American La- as an assistant priest for two years (1982- cer, Pa.,” the priest said. Goyans took immigrants primarily from Thebes in dies Club” was founded. In 1934 it reor- 84) at St. Nicholas Church in Flushing, icons with them to the camp and they Central Greece and Corinth in the Pelo- ganized as the Philoptochos chapter. N.Y. He was raised in the St. Nicholas were dabbed with cotton balls contain- ponnese, according to information from Following World War II, an influx parish in Youngstown. ing tears from the actual weeping icon Fr. Gulgas, the parish’s longest-serving of Greek immigrants arrived from Cy- His presvytera, Tina, a second gen- of the Panaghia that was brought from priest. The remainder came from north- prus, Egypt and Romania. During this eration Greek from Kalymnos, grew up Chicago. The icon brought home by one ern Greece, along with a few Cypriots period, the parish was served by Fr. in Archangel Michael parish in Camp- Goyan from the parish began weeping and Greek Islanders. The last major George H. Stephanopoulos, father of bell, Ohio, a Youngstown suburb. and was shared and venerated openly by influx of Greeks to Lorain was about the Rev. Dr. Robert Stephanopoulos, re- The socio-economic decline of Lo- the public for days. Proceeds generated 60 years ago, making the majority of tired dean of Holy Trinity Archdiocesan rain beginning in the 1970s caused many from candle sales were applied to feed- the parish second- and third-generation Cathedral in New York, and the late Fr. younger families to move to larger cities ing the homeless. The icon is still shared Greeks. Elias Stephanopoulos, who served Holy in other regions. “The parish is sustained at holidays devoted to the Theotokos. Immigrants coming to Lorain es- Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, through the hard work and efforts of an The Philoptophos chapter, comprised of tablished businesses or were drawn by for many years. Fr. George was the sec- aging community or retirees and some a core group of 10 women, has been a major industries that formed the basis of ond-longest serving priest (1942-52). middle aged and younger couples,” Fr. driving force behind the parish’s ability Lorain’s economy for most of the 1900s, The Sunday school was organized Michael said. “Revenue is from stew- to support various community agencies including the American Ship Build- in the 1950s with seven regular teachers ardship and the phenomenal efforts of a and local initiatives in addition to those ing Company Lorain Yard, Ford Motor in place by 1957. The parish, following small parish supporting both a three-day of the National Philoptohos. Support Company’s Lorain Assembly Plan, and a request by telegram from Archbishop and two-day festival in a four-month to Lorain Community Action, special United State Steel Corporation’s steel Iakovos, formed a Junior GOYA chap- span of time. We pride ourselves in needs Camp IDEAS, Lorain City Schol- mill on the city’s south side. The Ford ter, which received its charter in 1964. successful implementation of the pio- arship Drive and many other special ap- plant assembled the Econoline Van, A noted member of the Greek Amer- neer effort of the Gyro Drive Thru.” peals within the community has helped Mercury Montego, Ford Thunderbird ican community who grew up in Lorain The Drive Thru consists of a gyro stand St. Nicholas Church become a visible and Mercury Cougar. The U.S. Steel was actress Dimitra Arliss (1932-2012), along the church driveway for patrons presence here. mill, which began operating in 1895, who began her acting career in Chicago to drive up and place an order without -compiled by Jim Golding

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -Three years OCMC’s newest board members, Mi- ago, the Orthodox Christian Mission chael Kuziak, who recently visited Al- Center adopted a strategic plan aimed at bania with Fr. Martin Ritsi. growing resources and strengthening its OCMC They met with the missionar- ministries. As board members gathered ies, toured their ministries, and ex- at the Mission Center in St. Augustine perienced the Church rebirth in Nov. 12-14, this plan have for the most Board Adopts New Plan at Fall Meeting this former communist country. part been reached. The board also welcomed its newest Since 2015, the Mission Center has members: Nicholas Kourtis of Need- evangelized unreached peoples. In areas growing the ranks of long-term mis- and Project Mexico to provide more ham, Mass., (Greek Orthodox Arch- where the Orthodox Church is young sionaries serving in the field. It also calls opportunities for the faithful to serve diocese of America), and Dr. Cheryl and reaching out to those who have yet for refining the Mission Center’s core in missions and more in-depth training, Johnson of Ft. Myers, Fla., (Antiochian to hear, its 28 missionaries through 300 purpose and establishing the financial, care, and support for mission workers. Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of mission teams have catechized more organizational, and technological mech- The board was briefed on the scope of North America). than 7,000 people, ministered to more anisms to make that growth possible. this training, care, and support, as Geoff Board and staff gathered on Nov. 13 than 7,000 youth and provided medical The first step forward in working to- Whiteman presented about his work to recognize Athena Economou’s efforts care to 3,000. ward the plan’s key initiatives also was with the missionaries. OCMC Mis- earlier in the year to organize OCMC’s They also built churches, schools discussed, along with adoption of a new sionary Director Dn. James Nicholas first celebration gala and recognized Fr. and orphanages and started self-sustain- budget and a review of cyber security. followed with a presentation on how Martin Ritsi for his 20 years of service ing and income generation projects; and Five Project Mexico staffers also were this focus on training, care, and sup- as the organization’s executive direc- translated the services. approved as OCMC missionary candi- port, along with an expediated path- tor. current board President John Co- With the previous strategic plan fin- dates. They will begin raising support way toward missionary service will fa- lis, former board presidents Fr. George ished, the board unanimously approved for their ministries before returning to cilitate meeting the increasing demand Liacopulos, Helen Nicozisis, and Cliff the adoption of a new strategic plan for Project Mexico for the next home-build- for long-term missionaries in the field. Argue, and the Mission Center’s first the organization. This new one-year plan ing season. Their approval reflects the The fruits that missionaries can bear executive director, Bishop Dimitrios of still aims at growth, focusing intently on growing partnership between OCMC were pointedly articulated by one of Xanthos. 26 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Metropolis News Fr. Barnabas Powell to Give Keynote at OCF’s College Conference BROOKLINE, Mass. — Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, will wel- come Fr. Barnabas Powell as the key- note speaker for College Conference Midwest 2018 on Dec. 27-30. Fr. Barnabas is parish priest at Sts. GOA/D.Panagos photos Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Church in Cumming, Ga. He is also the sole author DAD Philoptochos members were joined by Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios, and Maria Logus and contributor of Faith Encouraged Ministries, a media ministry hosted on Ancient Faith, https://blogs.ancient- DAD Philoptochos Raise $50,000 for St. Michael’s Home faith.com/faithencouraged/about/. OCF’s College Conference Mid- WOODBURY, N.Y. - Direct Arch- care facility. Four categories of care will stantin’s remarks. west will be held at the St. Iakovos diocesan District Philoptochos mem- be offered: independent living, assisted The program included a photo- Retreat Center in Kansasville, Wis. Fr. bers raised more than $50,000 to ben- living, skill nursing and dementia units. graphic presentation by Katherine R. Barnabas’ address will be based on the efit the St. Michael’s Home Expansion Those attending also included Arch- Boulukos called “A Journey, a Dream conference theme, “Who Do You Say Fund at their Nov. 17 Agape Luncheon. bishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios of and a Fulfillment”, The Story of the That I Am?” More than 320 guests from the Dis- Phasiane, director of St. Michael’s, and Greek American Immigrant took place. For more information about the con- trict’s 55 active chapters attended. National Philoptochos President Maria A beautiful afternoon of fellowship, ference, visit http://www.ocf.net/events/ St. Michael’s Home has outgrown Logus, who had high praise from the love and support was had by all, as well college-conference-midwest-2018/. its current facility in Yonkers, N.Y. In District chapters’ accomplishments. as some dancing! In addition, please feel free to contact the fall of 2014, St. Michael’s Home Athina Beaury and Rose Koulouris, The Direct Archdiocesan District OCF’s National Programs Manager, purchased an 11-acre property in Union- served as Agape Luncheon co-chairs of- Board would like to extend our appre- Donna Levas for more information: dale, N.Y. on Long Island, for $7 million fered the welcoming remarks followed ciation to all. [email protected] or (617) 850-1227 to build a state-of-the-art-continuum by the District President Jennifer Con- Submitted by Catherine Moutoussis THE DIVINE LITURGY Official text of the Greek $25 Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

GOA/D.Panagos photos

$ $ DAD council meets 25 16 Members of the Direct Archdiocesan District Council hold their first meeting of the new session with Arch- bishop Demetrios and Chancellor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane.

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AVAILABILITY: JANUARY 2019 Thanksgiving meals Members of the Greek American Homeowners Association in Astoria, N.Y., hold their traditional Thanksgiv- To place orders: Holy Cross Orthodox Bookstore holycrossbookstore.com (800) 245-0599 ing meal event, which Archbishop Demetrios attends each year. The association members serve meals to those less fortunate. They also deliver meals to shut-ins. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 27 Metropolis News Wash. Camp Receives Major Donation

SEATTLE - All Saints Camp and Retreat Center on Raft Island has re- ceived a $3.5 million gift bequeathed by the estate of George Mazoonin, who died in July 2017 at age 83. The All Saints board will work with the parish councils of St. Demetrios and Assumption churches on a master building plan to make several needed improvements. Mazoonin and his wife, Vera, have given generously to the camp in memo- ry of their adult son who drowned in a river rafting accident several years ago. She and her husband were long- time members of St. Demetrios Church in Seattle. Their generosity will be honored at the annual All Saints Camp Dinner on Feb. 2. Submitted by Seattle journalist Theo Dracopoulos Argue.

Orthodox Observer photo

The newly restored interior of St. Spyridon Church as seen from the upper tier pew

Cliff Argue photo Manhattan Church Celebrates Restoration Project WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, N.Y. Calivas, Constantine Combitsis, Con- boilers and water tank, repairs to the Fr. Michael Johnson, (center), holding Certificate After 28 months of intensive work to re- stantine Xanthakis and Evagoras Con- church roof and sidewalk, the HVAC of Recognition for his 45 years’ service in the priest- furbish its interior, St. Spyridon Church stantinides. system and other projects including re- hood at his retirement ceremony, presented by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco (right). marked the completion of the multi-mil- The current priest, Fr. Nicolas Ka- placement of fire doors, kitchen renova- Fr. Dean Kouldukis, proistamenos of Church of the lion project with a Restoration Celebra- zarian, served in the altar during the tion, upgrading the sound system and Assumption (left). tion on Sunday, Oct. 14, that brought Divine Liturgy. The sanctuary project church bells and new balcony flooring. past and present parishioners and clergy included the restoration of the iconogra- In his archpastoral reflections af- to the church. phy, replacement of the dome windows, ter the liturgy, Metropolitan Methodios Seattle Priest Among those was Metropolitan repair and cleaning of the chandeliers, highly praised the parish for its accom- Methodios of Boston, a former parish the balcony, electrical repairs and clean- plishment and singled out the parish Retires after priest and other clergy who had served ing the ducts. Other interior renovations council and its president, Lydia Vagelos- 45-Year Ministry St. Spyridon, including Frs. Alkiviadis included the ballroom, replacement of Calimanis.

SEATTLE – Fr. Michael Johnson, CLERGY UPDATE associate pastor of Assumption Church, has retired after 45 years as an active Ordinations to the Diaconate: Appointments: priest. Vallas, Vasilios, by Metropolitan Nicholas of V. Rev. Fr. Chrysostom Panos – Chancellor, Me- Fr. Johnson began his priesthood Detroit at Holy Trinity Church, Nashville, Tenn. tropolis of Chicago 10/01/18 serving Holy Trinity parish in Wilke- 10/14/18 Fr. Demetrios-Earl Cantos – Youth Safety Com- son, Wash., (an OCA parish) then trans- Koutroubas, Konstantinos, Metropolitan Savas pliance Officer of the Archdiocese 10/01/18 ferred to the Greek Orthodox Archdio- of Pittsburgh, Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Offikia: cese where he was assistant priest at St. Reading, Pa. 10/27/18 Fr. Stephen Bithos – Office of Protopresbyter Demetrios Church in Seattle 14 years. Ordinations to the Priesthood: bestowed by Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago Over the years he served as execu- 06/03/18 tive director of All Saints Center, pas- Dn. Romanos (formerly Dn. Grammenos) Kara- tor of St. Nicholas Church in Tacoma, nos, Archbishop Demetrios, Holy Cross Chapel, Fr. Nicholas Georgiou – Office of Economos, by Wash., and as first priest at Holy Apos- Brookline, Mass 09/14/18 Metropolitan Nathanael 06/10/18 tles, Shoreline, Wash., before being as- Dn. Nikolas Delaveris, Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Kosmas Kallis – Office of Confessor, by Met- signed to Assumption parish. Sts. Constantine & Helen Church of Washington, ropolitan Nathanael 06/10/18 Fr. Michael established an Ortho- DC, Silver Spring, Md. 11/04/18 Fr. Andrew Karamitos – Office of Protopresbyter, dox Boy Scout group in the Seattle area Assignments: by Metropolitan Nathanael 06/10/18 and has led local Orthodox youth on Fr. Dean Panagos – St. John the Baptist Church, Fr. Thomas Guerry – Office of Confessor, by camping trips and other outdoor activi- Blue Point, NY 10/01/18 Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta 10/07/18 ties. Fr. John Eric Wallace – Office of Economos, by The Assumption parish council Fr. Catalin Mot – Transfiguration Church, Flor- plans to treat Fr. Michael to his first pil- ence, SC 10/15/18 Metropolitan Alexios 10/21/18 grimage to Mt. Athos. Fr. Vassilios Bebis – Sts. Constantine & Helen Retired Clergy: Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Church, Cambridge, Mass. 11/01/18 Fr. James Doukas 11/30/18 Francisco honored Fr. Michael at a ser- Fr. Evagoras Constantinides – Sts. Constantine & Suspensions Lifted: vice Sept. 16. Helen Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY 11/01/18 V. Rev. Fr. Gerasimos Makris 10/11/18 Contributed by Theodora Draco- poulos Argue 28 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Obituaries

cepted this position because I care. Our National Bible Association in recog- Royal Navy during World War II. Af- heritage and our religion mean every- nition of his service as National Bible ter the war, he enrolled and graduated thing to me.” Week chairman. He has also been a from the Lycee Francais d’Alexandrie He was born in Stockton, Calif. benefactor of the USO (United Services in Egypt in 1949 with a degree in ag- in 1923 to Constantino and Evanthia Organization), the YMCA, Children’s riculture. Spanos, immigrant parents from Kala- Hospital and Health Center in San Di- In 1952, he emigrated to London, mata. At age 8, he began working in his ego and several children’s institutions. Ontario, Canada. He married Harriet father’s bakery. Spanos attended Cali- As a philhellene, Spanos under- Hariklia Pittas in 1962. He later enrolled fornia Polytechnic School but dropped wrote the “Search for Alexander” ex- at Holy Cross School of Theology and out in 1942 to join the U.S. Army Air hibit in San Francisco. He also served graduated in 1969. He was ordained to Force where he served during World as an honorary trustee of the American the diaconate and priesthood and immi- War II as a tail gunner on a bomber. Af- College in Greece and was instrumen- grated to the U.S. in 1972. ter the war, he enrolled at the University tal in bringing members of the National He served as a priest in Canada of the Pacific in Stockton where lettered Theater of Greece for a performance at and the U.S., including: Kitchener, On- in swimming and diving. the 1984 summer Olympics in Los An- tario; Rochester, Minn.; Orlando, Fla.; In 1948, he married Faye Papafak- geles. Hopewell, Va.; Little Rock, Lexington, lis of Tarpon Springs, Fla. They had In 2008 he received the Medal of Ky; and Hot Springs, Ark., where he four children: Dean, Dea, Alexis, and the Commander of the Order of Honor continued to serve even during his re- Michael. She predeceased him on Aug. from President Karolos Papoulias of tirement until 2010. He had retired Jan. 7 this year. Greece. 16, 1991. Alex G. Spanos In 1951 he launched his own ven- He was the recipient of numerous Fr. Delfos was predeceased by STOCKTON, Calif. -- Alex G. ture with an $800 loan, buying a small other awards, including the Horatio siblings Georgeos, Theofrastos, Ale- Spanos, 95, Archon Depoutatos of the truck to peddle sandwiches to migrant Alger Award, AHEPA’s Aristotelian kos, Nicolaos, Achilleas Delfos and Ecumenical Patriarchate and a former farm workers in the area around Stock- Award, two other honorary doctorates: Dominiki Zissou. president of the Archdiocesan Council, ton. With his wife, Faye, by his side, he from the University of the Pacific and Funeral services took place Oct. 24 died Oct. 9 with his family by his side. soon transformed the enterprise into a Eureka College, the Gloria Swanson at Annunciation Church in Little Rock Spanos was also a philanthropist, great highly successful catering business. Humanitarian Award from the Ameri- with Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit benefactor of the Archdiocese and the From there he moved on to real estate can Cinema Awards Foundation, the El- officiating, assisted by other clergy. Ecumenical Patriarchate, faithful stew- investment and acquisition, then to lis Island Award, and the National Dis- Memorial donations may be made ard of the Church, successful business- commercial property development. tinguished Community Service Award to Annunciation Church Altar Fund, man and majority owner of the Los An- One of the most successful builders from the Anti-Defamation league of 1100 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark. geles (formerly San Diego) Chargers of and real estate developers in the United B’nai B’rith. 72211. States, his company, A.G. Spanos Com- As he stated in his autobiography, the National Football League. panies., which he founded in 1960, has Sharing the Wealth: My Story, “I be- Fr. Petros Kopsahilis Upon learning of his passing, Arch- built more than 60,000 apartment units lieve I have a sacred duty to share my bishop Demetrios stated: “Archon Alex and other buildings across the United good fortune with my church, my com- CLEARWATER, Fla. – Fr. Petros Spanos was an extraordinary man, States and overseas. It became the larg- munity, my fellow Greek-Americans Kopsahilis, a retired priest and former an exemplary father of four children, est builder of apartments in the U.S. by and my family…Giving just does my chancellor of the Metropolis of Atlanta, and devoted husband to his wife Faye 1977. heart good.” died Oct. 15 at age 80. of blessed memory. He was very pas- He was an avid sportsman and for Summing up his philosophy of suc- He was born Oct. 15, 1938, in Leto- sionate about everything he did and an many years a top-ranked amateur golf- cess, he had said, “In the Bible, faith horo, Greece to Ioannis and Poulheria astonishingly successful entrepreneur. er, winning the Bob Hope Pro-Am Des- is defined as ‘the substance of things Kopsahilis. After completing elementa- He was very dedicated to his Orthodox ert Classic in Palm Springs in 1977 and hoped for, the evidence of things not ry school, he enrolled at the Ecclesiasti- Christian faith and his Hellenic roots. the British Pro-Am Golf Championship seen.’ As a self-made man, I can tell cal School of St. Anastasia in Thessa- His life and work have always been in 1980, the first person ever to win you there were countless times all I had loniki and graduated after seven years. a stellar example of Christian Greek- both tournaments. For some 20 years, to go on was faith.” He then served in the Greek army and Orthodox stewardship, stewardship to Spanos and his friend Bob Hope have He is survived by his four children, emigrated to the U.S. in 1961 to attend many philanthropic works, stewardship also played in tournaments throughout 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grand- Hellenic College Holy Cross School of for the Church, our Archdiocese here in the world. children. Theology. America and our Ecumenical Patriarch- Since 1984, he has been the owner Funeral services took place He continued his studies at Boston ate. He is an example for all. May God of the NFL San Diego Chargers pro Wednesday, Oct. 24 at St. Basil Church University and earned a Masters and give rest to his soul among the righ- football team, which in 1995 went to in Stockton, with Trisagion prayers the Ph.D. in religious education. teous, and may his memory be eternal.” the Super Bowl for the first time in fran- previous evening. An estimate of more In 1968, he married Christine Pli- In a statement issued Oct. 10 by chise history. than 1,000 people attended the funeral. akas and was ordained a deacon at St. Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Fran- Over the years, Spanos was a strong Archbishop Demetrios officiated, with Sophia Church in New London, Conn., cisco, he stated: “This is truly the pass- supporter of the Church and its humani- Metropolitan Gerasimos, parish priest on Oct. 6 of that year, and a priest at St. ing of an era. Alex’s story proved that tarian outreach. Fr. Panagiotis Sotiris and 15 other Demetrios in Newton, Mass., on Oct. the American dream was a reality, and He and his wife had been long- clergy participating, including Archons 27. he was grateful for the opportunities time major benefactors of both St. Ba- Spiritual Advisor Fr. Alex Karlout- Fr. Kopsahilis was assigned to given to his parents when they came to sil Church in Stockton, where he was sos, who read a condolence letter from Holy Trinity Church in Casper, Wyo., this country, as well as the vast experi- a member, and Annunciation Church Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; where he served from November 1968 ences he had throughout his life. While in Modesto. He was instrumental in HCHC President Fr. Christopher Me- to November 1970. During this period, he had a successful career in real estate establishing the Patriarch Athenago- tropulos, and Project Mexico associate he was in a car accident that killed his development, as the owner of an NFL ras Orthodox Institute at the Graduate director and Chaplain Fr. Nicholas An- 11-month-old daughter and left him franchise, and a renowned philanthro- Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., druchow. paralyzed. He regained his mobility and pist, Alex was most comfortable sur- and endowed the Alexander G. Spanos In his eulogy, Archbishop Demetri- walked after 17 surgeries performed in rounded by his loved ones. After nearly Chair in Orthodox Christian Studies. os stated, in part, “He fought the good Boston. 70 years of marriage, his beloved Faye Internationally, he generously aid- fight in assisting our Church in America He was appointed as admissions departed this world just two months ed earthquake victims in Kalamata, and and specifically our Archdiocese. He director, registrar and assistant to the ago, and his heart longed to be with her. supported archaeological and cultural has been not someone who was waiting president at HCHC. They are now reunited in heaven and projects in Greece. to be asked for assistance. He would call Wanting to return to a parish, he both are restored to wholeness and joy He also had given countless mil- and he would commit before asking. He was assigned to St. George Church in in the Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom.” lions to numerous charitable, civic, and would be never tired. He would never Oklahoma City, and led the community Alex Spanos became an Archon amateur and college athletic organiza- compromise, and he was remarkable in in building a new church. Depoutatos of the Ecumenical Patri- tions over the years. He gave $15 mil- his unconventional perfectionism. He His next assignment was Holy archate in 1972 and, in 2004, was the lion to Mercy General Hospital Heart was someone who kept the faith under Trinity in Portland, Maine, then was recipient of the Archons Athenagoras Center in Sacramento, where he had un- all circumstances.” appointed chancellor of the Atlanta Me- Human Rights Award. He was a found- dergone coronary artery bypass surgery tropolis where he served for 14 years ing member of the Archbishop Iako- in August 2000. He later established the Fr. Pierre Delfos before returning to Rhode Island to be vos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, Alex G. Spanos Heart Center, the cen- closer to HCHC and his family. and a founding member of Faith: An terpiece of Mercy General. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Fr. Pierre Fr. Kopsahilis retired to Florida Endowment for Orthodoxy and Helle- In 2004, he gave $500,000 to Andre Delfos, 93, a retired priest of the June 1, 2003. nism, serving as its first chairman. HCHC, where he and his wife received Archdiocese, died Oct. 15. He was born Survivors include Presvytera Chris- Appointed Archdiocesan Council honorary Doctorate of Humanities de- June 6, 1925 in Alexandria Egypt to tine, sister-in-law and husband, Vasiliki president by former Archbishop Spyri- grees. Evanthia and Andreas Delfos. (Pliakas) and Fr. James Rousakis, and don, Spanos stated at the March 1997 In 1989, he received the Outstand- A graduate of the Pythagoras Patri- other relatives in the U.S. and Greece. spring meeting of the Council, “I’ve ac- ing Service Award from the Laymen’s archal School, he served in the Hellenic He was predeceased by his parents NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 29 Obituaries Assembly of Bishops and four sisters, of Greece. lia, sons Ari and Tony, daughters-in-law Trisagion and funeral service took Kristy and Lisa, and five grandchildren. Assembly of Bishops Convenes place Oct. 24-25 at St. Nicholas Cathe- The Trisagion service was held dral in Tarpon Springs., officiated by Sunday, Oct. 21 Holy Cross Church in  from page 2 nurture a deeper understanding of the Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and lo- Belmont, Calif., and the funeral service faith. cal clergy. was held Oct. 22 at the church. The clergy brotherhoods is a critical part of We express our compassion and Makaria to follow the service. Both ser- this process of achieving greater unity. support for refugees and their families, Theodoros Laliotis vices were officiated by Metropolitan In particular, the Assembly encourages who face immense suffering and en- Gerasimos. all parishes to engage in joint liturgical counter severe displacement throughout SAN FRANCISCO - Theodoros Memorial donations in his memo- events, educational activities, and out- the world and even in our own country. “Ted” Aristotelis Laliotis, an Archon of ry may be designated to: St. Nicholas reach ministries, with respective hierar- Additionally, we denounce all violence, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, San Fran- Greek Orthodox Church – Building chical blessings.” whether caused by senseless acts related cisco Metropolis Council member and Fund, 986 Chapman St., San Jose, CA The hierarchs endorsed the up- to weapons and shootings or instigated former mayor of Los Altos, Calif., died 95126; or to Annunciation Greek Or- coming Orthodox Camping and Youth by abhorrent acts of discrimination Oct. 12 at age 79. thodox Cathedral Building Fund, 245 Worker Conference to be held Jan. 23- and prejudice. Orthodox Christians are He was born in Epidavros, Greece, Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 26 at the Antiochian Village. Metropoli- called to demonstrate their solidarity on March 21, 1939, to Aristotelis and 94103. tan Gregory of Nyssa strongly encour- with and hospitality to all people, ir- Anastasia Laliotis, the youngest of four aged the participation of youth workers respective of race and religion, to wel- children. At age 12, Ted left home and Fr. Constantine P. Rogakos in the conference. come and embrace the image of God in moved to the nearest village to com- In the afternoon session, the hier- the least of our brothers and sisters, as plete grammar and high school. NORFOLK, Va. – Fr. Constantine P. archs discussed an assessment of the instructed in the parable of our Lord (f. Assembly’s accomplishments and chal- Matt. 25:40-45). Our God is a God of He immigrated to the U.S. at age Rogakos, 86, a retired priest of the love and forgiveness, of reconciliation 19 to pursue a college degree. He lived Archdiocese, died Nov. 5. lenges over the first nine years and be- gan to identify some specific future and fellowship. with an aunt in San Francisco and at- He was born Oct. 26, 1932 in Gy- We convey our heartfelt and prayer- tended San Jose State University and thion, Laconia, Greece, where he com- objectives and priorities to achieve over the next several years. The hierarchs re- ful compassion to those who have lost UC Berkeley where he received his pleted public school. He attended the loved ones and experienced devasta- Master of Science in electrical engi- University of Athens and studied the- affirmed their commitment to the mis- sion of the Assembly and their desire to tion or deprivation caused by diverse neering and computer science. In 1966, ology. He had married Eleni Zefka in reinvigorate its work natural disasters over the last year, from he married Evangelia Cochila and they April 1960 and they immigrated to the Final session Hurricanes Harvey in Texas to Maria in moved to Los Altos. They raised two U.S. in July that year. The last day of the conference, Oct. Puerto Rico and Florence in the Caro- sons, Ari and Tony. He was ordained to the deaconate 4, the Assembly issued the following linas, and most recently the Tsunami in Laliotis worked as an electrical Nov. 12, 1961 at St. George Cathedral message Indonesia. We pray that God may pre- engineer and tech executive at differ- in Philadelphia, and to the priesthood Remembering before our God and serve the world from such calamities, ent companies in Silicon Valley. From Nov. 26 at Kimisis tis Theotokou in Father your work of faith and labor of and appeal to our faithful, and all people 1977-96, he was the director of emerg- Brooklyn. love and steadfastness of hope in our of good will, to respect God’s creation ing technologies at Hewlett-Packard. Fr. Rogakos were the parishes of Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes. 1:3). and protect its natural resources. He was honored by the Institute of St. George in Port Arthur, Texas, and St. Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the We do indeed confirm our unity Electrical and Electronics Engineering Nicholas in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lord, as Orthodox Christians, for which we as a Lifetime Fellow, later receiving He received a direct Presidential We, the members of the Assembly must carefully albeit constantly, but also their Centennial Medal of Honor. Commission and served as a U.S. Army of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the prayerfully albeit passionately, strive Laliotis spent many years lecturing, chaplain beginning in 1966 and, at the United States of America, gathered in to practice and exercise. While we ac- writing, and planning conferences in his time, was the only Army chaplain of Cleveland, Ohio, for our ninth annual knowledge and appreciate that unity is a field. After his retirement, he worked as the Archdiocese. He served at a chap- meeting on October 2-3, 2018, greet you sacred gift from the Triune God, we are an independent real estate broker and lain for 22 years at Fort Leonard Wood, all with love in Christ as we offer glory also aware and conscious that we have investor, pursuing his passion for entre- Missouri, other locations in the U.S. and gratitude to Him. this treasure in earthen vessels, to show preneurship. that included Fort Lewis, Washington, Twenty-five Hierarchs assembled that the transcendent power belongs to in order to remember and reaffirm our God and not to us (2 Cor. 4:7). A dedicated public servant, Ted Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, Ky, and In this regard, we refuse to surren- spent many years serving his local others. He served in 1969-70 in Viet- unity in the Orthodox faith. We express our deep gratitude to all those who der to the temptation of disruption of community, sitting on City Council for nam and three tours in West Germany, unity or division among us. For, while almost 10 years, and as mayor of Los where he also served Holy Trinity in planned and prepared for this year’s Assembly. The Assembly opened with we are afflicted in every way, we are Altos from 1991-1992. Ted’s contribu- Bonn. He returned to the U.S. and was not crushed; we are perplexed, but not tions to the Greek community included assigned to Annunciation Church in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Sava Serbian Cathedral. We extend driven to despair; . . . [we may be] struck membership in several societies and Kansas City, Mo., in 1988, then to An- special appreciation to our host, Bishop down, but not destroyed, inasmuch as organizations. He worked for the pres- nunciation Cathedral in Norfolk where Irinej, and the community, especially the we always carry within us the death of ervation of Greek Heritage and the he served from 1990 to Dec. 31, 2000. Circle of Serbian Sisters, for their hos- Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also Greek Orthodox Faith. Among other He continued to assist at Annunciation pitality. be manifested in our bodies (2 Cor. 4:8- organizations, Ted served as president following his retirement. Once again, we called to mind our 10). Therefore, we remain committed of the Hellenic Federation of Northern In Norfolk, he established and built brother Hierarchs kidnapped in Syria, to the fullness of unity in faith that we California; was a founder, board mem- a new chapel, re-energized the parish’s the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul enjoy as Orthodox Christians in this ber and past vice-president of the Elios Greek school program, created a library Yazigi (brother of His Beatitude Patri- country. Society; member of the USA Region of and instituted a Bible study. arch John X of Antioch) and the Syriac In conclusion, we extend our pater- the World Council of Greeks Abroad; Fr. Rogakos had retired from the Orthodox Archbishop John Ibrahim. nal prayers for all of our faithful. May and board member of the Hellenic Jour- Army with the rank of lieutenant colo- After due deliberations on the role the abundant blessings of our all-merci- nal newspaper. nel. He was the recipient of 14 medals and responsibility of the Church in con- ful God be with you all. His contributions to the Greek for his military service, among them the temporary society, we reached the fol- Grow in the grace and knowledge community were celebrated through Bronze Star, National Service Medal, lowing conclusions, which we convey to of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To many recognitions and awards, includ- Vietnam Campaign medal, the Army our communities throughout America: Him be the glory and the dominion now ing the Axion award in 1993, the Elios Commendation Medal with three oak Echoing the discussion and desire and to the day of eternity (2 Peter 3:18). Cultural Award in 2009, and the Ellis Is- leaf clusters. of last year’s Assembly regarding the View this message online at the As- land Medal of Honor in 2005. In 2012, His education in the U.S. included instruction of children and involvement sembly of Bishops Website Ted was invested by Ecumenical Patri- attendance at Columbia University, St. of young adults in the Church, the Hier- Message of the 9th Assembly of Ca- archs underlined the importance of the nonical Orthodox Bishops of the United arch Bartholomew as an Archon of the Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, the States of America Ecumenical Patriarchate. California Graduate School of Theol- formation of all ages of youth in parish programs and pastoral outreach, recog- The following hierarchs were in As a member of the Metropolis ogy, earning a Ph.D., in 1980, the chap- attendance: Archbishop Demetrios, Council, he served on the Metropolis lain officer basic and advanced courses nizing and realizing their contribution as an example for believers (1 Tim. 4:12). chairman; Metropolitan Gregory, sec- Real Estate and Insurance Committee, and the Command and General Staff retary; Archbishop Michael, treasurer; and assisted with the technology infra- College. Therefore, we urge our faithful and es- pecially our youth to learn and live the Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolitan structure at St. Nicholas Ranch, He also Services took place Nov. 9 at An- commandments of the Gospel and the Alexios, Metropolitan Nicholas, Metro- coordinated the annual Greek Cultural nunciation Cathedral. traditions of the Church, which illumine politan Savas, Bishop Sevastianos, Met- Parade that was held in San Francisco He is survived by Presvytera Eleni; and sustain our lives and decisions in or- ropolitan Antony, Bishop Ilia, Bishop for many years. daughters Lia and Georgia; two grand- der that we might be the salt of the earth, Thomas, Bishop John, Bishop Nicholas, He loved spending time in Tahoe children, a brother, Dimitri Rogakos; as taught by our Lord (f. Matt. 5:13). To Bishop Longin, Bishop Maxim, Bishop and Greece, fishing, skiing, and listen- nieces and nephews. He was prede- this end, we encourage our parishes to Irinej, Metropolitan Nicolae, Bishop ing to Greek music. He will be remem- ceased by his parents, a brother, Tasos, develop educational programs for bap- Saba, Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop bered for his love of life, generosity, and a sister, Ismini Trivisas. tism and chrismation of children and Nathaniel, Archbishop Nikon, Arch- and dedication to his family. Memorial donations may be made adults entering the Orthodox Church so bishop Benjamin, Archbishop Melchi- He is survived by his wife, Evange- to Annunciation Cathedral in Norfolk. that our parishioners may acquire and sedek, Bishop David, and Bishop Paul. 30 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS

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Greek American Cooking GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHS Order by check with the order form and send it to: 1) Conventional photographs St. eorge Philoptochos Societ We accept Color or Black & White photos, printed on photographic paper. Photographs 1033 est Park ve. should be sharp and clear. Pictures printed on color printers, either Inkjet or Laser and Ocean, N 07712 photocopies or clippings of previously published photos are NOT accepted. or call Errie at 732.241.0091 or 2) Digital photographs Email: [email protected] We accept digital pictures if they conform to the following specifications: • Minimum resolution 1600 pixels wide x 1200 pixels high (approx. 2 mega pixels, Compiled and published Greek & American digital cameras should be set to high resolution, high quality. If you scan a standard by St. George Philoptochos specialties from photograph -usually 4x6”- use a minimum of 300 dpi. We discourage scanning your own of Asbury Park/ Ocean, NJ. members and friends. photos, send the actual photo.) • File format JPEG or TIFF (JPEGs are smaller files and easier to e-mail, TIFFs are better PRICE PER BOOK IS $25 PLUS $5 SHIPPING quality) • Color mode RGB, color depth minimum 8-bit. PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF OUR COOKBOOK AND SUPPORT THE WORK OF PHILOPTOCHOS. • Image files placed within any word-processing file or any other application are not Yes, I want to order _____ copies Name: ______accepted. • Digital pictures can be submitted by e-mail, CD-ROM, Zip, Floppy Disk (Disks can not be Price per book is $25 plus $5 shipping Address: ______returned) I authorize St. George Philoptochos Society to charge my: • E-mail to: [email protected]. In the subject line write only the word “photos” City: ______State: ______Zip: ______VERY IMPORTANT: Attach the image files and do not include them in the body of the Exp. date: ______Phone: ______e-mail or they will not be usable. Card # ______CSC: ______3) Please include information about the photo(s); place, time and event as Name on Card: ______Email: ______well as the names of all persons shown, left to right. NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 31 In The Now National Ministries - Dept. of Youth and Young Adults 3 Critical Questions to Shape the Future of the Church

By Steven Christoforou What Can We Do? I wasn’t sure was even there, He heard Do we give freely of the blessings As we look back, I think we also me. that God has bestowed upon us (confi- A Disappointing Experience... need to look ahead. And I had the distinct sense that dent in His continuing grace), or do we I was recently in Nashville attend- All I am is a young adult who an arm stretched out and embraced me hoard them (full of doubt and insecurity ing a workshop. Hundreds of people, has, against all odds, continually strug- (not in a literal or physical way, but about what is to come)? many of them Christians from faith- gled to know Christ (and to know Him somehow). And I had the distinct sense Third: One Christian is No Christian based non-profits, had gathered to learn from within His Church). that a voice spoke to me (again, not in Finally, the third marker in the life about how to clarify the message of I am no saint. But I am a Christian. a literal or physical way, a wordless of a young Christian: the support of their companies and share their valuable And maybe there’s something about voice); and that this voice told me knowing that one Christian is no Chris- work with the world. why I (and young adults like me) con- something simple and joyful: “your dad tian. Now, I was the only Orthodox tinue to identify as a Christian that can is ok; I have him, don’t fear.” In early 2018, Health insurer Cig- Christian in the room. At one point the help shape the work of our communi- This, of course, changed everything na released the results of a nationwide workshop leader was going around the ties. for me. Fifteen years later, that remains survey of 20,000 adults. They found that room, asking people to share a little So I’d like to share three potential the most defining moment of my life. 54% of people feel like no one actually about their work. When he got to me, I markers in the life of a young Christian. Consider This... knows them well. 56% of people said explained to him that I lead youth and Three things the young people in our So my question to you is: how can those who surround them “are not nec- young adult ministries for the Greek care must know in their hearts and carry we assure our young people that God essarily with them,” and about 40% said Orthodox Archdiocese of America; that with them at the very core of their being is not just an idea, but that He is a real they “lack companionship,” their “rela- I develop resources and training materi- if they are going to take the steps needed Person? A Person who hears them when tionships aren’t meaningful,” and that als for the ministry that happens in our to embark on the long and difficult and they cry out to Him from the depths of they feel “isolated from others.” roughly 550 parishes (not to mention joyous road of holiness. their pain? As several people have put it: it other parishes, both in other jurisdic- First: That God is Real This question takes on multiple di- seems like loneliness is a real epidemic. tions and around the world, that use our I’ll start with the most basic one: mensions. Is God just a bit of religious Unfortunately, this loneliness also work). young people need to know that God is trivia, something we talk about or some- exists within the Church. But before I could get very far, when real. one we encounter? Do we spend more So many young adults, in particu- I said the words “Greek Orthodox,” the As a young person growing up in time in the classroom or before the al- lar, struggle with disconnection, a sense workshop leader smiled and joked: the Church, I was active in a variety of tar? Is prayer and worship at the center that they are somehow divided from the “Greek Orthodox, huh? I love your ministries and programs. I was a part of of our lives, or something that exists at Christian community around them. food festival.” youth group. I was a student in Sunday the edges of our attention and effort? The Struggle of Loneliness Now, this man wasn’t trying to be School. I played sports and attended re- Second: That Christ is Risen Sometimes this loneliness is the re- disrespectful or dismissive. He was treats. When I was in high school, I even Next, for the second marker in the sult of pain: an unkind word, a failure to simply pointing out that, despite being taught Sunday School. life of a young Christian, I offer this: the listen, a breach of trust. pretty immersed in the world of Chris- And over the years, I learned plenty knowledge that Christ is risen. Sometimes this loneliness is the tian ministry, what he knew about the of things about God. But in retrospect, I This is a critical point. If Christ is result of oversight: isolation at coffee Orthodox Church wasn’t our theology didn’t know God Himself during those not risen, then He is not Lord. And if He hour, the lack of meaningful friend- or our philanthropic work or our ascetic years. I never really developed spiritual is not Lord, then we have no reason to ships, an overwhelming sense of not practice. It was our ethnic food. roots that grounded me in an awareness follow Him. belonging. Are We Meeting Our Goal? of God’s presence and activity in my In one of his letter, Saint Paul wrote The early Christian Tertullian, in What’s the point of any Orthodox life. the following to the Corinthians: the 3rd century, wrote that “one Chris- Christian community? To introduce I didn’t really believe that He is real. “If there is no resurrection of the tian is no Christian.” young people to Christ; to inspire them By the time I was in college, it dead, then Christ has not been raised; On one level, this is a deeply theo- to live out their relationship with the wasn’t so much that I didn’t believe in and if Christ has not been raised, then logical statement. If a Christian is truly Lord in His Church; to form them into God in any strong sense. It was rather our proclamation has been in vain and a member of the Body of Christ, then no faithful Christians, members of the very that I wasn’t terribly interested in Him your faith has been in vain.” Christian can fully be himself in isola- Body of Christ because honestly, it didn’t seem like God The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand tion; any more than an organ or append- But I don’t think we live up to this really even mattered all that much. God The Gospel message is clear: “the age can fully be itself in isolation, cut goal as well as we should. In fact, if was just an idea, an idea that wasn’t Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” God off from the rest of the Body. we did live up to this goal, ethnic food compelling enough to change the way has, in the person of Jesus Christ, de- We have a word for such isolated wouldn’t be the world’s primary asso- I lived my life. feated death by death. And this is not a members of the body: dead. Those parts ciation with the Orthodox Church. A Life-Changing Experience historical fact: it is a present, lived real- are simply dead. I think it’s evident that many of our All that changed in my junior year ity. And this theological truth has communities have struggled with this of college, when my dad passed away. Again, we need to push here, to very practical consequences, from the goal in recent decades. As a Church, we My father was (and is) my hero: I’ll be make sure this isn’t just an abstract importance of our communal worship have struggled to introduce our young fortunate to one day be half the man he statement. The reality of the Gospel, the to the importance of fellowship. people to the living person of Jesus is. To lose him so suddenly forced me truth of Christ’s resurrection from the Consider This... Christ. As a Church, we have struggled to confront some of the terrifying conse- dead, is lived in the lives of His holy So my question to you is: how are to capture the hearts and minds of young quences of my indifference toward the ones: His saints. we truly living as a Body, united in people. As a Church, we have struggled divine. As St Athanasios so eloquently Christ? to communicate an inspiring vision of After all, if God isn’t real, then nei- wrote: Again, this question takes on mul- the reality of the Kingdom of God. ther is the afterlife. And if there is no life “Doubt no longer, then, when you tiple dimensions. When new people find How Big is the Problem? after death, then I really and truly had see death mocked and scorned by those themselves in our community, do they Of course, this is not a uniquely lost my father; not just for a time, but who believe in Christ, that by Christ feel welcome or excluded? Orthodox problem. The book You Lost forever. death was destroyed, and the corruption Do people who are already in our Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving If there was no God, and there- that goes with it resolved and brought to community feel connected to everyone, Church...and Rethinking Faith explores fore no afterlife, then my father no lon- end.” (Saint Athanasios of Alexandria, or separated into cliques or sub-groups? some long-term trends in the lives of ger existed. On the Incarnation §29). Do people find it easy to develop young American Christians and it gives And that was just too hard for me to Consider This... deep, meaningful, vulnerable friend- us some very sobering data. accept. So I did something I hadn’t done So my question to you is: how ships with others in the community? The authors of You Lost Me sur- in many years: I prayed. are we living out Christ’s victory over Looking Ahead... veyed young adult Christians, between With tears in my eyes, I prayed to a death? I ask you to take these three ques- the ages of 18 and 29, and found that God that I wasn’t sure was there. I asked Of course, most of us (probably all tions seriously: 59 percent of young Christians report God to take care of my Father, to re- of us, actually), are quite insulated from 1. To explore how you can assure that they’ve dropped out of attending member him, to keep him safe and well. even the threat of martyrdom. But even young people that God is real, and not Church after going regularly as teens. And I did this, day after day, for weeks. though we may never have to stare into just an idea. Think about that: roughly 60 per- With no expectation of answer, with no the mouth of a lion, we still confront 2. To explore how you are actually cent of Christians are falling away from hope of comfort or closure. death on a daily basis. living out Christ’s victory over death. the Church as they enter young adult- And yet, after weeks of this, some- Are we consumed with worry over 3. To explore how you are truly liv- hood despite being connected during thing surprising happened: God an- finances? Are we willing to compro- ing as a Body, united in Christ. their teenage years.That’s both scary swered. mise good Christian ethics to get ahead, Steven Christoforou is the director and unsustainable. While I was calling out to someone whether at work or at school? of Y2AM. 32 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 Archdiocese News Bioethics Successful 2018 Total The Opioid Pandemic Commitment Prepayment By John Athanasatos potential victim if in the event some un- The drug problem in this nation fortunate injury or disease warrants the Program Extended has been existent for decades. From the need for such medications. 1960s with “flower power” to the 1980s As a Church, both as a royal and As reported and detailed on many the funds were severely needed. Those when first lady Nancy Reagan took a ministerial priesthood in Christ, our other occasions, the Greek Orthodox prepayments assisted in paying legacy strong initiative to combat drugs, espe- priority should be concern for our own Archdiocese of America, despite for- obligations, including amounts due for cially with crack-cocaine, to now in this faithful and their needs but our mis- midable challenges as a result of the over a year to Metropolises. decade prescription pain medications, sion should not end there. Christ said financial crisis of 2017, did quickly In return for making a full prepay- opioids. The opioid crisis has spiraled to his Apostles, “You are the light of the achieve financial stability through deep ment of the annual Total Commitment into a pandemic. Epidemic or Pan- world…Let your light so shine before budget cuts that exceeded $6.8 million. Allocation, parishes were accorded a 2 demic? An epidemic usually affects or men that they may see your good works In June 2018, a loan was obtained that percent “discount” to the amount due. is prevalent in a particular community and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt assisted the Archdiocese in repaying At its recent meeting, the members of or region. 5: 14, 16) We as a Church united in this all required restricted accounts, and the Archdiocese Finance Committee, When a disease or condition battle against this horrific adversary, the brought up to date all amounts that were which is comprised of representatives spreads beyond and affects a nation or opioid pandemic, have both a duty and due to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the from across the United States, recom- in this case the world, it is categorized opportunity to lead not only this nation Metropolises, the Archdiocese’s cur- mended that the program be extended as a pandemic. More than 200,000 lives but the world in defeating this crisis. rent obligation to the Pension Plan and to include 2019 thus allowing parishes and counting have been lost due to the Let not our efforts stop at our Ortho- Holy Cross Hellenic College. this added benefit of a lower obligation. opioid crisis. It is expected that this dox faithful but let it include the entire Early in 2018, parishes across the Archbishop Demetrios, the Metro- number will grow over time. President world. nation were asked to help the Archdio- politans and Officers of the Archdio- Trump earlier this year declared a state So what can be done? Things like cese address the cash flow issue which cese express their sincere gratitude to of emergency nationwide for this crisis. offering discussion groups on this topic existed at the time by prepaying their the 88 parishes listed below that tan- However, if there is more awareness of and providing literature in bulletins and 2018 total commitment allocation. In gibly demonstrated their support and this problem along with strong interven- information on websites and other forms those early and difficult months last trust by prepaying their 2018 Total tion, it is certainly possible with God’s of media can be a start. Local communi- year, 88 parishes magnanimously re- Commitment. All parishes are invited help that the numbers will not rise but ties can sponsor a Twelve Step Program, sponded to the request and $2.6 million to participate in the prepayment pro- rather decline. Narcotics Anonymous. Just like with came to the Archdiocese at a time when gram in 2019. The Orthodox Faithful are not im- alcoholics who have AA (Alcoholics mune to this problem. Within our Or- Anonymous) as an option, opioid ad- thodox community we have addicts, dicts and drug addicts in general have recovering addicts, family and friends Narcotics Anonymous (NA) available Parishes that Prepaid All or Part of the former and latter and health pro- to them. Twelve Step Programs have fessionals who engage with all the said been around for over 80 years and have of Their 2018 Total Commitment individuals. The first step is to have proven results. Even recovering addicts awareness, to understand the problem, still go to meetings to maintain their so- how it started and how it disseminated. briety. (As of Nov. 28) Atlanta Metropolis The problem is believed to have For the families and friends of ad- Archdiocese District St. Paul, Savannah, Ga.; Holy Trin- originated with the drug manufacturers dicts and recovering addicts, there is a Assumption Church, Danbury, ity, Columbia, S.C.; Holy Trinity, Baton who make prescription drug medica- Twelve Step Program for them too. It Conn.; St. George/St. Demetrios, New Rouge, La.; Holy Cross, Huntsville, tions more and more addictive which is called Nar-Anon and it is very simi- York; St. Nicholas, West Babylon, N.Y.; Ala.; Holy Trinity, Biloxi, Miss.; St. then the drug distributors sell to local in- lar to Al-Anon and Alateen which are St. Gerasimos, New York; Church of Mark, Boca, Raton, Fla.; Holy Transfig- dependent pharmacies, exceeding their for families and friends of alcoholics. Our Savior, Rye, N.Y.; Sts. Constantine uration, Columbus, Ga.; St. Christopher, regulatory thresholds. As for healthcare workers who engage and Helen, West Nyack, N.Y.; St. Ba- Peachtree City, Ga. Doctors are given incentives to write with addicts and their friends and fami- sil, Troy; N.Y.; Assumption, Windham, Pittsburgh Metropolis for these narcotic prescriptions even if lies, there is no specific group to address N.Y. Annunciation, Akron, Ohio; Zoo- a patient’s medical condition does not their concerns and needs. New Jersey Metropolis dohos Peghe, Martins Ferry, Ohio; Holy warrant them. These drugs have even That is why there is an opportunity St. George, Bethesda, Md.; Holy Trinity, Altoona, Pa.; St. Mary, John- reached the black market, working their for the Orthodox Community to estab- Trinity, Westfield, N.J.; St. Nicholas, stown, Pa.; Holy Trinity, Camp Hill, way to the streets of America where lish a support group or discussion group Wycoff, N.J.; St. Fanourios, Eliza- Pa.; Annunciation, Lancaster, Pa.; Sts. they are sold along with illicit drugs like exclusively for health care workers so beth, N.J.; St. Anna, Flemington, N.J.; Constantine & Helen, Reading, Pa.; St. heroin and cocaine. that they can share their stories of strug- Church of Loudon, Dulles, Va.; St. John, Charleston, W.Va.; St. George, Recently there have been episodes gle and create a fellowship. George, Philadelphia; St. Nicholas, Vir- Huntington, W.Va. on 60 Minutes talking about this crisis. It is very difficult time for our Or- ginia Beach, Va.; St. Peter, Danville, Detroit Metropolis In fact, on one of the episodes, a former thodox healthcare workers who are con- Va.; St. Elpis, Hopewell, Va. Holy Trinity, Carmel, Ind.; Pan- Drug Enforcement Agency agent admit- scientious and adhere to morals and eth- Chicago Metropolis agia Pantovasilissa, Lexington, Ky.; ted that the biggest pharmaceutical dis- ics. Seeing people die in great numbers St. Demetrios, Elmhurst, Ill.; St. Sts. Constantine and Helen, Westland, tributor McKesson Corp “was too big to and the mistrust of the industry certainly George, DeKalb, Ill.; Assumption, He- Mich.; St. Nicholas, Troy, Mich.; An- prosecute.” For the DEA to admit some- is difficult. For local communities to gewish, Ill.; Annunciation, Kankakee, nunciation Church, Kalamazoo, Mich.; thing like that on national television offer some kind of discussion/support Ill.; St. Iakovos, Valparaiso, Ill.; St. Elias Assumption Church, Marquette, Mich.; tells us just how difficult this problem group would be beneficial. the Prophet, Dubuque, Iowa; Ascension St. George, Southgate, Mich.; St. Deme- is to contain. Despite the staggering numbers of Our Lord, Lincolnshire, Ill.; St. Mary, trios, Saginaw, Mich.; St. George, Sault Many of the victims of this crisis of casualties and the mistrust of the Minneapolis; Holy Trinity, Fon Du Lac, Ste. Marie, Mich.; Holy Trinity, Cincin- who developed an addiction to prescrip- healthcare industry currently, we as the Wis.; St. Spyridon, Sheboygan, Wis. nati, Ohio; Holy Spirit, Rochester, N.Y.; tion narcotics did not have any prior his- Orthodox Church can overcome these Boston Metropolis Sts. Constantine & Helen, Middletown, tory of any kind of illicit drug use. Many challenges with faith and determination. Assumption, Ipswich, Mass.; Ohio; St. Vasillios, Watertown, N.Y.; St. had an injury or health condition caus- The opportunity has never been greater Transfiguration, Lowell, Mass.; St. Nicholas, Jamestown, N.Y.; St. Sophia, ing tremendous pain that necessitated for us, the Body of Christ, the Church George, Pittsfield, Mass.; St. Nicholas, Syracuse, N.Y.; Holy Trinity, Nash- the need for such medications. to come together and fight this horrific Manchester, N.H.; Dormition of the Vir- ville.; Archangel Gabriel, Traverse City, However, after only a few weeks on crisis. gin Mary, Somersworth, N.H. Mich.; St. John, Nashville; Holy Apos- them or even in some cases a few days, Let our battle cry be: “Save O Lord San Francisco Metropolis tles, Indianapolis. many people developed a dependency Your people and bless Your inheritance, St. George, Bakersfield, Calif.; St. Denver Metropolis on these drugs. Even once their injuries granting victory to your rulers to prevail John. Carmel, Calif.; Holy Trinity, San Annunciation, Missoula, Mont.; healed or health conditions improved, over adversaries, and protecting Your Francisco; St. Basil, Stockton, Calif.; Sts. Peter & Paul, Boulder, Colo.; An- they maintained a dependency on these commonwealth by Your Cross.” Sts. Constantine & Helen, Vallejo, Ca- nunciation, Lincoln, Neb.; St. Nicho- medications. John Athanasatos, a pharmacist, lif.; Resurrection, Castro Valley, Ca- las, Waco, Texas; Holy Trinity, Casper, At that point it was the negligence graduated from Long Island University lif.; St. Basil, San Jose, Calif.; Holy Wyo.; Holy Trinity, Rock Springs, of the physicians whether intentional or with a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy Transfiguration, Anchorage, Alaska; St. Wyo.; Transfiguration Ogden, Utah; unintentional to continue to prescribe degree) in 2003 and from St. Vladimir’s Nicholas, Tacoma, Wash.; St. Nicholas, Holy Apostles, Cheyenne, Wyo.; St. the same drugs without any legitimate Orthodox Theological Seminary in 2011 Temecula, Calif. George, Shreveport, La. medical need. So in theory anyone is a with a Masters of Divinity.