VOL. 63 NO. 1142 APRIL 5, 1998 http://www.goarch.org/goa/observer E-mail: [email protected] President Clinton Welcomes Archbishop Spyridon Archdiocesan Council WASHINGTON - President William J. Clinton welcomed Arch- Holds Spring Meeting To the Oval Office bishop Spyridon to the Oval Office on March 12 to receive the official proclamation declaring March 25th,1998: Greek Independence Day: NEW YORK At the spring meeting of A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. the Archdiocesan Council held March 6-7, In conversation with His Eminence, the President recalled the his- Archbishop Spyridon emphasized the theme toric visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and discussed issues of unity of the Church, initiated a new schol- of mutual concern and interest to the Greek Orthodox faithful and arship fund at Holy Cross School of Theol- Greek American community. ogy and announced that he would lead the Accompanying the Archbishop was a delegation including Greek effort to raise funds for completion of the Ambassador Loucas Tsilas, Father George Kalpaxis, a priest of the first Archbishop Iakovos Library at the School. graduating class of Holy Cross School of Theology and representa- For the first time since the days of Arch- tives of Greek American organizations. bishop Athenagoras, the two-day sessions This year, stated the Proclamation, as we mark the 177th anni- of the Council took place at the Holy Trinity versary of the advent of Greeces struggle for independence, we cel- Archdiocesan Cathedral, instead of the ebrate with the Hellenic Republic and recognize the close ties that Waldorf Astoria, resulting in a savings of have long existed between Greece and the United States. Through some $30,000. two centuries, our nations have enjoyed a strong and enduring In his opening address to the Council, friendship....Our bonds are deeper still, however, for we are joined by His Eminence said that nothing that we can blood, culture, and a profound commitment to shared values. Greek accomplish over the next two days will be ideals of democracy and freedom inspired our Nations founders and more crucial, more significant, more deci- breathed life into Americas experiment with democratic self-govern- sive than...to unequivocally declare the un- ment. Generations of Greek Americans have enriched every aspect of alterable position and take an immovable our national life in the arts, sciences, business, politics, and sports. stand for the unity of this Archdiocese and Through hard work, love of family and community, steadfast commit- the solidarity of the Greek Orthodox people ment to principle, and a deep love of liberty, they have contributed of America. greatly to the prosperity and peace we enjoy today. We are one Church!, he declared. In a subsequent letter to His Eminence, dated March 16, Presi- We are one body! We have one faith! We dent Clinton wrote: ...Thank you for your thoughtful letters. I was are one, united and indivisible Archdiocese very pleased to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He is of America! an inspired leader, and I greatly valued our discussion on the issues of He addressed issues that have raised religious tolerance and interfaith cooperation... I share your concerns concerns among the faithful, such as the about the recent terrorist bombing of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and redefining of the Archdiocese boundaries I am appalled by such terrorist acts.... Religious freedom is a funda- and the elevation of the bishops to metro- mental human right, and the United States vigorously condemns the politan rank. persecution of any believer regardless of faith... I appreciate your warm Administrative changes words and thoughtful prayers, as well as your counsel and leadership. The Archbishop also discussed the ad- D. PANAGOS PHOTO Best Wishes. Sincerely, Bill Clinton ministrative changes and restructuring he has initiated over the past year and a half. Regarding the decision of the Ecumeni- cal Patriarchate to create new jurisdictions, A Memorandum from the he said that the Church in the Americas has matured and evolved to the point where the Archdiocese on Recent Mother Church has recognized the faithful in Canada, Central and South America as Progress by the Church separate Metropolitanates. The Mother Church rightly lit other lamps of Church In an effort to communicate and inform the faithful administration in this vast Western Hemi- regarding the ongoing ministry of the Church, this second sphere, said the Archbishop. Is our light Memo to the Faithful has been prepared in order to clearly any less radiant because they are now shin- articulate some of the work of the Holy Archdiocese of ing on their own. America. Questioned about this reorganization This memo in no way enumerates all the ministries of by Council members who raised the issue the Church, but is hoping to offer clear information, so we of the Archdiocese Charter at the following may continue to work together in love and unity for the days session, His Eminence said that the good of all and the further progress of the Gospel of Christ Patriarchate followed canon law, which in this blessed land of America. takes precedence over the charter. No char- The Church exists to minister to the Holy People of ter is above canon law, the Archbishop said. God and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to all We cant put aside the canons in favor of people. The Holy Spirit inspires the Church to develop min- secular regulations. istries of service that reach out and embrace the different Unity affirmed needs of the faithful and all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. At the end of the two-day meetings, the Archdiocesan Council expressed its support Hellenic College/Holy Cross of Archbishop Spyridon by passing a reso- The academic year 1997-1998 has been progressing lution affirming the unity of the Greek Or- according to schedule under the guidance of Metropolitan thodox Archdiocese of America as one, in- Isaiah, president, and the Rev. Deacon John Chryssavgis, divisible ecclesiastical entity... and called acting dean. Enrollment for 1997-98 is 173 students. upon all Greek Orthodox people in America Monthly meetings of the Executive Committee of the to support, promote and defend this sacred Board of Trustees have been held presided over by Arch- unity. bishop Spyridon, Chairman. His Eminence also told the gathering Particular high points during the past two semesters that the elevation of the diocesan bishops have been the following: has not detracted or diminished the 1. All classes of HC/HC students have, already, or will The Entry into Jerusalem c. 1400, Kastoria-Greece, Church of the Archdioceses unity, and that the purpose soon visit the Archdiocesan headquarters in New York. Agyioi Treis. Christ is depicted sitting on a donkey, entering Jerusalem, for their elevation was to honor their per- During these visits the students are greeted by Archdiocesan followed by the Holy Apostles. He holds a closed scroll in his left hand, son and ministry. See RECENT PROGRESS on p. 4 and his right hand is extended in a gesture of blessing. See ARCH. COUNCIL on p. 9 PAGE 2 ORTHODOX OBSERVER APRIL 5, 1998 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS Archons Honor Nana Mouskouri with Humanitarian Award receive love, but to give love In a sense, the Archons Sunday of Or- New Commander and that through her music she thodoxy Banquet on March 7 represents a Dr. Limberakis addressed his first Ar- has found love, peace, under- kind of closure. Six months ago the Order chons banquet as National Commander and standing, freedom and, most of of St. Andrew the Apostle honored Ecumeni- reaffirmed his and the Orders complete all, hope. cal Patriarch Bartholomew with an unforge- committment to the Ecumenical Patriarch- She dedicated her award to table event at the Cathedral of St. John the ate and the Archdiocese of America. the millions of children around Divine in New York - a Concert for Peace He also announced a pilgrimage of the the world. They need to have a featuring international songstress Nana Archons to the Patriarchate in late August future and to find the hope to Mouskouri. and early September, to be led by Arch- live in this world. At this months banquet, the Order also bishop Spyridon. As a way of expressing her honored Ms. Mouskouri for her efforts on gratitude, Ms. Mouskouri New Archons behalf of the worlds children by presenting treated the gathering to a mini- Another highlight of the evening was her with the Patriarch Athenagoras Human concert in which she sang two the introduction of the new Archon candi- Rights Award. songs in Greek and two in En- dates by the Very Rev. Eugene Pappas, the As a UNICEF ambassador and special glish. After singing the first se- Orders executive director. representative for the performing arts for lection, Tha Erthi Aspri Mera Kai The 16 new members were invested more than three decades, and as a deputy Yiamas, she descended the the following morning during Sunday of Or- to the European Parliament, her influence stage and sang her second song, thodoxy services at Holy Trinity Archdio- on issues affecting women and children has To Sinefo Eferai Vrohi as she cesan Cathedral. been wide-ranging. moved among the audience They were as follows: Nicholas Chat- Several dignitaries on the dais extolled seated in front of the dais. Re- zopoulos, Roselle Park, N.J.; Sam Constant, her achievements at the event. turning to the stage, she sang Daytona Beach, Fla.; Peter Couchell, Archbishop Spyridon called her a fel- Try to Remember (the kind of Mathews, N.C.; Dr. Orestis D. Finale, low Orthodox Christian who has touched September) and concluded with Brooklyn, N.Y.; Nicholas Gage, North millions of children around the world and Amazing Grace.