THE ORDER OF SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE, ARCHONS OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IN AMERICA | SPRING 2019

The pious Ukrainian Words of Ecumenical Patriarch people have awaited this Bartholomew as he signs the Tome of Autocephaly for blessed day for seven Ukrainian Orthodox Church entire centuries. Behold, PAGE 2 the fullness of time has come for them.” SPRING 2019 Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America

Spiritual Advisor: Rev. Alexander Karloutsos

National Commander: Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, Aktouarios

National Vice Commander: John Halecky, Jr., Ekdikos

National Secretary: Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, Ekdikos

National Treasurer: Peter J. Skeadas, Hieromnimon

Legal Counselor: Christopher Stratakis, Esq., Notarios

“The world is wounded today” Historian: Sympathy for the devastating fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, Didaskalos Tou Genous

Sergeant-at-Arms: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his deep regret for the Alexander Pritsos, Hieromnimon devastating fire that hit the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame of Paris, one of the most important points of reference for the history and spiritual Assistant Treasurer: Andreas D. Comodromos, CPA Dikaiophylax identity of the French capital, and his sympathy for the Roman Catholic faithful of the city and the whole of the people of France, in letters to National Council Members: Roman Catholic Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit and the President of Thomas S. Cappas, Esq., Nomophylax France Emmanuel Macron. Constantine G. Caras, Esq., Skevophylax John A. Catsimatidis, Notarios Stephen Cherpelis, Dikaiophylax Notre Dame of Paris was not just a cathedral, His All-Holiness emphasized, George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, Didaskalos Tou Genous it is a visible sign of a “meeting” of Christian faith and human genius, a Nikitas Drakotos, Depoutatos symbol of the common ideals of humanity, a “voice” from which comes a Theofanis V. Economidis, Ekdikos resounding appeal for peace and love. Stephen A. Georgeson, Esq., Ekdikos Carl R. Hollister, Referendarios Peter Kakoyiannis, Esq, Nomophylax “The world is wounded today, experiencing a particular mourning, collec- Nicholas G. Loutsion, DVM, Aktouarios tively, beyond confessional and religious affiliations,” His All-Holiness said, Michael G. Psaros, Ostiarios and hoped for the rapid restoration of the historic cathedral. George E. Safiol, Archiophylax Franklin (Rocky) Sisson, Prepositos Theodore Theophilos, Dikaiophylax George A. Tsougarakis, Esq, Dikaiophylax “I lost a sense of belonging to this Stephen J. Yallourakis, MD, DDS, Aktouarios John Zavitsanos, Esq, Ekdikos country, because being a Christian is like a crime” Editor & Graphic Designer: John J. Mindala II, Notarios 30 New article on ChristianPersecution.com highlights how a Turkish citizen trys to survive The Order of Saint Andrew’s fundamental in a persecuted country mission is to promote the religious freedom, wellbeing and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate–the spiritual center of the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is The Order decries Erdogan’s statement regarding headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. converting the Hagia Sophia to a mosque The Archon is published by the Order of The Order requests that the United Nations and the U.S. State Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical 12 Patriarchate in America. Members are Department and Commission on Religious Freedom act to encouraged to submit material pertaining to prevent this, given the Hagia Sophia’s importance for Christians the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodoxy. All material should be typed and submitted electronically. The editor reserves the right to edit all material submitted for publication. ©2019

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[email protected] COVER PHOTO BY M. LAZARENKO. Enlightening, Balanced Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Ukrainian Autocephaly A Resounding Success

he first-ever Virtual Town Hall Meeting It was not about politics, or hosted by the Order of Saint Andrew Tthe Apostle was a resounding success. geopolitics. It was about Hundreds of Orthodox faithful from all over the world dialed in on Saturday, doing something for those January 26, 2019, to hear an illuminating, edifying, and balanced discussion of the people who were there and issues surrounding the autocephaly of were divided.” the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the prerogatives and responsibilities of the – Metropolitan Emmanuel Ecumenical Patriarchate. Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate An expert panel delved into a wide to discuss Ukraine range of questions from listeners regar- autocephaly, so ding the autocephaly of the Church in “the Ecumenical Ukraine, cutting through complexities, ex- Patriarchate is plaining highly controverted issues, and not the one that placing this much-debated issue within its closed the door to proper spiritual, ecclesiastical, theological, any discussion” of and geopolitical contexts. the issue, noting The panelists included His Eminence that the Moscow Metropolitan Emmanuel of France; the Patriarchate pulled Dr. Denysenko Dr. Shevzov Dr. Demacopoulos Rev. Nicholas E. Denysenko, PhD; and out of a common Valparaiso University, Smith College, Fordham University, Vera Shevzov, PhD; moderating was commission exami- Emil and Elfriede Professor of Co-Director, Archon George E. Demacopoulos, PhDof ning it. “Synodality Jochum Professor Religion, Russian, Orthodox Christian and Chair East European and Studies Center, Fordham University, the Co-Director of the is not a mere word. Eurasian Studies Moderator Orthodox Christian Studies Center and We need really to all be working Historian of the Order. The Order’s National Commander, Dr. together.” Metropolitan Emmanuel explained: Anthony J. Limberakis, at the conclusion of Of the granting of Ukraine autocephaly, “For 27 years, we had a situation of division the Virtual Town Hall Meeting thanked the Metropolitan Emmanuel remarked: “We in Ukraine…The Ecumenical Patriarchate panelists and the moderator, and expres- are not doing a revolution. We are just as the Mother Church was really interested sed his satisfaction at the “most candid, applying the canons.” He stated that the in finding a solution. It was not about poli- insightful, diverse and lively discussion.” granting of autocephaly was “a timely de- tics, or geopolitics. It was about doing so- He called it a “groundbreaking event for cision…a prophetic decision as well, of the mething for those people who were there the Order of Saint Andrew, promoting dia- and were divided.” Ecumenical Patriarchate.” His Eminence logue, good will, and speaking the truth in Father Nicholas noted that the auto- reminded listeners that the Mother Church love.” cephalous movement in Ukraine “origina- had granted autocephaly to “the majority Dr. Limberakis later added: “The Virtual ted in 1917. From 1917 to 1921, supporters of the Orthodox Churches: to Moscow in Town Hall Meeting demonstrated that the of autocephaly sought Ukrainization of 1589, Moscow Patriarchate; to the Serbian Order of Saint Andrew’s dedication to in- Church life, primarily the use of vernacular Orthodox Church; to the Romanian forming the Orthodox faithful about the Ukrainian for the Liturgy, and the restora- Patriarchate; to the Bulgarian Patriarchate; key issues confronting our Mother Church, tion of certain customs that had disappea- to the Georgian Patriarchate,” and others. and our commitment to hosting open, ba- red since the eighteenth century.” The panelists did not shy away from lanced and enlightening discussions in the Dr. Shevzov placed the controversy confronting some of the most difficult service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and over Ukraine autocephaly into its larger questions surrounding the issue of Ukraine all Orthodox Christians. Truly this was a historical and geopolitical context, dis- autocephaly, including the treatment of the groundbreaking initiative.” cussing how “the historical complexities various Ukrainian Orthodox ecclesiastical Above all, the Virtual Town Hall of the distant past…are overshadowed bodies that existed before His All-Holiness Meeting explained why His All-Holiness and outweighed by the more immediate Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made Soviet atheist past and its legacy….It is the Tome of Autocephaly for the Ukrainian the pastoral decision to grant autocepha- the impact of the Soviet experience on Orthodox Church on January 6, 2019; the ly to the Ukrainian Church, as he himself Orthodoxy which informs the ecclesial timing of the granting of autocephaly; explained Friday: “We consider it right sensibilities and realities on the ground in the political considerations that are in- to grant autocephaly to our Ukrainian today’s Ukraine.” tertwined with this issue; the role of the Orthodox brothers, who have been de- Metropolitan Emmanuel pointed out Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Mother prived of sacramental communion with that the Ecumenical Patriarchate had sent Church among the Orthodox Churches; other Orthodox Churches for almost 30 delegations to all the Orthodox Churches and more. years.” 

HISTORIC Church is granted its Ukrainian Orthodox Orthodox Ukrainian the Tomethe of Autocephaly, His All-Holiness signs His All-Holiness independence to the independence to the thereby full granting Signing theTome Church of Ukraine. Autocephaly Y I centuries. And,behold,thefullnessof awaited thisblesseddayforsevenentire and mediarepresentatives from allover officials and officials, government and clergy, amultitude ofUkrainianstate enjoy thesacred giftof emancipation, Ukrainian OrthodoxChurch. Patriarch Bartholomew, inaspecial Poroshenko andhisfamily, hierarchs and session heldinthePatriarchal Church many Orthodoxpeoplesbeforehand, to proclamation oftheAutocephaly ofthe time has come for them, too, just as so the Tome and the recognition official the of the world,HisAll-HolinessEcumenical Address of Ecumenical Patriarch Address Ecumenical of independence andself-governance, in thePhanar, signedthedocumentof becoming free from every external re- Autocephalous Church, rankingitinthe our holyOrthodox Church. choir ofthefourteensister Churches cial recognition anddeclarationtoan receives in the hands of Your dearly most holyChurch ofUkraine,asit unity haveappeared todayonthe that comprise “the wholeinstitution”of beloved Beatitude the Tomosoffi - the its Beatitude of beloved “The piousUkrainianpeoplehave Epiphanios ofKievandallUkraine, n thepresence ofMetropolitan the President of Ukraine Petro our BeatitudeMetropolitan Epifanios ofKyivandallUkraine, Light anddelight,peace DAY The EcumenicalPatriarch hasnowtaken Archimandrite Joachim of the Holy and of theirownidentity,” theEcumenical always beennurturingandrespectful of OrthodoxChristianityintheUkraine. Sacred Synod.HisAll-Holiness noted Church takesitsplace“in thechoirof awaited thisblesseddayforseven Patriarch saidinhisspeech immediate- Orthodox Church.” and respectful oftheirownidentity. of emancipation, independence and Christians. The question of autocepha- Church inUkraine. entire centuries.And,behold,the every externalreliance andintervention, visions andgrantindependencetothe prise ‘thewholeinstitution’ofourholy period oftimedividedthesacred unity the fourteensisterChurches that com- that today the new Autocephalous self-governance, becoming free from the pastoralinitiativetohealthesedi- immense significance for all Orthodox all for significance immense fullness oftimehascomeforthem, liance andintervention,whichhavenot ly afterthereading ofthe Tome bythe too, justassomanyOrthodox peoples ly (self-governance)hasfor an immense which havenot alwaysbeennurturing beforehand, toenjoythesacred gift This isaworld-historicaleventof The piousUkrainianpeoplehave Order ofSaintAndrew Apostle the 3

PHOTO BY M. LAZARENKO PATRIARCHAL NEWS Address of Ecumenical Patriarch (continued)

which thirsts for the inexhaustible spiri- Ukrainian land, as well as all the advoca- tual treasures of Orthodoxy. tes and supporters of Your self-evident Today, by the Lord’s grace, we rights, of the Ukrainian people, and of are realizing the restoration to com- justice in general, but also of human munion of millions of faithful in Your rights and particularly religious freedom land, who abruptly found themselves for all people and nations. All of these outside of canonicity and communion, are present in spirit and prayer, sharing through no fault of their own. However, our joy and pleasure. Constantinople gathered and embraced We greet the honorable presen- them as their genuine mother—the same ce among us at this sacred moment of Church that once led them to Christian the head of the State of Ukraine, His baptism—rather than as their stepmo- Excellency the President Mr. Petro ther. After all, never and for no people Poroshenko, who so greatly desired to or nation had Constantinople acted as a see this great and glorious day, expres- stepmother throughout its long and fre- sing his innermost yearning, prayer and quently troubled historical journey. This petition of his people to enjoy their Your Beatitude, it was Your right to Church of Christ’s poor always emptied freedom and independence. request and demand Your autocephaly. It itself, gladly sacrificing portions of its We express the gratitude, com- was the right and privilege of Your Mother jurisdiction, diminishing itself in order mendation and blessing of the Mother Church of Constantinople to bestow to serve the wishes and interests of its Church to all of You. This Church of the upon You this status of autocephaly. We children. City of Constantine will always be at Your wholeheartedly pray that you will prove Your Beatitude, dear brother, side—hoping, praying and working for worthy of this gift and emerge as a pre- On this magnificent and historical day, Your growth and progress in Christ, as cious fellow-traveler of the other sister at the Sacred Center of Orthodoxy, stan- well as for the stability of the newly-plan- Churches in Pan-Orthodox unity and ding and celebrating with us are Prince ted Orthodox Autocephalous Church of cooperation, as well as in our common Vladimir and Saint Olga, along with all Ukraine. witness to the contemporary world, the saintly descendants of the illustrious Christ is in our midst! 

“The Doors of Our Local Church and Hearts are Open to You” –Metropolitan Epiphanios

Enthronement President Petro Poroshenko escorts Metropolitan Epiphanios into the Church on the day of his enthronement, February 3. PHOTO BY M. PALINCHAK, N. MANGINAS AND M. LAZARENKO M. AND MANGINAS N. PALINCHAK, M. BY PHOTO

4 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 Outside Saint George Patriarchal Cathedral President Petro Poroshenko, His All-Holiness and Metropolitan Epiphanios exit the Cathedral following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

We hope that this Church will take root and grow, and gather within it the scattered sheep of Christ in Ukraine, unite the disaffected, and always be a source of pride for the Mother Church of Constantinople, in which it should also take pride, as we gave our Ukrainian brethren baptism, the Christian faith and also Christian culture.” –His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 5 PATRIARCHAL NEWS

Interview of His All-Holiness by journalist Zivojin Rakocevic for the Serbian newspaper “Politika”

hank you for your time and your noble intention to give readers of “Politika” Tanswers to very sensitive issues that characterize the positions of Orthodoxy in the modern world, namely - as you feel and know well - answers to very interesting questions about the Church of Ukraine. We admit that among the Serbian public, your explanation for this situation and your arguments have not been presented to a satisfactory degree. In contrast to this, the view and attitude of the Russian Church is constantly repeated in the Serbian media, and readers are fully familiar with them. With this interview, I am taking the opportunity to clarify your positions and recent actions. In this interview, we would like to start with some general issues, and then move on to more specific questions.

Interviewer: How would you describe which can impress us and cause admira- fully globalized. Does this globali- the position of Orthodoxy in the tion, such as such as philanthropic, cul- zation affect Orthodoxy, its essence modern world? What is your role tural, social, academic, or developmental and its coherence? On the other hand, as Ecumenical Patriarch? I have in works, as important as they may seem, is the general fluidity of all values​​ mind the Serbian theologian Stojan do not cease to be ancillary to the basic forcing some Orthodox communities Gosevic, who once expressed the purpose and goal of the Church. And, of to mutate into ghettos? view that “if there was no Ecumenical course, they can by no means replace Patriarchate, we should have to the sovereign and primary mystical and Ecumenical Patriarch: Globalization is create it.” Could there be Orthodoxy soteriological character of our Orthodox a phenomenon that modern scholars without the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Church. identify with modernization and deve- Constantinople? Regarding the role of the Ecumenical lopment. Some theologians identify it Patriarchate in the world and in the with secularism. It is essentially about the Ecumenical Patriarch: First of all, thank Orthodox Church, I would prefer instead liberalization of all modern social para- you for your effort and your concern of formulating an answer to urge all meters, such as, for example, economics, in visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate your good readers to look at ecclesias- communication, culture, trade, which are and giving us, through this interview, tical history, the Sacred Canons, the tea- unexpectedly and unaccountably disse- the opportunity to communicate with ching of the Fathers, and Holy Tradition, minated across borders. When all this the pious clergy and the Christ-loving and they will find out what the role and occurs in the place where these changes Serbian people. responsibility of the Ecumenical and were created or they are assimilated in The position of Orthodoxy in the Apostolic Throne are. We, as humble their own way, then we are talking about modern world is no different from what it servants and followers of the Apostle the identity of peoples, but when all these was in previous years, beginning with the Andrew, do nothing more than what the are presented as ideals and attempts are Upper Room at Pentecost. We may have Sacred Canons have bequeathed to us. made to impose them on other peoples, new information today, socially, scientifi- This phrase of the well-known Serbian then we are talking about globalization. cally, etc., but the purpose and mission theologian Stojan Gosevic is verified by Globalization within the Church is of the Church have not changed. The the acts of the Ecumenical Councils and transformed into universalism in Christ. Church is the Ark of salvation and truth, the Tradition of our Church. Whatever As we have said, while globalization as the Triune God revealed to the world. the Ecumenical Patriarchate has it owes seems to be a tendency to bundle It is the place where the transformation of to the Church. We are not a self-crea- everything together, universalism, on the man is accomplished and his union with ted entity, but one that has developed contrary, respects and honors the identi- God is achieved. The Church, in other through the Holy Spirit. ty and particularities of each people, but words, is “the Kingdom of God” in the also of every individual in particular. Thus world. Everything else that we see today, Interviewer: The world seems to be the Orthodox Church in general, and PHOTO BY N. MANGINAS

6 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 our Ecumenical Patriarchate in particular, Ecumenical Patriarch: As you rightly say, should not be personalized. People will does not seek to transform the variety of the question of autocephaly has been be leaving this world at some point. the gifts of the peoples of the world into tormenting Ukraine for more than a If the whole affair concerned only something homogeneous and uniform, century. If we go in the past, we will find these two persons, be sure that the governed by one authority and one men- that there were intense and concerted Church would have operated in a tality, and following a specific cultural efforts to free the Kievan people, clergy, different manner. Today, because of and national line. The Church operates monks, and the local hierarchy from the love of Christ and the unity of the the ecclesiastical manipulation of the Church, these persons were recognized on the basis of freedom, love and unity, Patriarchate of Moscow. These efforts only as bishops, not for the place they in the diversity of spiritual gifts and parti- began as early as 1325, when the seat held. We could speak of rehabilitation cular characteristics. of the Metropolitan of Kiev was perma- if the Ecumenical Patriarchate had ac- However, what creates a problem in nently transferred to Moscow, which cepted Filaret as Patriarch and Makarios the Church and in our personal lives is the events are recorded in history and are as Metropolitan of Lviv. But that did not secularization that comes from globaliza- no longer disputed. There have been happen. tion. The modern tendency of secularism several attempts at autocephaly in the The issue of Ukraine should therefore is nothing more than a form of globali- past, which have not been successful. be seen globally, ecclesiologically and zation that seeks to put them in flux and We believe that God does everything soteriologically. Beyond all the personali- adapt them to specific national or cultu- according to His own plan. So God’s time ties and national interests, it is important ral ideologies. When this happens in the came also for Ukraine. to address the problem. Today, the whole Church, then its coherence is affected, Regarding whether the granting of Orthodox people of Ukraine are in good but not its essence. Another aspect of autocephaly will ultimately help with the canonical standing. There is a precondi- this is the attitude of a nation towards issue of unity, we are sure that granting it tion for unity and sharing in the common Orthodoxy, and still another, the notion was a prerequisite. Until yesterday, most cup. Now, if some do not accept this, of the Ukrainian people were outside the they will have to ask themselves who is that the Church is the exclusive property Church. This was something that hurt breaking the unity. of a nation or of certain nations. Respect us. That is why, in the past, we made a for and preservation of our identity is lot of efforts to remedy this problem. Interviewer: As you know, there is a natural and necessary. But to limit Christ For example, on our own initiative, we lot of contradictory information about to specific national contexts, this ulti- set up a joint committee of hierarchs the Ukrainian issue in the media. Some mately results in rejecting Him. Also, to from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and people view your actions as paterna- place the nation before the Church leads the Patriarchate of Moscow, in order lly inspired, while others as an expres- inexorably to denying the existence of to find a solution. Ultimately, this com- sion of ambition for power and as an the Church and its universal character. mittee almost never operated under intention that will lead to a “blatant When we therefore transgress our the Patriarchate of Moscow, and so the violation of Canon Law.” Have you boundaries, as the Fathers of the Church problem has continually grown. Some thought about the traumatized spi- have defined them, and try to impose our used the misnomer of schismatic and rituality of Eastern Europe after the own, that is, our own characteristics and thus comfort their conscience that communist period and whether there our identity, then unfortunately we create everything is all right. But when one of are influences of imperialist American a form of “ghetto,” as you say. our brothers is described as a schisma- ideas in your actions? Some years ago, tic or heretic, much less when an entire in the presence of the heads of all the population of millions of people are out Orthodox Churches, you promised Interviewer: I would like to move on of the canonical Church on the grounds that you would not interfere with the to more straightforward questions, of schism, then we urgently and without problems of the Churches in Ukraine hoping that you will not be disturbed any delay call for a spiritual and aposto- because this was an internal issue by my sincerity and directness. For lic awakening, because “if one member of the Russian Church. As we have more than a century, the subject of au- suffers, all suffer together” (I Corinthians learned from leading theologians of tocephaly tormented the unity of the 12:26). Constantinople, primacy does not pre- Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Will this For some, the existence of schism in suppose the structure of a pyramid in organization, which you call a “new Ukraine was the best excuse to give up the Church, but the agreement of one structure of the Church” in Ukraine, this godly people, denying their respon- with the many, according to the 34th help to prevent this dispute from sibilities before God and history. For us, Canon of the Holy Apostles, which says widening? To the groups of former however, it was a motivation and a call that the first does nothing without the schismatics gathered around Filaret from God to find solutions that are sal- consent of the many (meaning the vific and unifying, in order to re-establish Denysenko and Makarios Maletic, you synod). this people in the sanctifying grace of offer not only forgiveness but also a the Church. What we did, therefore, was Ecumenical Patriarch: We, as much as “reward” for their behavior. Have you our apostolic duty and what the Holy and our many obligations allow us to do so, thought, Your All-Holiness, about how God-bearing Fathers of the Ecumenical are watching the various publications much will the decision to grant auto- Councils did, who constantly created the on the Ukrainian issue, and we often cephaly to the Orthodox Church of conditions, exercising an unconditional feel sorry for the misinformation and Ukraine will affect the situation (the ecclesiastical economy, to bring those the falsification of truth. Nevertheless, struggle and the suffering) of the outside of the Church into its bosom. I we believe that eventually the truth will Orthodox in that country, and that would also like to see the issue of unity prevail. It prevails and shines forth. With Orthodoxy may lose more believers in this spirit. It is not a “reward” for the the passage of time, the intentions of than the Ecumenical Patriarchate hierarchs Filaret and Makarios, as you say the Mother Church and of me perso- predicted? in your question. The issue of Ukraine nally, which were purely ecclesiological,

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 7 PATRIARCHAL NEWS

canonical and soteriological, will become the Sacred Canons dictate. If you look at they also set as a basic prerequisite that clear. Of course, there is no question our ecclesiastical history, you will find in- Kiev will continue to commemorate of being controlling or expressing finite examples of such incidents, namely, Constantinople as its canonical authority. ambition, or even worse, of a “blatant priests and other clergy who felt they Those who have elementary ecclesiologi- violation of Canon Law,” as you put it were wronged by their local Synod and cal and canonical knowledge understand in your question. Ukraine has gained appealed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. that it would not be possible to grant its autocephaly. Nothing was added to Therefore, the study and the solution to the Metropolis of Kiev to Moscow but the Ecumenical Patriarchate, nor to the the Ukrainian question was also made in the Metropolitan of Kiev would continue Ecumenical Patriarch. There was no moti- the light of the existence of the court of to commemorate Constantinople. vation of self-interest or ulterior motives. appeal. Unfortunately, the Patriarchate of We just did our ecclesiastical duty. The Certainly, we also take into account Moscow unilaterally abolished this grace of God has conferred on us the the 34th Canon of the Holy Apostles, but agreement. It ended the commemora- ministry of the first see of Orthodoxy for this rule refers to the bishops of each tion of Constantinople because it knew almost thirty years. From now on we do nation, who should recognize their head that this was the visible sign of the not await anything human and secular. as their head and do nothing without normal jurisdictional reference of the We pray daily for the grace and mercy consulting him, and correspondingly, the Metropolitan of Kiev to Constantinople. of God in our lives and in our Church. first bishop should not act without con- It is also known that before the letters Therefore, what is written and said about sulting his bishops. This Canon attempts of Patriarch Dionysios were sent, our ambitions and power interventions does to ensure unity and harmony in the local Russian brothers attempted to ordain not apply. Nor was there, of course, Church. It is not a Canon concerning the Metropolitans of Kiev, but they always en- pressure from certain states for Ukraine’s relations of the local Churches, but the countered reactions from the clergy and autocephaly. But I must affirm to you that internal governance of a local Church. the people of Little Russia, who in no way several Heads of State congratulated the Therefore, it does not refer to the rela- wanted Moscow. Indeed, the Patriarch Ecumenical Patriarchate on this decision. tionship of the Ecumenical Patriarch with Nikon of Moscow (1652-1658) improper- Some with letters and others with public the other Churches. These relations and ly appropriated the title of the Patriarch statements. When a state praises a the position of Constantinople in the “of Great, Little and White Russia,” which decision by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Orthodox Church were determined by demonstrated the expansionist spirit that it does not mean that this state has made the Third Ecumenical Council and were had overtaken him. it happen. Our Church operates freely consolidated by the Fourth Ecumenical However, the texts of 1686 are not the and free from external interference and Council of Chalcedon. Those who know first canonical texts that the Ecumenical secular pressure. Canon Law and who study the Sacred Patriarchate presented, as you say in your With regard to some of our earlier sta- Canons know very well what the posi- question. If you look at the Tomos gran- tements on non-intervention in Ukraine, tion and responsibility of the Ecumenical ting autocephaly to your sister Church of we did, on the basis of the circumstan- Patriarch is in the Orthodox Church. Poland in 1924, you will find that special ces and information at that time, make mention is made of the Metropolis of that decision. However, the information Interviewer: The Ecumenical Kiev. The Tomos for Poland specifies in changed in the course of time. Apart Patriarchate recently published particular that the detachment of the from the fact that for 30 years Moscow a document demonstrating that Metropolis of Kiev and its annexation by has managed to do nothing but enlarge in the 1686 ruling the Church of the Moscow Church was not carried out the split among the Ukrainian people, we Constantinople did not give the in accordance with canonical provisions. have the new conditions that have been territory of the Metropolis of Kiev That is, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, 238 established in Ukraine after the Crimean to the Patriarchate of Moscow, but years later, did not cease reminding occupation in 2014. At the same time, only the permission to ordain the people of this abnormal occupation of we have the decisions of the Ukrainian Metropolitan of Kiev. This document the Metropolis of Kiev by the Patriarch of Parliament in favor of autocephaly and was really unusual, as for the first Moscow. the Ukrainian government’s request for time it was felt that the Patriarchate Of course, this status quo has been in ecclesiastical independence. And most of Constantinople had a canonical place for more than 300 years. But that importantly, there were requests from argument. In the turmoil of Ukraine, does not mean that normalization has Metropolitans Filaret and Makarios for a there was a question: does the fact occurred. There is no law that tells us that review of their cases. This has occurred that the Moscow Patriarchate was sin and uncanonical activity are normali- many times in the acts of the Church never given a Tomos in relation to zed and healed with the passage of years. and is normally defined as a “court of Ukraine set aside more than 300 years As far as we know, “what was groundless appeal.” Any Orthodox bishop who is of patriarchal care of the Patriarchate in the beginning was attested at the time condemned by his Church and considers of Moscow for this country? of the mistake.” that he has been wronged has the right, on the basis of the 9th and 17th Canons Ecumenical Patriarch: It is a fact that Interviewer: There are some who of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, to there is no regular canon, that is, a argue that the Ecumenical Patriarchate appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarchate Patriarchal Tomos or a Patriarchal and entered a foreign ecclesiastical juris- and ask for his case to be re-examined. Synodical Act of Concession of the diction and granted autocephaly. Does When, then, the Ecumenical Patriarchate Metropolis of Kiev to the Patriarchate of the Church of Constantinople have a then studies in synod the decisions taken Moscow. The documents are clear, and right or privilege to intervene volun- against these bishops, it does not “in- the letters of Patriarch Dionysios, sent in tarily wherever it wants, and above all, tervene bluntly” in the territory of other 1686, are very clear. Not only do they not in the territories of other Churches? Churches, as some say, but does what grant the Metropolis of Kiev to Moscow, Why, in this case, was autocephaly not

8 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 granted after consultation with the Interviewer: As you know, the Synod Ukraine, we do not want to intervene other Orthodox Churches? of the Serbian Church said there unless we are asked. Therefore, for us would be no communion with Filaret there is Filaret the Metropolitan of Kiev. Ecumenical Patriarch: From what we Denysenko and Makarios Maletic. The Patriarch of Kiev does not exist mentioned earlier, you realize that we Following the granting of autocephaly, and never existed. But again I think we have not entered a foreign ecclesiastical it is not certain that the two schisma- should not personalize the issue. Not all province. We had granted the permission tic groups in Ukraine have joined and of Ukraine is Filaret. for the ordination of the Metropolitan do not continue to fight each other, of Kiev to the Patriarch of Moscow, and and even Filaret Denysenko openly Interviewer: Some people often this with specific conditions that were demonstrates that he does not plan claim that Patriarch Bartholomew, not respected on the part of Russia. The to respect promises and agreements. as “the Pope of the East,” considers Ecumenical Patriarchate has never done Two questions are thus raised: did that there is no one to which he has such things throughout its history. We you have the right to lift or reduce to explain or validate his decisions do not have expansionist inclinations. I the ecclesiastical excommunication because the power of the Patriarchate urge you to study ecclesiastical history and accept schismatics condemned by of Constantinople comes from the from the Fourth Ecumenical Council and other bishops? Is there a way for Filaret Ecumenical Councils. Many believe beyond. to retain the title of Patriarch, and can that the new Tomos of Autocephaly of You will find that the Church of you do anything about it? Critics of the Church of Ukraine is not accepta- Constantinople continually decreases your decisions claim that Filaret goes ble because of the theological ideas and decreases. At the same time, read to different places and operates with and constructions within it, especially the decisions of the Synod that took place patriarchal insignia, although it has those that say that you are the head in the Church of Panagia Paramythia here been agreed that he would not do of this Church. In a way, the public has in Constantinople in 1593. This Synod set so, and is portrayed as a “Patriarch,” gotten the feeling that you are against the boundaries of the newly-founded having reduced the role of Archbishop the Slavs. You recently said that “our Patriarchate of Moscow. Study whether Epiphanios to that of a “foreign Slav brothers do not accept the lead the limits set by the Holy Fathers are minister.” I was amazed at the election of the Mother Church.” What did you the same as those of the present sister by the Ukrainians on December 15, mean by that? Church of Russia. Here is a question: can 2018, by the Unity Council of the Ecumenical Patriarch: There is no “Pope each Church self-expand its territorial same day, of young Epiphanios, who of the East” in the consciousness of the boundaries, even to the detriment of came from the “party” of Filaret, as Orthodox Church, or, of course, in our another? the head of the Ukrainian Church, and own thought and humble ministry. The We, as the Ecumenical Patriarchate, not of Simeon, the Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Patriarch does not operate did not intervene. As we mentioned canonical Ukrainian Church. unilaterally and of his own will, but coo- earlier, the issue of Ukraine was timely. Ecumenical Patriarch: There are no perates and co-decides with the Holy The Mother Church suddenly did not more schismatics in Ukraine, because and Sacred Synod. But it is a fact that decide to deal with a non-existent the Church has restored them. And we the Ecumenical Councils have given problem. The fact that some were fa- consider it a great blessing of the grace responsibilities and obligations to the miliar with the idea of schism​​ and did of the Holy Spirit that so many millions of Church of Constantinople that the other not care about the enormous ecclesial people have entered into canonical regu- Churches do not have. And this has not problem that existed does not relieve us larity again. If you refer to the Proceedings been entrusted to the Mother Church of responsibility for its solution. of the Ecumenical Councils, you will see by one Ecumenical Council or a single Regarding the granting of auto- that what the Church of Constantinople Canon. It is not, therefore, a fortuity or cephaly in consultation with the other did is not a new and unprecedented act. a contextual conjuncture of those times. Orthodox Churches, this was not done The Fathers were always anxious to create There are many Sacred Canons and because it is not a tradition in our Church. the conditions for unity and reintegration several decisions of the Ecumenical and All Tomes of Autocephaly granted into the Church. Having the worst infor- Local Synods that confirm these privile- to the newly-created Autocephalous mation before them, they were trying to ges. We cannot change this reality, nor Churches (Russia, Serbia, Romania, get the best result. So to your question do we have that right. These privileges Bulgaria, Georgia, Athens, Warsaw, about whether we could perform this of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are not Tirana and Presov) have been granted restoration, I answer straight to you: of related to any secular power, but to a by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, without course we could, since there were no spiritual ministry and responsibility. It is any consultation or consideration at a dogmatic differences. We have already a high ecclesiastical and spiritual work. pan-Orthodox level. And it really is a referred to the 9th and 17th Canons of Having the experience of the ministry in surprise that the Churches who recei- the Fourth Ecumenical Council, which the Patriarchal Throne for almost three ved their own Tomos of Autocepaly only entitle the Ecumenical Patriarch to take decades, I can assure you that the cross with the signature of Constantinople are care of such matters. We did not discover of the Constantinople is its precursor. today questioning how it is possible for this right, or rather this great ecclesiasti- I love the Slavs and appreciate their the Ecumenical Patriarchate to grant cal responsibility, but we received it. And devotion and their faith. But that some unilaterally a Tomos of Autocephaly to the Holy Fathers who introduced it knew of them do not accept the lead of the Ukraine. The answer is clear: in the same well why they did it. Mother Church; that is a fact. This refusal, way and the same process that granted As far as Filaret is concerned, the however, does not affect our love for ecclesiastical independence to all the Church recognizes him as Metropolitan them. We love them and we will con- newly-created Churches. of Kiev. Now, within the Church of tinue to love them. Do not forget that

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 9 PATRIARCHAL NEWS

the Ecumenical Patriarchate granted the has never been in our jurisdiction. But there will be repeated in Montenegro Tomos of Autocephaly to Ukraine, a Slavic from Constantinople it received auto- and Ohrid. But we assure you that things people. We would not have given such cephaly and patriarchal status. are not like that. The Church of Serbia privileges unless we loved them. Besides, Regarding geopolitical changes and had specific geographical boundaries. ordinary Slavic people have often shown territorial borders and how far they affect When the statehood of Serbia expanded, us their love and respect. Church decisions, the Church’s acts teach the Serbian brethren approached the The Tomos given to Ukraine is also us that these changes do not determine Ecumenical Patriarchate and called for not a text that was created to confirm its decisions, but, yes, they sometimes the ecclesiastical affiliation of these new the privileges of Constantinople. On influence them. More specifically, one territories to be transferred to their ju- the contrary, it is a canonical and tech- of the conditions for the granting of risdiction. The Ecumenical Patriarchate nical text, following the tradition of the autocephaly is the constitution of the answered positively and handed over Mother Church. There is nothing in the state. But that does not mean that whe- these lands with a Tomos, something Ukrainian Tomos that is not included never there is a state formation, there that did not happen with the Church of in other Tomes. What you are saying, is also autocephaly. Other canonical Russia, which trampled upon the terri- that “Constantinople is the head of the and ecclesiastical conditions are requi- tories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Church,” is written precisely in the Tomos red. The Church of Serbia acquired its without having received any canonical as- given to Moscow in 1590. Many elements autocephaly when it acquired a geogra- signment. The difference, therefore, with of the Tomos of Ukraine also exist in the phic state entity and the ruler of Serbia Ukraine, both in a canonical and eccle- Tomos of Autocephaly of Serbia. This is, in 1879, along with the local hierarchy, siological way, is that Russia entered and therefore, not a new text. Just the old demanded their ecclesiastical indepen- occupied the Metropolis of Kiev without ones received their Tomes and thanked dence from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. ever having been granted it, while Serbia God, having no difficulty accepting that Serbia, however, had all the other ec- has gained everything that belongs the Orthodox Church had a First Throne. clesiastical and spiritual prerequisites. It to it in a canonical and ecclesiological Today, some people are studying the did not acquire its autocephaly from the manner. This means that the Ecumenical Ukrainian Tomos individually and not in Ecumenical Patriarchate solely because Patriarchate will not alter the status of good spirit. However, this text does not of its state structure and constitution. the Church of Serbia and its boundaries constitute a foreign or a new text com- without any consultation and coopera- pared with the Tomes of the rest of the Interviewer: As the First-Throned tion. The Ecumenical Patriarchate never Autocephalous Churches. There is unity, Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate interferes with the territorial bounda- relevance and continuity. This is how the has the strongest connection with the ries of other Churches unless there is a Ecumenical Patriarchate works. Serbian Orthodox Church, which has request and a major ecclesiastical need. quite different borders from those With regard to the Slovenian publica- Interviewer: It is said that, histo- of the countries within its territory. tions, which have come to our attention, rically speaking, that autocephaly Anti-ecclesiastical and neo-communist we are sorry, because they serve speci- was granted only in areas that were structures, which are often unscru- fic purposes. We urge those interested distinct provinces of the Ecumenical pulously supported by local authori- to read the Tomos of Autocephaly of Patriarchate. Is that true? Also, can the ties, are trying to support the auto- Ukraine, in order discover there that the territorial boundaries and the political cephaly of many small regions, such newly founded Autocephalous Church of structure of a region be a measure of as Macedonia and Montenegro. What Ukraine has no canonical rights over the the religious determination and res- would you say to the Macedonian and Ukrainians outside of the Ukrainian state. ponsibilities of the Church? Montenegrin Serbs in Macedonia? Are The Ukrainian faithful who are in the te- your responsibilities also coming to rritories of established and recognized Ecumenical Patriarch: As mentioned Slovenia, as the media say? Milutin Churches belong to the local Bishops, above, all recognized Autocephalous Stancic, a believer from the Orthodox and the Ukrainians of the Diaspora, under Churches received their autocepha- Archbishopric of Ohrid (headed by the 28th Canon of the Fourth Ecumenical ly from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Ioannis, who belongs to Council, belong to the Ecumenical not because they were once in its the Serbian Orthodox Church), would Patriarchate. Thus the Ukrainians in jurisdiction but because the Church like to ask something like this: “Do you Poland belong to His Beatitude Brother of Constantinople, on the basis of intend to divide the Tomos you gave Sawa and respectively the Ukrainians of the Sacred Canons, has the supreme to the Church of Serbia, to which the Slovenia belong to the local Bishop of authority and the right to deal with Church of Macedonia belongs first?” the Patriarchate of Serbia. There is no issues of other local Churches. What Can you make another decision? circumstance in which the newly establi- is claimed, that every local Church shed Church of Ukraine will send bishops can grant autocephaly to a territorial Ecumenical Patriarch: Unfortunately, beyond its limits. This, therefore, that area within its jurisdiction is not ca- there is a lot of misinformation here. was published about the installation of nonically the case and such a tactic They identify the case of Ukraine with bishops in Slovenia is false. never prevailed in the practice of Skopje and Montenegro, and this is the Orthodox Church. Obviously it is done artificially because they want to Interviewer: Many still claim that claimed by some because they want turn the Church of Serbia against the today’s Orthodox Church of Ukraine has to reduce the role of the Ecumenical Ecumenical Patriarchate. Indeed, as greater autonomy from Moscow than Patriarchate. This, however, does far as we know, many hierarchs of the that of the autocephalous Ukrainian not express ecclesiastical reality. The Serbian Church keep their distance from Orthodox Church from Constantinople. Patriarchate of Georgia, for example, Ukraine, fearing that what has been done Do you think that, instead of the usual

10 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 and expected autocephaly, that you invites us, we always respond with gave the Ukrainians fewer privileges great pleasure.” and less independence than what the NOVEMBER 2018 – APRIL 2019 canonical Church of Ukraine enjoys Interviewer: In the Orthodox world, List as of April 19, 2019 under the Patriarchate of Moscow? over the centuries, the Throne of Constantinople played a coordinating Ecumenical Patriarch: The auto- role among the Orthodox Churches. Elias Betzios cephaly given to Ukraine is complete How can he play this role today? What Depoutatos and is not different from what the is the future of this issue? Malba, NY other newly-created Autocephalous Departed on 11/18/18 Churches received. Ecumenical Patriarch: Indeed, the Ecumenical Patriarchate was called upon Dr. Constantine E. Flokas Aktouarios Interviewer: The issue in Kosovo and in the past, with a sense of responsibility in Metohija is the biggest concern for Yonkers, NY to coordinate and to decide on inter-Or- Departed on 4/10/19 the Serbs, as many churches and mo- thodox issues. It will continue its mission nasteries have been destroyed and and its course in history, having a coor- Dr. Peter C. Gazes basic human rights have been jeopar- dinating and deciding role, depending Aktouarios dized. Charleston, SC of course on the details and circum- Departed on 4/2/19 Ecumenical Patriarch: The Ecumenical stances of the times. As it has been said Patriarchate and we personally are recently, the Church of Constantinople Nicolaos A. Georgiafentis strongly against the desecration is “ruling and suffering.” The Phanar is Hartoularios “empty-handed and renewing.” We live Itasca, IL and destruction of every religious Departed on 2/5/19 building. This, of course, includes in these two qualities of the Ecumenical Throne. Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim places John A. Mehos of worship, which are unfortunately Our Patriarchate has a mysterious Kastrinsios subject to vandalism and desecration character that does not like and has no Jersey City, NJ simply because they are in areas where patience for people whose aspirations Departed on 2/5/19 there are differences in the religious and visions are based on numbness, the beliefs, traditions and practices of megalomania of restricted logic and the James S. Nicholas Kastrinsios monotheistic communities. We have commonality of material emotions. That Grand Rapids, MI visited several monasteries in Kosovo, is why it is difficult for us to understand Departed on 2/15/19 Metohija, Gracanica and Dekan, which those who are trapped in futility and were built with the blood and faith of secularism. George Stephen Pappas pious Orthodox Serbs. These are a Here, in the First Church, a great Ostiarios proud building block of rich Serbian mystery was accomplished, which goes Boulder, CO Departed on 2/23/19 history and truly rank among the most beyond human logic and is understood beautiful monasteries in the world. only in the light of the faith and the Harry L. Pappas They are, in fact, invaluable religious synergy of heaven and earth. Here the Lambadarios heirlooms of the pious Serbs and of principle of doctrine was founded, theo- Downey, CA human artistic creation, as well as logy began here, here the wisdom of our Departed on 1/7/19 of the world’s civilization as a whole. Fathers was recorded, the Ecumenical Arthur P. Sakellaris Their destruction has led to their clas- Councils were here, the principle of our sification among the UNESCO World Orphanotrofos Sacred Traditions was here, the Sacred Milton, MA Heritage Sites. We fully sympathize Canons were established here, mo- Departed on 2/28/19 with our beloved Serbian brothers and nasticism was experienced and flouri- we share in their pain and frustration. shed, here the Christianization of the John Sakellaris Through this genuine, authentic and peoples was organized, and here was Hypomnematografos fraternal solidarity, we come closer to North Arlington, NJ blessed the ecclesiastical status of all the them and they to us. We wholehearted- Departed on 1/15/19 ly praise their constant and unceasing newly created local Orthodox Churches, devotion, which we personally ex- among them Serbian. Dr. Peter Scamagas All this richness and wealth neatly Aktouarios perienced and encountered on our Fresno, CA previous visits to Serbia, and our prayer defines our patriarchal course, as it has Departed on 2/20/19 is to see very soon the complete resto- determined the course of our venerable ration of these holy places. And if God predecessors, and I am sure it will inspire Michael Serko, Jr. allows it, we will visit Belgrade next fall, the course of our successors. With what Mousikodidaskalos where we will celebrate together the the Orthodox Church bequeathed to us, Endwell, NY Departed on 1/17/19 800-year anniversary of the elevation of we are moving toward the glory of Christ, Saint Sava as Archbishop of Serbia. We the unity of the Churches and the sal- Hon. Michael Sotirhos have already received an invitation vation of the people. With the grace of Depoutatos from Patriarch Irenej, to which our God, we have begun in this way, and our New York answer was: “Whenever the Patriarch desire is to finish in this way.  Departed on 4/14/19 ARCHON NEWS

The Order decries Erdogan’s statement regarding converting the Hagia Sophia

to a mosque In its 2018 Annual Report, USCIRF classified Turkey among its Tier 2 list of countries in which religious he Order of Saint Andrew the USCIRF urged Erdogan “publicly to reject freedom is not fully respected. Tier Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical the bill and affirm that Hagia Sophia’s 2 countries are so classified for TPatriarchate, notes with sorrow current status will be maintained.” engaging in or tolerating religious and dismay new reports that Turkish While the status of the museum was freedom violations that meet at President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may not then changed, the Islamic call to least one of the elements of the convert the Hagia Sophia to a mosque. prayer was conducted there for the first “systematic, ongoing, egregious” Hagia Sofia in Istanbul is known throu- time in 85 years on July 1, 2016, and a standard used to designate a ghout the world as the Great Church of permanent imam was assigned to Hagia “country of particular concern” Christ. Built in the sixth century by the Sophia. This was a violation of the monu- under the International Religious Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Hagia ment’s formal neutral status. Archon lea- Freedom Act. Sophia was for nearly a thousand years dership met in Washington on Tuesday, the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, July 12, 2016 protesting this develop- the center of the Orthodox Faith, and ment and sought official criticism of this given the Hagia Sophia’s importance for the world’s most magnificent cathe- move from the U.S. government. Christians and the deleterious effect this dral. Following the Muslim conquest of Once again the status of the Hagia change would have upon Turkey’s emba- Constantinople in 1453, it was converted Sophia was not changed, but this issue to a mosque by Sultan Mehmet II, and has not been put to rest. On March 24, ttled Christian minority. Converting the became a museum in 1935. 2019, Erdogan was asked in an interview Hagia Sophia to a mosque would further Turkish authorities have declared whether the Hagia Sophia would be con- undermine the position of the Christians for several years now their intention to verted to a mosque. He replied: “This is of that nation, making their situation all convert into mosque. On May 21, 2014, not unlikely. We might even change its the more precarious. We ask instead the U.S. Commission on International name to Ayasofya Mosque.” that the government of Turkey affirm its Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called “mis- The Order urgently requests that guided” a bill that had been introduced the United Nations and the U.S. State commitment to religious freedom and in Turkey’s parliament to change the Department and Commission on discard all plans to change the status of status of the Hagia Sophia to a mosque. Religious Freedom act to prevent this, the Hagia Sophia.  HAGIA SOPHIA BEARS PROFOUND HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE TO MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS ALIKE, AND ITS STATUS AS A MUSEUM MUST BE MAINTAINED. PRESIDENT ERDOGAN’S COMMENTS ARE NEEDLESSLY PROVOCATIVE AND HURTFUL TO TURKEY’S MINORITY RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES. ADDITIONALLY, THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH AN ACTION ARE COMPOUNDED BY THE DETERIORATING LANDSCAPE FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN TURKEY.”

USCIRF Chair Tenzin Dorjee, condemning Erdogan’s Threats to Convert the Hagia Sophia to a Mosque ARCHON NEWS Archon Patterson honored with Fordham University’s Fordham Founders Award

t the 18th annual Fordham Founder’s Papanikolaou and Dinner at Fordham University on Demacopoulos AMarch 25, 2019, Archon Solon P. are co-founding Patterson and his wife Marianna were directors. honored with the Fordham Founder’s The Pattersons Award.s have been instru- Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president mental in helping of Fordham University, presented the Fordham’s Orth- Award to the Pattersons at the black-tie odox Christian affair at the New York Hilton Midtown, Studies Center to with more than 1,000 alumni and friends prosper over the of Fordham in attendance. past decade. In Archon Solon and Marianna became the early 2000s, involved with Fordham after learning they also created The 2019 Fordham Founders Award recipients about its planned Orthodox Christian an endowment Archon Solon P. Patterson and his wife Marianna were honored with Studies Center during a 2006 meeting to establish the the Fordham Founder’s Award by Joseph M. McShane, S.J. (left), with Archon George Demacopoulos, Patterson Triennial president of Fordham University and Robert D. Daleo (right), chairman Ph.D.. They created an endowment Conference on of Fordham’s board of trustees. to establish the Patterson Triennial Orthodox/Catholic Conference on Orthodox/Catholic Relations. Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Said Relations, and in 2015, a gift from the Father McShane noted that “in the Marianna Patterson: “Solon is Greek Pattersons established the Fr. John process, they have enabled Fordham to Orthodox, and I am Roman Catholic, and Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair of become the only Catholic university in we have long prayed for the end of the Orthodox Christian Studies, which is now the world that offers degree programs in separation of these oldest and largest held by Archon Aristotle Papanikolaou Eastern Orthodox studies.” Christian bodies. Their reunion would and Archon Demacopoulos. They The retired CEO and Chairman of fi- be a positive event for all Christians the both serve on the advisory council nancial firm Montag & Caldwell, Archon world over.” for the Orthodox Christian Studies Solon and Marianna have dedicated the The Pattersons, natives of Atlanta, Center, of which Archons Aristotle rest of their lives to trying to reunite the have been married for nearly 60 years. 

Archon Cherpelis honored by Archdiocesan Cathedral n March 8, the Archdiocesan Michael’s Home at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity cele- its Annual Name Obrated its 84th annual Cathedral Day Gala. Gala which honored Archon Stephen Archon Cherpelis Cherpelis. His Eminence Archbishop also served as first Demetrios, Geron of America, together Vice President of with Father John Vlahos and members the Archdiocesan of the Cathedral board, joined over 450 Cathedral of the attendees to honor Archon Stephen at the Holy Trinity. He is Pierre Hotel ballroom. a devoted member Archon Cherpelis is a leader in business of St. Nicholas and philanthropy, noted for his devoted Church of Flushing, service to the Greek Orthodox Church and New York, where Axios! Axios! Axios! the Greek American community. he and his wife Archon Stephen A. Cherpelis is honored by Archbishop Demetrios As an Archon of the Ecumenical Arete were instru- and members of the Archdiocesan Cathedral community. Patriarchate, and member of the mental in the buil- National Council, he was recognized by ding of an expan- Archbishop Demetrios and has contribu- His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch ded community center and school. ted to the financing of the Greek Orthodox Bartholomew for his role in the opening of Archon Cherpelis served as Vice Chair Church in Cuba. the School of E.R.T.O. in Constantinople. of the New York Diocesan Council and Cherpelis also assisted dozens of fa- He has been a longtime member as fundraising chairman for the Ronald milies to emigrate from war-torn Greece of Leadership 100 and received the McDonald House. He received the St. during World War II and also received the

2014 Archangel Michael Award from St. Paul’s Medal and officiate of Reader from Ellis Island Medal of Honor.  PHOTO PANAGOS BY D.

14 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 Archon Catsimatidis honored with the Deus Caritas Award of Catholic Charities

n Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the Tenth Annual Gala of Catholic OCharities of the Archdiocese of New York, Archon John A. Catsimatidis was honored with the Deus Caritas Award by His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities. In his remarks accepting the award, Archon Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of the Red Apple Group, singled out for particular praise the man he called his mentor, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Providing Help, Creating Hope Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical [Above, left] Archon Catsimatidis stands next to His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Patriarchate and Spiritual Advisor of Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as he is honored. [Above, right] Archons and their spouses the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. attended that evening to also honor Archon Catsimatidis. Archon Catsimatidis also recounted his efforts to establish an ecumenical Havana to establish a Greek Orthodox to solve the problems of New Yorkers in chapel at the Presidential retreat of Church there, and how Castro gratefully need -- non-Catholics and Catholics alike Camp David and his work on the visit accepted it. -- with services that protect and nurture of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Said Archon Catsimatidis: “Our cha- children, resolve family crises, assist the Bartholomew to the Vatican during the llenge for the future: in the last ten years, hungry and homeless, support the phy- papacy of Pope John Paul II, which was, 400,000 Christians died in the Middle sically and emotionally challenged, and Catsimatidis said, “only the third visit of East… And we all have to work hard to an Ecumenical Patriarch to the Vatican make sure it doesn’t happen again.” integrate immigrants and refugees. in 800 years.” Archon Catsimatidis also Catholic Charities is a federation of In 2017, Catholic Charities marked a related, as a sign of hope for the world, approximately 90 agencies and programs 100-year legacy of service and launched how the Ecumenical Patriarch gave a located throughout the 10 counties of the next century of providing help and cross to Fidel Castro during a trip to the Archdiocese of New York, helping creating hope for New Yorkers in need. 

Archon Marcus is Grand Marshal of NY’s Greek Parade rchon George M. Marcus was Greek- American chosen to be the Grand Marshal community. He Aof the 2019 Greek Independence founded and is the Day Parade, which was held on April 14. current president In response to receiving this honor, of the National Archon Marcus said, “I was very, very Hellenic Society, fortunate, I love business… I love part- which brings toge- nerships, so I’ve had a number of busi- ther distinguished nesses, all in the real estate sector. I have Greek-Americans really had a wonderful time with my part- on a national level ners and we’ve been successful…. I am to preserve their very lucky to have Greek blood. I think heritage. we need to do something about the His conside- demographic. rable commit- Archon Marcus serves as Parade Grand Marshall “It is a great honor to be the Parade ments to the Archon George M. Marcus is pictured center with New York City’s Grand Marshal, to be in this position. I Greek Orthodox Mayor Bill de Blasio. admire Odysseus Androutsos. If there Church and the had not been the brave people who Community include memberships on the also involved with The Hellenic Initiative, fought at the time, to liberate us, Europe boards of directors of the Modern Greek the Washington Oxi Day Foundation, would be completely different. Imagine Studies Foundation, the Greek Orthodox and the Taube Foundation. the courage they had.” Metropolis of San Francisco, International The Greek Independence Day Parade is As one of the biggest and most power- Orthodox Christian Charities, the the largest gathering of Greek-Americans ful Greek-American businessman, Archon Elios Society of Northern California, living outside Greece and has been an im-

CATHOLIC CHARITIES PHOTOS BY J. NELSON; PARADE PHOTO PANAGOS BY D. Marcus supports many organizations of the Leadership 100, and many others. He is portant tradition since 1938. 

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 15 ARCHON NEWS

Archons attend private reception with Prince Charles and Prince Pavlos in support of Prince’s Trust programs in Greece

rchons had the unique opportu- The reception highlighted the young people in Greece. nity to attend a private reception work of The Prince’s Trust International The Prince’s Trust International was Aat the St. James’s Palace on programs in Greece that has been setup in 2015 by Prince Charles in respon- February 13 to support The Prince’s Trust working in Athens since early 2018. The se to the widening crisis of youth unem- International, which came at the invita- programs support young disadvantaged ployment and lack of education globally. tion of His Royal Highness Prince Charles people who are not in work, education of Wales. Also attending was His Royal or training. As part of a compelling new Bridging the gap between education and Highness Prince Pavlos, chairman of five-year vision, Prince’s Trust International employment, they support young people The Prince’s Trust International Global has plans to expand its work globally around the world on a journey to unlock Advisory Board. including the scale, reach and impact to their potential. 

Father Alexander and Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos and Prince Pavlos. National Commander Dr. Anthony J. and Dr. Maria A. Limberakis.

Archon Dean and Marianne Metropoulos. National Secretary Hon. B. Theodore and National Treasurer Peter J. and Aphrodite Helen Bozonelis. Skeadas.

Archon Dennis and Karen Mehiel. Archon Dean and Linda Poll. Archon John and Joanne Koudounis. PHOTOS BY I. JONES

16 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 Archon Michael and Anastasia Karloutsos. Archon Carl and Cynthia Hollister.

Archon John and Dathel Georges. Archon Andrew E. and Tina Manatos. Archon Andrew Veniopoulos.

The heroic story of Greece’s fight for freedom from the Ottoman Empire

he Order is pleased to support an methods of occupation. When their exciting new feature film that tells romance brings tragedy to her village, Tthe heroic story of Greece’s fight for Anna Christina vows revenge against freedom from the Ottoman Empire: Cliffs the Turks, joining the Greek rebellion of Freedom. and becoming a fearless and even le- The original story was written by gendary rebel who inspires her people. Marianne Metropoulos, and she and her Having believed that she could leave her husband, Archon Dean Metropoulos, feelings behind, Christina must face off produced this powerful epic film. Archon against the man who still loves her and Dean is the president of FAITH: An wants to keep her safe, but who has now Endowment for Orthodoxy & Hellenism, been tasked with her capture. and is a devoted son of the Ecumenical Their encounters and skirmishes Patriarchate. Set at the dawn of the Greek War of inevitably lead to a tragic confronta- Independence of 1821, Cliffs of Freedom tion during a pivotal battle between the is a gripping drama placed against the Greeks and the Turks that will change backdrop of real history. It tells the story the course of history. The film supports, of an ill-fated romance between Anna and is affiliated with, HRH Prince’s Trust Christina, a young Greek village girl, and International Initiative in Greece.

ROUND HILL MEDIA pREsENts AN AEGEAN ENtERtAINMENt pRODUctION TANIA RAYMONDE JAN UDDIN RAZA JAFFREY wItH pAttI LUpONE AND cHRIstOpHER pLUMMER “cLIFFs OF FREEDOM” cAstING MUsIc cOMpOsED EDItED KEVIN cORRIGAN BILLY ZANE DINO KELLY sIMON KAssIANIDEs BY ANDY BRIERLEY AND cONDUctED BY GEORGE KALLIS BY GREG DANIELS AND RICHARD LORD Tariq, a conflicted Turkish officer who has Cliffs of Freedom premiered in pRODUctION DIREctOR OF ExEcUtIVE BAsED ON DEsIGNER CHARLIE CAMPBELL pHOtOGRApHY CORY GERYAK pRODUcER C. DEAN METROPOULOS tHE stORY “DAUGHTER OF DESTINY” BY MARIANNE METROPOULOS scREENpLAY pRODUcED DIREctED BY VAN LING AND MARIANNE METROPOULOS & KEVIN BERNHARDT BY MARIANNE METROPOULOS CASEY CANNON BY VAN LING © 2018 Aegean Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. COMING SOON doubts about his countrymen’s brutal London on February 16.  PHOTOS BY I. JONES

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 17 ARCHON NEWS

Archon Leadership Travels to Oxford University to Explore Potential Religious Freedom Conference

ational Commander Dr. It has the distinction of being the Anthony J. Limberakis and oldest royal foundation in Oxford. NNational Secretary Hon. B. Situated in the heart of Oxford, Theodore Bozonelis, in pursuit Oriel is home to some 300 under- of the Order’s religious freedom graduate and 200 postgraduate mission, visited The University of students, as well as some 100 Oxford, Oriel College, Oxford, members of academic staff. The Discussions with the Provost, England on February 12, 2019 and majority of Oriel’s buildings date Chaplin and professors focused met with Provost Neil Mendoza. from the 17th century onwards. on religious freedom and, in fur- The purpose of the visit was to The college prides itself on being therance thereof, preliminary explore the possibility of orga- a welcoming academic communi- consideration for the Order to nizing an international religious ty, home to world-class teaching, hold a symposium and/or inter- freedom conference at Oxford. learning and research. national religious freedom confe- Joining Archons Limberakis Culminating the day’s acti- rence at Oriel College, University and Bozonelis throughout the vities was a formal High Table of Oxford. The following report day was Mr. Markus Leif Sorren Dinner at Oriel College hosted eloquently written by Mr. Markert Markert, BA (Hons), MPhil (Oxon), by Provost Neil Mendoza and summarizes the day and the im- DPhil International Relations Chaplin the Reverend Robert portance of the visit for the Order. Candidate, Department of Wainwright with college pro- Politics and International fessors and undergraduates in Relations, University of Oxford, attendance. At the formal High Oriel College and friend of the Table Dinner, the Order’s de- Order. legation, hosts and professors Read a complete report Oriel College is the fifth oldest sat at an elevated level with the by Markus Markert beginning on page 20 of the University of Oxford’s cons- undergraduates in black robes tituent colleges founded in 1326. below at long lateral tables.

18 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle Condemns New York’s New Abortion Law A Letter from the Archon Spiritual Advisor

he Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, strongly condemns the State of New York’s new Reproductive Health Act that was Tpassed on January 22, 2019. This new law allows abortions up to the moment of birth and gives “[THE LAW] IS A people who are not doctors the right to perform abortions. The Order also deplores the RETURN TO A TIME celebratory atmosphere surroun- ding the new law, as One World OF Trade Center was lit pink to BARBARISM commemorate the passage of the law, as if it represented a great WHEN THE WEAK advance for the rights of women. The rights of no human being are ever advanced at the expense of WERE AT THE MERCY another. The State of New York will not truly have respect for the rights of women until it once OF THE STRONG.” again restores legal protections for every human being, from his or her first moment of existence until natural death. Hailed as progress, New York’s Reproductive Health Act is not actually an advance, but a regression, a return to a time of barbarism when the weak were at the mercy of the strong and had no protection from legal structures or governing authorities. The Order implores New York’s legislators to reconsider this dangerous new law and reinstitute protections for all human life, no matter how weak and vulnerable. Only when such protections exist can any society truly prosper.

Not Pretty In Pink Rev. Alexander Karloutsos To commemorate Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate the passing of the Spiritual Advisor of the Order of Saint Andrew Reproductive Health Act, the Freedom the Apostle Tower at the World Trade Center was lit up in pink. Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 19 Report on the Visit of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to Bladon, Blenheim Palace, and Oriel College Oxford

By Markus Leif Sörren Markert

n his radio broadcast to the United to the attention of the public and poli- States on June 16th, 1941, Prime cymakers in the ever-more secular West. About the Author IMinister Winston Churchill reminded Against the backdrop of the slowly un- the American public that “When great folding genocide of Christians, we find Markus Markert causes are on the move in the world, ourselves then in a similar position as stirring all men’s souls, drawing them Britain’s greatest son was when he, as a BA (Hons), MPhil (Oxon) from their firesides, casting aside comfort, lonely voice in the wilderness, warned wealth and the pursuit of happiness in of the dangers that Hitler’s Nazi empire DPhil Candidate in International response to impulses at once awe-stri- posed for the survival of Christian civiliza- Relations, University of Oxford king and irresistible, we learn that we are tion. In his own words, “there is nothing spirits, not animals, and that something new in the story. It is as old as the siby- [email protected] is going on in space and time, and lline books. It falls into that long, dismal beyond space and time, which, whether catalog of the fruitlessness of experien- Markus obtained a BA (Hons) in we like it or not, spells duty”.It was this ce and the confirmed unteachability of Politics and International Relations very duty, embodied in the sworn oath of mankind. Want of foresight, unwilling- from the University of Warwick the Archon to defend and promote the ness to act when action would be simple (UK) and an MPhil in Politics from Orthodox Christian faith and tradition and effective, lack of clear thinking, con- the University of Oxford. His MPhil and to serve as a bulwark to protect fusion of counsel until the emergency thesis analysed the role played by Christians worldwide, that called a dele- comes, until self-preservation strikes non-state actors in Western foreign gation of the Order of St. Andrew to the its jarring gong—these are the features policies towards the Islamic Republic United Kingdom. The visit took place at which constitute the endless repetition of Pakistan. a time when a strong bulwark is indeed of history”. Watching the fate of the per- needed more than ever. secuted church from afar might hence be Having graduated from the According to a study carried out by “the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter dreaming spires, he has served as the University of Notre Dame’s Centre cup which will be proffered to us year by an Advisor for External Affairs to for Ethics and Culture, the Religious year, unless by a supreme recovery of Senator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan in Freedom Institute, and Georgetown moral health and martial vigour, we arise the Senate of Pakistan and worked University’s Religious Freedom Research again and take our stand for freedom as as a Career Consultant for the Project, Christianity is “the most widely in the olden time”. private British education provider targeted religious community, suffering It was thus altogether fitting and “Westminster International School” terrible persecution globally.” Open proper for a delegation of the Order, led in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Doors puts the figure at 245 million by its National Commander, Dr. Anthony Christians who are experiencing high Limberakis, and its National Secretary, Before returning to Oxford, he took levels of persecution in 73 countries Judge Theodore Bozonelis, to pay its part in the Pakistani General election around the world - up from 215 million in tribute to Sir Winston Churchill. The final of 2018, during which he worked as 58 countries last year. resting place of one of the giants of the a Campaign Manager in the NA-62 The bible reminds us that “we are one last century can be found on the modest constituency of Rawalpindi. He body. If one part suffers, every part suffers graveyard of St. Martin’s Church in the was responsible for the formula- with it; if one part is honoured, every part small village of Bladon, which lies at the tion, design and implementation of rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26) outskirts of the most quintessentially the campaign’s media and public and although we might find comfort and English Cotswolds. After days of cere- outreach strategy. solace in the words of His All-Holiness mony, when a grateful free world, whose Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew liberty Churchill had fought so hard for to He is presently reading a DPhil in that “after the crucifixion comes the protect, commended to the Almighty the International Relations, which seeks Resurrection”, we as Christians are too soul of His faithful servant, Sir Winston’s to further build on his MPhil and often faced with a lack of awareness or coffin was shipped up the river Thames examine the operations of non-state even outright neglect when we try to to Bladon to be buried there next to his actors in the non-Western world bring the fate of our brethren in Christ family. As a visitor, one is struck by the - particularly Pakistan, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.

20 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 REPORT ON BLADON, BLENHEIM PALACE, AND ORIEL COLLEGE OXFORD modesty and humbleness of the grave- resistance, opposite to his modest white From the halls of king’s yard and the church, which stands in such grave stone, which is still decorated with they bore him then sharp contrast to the pomp and mag- flowers, we can spot a small card written the greatest of all Englishmen nificence of Westminster Abbey where by an 8-year-old boy. Upon closer ins- to the nations the world’s requiem Britain has traditionally honoured her pection we can read the following words: at Bladon. greatest heroes over the centuries. When, “Dear Winston Churchill, Thank you for as citizens of the United States, the most standing up to Adolf Hitler. If it was not Drop English earth on him beneath powerful nation in human history, we for you, he would have conquered the to our sons; and their sons bequeath come to realise that it was Churchill’s whole world”. These simple words of his glories and our pride and grief expressed desire to rest here, we recall thanks leave us with a profound sense at Bladon. from the scripture that God was remin- of just how historic this place truly is ding his ancient people that the glory of and how much our and future genera- For Lionheart that lies below the nation was not in power or prestige, tions owe to this leader, this singularity, that feared not toil nor tears or foe. in wealth or in might. Indeed, Winston Let the oak stand tho’ tempests blow this crescendo in world history. After all, Churchill, we come to understand, must at Bladon. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under have known this as a cardinal truth that trial; for once he has been approved, he ultimately our strength is not in our might So Churchill sleeps, yet surely wakes will receive the crown of life which the but it is as we depend upon Almighty old warrior where the morning breaks Lord has promised to those who love God and trust in Him and walk humbly on sunlit uplands. But the heart aches Him” (Philippians 4:11-14). And yet, we before God. Winston Churchill lived at Bladon. and believed that and, we think to our- recall President Reagan’s warning that selves when walking towards his grave, “freedom is never more than one ge- Deeply impressed we spot a card whose thank God that he did. Indeed, every neration away from extinction”. When quote offers us a certain encouragement visitor cannot help but to stand in awe entering St. Martin’s Church, Churchill’s in the face of the ever-growing hardships in front of Churchill’s grave, the silence church, we find it to be as humble as its that the Mother Church in Constantinople and serenity only interrupted by the surroundings and, from a small informa- is exposed to every single day. It is an joyful but much welcoming noise from tion desk, from which one might purchase excerpt from a speech of Prime Minister the neighbouring primary school where a variety of printed Churchillian quotes, we Churchill to the Allied Delegates held, as the children, though perhaps unknowin- learn that the churchyard is the subject of fate would have it, on June 12th, 1941, in gly, can enjoy the very freedom that he the poem ‘At Bladon’, by Avril Andersen. St. James’s Palace, where the Order shall had helped to preserve so valiantly. As As it perhaps encapsulates the spirit and be received by HRH The Prince of Wales we sit down on the bench, gifted to St. the atmosphere better than any words on the following day: “Lift up your hearts. Martin’s Church by fighters of the Danish could, it is worth to be quoted here in full: All will come right. Out of the depths of

The Bodleian Library, University of Oxford REPORT ON BLADON, BLENHEIM PALACE, AND ORIEL COLLEGE OXFORD

sorrow and of sacrifice will be born again America, we think to ourselves, has come trates the hierarchy of the dining hall. It the glory of mankind!”. a long way ever since John Adams promi- is table raised at the front of the room, We leave Bladon with a prayer on our sed the King of England in 1785 to work reserved for the fellows, their guests and lips and make our way to Blenheim Palace, towards “restoring an entire esteem, the warden. Being invited to be on the the principal residence of the Dukes of Confidence and Affection, or in better high table is considered to be a great Marlborough, gifted by Queen Anne to Words, ‘the old good Nature and the honour and privilege for any guest or John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, old good Humour’ between People who, student of the college. The ritual of High for his military triumphs against the tho Seperated by an Ocean and under Table starts with a drinks reception in an French and Bavarians in the War of the different Governments have the Same antechamber of the dining hall where the Spanish Succession, culminating in the Language, a Similar Religion and kindred delegation and the college leadership 1704 Battle of Blenheim. Captivated by Blood’. We are thus not surprised to find find their interests and dedication to be what is described as the most beautiful pictures of American Presidents from in line and both sides express the hope view in all of England, we make our way Reagan, over Bush to Clinton and Trump, that this encounter might only be the first towards the impressive palace, the birth who came to visit Blenheim Palace to step towards a future collaboration in the place of Sir Winston, which hosts a per- walk in the footsteps of those who have spirit of religious liberty and tolerance. manent exhibition on the Churchill family protected the“freedom of the peoples A bell rings and we enter the impressi- and their calling to defend England when of Europe” before them. Mindful of the ve Anglo-Saxon hall which is illuminated grave danger arises. Indeed, the first formal dinner at high table that Oriel only by the lights of the candles, which, Duke was awarded the palace for pro- College in Oxford has arranged for us we only two weeks earlier, have been blessed tecting “the freedom of the peoples of leave the magnificent halls of Blenheim during Candlemas. By custom and as a Europe” and one cannot help but wonder only to come across one last quote by sign of respect to those at High Table, all whether it was not Winston Churchill’s Winston Churchill, which presents itself students rise and the opening grace of destiny to follow in the footsteps of his to us like a reminder: “The flying peril Oriel echoes around the dining room; ancestor. After all, we find that in the is not a peril from which one can fly. It is last decade of the Victorian era a seven- necessary to face it where we stand. We Benedicte Deus, qui pascis nos a teen year-old Winston made a prophecy cannot possibly retreat.” juventute nostra et praebes cibum about the fate of the British Empire in the On the way to Oxford the delegation omni carni, reple gaudio et laetitia coming century: “I can see vast changes is silent, re the magnitude of the different corda nostra ut nos affatim quod coming over a now peaceful world; great impressions sink in. We stop outside the satis est habentes abundemus in upheavals, terrible struggles; wars such modest building of the Orthodox Church omne opus bonum, per Jesum as one cannot imagine; and I tell you of the Holy Trinity and the Annunciation, Christum Dominum nostrum, cui, London will be in danger – London will which hosts under its roof the Archdiocese tecum et Spiritu Sancto, sit omnis be attacked and I shall be very prominent of Thyateria and Great Britain as well as honos, laus et imperium, in saecula in the defence of London…I see further the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of saeculorum. ahead than you do. I see into the future. Russian Tradition in Western Europe. The The country will be subjected somehow founder of the community, we are told (Blessed God, who feedest us from to a tremendous invasion but I tell you by Father Seraphim, who receives us, is our youth and providest food to I shall be in command of the defences none other than Metropolitan Kallistos of all flesh, fill our hearts with joy and of London and I shall save London and Diokleia and its services are performed in gladness, that we, having enough the Empire from disaster. His words, we four different languages. Deeply impres- to satisfy us, may abound in every realise, were astonishingly prescient and sed after a long and insightful exchan- good work, through Jesus Christ Churchill indeed did save London, Britain ge, we beg farewell to Father Seraphim our Lord, to whom, with thee and and, with the help of his mother’s home and eventually reach our next destina- the Holy Spirit, be all honour, praise country, the United States, the whole free tion: The House of the Blessed Mary the and power for all ages.) world – but, in the end, even he could Virgin in Oxford, commonly called Oriel not save the British Empire. College, of the Foundation of Edward At the end of the hall we can see a large We stop in front of the pictures taken the Second of famous memory, someti- portrait of the official visitor of the college at the signing of the Atlantic Charta. On 9 me King of England – or simply: Oriel. for whom a room is kept ready at all times: August 1941, the British battleship HMS The college, one of the oldest in Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Prince of Wales steamed into Placentia Oxford, takes justified pride in its liberal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain Bay, with Churchill on board, and met theological atmosphere and in being and Northern Ireland and of Her other the American heavy cruiser USS Augusta, the genesis of John Henry Newman’s Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the where Roosevelt and members of his staff pursuance of the protection of churches Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. were waiting. On first meeting, Churchill from control by the state. What better The dinner itself, it has to be said, and Roosevelt were silent for a moment place in Oxford then for the Order of proves all the critics of English cuisine until Churchill said “At long last, Mr. Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the wrong for it is truly delicious and is made President”, to which Roosevelt replied Ecumencial Patriarchate, to seek out than even more enjoyable by the fact that the “Glad to have you aboard, Mr. Churchill”. Oriel? The Archons were officially invited chemistry between the leadership of the That night, President Roosevelt told his by the Provost of Oriel, Mr. Neil Mendoza, Order and that of the College is strong. son that “the mantle has been passed to attend a very special occasion: supper Oriel surely welcomes the opportunity to on” and the United States of America at High Table. A very traditional Oxonian aid and support the Order’s cause both would henceforward take over leader- combination of of ritual, theatre and in prayer and in deed. After the meal all ship of the West from Great Britain. consumption, high table neatly demons- rise up and a short Latin prayer is recited:

22 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 PATRIARCHAL NEWS

Domine Deus, resurrectio et vita credentium, qui semper es Ecumenical Patriarch and Greek Prime laudandus cum in viventibus tum in defunctis, agimus tibi gratias Minister Meet at Halki, Say Its Reopening pro Eduardo secundo, Fundatore nostro, pro Adamo De Brome, Would Send Message of “Brotherhood” praecipuo benefactore caeterisque benefactoribus nostris, quorum benficiis hic ad pietatem et ad n February 6, His All-Holiness studia bonarum literarum alimur; Ecumenical Patriarch rogantes ut nos his donis tuis recte OBartholomew and Greek Prime utentes, ad resurrectionis gloriam Minister Alexis Tsipras met at the Halki immortalem perducamur, per Theological School and issued a strong Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum. call for the reopening of the School, as His All-Holiness spoke of the “high (Lord God, the resurrection and life symbolism” of the presence of the of all who believe in thee, who art Greek Prime Minister. always worthy to be praised by both “We welcome you with joy and the two peoples,” the Greek Prime the living and the dead, we give exultation in this historic place and Minister said. thee thanks for Edward the Second, thank you for your participation in this Tsipras expressed the hope that our Founder, for Adam de Brome, meeting,” said His All-Holiness, who the reopening of the school “will not our principal benefactor and for all attended the Halki Theological School, be far….I want to believe we are near our other benefactors, by whose as he welcomed Tsipras there. Tsipras benefits we are here maintained became the first serving Greek Prime the day when these halls will once in godliness and learning; and we Minister to visit the seminary. The visit again ring with the happy laughter of beseech thee that using these fell on the Feast Day of St. Photios, students.” thy gifts rightly we may be led to Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Tsipras began the meeting by the immortal glory of resurrection, who was the founder of the Monastery first thanking Ecumenical Patriarch through Jesus Christ our Lord.) of the Holy Trinity, where the Halki Bartholomew “for a tour of this historic Theological School is located. place that has been attended by young Oriel, we realise, is a bulwark of tradition “The times are changing, but the students who at an early age came to and it stands strong against the tide of mission of the Church of Christ remains study in a school attended by great heroic materialism, which seems to have unchanged and unaltered, founded people, scholars, Orthodox priests.” engulfed most of Western Civilisation. on rock,” His All-Holiness stated. He He characterized the Library of the The college, however, or so it appears also made a special reference to the Theological School as an ark of wisdom to us, must feel that it does belong granting of autocephaly to the “cruci- and knowledge. “On the occasion of somewhere in space and time as it cons- fied” Ukrainian people. He noted the my presence here, I had the pleasure of ciously looks forward and looks back fact that Greece had always supported discovering that our presence in Halki at the same time: steep in tradition yet ending the injustice against the School was not the object of discord, but of spearheading progress and pushing the and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in hope, joy, and a positive response from boundaries of knowledge in the world’s the hope that the day would not be the ordinary Turkish citizens of this his- best university ever further. After second delayed that the School would again toric place, who have greeted us and dessert, another Oxonian tradition, we open its gates. expressed their sincere love, and this is beg farewell to the college and return The Ecumenical Patriarch, who has the yeast of the Greek-Turkish friends- to London, optimistic that our paths will worked for many years for the reope- hip we want to build,” he added. very soon cross again. As we drive back ning of the School, expressed the hope “Today’s meeting is giving the right through the night, mentally preparing that the time would soon come “to ex- messages, and I want to say that there for our audience with HRH The Prince of perience the reopening of the School,” are issues of disagreement between the Wales the next day to speak to him about adding that Orthodoxy for 48 years two governments and the two countries the fate of the Mother Church, it is almost “has lacked the joyful fruits of this spiri- that only we can deal with,” he added, as if we can hear Churchill calling after us: tual nursery.…Unfortunately, in the past adding: “The Turkish government has What is the use of living, if it be not to 48 years, we have been celebrating this taken steps in the past few years, in strive for noble causes and to make this day without our professors and without particular on the issue of the property muddled world a better place for those the students.” of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and we who will live in it after we are gone? How For his part, Tsipras expressed his are close to the day when these steps else can we put ourselves in harmonious confidence that “the next time I cross will become even more important.” relation with the great verities and con- this threshold, I will discuss the reope- He also emphasized that “the Greek solations of the infinite and the eternal? ning of the Theological School of Halki government supports the institution of And I avow my faith that we are marching with President Erdogan.” the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I want to towards better days. Humanity will not “The reopening of the Theological believe that your presence and contri- be cast down. We are going on swinging School will not be a message of disu- bution will be transformative, making bravely forward along the grand high road nity, but of friendship, mutual unders- it clear that religions are what unite and already behind the distant mountains tanding and brotherhood between people, not separate them.”  is the promise of the sun. 

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 23 ARCHON NEWS

Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis leads National Archon Lenten Retreat in Southampton

'For FreedomFreedom ChristChrist hashas setset us us free. free. Stand Stand firm, therefore, andand dodo notnot submitsubmit againagain to to LENT as a yoke of slavery'slavery'. –Galatians –Galatians 5:1 5:1 LIBERATION ith the blessings of His Em- the 16th Annual inence Archbishop Deme- Archon Lenten Wtrios, Geron of America, Retreat, April 12- the Order of Saint Andrew, Archons 14, 2019. The of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in retreat was held America, was pleased to have the at the Dormi- Rev. Deacon Perry T. Hamalis, Ph.D., tion of the Virgin Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor Mary Greek Or- of Religion, 2015-16 Fulbright Schol- thodox Church ar, Yonsei University (Seoul, Republic of the Hamptons, of Korea), as its retreat speaker for hosted by Father Alexander Karloutsos, Archon Spiritual Adviser and Father Constantine Lazarakis, Pastor. Over 100 Archons, spouses and participants attended the retreat which allowed everyone to grow in their spirituality, join together in fellowship and prayer, and allowed Archons to reen- ergize their commitment in the pursuit of religious free- dom for the Mother Church Participants had the opportunity to ing morning. of Constantinople. engage with Rev. Deacon Perry and The event was coordinated by Ar- The two-day retreat also worship during an evening Salu- chons Peter J. Skeadas and Michael focused on the topic tations service along with a celebra- G. Psaros -- co-chairmen of the Spiri- “Lent as Liberation.” tion of the Divine Liturgy the follow- tuality Committee.  PHOTOS BY J. MINDALA ARCHON NEWS

Archons Andy and Mike Manatos and zing scheduled for July 16~18, 2019. Archons hold I had an excellent dinner meeting The following day we met with Special Thursday evening with US Ambassador Advisor to the Vice President for Europe religious freedom for International Religious Freedom Sam and Russia L. Gabrielle Cowan and Brownback and distinguished diplomat Deputy Counsel to the Vice President meetings in (and Greek American) Ambassador Eleni M. Roumel discussing these same John Negroponte. During the meeting issues. As you may know, Vice President in which we discussed the religious Washington, D.C. Pence has a special interest in religious freedom deficit in Turkey and the issues freedom and in particular, the perse- confronting the EP, including the coura- he hard working Manatos Team geous and just decision in the granting of cution of Christians. In addition, we arranged meetings on March 21 Autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox paid courtesy visits to our good friends Tand 22 for the Archon Leadership Church, Amb. Brownback invited the Archon Reince H. Priebus and Judge in Washington, DC pursuant to our Archons to participate/host a “sidebar” Gregory G. Katsas, of the DC Circuit religious freedom mission on behalf of in the upcoming State Department Court of Appeals, the Court from which the Ecumenical Patriarchate. National Ministerial on Religious Freedom that many Supreme Court Justices and Chief Secretary Archon Judge Bozonelis, Secretary of State Pompeo is organi- Justices have served. 

Meeting with Vice Presidential Reps From left to right: Archon Mike Manatos; National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis; L. Gabrielle Cowan, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Europe and Russia; Eleni M. Roumel, Deputy Counsel to the Vice President; National Secretary Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis; and Archon Andrew E. Manatos.

Former White House Chief of Staff Circuit Court of Appeals Archons with Archon Reince H. Priebus. Archons with Judge Gregory G. Katsas of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

26 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 National Commander Limberakis Responds to Archon George Demacopoulos Washington Post Op-Ed by Turkish President authors new book on ‘Colonizing Erdogan Christianity’

he Washington Post published an op-ed by Turkish President Recep TTayyip Erdogan on March 19 on the The Orthodox Christian attacks on mosques in New Zealand. Erdogan wrote: “I categorically reject any Studies Center of Fordham attempt to associate last week’s terrorist attacks with the teachings, morals or University is proud to maxims of Christianity.” Dr. Anthony announce the publication of J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, a new book in the Fordham Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has submitted the following Letter to University Press series the Editor to the Washington Post in Orthodox Christianity and response to Erdogan. Contemporary Thought. To the editor:

Until Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stops assaulting the reli- gious freedom of the Spiritual Head Colonizing Christianity: of the second largest Christian Church in the world, Ecumenical Greek and Latin Religious Identity Patriarch Bartholomew of Orthodox in the Era of the Fourth Crusade Christianity, who is headquartered in Istanbul, he has no right to opine as by Archon George E. Demacopoulos a friend of Christianity in an Op Ed in the Washington Post. Described by a major American leader as “one of the two most Christlike people I have ever met,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the 269th direct successor of olonizing Christianity Christ’s first Apostle Andrew, who employs postcolonial preached in what is today Turkey. His Ccritique to analyze the All-Holiness was the first religious transformations of Greek and leader to move Muslim leaders to Latin religious identity in the wake condemn 9/11 as an “anti-religious of the Fourth Crusade. Through act,” and one of the few to receive close readings of texts from the the US Congress’ highest award, the period of Latin occupation, this Congressional Gold Medal. book argues that the experien- Yet President Erdogan refuses ce of colonization splintered the to: return thousands of confiscated Greek community over how best properties back to the Church; re- to respond to the Latin other cognize the Ecumenical Patriarch as while illuminating the mechanis- more than a local bishop; or reopen ms by which Western Christians the Patriarchal seminary of Halki. authorized and exploited the President Erdogan’s treatment Christian East. The experience of the Ecumenical Patriarch has of colonial subjugation opened created an atmosphere in Turkey permanent fissures within the such that death threats have been Orthodox community, which all too frequent. struggled to develop a con- Until President Erdogan sistent response to aggressive changes his dangerously anti-Chris- demands for submission to the tian treatment of the Ecumenical Roman Church.  Patriarch, he has no credibility on the world stage.

–Anthony J. Limberakis, MD  ARCHON NEWS

ARCHON SYMPOSIUM ith the blessings of His Eminence Christian Studies Center Fordham Metropolitan Evangelos of New University, Bronx, New York. After the WJersey, an Archon symposium event, Demacopoulos tweeted: “What was held at the St. Sophia, Sts. Faith, a spectacular event this was. Thank you REVIVING THE Hope and Agape Greek Orthodox @OrderStAndrew [the Order of Saint Church in Jeffersonville, PA on Saturday, Andrew’s Twitter address].” FEMALE DIACONATE March 30, 2019, focusing on the histo- Lectures were presented by the Rev. rical, canonical and ecclesiastical status Dr. John Chryssavgis, the renowned IN THE of the female diaconate, including a author and theologian, Archdeacon ORTHODOX CHURCH fresh look at the role of deacons in the of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodox Church and an examination theological advisor to the Ecumenical of whether the Church will lose young Patriarch who spoke on “The Diaconate Has the Time Come? women if questions around the female in Christ: A Fresh Look at the Role diaconate are not addressed. of Deacons”; Teva Regule, PhD, of Regional Commander Dr. Cary J. Boston College, a scholar of liturgi- Limberakis, who organized the sympo- cal theology, history and ritual studies sium, commented, “After having atten- and noted researcher in the fields of ded a religious seminar late last year, I sacramental theology, ecclesiology, learned that in 1988 an International ecumenism, theological anthropolo- Orthodox Consultation was convened gy, and the ministry of women in the by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Church, who spoke on “The Female Demetrios I, of blessed memory, and Diaconate in The Orthodox Church?”; that one of its concluding recommenda- Kyra Limberakis, M.T.S., Director of tions was the restoration (not creation) the CrossRoad Summer Institute and of the female diaconate. I was comple- Assistant Director of the Office of tely oblivious of this! I felt compelled to Vocation & Ministry at Hellenic College act on this recommendation and began Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of organizing a symposium with experts Theology, who addressed the topic on the subject matter so as to increase of “Young Women: Will the Church the awareness of this not-well known Lose Them?”; and Carrie Frederick International Orthodox position, particu- Frost, PhD, of Saint Sophia Orthodox larly in America.” Seminary (UOC of USA), a board The symposium was introduced member of the Saint Phoebe Center for and moderated by the Historian of the the Deaconess and the International Order of Saint Andrew, Archon George Orthodox Theological Association, E. Demacopoulos, Ph. D., Professor who spoke on the topic of “Ordination: of Theology, Co-Director, Orthodox Why Now?” 

PHOTO BRIEFS

National Secretary Judge Bozonelis presents Lenten Lecture Archons educate Holy Cross/Hellenic College Seminarians On March 13, 2019, the Hon B. Theodore Bozonelis, National On February 27, seminarians of Holy Cross/Hellenic College gathered Secretary of the Order, presented The Ecumenical Patriarchate: The at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America where they had the Struggle for Religious Freedom, at St. Nicholas Church. The lecture opportunity to become further educated on the work of the Order covered the history of the Orthodox Christian Church, persecution of of Saint Andrew. National Vice Commander John Halecky, Archon Christians, the importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Archon Alexander Pritsos, Sergeant at Arms and Archon George Tsougarakis initiatives in defense of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. offered presentations on the work of the Order and the religious freedom issues effecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate. PHOTOS BY J. MINDALA

28 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 Compelled to Act Symposium panelists Regional Commander Dr. Cary J. Limberakis Archon George E. Demacopoulos, Ph.D., was moderator for the Archon Symposium which learned about this topic from a seminar, that included experts (left to right) Carrie Frederick Frost, Ph.D., Kyra P. Limberakis, M.T.S., Teva recommended the restoration of the female Regule, Ph.D. and Rev. John Chryssavgis, Ph.D. who participated via video conference. diaconate.

Moderating Symposium guests Archon Demacopoulos moderates the panel in front of a full Regional Commander Limberakis with his wife Alexis, far left, and attendance of guests at the Fr. John A. Limberakis Cultural Center. guests attending the symposium.

Archons of the Metropolis of Chicago hold business retreat Metropolis of Boston Archons participant in Ukraine discussion With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of On April 17, Fr. Nicholas Krommydas of St Demetrios Church in Chicago, the Metropolis of Chicago Archons held their 4th Annual Weston, MA hosted 75 Archons, parishioners, family and friends for Archon Business Retreat at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in a discussion of Ukraine Autocephaly and Orthodox Unity. Dr. Lewis Kansasville, Wisconsin on March 2 . Prior to the commencement of the Patsavos, Professor Emeritus of Holy Cross, an expert in canon law, meeting, Metropolitan Nathanael held a Memorial Service and read spoke to the valid reasoning and timing of granting autocephaly the names of the 61 Metropolis of Chicago Archons who have fallen as well as the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel asleep in the Lord. A surprise visit from Metropolitan Chrysostomos II Clapsis, PhD, Archbishop Iakovos Professor of Orthodox Theology

SYMPOSIUM PHOTS PANTAZOPOULOS BY T. of Cyprus joined the Archons for the meeting. Holy Cross, spoke to the role of the Assembly of Bishops in America and that even with many Eastern Orthodox churches reporting to various jurisdictions, there has been an underlying tone of unity. Offering insights on the issues facing Christians living in the Holy Lands and the Middle East, LATEST HEADLINES on ChristianPersecution.com and wherever they are suffering for their faith.

Turkey: “I lost a sense of belonging to this country, because being a Christian is like a crime” Although technically living in a right to express his Christian faith conversation about the Christian faith. secular nation, Turkey’s teachers freely. The teachers at his school Two weeks later, the school are entrusted with the care of have a group chat on WhatsApp, directors warned Mehmet that ensuring that children are raised as where they share different religious there were problems regarding good, Turkish Muslims. Christian texts with each other. Ömer also his conversations at work. The teachers, many of whom converted wanted to share elements of his upper authorities at the General from Islam, often find themselves faith on the group chain, but his Directorate informed Mehmet slowly pushed out of the workforce. supervisors became upset. that he must quit his job as These challenges can be especially headmaster, and handed him his difficult during Christian holidays, “The deputy director said, ‘I won’t petition of resignation. To his such as Christmas and Easter. let you do missionary work here; surprise, Mehmet’s wife was fired [this is] partisanship!’ and he threw from her job as a teacher on the “A person can go to Friday prayers, me out of the group. Most of my same day. “But it is a problem for an hour and a half in prayer! But colleagues then came out of the [a] Christian to fulfill his religious I do not know that I can ask for group to support me. That made duties… you can’t explain that you permission about any (Christian) me happy,” said Ömer have to be at church on Saturday feast or activity,” explained one and Sunday.” teacher, Ömer “People are afraid Other teachers, however, are not as to be involved in Christian activities. lucky as Ömer. Mehmet used to work Stunned by the situation, Mehmet Therefore, I know that I must come as a headmaster in a local school, learned that the school principal from one step behind.” and his wife worked as a teacher at and the religious teacher who a different school. Because Mehmet attended his church had reported Often, Ömer is left to take care of began speaking of his Christian faith, that Mehmet imposed Christianity his Muslim coworkers’ students both of their jobs were jeopardized. on his students. The school while they attend prayers and “I started to tell the Good News to principal had always been friendly holidays. His supervisors say my close colleagues at school. One with him, but now that he knew nothing. “They know they can’t day, they insulted the Christian Mehmet was a Christian, he began make any noise to Muslims. What faith… We started to have a heated treating Mehmet like an enemy…. is he going to say, the guy is going conversation.” to a mosque! But it is a problem Mehmet was not able to fully for [a] Christian to fulfill his religious A colleague who taught Islamic restore his and his wife’s jobs. Today, duties… you can’t explain that you culture, was intrigued by the dispute he still struggles with the situation. have to be at church on Saturday and wanted to visit Mehmet’s church. “I lost a sense of belonging to this and Sunday.” Mehmet invited him to attend country, because being a Christian worship, and noticed his attentive is like a crime.” Even so, Mehmet Ömer’s supervisors cause him more note-taking during service. He has continuously prayed for the difficulties than his fellow coworkers, was then introduced to the church people who instigated the unjust who have at times defended his leaders, who prompted stimulating situation….

Chad Iraq India France Violence Christians Hindu Catholic against and call for Extremists Shut churches persecution internationally Down Christian vandalized, of Christians is protected safe Churches: set on fire & increasing zone to enable “Why Are You smeared with them to rebuild Worshipping a excrement after ISIS rule Foreign God?”

30 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 Offering insights on the issues facing Christians living in the Holy Lands and the Middle East, and wherever they are suffering for their faith.

Ethiopia Nigeria Azerbaijan Columbia Muslim Muslim Azerbaijan erasing Another Mobs Attack Extremists its Armenian Protestant Christian 10 Church Murder Over pastor killed, past, destroys Buildings 30 Christians 89 medieval leaving the In Devastating churches, 5,840 church ‘terrified’ Attack intricate cross- stones, and 22,000 tombstones

Iran Kenya India Ethiopia Elderly Mother Beaten, Christians widely Somali Muslim Christian Raped for considered to police officer convert from Converting to be “second- becomes Islam endures Christianity class citizens” Christian, is ten days of fired and interrogation forced to move to another area

Yemen North Korea again identified as the worst The persecution that Christians country for Christians face is “In North Korea, where there are are persecuted for their faith. “extreme” about 300,000 Christians out of The list uses data from Open a total population of 25.6 million, Doors field workers and external Christians are seen as ‘hostiles to experts to quantify and analyze be eradicated,’ the report says.” persecution worldwide. Countries There is at least one Orthodox are ranked by the severity parish in North Korea, the of persecution of Christians, Church of the Life-Giving Trinity calculated by analyzing the level in Pyongyang, but its present of violent persecution plus the situation is unclear. pressure experienced in five Turkey spheres of life. State- Open Doors, which assists controlled Christians in areas of the world This year, the group has found a press incites where persecution is rampant, sharp increase in persecution of violence publishes the World Watch List, Christians in the world’s two most against an annual report on the global populous countries. For the first persecution of Christians. The time since the start of the World Christians report, which comes out at the Watch List, India has entered the beginning of each year, ranks the top 10. And China jumped 16 top 50 countries where Christians spots, from 43 to 27….

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 31 List complete as of April 16, 2019 List includes: Annual Donor Name • Residence • Offikion date Each day sponsored represents at least a EXARCH’S APPEAL $3,000 pledge donation.

33 Days Sponsored Peter J. Skeadas • Greenwich, CT • Jon J. Couchell • Spartanburg, SC • 10/10/04 10/21/12 The Nicholas J. & Anna K. Bouras Foundation, Inc. • Summit, NJ Dr. Stephen J.Yallourakis • Kingsport, TN Frank N. Demeris • Houston, TX • John Zavitsanos • Houston, TX • 10/10/04 10/16/16 John W. Demetropoulos • Scottsdale, AZ 10 Days Sponsored Steve Zeis • Asheville, NC • 10/28/18 • 10/10/04 Peter Karmanos, Jr. • Orchard Lake, MI • George C. Demos, Esq. • Huntington 5/6/15 1 Day Sponsored Beach, CA • 10/20/13 John Alahouzos • Washington, DC • Harry G. Dimopoulos, PhD • Naples, FL • 6/10/09 8 Days Sponsored 10/28/18 George M. Marcus • Palo Alto, CA • Harold Anagnos • Bonita Spirngs, FL • Nikitas Drakotos • Riverdale, NY • 3/3/85 2/24/91 10/28/07 Theofanis V. Economidis • Los Altos, CA George J. Anderson • Nashville, TN • 9/27/06 • 3/3/96 7 Days Sponsored Leon W. Andris • Silver Spring, MD • Anastasius Efstratiades, J.D. • Cherry Hill, Dr. Spiros Spireas • New Hope, PA 3/9/03 NJ • 10/19/14 Merkourios Angeliades • Sands Point, NY John P. Eliopoulos, MD • Swampscott, 5 Days Sponsored • 10/20/13 MA • 10/31/10 Michael G. Psaros • Purchase, NY • 5/6/15 Arthur C. Anton, Sr. • North Andover, MA Dr. Kenneth Frangadakis • Saratoga, CA • 4/7/76 • 3/5/00 Fotios John Frangakis • Hermitage, PA • 4 Days Sponsored Peter T. Arbes • Chatam, NJ • 10/31/10 10/28/16 Theodore J. Theophilos • Hinsdale, IL Lewis A. Assaley, Ph.D. • Cincinnati, OH • 10/26/08 Jim Gabriel, Jr. • Centerport, NY • 11/1/09 Arthur Balourdos • Lincolnwood, IL • 10/26/08 3 Days Sponsored Isidoros Garifalakis • Vancouver, WA • Michael Bapis • Manhasset, NY • 10/22/17 Thomas S. Cappas • Highland, IN • 10/10/04 10/10/04 Dr. Gerald Biernacki • Toledo, OH • 10/21/12 Thomas Gatzunis • Marlborough, MA • Hon. Matthew Mirones • Staten Island, 10/22/17 NY • 10/28/18 Dr. Nicholas Bournias • Birmingham, MI • 10/18/15 Leslie P. George • Marietta, GA • Harry W. Spell • Edina, MN • 10/16/11 10/22/06 Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis • Chatam, William Spell • Edina, MN • 10/18/15 NJ • 10/28/07 Geofrey J. Greenleaf • Novelty, OH • 10/19/14 Tim Tassopoulos • Atlanta, GA • 10/28/07 Justin Bozonelis • New York, NY • 10/22/17 Vassilios B. Grous • Greenwich, CT • 10/28/07 2 Days Sponsored Paul A. Bregianos • Brooklyn, NY • Demitrios Halakos • Greenville, DE • Robert Buhler • Lake Forest, IL • 10/28/18 10/18/15 10/18/15 Stephen Cherpelis • Douglaston, NY • Robert M. Buchanan, Jr. • Jackson, MS • John C. Harbilas • Harrisburg, PA • 2/18/01 10/20/13 10/28/18 Stephen A. Georgeson • Atlanta, GA • John S. Buzas • San Marino, CA • 10/19/14 3/9/03 Tykye G. Camaras • Corona Del Mar, CA John A. Hilaris • Elmhurst, IL • 10/16/16 Stavros Haviaras • Muttontown, NY • • 3/12/95 Carl R. Hollister • Mason, OH • 10/22/17 10/20/13 Nicholas Carras • Myersville, MD • 10/23/05 John C. Hrapchak • Columbia, MD • Steven M. Laduzinsky • Chicago, IL • 11/1/09 James C. Catrickes • Haverford, PA • 2/28/99 Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis • Rydal, PA • 10/18/15 Timothy J. Joannides • Cheyenne, WY • 3/8/87 Anthony Chapekis • Northbrook, IL • 10/23/05 Dr. Nicholas G. Loutsion • Canonsburg, Nicholas E. Chimicles • Devon, PA • Phillip Kafarakis • New York, NY • PA • 3/9/03 10/10/13 10/28/18 Dr. Michael J. Patzakis • San Marino, CA Peter Chiopelas • Beechhurst, NY • Peter Kakoyiannis • Yardley, PA • 3/8/98 • 10/22/06 10/16/16 Dr. James G. Kallins • Downey, CA • George E. Safiol • Weston, MA • 3/16/97 John N. Colis • Glenview, IL • 10/20/13 3/3/96 Franklin Sisson • Paradise Valley, AZ • Thomas E. Constance • Sands Point, NY Dr. George Kallins • Downey, CA • 10/16/16 • 10/23/05 10/31/10

32 The Archon Newsletter | Spring 2019 1 Day Sponsored (continued) Peter G. Pappas • Centerville, MD • 3/23/86 All Exarch’s Appeal Participants Chris Karamanos • Toms River, NJ • 10/16/11 Dr. Steve Paragioudakis • Wayside, NJ • Peter Allan, Ph.D. • Fort Lee, NJ • 3/19/89 Dr. Stamatios Kartalopoulos • Annandale, 10/28/18 Ernest W. Anast • Yorba Linda, CA • 3/3/96 NJ • 2/28/99 Pete Parthenis, Sr. • Inverness, IL • 10/28/07 George J. Anderson • Nashville, TN • 9/27/06 Theodore X. Koinis • PearLand, TX • Solon P. Patterson • Atlanta, GA • 3/9/03 Arthur C. Anton Jr. • Carlisle, MA • 10/20/13 10/21/12 Andrew P. Arbes • Manasquan, NJ • 6/14/81 Theodore D. Konopisos • Newport Beach, James & Theodore Pedas Family Foundation CA • 10/18/15 • Washington, DC • 10/31/10 Dr. James P. Argires • Lancaster, PA • 2/24/91 William Korchak • Seaford, NY • 10/22/17 Gus G. Perdikakis • Maineville, OH • 3/7/82 Clifford Argue • Mercer Island, WA • Mihail D. Koulakis • The Hills, TX • 11/1/09 Theodore J. Poplos • Memphis, TN • 10/10/04 Markos Lagos • Dunedin, FL • 10/19/14 10/19/14 Hon. Andrew S. Armatas • Denver, CO • Elias Lambiris • New York, NY • 10/18/15 Peter E. Preovolos • La Mesa, CA • 7/4/82 3/7/82 Nick Latousakis • Weirton, WV • 10/16/16 Gerry Ranglas • Rancho Santa Fe • 3/10/02 Aristedes Assimakopoulos • Schaumburg, IL Dr. Cary J. Limberakis • Ambler, PA • • 10/21/12 Dr. Nicholas Seketa • Johnson City, NY • 10/10/04 Basil M. Assimakopoulos • Potomac, MD • . 10/28/18 Constantine Liollio • Houston, TX • 10/22/17 Peter Baganakis • New Milford, NJ • 3/9/03 Dr. Peter Scamagas • Fresno, CA • 10/28/07 Emanuel N. Logothetis • Summit, NJ • Andrew T. Banis • Walnut Creek, CA • 3/4/02 2/28/88 Byron Scordelis • Saratoga, CA • 10/16/16 John J. Blazakis • Somerset, NJ • 10/31/10 Costas T. Los • Harrison, NY • 3/4/90 Constantine Sideridis • Salem, MA • Emil Bzdil • Freeland, PA • 2/17/01 George Loucas • Benchwood, OH • 10/28/18 10/18/15 George M. Cantonis • Tarpon Springs, FL • John Louizos • Stamford, CT • 10/28/18 George A. Sifakis • Arlington, VA • 10/22/17 Michael L. Carousis • Manasquan, NJ • Keith Maib • Leawood, KS • 10/19/14 John Sitilides • McLean, VA • 10/22/17 1/1/70 Angelo N. Malls • Glen Cove, NY • 10/28/18 Dean Spanos • Los Angeles CA • 6/6/04 Paul G. Chiligiris • Decatur, IL • 10/31/10 Andrew E. Manatos • Bethesda, MD • Michael Spanos • Stockton, CA • 6/6/04 Philip Christopher • Commack, NY • 3/12/95 2/24/91 Gerald B. Clonaris • Charlotte, NC • 3/3/96 Nikitas Manias • Palm Harbor, FL • 10/18/15 James D. Speros • Wellesley, MA • 3/10/02 Demetrios P. Constantinides • Brookhaven, Theodore P. Maniatakos • Los Angeles, CA Christos Spyropoulos • Old Brookville, NY GA • 4/3/16 • 10/18/15 • 11/1/09 Panagiotis Contos • Denver, CO • 10/22/06 John G. Manos • Bloomingdale, IL • 3/1/13 Demetrios Stathopoulos • Victor, NY • Jerry A. Costacos • Seattle, WA • 7/4/82 Markos Marinakis • New York, NY • 10/19/14 Prof. Demetrios Costaras • Beechhurst, NY George Marinides, M.D., Ph.D. • Amherst, Michael Stefanoudakis • Denver, CO • • 3/11/79 NY • 10/22/17 10/18/15 Elias Damianakis • New Port Richey, FL • Dr. William M. Marusich • Johnson City, NY John Stratakis • Manhasset, NY • 10/31/10 • 10/28/18 Nicholas E. Terezis • Pittsburgh, PA • George Danigeles • Elmhurst, IL • 10/28/07 Nikiforos Mathews • Stamford, CT • 11/1/09 10/18/15 George J. Dariotis • Manhasset, NY • Richard K. McGee • Houston, TX • 10/16/16 2/18/01 Nicholas Tsapatsaris • Ridgewood, NJ • Jeffrey Michals • Wall, NJ • 10/22/17 Peter G. Demetriades • Henderson, NC • 10/26/08 Frank Mihalopoulos • Dallas, TX • 10/31/10 3/6/93 George A. Tsougarakis • Englewood, NJ • John J. Mindala II • Astoria, NY • 10/28/18 Angelo P. Demos • Pinecrest, FL • 3/11/84 10/16/11 Michael H. Missios, Ph. D. • Huntsville, AL • James Dimitrion • Waretown, NJ • 3/5/00 Sarantos Vallas • Brooklyn, NY • 10/28/18 10/19/14 George N. Donkar • Savannah, GA • George H. Mitsanas • Palos Verdes Est., CA James Vavas • Brooklyn, NY • 10/28/18 10/21/12 • 10/22/17 Andrew Veniopoulos • New York, NY • Steven Doulaveris • Florence, SC • 11/1/09 Anthony A. Nichols • Skokie, IL • 2/24/91 10/16/16 Victor J. Economy • Decatur, GA • 10/10/04 Louis Nicozisis • Manalapan , FL • 3/15/92 George Vittas • Bedford, TX • 10/22/17 Andrew J. Ekonomou, Ph.D. • Atlanta, GA • Tom Nixon • Charlotte, NC • 10/16/16 10/19/14 Peter A. Vlachos • New York, NY • 2/18/01 Gus M. Pablecas • South Barrington, IL • Antonios J. Emmanouilidis • Paramus, NJ • 10/22/06 Dr. Theodore Vlahos • Safety Harbor, FL • 3/7/93 10/22/06 Steve C. Padis • Danville, CA • 10/20/13 John Fotopoulos, Ph.D. • Munster, IL • Anthony Palmieri • Newtown Square, PA • Gus Vratsinas • Little Rock, AR • 3/10/02 10/22/17 10/21/12 Gary M. Vrionis • Danville, CA • 10/23/05 Phillip T. Frangos • East Lansing, MI • 10/20/13 Nick Furris • Jacksonville, FL • 10/23/05 Anthony Pantazopoulos • Lower Gwynedd, Howard West • Amity, PA • 10/28/18 PA • 10/28/18 Michael P. Gabriel, M.D. • Brooklyn, NY • Dr. Chris Yiantsou • Bedford, TX • 10/28/18 George Pantelidis • New York, NY • 10/19/14 1997 James Pantelidis • New York, NY • 10/21/12 Leonard Zangas • Manhasset, NY • 10/31/10 Renos Georgiou • Bayside, NY • 10/23/05 Christopher J. Pappas • Houston, TX • George P. Zimmar, Ph.D. • Briarcliff Manor, Fotios Gerasopoulos • Jackson Heights, NY 10/26/08 NY • 10/23/05 • 3/20/94

Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle 33 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075-0106

All Exarch’s Appeal Participants (continued) John Gidicsin • Brooklyn, NY • 2/17/01 $ Gary C. Grysiak • Monroeville, PA • 2/28/99 It costs over 1 Million a year Dn. Stephen E. Hall • Millsboro, DE • 2/28/99 to operate our religious freedom mission. Marinos Hionis, MD • Aventura, FL • 3/12/95 Dr. William N. Hunter • Bethesda, MD • 10/15/95 archons.org/donate Stratos E. Inglesis • Potomac, MD • 11/8/98 Constantine Kaganis • Bronx, NY • 10/16/11 Spiro J. Macris • Wrightsville Beach, NC • George P. Psihogios • Lake Oswego, OR • George M. Kalambokis • Palm Harbor, FL • 3/3/96 10/26/08 3/4/90 John D. Malatras • Charlotte, NC • 2/28/99 Harry Raptakis • Mineola, NY • 3/15/92 John A. Kalinoglou • Atlanta, GA • 3/10/02 Louis G. Malevitis • Oak Brook, IL • 3/3/96 George Reganis • Chesterbrook, PA • Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. • Peabody, MA • 10/21/12 Mike A. Manatos • Bethesda, MD • 10/22/06 George Rockas • Lynnfield, MA • 10/22/06 William Kallinikos • Oceanside, NY • William B. Marianes • Tucker, GA • 2/18/01 Anthony T. Saris • Mill Valley, CA • 3/10/02 10/23/05 George D. Mihaltses, Esq. • Bayside, NY • James S. Scofield • St. Petersburg, FL • John Kalucis, M.D. • Middleburg Heights, OH 11/1/09 8/10/68 • 10/20/13 Demitrios M. Moschos • Worcester, MA • Theodore Sepsis • Elmhurst, IL • 10/23/05 Andrew Kampiziones • Florence, SC • 3/19/89 Demetrios Seremetis • Canton, MA • 11/1/09 3/26/83 James H. Moshovitis • Washington, DC • Louis S. Sinopulos • Deerfield Beach, FL • Michael Kapeluck • Carnegie, PA • 2/28/88 1/1/68 Nicholas A. Karacostas • Bayside, NY • Harry Moskos • Knoxville, TN • 2/24/80 Arthur G. Spirou • Ft. Wayne, IN • 3/4/90 11/1/09 Basil Mossaidis • Washington, DC • 10/31/10 Gregory J. Stamos • Woodbridge, CT • John V. Kassimatis • Garden City, NY • 3/9/03 Bert W. Moyar • Cleveland Heights, OH • 10/16/11 In memory of George S. Kleris, MD • Atlanta, 1/1/96 Angelo A. Stamoulis • Holliston, MA • GA Andrew S. Natsios • College Station, TX • 3/23/86 Sam N. Kleto • Charlotte, NC • 10/23/05 10/23/05 Panos Stavrianidis, Ph.D. • Somerset, NJ • Theodore P. Klingos • New York, NY • 11/1/09 Theo Nicolakis • Woodbridge, CT • 10/16/11 2/18/01 George Kokkinakis • Ramsey, NJ • 3/8/87 George J. Omiros • Uniontown, PA • 2/18/01 George Stefanidakis, Ph.D. • Houston, TX • 10/20/13 George M. Kondos • Scarsdale, NY • 3/10/02 Peter Clyde N. Papadakos, Esq. • McKeesport, PA • 10/22/06 Wesley A. Stinich • Westchester, IL • 10/22/06 Andreas C. Konnari • New York, NY • 10/23/05 Dr. Gregory Papadeas • Greenwood Village, John Tangalos • Shelby Township, MI • CO • 11/1/09 10/31/10 George J. Kontogiannis • Columbus, OH • 10/10/04 Aristotle Papanikolaou, Ph.D. • Bradford, MA Basilios Theodosakis • Brooklyn, NY • 3/19/78 • 10/31/10 George H. Kossaras • Carefree, AZ • 3/10/02 Elias Tsekerides • Brewster, NY • 10/19/14 Harry J. Pappas • Reno, NV • 3/12/95 Michael Kusturiss, Jr. • Eighty Four, PA • John Tsunis • Islandia, NY • 10/21/12 Stephen G. Pappas, MD • Somersworth, NH Manuel Tzagournis, M.D. • Columbus, OH • • 3/12/95 Thomas C. Kyrus • Virginia Beach, VA • 1/1/78 3/9/03 John G. Patronis • Atlanta, GA • 3/19/89 Pavlos Kymissis, M.D. • Manhasset Hills, NY George Tzikas • Sacramento, CA • • 10/16/11 Alfred Peters • Toms River, NJ • 10/22/17 Emmanuel Velivasakis • Scarsdale, NY • William G. Lianos • Grosse Pointe, MI • Dr. Marinos A. Petratos • New York, NY • George Venizelos • Sparta, NJ • 10/20/13 3/8/87 10/16/16 George M. Ververides • Princeton, NJ • Dr. John Lingas • Portland, OR • 1/1/85 Paul J. Plumis • Seattle, WA • 10/16/11 3/15/81 Demetrios Logothetis • Riverwoods, IL • Arthur Poly • Boca Raton, FL • 10/26/08 Nicholas Yakubik • Cary, NC • 10/28/07 10/10/04 George Possas • E Northport, NY • 3/23/86 G.Thomas Yearout • Birmingham, AL • 3/8/98 Arthur Loridas • Needham, MA • 10/22/06 Reince R. Priebus • Kenosha, WI • 10/16/11 George P. Zaharas • Cheyenne, WY • Steven Lukac • Hubbard, OH • 10/16/11 Alexander Pritsos • Bayside, NY • 3/15/1992 10/16/11