Orthodox Observer. Vol. 69, No. 1212 - Amazon S3 · Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are...

DECEMBER 2004 • Vol. 69 • No. 1212 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected]

Merry Christmas

the feastof the nativity

A PATRIARCHAL PROCLAMATION BARTHOLOMEW

BY THE GRACE OF GOD ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE

NEW ROME AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHTO THE PLENITUDE OF THE CHURCH

GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE FROM CHRIST THE SAVIOUR,

BORN IN BETHLEHEM

Beloved Brethren and Children in the Lord,

It is with amazement and full of wonder that we are brought face to face, particularly during these days, with the incarnation of the Son and Word of God, Who was born of a Vir-gin and laid in a manger of animals, something inconceivable for both mankind and the angelic orders. And whilst the faithful celebrate festively this joyful event, namely that by divine condescension a Saviour was born to us this day, descending unto us from His great majesty, natural, social and spiritual earthquakes and conflicts shatter mankind, that distanced itself from Christ, bringing thus turmoil and trouble to the life of all those who love peace.

In the search of new forms and relations, social structures are be-ing destabilised; spiritual quests are derailed in self-destructing cults and unprecedented natural disasters occur

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CONSTANTINOPLE – The day of No-vember 27, 2004 will forever mark a new beginning in the calendar of the two great cities, Rome and Constantinople, and will be a focus and a reference point in the history of Christianity.

Church Fathers’ Holy Relics Return Home

On this day the holy and sacred relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian of Nazianzus were restored to their rightful place, from which they were forcibly taken 800 years ago by the crusad-ers of the 4th crusade in 1204.

In the VaticanIn a special ecumenical service held

in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope John Paul II returned the relics of these most revered saints of Orthodoxy, to Ecumenical Patri-arch Bartholomew in an event that His All Holiness described as the “source of rejoicing and jubilation.”

“A holy act is taking place today in which an ecclesiastical anomaly and injustice committed eight centuries ago is being rectified. This brotherly gesture on the part of the senior Church of Rome

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

A Positive Step TowardsReconciliation and Unity

Between the Orthodox andthe Roman-Catholic Churches

confirms that in the Church of Christ there are no insurmountable obstacles when love, justice and peace converge in the holy service of reconciliation and unity,” said His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his address to the Pope during the service.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America read in the original Greek, the letter of St. John Chrysostom to Pope Innoccentius I, written in the early 5th century.

During the solemn service the relics of the two saints were brought in front of the altar in their alabaster encasements and were ceremoniously turned over to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

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ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH Bartholomew with POPE John Paul II during a special ecumenical service at St. Peter’s Basilica.

by Stavros H. Papagermanos

2 DECEMBER 2004 3DECEMBER 2004ARC HDIO C E S E NEWS

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CONSTANTINOPLE – The 2004 Ar-chon Pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patri-archate coincided with the unprecedented historical event of the restoration of the holy relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom to their rightful place, the mother Church of Constanti-nople. The Archons of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle arrived in Constanti-nople Nov. 28 and were greeted at the air-port by the Order’s National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, Secretary John Halecky and the Chairman of this year’s Pilgrimage Alex Pritsos.

Archons Embark on a Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Mother Church

by Stavros H. Papagermanos

The pilgrimage to the monuments and treasures of the Mother Church of Constantinople started immediately upon arrival with a visit to the historic monastery of Chora, the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, which today sadly is operated as a museum. The Archons had the oppor-tunity to admire the superb mosaics and frescoes that have recently been restored by the Byzantine Institute of America.

The Akathist HymnThe next stop was the Church of

Panagia of Blachernae, known as the Aghiasma of the Theotokos, which is the place where the Akathist Hymn was first chanted during the time of the Emperor Heraclius in 626 AD. The pilgrims visited the newer surviving church where the holy water fountain is housed. The mo-ment was moving as this group of faithful

ARCHONS of the Order of St. Andrew with Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George with the holy relics of Sts John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian.

D. PANAGOS

D. PANAGOS

from America gathered in the center of the church and chanted three times the Akathist Hymn: Ti Ypermaho.

Dr. Limberakis had the opportunity to welcome his fellow Archons and pilgrims to what he described as a spiritual odyssey. “Thank you for taking time to demonstrate our love and respect to our Ecumenical Patriarch, thank you for being here so you can see and live the martyria and diakonia our Patriarch, the Synod and the Church of Constantinople give on a daily basis. You will be inspired and transformed by this experience,” he said.

In the evening, His Eminence Arch-bishop Demetrios of America, who leads this year’s Archon pilgrimage, welcomed the participants during an orientation dinner held at the hotel overlooking the Bosphorus.

George Demacopoulos, Assistant Pro-fessor of Historical Theology at Fordham University who, through his research con-tributed to the return of the relics, offered an enlightening overview of the lives and history of the two Great Fathers of the Church, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom.

Archbishop Demetrios of America applauded the instrumental roles of Pro-fessor Demacopoulos and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos in the work that preceded the return of the relics and recognized “the tremendous work of the Archons in advocating the important issues of religious freedoms for our Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

Monday, November 29, began with a visit to another famous and ancient

shrine of Constantinople, the Monastery Panagia of Zoodochos Peghe at Balukli, located just outside the walls of the city. The pilgrims visited the underground “Life-Giving Fountain” located under the icon of the Holy Virgin.

The monastery compound includes many patriarchal graves including those of Patriarchs Athenagoras and Dimitrios, of blessed memory. There, Archbishop Demetrios, in the presence of all the pil-grims, offered a trisagion memorial service

for Patriarch Athenagoras who had been his predecessor in the Archdiocese of America.

A visit to the Balukli Home for the Aged followed, where the Archons had the opportunity to meet many of the Greek Orthodox residents of the home. The Order of St. Andrew and some individual pilgrims made monetary offerings in sup-port of the Patriarchal institution.

Early in the afternoon the group visit-ed the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar. They were given a tour of the Patriarchal compound and the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George where His Eminence Arch-bishop Demetrios of America presented to the pilgrims the holy relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom. “Blessed are we who are able to venerate and see these relics, these bones that held the flesh and the body and the brain and the personality of these two Great Saints,” said the Archbishop.

Immediately following the Archons were welcomed by His All Holiness Ecu-menical Patriarch Bartholomew in the room of the Throne. His All Holiness spoke of the edifying presence of Arch-bishop Demetrios as a member of the Holy and Sacred Synod and he said “these days our love and prayers are particularly with Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco because he is suffering…”

Speaking about the return of the rel-ics the Patriarch noted the very important contributions of Fr. Alexander Karloutsos and Prof. George Demacopoulos to whom he offered as a token of appreciation an icon of St. George, which was brought to him from Georgia by Archbishop Ilias II.

“I express once again my genuine joy and satisfaction that you are here and through you I express my gratitude to the whole Greek Orthodox Community in America,” said the Patriarch addressing the Archons.

He added: “We thank the Archons and Dr. Limberakis personally for organizing this pilgrimage and for proceeding to An-kara in order to support our issues and defend our faith…”

The Archons reverently attended Great Vespers at the Patriarchal Cathedral on the eve of the feast of their protector and founder of the Church of Constantino-ple St. Andrew, the First-called Apostle.

In the evening His All Holiness hosted a dinner for the Archons and the Vatican Delegation.

(More coverage of the Archon’s Pilgrimage to Constantinople, their visit to Ankara, Smyrna and Ephesus will be forthcoming in the next issue of the Orthodox Observer.)

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH Bartholomew welcomed the Archons in the Throne room. (L to R) Chris Stratakis, Anthony Limberakis, Andrew Athens, Alex Pritsos and Archbishop Demetrios.

2 DECEMBER 2004 3DECEMBER 2004 ARC HDIO C E S E NEWS

The ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica was attended by hundreds of faithful from around the world including a small delegation of Greek Orthodox pilgrims from the United States led by Archbishop Demetrios, who was accompanied by Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos and Deacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos. Dr. Anthony Limberakis and John Halecky represented the Archons of the “Order of St. Andrew the Apostle,” who at that time had embarked to a spiritual odyssey to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Also present from the U.S. were Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos and Deacon Constantine Lazarakis.

The ReturnAn aircraft carrying the holy relics and

accompanied by the Ecumenical Patriarch, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Archbishop Gregory of Thyateira, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra and Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandrou-polis left Rome, crossed the Adriatic sea, flew over northern Greece and landed in Constantinople bringing the relics of the two Archbishops of Constantinople back to the city of their See of which they had presided as Archbishops and Patriarchs.

The scene was reminiscent of the Res-urrection services as hundreds of faithful holding lit candles, filled the patriarchal compound in the Phanar and awaited the arrival of His All Holiness and the holy relics. Hymns of doxology were chanted, bells tolled joyfully and His All Holiness with the holy relics led the procession through the courtyard to the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George, encircled the altar three times and then placed the holy relics on his throne in honor of the two great fathers of the church who have preceded him in the throne of the Church of Con-stantinople.

“When we approach and venerate the holy relics with piety we become partici-pants in divine grace and in the gifts of the holy spirit,” said in his message the Ecumenical Patriarch, which was read in English by Fr. Alexander Karloutsos.

The doxology service and the fes-tivities of the following few days were at-tended by an official delegation from the Vatican that traveled with the Ecumenical Patriarch from Rome, was headed by Walter Cardinal Kasper, the chairman of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and included Bishop Brian Farrell, the council secretary, council member Fr. Johan Bonny and the Nuncio of the Ro-man Catholic Church in Constantinople, Archbishop Edmond Farhat.

Feast of St. AndrewThe patronal feast of the Ecumenical

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Ecumenical Patriarchate Celebrates St. Andrew, Return of Relics

Patriarchate, Nov. 30, the feast of St. An-drew, the First-Called Apostle and founder of the Church of Constantinople, became more illustrious than ever before in the joyous and historical occasion of the res-toration of the holy relics of the Church’s two great fathers.

Early in the morning, His All Holiness and other hierarchs in full vestments de-scended in procession to the Sacred Patri-archal Cathedral carrying the relics of the two saints that had been kept in the Patri-archal Chapel of St. Andrew and placed them in the center of the Church.

Feelings of jubilation and deep grati-tude to God were apparent in the faces of the hundreds of faithful in attendance in this pan-orthodox liturgy concelebrated with reverence by many hierarchs repre-senting all the Orthodox Autonomous and Autocephalous Churches.

“The longing for unity is strongly manifest,” said His All Holiness Ecumeni-cal Patriarch Bartholomew at the conclu-sion of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy addressing the official delegation of the Church of Rome led by Walter Cardinal Kasper. Also in attendance were many other representatives of other Christian

Churches in Constantinople. A large contingent of 80 pilgrims from

the United States, under the leadership of Archbishop Demetrios of America, all members of the pilgrimage to the Mother Church organized by the Archons of the Order of St. Andrew were among the hundreds of faithful who filled the old historical Cathedral of St. George. (see related story)

In the unity of faithIn his address to the congregation

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spoke extensively about the unity of the faith and the unity of the Churches as “…the goal toward which we must look perseveringly and unwaveringly ‘til we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God’ (Eph. 4,13). The vision of the single Christian fold and the single shepherd, i.e. of our Lord Jesus Christ him-self rather than any mere human being, must not for a single moment be absent from our minds,” he said.

As His All Holiness further elaborated on the Lord’s Intercessory prayer “that they may be one as we are” (John 17,11) said that it implies “a unity whose nature is like that of the unity of the three persons of the Holy Trinity.”

Concluding his address the Ecumeni-cal Patriarch expressed the hope that “this doubly illustrious day will mark a new pe-riod of more concerted progress toward the unity, that is so much desired by all, of all the Christian Churches and of all people in Christ.”

HIS ALL HOLINESS venerates the holy relics of the two Church Fathers. D. PANAGOS

THE RETURN: The holy relics arrive back home as the procession enters the Patriarchal compound.ORTHODOX OBSERVER

HUNDREDS gathered in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George prayerfully awaiting the arrival of the Holy Relics.ORTHODOX OBSERVER

The ORTHODOX OBSERVERwill publish further coverage of the

“Archons Pilgrimage 2004” to the Ecu-menical Patriarchate, Halki, Ankara,

Smyrna and Ephesus in the next issue, as well as an informative interview

with the Order’s commanderDr. Anthony Limberakis.

DECEMBER 20044 DECEMBER 2004 5

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take this occasion to wish you,your family and friendsall the blessings of Christ’s Holy Nativity.

May the joy that flooded the earthon the day of His birth overflow in our hearts,in our homes, and in our communitiesduring this holy season and every day of the year.

To the one God,in whom we live and move and have our being,be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

A Blessed Christmasand a Happy New Year to All,

Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100Endowment Fund Incorporated

in different places on earth. All around us one can see disorder and confusion, mur-ders and devastation; the vision of peace seems to be unwelcome and oppressed. Uncertainty, anxiety, depression, lack of meaning, inexplicability of what is taking place, frequent indifference and many a times even hate have established them-selves within the soul of most people.

Millions of our fellow human beings find themselves struggling, both morally and physically, and are trapped beneath this natural, social and spiritual wreck-age; many of them, unable to cope with this situation, are stricken with various psychological and physical injuries. Many seek out the guilty and engage in vindictive acts against those whom in their opinion are responsible for their troubles. Others, unable to approach those responsible, manifest their dissatisfaction through acts of terrorism directed against the innocent. Some even exploit this desta-bilization and attempt to profit from it at the expense of their fellow human beings. And others, having entrenched themselves behind their wealth, or their power, live within a particular secluded world, neither feeling the pain of others, nor willing to ease their pain.

All of these people have not learnt of the salvation through the newborn Christ. In many cases, out of despair and certainty that there cannot be any redemption from the dominion of evil, they do not even seek out salvation. They strive by way of their own worldly powers for the solu-tion of their problems and many times resort to the powers of evil itself, which when invoked, increase both confusion and pain.

We, beloved children in the Lord, believe and know well that salvation is to be found nowhere else, but in Christ, and that there is no other name by which we may be saved other than the name of Jesus

patriarchal proclamationupon the feast of the nativity

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Christ. Our certainty is not shaken by the fact that the Saviour of the world appeared on Earth as a humble man, a weak infant, a lamb carrying the sin of the world, and accepting the cross and death. We are not alarmed by the fact that most of the people do not accept the message of love and humility, which, as He taught us, we must accept in order to be saved.

Having in mind the example of our Saviour, we recognise the saving power of humility and of love that are voluntarily crucified – these two supernatural attri-butes of the Divinity, which fallen human-ity imitates with difficulty. With much love and humility, we repeat to all, the saving message of Christ, proclaimed not only by words, but also through actual applica-

tion and sacrifice onto death, conquered by the Resurrection. For the sacrifice out of love is sealed by the death of Christ, but the transformation of the world is not brought to an end by the death of the one who loves, but by the surpassing of his death through the Resurrection. And this is the content of salvation about which we are speaking. Death will never have dominion over us because Jesus Christ, Who is newly born, has trampled it and abrogated its power.

A Saviour has been born to us this day! He did not come in power as humanly appraised, but in the power of virtue ra-diating His supreme power, the power of humility of the One Who is majestic and almighty, the Incomparable power of love

sacrificed selflessly and without ulterior motives. We do not have delusions and false hopes that the world in its entirety will soon accept these truths. We know, however and we proclaim that if it does not accept them, and does not put them into practice, it will continue to live in the torment of mutual destruction, of moral derailment, of the absence of meaning to life, of falsehood and of pain.

For this reason and with much love and great humility, we appeal first to the faithful to invite Christ to be born in our hearts, not as a simple emotional sensation of worldly euphoria of a short lived and fleeting duration, but as a radical change of our psyche, as a rebirth in Christ, such a change that the divine attributes of love and humility may constitute the fundamental elements of our existence. Further, with such ardent love and humil-ity, we invite all our fellow human beings, whether they know Christ or not, to draw near to Jesus Christ Who was incarnate, as a guileless lamb for their salvation, in order to receive from Him peace in their hearts, knowledge of the purpose of life, negation of pain, eternity and joy of life with Him, which is inalienable and sur-passes everything imaginable.

May Christ, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, who gave her own flesh to the Saviour Christ, and of our Holy predecessors Sts. John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, whose sa-cred relics have recently been returned to our Church, as well as of all the Saints, be born in the manger of all our hearts and reside there permanently so that we may live with Him the joy of His presence, His indescribable love and His extraordinary humility. Amen.

At the Phanar,Christmas 2004

Your fervent supplicant before God,

BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople


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NEW YORK – The collective effort initiated last month by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in re-sponse to the recognition of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia by the U.S. Government continues on many levels through a number of activities by groups and individuals within the Greek Orthodox Community.

Last month, the Holy Eparchial Synod initiated a petition to Secretary of State Co-lin L. Powell, which has been made avail-able through our parishes. The response is considered significant as the Archdiocese has received and is still receiving many thousands of signatures, which after they are tallied will be forwarded to the State Department.

President George W. Bush personally responded to the letter Archbishop Deme-trios had addressed to him immediately af-ter the recognition of FYROM by the United States. In his letter President Bush reaffirms that “the United States will continue to support the United Nations’ effort to find a solution to the Macedonia name issue…” Both letters are printed below:

ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT

November 4, 2004President George W. BushThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:On behalf of the Greek American

Community and the Orthodox Christians in America, please accept my sincere congratulations on your re-election as President of the United States of America. I wish you success and blessings from God in your second term, and I will continue to pray and do what I can to support your efforts for the benefit of our country and the entire human community.

I wish, dear Mr. President, that my letter would consist only of the above congratulatory message.

However, due to today’s decision by the United States Government to rec-ognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) by the name of “Republic of Macedonia”, I painfully feel obligated to share with you my thoughts on this issue.

The decision by the United States Government to use the name “Republic of Macedonia” for F.Y.R.O.M. was unex-pected, and based on the facts, seems to be unwise and unjust, especially since there is an ongoing process on an international level in order to find a name acceptable to both F.Y.R.O.M. and Greece. Why the haste and the arbitrary action on the part of the United States to recognize a name that clearly violates basic rights of Greece?

Why should this kind of action, which touches on very sensitive issues, take place at a time when there is an urgent need for elimination of all possible causes for fric-tions and conflicts between nations?

And, why a recognition of the title “Republic of Macedonia” for F.Y.R.O.M. when this action clearly shows an appall-ing lack of knowledge of history?

Is it not a historic fact that Macedo-nia has been an organic, inseparable and universally accepted part of the Hellenic nation for more than 2500 years?

Is it not a fact that present day Mace-donia includes a very vital section of con-temporary Greece, covering the major area of its northern part?

How then is it possible to assign the

name “Macedonia” as a name for a state to something that is geographically and historically not covering the real Macedo-nia? The real Macedonia has been a purely Greek entity in its origin and history, and any action giving the name “Republic of Macedonia” to an entity outside of Greece shows a distorted view of the real facts.

With all due respect and consider-ation for the facts, I kindly ask you to reconsider the decision of the United States Government to refer to F.Y.R.O.M. as “Macedonia”. There is nothing to be gained from such an action and a great deal to lose.

Mr. President, please support the effort of the United Nations to find a name for F.Y.R.O.M. that is acceptable to the people of F.Y.R.O.M. and the people of Greece. Only through such a process will peace and progress be made on this issue.

Relying on your fair judgment on the issue and thanking you for your expected and decisive involvement in resolving the created serious problem, I remain

Prayerfully and sincerely yours,† DEMETRIOSArchbishop of America

PRESIDENT BUSH’S LETTER TO ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS

THE WHITE HOUSEWASHINGTON

November 29, 2004

His Eminence Archbishop DemetriosGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Your Eminence:Your November 4 letter expresses

concern about our decision to recognize Macedonia by its constitutional name. The United States made this decision in order to enhance stability in the Balkans, and it should in no way be perceived as directed against Greece. For several years, we had consulted with our partners in Athens to try to advance a settlement on the Mace-donia name issue at the United Nations. In the absence of a settlement, and with the rapid approach of a potentially de-stabilizing referendum on November 7, the United States had to act quickly and decisively.

Our decision was aimed exclusively at bolstering stability in Macedonia as its citizens made a crucial choice about the future of their country. Our underlying goal was to help avert a resurgence of inter-ethnic conflict with potentially tragic repercussions throughout the Balkans. I am confident that Hellenes in the United States and around the world share this goal.

The situation in Macedonia requires continued care. We seek to work in part-nership with Greece, our close friend and NATO Ally, to strengthen stability in Macedonia and throughout the region. The United States will continue to support the United Nations’ effort to find a solu-tion to the Macedonia name issue, and will endorse any solution that emerges from these negotiations. We hope the parties will reach such an agreement as quickly as possible. This will allow the United States and Greece to focus their partnership on our other shared objectives in the Balkans and beyond.

Thank you for your warm congratula-tory message. Laura and I appreciate your prayers. I look forward to seeing you again in March to commemorate Greek Inde-pendence Day.

Sincerely,George W. Bush

President Bush Responds to Archbishop’s Letter on Macedonia

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CONSTANTINOPLE – His Beatitude, the new Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II, arrived here on Saturday Dec. 4 for his the first official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

His Beatitude officiated in a Doxology that took place in the most venerable Pa-triarchal Cathedral of St. George and was then officially welcomed with much joy by His All Holiness at the Hall of the Throne, where the two Primates exchanged greet-ings. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his certainty that the coopera-tion of good will between the two apos-tolic Churches will not simply continue but it will grow greater.

In the evening, an official welcome dinner was given in the Patriarchate in

Patriarch of Alexandria Theodoros II Visits Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople

honor of the official visit of His Beatitude and the Greek Community in Constanti-nople, on the occasion of the Feast Day of the Throne of the Mother Church.

On Sunday, Dec. 5 and according to ecclesiastical order His All Holiness concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Theodoros and other hierarchs of the two patriarchates.

During his 5-day visit to the Ecumeni-cal Patriarchate the new Patriarch of Al-exandria was accompanied by Metropoli-tans Petros of Aksum, Jonah of Kampala, Sergios of the cape of Good Hope and Nicholas of Ermoupolis, Archimandrite Gennadios Stantzios Chief Secretary of the Synod, Mr. Spyridon Kamalakis, Archon of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and by Mr. Charalambos Katsimbris, President of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria.

D. PANAGOS


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New Archdiocesan Council,Philoptochos Board Meet in ChicagoCHICAGO – Archbish-

op Demetrios installed the newly appointed Archdioc-esan Council and National Philoptochos Board at their fall meetings Dec. 10-11 at the Marriott. According to the recently revised Regu-lations of the Archdiocese, the Council has been ex-panded to 129 members, to include more active lay and clergy representation from across the country.

In his Archpastoral message to a joint session of the Arch-diocesan Council and National Philop-tochos Board, Archbishop Demetrios reported on the activities of the Church, including the success of the 37th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress which took place in New York City in July 2004 and the tre-mendous work being completed by the Center for Family Care in promoting the Year of the Family from 2005-06.

Archbishop Demetrios spoke of the recent historic ceremony of the Return of the Relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian at the Vatican and the meeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope John Paul II, and the ensuing welcoming ceremony of the relics to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.

His Eminence then nominated the officers of the Archdiocesan Council and announced the new members of the Ex-ecutive Committee. The newly appointed officers of the Council are: Michael Jaha-ris; vice chairman; Nicholas Bouras, trea-surer; and Catherine Bouffides-Walsh, secretary. The Executive Committee also includes George Behrakis, Dr. John Collis, Elenie Huszagh, John Pappajohn,

John A. Payiavlas, and Anthony Stefanis.The Friday session of the Archdioc-

esan Council was adjourned to allow the Council’s standing committees to meet for discussion on the progress and the future goals of the ministries and institu-tions of the Archdiocese.

The Council reconvened on Saturday morning for the reports of these com-mittees. Meeting in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Council, the National Philoptochos Board also held its first meeting of the newly appointed Board.

Officers were also appointed as follows: Georgia Skeadas, national president; Maria Logus, Esq., first vice president; Arlene Siavelis, second vice president; Maria Stavropoulos, third vice president; Elaine Cladis, secretary; Aphrodite Skeadas, treasurer; and Pau-line O’Neal, assistant treasurer. In clos-ing, Archbishop Demetrios thanked the Council members for their attendance and for the detailed work of the various committees.

He noted the high attendance during both days of the meetings and the high interest and activity of the committees and reports.

NEW YORK – Applications are now available for scholarships to be awarded from the George and Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship Fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Gioles Scholarship Fund was es-tablished in 1997 with a generous gift in memory of George and Naouma Gioles.

At least three scholarships of $1,500.00 each will be awarded for the 2005-06 academic year.

Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria:

• Candidates must be of the Greek Orthodox faith (with preference to those of Greek descent) and must be high school seniors at time of application or full-time matriculated students commit-ted to serious study in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university.

Candidates must also be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

• Candidates must plan to attend or plan on continuing their studies at the college or university of their choice in the next academic year.

• Candidates must provide required evidence to the Scholarship Committee of scholastic standing, including transcript records with a grade level of at least a B, 85 percent or 3.0 average.

Applications Available for 2005-06 Gioles Scholarships• Candidates who are high school

seniors must have achieved and must provide proof of a combined SAT mini-mum score of 1,000. If the SAT is not administered, another measure used by the academic community should be substituted.

• Candidates must submit an ap-plication to the Scholarship Committee and be available for an interview at the Committee’s discretion.

• Candidates must provide evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to candidates who are orphans and to those who are undertaking studies in the sciences, business and the arts, with one scholarship reserved for a candidate who has chosen to study journalism.

Applications may be requested from the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese by calling (212) 774-0513 or by written request ([email protected]). Requests and completed applications should be sent to the Gioles Scholarship Fund – c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of the Chancellor – 8 East 79th Street – New York, NY 10021. deadline for applications is April 15.

Criteria and forms will available on-line after Jan. 1 at: http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/giolesscholarship.pdf

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AT ST. BASIL’S...“Santa” Also Comes from Southwestern Ohio

GARRISON, N.Y. – At St. Basil Acad-emy’s Christmas celebration, the expres-sion “going the extra mile” took on special meaning.

For the past three years, a group of parishioners from Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Middletown, Ohio, have been traveling nearly 700 miles to the Academy bearing gifts, lots of them.

Fr. Constantine Sitaras, executive director of the Academy, said that, while many parishes bring gifts for the Christmas celebration, the Middletown parishioners are the only ones who travel overnight.

Mary Raab, Valentina Looteng, Anna Dailey and Jennifer, Les and Niki Hock rode 14 hours by van, and brought a U-Haul truck loaded with gifts.

They consisted of three presents for each child at St. Basil’s, along with useful items for the Academy, including dishwashers, power tools, picnic tables, vacuum cleaners and sleeping bags, to name a few. These gifts and items are do-nated by most of the 120 members of this parish located midway between Cincinnati and Dayton, pastored by Fr. Christos B.

Christakis is the priest.Jennifer Hock said the idea was

inspired by a trip to the Academy a few years back when she brought her brother, Jacob Christ of Tulsa, Okla., for an Ortho-dox Christian Mission Center trip. Their dad is Fr. William Christ of Holy Trinity Church in Tulsa.

The Ohio parish keeps St. Basil Acad-emy close to their thoughts by displaying a “St. Basil Tree” at Christmas with ornaments inscribed with the name of each child.

After experiencing the Christmas program and the atmosphere of the Academy, Valentina Looteng remarked, “This is phenomenal. It’s amazing how happy the kids are.”

Following the distribution of gifts to the children, the Ohioans had their picture taken with Archbishop Demetrios, then it was off to the van to hit the road by 2 p.m. for the 14-hour return trip to Middletown.They expected to arrive home by 4 a.m. Sunday.

Church is at 10 and they had their own Christmas program to look forward to. – J.G.

D. PANAGOS

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. – The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community presented a memorable Christmas performance entitled “In the Manger of Bethlehem,” Dec. 18, with the participation of the parish’s Jr. Choir. More than 250 people attended the performance held at the parish hall. Fr. George Stavropoulos welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios who praised the children and the parish as a whole, for a well-organized and executed event. The performance was directed and coordinated by presvytera Angeliki Stavropoulos assisted by Mrs. Chrysoula Karkoulas. Following the children’s presentation the parish’s Traditional Music Ensemble per-formed a program of Christmas and New Year’s traditional carols from various areas of Greece including some dating back to the time of Byzantium.

In the Manger of Bethlehem

D. PANAGOS

MIDDLETOWN CHURCH parishioners with Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. Constantine Sitaras, executive director.


The Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir presented a Christmas Repertoire of hymns, carols and classical pieces in a concert held Dec. 17 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Manhattan.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America who attended the Christmas concert expressed his gratitude for the performance and congratulated the 44 children who comprised the ensemble, the choir director Maria Kolevas and the musicians Areti Giovanou, Demetrios Kehagias, Jonathon Engle and Mario Monaco.

The Archbishop had special praise for the chairman, Panicos Papanicolaou and the members who comprise the com-mittee responsible for the Archdiocesan Youth Choir.

This Choir started in early 2001 when during the Three Hierarchs Day of Greek Letters celebrations His Eminence expressed the desire for the establish-ment of a children’s choir. The choir, which consists of students of the day and afternoon schools of the New York area, is now in its 4th year and is a celebrated accomplishment of our people that has successfully performed in many significant events and venues in the New York Met-ropolitan area.

Also present in the well-attended concert were His Grace Bishop Filotheos of Meloa, the Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.N. Mr. Andreas Mavrogiannis, the Consul General of Cyprus in New York Martha Mavromatis, the education coun-selor of the Consulate General of Greece in New York Nikos Nikolidakis, maritime vice-consul of Greece Capt. Michael Sarlis and many faithful, parishioners, parents,

GARRISON, N.Y. – An audience of nearly 200 enjoyed a highly entertaining Christmas program at St. Basil Academy Dec. 18 consisting of scriptural readings set to music, performances of original ma-terial and traditional holiday songs.

Archbishop Demetrios liked it so much he remarked after the program he would call the Julliard School of Music and tell them “You’ve got competition in St. Basil Academy.” He said the program also had “technological perfection” in the quality of the music and sound.

St. Basil Academy Presents Annual Christmas Program

A Christmas Concert: Children, Music, Love

teachers and archdiocesan school of-ficials.

At the conclusion His Eminence pre-sented each one of the students in the choir with a silver cross as a blessing and a memory of the event. A reception of love

was hosted at the adjacent Cathedral cen-ter during which the Consulate General of Cyprus, the Cyprus Foundation of America and the Pan-Gregorian Charitable Founda-tion of New Jersey presented gifts to the Children of St. Basil Academy, the Greek

Division of Ronald McDonald House and the children of Childrens’ Blood Founda-tion.

Dr. George Melikokis presented the concert program.

– S.H.P.

statistic down the drain and pray for other people,” the Archbishop said. “Please make a point to enlarge the horizons of your soul and your mind and embrace the whole world.”

Following lunch in “The Main,” as the former mansion on the grounds is called, gifts were distributed to each child, includ-ing contributions from representatives of the National Philoptochos, the New Jer-sey Metropolis and Archdiocese District Philoptochos, and St. George Cathedral Philoptochos of Philadelphia.

Representatives of several individual Philoptochos chapters, AHEPA, and other organizations also took part in the pro-gram. One group came from as far as Ohio (see related story on previous page). The Archbishop also praised the efforts of Ex-ecutive Director Fr. Constantine Sitaras, Board President Dr. Steve Gounardes, trustees and Academy personnel for their work “to make this institution a real wit-ness of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.”

— J.G.

Students who either read or sang included Christina Loukakis, Anna Papa-dopoulos, Jasmine Montano, Effie Mitches and Melissa Niketas. Teresa Garcia, Joseph Al-Shanniek, Jasmine and Melissa present-ed Bible readings.

Christina, Jasmine, Melissa, Anna, Effie and Christian Franco performed an original number called “Christmas

Rap,” that he composed. The children sang Silent Night in English and Greek and Jingle Bells (Ti Hara) in Greek.

Commenting on the an-nual Christmas celebration at the Academy, Archbishop Demetrios said the holiday is especially for the children because it has a Child as its focus, in the form of the God-Man Jesus.

“This is your feast,” he said. “A Child is at the center of this feast.”

His Eminence also said that, as the children prepared to have lunch and open their presents after the program,

D. PANAGOS

they should “think of the millions of children in places like Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and South America who have no parents, no food, disease and a lack of educa-tion.” We should “thank God for what we have and ask God to be with them,” he said.

Citing an article about prayer habits in a recent issue of U.S. New & World Report, he said one statistic “made me feel really sick.” Only 1.3 percent of 5,600 persons polled prayed for persons outside their families or circle of friends.

“I want you to throw this

D. PANAGOS

ST. BASIL’S children are all smiles as they gather in front of the Christmas tree with Archbishop Demetrios and Philoptochos members, and receive gifts individually from His Eminence.


Undermining Christmas and ChristianityRemember when the Christmas

season in American public schools was treated as a very joyful and holy time of the year?

Traditional Christmas concerts where choruses of happy children would sing such classic carols as “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” and “The Little Drum-mer Boy” took place in auditoriums filled with proud parents and friends.

Remember when the big three TV networks would air Christmas specials featuring a variety of stars and devoted part of the program to the season’s spiritual theme?

Remember when the words “Merry Christmas” were the usual response to friends and others we encountered during the holiday season?

Remember when Nativity scenes were commonplace, not only in people’s yards but also in public areas such as in front of City Hall or on the village square?

But for the past 40 years or more, this more spiritual aspect of American culture and way of life has become eroded to such an extent that we seem to have come almost full circle to the era of Nero’s Rome when Chris-tians practiced their faith at their own peril. Now, “holidays” of other faiths that occur at the same time have been elevated to equal status with Christmas. The songs you will most likely hear at school assemblies are probably “Deck the Halls,” “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” or “Frosty the Snowman.” The greeting you’ll most likely hear on the street, schools and stores is “Happy Holidays.”

This “de-Christianization” of Christmas is only part of the greater assault on Christianity in general taking place over a very long time.

Consider a few examples:• Many school districts and gov-

ernment buildings around the nation have forbidden Nativity scenes, though

Santas, elves, deer and menorahs may be displayed.

• Many schools now forbid rep-resentatives of Gideons International from entering the school to distribute free copies of the New Testament. Since 1899, The Gideons, an organization of Christian business and professional men has distributed Bibles in hotels, motels, prisons, hospitals and colleges.

• The Declaration of Indepen-dence and Constitution of the United States are now forbidden to be read in many schools because of their refer-ences to religion.

• In many documents, and espe-cially in school textbooks, references to years with A.D. (in the year of our Lord) and B.C. (before Christ), have been changed to B.C.E. (before the common era) and C.E. (common era) whatever that is.

• The situation is even worse in European nations, which more and more have rejected Christianity.

Thus, we have arrived at a stage in history where the Christian under-pinnings of Western society are being constantly diluted and undermined. Examples such as these have become all too common in this country and others.

Only through the Church, which for 2,000 years has stood as a beacon offering the Light of Christ and has handed down the Orthodox faith un-changed, can we find refuge from these outright attacks on our religion.

As we gather during this Advent season and watch the children in our own parish Christmas pageants portray-ing Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, an-gels and wise men, their presentation will serve to remind us that “Jesus is the reason for the Season,” and that “God gave His only begotten Son” not only for us who gather to worship Him, but also for those who seek to undermine His Church and our faith in Him.

Have a Blessedand Holy Christmas.

EDITORIAL

Not Ready for Prime Time EU MembershipAn incident that occurred a couple

of weeks ago involving the Archons-Or-der of St. Andrew, the U.S. Embassy in Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarch-ate sparked furor among Turkish of-ficials and has drawn attention to and underscored concerns about that Mus-lim country’s treatment of minorities and its ongoing problems with other religions.

On Dec. 2, the U.S. Embassy sent out invitations for a reception of the Archons hosted by Ambassador Eric Edelman that referred to Patriarch Bar-tholomew as “ecumenical patriarch” - a term long accepted by the United States and Europe - Turkish officials were furi-ous and ordered their representatives not to attend the reception.

Turkey has long refused to accept any international role for the patri-arch and rejects his use of the title “ecumenical.” It argues the patriarch is merely spiritual leader of Istanbul’s dwindling Orthodox community of less than 3,000.

However, the term “ecumenical” was first applied to the Patriarchate in the year 595 AD, nearly 900 years BE-FORE the Turks came on the scene and specifically applied to his universality.

The status of the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Ecu-menical Patriarch Bartholomew, is that of a Turkish citizen and ethnic Greek. But he is considered “first among equals” of the world’s Orthodox patriarchs and nearly 300 million adherents and di-rectly controls several Greek Orthodox Churches around the world.

Turkey stubbornly clings to the past at a time when most nations of the world have moved forward into the 21st century. The Turks are press-ing for membership in the European Union, but incidents such as these only highlight the fact that it is nowhere near ready to ascend to that status.

Along with this, the Turks are still playing games with respect to the re-opening of the Halki theological school with its on again, off again attitude.

A few months ago, the Turks were giving hints that they may allow the school to reopen, but recently they have been expressing fears about their national security and have declined to follow through on their earlier state-ments.

The crisis involving the Patriarchate concerns us greatly and we’ll discuss these concerns further.

Archpastoral Reflections

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America

Living in HolinessDecember 25, the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord,

is one of the holiest days of the year. On this day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Holy One of God. In our hymns we acknowledge the sanctity of this great event, a moment in time and history when heaven and earth were united, when light shone in the darkness, when the pre-eternal God became a newborn child.

Christ entered fully into our humanity, so that through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, our lives could be restored to holiness. Through faith in Him we could know and experience a level of living

and being that reveals an inner communion with God and His transforming presence that sanctifies our minds, hearts and bodies.

God created us to be holy as He is holy. He calls us to live holy lives; and the life of holiness has always been a part of His divine plan for our salvation. In His covenant with the Israelites, He called them out from the nations of the world to be a holy witness of the truth “For I am the Lord your God, sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). Through following the divine commandments, they would reveal to the world the goodness, righteous-ness, holiness, and love of the one, true God.

The significance of holiness in our relationship with God was also affirmed in the incarnation of our Lord. Prior to His birth, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied concerning the coming of Christ, “God has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered His holy covenant … that we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives” (Luke 1:72-73).

In the person of Jesus Christ the holiness of God dispelled the darkness of deceptions and falsehoods with the light of truth that offered hope and peace. In the midst of spiritual blindness and ignorance, our Lord brought the knowledge of salvation to all humankind. By sharing in our humanity He has shown us that through grace and faith we can be the holy people God created us to be.

It is this witness of holiness that is so needed in our world today. People are becoming more and more disconnected with the truth of God. Many are conforming their lives and aspirations to desires that are rooted in ignorance of who Christ is, what He has done for us, and what we can become through Him. They cannot hear the call to live holy lives in the midst of so many distortions of truth, misconceptions, vain ideas, and meaningless entertainments. They need to be shown the way to life and salvation They need to find truth and the knowl-edge of the grace of God that will transform their lives and fill their hearts and minds with peace.

As Orthodox Christians and people of genuine faith, you are called by God to offer a witness of holiness. You are exhorted to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” to not be conformed to the world, “but to be transformed by the renewing of your minds,” so that you may know the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). As the presence of Christ transforms your lives, you will be living in holiness; and your hearts and minds will be filled with the truth. Further, the sanctity of your life, words, actions, wor-ship, and faith will guide others into holiness, truth and eternal life.

As you celebrate the Holy Nativity of our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, may you also contemplate the holiness of His glorious incarnation and its signifi-cance for your lives. The sanctity of His birth led the angels to rejoice, amazed the shepherds and the people of Bethlehem, and guided the wise men from distant lands to worship Him. You do not know how many people will find Christ and will know truth and the way to salvation through the holiness of your life. On this great feast of the Church and on each and every day of your life may you offer yourselves in the service of our Holy God, and may you commit your-selves to living in holiness.

May you have a blessed Feast of the Nativity and a joyous and healthy New Year.

u Priests Neededt

Editor,It is encouraging that there are more

ordinations to the priesthood and more seminarians entering our Holy Cross School of Theology.

However, we still have a severe short-age of Greek Orthodox priests. This is something we cannot control. There has to be a calling.

Seminarian education is expensive and demanding.

The life of a priest is not easy. You

have to have strong faith. Being a priest has many rewards, but also some challenges like counseling people in crises and dif-ficult periods in their lives.

What can be more rewarding than officiating at the Divine Liturgy? We are living in a very secular and materialistic culture and this may be the reason for the shortage of priests. Let us hope that more Greek and other Orthodox men have a calling to the priesthood.

William S. AndrewsChicago


Archiepiscopal EncyclicalArchbishop Reflects on Jesus’ Birth, Year of the Family

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

With paternal love in Christ,

December 25, 2004The Nativity of Christ

For to you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

(Luke 2:11-12)

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sister-hoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America,

My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,I greet you on the joyous occa-

sion of the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, an event of cosmic proportions that marked the very entry of salvation into our world. The significance of this event rests in the awesome truth that our God, in His perfect love for us, chose to enter our world not as an adult clothed with earthly author-ity, but as a babe wrapped in swad-dling clothes and lying in a manger. It is truly incredible to contemplate such a tender and humble image in view of the incomprehensible might and majesty of God.

This act of Divine condescen-sion suggests the bestowal of a tre-mendous dignity upon humankind. This dignity reveals itself most di-rectly in the awesome duty of care that God placed upon the most Holy Theotokos and Virgin Mary and upon Joseph in caring for His only-begotten Son, the newborn Messiah. We must remember that Jesus, in his human infancy, was dependent upon Mary and Joseph for the basic necessities of food, shelter, and clothing. Here, we behold but a glimpse of the limitless nature of God’s love for humanity. By becoming a human being from the moment of infancy, God revealed His desire to partake in the entirety of the human experience, beginning with a humble birth and proceeding even unto death on a Cross, so that we in turn might enjoy an everlasting life with Him.

Viewed from this perspective, God’s entry into our world as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger was an indicative sign with wider implica-tions: In an age where many looked toward emperors and kings for their security, God deigned to herald the salvation of humanity with the birth, under humbling conditions, of an infant. This was no accident; rather, it was an act with a declaratory significance. Beyond the importance of these humbling conditions, the appearance of God in the world as a babe, as a child, strongly affirmed the centrality of the child in God’s plan for the salvation of the human race. This affirmation is fundamentally important in our modern age, particularly in view of social conditions within our world that compromise the supreme value of children and their inalienable right to be nurtured within the security of a family and to live in dignity as God intended.

Brothers and Sisters,This year it is fitting that we place special emphasis upon the vital role and care

of children and their families during our celebration of Christmas, for we will be in-augurating as an Archdiocese in 2005 the Year of the Family, a period of intensified ministry to families across America. Our principle aims for this year will be to enhance the spiritual lives of families, to grow in our appreciation of Greek Orthodox families in America as we minister to their particular needs, and to make available to families more and more resources that communicate the abiding presence of Christ and His Church. What beautiful and worthy aims for us to consider this year during this glori-ous Feast of the Nativity, which embodies the true essence and potential of family like no other holiday!

Therefore, as we celebrate this blessed occasion, let us do so as loving and car-ing families. Let us come together in prayer and worship of the Almighty God, Who entered our world as an infant for our salvation. As we gather in fellowship with one another this holiday season, let us particularly reflect upon the fact of the Incarnate God lying in a manger as a babe, thus establishing forever the paramount importance of children as precious members of our families.

I offer to you my fervent wishes that the joy of this Christmas season fills your hearts, your homes, your families, and your parishes and that the very same joy may accompany you throughout the dawning New Year. The Prince of Peace has come as a child; and He has promised to be with us all the days, to the end of time, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).

DECEMBER 200412 DECEMBER 2004 13IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME

AGAIN. We give pricey gifts to our friends and family. We give to the less fortunate, the poor, the homeless. And once this spe-cial season is over, we return to our usual lives. That is, we go about our lives and consider the other eleven months of the year as that “unspecial” and “routine” time of year.

“Merry Christmas,Charlie Brown!”

by Lia Lewis

During this special time, we seem to be happier and friendlier to our neigh-bors. There are myriads of television Christmas specials showing the positive side of humanity. It’s just unfortunate that we behave like Ebenezer Scrooge the rest of the year and not like Jesus Christ.

Christmas is the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s Promise to His children: eternal life. Christmas is only a step in our jour-ney towards the Resurrection. The point of Christmas is to embrace this Promise all year and not just in December.

A Promise is an act by a person to ful-fill a bargain of sorts or a task. The Prom-iser (in this case God) follows through for the Promisee (in this case, us).

It is very difficult for us, if not impos-sible, to have a relationship that is intimate and binding with an idea or a concept no matter how matter how noble it might be. God understood this when He revealed Himself to us as a person, and allowed us to see Him in the person of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. By sending Him to earth in the form of mankind, our heavenly Fa-ther fully revealed Himself to us. Jesus is, as St. Paul wrote, God “in human form.” (I Tim. 3:16).

Let Us Rejoice At Christmas

by Fr. Andrew Demotses

Jesus Christ made this point clear when He said to Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (Jn. 14:9). This is exactly what the good news of Christmas is--that God has shown us what He is like in the person of His Son, and has invited us to establish a personal relationship with Him. The tiny infant that Mary cradled in a Bethlehem manger was the “visible like-ness” of our invisible God. (Col. 1:15).

As the day of Christmas approaches, let us be mindful of the words of the angel who told the shepherds, “This very day in David’s town your Savior was born--Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11). As we prepare to

celebrate this holy day, we must not forget who Christ is. Looking into the face of our Savior we can see and meet the holiness, the grace and the love of our eternal and heavenly Father.

But if this is to happen, we must abandon, if even for a short time, the mindless and consuming pursuit of our worldly goals and follow the example of the shepherds who “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger.” (Lk. 2:16). And having come and met the child, they realized that they were gazing at God who came to this earth for our sake. That is why “the shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20).

Let us, therefore, resolve to make this Christmas the day in which we come to meet God in the person of Jesus Christ, and prove to ourselves that Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Matt. 1:23). When the shepherds came, they discovered that “It had been just as the angels had told them.” (Lk. 2:20). We owe it to ourselves to do no less.

Fr. Demotses is pastor of St. Vasilios Church, Peabody, Mass.

The birth of Christ is a step along that path. We confuse Christ’s birthday with His sacrifice for us. His birth is the begin-ning of the fulfillment of God’s Promise to His children (For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not per-ish but may have eternal life John 3:16).

During Christ’s birthday season, we pray for peace. However, “peace and good will toward all” becomes a happy memory on Jan. 2, the official end of the Christmas season.

We forget that peace and good will toward all should be practiced all of the time. We talk about the magic of the sea-son as if we could wave a wand or say a magic spell and conjure up that peace. We give until our wallets bleed and bandage them on Jan. 2 and think we’ve done our Christian duty.

When in fact, we should give of our time, energy and talents that God has giv-en all of us until our neighbors are really free from pain and at peace. Instead, we get caught up in the commercialism at the local department store and fret over which toy to buy for our children rather than tending to the needs of our neighbor.

An apt microcosm of our world at Christmas is the animated tale, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown is the lovable loser. He’s the kid some of us were in grade school. In the cartoon, he is given the task of organizing the Christmas pag-eant for the group. Also, he’s in charge of finding and buying the biggest, “bestest” Christmas tree for the pageant.

Charlie Brown finds a lonely and piti-ful little tree for their event. During their rehearsal for the Christmas pageant, the Peanuts gang gets caught up in the hustle and bustle of commercialism of Christmas and forgets the true meaning of God’s Promise. When they see what kind of tree Charlie Brown has bought, they laugh and humiliate him. Charlie Brown walks away with his pitiful tree in disgrace.

At this point, Linus takes the Peanuts gang to task by quoting to them Luke 2:8-14 (“In that region there were shep-herds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them...saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he fa-vors!’”). The Peanuts gang in their humil-ity hears Linus and they seek out Charlie Brown and show him their peace and good will. (They help make the sad little tree a beautiful tree through their love of their friend).

If only we could be like the Peanuts gang and love each other with the same passion that his friends showed Charlie Brown when they decorated the little tree. More importantly, if only we could be as forgiving as Charlie Brown is towards his friends.

It’s Christmas time again. It is the fulfillment of God’s Promise that He gave to us. God’s Promise is realized at the Crucifixion and then at the Resurrection. Let’s live that all of the time and not just in December.

Lia Lewis is a 2001 graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology and a former employee of the Department of Religious Education.

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By the time you read this, you prob-ably will have braved the shopping malls and found gifts for your loved ones; some-thing beautiful, memorable, something practical and, if possible, not pricey.

One Present to Consider for Your Christmas Shopping

by Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos

You went to great trouble to find just the right gift for the right person. But there’s a gift that we can give to everyone we love. It is the most beautiful present, because nothing can compare to it.

It is the most memorable, because when all other gifts are lost or broken, this will last to eternity. It is the most prac-tical, because we can live without many gifts you find in the malls, but there is no way we can Live without this one. And, for all of you dads out there, it does not cost anything! The most precious treasure is for free!You might be asking yourself “what is the catch?” There is no catch… We are talk-ing about the best gift, that never breaks, that is marvelous, and it will not cost you anything. It is the gift of salvation.

This gift costs you nothing, but if you do not receive it, the cost is great.

This Christmas, give this gift first, be-

fore you open all the other presents. Talk to your loved ones about the miracle of divine Incarnation. Explain to them why Christ came into the world. If you need help doing that, come to Bible study.

Tell your family and friends that Christ is the Messiah, the Savior. Make your life a testimony of faith and virtue. Teach them to love one another and to forgive everyone. If that sounds difficult, tell them about confession. Show them how beautiful the Christian way of life is.

If you cannot do it on your own, bring them to Church. Offer them the Grace of Christ in their lives. If you are not a priest, remind them about receiving Holy Communion frequently and having a spiritual father. Here it is: your gift is ready, wrapped and decorated, and there should be a long line of smart people waiting to receive it. Two thousand and four years after it was offered to humanity, the gift of salvation still has not gone out of fashion. It is the best present we can ever give to the people who mean to us the most.

Fr. Fakinos is pastor of St. Demetrios Church in Merrick, N.Y., and the religious education coordinator for the Archdiocese District.

Let Light Shine Out Of Darkness

It is human nature to associate evil with darkness. Different cultures, religions and generations have done so. Parents often expect their teenagers to be home before it gets too late, and for good rea-son. According to the FBI, 85 percent of murders and rapes in this country occur after midnight.

people feel better? Why do so many people desire a white Christmas? Is it because snow reflects light and makes nighttime seem brighter?

For Orthodox Christians the Feast of Epiphany is often referred to as the festival of lights, and Epiphany was historically celebrated before there was a Christmas feast. While it is generally agreed to by Bible scholars and historians that Jesus Christ was probably born in the early spring, the fourth century Christian church established the Feast of the Nativity of Christ during the Winter Solstice. This was done to show the star worshipers (many of who were Christians) that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and the Sun of Righteousness. The desire for light during darkness would be quenched by the birth of Jesus Christ, not by artificial light and sinful behavior.

On the Sunday after Epiphany in the Orthodox Church, the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:16 quotes the prophet Isaiah as follows: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” The great light that shines is Jesus Christ, and with His birth, baptism and ministry the people anticipate the Good News of His Resurrection.

In the Gospel of the Pascha Resur-rection Liturgy, John writes in 1:4 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Whether it is the actions of evildoers or simply the rotation of the earth around the sun, darkness will not overcome the blessings and the life that is granted from the Light of the World.

After Christmas, the days will get longer again until June 22. People will start to feel better and have more hope. If that hope is steeped in God, darkness will never prevail. Through Jesus Christ, God has overcome the world and has con-quered darkness. As we celebrate these holy days, let us embrace the love of God and let us walk in the Light.

by Fr. Angelo Artemas

Most alcohol related auto accidents occur after midnight. High school and col-lege students who drink and get drunk usually do so at night. Late night partying is a staple of popular culture. Bad things happen at night, and this is not unique to our time.

More people seem depressed or at-tempt suicide as the Christmas holiday draws near. Yet it is not the holidays that depress people. There are holidays in April, May, July and September also.

The difference with Christmas is that it occurs during the time of the year when there is the greatest darkness. It is the lack of light that depresses people, not the holidays. The Winter Solstice (December 22) is the day with the shortest amount of sunlight. Decreasing sunlight affects the physical body as well as the emotions and psyche.

Almost every religion and culture known to mankind has had some kind of Winter Solstice holiday. Most of these holidays have something to do with cel-ebrating light. There is a universal human desire for light during darkness, and this is not only manifested by night-lights in babies’ rooms.

Unfortunately, many of these winter celebrations and festivals of light were pagan celebrations centered on the wor-ship of stars. Much like certain Christmas parties today, pagan winter celebrations included drunkenness, debauchery, orgies and other reckless behaviors.

While experiencing light during dark-ness may be a universal human desire, not everyone seeks light in the same way.

Why do so many people love to see Christmas lights? Is it because light makes

DECEMBER 200414

ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2004 ΕΤΟΣ 69 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1212

ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ – Η 27η Νοεμβρίου 2004 θα αποτελεί εφ’ εξής σταθμό μιας νέας απαρχής στην ιστορία της Ρώμης και της Κωνσταντινούπολης αλλά και σημείο αναφοράς στην ιστο-ρία της Χριστιανοσύνης.

Tα λείψανα των Μεγάλων Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας επέστρεψαν στην ΠόληΠαντελεήμων Παπαδόπουλος. Ο Δρ. Αντώνιος Λυμπεράκης και ο κ. Τζον Χαλέκι αντιπροσώπευσαν τους εν Αμε-ρική άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Πατρι-αρχείου του τάγματος του Αγίου Ανδρέα οι οποίοι παράλληλα πραγματοποιού-σαν προσκυνηματική επίσκεψη στο Οικουμενικό μας Πατριαρχείο. Από την Αμερική παρευρέθηκαν ακόμη η πρεσ-βυτέρα Ξανθή Καρλούτσου και ο διά-κονος Κωνσταντίνος Λαζαράκης. Την Ελληνική Πολιτεία αντιπροσώπευσε ο υπουργός Δημοσίας Τάξεως της Ελλά-δος κ. Γεώργιος Βουλγαράκης καθώς και οι διπλωματικές αρχές της Ελλάδος στην Ρώμη και το Βατικανό.

Στο αεροσκάφος που μετέφερε τα ιερά λείψανα στο ταξίδι της επιστροφής επέβαιναν εκτός από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο, ο Αρχιεπί-σκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος, ο Αρχι-επίσκοπος Θυατείρων Γρηγόριος, ο Μητροπολίτης Μύρων Χρυσόστομος και ο Μητροπολίτης Αλεξανδρουπόλεως Άνθιμος. Η ιστορική πτήση αναχώρησε από την Ρώμη, διέσχισε την Αδριατική, πέταξε πάνω από την Μακεδονία και την Θράκη και προσγειώθηκε λίγο πριν την δύση του ηλίου στην Κωνσταντι-νούπολη, επιστρέφοντας τα οστά των δύο Αγίων μας στην Πόλη όπου οι δύο μεγάλοι Πατέρες έθεσαν ανεξίτηλη την σφραγίδα τους, ως Αρχιεπίσκοποι και Πατριάρχαι 16 αιώνες πριν.

Αναστάσιμες σκηνές γεμάτες αγαλ-λίαση και δέος ξετυλίχθηκαν στο Φα-νάρι καθώς εκατοντάδες πιστών κρατώ-ντας αναμμένα κεριά και βάγια περί-μεναν την άφιξη του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη και των ιερών λειψάνων. Οι καμπάνες κτύπησαν χαρμόσυνα και οι δοξαστικοί ύμνοι αντήχησαν στον προ-αύλιο χώρο του Πατριαρχικού Ναού του Αγίου Γεωργίου καθώς ο Πατριάρχης με τα ιερά λείψανα εν πομπή, εισήλθε στον ναό και μετά την περιφορά γύρω από το ιερό βήμα τα τοποθέτησε εν τιμή στον πατριαρχικό θρόνο τον οποίο ως Αρχι-επίσκοποι Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και προκάτοχοι του κατείχαν.

«Καθώς πλησιάζουμε με ευλάβεια και προσκυνούμε τα ιερά λείψανα μετέχουμε της Θείας χάριτος και των δωρεών του Αγίου Πνεύματος», τόνισε στο μήνυμά του προς το εκκλησίασμα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, το οποίο στα αγγλικά ανεγνώσθη από τον π. Αλέ-ξανδρο Καρλούτσο από την Αμερική.

Την δοξολογία στον Πατριαρχικό ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου παρακολούθη-σε η επίσημη αντιπροσωπεία του Βατι-κανού που ταξίδεψε με τον Πατριάρχη από την Ρώμη υπό τον πρόεδρο του Ποντιφικού Συμβουλίου για την ενότητα των Εκκλησιών Καρδινάλιο Walter Kasper.

Η θρονική εορτήΗ εορτή του Αγίου ενδόξου Απο-

στόλου Ανδρέου του Πρωτοκλήτου στις 30 Νοεμβρίου –θρονική εορτή της

Θα μείνει γνωστή ως η ημέρα της επιστροφής των ιερών λειψάνων των μεγάλων και αγίων πατέρων της Εκκλη-σίας, Αρχιεπισκόπων Κωνσταντινου-πόλεως και Πατριαρχών Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου και Ιωάννου του Χρυσο-στόμου, στο τόπο από όπου βιαίως αφαιρέθηκαν οκτώ αιώνες πριν από του σταυροφόρους της 4ης Σταυροφορίας το 1204 μ.Χ.

Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος μετέβη για τον σκοπό αυτό στη Ρώμη όπου το πρωί της 27ης Νοεμβρίου στην Βασιλική του Αγίου Πέτρου στο Βατικανό πραγματοποιή-θηκε η ειδική τελετή της παραδόσεως των ιερών λειψάνων από τον Πάπα Ιωάννη Παύλο τον Β΄ στην Α.Θ.Π. τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαθολομαίο ο οποίος και χαρακτήρισε το γεγονός ως «πρόξενο χαράς και αγαλλιάσεως».

«Τελεσιουργείται σήμερον ιερά πράξις αποκαταστάσεως εκκλησια-στικής ανωμαλίας και αδικίας, προ οκτώ αιώνων διαπραχθείσης. Διά της φιλα-δέλφου ταύτης χειρονομίας της Εκκλη-σίας της πρεσβυτέρας Ρώμης προσεπι-βεβαιούται, ότι δεν υπάρχουν εν τη Εκκλησία του Χριστού ανυπέρβλητα εμπόδια, όταν συγκλίνουν η αγάπη, η δικαιοσύνη και η ειρήνη εις την ιεράν διακονίαν της καταλ λαγής και της ενότητος», είπε χαρακτηριστικά ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθο-λομαίος στην προσφώνησή του προς τον Πάπα κατά την διάρκεια της μεγαλο-πρεπούς τελετής.

Κατά την διάρκεια της κατανυκτι-κής τελετής ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπί-σκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος ανέ-γνωσε στα Ελληνικά το πρωτότυπο κείμενο της επιστολής των αρχών του 5ου αιώνα, του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Χρυ-σοστόμου προς τον τότε πάπα της Ρώμης Ινοκέντιο Α .

Στη συνέχεια τα ιερά λείψανα των δύο Αγίων προσκομίσθηκαν σε ειδικές σαρκοφάγους από α λάβαστρο στο κέντρο του ναού και παραδόθηκαν τελετουργικά στον Οικουμενικό Πατρι-άρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο.

Την ιστορική τελετή στην Βασιλική του Αγίου Πέτρου, η οποία μεταδόθηκε τηλεοπτικά σε όλη την υφήλιο, παρακο-λούθησαν εντός του ναού εκατοντάδες προσκυνητών από πολ λά μέρη του κόσμου που βρέθηκαν στη Ρώμη, μεταξύ των οποίων και πολλοί ελληνορθόδοξοι πιστοί από τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες υπό την ηγεσία του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημη-τρίου, το οποίο συνόδευαν ο π. Αλέ-ξανδρος Καρλούτσος, και ο διάκονος

ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

u óåë. 15

Η Τελετή παράδοσης των Ιερών Λειψάνων στο Βατικανό.

Η άφιξη στον Πατριαρχικό ναό του Αγ. Γεωργίου στο Φανάρι.

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος προσκυνά με ευλάβεια τα ιερά λείψανα. ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 200416 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2004 ORTHODOX OBSERVER 17ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Η κοινότητα του Αγίου Νικολάου στο Flushing της Νέας Υόρκης είχε ένα όνειρο για χρόνια. Αγωνιούσε και σχεδίαζε για το μέλλον των παιδιών της.

Λογίζεται από τις πιο πολυάριθμες ελληνορθόδοξες ενορίες στην Αμερική και φέτος ανήμερα του προστάτου της Αγίου Νικολάου είδε την απαρχή της πραγμάτωσης του ονείρου της.

Οικοδοµώντας το µέλλον

Θεμέλιος λίθος για νέο εκπαιδευτικό και πολιτιστικό κέντρο στον Άγιο Νικόλαο

Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ με μέλη της επιτροπής οικονομικής εκστρατείας (από αριστερά) Στέφανος Τσερπέλης, Γρηγόρης Μιχελής και Χρήστος Στρατάκης

Μερικοί από τους συντελεστές του νέου έργου με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο κατά την διάρκεια του γεύματος. (από αριστερά) Κωνσταντίνος Μάλλιος, Δημήτρης Μιχαλιός, Εμμανουήλ Κράτσιος, π. Παύλος Παλαιστίδης και ο πρόεδρος της κοινότητας Χρήστος Πανταζής.



Η Επιστροφή των λειψάνων των Μεγάλων Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας

Εκκλησίας της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως– γιορτάστηκε με εξαιρετική λαμπρότητα και κάθε εκκλησιαστική τάξη.

Τα ιερά λείψανα που είχαν φυλαχθεί στο Πατριαρχικό παρεκκλήσιο μετέφερε στον ναό εν πομπή ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος όπου και προεξήρχε Πατριαρχικής και πολυαρ-χιερατικής Θείας Λειτουργίας με συμ-μετοχή εκπροσώπων, Αρχιερέων των κατά τόπους Αυτοκεφάλων και Αυτονό-μων Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών, ενώ παρέ-στη ως είθισται και η αντιπροσωπεία της Εκκλησίας της Ρώμης.

Ο κ. Βαρθολομαίος μίλησε στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας για την επιθυμία για ενότητα μεταξύ των Χρι-στιανών όπως αυτή εκφράζεται μέσα από τις ευαγγελικές ρήσεις και προτρο-πές του Κυρίου αλλά και από τις ερμη-νείες των μεγάλων Πατέρων της Εκκλη-σίας. Ο Παναγιώτατος σημείωσε ότι η προσέγγιση δεν επιδιώκεται θυσιά-ζοντας την ακρίβεια της πίστεως και με υποχωρήσεις σε θέματα αληθείας και πρόσθεσε ότι η στάσις μας πρέπει να είναι θετική σε κάθε προσπάθεια ειλι-

κρινή και καλοπροαίρετη προς την επιθυμητή ενότητα.

Πολλοί Άρχοντες από την Αμερική, συνολικά ογδόντα περίπου προσκυνη-τές από την Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες που πραγματοποίησαν προσκυνηματική επίσκεψη στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, υπό την ηγεσία του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημη-τρίου, παρακολούθησαν την Θεία Λει-τουργία συμμετείχαν σε όλες τις εορτα-στικές εκδηλώσεις και με άκρα ευλάβεια προσκύνησαν τα λείψανα των Αγίων Πατέρων.

Στο τέλος τη Θ. Λειτουργίας Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης αντάλλαξε προσφωνήσεις με το εκπρόσωπο της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής Εκκλησίας καρδινά-λιο Kasper και εψάλησαν τα δύο νέα Απολυτίκια που αναφέρονται στην ανακομιδή των ιερών λειψάνων και ο Πατριάρχης ανέγνωσε ειδική ευχαρι-στήριο ευχή για το μεγάλο και ιστορικό γεγονός.

Το βράδυ παρετέθη μεγάλη δεξίωση στο Ξενοδοχείο Χίλτον προς τιμή της θρονικής εορτής του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στην οποία παρευρέθη-καν πολλοί εκπρόσωποι του θρησκευ-τικού, διπλωματικού, δημοσιογραφικού και επιχειρηματικού κόσμου της Πόλης.

u óåë. 15

απουσία παιδείας οδηγεί με βεβαιότητα στη παρακμή».

Πολλά μέλη της κοινότητος, υπεύ-θυνοι επιτροπών και μέλη του ενορια-κού συμβουλίου απηύθυναν χαιρε-τισμούς.

Μεταξύ των οι Ανδρέας Τσιόλας, Λένα Βάρη, Δημήτριος Μιχαλιός, Στέ-φανος Τσερπέλης, Χρήστος Στρατάκης, Εμμανουήλ Κράτσιος και Χρήστος Πα-νταζής.

Ο κ. Γρηγόριος Μιχελής, παρέδωσε επιταγή 200 χιλιάδων δολαρίων ως προκαταβολή του συνολικού ποσού των 600 χιλιάδων που δεσμεύθηκε να προ-σφέρει με την σύζυγό του Ευσταθία για την ανοικοδόμηση του έργου και ει-δικότερα για το Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό και Εκπαιδευτικό Κοινοτικό Κέντρο που θα φέρει το όνομά του.

Ο κ. Μιχελής μοιράστηκε με τους παρόντες μια συμβουλή του πατέρα του: «...σ’ αυτόν το κόσμο δεν έρχεσαι να πάρεις τίποτε αλλά έρχεσαι να δώσεις.... γι αυτό θέλω να βάλω κι εγώ μια πέτρα σε αυτό το οικοδόμημα για να μείνει για τα παιδιά μας ώστε να γίνουν καλοί Έλληνες και καλοί χριστιανοί», είπε.

Ευχαρίστησε τον ιερατικώς προϊ-στάμενο π. Παύλο Παλαιστίδη διότι του έδωσε την ευκαιρία να συμμετέχει σε αυτό το έργο και πρόσθεσε ότι τα παιδιά του θα αναλάβουν τα έξοδα φοίτησης τριάντα μαθητών στο Απογευματινό Σχολείο του Αγίου Νικολάου.

Κι ενώ το γεύμα πλησίαζε το τέλος του μετά από προτροπή πολλών εκ των συντελεστών και ιδιαίτερα του Αρχι-επισκόπου Δημητρίου πολλοί εκ των παρόντων υποσχέθηκαν να συνεισφέ-ρουν επιπλέον χρηματικά ποσά που συνολικά έφτασαν τις 291 χιλιάδες δολάρια.

Έτσι το συνολικό ποσό που συγκέ-ντρωσε από δωρεές για το συγκεκριμένο έργο η κοινότητα ανήλθε στα 4,2 εκα-τομμύρια δολάρια, ενώ ο προϋπολογι-σμός του έργου ανέρχεται στα 7,5 περί-που εκατομμύρια δολάρια.

Τα ονόματα των μεγάλων δωρητών και τα ποσά που προσέφεραν ανα-φέρονται στη σελ. 20. — Σ.Η.Π.

και π. Ιωάννης Βλάχος. Στο τέλος και μετά την

αρτοκλασία ο Σεβασμιώτατος συνεχάρη την κοινότητα, τους κληρικούς και το σύνολο του πιστών, για την αλματώδη πρόοδο της ενορίας και ανα-κοίνωσε τα ονόματα των με-γάλων δωρητών του νέου εκπαιδευτικού και πολιτι-στικού κέντρου.

Αψηφώντας το τσουχτε-ρό κρύο και την βροχή ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, κλήρος και λαός βγήκαν στον υπαίθριο χώρο όπου θα ανε-γερθεί το κτίριο και κάτω από πρόχειρο υπόστεγο πραγμα-τοποιήσαν την τελετή του αγιασμού και της τοποθέ-τησης θεμέλιου λίθου για το νέο οικοδόμημα.

Η κοινότητα παρεχώρησε εορταστικό γεύμα κατά την διάρκεια του οποίου ο Αρχιε-πίσκοπος τόνισε ότι «το νέο κτιριακό συγκρότημα θα προ-σφέρει κυρίως και μεταξύ άλλων παιδεία –και η παιδεία είναι στοιχείο πολύ βασικό για την ζωή και το μέλλον μιας κοινότητος», είπε και πρόσθεσε ότι «η έλλειψη ή η

Η ανοικοδόμηση και επέκταση των εγκαταστάσεων μιας κοινότητος είναι συνήθως αποτέλεσμα των αυξανόμενων αναγκών μιας ακμάζουσας κοινότητος όπως αυτή του Αγίου Νικολάου στο Φλάσινγκ.

Το φαινόμενο όμως δεν είναι ούτε μεμονωμένο ούτε σπάνιο. Τα τελευταία χρόνια επαναλαμβάνεται συχνά-πυκνά σε πολλές ενορίες της Ιεράς Αρχιεπι-σκοπής Αμερικής, είτε ως τελετή θεμε-λίωσης ενός νέου ναού είτε ως εγκαι-νιασμός νέου σχολικού κτιρίου ή εκπαι-δευτικού πολιτιστικού κέντρου. Είναι ένα φαινόμενο το οποίο αντικειμενικά καταμαρτυρεί την ωρίμανση και ανά-πτυξη των ενοριών μας προς μια πορεία οικοδομής όχι μόνο κτιριακής αλλά κυρίως οικοδομής πνευματικής.

Κατάμεστος ο ναός του Αγίου Νικο-λάου για τη χάρη του κι ας ήταν καθη-μερινή και βροχερή και κρύα μέρα. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερι-κής κ. Δημήτριος προεξήρχε στη Θεία Λειτουργία, που ήταν πανηγυρική και ιδιαίτερα κατανυκτική.

Πολλοί οι πιστοί, οι εορτάζοντες και τα παιδιά του σχολείου εν προσευχή. Με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο συλλειτούργησαν ο ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος π. Παύλος Παλαιστίδης, ο π. Ιωάννης Λαρδάς, ο Αρχιμανδρίτης π. Απόστολος Κουφα-λάκης και δύο διάκονοι του Αρχιεπι-σκόπου π. Παντελεήμων Παπαδόπουλος

Χιλιάδες πιστοί προσκύνησαν τα ιερά λείψανα των Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας.


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2004

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.– Συνεδρίασε στο Σικάγο στις 10-11 Δεκεμβρίου 2004 υπό νέα σύνθεση και με διετή θητεία το νέο Αρχιεπισκοπικό Συμβούλιο της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής.

Σύμφωνα με τους πρόσφατα ανα-θεωρηθέντες κανονισμούς της Ελ-ληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής το Αρχιεπισκοπικό Συμβούλιο διευρύνθηκε αποτελούμενο πλέον από 129 μέλη, ώστε να παρέχει ευρύτερη συμμετοχή σε κληρικούς και λαϊκούς από όλη την Αμερική.

Παράλληλα και ως είθισται συν-εδρίασε και το διοικητικό συμβούλιο της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος.

Στην ομιλία του κατά την διάρκεια της κοινής συνεδριάσεως των δύο σω-μάτων, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος αναφέρθηκε στις πρόσφατες δραστηριότητες της Ι. Αρχι-επισκοπής, στην επιτυχή πραγμα-τοποίηση της 37ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσεως στην Νέα Υόρκη τον Ιούλιο του 2004, καθώς και την μεγάλη πρόοδο που έχει επιτευχθεί από το Κέντρο για την Φροντίδα της Οικο-γένειας και την ανακήρυξη του 2005 ως έτος της Οικογένειας.

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος κ. Δημήτριος αναφέρθηκε επίσης στην πρόσφατη ιστορική τελετή επιστροφής των Ιερών Λειψάνων των Αγίων Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου και Γρηγορίου του Θεο-λόγου στο Βατικανό και την συνάντηση του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πα-τριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου με τον Πάπα

Υπό διευρυμένη σύνθεση συνεδρίασε το Αρχιεπισκοπικό Συμβούλιο στο Σικάγο

John Paul II, και εκδηλώσεις υποδοχής των ιερών λειψάνων στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο Κωνσταντινουπόλεως οι οποίες ακολούθησαν.

Κατόπιν, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχι-επίσκοπος πρότεινε τα μέλη της εκτε-λεστικής επιτροπής του Αρχιεπισκο-πικού Συμβουλίου τα οποία έγιναν αποδεκτά από το σώμα ως εξής: Αντι-πρόεδρος: Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης, Ταμίας: Νικόλαος Μπούρας, Γραμματέας: Αι-κατερίνη Μπουφίδη-Walsh και μέλη Γεώργιος Μπεχράκης, Δρ. Τζον Κόλις. Ελένη Χιούζακ, Ιωάννης Παπατζόν, Ιω-άννης Παγιάβλας και Αντώνιος Στεφα-νής.

Το απόγευμα της Παρασκευής 10 Δεκεμβρίου συνήλθαν οι επί μέρους επιτροπές για να συζητήσουν την πρό-οδο και τους μελλοντικούς στόχους των διακονιών και των διαφόρων ιδρυμάτων της Αρχιεπισκοπής.

Η ολομέλεια του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου συνήλθε και πάλι το πρωί της 11ης Δεκεμβρίου και άκουσε τις εισηγήσεις και εκθέσεις των επιτρο-πών.

Το νεοσυσταθέν διοικητικό συμ-βούλιο της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδε-λφότητος τα ακόλουθα μέλη ως αξιω-ματούχους: Πρόεδρος: Γεωργία Σκιαδά, Αντιπρόεδρος: Μαρία Λόγγου, Αντι-πρόεδρος Β΄: Αρλίν Σιαβέλη, Αντι-πρόεδρος Γ : Μαρία Σταυροπούλου, Γραμματέας: Ελένη Κλαδή, Ταμίας: Αφροδίτη Σκιαδά και Βοηθός Ταμία: Πωλίν Ονήλ.

Ὅτι ἐτέχθη ὑµῖν σήµερον Σωτήρ, ὅς ἐστιΧριστός Κύριος.

Καί τοῦτο ἡµῖν τό σηµεῖον·εὑρήσετε βρέφος ἐσπαργανωµένον,

κείµενον ἐν φάτνῃ (Λουκ. 2:11-12)

Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συµβουλίων, τά Ἡµερήσια καί Ἀπογευµατινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς.

Ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ,Σᾶς χαιρετῶ ἐπί τῇ εὐκαιρίᾳ τῆς χαρµοσύνου Ἑορτῆς τῆς Γεννήσεως τοῦ Κυρίου

καί Σωτῆρος µας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἑνός γεγονότος µέ παγκόσµιες διαστάσεις τό ὁποῖο σηµατοδότησε τήν ἔλευση τῆς σωτηρίας στόν κόσµο µας. Ἡ σηµασία αὐτοῦ τοῦ γεγονότος ἔγκειται στήν ὑπερβατική ἀλήθεια ὅτι ὁ Θεός, λόγῳ τῆς τελείας ἀγάπης Του γιά µᾶς, ἐπέλεξε νά ἔλθῃ στόν κόσµο µας ὄχι ὡς ἐνήλικος ἄνθρωπος ἐνδεδυµένος µέ γήϊνη ἐξουσία, ἀλλά ὡς βρέφος ἐσπαργανωµένον κείµενον ἐν φάτνῃ. Εἶναι πράγµατι ἀδύνατο νά κατανοήσῃ κανείς µιά τέτοια τρυφερή καί ταπεινή εἰκόνα ὅταν γνωρίζει τήν ἀσύλληπτη δύναµη καί τό µεγαλεῖο τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Ἡ πράξη αὐτή τῆς Θείας συγκαταβάσεως φανερώνει τήν ἀπό πλευρᾶς τοῦ Θεοῦ προσφορά τεραστίας ἀξιοπρεπείας στόν ἄνθρωπο. Αὐτή ἡ ἀξιοπρέπεια ἀποκαλύπτεται µέ τόν πιό ἄµεσο τρόπο στό ἱερώτατο καθῆκον φροντίδος τό ὁποῖο ἀνέθεσε ὁ Θεός στήν Παναγία Θεοτόκο καί Παρθένο Μαρία καί στόν Ἰωσήφ γιά τόν Μονογενῆ Υἱό Του, τόν νεογέννητο Μεσσία. Δέν πρέπει νά λησµονοῦµε ὅτι ὁ Ἰησοῦς, στήν ἀνθρώπινη νηπιακή ἠλικία του, ἐξηρτᾶτο ἀπό τήν Μαρία καί τόν Ἰωσήφ γιά τίς βασικές ἀνάγκες τῆς τροφῆς, ἑστίας καί ἐνδύσεως. Ἐδῶ, βλέπουµε ἕνα πολύ µικρό δεῖγµα τῆς ἀπεραντοσύνης τῆς θεϊκῆς ἀγάπης γιά τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Ἐρχόµενος στόν κόσµο ὡς νήπιο, ὁ Θεός ἀπεκάλυψε τήν θέλησή

Του νά συµµετάσχῃ στήν πληρότητα τῆς ἀνθρώπινης ἐµπειρίας, ἀρχίζοντας µέ µία ταπεινή γέννηση καί φθάνοντας ἀκόµη καί µέχρι τόν θάνατο ἐπί τοῦ Σταυροῦ, οὕτως ὥστε ἐµεῖς οἱ ἄνθρωποι, µέ τή σειρά µας, ν’ ἀπολαύσουµε τήν αἰώνια ζωή µαζί Του.

Θεωρούµενη ὑπό τήν ἀνωτέρω προοπτική, ἡ ἔλευση τοῦ Θεοῦ στόν κόσµο µας ὡς βρέφους ἐσπαργανωµένου, κειµένου ἐν φάτνῃ ἦτο ἕνα ἐνδεικτικό σηµεῖο εὐρυτέρων συνεπειῶν: Σέ µιά ἐποχή ὅπου πολλοί στήριζαν τήν ἀσφάλειά των στούς αὐτοκράτορες καί βασιλεῖς, ὁ Θεός καταδέχθηκε νά κηρύξῃ τήν σωτηρία τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος µέ τήν γέννηση ἑνός βρέφους, κάτω ἀπό ταπεινές συνθῆκες. Αὐτό δέν ἦτο τυχαῖο· ἀντίθετα, ἦτο µιά πράξη σαφοῦς διακηρύξεως. Πέραν τῆς σπουδαιότητος αὐτῶν τῶν ταπεινῶν συνθηκῶν, ἡ ἐµφάνιση τοῦ Θεοῦ στόν κόσµο ὡς νηπίου, ὡς παιδίου, ἐπεκύρωσε τόν κεντρικό ρόλο τοῦ παιδιοῦ στό σχέδιο τοῦ Θεοῦ γιά τή σωτηρία τοῦ ἀνθρωπίνου γένους. Αὐτή ἡ ἐπικύρωση εἶναι θεµελιώδους σηµασίας γιά τή σύγχρονη ἐποχή µας, εἰδικά, ἐάν λάβουµε ὑπ’ ὄψιν µας τίς κοινωνικές συνθῆκες πού ἐπικρατοῦν, οἱ ὁποῖες θέτουν σέ κίνδυνο τήν ὑπέρτατη ἀξία τῶν παιδιῶν καί τό ἀναφαίρετο δικάιωµά των νά ἀνατρέφονται µέσα στήν ἀσφαλῆ ἑστία τῆς οἰκογενείας καί νά ζοῦν κάτω ἀπό συνθῆκες ἀξιοπρεπείας, ὅπως θέλει ὁ Θεός.

Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές,Ἐφέτος, εἶναι πρέπον ὅτι ἀποδίδουµε µεγαλύτερη ἔµφαση στό ζωτικό ρόλο

καί τή φροντίδα τῶν παιδιῶν καί τῶν οἰκογενειῶν των στή διάρκεια τοῦ ἑορτασµοῦ τῶν Χριστουγέννων, διότι ὡς Ἀρχιεπισκοπή ἐγκαινιάζουµε τό 2005 ὡς τό Ἔτος τῆς Οἰκογενείας, ὡς µιά περίοδο ἐντατικοποιηµένης διακονίας σέ οἰκογένειες ἀνά τήν ἐπικράτεια. Οἱ πρωταρχικοί στόχοι µας γι’ αὐτό τό ἔτος θά εἶναι ἡ ἐνδυνάµωση τῆς πνευµατικῆς ζωῆς τῶν οἰκογενειῶν, ἡ αὔξηση τῆς ἐκτιµήσεώς µας γιά τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες οἰκογένειες στήν Ἀµερική καθώς ὑπηρετοῦµε τίς ἰδιαίτερες ἀνάγκες των, καί ἡ προσφορά στίς οἰκογένειες διαρκῶς καί περισσοτέρων ἐφοδίων τά ὁποῖα ὑποδηλώνουν τήν συνεχῆ παρουσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Του. Πόσο ὑπέροχοι καί ἄξιοι εἶναι αὐτοί οἱ στόχοι στούς ὁποίους θά ἑστιάσουµε τήν προσοχή µας στή διάρκεια τῆς λαµπρῆς αὐτῆς ἑορτῆς τῶν Χριστουγέννων, καί οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐκφράζουν τήν ἀληθινή οὐσία καί τό δυναµικό τῆς οἰκογενείας ὅπως καµµιά ἄλλη ἑορτή!

Ἔτσι, καθώς ἑορτάζουµε τά εὐλογηµένα Χριστούγεννα, ἄς τά ἑορτά-σουµε ὡς ἀγαπηµένες καί στοργικές οἰκογένειες. Ἄς ἑνωθοῦµε σέ προσευχή καί λατρεία τοῦ Παντοδυνάµου Θεοῦ, ὁ Ὁποῖος ἦλθε στόν κόσµο µας ὡς νήπιο γιά τή σωτηρία µας. Καθώς συγκεντρωνόµεθα µέ αἰσθήµατα ἀδελφοσύνης αὐτή τήν ἑορταστική περίοδο, ἄς ἀναλογισθοῦµε ἰδιαιτέρως τό γεγονός τοῦ Σαρκωθέντος Θεοῦ κειµένου στή φάτνη ὡς νηπίου, ἑδραιώνοντας γιά πάντα τήν ὑπέρτατη σπουδαιότητα τῶν παιδιῶν ὡς πολυτίµων µελῶν τῶν οἰκογενειῶν µας.

Εὔχοµαι διακαῶς ἡ χαρά αὐτῆς τῆς Χριστουγεννιάτικης περιόδου νά γεµίσῃ τίς καρδιές, τά σπίτια, τίς οἰκογένειες καί τίς ἐνορίες σας καί ἡ ἴδια αὐτή χαρά νά σᾶς συντροφεύῃ κατά τό ἀνατέλλον Νέο Ἔτος. Ὁ Ἄρχων τῆς Εἰρήνης ἦλθε ὡς παιδί καί ὑπεσχέθη ὅτι θά µένῃ µαζί µας συνεχῶς, µέχρι τό τέλος τοῦ χρόνου, ἀκόµη καί µέχρι τή συντέλεια τοῦ κόσµου (Ματθ. 28:20)

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ

Χριστούγεννα 2004

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

ÿ ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀµερικῆς Δηµήτριος


Ἀδελφοί καί Τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά,

Ἔκπληκτοι καί πλήρεις θαυµασµοῦ ἀντι-κρύζοµεν ἰδιαιτέρως κατά τάς ἡµέρας αὐτάς τήν ἀσύλληπτον διά τόν ἄνθρωπον καί τάς ἀγγελικάς τάξεις κένωσιν τοῦ σαρκωθέντος καί ἐκ Παρθένου γεννηθέντος καί ἀποκειµένου εἰς τήν

φάτνην τῶν ἀλόγων ζώων Υἱοῦ καί Λόγου τοῦ Θεοῦ. Καί ἐνῷ οἱ πιστοί ἑορτάζοµεν πανηγυρικῶς τό χαρµό-συνον γεγονός ὅτι κατά συγκατάβασιν θεϊκήν ἐτέχθη ἡµῖν σήµερον Σωτήρ, κατελθών µέχρις ἡµῶν ἐκ τῆς µεγα-λωσύνης Αὐτοῦ, φυσικοί, κοινωνικοί καί πνευµατικοί σεισµοί καί ἀναστα-τώσεις συγκλονίζουν τήν µακράν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀνθρωπότητα καί ταράσσουν τήν ζωήν πάντων τῶν ἀγαπώντων τήν

εἰρήνην.Κοινωνικαί δοµαί ἀπορ-

ρυθµίζονται εἰς ἀναζήτησιν νέων σχηµάτων καί συσχετισµῶν, πνευµατικαί ἀναζητήσεις ἐκτρο-

χιάζονται εἰς αὐτοκαταστροφικάς λατρείας καί πρωτοφανεῖς φυσικαί

καταστροφαί συµβαίνουν εἰς διαφό-ρους περιοχάς τῆς γῆς. Γύρωθεν ἡµῶν ἀταξία καί ἀκαταστασία, φόνοι καί ἐρείπια, τό δέ ὄνειρον τῆς εἰρήνης ἀνεπιθύµητον καί διωκόµενον. Ἐντός δέ τῆς ψυχῆς τῶν πλείστων ἀνθρώπων ἔχει ἐγκατασταθῆ ἡ ἀβεβαιότης, ἡ ἀνησυχία, ἡ κατάθλιψις, ἡ ἔλλειψις νοήµατος, τό ἀνεξήγητον τῶν δρω-µένων καί πολλάκις ἡ ἀδιαφορία καί αὐτό τό µῖσος.

Ὑπό τά φυσικά, τά κοινωνικά καί τά πνευµατικά ἐρείπια ἀγωνιοῦν κατα-πλακωµένοι ἠθικῶς καί φυσικῶς µυρι-άδες συνανθρώπων µας. Πολλοί ἐξ αὐτῶν δέν ἀντέχουν τήν κατάστασιν καί ὑφί-στανται ποικίλας ψυχικάς καί σωµατικάς βλάβας. Ἄλλοι ἀναζητοῦν ἐνόχους καί ἐπιχειροῦν ἐκδικητικάς πράξεις κατά τῶν κατά τήν ἀντίληψίν των ὑπευθύνων. Ἕτεροι, µή δυνάµενοι νά προσεγγίσουν τούς ὑπευθύνους, ἐκδηλώνουν τήν δυσαρέσκειάν των διά τροµοκρατικῶν κατά ἀθώων πράξεων. Ἄλλοι ἐκµεταλλεύονται τήν ἀπορρύθµισιν αὐτήν καί προσπαθοῦν νά ἐπωφεληθοῦν εἰς βάρος τῶν συνανθρώπων των. Καί ἄλλοι, ὠχυρωµένοι

ὄπισθεν τοῦ πλούτου αὐτῶν ἤ τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτῶν, ζοῦν ἐντός ἰδιαιτέρου κλειστοῦ κόσµου καί δέν αἰσθάνονται τόν πόνον τῶν ὑπολοίπων, οὐδέ ἐνδιαφέρονται διά τήν ἀνακούφισιν αὐτοῦ.

Ὅλος αὐτός ὁ κόσµος δέν ἔχει γνωρίσει τήν διά τοῦ γεννηθέντος Χριστοῦ σωτηρίαν, ἐνίοτε δέ, ἄπελπις καί βέβαιος διά τό οὐτοπικόν τῆς λυτρώσεώς του ἀπό τῆς ἐπικυριαρχίας τοῦ κακοῦ, οὐδεµίαν ἀναζητεῖ σωτηρίαν. Ἐπιδιώκει τήν διά τῶν ἰδίων αὐτοῦ ἐγκοσµίων δυνάµεων ἐπίλυσιν τῶν προβληµάτων του καί ἐνίοτε καταφεύγει εἰς τάς δυνάµεις τοῦ κακοῦ, αἱ ὁποῖαι προσκαλούµεναι παρεµβαίνουν καί αὐξάνουν τήν σύγχυσιν καί τόν πόνον.

Ἡµεῖς, τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, πιστεύοµεν καί γνωρίζοµεν καλῶς ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενί ἡ σωτηρία, εἰ µή ἐν Χριστῷ, καί δέν ὑπάρχει ὄνοµα ἐν τῷ ὁποίῳ δυνάµεθα νά σωθῶµεν εἰ µή τό ὄνοµα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Αὐτήν τήν βεβαιότητά µας δέν κλονίζει τό γεγονός ὅτι ὁ Σωτήρ τοῦ κόσµου ἐφάνη ἐπί γῆς ταπεινός ἄνθρωπος, βρέφος ἀδύναµον, ἀµνός αἴρων τήν ἁµαρτίαν τοῦ κόσµου, καί κατεδέχθη σταυρόν καί θάνατον. Δέν µᾶς τροµάζει τό γεγονός ὅτι τό µήνυµα τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης, τό ὁποῖον µᾶς ἐδίδαξεν ὅτι πρέπει νά ἀποδεχθῶµεν διά νά σωθῶµεν, δέν γίνεται ἀποδεκτόν ὑπό τῶν πολλῶν.

Ἡµεῖς, ἀποβλέποντες εἰς τό παράδειγµα τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡµῶν, ἀναγνωρίζοµεν τήν

σωστικήν δύναµιν τῆς ταπεινώσεως καί τῆς ἑκουσίως σταυρουµένης ἀγάπης, τῶν δύο αὐτῶν ὑπερφυσικῶν ἰδιωµάτων τῆς Θεότητος, τά ὁποῖα δυσκόλως µιµεῖται ὁ πεπτωκώς ἄνθρω-πος. Ἐπαναλαµβάνοµεν δέ πρός ἅπαντας, µετά πολλῆς τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς ταπεινώσεως, τό σωτηριῶδες µήνυµα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, τό διαγ-γελθέν οὐχί µόνον διά λόγων, ἀλλά διά ἐπράκτου ἐµπράκτου ἐφαρµογῆς καί θυσίας µέχρι θανάτου, νικηθέντος διά τῆς Ἀναστάσεως. Διότι ἡ ἐξ ἀγάπης θυσία ἐπισφραγίζεται µέν διά τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀλλά δέν τερµατίζει τήν µεταβολήν τοῦ κόσµου εἰς τόν θάνατον τοῦ ἀγαπῶντος, ἀλλ’εἰς τήν ὑπέρβασιν τοῦ θανάτου αὐτοῦ διά τῆς Ἀναστάσεως. Καί τοῦτο εἶναι τό περιεχόµενον τῆς σωτηρίας, περί τῆς ὁποίας ὁµιλοῦµεν. Θάνατος ἡµῶν οὐκέτι κυριεύει, διότι ὁ τεχθείς Ἰησοῦς Χριστός κατεπάτησεν αὐτόν καί κατήργησε τήν δύναµίν του.

Ἐτέχθη ἡµῖν σήµερον Σωτήρ! Δέν ἦλθεν ἐν δυνάµει ἀνθρωπίνως ἐκτιµωµένη, ἀλλ’ἐν δυνάµει ἀρετῆς ἀκτινοβολούσης τήν ὑπερτάτην δύναµιν Αὐτοῦ, τήν δύναµιν τῆς ταπεινώσεως τοῦ µεγαλειώδους καί παντοκράτορος καί τήν ἄφθαστον δύναµιν τῆς θυσιαζοµένης ἀνι-διοτελῶς καί ἀνυστεροβούλως ἀγάπης. Δέν ἔχοµεν αὐταπάτας καί φρούδας ἐλπίδας ὅτι ὁ κόσµος ἐν τῷ συνόλῳ του θά ἀποδεχθῇ συντόµως αὐτάς τάς ἀληθείας. Γνωρίζοµεν ὅµως καί διακηρύσσοµεν ὅτι ἐάν δέν ἀποδεχθῇ αὐτάς καί δέν ἐφαρµόσῃ αὐτάς θά ἐξακολουθήσῃ νά ζῇ τό µαρτύριον τῆς ἀλληλοκαταστροφῆς, τοῦ ἠθικοῦ ἐκτροχιασµοῦ, τῆς ἐλλείψεως νοήµατος διά τήν ζωήν, τοῦ ψεύδους καί τοῦ πόνου.

Διό καί µετ’ἀγάπης πολλῆς καί ταπει-νοφροσύνης µεγάλης καλοῦµεν πρῶτον τούς πιστούς νά καλέσωµεν τόν Χριστόν νά γεννηθῇ εἰς τάς καρδίας µας, ὄχι ὡς ἕν συγκινησιακόν συναίσθηµα ἐγκοσµίου εὐφορίας µικρᾶς παροδικῆς διαρκείας, ἀλλ’ ὡς µίαν ριζικήν ἀλλαγήν τοῦ ψυχισµοῦ µας, ὡς µίαν ἀναγέν-νησιν ἐν Χριστῷ, µίαν µεταστροφήν τοιαύτην,

ὥστε τά θεῖα ἰδιώµατα τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης νά ἀποτελοῦν στοιχεῖα θεµελιώδη τῆς ὑπάρξεώς µας. Ἔπειτα, µετά τῆς αὐτῆς θερµῆς ἀγάπης καί ταπεινώσεως καλοῦµεν ὅλους τούς συνανθρώπους µας, γνωρίσαντας καί µή γνωρίσαντας τόν Χριστόν, νά πλησιάσουν πρός τόν ὡς ἀρνίον ἄκακον σαρκωθέντα διά τήν σωτηρίαν καί αὐτῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν διά νά λάβουν ἐξ Αὐτοῦ τήν εἰρήνην τῶν καρδιῶν, τήν ἐπίγνωσιν τοῦ σκοποῦ τῆς ζωῆς, τήν ἐξάλειψιν τοῦ πόνου, τήν αἰωνιότητα καί τήν ἀναφαίρετον καί πάντα νοῦν ὑπερέχουσαν χαράν τῆς πλησίον Αὐτοῦ ζωῆς.

Εἴθε διά πρεσβειῶν τῆς Ὑπεραγίας Θεοτόκου, τῆς δανεισάσης τήν ἑαυτῆς σάρκα εἰς τόν Σωτῆρα Χριστόν, καί τῶν Ἁγίων προκατόχων ἡµῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ Χρισοστόµου καί Γρηγορίου τοῦ Θεολόγου, τῶν ὁποίων τά σεπτά λείψανα ἐπεστράφησαν προσφάτως εἰς τήν Ἐκκλησίαν ἡµῶν, ὡς καί πάντων τῶν Ἁγίων, νά γεννηθῇ εἰς τήν φάτνην τῶν καρδιῶν ὅλων µας ὁ Χριστός καί νά µείνῃ εἰς αὐτήν µονίµως, διά νά ζήσωµεν µετ’Αὐτοῦ τήν χαράν τῆς παρουσίας Του, τῆς ἀφάτου ἀγάπης Του καί τῆς ὑπερφυοῦς ταπεινοφροσύνης Του.

Ἀµήν

Β Α Ρ Θ Ο Λ Ο Μ Α Ι Ο ΣΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ,

ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣΠΑΝΤΙ ΤΩ ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΧΑΡΙΝ, ΕΛΕΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΡΗΝΗΝ

ΠΑΡΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΝ ΒΗΘΛΕΕΜ ΓΕΝΝΗΘΕΝΤΟΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ

ÿ Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεωςδιάπυρος πρός Θεόν εὐχέτης πάντων ὑµῶν

Φανάριον, Χριστούγεννα 2004

Ï É Ê Ï Õ Ì Å Í É Ê Ï Í Ð Á Ô Ñ É Á Ñ × Å É Ï ÍÏ É Ê Ï Õ Ì Å Í É Ê Ï Í Ð Á Ô Ñ É Á Ñ × Å É Ï Í


ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑΚΑΙ

ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΣΟ

ΚΑΙΝΟΥΡΓΙΟΣ ΧΡΟΝΟΣ

Με τίτλο «Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερι-κής Δημήτριος» κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα στην Ελλάδα από τις εκδόσεις «Δόμος» το βιβλίο της

Πηνελόπης Κωνσταντινίδου που η ίδια περιγράφει με τον υπότιτλο «Αναφορές σε εξέλιξη».

Η συγγραφέας, στα 29 κεφάλαια του βιβλίου, ακολουθεί μια χρονική εξελικτική σειρά παρουσίασης της ζωής και του έργου του Αρχιεπισκό-που Δημητρίου ξεκινώντας από την ανατροφή και γαλούχησή του στην γενέτειρά του Θεσσαλονίκη παρα-θέτει με τρόπο μεθοδικό αλλά κα-θόλου συμβατικό την ζωή «ενός εμπνευσμένου από τον Θεό άνδ-ρα» όπως η ίδια αναφέρει στον πρόλογο, λέγοντας χαρακτηρι-στικά ότι «...στις σελίδες που ακολουθούν πρόκειται να ανα-φερθούμε σ’ έναν άνθρωπο απλό αλλά ταυτόχρονα πολυ-σύνθετο, ταπεινόφρονα αλλά και γλαφυρό, μετριόφρονα και επιφανή, ήπιο και δυναμικό, σεμνό και εξέχοντα, ευλαβικό αλλά σημαντικό και ανώτερο που αποπνέει, κινείται και δρα εν ειρήνη, όπου βρεθεί, εν πόλει, εν ερημία, ή εν οίκω Θεού».

Ο αναγνώστης ο οποίος ήδη γνωρί-ζει λίγο ή πολύ τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο, θα αναγνωρίσει μέσα στις σελίδες του βιβλίου την θαλπωρή που ο ίδιος είχε την ευκαιρία από προσωπική εμπειρία να νοιώσει.

Για τον αναγνώστη που δεν είχε ακόμη την ευκαιρία να γνωρίσει από κοντά τον ιεράρχη και τον άνθρωπο Δημήτριο το βιβλίο μπορεί να σταθεί πηγή πνευματικής απολαβής και εντρυ-φήσεως.

Το βιβλίο διαφέρει από μια συμβα-τική βιογραφική παρουσίαση κυρίως

διότι επιχειρεί με επιτυχία να είναι διδακτικό, με τρόπο απλό και ανεπι-τήδευτο όπως άλλωστε και τρόπος του Ιεράρχη που πραγματεύεται, που συνή-θως διδάσκει τον νόμο του

Θεού με την σιωπή του – και όπως λέει η συγ-γραφέας– «αποφεύγοντας ατέρμονες αναλύσεις και συνταγολογικές προσεγ-γίσεις που προκαλούν συγχύσεις και άγχη».

Τα έσοδα του βιβλίου το οποίο κυκλοφορεί από τις «Εκδόσεις Δόμος» –Μαυρομιχάλη 16, 106 80 Αθήνα, Τηλ. (210) 360 532 fax: (210) 363 7304, [email protected]) θα διατεθούν σύμφωνα με την συγγραφέα για την προσπάθεια καταπολέμησης του καρ-κίνου.

Δεν υπάρχει επί του παρόντος επίσημη διανομή του βιβλίου στις Η.Π.Α., ενώ επίκειται η μετάφρασή του στα Αγγλικά.

Βιβλίο για τη ζωή του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου

ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ – Ο νέος Πάπας και Πατριάρχης Αλεξανδρείας και πάσης Αφρικής κ. Θεόδωρος ο Β΄ πραγματοποίησε την πρώτη μετά την ενθρόνισή του επίσημη επίσκεψη στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο Κωνσταν-τινουπόλεως και στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο μεταξύ 4-9 Δεκεμβρίου.

Μετά την άφιξή του στην Κων-σταντινούπολη ο Μακαριώτατος προ-έστη Δοξολογίας στον πάνσεπτο πα-τριαρχικό ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου και στη συνέχεια συναντήθηκε με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολο-μαίο στην αίθουσα του Θρόνου όπου σε εγκάρδιο και αδελφικό κλίμα αντηλ-λάγησαν προσφωνήσεις.

Εκδηλώνοντας την χαρά του ο Οι-κουμενικός Πατριάρχης προς τον κ. Θεόδωρο είπε: «...η έλευσις υμών συν-ιστά νέαν εορτήν δι ημάς και νέαν πανήγυριν», και τόνισε ότι «ο διάδοχος του Ευαγγελιστού Μάρκου επισκέπτε-ται τον διάδοχον του Πρωτοκλήτου Ανδρέου και εν τοις προσώποις ημών οι δυο Απόστολοι υπαντούν αλλήλους εν χαρά και αγαλλιάσει».

Σε άλλο δε σημείο ο Παναγιώτατος εξέφρασε την βεβαιότητα ότι «η συν-εργασία των καθ’ ημάς Αγιωτάτων και Αποστολικών Εκκλησιών, όχι μόνον θα συνεχισθεί... αλλά θα ισχύσει και το

Πρώτη επίσημη επίσκεψη του Πατριάρχη Αλεξανδρείαςστο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο

Η συνάντηση των δύο Πατριαρχών στην αίθουσα του θρόνου.

αποστολικό ‘περισεύειν μάλλον’...».Το ίδιο βράδυ ο Οικουμενικός Πα-

τριάρχης παρέθεσε επίσημη δεξίωση εν συνεχεία των εορταστικών εκδηλώσεων της Θρονικής εορτής του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και προς τιμήν του Μακα-ριωτάτου Πατριάρχου Αλεξανδρείας, παρουσία πολλών εκπροσώπων της Ομογένειας της Πόλης.

Την Κυριακή 5 Δεκεμβρίου, με κάθε λαμπρότητα και την αρμόζουσα εκ-κλησιαστική τάξη ο Οικουμενικός Πα-τριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος συλ-λειτούργησε με τον Μακαριώτατο Πάπα και Πατριάρχη Αλεξανδρείας και Πάσης Αφρικής κ. Θεόδωρο, στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου, στο Φανάρι.

Τον Πατριάρχη Αλεξανδρείας κατά


την επίσκεψή του στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο συνόδευαν οι Μητρο-πολίτες Αξώμης Πέτρος, Καμπάλας Ιωνάς, Καλής Ελπίδος Σέργιος και Ερμουπόλεως Νικόλαος, ο Αρχιμα-νδρίτης Γεννάδιος Στάντζιος, ο κ. Σπυρί-δων Καμαλάκης, Άρχων του Πατρια-ρχείου Αλεξανδρείας, και ο κ. Χαράλα-μπος Κατσιμπρής, πρόεδρος της Ελ-ληνικής Κοινότητος Αλεξανδρείας.

Μετά την Κωνσταντινούπολη ο Πατριάρχης Θεόδωρος επισκέφθηκε τη γενέτειρά του, το Ηράκλειο της Κρήτης, όπου και εξέφρασε τη θλίψη του για τις συνθήκες υπό τις οποίες λειτουργεί στην Τουρκία το Οικουμενικό Πατρι-αρχείο.

Σε συνέντευξη που παραχώρησε στο Αθηναϊκό Πρακτορείο ειδήσεων, ο κ. Θεόδωρος δήλωσε ότι όλα τα κράτη πρέπει να δώσουν μια δυναμική διαμαρ-τυρία για να παύσει το τόσο θλιβερό φαινόμενο της ταλαιπωρίας του Φανα-ρίου, ενώ συνέκρινε τις συνθήκες λει-τουργίας με εκείνες που απολαμβάνει το Πατριαρχείο Αλεξανδρείας στην επίσης μουσουλμανική Αίγυπτο.

«Η καρδιά μου είναι πολύ θλιμμένη διότι είδα αυτή την γενικά θλιβερή κατάσταση που βρίσκεται ο Οικου-μενικός Πατριάρχης και το Πατριαρχείο, σε αντίθεση με εμάς στην Αίγυπτο που απολαμβάνουμε τόσων προνομίων...»

mailto:[email protected]


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GREECE 2005NEW YORK – This year’s St. Nicho-

las feast was not ordinary for the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of St. Nicholas in Flushing, possibly the largest parish in the Archdiocese, as it coincided with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new cultural and educational center, the par-ish has dreamed and planned for a long time.

Building and expansion is usually viewed as the response to the increasing needs of a thriving community such as the one of St. Nicholas, Flushing. It is indeed a phenomenon witnessed often around our Archdiocese the last few years, and it is clear evidence of maturity and growth of our faithful and our parishes, growth not only material but also spiritual.

The large church was overflowing with faithful attending prayerfully the Di-vine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America who congratulated the parish for a momentous achievement and announced the names of the major donors.

Following the liturgy and despite a frigid and persistent rainfall, the ground-breaking ceremony was held under a tent in the adjacent property where the new educational center is to be built. His Emi-nence and parish leaders laid the corner stone for the new edifice.

A festive luncheon hosted by the par-ish followed. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America spoke of the inspir-ing undertaking of the St. Nicholas Parish and praised the parish leadership and Fr. Paul Palesty.

The Archbishop said that the new fa-cility now under construction, would be instrumental for the life and the future of the community and it will contribute to the advancement of paideia and culture. He also noted that whenever paideia has been absent or ignored in the life of any group or entity a downward slide of deca-dence has been the result.

Andrew Tsiolas, who served as the master of ceremonies spoke of the impor-tance of the parish and noted the truth in the statement, “The church and its school have been our second home.”

Parish Council President Christos Pantazis, and building committee Chair-man Emmanuel Kratsios offered greet-ings of gratitude to the parish and their co-workers.

Gregory Michelis, one of the ma-jor donors to the project presented a

Building the Future

St. Nicholas Parish Breaks Ground for New Cultural and Educational Center

$200,000 check as down payment for the Michelis Hellenic Cultural and Education Parish Center, which he will underwrite with a total gift of $600,000. Mr. Michelis remembered his father’s wisdom who had advised him that “in this world we come not to receive but mainly to give,” he said and added “I would like to contribute a building block of my own to this educa-tional complex which will remain for the generations to come and grow in it as worthy Hellenes and good Christians.”

Mr. Michelis thanked Fr. Palesty for giving him the opportunity to participate in such a worthy endeavor. He further committed on behalf of his children to support the tuition expense of 30 pu-pils in the Greek afternoon school of St. Nicholas.

Stephen Cherpelis, also a major do-nor and one of the fundraising chairmen, acknowledged the blessing of His All Holi-ness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who visited the community last spring and said that his patriarchal blessing then had rendered fertile the efforts of the commu-nity for progress and expansion.

Christ Stratakis, the other fundraising chairman and major donor, in his greeting to the gathering called the total effort of the parish “an investment for the future.” At the conclusion, and as the Archbishop reminded everyone that “it is much bet-ter to give than to receive,” numerous additional pledges were made totaling $291,000.

The total amount pledged this far is approximately $4.2 million and the goal of the total budget for the project is set at $7.5 million.

The lead donations and donors are as follows: Petros Sarantakos (School Auditorium and Parish Hall - $1,4 mil-lion) Gregory and Efstathia Michelis (Mi-chelis Hellenic Cultural and education Parish Center - $600,000) Stephen and Areti Cherpelis (Greek Afternoon School - $350,000) Venita Lorras (Venita Lorras Li-brary - $200,000) Christ and Mary Stratakis (Youth Recreation Center - $100,000) St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos PTA (Day School Administrative Offices - $100,00) Nicholas and Christina Pashalis (Art Room and Music Room - $100,000) Nick Marine Tsoulos (Greek Afternoon School Administrative Offices - $100,000) Alekos and Argyro Koutsoubis ($100,000) and many others.

— S.H.P.

ST. NICHOLAS members with Archbishop Demetrios and Frs. Paul Palesty and John Lardas (center) Among the participating parishioners are Dimitrios Mihalios, Konstantinos Mallios, Peter Pavlar, Andrew Tsiolas, Spiro Pavlar, Emmanuel Kratsios and parish council president Christos Pantazis.

D. PANAGOS


Name: Holy Trinityand St. John the TheologianGreek Orthodox ChurchLocation: Jackson, Miss.Metropolis: AtlantaSize: about 85 familiesFounded: 1957Clergy: Fr. Theoharis G. Theoharis (Holy Cross ’69)Web site:holytrinitystjohngoc.orgE-mail:[email protected]:Church serves faithful from throughout the state

HOLY TRINITY & ST. JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

In the gospel of Luke, chapter 10, a lawyer asks Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus advised him to love God and his neighbor. In verse 29 the lawyer than asks who his neighbor is and Jesus proceeds to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan.

For the faithful of Holy Trinity-St. John the Theologian Church in Missis-sippi’s capital, their neighbors are rep-resentative of the downtrodden people the Lord instructed us to care for.

The church is located on one of the main streets running through the northwest side of Jackson, an area pop-ulated by the urban poor, mostly black. Fr. Theoharis described the area as “a tough dangerous neighborhood.”

A Small Community That Ministers to Its Neighbors

Perhaps his biggest challenge is to impress upon his parishioners that their neighbors are those outside the doors of the church. “It’s tough to in-still,” he said.

But several parishioners have risen to Fr. Theoharis’ call that they should take care of those around them and re-sponded with an ongoing ministry to feed people in the neighborhood.

Currently the parish helps between 30 and 40 families, but “we could do 100,” the priest noted.

As a result, the church has good relations with its neighbors. “We take care of them and they take care of us,” Fr. Theoharis said.

Early beginningsThough the parish

was founded less than 50 years ago, the Greek Orthodox presence in the state goes back more than a century.

According to a par-ish history, some of the earliest settlers in Jackson came in the late 1890s and early 1900s from the Peloponnesus, Pontus, Smyrna, Athens and some Ae-gean islands.

One of those islands was Patmos, which is the reason the parish’s name includes St. John the Theologian.

As was the case with nearly every other Greek community, the first ar-rivals opened cafes and restaurants, though one man, Mike Christopher who came to Jackson in 1904, traveled throughout the state as a minstrel as part of his uncle’s sideshow.

Some of the earliest settlers in Jackson were George Cretikas from the island of Patmos, Mike Christopher, who came in 1904 to New Albany from Smyrna, Asia Minor, Constantine Angelo, who arrived in 1912 and his wife Angeliki, who he married in Jackson, who came in the 1920’s. Jim Pappas and his wife, Irene, and children and Chris Liberis and his wife, Magdaline, were also among the early group.

More people immigrated to Jackson through the 20’s and 30’s but, before the 1950s, they attended church at St. George Antiochian Orthodox parish in Vicksburg, about 45 miles to the west on the Missis-sippi River, especially during Christmas and Easter. Many would travel by train or bus and stay overnight. Greeks would be

asked to chant the Lamentations on Holy Friday. Before World War II, there were more Greeks in Vicksburg than in Jackson and they would host an Easter picnic for the faithful from Jackson and for the Lebanese and Syrian Orthodox of St. George Church. In addition to the services in Vicksburg, a Fr. Bouterakis of New Orleans celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Jackson once a month at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the 1940s and early ‘50s. During World War II, Theo Costas headed the Greek War Relief effort, which gathered goods from throughout the state. Nick Elchos traveled to Greece on a relief ship loaded with cattle donated by the farmers of the state. The Ahepans and Daughters of Penelope also

contributed greatly to this effort. In the late 50’s, they were successful in having the Legislature pass a procla-mation recognizing Greek Orthodoxy as a major religion.

In 1946, the Athenian Society of Mississippi was founded, inspired by an earlier club of Greek women in Vicksburg. Its goal was to building a church. A former Methodist parsonage was purchased in 1950 and this served the Greek Orthodox community in Jackson.

Fr. Basil Kleoudis, the priest in Mobile, Ala., helped to establish the

new community. He held the first lit-urgy in March 1952 in the converted living room of the former parsonage.

A Philoptochos chapter, choir and youth group soon were organized and efforts got under way to build a church on the existing property after the parish received its charter. The new building was completed in 1958 in time for the liturgy of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to celebrated Sept.14 for the first time in the new edifice.

The parsonage was moved to the rear of the property and used for meet-ings, Sunday school, Greek school and social affairs until 1968 when the pres-ent community center was built.

Bishop John of Atlanta consecrated the new church in September 1973.

Presently, the parish’s members are scattered well beyond Jackson throughout Mississippi, including the cities of Hattiesburg, Natchez, Yazoo City, Aberdeen, Columbus, Meridian, Greenville, Biloxi and Gulfport and several others.

Today, Holy Trinity-St. John the Theologian is one of four Orthodox churches in Jackson. There also is an OCA parish and two Antiochian

churches.Parishioners are now the second

and third generation American-born descendants of the original families, though there is a small number of “old-timers in their 90s,” Fr. Theoha-ris noted. The church has a Sunday school with an enrollment of about 40 children and active Philoptochos GOYA and AHEPA chapters.

For many decades the community had an active Greek school, but it no longer exists as very few members understand Greek fluently. The priest uses mostly English in the services.

There also is a choir and four chanters who also do some singing in Greek.

Members are represented in many occupations besides the res-taurant business, including medicine, education and other professions. There is even a radio station owner, but “none in politics, thank God,” said the priest.

Most parish revenue is derived from stewardship. “for as small a par-ish as this is, I would put them as being better than any other parish I’ve been in,” said Fr. Theoharis. A pastry sale also brings in some revenue. Currently there is no Greek festival.

Fr. Theoharis arrived in Jackson only in March after serving parishes in Florence, S.C., Kansas City, Mo., where he has several family members, and elsewhere. He said some parishioners hope to build a new church, but there are no immediate plans. The priest said much of the emphasis of his ministry is “to awaken parishioners to what their faith is to help them become practicing Orthodox Christians.”

–— compiled by Jim Golding

P A R I S H pro f i l e

PEOPLEuHero in DC

uPrincipal Honored

Maria Pattakos of Washington saved the life of an 18-month-old granddaughter of a neighbor in October, and sustained serious injury.While the grandmother, the child and Mrs. Pattakos were attempting to cross a neighborhood street, a pickup truck abruptly turned toward them. Mrs. Pattakos thrust the stroller out of the way and the baby sustained only a minor bruise but Mrs. Pattakos received trau-matic injuries and barely survived. She has been in the Brain Injury Unit of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Wash-ington where she is expected to remain for months. Mrs. Pattakos is a member of St. Sophia Cathedral and the wife of Col. Arion Pattakos (U.S. Army ret.) Her family asks for everyone’s prayers.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue re-cently presented Peter Frank Zer-vakos, principal of Northview High School in Atlanta, with the Governor’s Cup award for the schools success on recent SAT scores.

Northview showed the greatest gain among 5-A schools. Mr. Zervakos, a mem-ber of Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, is also director of the cathedral’s Sunday school and the community orchestra.

uTeachers RecognizedTwo Sunday school teachers at Holy

Trinity Church in Bridgeport, Conn., were recognized recently for their long service to the parish. Sylvia Pappas was honored for her 43 years’ service and her daughter, Helen, for her 36 years in teaching the children. Both have taught Kindergar-ten. They were presented with teacher certification from the Archdiocese and Department of Religious Education by Fr. Demetrios Recachinas, parish priest, and Sunday School Director Eva Vaniotis.

uEarns DegreeAnastasia Antonacos, daughter of

Charles and Janice Antonacos of Bid-deford, Maine, recently was awarded a doctorate of music in piano performance from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. She has given concerts in recent months in Athens, Sparta, Kozani and Mytiline, Greece, and Ocean Park, Maine. She is now studying and performing in France and Belgium. Ms. Antonacos also is a recipient of the Greek University Women of Chicago Kanellos Award.

uObserves BirthdayThe Los Angeles Daily News, in it’s

“Today’s birthdays” column on Nov. 11, in-cluded Orthodox activist Nicholas Royce among its list of celebrities with birthdays on that day. Mr. Royce, an Archon, is a retired dancer-choreographer.

Elias Neofytides, founder and presi-dent of the Pan-Macedonian Studies Cen-ter Inc. in Whitestone, NY was presented with the Community Enrichment Award at the Community Access Producer Awards Festival Nov. 4, for his contributions to the Greek-American community. He also re-ceived a Congressional Recognition Award from Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) on Oct. 29, at ceremony held at Athens Square Park in Astoria, Queens. For the past seven years he has co-produced a se-ries of bilingual programs geared towards the Greek community for QPTV.

uProducer Award

JACKSON


WINDHAM, N.Y. – Kimisis tis The-otokou Church, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, attracts pilgrimages from all over America annually, especially on Pan-aghias Aug. 15.

How Upstate New York Church Got Its Start

by George Kent

This beautiful church modeled after the “Acropolis” has a heart-rending history inspired by circumstance, and gratefulness of one special individual.

The dream for a church came from William Jameson Koonan (Kouniotis) born in Peloponnesus, Greece. When he arrived from his homeland in the spring of 1912 at age 14 he immediately went to Troy, Mont., to join his brother.

Almost instantly his brother was taken ill and returned to Greece, leaving William to fend for himself. He worked as a cow-boy and for the growing railroads.

Determined to learn the English, he went to California and enrolled in Uni-versity of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) majoring in English and journalism, work-ing nights as a waiter, meeting famous Hol-lywood movie stars.

Completing his studies, and having lost his Greek accent. He went on to Boston, working for the Boston Globe newspaper and later traveled to New York where he found a position on the New York Times.

He met Maria Kouroyen (Kouroyenis) a registered nurse from Smyrna, sent to America by Queen Sophia on a nursing scholarship and they soon married.

At age 40 he contracted tuberculosis. He began praying, and vowed to the Virgin Mary that if he survived, he would one day build a “Greek Orthodox Church.

” He survived and, holding true to his word while recovering at home in the Catskills when the area was increasing with new Greek resorts, he put his plans in motion, to built the promised church.

William enlisted the assistance and formed the following board of directors: Gerry Nichols (Geronicolas), George Cavr-icas (Greek American Institute), Gregory Pappas, John Georgins (Georgakakis, who donated the land on which the church stands) William J. Koonan (Kouniotis, father of the church) Michael Savas, and Peter Hatzoglou.

In MemoriamIn Memoriam

Spiro Pandekakes, former St. Michael’s Administrator, 69, died Sept. 5. He served as administrator of St. Michael’s Home for the Aged in Yonkers, N.Y., for more than 25 years. He also was a U.S. Army vet-eran. Mr. Pandekakes married Penelope Trakis on Nov. 11, 1962. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Kathy Pandekakes and Irene (Edward) O’Donnel; a son, Timothy and his fiancé Christy MacDonald; three grandchildren; a sister, Helen Costa; and a niece, Michelle Voyiatzis and her husband, John.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: St. Michael’s Home for the Aged, 3 Lehman Terrace, Yonkers, NY 10705.

Presbytera Anastasia (Mataranga) Stepha-nopoulos, 92, died peacefully in her sleep at Northside Hospital on Nov. 21.

Beloved wife for 50 years of the late Father George Stepahnopoulos who died in 1985,she was born in Neohori, Elias Greece, March 3,1912.

Married in 1934, she traveled to the United States in 1939 with her three young children to join her husband, a graduate of Corinth Theological School, who had been called by Archbishop Arthenagoras a year earlier to serve the Church in America at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Great Falls. Mont.

A devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Presbytera is survived by a son, the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stepha-nopoulos, dean of the Archdiocesan Ca-thedral of the Holy Trinity in New York and daughter-in-law, Presbytera Nikki; two daughters, Joyce Varidin and son-in-law Dr. Plato Varidin, and Jeannie Stepha-

nopoulos of St. Petersburg, Fla.; daugh-ter-in-law Presbytera Effie Stephanopou-los, Portland, Oregon; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews here and in Greece.

She was predeceased by her son, Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos, 10 years ago, and grandson, Dr. Mark Varidin, tragically, on Oct. 18, 2004. In the 50 years of their min-istry, Fr. George and Anastasia served par-ishes in Great Falls, where he also served as a missionary priest to Greek Orthodox faithful from Montana to Canada; Lorain and Cleveland, Ohio; Farrell, Pa; Danville, Va; Salt Lake City, Bradenton and St. Pe-tersburg, Fla.

A Presbytera’s Presbytera, she was honored on November 6th 2004 by the Metropolis of Atlanta with the Archangel Michel Honor. In humble response to this recognition from Metropolitan Alexios, she said: “Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with my Greek Orthodox Faith has sustained me all my years on earth. My ministry as presbytera, in which I served our Holy Church and my husband and family continues to edify my long 92-year journey. All I can offer are my daily prayers and humble service. May our “Father see these and accept them as worthy.”

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 23, with interment in Royal Palm Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stefanos Church, 3600 76th North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 or the Father Elias Stephanopoulos Memorial Fund, c/o Holy Trinity Church, 3131 N.E. Gilson, Portland, OR 97232.

Magdalene Kourounis, 79, mother of Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, died Dec. 2. She was a native of Kalymnos, Greece. In addition to the Metropolitan, survivors include her beloved husband,

John Kourounis; two other sons and daughters in law, Mr. and Mrs. Charalam-bos Kourounis, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kourou-nis; several grandchildren and great-grand-children.

She will be remembered by

her family and many friends for her un-paralleled faith and devotion to Christ’s Church as well as her genuine hospitality to all.

Funeral service took place at St. Spyri-don Church on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Memorials in her memory may be made to the “Metropolis of New Jersey Building Fund.”

Magdalene Kourounis

Presbytera AnastasiaStephanopoulos

Spiro Pandekakes

Merry Christmas and Happy New YearYiota & Stelios Rotsides

Wrightstown, NJ

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Venetia & Costa ChryssofosMt. Laurel, NJ


Christine & Michael ConstantinouLamberton, NJ


Katherine & Elias IliadisMoorestown, NJ


Basilia & Elias SarandouliasMedford, NJ

Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισµένος ο Νέος ΧρόνοςChristine & Peter Kontos

Voorhees, NJ

Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισµένος ο Νέος ΧρόνοςChrysoula & Panagiotis Lazaropoulos

Medford, NJ

Merry Christmas and Happy New YearMaria Romia for “Bridal Couture”

Philadelphia, PA

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year

Tina & Dimitrios NitsolasMickleton, NJ

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year

Greek Orthodox Church of St. ThomasCherry Hill, NJ

MANCHESTER, NH. – St. George Cathedral in Manchester hosted the 2004 Conference of the New England Federa-tion of Greek Orthodox Choirs Nov. 19-21 that was highlighted by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Methodios. His Eminence was assisted by Father Stylianos Muksuris, cathedral dean. Choir members from throughout the Boston Metropolis constituted a chorus of over 70 voices that were bril-liantly directed by guest conductor Laurel Tsirimokos.

Miss Tsirimokos, a member of the An-nunciation Cathedral in Norfolk, Va., was assisted by guest organist Cathy Boisvert of St. Nicholas Church in Manchester.

New England Choir Federation Meets in New HampshireTogether, conductor and choir mas-

tered the highly demanding Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom composed by Dr. George S. Raptis of Detroit.

In addition to the rigorous rehearsals which the Raptis score and Miss Tsirimo-kos required, time was allotted for social and business activities, providing the opportunity for the New England choirs to become better acquainted with one another and to lay plans for the coming year under the continuing stewardship of NEFGOC President James Maheras and the executive committee. The Fed-eration voted to accept the invitation of St. George Church in Lynn, Mass. for the 2005 Conference.


Most of what contemporary Christians in the West know of St. Nicholas consists of the “Sinter Claus” image from Holland that has filtered down

to us as Santa Claus, the fat man in the red suit running around with a sled full of toys led by eight tiny reindeer.

We have western culture to “thank” for connecting and associating this image with the celebration of Christmas.

Not much has been written in popu-lar literature in western society about the inspiration for “St. Nick,” the real St. Nicholas of Myra.

But a new book recently published in Canada gives a clear picture in plain English to contemporary readers about the real person in history who lived a courageous and inspirational life whose story spread throughout Christendom and eventually became the popular cultural icon of today.

D.L. Cann, an educator and writer in Ottawa, Canada has written ”Saint Nicho-las Bishop of Myra; the Life and Times of the Original Father Christmas” following a 10-year effort to discover the original St. Nicholas.

Mr. Cann spent a decade research-ing and traveling throughout the lands of the Roman and Byzantine empires to learn about the saint. He draws heavily from Greek Orthodox sources, especially Michael the Archimandrite of Constanti-nople, who compiled the various stories about St. Nicholas into the first biog-raphy in the late eighth or early ninth centuries.

The book also gives an excellent ac-count of the late third century and early fourth century world in which Nicholas of

Recently Published Book Separates Fact from Fiction about “St. Nick”

Myra lived, including the political situation of the empire and Greek cultural and daily life of that era.

Mr. Cann discovered that the true St. Nicholas was a guardian of souls, a protec-tor of children and families, an advocate for justice and a giver of gifts.

St. Nicholas was persecuted and imprisoned under Diocletian until the new emperor, Constantine, ordered his release. Nicholas then led the rebuilding process in his ravaged faith community.

“Saint Nicholas” follows this church-man from his childhood in his birthplace of Patara to his heroic years as Bishop of Myra.

The author guides his readers to follow his search through modern-day Turkey, walking the streets that Nicholas walked and imagining the experiences of a resident in fourth-century Myra and sens-ing the life and times of St. Nicholas. He also visits modern-day descendants of the saint’s contemporaries in various nations that were once part of the Byzantine and Roman empires to see how they celebrate Christmas today.

It ends with a visit to St. Nicholas’ tomb and includes five stories associated with St. Nicholas that show why his is con-sidered the patron of children and sailors in particular.

The 216-page, seven chapter book also includes source notes for each chapter.

The book is published by Novalis at St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. Business office: Novalis, 49 Front St., 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5E 1B3; ph. 1-800-387-7164; e-mail: cservice @novalis.ca

When we observe the holidays of the Annunciation, the Nativity, Resur-rection and that of the Archangels

Michael and Gabriel, our thoughts often turn to angels.

Are Angels Saints?

by Bishop John of Amorion

Who are angels? What are they? When did they come into being?

We don’t often hear homilies on an-gels even though the Byzantine Liturgy frequently mentions them and the icons of Arch-angels Michael and Gabriel are to be found on the iconostasis of Byz-antine churches.

St. John of Damascus states that an angel is “an intelligent, spiritual being, in perpetual motion, with free will, and minister-ing to God, having obtained by grace an immortal nature: which the Creator (God) alone knows the form and limitation of its being.”

In other words, an angel is an invisible, spir-itual being in the heavens who was created by God before the creation of the visible, physical world. An- gels as spiritual, holy, bodiless beings are recorded in both the Old and New Testa-ments where they take the form of a man whenever they appear as messengers.

They have an identity of their own as in the case of Archangel Michael (which means “who is like God”) and Archangel Gabriel (which means “man of God”). Furthermore, St. John of Damascus says “being that the angel’s nature is rational, it is endowed with free will and it is change-able being that it was created.

Likewise, an angel is not subject to repentance, because it is spiritual and not a physical being and it is immortal not by nature but by grace. Only God is eternal,

for He, the Creator, is not under the do-minion of time, but He is above time.”

Whether angels are equal in being or differ from one another, we do not know, so says St. John of Damascus who is to the Greek Orthodox Church what Thomas of Aquinas is to the Roman Catholic Church, but angels differ from each other.

They take different forms at the bid-ding of God. According to St. Dionysios of Areopagite (patron saint of Athens +96), there are nine orders of these heavenly

beings, they being, Seraphim with six wings (Isaiah 6:2, two cov-ered his face, two covered his feet and two with which they

flew), Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Authori-ties, Rulers, Archangels and Angels.

Having established who and what are angels, let us proceed to examine whether or not angels are saints.

First of all, we know that angels are different from human

beings who are visible, rational, material mor-tal beings born with the

original sin in need of re-pentance, forgiveness and

redemption for whom the Son of God (Jesus

Christ) became man and was crucified as a ransom for the sins

of all humanity, in order to reconcile man with God the Father.

Well, this is not the case with angels who are not part of the material world, since they are solely, pure, spiritual beings.

Human beings are sinners (to a lesser or greater degree) who are seeking and struggling to become perfect. Those of us who are Christians seek to become Christ like.

We are challenged to imitate the lives of saints, but never to emulate the angels, for they are pure, spiritual beings, whereas we are visible, material beings possessing a human body with a spiritual soul and one mortal.

COLTON, Calif. – A true story of love, loss, family and freedom, Greek Coffee, the revolutionary memoir by George Molho is beginning to brew support for at risk-children across the country.

The words of Molho’s story ring close to home for the 1,500 youth served daily by Trinity Children and Family Services, one of the largest nonprofit providers of childcare services in the country. Some 20 percent of sales from Greek Coffee go to Trinity, a nonprofit organization found-ed by members of the Greek Orthodox Church in 1966.

Greek Coffee is a chronicle of Moiho’s life story of survival. In 1978, at age 7, Mol-ho was kidnapped and tortured for a year. At 21 he turned the tables and confronted

“Greek Coffee” Proceeds Support Trinity Children and Family Services

his kidnapper. His in-depth book of trag-edy and intrigue was completed and is not only a revolutionary story of overcoming emotional and physical boundaries to achieving peace; but, it is also a tool to help many children that find themselves in similar predicaments.

‘My personal background is unfortu-nately one that is shared by many children and young adults across the country,” said Moiho. “If sales of my book can help read-ers grow, and support Trinity in its goals to empower children for life, I can confi-dently say that I have surpassed the goals that I originally set out for myself.”

Trinity Children and Family Services is one of the largest nonprofit providers of childcare services in the country. The organization operates 29 program sites including residential treatment and edu-cation, foster care and group homes.

This spirited good time will help increase awareness and support for the needs of more than 1,500 children each day, ranging in age from birth-18 years old.

Founded in 1966, Trinity uses innova-tive techniques and highly trained coun-selors to provide guidance and support while meeting the essential needs of the children in their care.

[email protected] (212) 570-3555Fax (212) 774-0239

ad ver tiseadvertiseGET RE SULTS


CHICAGO – Just in time for the holi-days, a new, one-of-a kind coffee table book featuring all the churches in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is being released Nov. 1.

This book will make a wonderful gift for Greek Orthodox faithful and anyone interested in church architecture and in-terior decoration. It is likewise an impor-tant addition to every parish library and an excellent donation to local public and college libraries.

Ecclesia, Greek Orthodox Churches of the Chicago Metropolis, is Panos Fio-rentinos’ photographic journey through the entire Metropolis encompassing six states-Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin-containing 59 churches.

Through more than 400 of his richly colored exterior and interior photographs, Fiorentinos captivates the reader with the unique beauty and rich tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church as developed

Book Showcases Chicago Metropolis Churchesin these communities over the course of more than 100 years.

This large format book of 224 pages highlights the diverse architectural and iconography styles found throughout the Metropolis, as well as the desire to main-tain integrity with Byzantine design.

Based on personal interviews with dozens of priests and parishioners, the es-tablishment and growth of these churches are documented for the first time in one place. In addition to showcasing each of these churches through photographs and text, Ecclesia provides context with scholarly essays by noted authors on the Greek Orthodox Church’s architecture, fundamental beliefs and history, as well as the meaning of its icons and symbols.

Ecclesia also lends historical perspec-tive about the Greeks who immigrated to the Midwest and founded most of these churches by recounting the establishment of the Greek American communities in Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis.

Panos Fiorentinos is an architectural model maker by training, born and raised in San Francisco.

He embarked on this photographic journey after moving to the Midwest a few years ago.

In his 17 years of building architec-tural models, he has built many models of Greek Orthodox Churches. He and his wife Irene live in Chicago.

Fr. Anthony Coniaris, president of Light &Life Publishing Co., has called Ecclesia “a thoroughly commendable book, an engrossing read, and certain to enrich anyone’s understanding and appreciation of the richness of Orthodox iconography and architecture among the fifty-nine churches of the Metropolis of Chicago. The unique splendor of the interior of each church is shown in vivid color, as well as the magnificent exterior of each temple. The three chapters of the book cover The Immigrants’ Story, A Brief Introduction to the Orthodox Faith, and Iconography in the Orthodox Church.

You will be greatly inspired by this luxurious coffee table size volume high-lighting the splendors of the Orthodox faith.”

Ecclesia, Greek Orthodox Churches of the Chicago Metropolis, by Panos Fioren-tinos, (Chicago: Kantyli, Inc.), 2004; 224 pages, 400 color photos, 11 inX11 in. hard cover with dust jacket; $79.95 plus s & h; order at www.greekchurchbook.com or toll free 1-888-511-5711

Pan-Gregorian Enterprises Honors Co-founder

METROPOLITAN EVANGELOS of New Jersey presented an icon of the Virgin Mary to Ioannis P. Kallas, co-founder of the Pan-Gregorian Enterprises of America. He was honored Nov. 21 during a gala event by Pan-Gregorian for his initiative twenty years ago (together with the late George Manolios) to establish an association of Greek-American restaurant owners. Since then the organization and its charitable foundation has offered more than a million dollars to commu-nity organizations, schools and universities for the promotion of Greek language and hellenic culture. In the picture from the event (L to R) Toni Bletsakis, Ioannis Sakellaris, Andreas Kaiafas, John and Evangelia Kallas, their son Nikos, George Siamboulis, Metropolitan Evangelos, James Logothetis, Kostas Vetsas and Dinos Gourmos.

D. PANAGOS

PILGRIMS pose on the steps of St. Nektarios Church on the island of Aegena.

The first annual Young Adult Pilgrimage organized by the Archdiocese Depart-ment of Youth and Young Adult Min-

istries was a great success, as young adults from across the country embarked on a tour through Greece’s islands mainland and islands, Peloponnese and Constanti-nople, where they were granted an audi-ence with Patriarch Bartholomew.

Young Adult Pilgrimage: A Trip Like No Other

by D. Vanech, C. Meares, P. Kostoulas

Led by Bishop Savas of Troas, the Archdiocese chancellor, the pilgrimage offered a historical context for the des-tinations and invaluable lessons in ico-nography, church history, the faith, and Greek culture. We spent eight beautiful days touring churches, monasteries, me-morial sites, and museums on the most breathtaking land I have ever seen. We learned more than we ever thought we would about the culture of my ancestors, and developed a new understanding of my faith.

On our first day in Greece, after going to the Acropolis and the Corinth canal, we visited St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Patras, which houses the relics of St. Andrew’s

skull and the remains of the cross on which he was crucified. We were espe-cially fascinated with this church as it was my first encounter with the holy relics of a saint, and because St. Andrew is the patron saint of my brother.

The church was very large and filled with people attending a wedding. The ceilings were very high and the altar was lit up like a sunburst.

We participated in the Divine Liturgy at the Ionian Village Chapel, where I could smell the fresh morning air and hear the waves from the Ionian Sea rushing up onto the shore.

At that moment, we felt spiritually and emotionally connected with my faith and the incredible pilgrimage experience we had all just begun.

We visited the St. Dionysios Ca-thedral on the island of Zakynthos, we learned about its beautiful iconography and what the different icons represented. The church contains the body of St. Dio-nysios, which has not decayed and still remains intact.

Tradition holds that he walks around the island performing miracles, and be-cause of this, the monks must periodically change his worn slippers.

We remember vividly the intense feel-ing that came over me when we entered the Monastery of St. Gerasimos in Cepha-lonia. There was no music to inspire me, no chanting to uplift me, yet something moved me to a waterfall of tears. We are convinced that the intense feeling we felt was the presence of the Holy Spirit and the

spirit of St. Gerasimos. It was interesting to see how he lived in solitude in the cave below the Monastery.

Outside we sat below one of the many trees St. Gerasimos planted, and stared up into its big beautiful branches, letting my imagination slip back into time.

We then continued our journey to the remarkable Monastery of Mega Spilaion, built in the cave where the holy icon of the Mother of God was found. The hand sculpted wax icon is attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist.

We were told how the icon had been saved from many fires over the years, and although the icon had been blackened from the many fires at the monastery, the light of its history reflected onto all.

In Kalavrita, we held a memorial ser-vice for the men and boys who were killed by the Nazis in 1943. We also met with Fr. George Birbas, the village priest, and learned that the church and village were also set on fire during the raid. The clock on the outside of the church has been mo-tionless since the day of the fire. The town seemed to carry a painful silence, and its history seemed to burden its spirit.

The island of Aegina is home to the monastery of St. Nektarios. We were given a tour of St. Nektarios’ home, which is now preserved as a museum, and learned the story of his life. It was interesting to see how he lived so simply.

Constantinople was an eye-opening experience. The city looked like a picture out of a book and its culture was like noth-ing I had ever seen before.

Its beauty is one of a kind, and despite its proximity to Greece, the landscape and culture are so different. We visited Agia Sophia, the greatest Byzantine church ever built, viewed its beautiful iconogra-phy and saw how it was altered to become a mosque.

We visited the Monastery of Zoodo-chos Peghe “The Life-Giving Spring” and drank from its fountain. We also visited the Chora Monastery Church and admired its beautiful mosaics. On the island of Halki we toured the theological school where we sat in its classrooms and walked through the hallways.

The highlight of our trip was an audience with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. After our group discussion, he personally handed out beautiful crosses to each of us.

Our pilgrimage was filled with many blessings and was graced with the oppor-tunity of meeting many wonderful people. One such instance was when we partici-pated in a gathering of young adults that was arranged through cooperation with SYNDESMOS, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth (www.syndesmos.org)


P hiloptochos The Voice of

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minneapolis-St. Paul representatives of the National Philoptochos board recently presented a $15,000 donation on behalf of the Nation-al Philoptochos to Children’s HeartLink, a Minneapolis-based international medical charity dedicated to the treatment and prevention of heart disease in children worldwide.Founded in 1969 by a Twin Cities cardiac surgeon, HeartLink has treated children from 35 countries in-cluding more than 100 children from Greece and Cyprus.Currently, HeartLink sends volunteer medical teams to Ukraine, China, India, Kenya and Malaysia.

John Cushing, director of interna-tional programs, accepted the generous donation from the National Board of the Philoptochos Society. It will be used for open-heart surgeries for 15 to 20 children in Lviv, Ukraine.

For More Info:www.stgeorgegoc.org, www.philoptochos.org, www.childrensheartlink.org

Generous Gift to Children’s Heartlink

Arizona Chapter Honors Priest

PEORIA, Ariz.– St. Anna Chapter members recently held a dinner for Fr. Michael T. Pallad for his 10-years service to St. Haralambos parish, located 18 miles northwest of Phoenix.

More than 100 guests attended the dinner.

The parish of about 140 steward families has an active Philoptochos chapter, Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, and other activities.

CHICAGO – The National Board of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Inc. convened its fall meeting Dec.10-11 at the Marriott in conjunction with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council presided over by Archbishop Demetrios. In Friday morning’s joint ses-sion with the Archdiocesan Council, His Eminence congratulated everyone pres-ent for a highly successful 37th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and stated that the theme will continue with 2005-06 being the Year of the Family.

Next, a moving video presentation was shown of the return of the relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian from the Vatican to the Ecu-menical Patriarchate.

The National Philoptochos meeting began with greetings from Archbishop Demetrios. His Eminence announced His reappointment of Georgia Skeadas as na-tional president for the next two years.

The Archbishop had stated in his reappointment letter, “without a doubt, your dedicated leadership these past two years has brought about a new spirit and dramatic change in the National Philop-tochos Society of our Holy Archdiocese. From the moment you assumed office, you devoted your time and energy to promot-ing the mission of the organization and I especially applaud you for the extent of your travels which have taken you from parish to parish throughout our nation, worthily representing the Society.”

Mrs. Skeadas, accepted His Emi-nence’s reappointment, “with an almost overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude”

National Philoptochos Board Convenes Fall Meeting

Archbishop Demetrios proceeded to make His recommendations for the new Executive Board. All were in favor. The new Executive Board includes:

First Vice President: Maria Logus, Esq., Brooklyn, NY; Second Vice Presi-dent:Arlene Siavelis, Northbrook, IL, Third Vice President:\Maria Stavropoulos, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Secretary: Elaine Cladis, Englewood, CO., Treasurer: Aph-rodite Skeadas, Greenwich, CT., Assistant Treasurer: Pauline O’Neal, Sleepy Hollow, NY, and the Presidents of the Metropolis Philoptochos Boards, as follows: Georgia Vlitas, Direct Archdiocesan District, Bes-sie Drogaris, Metropolis of New Jersey, Lori Voutiritsas, Metropolis of Chicago, Merope Kapetanakis, Metropolis of Bos-ton, Dee Nicolaou, Metropolis of Atlanta, Sylvia Vitsas, Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Katherine Kotsis, Metropolis of Detroit, Martha Stefanidakis, Metropolis of Den-ver, and Valerie Roumeliotis, Metropolis of San Francisco.

Following the National President’s report, Mrs. Skeadas introduced the new appointments to the National Board. They are: Helen Anagnostakos, Pam Argyris, Irene Arsoniadis, Cindy Demetris, The-one Dickos, Stella Fiorentino, Ioanna Ka-koyiannis, Marina Kookootsedes, Haeda Mihaltses, Laura Nixon, Barbara Panaretos, Elizabeth Pappas, Cathy Roussalis, Presv. Christine Salzman, Diane Saphos, Evan-geline Scurtis, Yiota Simoglou, Ourania Soumas, Sophie Tangelos, Evelyn Tsiadis, Sylvia Vellios, and Daphne Zaralidis.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Aphrodite Skeadas, which included the many contributions given to the institu-tions of the Archdiocese, to church or-ganizations, programs and to children’s hospitals across the United States in the amount of $1,233,564 for the period Jan. 1 – Nov. 30, 2004.

The report on the 2004 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention was presented by Maria Logus, Esq., conven-tion co- chairman. Ms. Logus thanked all the committees for their hard work and in-valuable contributions to the overwhelm-ing success of the 2004 Convention.

During the Convention, clothing had been collected for the “Dress for Success” program. The program provides interview suits and clothing to low-income women, helping them make tailored transitions into the workforce. They assist more thank 45,000 women in over 75 cities each year and provide ongoing support to help the client build a successful career.

Philoptochos members donated in-terview and work appropriate women’s

clothing and the Dress for Success affiliate in San Diego was picked as the recipient by random drawing. Maria Logus also reported on the changes in the Bylaws and Resolutions, which have been ac-cepted and approved by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.

New Bylaws books should be avail-able early next year and three new national commitments have been adopted from the 2002 and 2004 Conventions. They are: the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Benevolent Fund, the Retired Clergy Association’s Benevolent Fund and a General Medical Fund. The adoption of the mission statements of the standing committees and special committees of the National Philoptochos Society are com-pleted and they are as follows: Academy of Saint Basil, Bylaws/Procedural Manual, Cancer Fund, Children’s Cardiac Fund, Children’s Medical Fund, Ecumenical Pa-triarchate, Family and Society/Interfaith, Finance/Administration, Hellenic College Holy Cross, Internal Audit, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Member-ship, National Commitments, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, Program Com-mittee, Project Management, Public Rela-tions, Saint Photios Shrine, Social Services/Philanthropy, Special Events/Fundraising, Spiritual Enrichment, Support a Mission Priest, Technology, United Nations In-ternational Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations.

Following a joint luncheon with the Archdiocesan Council, the meeting re-sumed with the next item on the agenda being the Social Services Report presented by Lily Katos and Helen Misthos, Social Service chairmen. The new Social Service Guidelines were reviewed and adopted unanimously by the National Board members. The activity of the Social Work department from January – November, 2004 totaled $53,771.53 in grants. Presi-dent Skeadas recessed the meeting for the day.

On Saturday morning the National Board reconvened with an inspiring spiri-tual commentary by Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, the Society’s spiritual advisor. A presentation was made by Helen Lambros and Dr. Marjorie Moyar, Ph.D., chairmen of the Family & Society /Interfaith Com-mittee, which consisted of many exciting thoughts, plans and ideas to share, espe-cially with it being the Year of the Family. The Metropolis presidents presented their reports and the activities in their respec-tive Metropolises. National President Mrs. Skeadas was thrilled and overjoyed to an-nounce that the 2005 Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon will be hosted by the Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos, under the leadership of Metropolis president, Martha Stefanidakis. The luncheon will take place in the fall of 2005.

A “Philanthropic Outreach Breakout Session” was conducted, where the mem-bers were assigned to special groups to brainstorm new philanthropic ministries of outreach. These outreach programs will be conducted on a national level. The breakout session was met with much camaraderie, excitement, enthusiasm and vision. Over 20 new projects were recom-mended and several will be undertaken in the next few months.

The meeting concluded with final thoughts from President Skeadas, and her thanks and appreciation to all the members for their attendance and their commitment to our organization.

The closing prayer was offered by His Grace Bishop Andonios.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Dear Ladies of the Philoptochos Society,

For over 2000 years the story of the birth of Christ has brought immense won-der, great joy, anticipated hope, profound peace, and abundant love into the hearts of man, for He was born to reveal the enormous depth of God’s love for His children.

This expression of love was made manifest through the faith and acceptance of the Virgin Mary. Her faith allowed her to receive the gift God had for her, and for all of us. Our hearts will fill with the Christmas spirit when we realize that we each receive the gift of Christmas in the same way, through faith. Our faith is not an accomplishment but a “gift of God” (Ephesians 2: 8-9). This faith brings us together in communion with God and with one another.

The three Magi also had faith, and left their kingdoms, because they felt compelled to follow the bright light of the Star of Bethlehem. We are called today to also follow that light, that shining star which illumines our heart and our lives with the light of Christ. We are called to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) in order to draw others to Christ through the light of our peace and harmony and good will, through the brilliance of our faith and virtue and kindness, and through the warmth of our zeal and forgiveness and love.

Love is the essence of our true being as God’s children. Because we are the creations of divine Love, we are innately loving and can reflect this love in so many ways every day. Since Philoptochos always represents love, it is most appropriate that we come together at this most special time of the year and reflect on our commitment to share this love with all humankind. This Christmas, when you are preparing your gift giving and your charitable Christmas projects, focus not on what you are able to give, whether great or small, but on what you have received. Let the grace you have received from God fill your hearts and then flow through you to others. When another person’s happiness and peace becomes even more important than our own, then we are fully immersed in the spirit of Christmas.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your tireless, devoted and unend-ing efforts for philanthropy. Let us con-tinue our journey together in harmony, peace and love.

May the spirit of Christmas be with you each and every day. On behalf of the National Philoptochos Board, I wish you, your families and your loved ones a very blessed and joyous Christmas. May the spirit of our Lord guide you throughout the New Year, and may His love always illuminate your hearts and minds.

With love in Christ,Georgia Skeadas

Merry Christmas FROM

PHILOPTOCHOS

GEORGIA SKEADAS


The recent bombings of Christian Churches in Iraq prompts us to ask, is there a Christian religion or even a

Christian minority in Iraq and even in the Middle East?

The Status of Christians in Iraq

by Rev. Dr. Miltiades B. Efthimiou

The following study is an overview of these Christian religions in this troubled area following a trip to this area along with members of the National Council of Churches several years ago. Much of the detailed information following this extraordinary trip was gleaned from Fr. Ron G. Roberson, The Eastern Christian Churches.

In my capacity as ecumenical officer for both the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America and the Stand-ing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), it was apparent that western peoples must begin to understand the religious complexities of the Middle East at a time when religious confrontation and extremism become in-creasingly a mark of our times. Christian, Muslim and Jewish peoples are confront-ing one another at an alarming rate.

This article provides an overview of Christians, Moslems and Jews, and the Christian Churches in the Middle East.

This is a tentative undertaking, since momentous changes on a daily basis, fur-ther complicate a critical understanding by most Americans of the Middle East and its religious orientation, because of their unfamiliarity with religions and cultures that are not western or Christian.

For example, sectarian identities have often been subjected to the manipulation of clerical as well as political leaders, all in the name of power and/or a Supreme Being.

And these leaders, (Jewish, Moslem Shiite, Moslem Sunni or Kurdish,) are subject to their national identities. For Moslems, though, “national identities are not fixed”, said Professor S. Krasner of Stanford University.

Indeed, it is rightfully suggested that Shia, Iraqi, Arab Muslims, choose identities depending on circumstances and what will benefit them in the long run.

Jews are in this mix as are Christians,

a distinct minority.To understand the complexities of

this issue, one needs to understand the three non-Jewish main ethnic groups:

SUNNI MUSLIMS: This sect is com-prised of about 85 percent of the world’s Muslims.37 percent are Iraqi. They be-lieve that the first four caliphs, (highest religious rulers), were the rightful succes-sors to the prophet Mohammed. Saddam Hussein is Sunni.

SHIITE MUSLIMS: They represent about 60 percent of the Iraqi population, and, therefore, are the dominant religious sect of this region. They reject the author-ity of the first three caliphs and claim that the true leaders of Islam descend from Ali, the fourth caliph, son-in-law of Mo-hammed.

KURDS: a non-Arabic people, they are the largest ethnic group in the world without their own homeland. Kurds are concentrated to the north of Iraq and to the south of Turkey. Kurds are made up of Sunnis and Shiites.

Would an alliance of all Moslems help in the peace process in the Middle East? It would depend, as Professor Kras-ner suggests, not so much on a sense of nationalism, but the ability to work out a power-sharing arrangement that would be beneficial to everyone, including Jews.

For all concerned, efforts to bring all groups together in a serious way, could reduce the spread of Middle East nationalism and tensions. Understanding the religions of the Middle East will help speed the process.

I am indebted to the Middle East Council of Churches and to Fr. Ronald G. Roberson’s work The Eastern Christian Churches — A Brief Survey (1993 edition). I would also recommend Dialogue With People of Other Christian Faiths, prepared by the Division of Overseas Ministries of the National Council of Churches of Christ, USA. I would also recommend the book, God is One, by R. Marston Speight, second edition.

Fr. Efthimiou is a protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Con-stantinople and a retired priest of the Archdiocese.

BROOKLINE, Mass.– While modern health professionals have only recently begun to question the notion that the mind, body, and spirit can be treated separately, many holistic approaches to healing have their roots in fundamental ancient practices of Byzantium, accord-ing to new research presented at Harvard University and Hellenic College.

The Healing Initiative, affiliated with both Hellenic College and the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard, sponsored a conference recently on the subject of Byzantine healing practices as related to modern understandings of holistic health.

The recent two-day conference brought together leading scholars and health professionals from throughout the U.S. for the first of three research seminars on integrative healing practices.

The subject of this year’s conference addressed historical foundations.

The second conference, to be held next spring at Hellenic College, will focus on theological issues in healing, and the third conference the following year will address modern applications.

This year’s conference, Holistic Heal-ing in Byzantium: Epistemologies and Methologies, examined the history of Byz-antine integrative healing approaches.

Presenters considered questions such as: How did Byzantines understand the difference between scientific and religious healing? And can holistic models of heal-ing, such as those practiced in Byzantium, be reconciled with the specialized ap-proaches of today’s healing disciplines?

Timothy Miller, Ph.D., professor of history at Salisbury University and author of The Birth of the Hospital in the Byz-antine Empire, presented evidence for the relatively advanced scientific nature of Byzantine hospitals compared to their medieval Western counterparts.

Whereas many hospitals in Latin Christendom were institutions for car-ing, not curing, emphasizing confession of sin as well as weekly rites of aspersion with holy water, Byzantine hospitals had a decidedly more medical character-and, as a result, became training centers for physicians.

Care for the sick was an innovative and central component of Byzantine mo-nastic culture, says Andrew Crislip, Ph.D., a religion professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Crislip suggests that monastic leaders wrestled less with the implications of sick-ness within their own bodies than with the treatment of the sick within society.

The resulting concern and social inclusion for the sick and disabled is well documented in writings from the fourth and fifth centuries.

However, as in modern times, the range of healing options pursued by individuals in Byzantium depended to some extent on one’s abode and social class, according to research by Alice Mary Talbot, Ph.D., director of Byzantine Stud-ies at Dumbarton Oaks.

Healing options varied from medical institutions to magic, traditional herbal medicine, and faith healing.

Talbot’s paper “Faith Healing in Byz-

New Research Looks at Religion’s Central Role in Byzantine Healing

antium” explored the religious aspects of Byzantine healing.

She found that “accounts of heal-ing miracles often stress the element of personal faith, that is, a pilgrim would be healed only if he or she believed fervently in the power of the relics or living holy man.”

Additional miracle accounts under-score the importance of shrines housing relics or holy icons of a saint, a healing spring, or a living holy person with heal-ing powers.

Other presenters focused specifically on the holistic approach embodied in Orthodox Christian perspective. Maria Evangelatou, Ph.D., in her presentation, examined the use of textual and visual ar-tifacts to reinforce the holistic notion that sickness and infirmity were connected to faith and morality.

John Chirban, Ph.D., Th.D., a senior fellow at Harvard’s Center for the Study of World Religions, professor of psychol-ogy at Hellenic College, and conference coordinator, addressed the integrative nature of Orthodox Christian holistic approaches.

Dr. Chirban’s analysis contends that rather than viewing the world as divided between the scientific and the spiritual, Byzantine healers emphasized a broad range of avenues for healing. Instead of focusing on one aspect of mind, body, or spirit, Orthodox Christian health practitio-ners attempted to address the whole self – the rational self, the emotional self, the self that experiences the world, the True Self at the core of one’s nature, and the self that is connected to others and God.

In conjunction with this research, Dr. Chirban and the Institute of Medi-cine, Psychology, and Religion (IMPR) have conducted a pilot study in the form of surveys of contemporary Orthodox clergy and health professionals in order to understand the diversity of professional perspectives on holistic healing and faith in modern times.

Chirban presented initial findings from this study at the closing of the conference and invited Orthodox Christian practitio-ners of medicine, psychology, and religion to participate in the larger national study. Work is under way to put the survey online and expand it nationwide.

Other presenters at this year’s con-ference included Peter Bistolarides, M.D., surgeon; Rev. Nicholas Graff, Director, St. Photios Shrine; Rev. Markos Nicholas, pastoral psychologist; and Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, HC-HC president.

Papers from this year’s conference are in process for publication in a book entitled: Healing in Byzantium:Faith and Science. Audio and visuals from the con-ference are available on the Institute of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion web-site, www.impr.com.

To participate in the Healing Initia-tive’s national study of health profession-als and clergy or receive more information regarding the conference, write to:

The Healing Initiative: Byzantine Healing & Holistic Health; The Institute of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion; PO Box 380958; Cambridge, MA 02138 or visit www.impr.org

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Challenge is the Youth & YoungAdult Ministries supplement to

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Here’s the scenario: It’s autumn; the homecoming dance is ap-proaching, you’re hanging out at the football game Friday night with friends. You’re sitting in the

bleachers, a kid from fourth period biol-ogy class is smoking marijuana beside you; a friend passes you a cup of beer. What do you do? We have all heard it, over and over and over again: Say No to Drugs. We’ve at-tended dozens of anti-drug assemblies at school, and at each assembly we learn at least a dozen different ways to say No. We learn about peer pressure. We learn that substance abuse can seriously damage our relationships with friends and family. We learn that drug and alcohol abuse damages our health and can take our lives.

distractions that keep us from focusing on our relationship with Christ, when we abuse drugs and alcohol our focus moves even further away from where it should be. Temptations to abandon Christ as our center attack us every moment of everyday. Other things in life become the focus, and Christ can get left behind. St. Paul tells us, “You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the dark-ness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (I Thess. 5:5-8) The passage tells us to be sober, watch-ful, and awake. When our minds and souls are burdened by cares other than Christ, we are not prepared to receive the gift of salvation God has given us. So, back to the original question: You are still at the foot-ball game, beer in hand, marijuana in the air. What do you do?

Examine the situation. How do you feel about what is going on around you? Do you have a response prepared for the person offering you drugs or alcohol? Why do you think your friends are drinking and using drugs? If you choose to join them, what are some of the consequences? There are a lot of good and practical reasons not to use drugs and abuse alcohol. Just think of all the ways substance abuse can nega-tively affect your life. Think about your physical health, your grades at school and your performance in sports. Then think about your loved ones, how drugs and alcohol may affect their lives as well.

Now, what would Christ want you to do; how would He suggest you handle the situation? Life can be chaotic. Drugs and alcohol just add to the confusion. Keep your mind clear and your heart open.

As the passage explains, we are all chil-dren of light and of the day. We should seek light, cling to light, and be awake and ready for the salvation God has promised to those who seek Him. The light of Christ is always shining brightly, although at times we may allow other concerns and distractions to fog our view. As we turn away from darkness, we are able to see His light more clearly. Turning away from drugs and alcohol al-lows us to focus on Christ more closely. If you are already struggling with substance abuse, you can always ask for help. Do not be afraid to seek help from someone you trust. If temptation to use drugs and abuse alcohol sets in, try to pray. You can always ask Christ to open your eyes and illumine your mind, so that you may see and under-stand the truth. Learn to pray for strength to resist temptation, to keep your life centered on Christ. Pray for all your friends who are struggling through the same trials as you are right now.

Enjoy the football game. Enjoy your friends. Remember that we are children of light; enjoy the light God has shined upon us in Christ. . . And just say no.

Sarai graduated from Holy Cross School of Theology with a Master of Theo-logical Studies in May 2004. She is cur-rently working as a residential counselor for the mentally ill in Atlantic City, N.J.

PARENTS and YOUTH Workers

Our Kids are not ImmuneTeenagers, parents and youth workers, could order Substance Abuse: Our Kids are not Immune. This video is part of the Orthodox Christian Teen Video series of the Greek Orthodox Arch-diocese of America. The video comes with a resource book which includes, patristic and scriptural references, pertinent information and sessions on the subject. The video can be viewed in its entirety on our website at www.youth.goarch.org in the “For Youth Workers” Section.

Did You Know…

Most likely the drugs you encounter at school and in peer groups will be alcohol and marijuana. Other possibilities are ecstasy, cocaine,

PCP, speed, crack, and/or inhalants. What’s the big deal with drugs, especially the “mild” ones like alcohol and pot? You’ve probably heard a lot of arguments against them. But if you’re trying to live a spiritually (not to mention physically!) healthy life, then you won’t use substances like drugs and alcohol. I’ll tell you why.

• Drugs and alcohol impair people, often fogging or completely overriding their God-given freedom. Drug abuse damages the ability of people to act as free and conscious beings.

• When a person is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, those substances often be-come more important to that person than God. As Christians, however, our loyalty is first to God. NOTE: Addiction doesn’t have to be physical. It can be psychologi-cal, emotional, and mental as well. Addic-tion is addiction.

• The Church views the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Drug use, over time, leads to the dete-rioration (“indirect suicide”) of the body, thus ignoring the responsibility to keep our temple pure, holy, and healthy.

• Drugs and alcohol often provide an alternate reality for the users, into which they escape from unpleasant or painful situations in their lives. Christ, who prom-ises to never give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13), tells us to deal with things in a real, honest way.

• Escaping into an alternate reality, or fleeing from reality, means that a drug or alcohol abuser is not relating to other people or to God on an honest level.

• Leisurely or social drug and alcohol use is like playing with fire. You open the door to anything that happens to come at you during that moment, including addiction, sexual temptation and/or victimization, violence, verbal abuse, self-injury, anger, etc. Why put yourself in that position?

WITHWhat’s Up Drugs

by Sarai Southrey

So, we know all of this but what does the Church have to say about drugs? How does drug and alcohol abuse affect our souls, and more importantly, our relation-ship with Christ? When we make the deci-sion to participate in irresponsible and il-legal drinking and drug use, we also make the decision to suffer the consequences that come with those activities.

Drugs and alcohol impair judgment; they cloud our minds, and muddle our thinking. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, we may find ourselves in morally dangerous situations; we may be-have in ways we would not have behaved had we been sober. Christ is the center of the Church. As Orthodox Christians, Christ should also be the center of our lives. Keeping a Christ-centered life is always a challenge. We already experience so many

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, en-dures all things.”

I Corinthians 13:4-7

zheimers . He worked hard at cultivating his love, and persevered through difficult times with unwavering faith in it.

While the movie does portray many pure and beautiful aspects of love, it also promotes premarital relations and emphasizes physical expressions of love. When two people truly love each other, it is unnecessary for them to indulge in lustful activities.

Simple acts such as holding hands become increasingly special when you cherish each moment and appreciate God’s blessings.

The harder we work to suppress im-pure thoughts and feelings, and to nurture pure relationships centered on Christ, the greater our understanding and apprecia-tion of love will be.

All people seek after love; and God wants nothing more than to share his end-less supply with us. Therefore, by keeping God at the center of our lives and relation-ships, we can experience pure and perfect love. However, when we allow lust, pride, and impatience to guide our search for love, we move further away from the object of our desires and deeper into an abyss of confusion and unhappiness.

Jonathan is a senior in high school from San Antonio, Texas. He attends St. Sophia Church in San Antonio.

by Jonathan Dolan

Love escapes those who abuse it, hurts those who misuse it, rewards those who share it, and is laid by God at the foot of every man who is willing to accept it. Love can radiate a beauty far too magnifi-cent for words when it is understood and nurtured. As teenagers we often confuse love with lust.

Sometimes we rush into physical relationships hoping to satisfy our desire for love. These actions just further distort our perceptions of love.

The recent film The Notebook is a story of two young people who fall in love one summer and then struggle to maintain their relationship.

The character played by James Gar-ner truly brought to life the ideal that love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things” as he faithfully stood by his wife’s side even while she struggled with the disease of Al-

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BOSTON – Annunciation Cathedral of New England’s Centennial Committee held a reception after Divine Liturgy on Dec. 19 to present its Centennial Album and Plaque. Contents include the Centen-nial Year events, the Cathedral’s 100-year history with memorable photographs, Ca-thedral deans and presidents, the Philop-tochos history and presidents, messages from hierarchs, dignitaries, parishioners, friends and many other notable events.

The program also included an unveil-ing of a distinctive centennial plaque by Fr.

Boston Cathedral Holds Centennial Album ReceptionGeorge Daskalakis listing over 300 centen-nial donors who contributed more than $500,000.Surplus funds are earmarked for the planned renovations of the Cathedral’s halls, classrooms and other needed areas. Also planned is an exhibit of photographs and videos of Centennial events that will be available for viewing and purchase.

Videos of the Cathedral’s history, youth programs, and a special centennial message from Archbishop Iakovos, former dean of the cathedral in the 1940s, will also be available for viewing and purchase.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Developer Angelo Tsakopoulos recently gave his collection of Hellenic, Balkan, and Near Eastern materials to the library of California State University, where it was officially dedicated as the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection at a ceremony earlier this year.

On a trip to California in early November, Archbishop Demetrios vis-ited the Tsakopoulos Collection at the university, accompanied by Mr. Tsako-poulos, and other prominent members of the Greek community and university administration.

The Tsakopoulos Collection includes more than 70,000 volumes of material in fifteen languages relating to Hellenism. His Eminence expressed his surprise by the size and scope of the collection, and spent extra time perusing the materi-als relating to Orthodoxy and religious studies.

Professor Katerina Lagos, director of the Tsakopoulos Center for Hellenic Studies, guided His Eminence through the collection, and explained how fortu-nate students on the West Coast were to have such a wonderful collection at their disposal.

The Archbishop continued to the Special Collections wing, where the rare books, private archives, and antiques are

Tsakopoulos Hellenic CollectionHas New Home at Cal. State University

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS with Angelo Tsakopoulos.

housed. Sheila O’Neil, Head of the Special Collections/ University Archives, arranged a specially selected display of some of the rare books from the collection.

Included in this display were a 1541 edition of the New Testament, edited by Desiderius Erasmus, and the 1559 and 1560 two-volume commentary of Homer’s Odyssey, written by Bishop Eustathius.

Following the tour, Mr. Tsakopou-los hosted a private luncheon in honor of the Archbishop. That evening, Mr. Tsakopoulos and his wife, Sofia, hosted a large dinner reception at their home in Sacramento.

Dedication ceremonies took place April 30 and the public opening was held Nov. 8.

Mr. Tsakopoulos, a prominent land developer and philanthropist who was born in Greece, began assembling the collection nearly 20 years ago. He was assisted in his efforts by Speros Vryonis, at the time chairman of the Near Eastern Studies Center at the University of Cali-fornia, Los Angeles.

The collection grew quickly and for 12 years was housed in the Speros Basil Vryonis Center for the Study of Hellenism in Rancho Cordova.

In seeking a new home for the grow-ing collection, Mr. Tsakopoulos received offers from Northeastern universities, but after negotiations with CSUS the collec-tion, valued at several million dollars, found a new home at his alma mater.

His daughter, attorney Eleni Tsako-poulos-Kounalakis, also part of the negotiating team, said, “My feeling was that these institutions were already rich in classical resources.

If would be wrong to remove the col-lection from Sacramento just because we have fewer scholars here who would take advantage of it.

In fact, it is only by making the collec-tion broadly accessible in the region that we can hope to encourage more people to elect this field of study, or to come to our region to pursue it.”

Henry Chambers, CSUS history de-partment chairman, says he is delighted with the acquisition. He sees it not only as a magnet to attract established and fledg-ling scholars to the campus but also as a means of forging stronger ties to the large Hellenic community in the region.

The University is now conducting a search for a tenure-track Hellenic scholar, a Near Eastern scholar and a permanent specialist librarian to support the col-lection.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Just two months ago Orthodox students at Purdue University celebrated the opening of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship House and Campus Center, a great milestone for Or-thodoxy at Purdue’s main campus. It is the second such OCF center in the nation.

Three male students live on the sec-ond floor of the house. There is also a chapel available for prayer and scheduled worship services conducted by Fr. Gregory Allard of St. Alexis Orthodox Church of Lafayette. The house is intended to bring Orthodox students together for meetings, social events, and worship.

The main floor living area is open throughout the day for students to drop in for coffee, to study, or to speak with Fr. Gregory who is there every Tuesday and Friday. One may contact the OCF Campus Center by calling (765)746-0530 or calling OCF advisor Angie Palikaris at (765)494-3682. Visit the OCF website at: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~ocf/

Orthodox Student Center Opens at Purdue University

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~ocf/


CHICAGO – Hundreds of faithful of the Orthodox Christian community of the Metropolis of Chicago gathered at the Carlisle on Thursday, October 28th to greet His Eminence, Metropolitan Iakovos and wish him a happy feast day and many years.

The dinner as in previous years was sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Clergy Syndesmos whose current presi-dent is Father John Kalomas, Pastor of the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. The Invocation was given by His Emi-nence, assisted by Father John Kalomas. Past President, Father Timothy Bakakos, welcomed His Eminence and the guests and read a telegram from His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios commending the ministry of the honoree and wishing him a happy feast day.

Father Bakakos also spoke about the ministry of Metropolitan Iakovos and wished him a happy feast day and many years. Father Demetri Kantzavelos spoke about the importance of OHI Day which was ob-served by the nation of Greece and Greeks everywhere on October 28th each year.

He recalled the bravery of the Greek people in the face of war and occupation and their contributions to the world.

The attendees then stood and joined him in prayer. The Children’s Choir of St. Andrew Church presented a musical program under the direction of Maria Kotsinis. Lori Voutiritsis, President of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos greeted His Eminence and on behalf of the Philoptochos Society presented him with two rare volumes bound in suede on the History of Great Musicians.

The volumes on hand made paper have title pages and numerous bor-ders initialed and illuminated by hand. Her Excellency Aliki Hadji, The Con-sul General of Greece who greeted his Eminence, spoke about his contri-butions and wished him many years.

METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS with Fr. John Kalo-mas, president of Greek Orthodox Clergy Syndesmos and Proistamenos of St. Andrew Church, Chicago.

Metropolitan Iakovos Feast Day Observed by Community

Andrew A. Athens, National Chairman, United Hellenic American Congress and President of World Council of Hellenes (SAL) spoke about the work of the orga-nization and particularly that of providing healthcare in needed parts of the world. Mr. Athens praised the ministry of His Emi-nence and stated that the Chicago Metrop-olis has consistently contributed more than any other Metropolis to the Archdiocese. Father Bakakos introduced Panos and Irene Fiorentinos who had prepared a pictorial book Ecclesia to be presented to His Eminence.

He thanked the pair and the clergy who worked with them in producing the book about the history of the parishes of the Chicago Metropolis. “We are excited and pleased that the book was completed in time for us to present it to His Eminence on the occasion of his Feast Day Dinner” Father Bakakos said.

Father also announced that posters showing the churches in the Metropo-lis will be appearing in our parishes. Father Kalomas, President of the Clergy Syndesmos stated that he first met Bishop Iakovos when he came to ordain a young man in his parish.

He added that in the twenty five years of service to this Metropolis by His Emi-nence, the Metropolis has grown to be the best in the Archdiocese.

He mentioned the youth programs, aids, the blanket program, oratorical, sports, and now Lupus, the ailment which afflicted Father Kalomas.

He added that he was grateful the Me-tropolis was making it one of its causes. Fa-ther Kalomas concluded with giving thanks to God for keeping His Eminence all these years. He then presented His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos to the gathering. His Eminence spoke about St. Ia-kovos who, he said, begins his Epistle in simple words - “lakovos, a ser-vant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” “He did not say he was the brother of the Lord, or was a Bishop of Jerusalem or an Apostle.” I, too, say to you, - I, lakovos, servant of God appreciate your love and cooperation, reverent members of our communities - you who support our Church in America. You who are the do-nors and constantly serving. It is God Who gives honor and glory, but I as a servant of God feel an obligation to thank my flock, clergy, co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord, he said. “You are the foundation of the Church of America.

The Church has no-one but you. You are the treasury of the Church. You serve not to receive titles or earthly rewards, but hoping and anticipating the crown of heaven. I thank all of you for your best wishes” he concluded. His Eminence, Archbishop Vsevolod of Skopelos, Western Eparchy, Ukrai-nian Orthodox Church of the U.S., also greeted His Eminence, Metropolitan lakovos and then offered the benedic-tion assisted by Father Timothy Bakakos. Visitors who had not had the opportu-nity to individually wish His Eminence a happy feast day prior to the dinner did so at the conclusion of the evening.

ruary,” he continued, “all the pieces began to fall into place.” The owner announced his willingness to sell the property at the property at the same time a family from Greece arrived for 10 months of treatment at the Clinic.

The sale price of $125,000 was fair, and, although the house required signifi-cant renovating, repairing, and redecorat-ing, it was structurally sound.

Financially, the timing was difficult. New church construction was commencing, and the parish is mortgaged. With support and encouragement from Metropolitan Ia-

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of Orthodox Christians from throughout the nation and around the world seek medical treatment at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Now, there is a welcoming place for Orthodox fellowship, lodging and comfort.

The Metropolis of Chicago and Holy Anargyroi Church recently opened the Philoxenia House for families of patients at the Mayo Clinic.

Philoxenia (literally, “friend of strang-ers”) House opened June 15. The parish acquired the property (adjacent to the church building now under construction) on April 1. Parish volunteers, with encour-agement from Metropolitan Iakovos and assistance from St. Mary’s Church in Min-neapolis, worked feverishly to prepare the house for opening.

Capacity is 11 people in four family groups. The first floor of the two-story building features a living room where visitors and parishioners can share friendship and comfort. “This has been a 20-year dream and need for patients,” said Fr. Nicholas Kasemeotes, parish priest and Mayo clinic chaplain. “And it should be a real help to Orthodox Christians from around the globe who need a place to stay during times of medical necessity and fi-nancial strain.” The house will be offered free of charge to those in need. “Last Feb-

Rochester Parish Opens Philoxenia House for Mayo Patientskovos and Sophia Nibi, director of Philoxenia House in Boston, the par-ish voted to put it-self more in debt to take advantage of this unique op-portunity.

“We would like to raise $200,000 to totally fund this project,” said Fr. Kasemeotes. “An-nual upkeep of around $15,000 will come from donations of visi-

tors, the parish and other supporters. “For patients and their families who travel far from home, it is always a difficult time,” he continued. “We hear the Lord’s words, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and we try to make it better.” When the new, Byzantine center for worship and healing is completed, the current struc-ture will be re-dedicated for education and community functions.

For more information, contact Fr. Kasemeotes at (507) 282-1529. or [email protected], visit our church web-site: www.holyanargyroi.mn.goarch.org

METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS of Chicago inagurated Philoxenia House.

SEATTLE – During his more than 30 years as an Orthodox priest, Fr. Michael Johnson has encouraged and mentored nearly two dozen young people to earn religious awards through the program offered by the Eastern Orthodox Com-mittee on Scouting (EOCS), an agency of the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America.

He ensured that the recipients re-ceived appropriate recognition for their efforts through presentation ceremonies in front of the entire parish congregation, often with the local bishop presiding.

In a surprise turnabout recently, two of Fr. Michael’s former Scouts, with the blessing of Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, presented Fr. Michael with the highest award that can be bestowed on an adult Orthodox Scout leader - the Prophet Elias medal.

Nick Tarlson, now the EOCS regional coordinator for Northern California, and Bill Trapalis, both members of the original Seattle Orthodox Scout Troop 67, founded by Fr. Michael in 1966 before he became a priest, made the presentation following the Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Seattle.

They were assisted by Peter Evans, one of the first Scoutmasters of Troop 67, and Patrick Hall, the new Scoutmaster of the troop, which is being reestablished to serve Scouts from several Orthodox parishes in the Seattle area.

According to the EOCS, the Prophet Elias award is given to adult Scout leaders who have devoted “at least eight years of exemplary service to the spiritual, physi-cal, and moral development of Orthodox youth through service to the Church and the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and/or Camp-fire Boys and Girls... it is in the image of the Prophet Elias that recipients of this award pass on their religious heritage and teachings to younger Eastern Ortho-dox members.”

Fr. Johnson, a native of Seattle, was active in the Boy Scouts as a youth, at-taining Eagle Scout, the highest rank. He continued his interest as an adult, serving as director of the Scout Service Corps dur-ing the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair.

Ordained at St. Spiridon as a deacon in 1969, and as a priest in 1973, Fr. Michael served at the cathedral, and at the oldest Orthodox parish in the Northwest, Holy Trinity Church in the small mining town of Wilkeson, Wash.

A prolific writer, Fr. Michael is the author of a book on the history of Camp Parsons, the oldest Scout camp west of the Mississippi started in 1919, Scout histori-cal articles for magazines.

In addition to the Prophet Elias award from EOCS, he recently was recognized by the Chief Seattle Council with the Silver Beaver, the highest award given to Scout leaders by local councils.

St. John Chrysostom set forth the importance of working with the youth in the Fifth Century when he wrote: “With us everything is secondary compared to our concern with young people and their upbringing in the instruction and teaching of the Lord. After all, what greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?”

For over 40 years, Fr. Michael has fol-lowed the path outlined above, and is thus richly deserving of Orthodox Scouting’s highest award - the Prophet Elias Medal.

Seattle Priest Receives Highest Orthodox

Scouting Award


SAN FRANCISCO – The Daughters of Penelope held their 75th anniversary celebration Nov. 13 at the famed Drake Hotel. The city also was the location of the organization’s first meeting was held in the San Francisco home of the founder, Alexandra Apostolides.

Maria Mastrokyriakos, one of the youngest members of EOS chapter No. 1, was the anniversary event chairman. The theme, “Let Us Honor the Past as We Embrace Our Future” was accurately ex-hibited. It coincided with Grand President Demetra “Demi” Kapolis’ yearly theme of “A Rich and Glorious Past with a Bright and Promising Future.”

Efthimia “Effie” Choppelas, one of the charter members of EOS No. 1, was honored. This blending of past and future showed the remarkable paradigm of the Daughters of Penelope.

Mary Chicos, past national Penelope of the Year, opened the afternoon event and thanked all those who had come from near and far to be at this special annual EOS No. 1 Founders Day Luncheon. Vivian Leos, EOS No. 1 chapter president, welcomed everyone who enjoyed the wonderful camaraderie of the many in attendance: Grand Lodge officers, district governors and committee chairs.

Maria Mastrokyriakos, event chairman a dual member of the Daughters of Penel-ope and the grand vice president of the Maids of Athena, was pleased to greet the many past grand presidents who attended. They included: Mary M. Georgiafandis, Becky Demeris, Angie R. Speliopoulos, Joanne V. Hologgitas, Connie A. Banis, and Joanne Booras.“Eos means ‘The Dawn,” a poignant symbol of the journey that our foremothers began for future generations,” Ms. Mastrokyriakos said. She also thanked the Maids of Athena Antigone No. 95 who served on the event committee.

Mrs. Choppelas’ remarks included her memories of the first years of the Daughters of Penelope and how the charter members all worked together to meet the goals of

Daughters of Penelope Celebrate 75th Anniversaryperpetuating the study of American ide-als and to encourage Hellenic study of the Greek ideals. “Alexandra wanted a women’s organization that would in some way repay this glorious country—America—for its many blessings,” stated Mrs. Choppelas. She served as secretary of the newly founded EOS chapter, and continues today to serve her chapter.

However, at the age of 96 years, Mrs. Choppelas was most excited about her recent accomplishment, “My driver’s license was renewed,” she proudly stated “I’m driving for another five years.”

Grand President Demi Kapolis ex-pressed how proud she was to be able to address the group at this milestone event. “The good work we have done in the past; the good work we continue to do in the present, is a fine example of how we have evolved over these 75 years,” Grand Presi-dent Kapolis remarked. She emphasized the importance of publicizing events and that, “The Daughters of Penelope, your organization, is one of the finest premiere women’s organizations in the world and is the only non-profit, philanthropic organization that is so diversified in its endeavors.”

Presentations included Chapter Pe-nelope of the Year to Annette Vlahos and a Proclamation from the City of San Fran-cisco, presented by Vicki Liviakis KRONTV News reporter, making November 16, 2004 Daughters of Penelope Day.

Kathryn Coumanis, Penelope House Director, also spoke to the group and re-minded them of the importance of sup-porting the Penelope House and to be ever vigilante in the fight against domestic violence.

As the luncheon ended, as the beauti-ful music from the San Francisco’s Lowell High School Choir concluded and as the raffle produced excited winners, the feeling permeating the room was this dream of 75 years ago–the Daughters of Penelope–will be celebrating many more anniversaries.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – The Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute South-ern California Auxiliary, honored one of its founding members, Helen Liacouras Lambros, at a testimonial dinner in No-vember at Paramount Studios The theme for the evening, “Star for a Night,” honored Mrs. Lambros’ active commitment to her church, community, and the arts.

In a rousing production, produced and directed by Mary J. Blue, highlights of her many achievements were presented musically. This seemed only fitting as Mrs. Lambros, herself, has been the producer- director of numerous musical celebra-tions.

Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Lambros moved to Los Angeles (San Marino) in 1962 with her husband, Dr. Vasilios Lam-bros, and her three children, Val, Eleni and Damian. She has been involved in many phases of the St. Sophia Cathedral com-

Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Honors Helen Lambrosmunity from developing the junior choir to choreographing many debutante balls. Mrs. Lambros has served on the National Philoptohos Board for 14 years. She is a member of SAE, Council of Hellenes Abroad and a founding member of PAOI. She is a member of the Blue Ribbon com-mittee of the Los Angeles Music Center and, also, a member and past president of the “Footlighters,” raising funds for children’s charities.Mrs. Lambros’ enthusiasm, talent and creativity have benefitted all these organizations and many others, raising funds for children, church and community. She has appeared in film, television and theatre and has written three plays that were produced in Los Angeles.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Masters Program at the Graduate Theological Union at the University of California, Berkeley.

NILES, Ill. – Holy Taxiarchai-St. Hara-lambos Church held the closing on the purchase of a one-acre property adjacent to their existing church and school Dec. 1. “Exciting as it is to have the parish close on the property, this is but a first step in the latest chapter in our long history as the St. Haralambos family... one that will, with God’s help, see the ultimate fruition of so many long-held dreams,” reflected the parish’s Fr. Constantine Botsis follow-ing the closing.

“After more than a year of nego-tiations,” added parish council President Tom Kanelos, “we just thank the Lord we were finally able to realize the purchase, allowing for the future expansion of our parish facilities.”

Making good on the $100,000 “Chal-lenge Pledge” he made last January, long-time St. Haralambos parishioner Chris P. Tomaras was elated to hear the parish was closing on the property.

“Fr. Dean and Tom Kanelos called me when the contract was signed. I thank God and the parish’s leadership for allowing me to help in achieving this goal,” con-tinued Tomaras, “and I look forward to seeing the community, its children, our Hellenic heritage and Orthodox Faith continue to flourish there.”

Mr. Kanelos thanked Tomaras, saying, “Now it’s up to our fellow parishioners, and our many friends all over Chicago, to come forward and contribute what they can so the parish can continue building its momentum. I can assure all our contribu-tors that each of them will be appropriately

St. Haralambos Church Sets Expansionrecognized for helping us raise what we owe on this new land.” Taking a somewhat different approach than many of our par-ishes’ benefactors, Tomaras had decided to challenge his fellow-parishioners last January during a General Assembly dis-cussing possible expansion: he would contribute $100,000 towards their offer on the property, but only if 100 fellow pa-rishioners also contributed $1,000 each. He was pleased when $62,000 in contribu-tions was pledged before the meeting had even adjourned, saying, “I felt it was more important for me to serve as a catalyst for a hundred others to make a commitment to the children and future of this parish. I’m gratified that my ‘Challenge Pledge’ is being met so quickly.”

The St. Haralambos community, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2001, is one of the Chicago area’s old-est and most dynamic Greek Orthodox parishes.

It is led by Rev. Fr. Constantine P. Botsis, protopresbyter and Fr. Mark Mu-ñoz, assistant. Deacon John G. Suhayda is pastoral assistant. Chicago businessman Tom Kanelos heads the parish council.

Dinner-dance chairs, Katina and Spyros Vaselopulos, have announced the event will be held Feb. 13, 2005 at the Crystal Palace in Des Plaines, IL, and will be a departure from previous years, including what they promise will be “a unique ‘Silent Auction’ and new way everyone can be recognized for their support of St. Haralambos as we enter a new era in our long history.”

LECANTO, Fla. – St. Michael the Archangel Church announces that the parish has scheduled a Groundbreaking Ceremony for their new church edifice.

St. Michael’s is a community com-prised of slightly over 100 families in west central Florida, about 65 miles north of Tampa and 75 miles west of Orlando.

The community was founded 25 years ago and serves mostly retirees who have settled in the Citrus County area, one of the fastest growing regions in the nation and presently experiencing exponential growth as a bedroom community of the Tampa Bay area.

Twelve years ago the community built a parish center, named the Cantonis Parish Center after the community’s great bene-factors Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cantonis, on 10 acres in the center of the county.The par-ish center mortgage was retired in 2003.

During the past two years the parish has engaged the services of the CJK Design of San Francisco, and has been working

Florida Parish to Break Ground for New Churchwith renowned church architect Christ Kamages, A.I.A. in designing their church and related complex to compliment the existing parish center.

Groundbreaking activities have been scheduled for Feb. 26. His Eminence Met-ropolitan Alexios of Atlanta will officiate, assisted by various area clergy.

In addition to vespers, an agiasmos and an artoclasia, the community is plan-ning a dinner-dance.

The parish has launched a capital campaign. Donations can be sent to St. Michael the Archangel Greek Ortho-dox Church, P.O. Box 241, Inverness, FL 34451-0241.

For more information, visit the par-ish’s web site at www.stmichaelgoc.org or contact Fr. Nicholas Samaras at [email protected]; the parish council president, Dr. George S. Mavros at [email protected] or the fund raising chairman, George R. Kanaris at [email protected].

BROOKLINE, Mass. – Holy Cross School of Theology recently held the inaugural conference of the Stephen and Catherine Pappas Patristic Institute, “Apocalyptic Themes in Early Christian-ity.” Plenary speakers were leading schol-ars in ancient Christianity, including Fr.

Pappas Patristic Institute Holds Conference on Apocalyptic ThemesTheodore Stylianopoulos of Holy Cross School of Theology.

Founded in 2003, the institute fur-thers the study of patristic writings and material culture in an ecumenical setting by funding research and publication ini-tiatives and organizing conferences.

mailto:[email protected]

32 DECEMBER 2004

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