Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s Milestone 20 th Anniversary

Transcript

1 OCTOBER 2011 Vol. 76 No $1.00 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s Milestone 20 th Anniversary No other patriarch in history has traveled to more places, met with more world leaders, reached out to more faiths, received more honors, sailed over more bodies of water, logged more air miles, held services at more churches, planted more trees, appeared, ministered and reached out to more people and, in the process, projected Orthodox Christianity to more of the world than Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Born Dimitrios Arhondonis in a leap year, Feb. 29, 1940, on the ethnically Greek island of Imbros, after high school he enrolled at the theological school on the island of Halki and graduated with honors in He continued his education through the 1960s in Italy, Switzerland and Germany, eventually earning a doctorate at the Pontifical Oriental Institute (Gregorian University) in Rome. (He has since received 28 honorary doctorates, at last count, from universities around the world). Taking the name Bartholomew upon his ordination to the diaconate, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks until Oct. 22, 1991, when he was elected the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch at the age of 51. His enthronement was Nov. 2, 1991, in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George at the Phanar. Over the years, he has traveled to at least 50 nations on six continents, building bridges of friendship and understanding with their top government and religious leaders. He has become known as the Green Patriarch for his concern and actions for the environment throughout the world. In the aftermath of 9/11, His All Holiness took the initiative to pursue a dialogue of peace and tolerance with clergy and scholars of the Muslim and Jewish faiths. His accomplishments earned him the ranking of 11 th of the world s 20 most influential leaders by Time magazine in May 2008 and the highest honors from many nations, a few of which include the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (1997), honorary medals from various Orthodox Churches, and the highest decorations bestowed by the presidents of Lebanon, Romania, Greece, Estonia, and Hungary. The Ecumenical Patriarch has stood at the forefront of the rights of the Orthodox Church and the human rights of its adherents in Turkey. In his seven visits to the United States, he has raised the awareness of the Church to millions of non-orthodox through his appearance on CBS-TV s 60 Minutes, the Charlie Rose show on PBS, and in several major media markets in his travels here. This issue of the Observer honors the 20 th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s service to the Church with a retrospective of his energetic worldwide ministry, beginning on page 4. Jim Golding St. Nicholas Issue Resolved, Church to Be Rebuilt!!! NEW YORK Not since the walls of Jericho came tumbling down has there been such a significant collapse of a major barrier to the progress of a Faith as occurred on Oct. 14 when, after years of discussions, officials of the Archdiocese, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and St. Nicholas-Ground Zero signed agreements and permits clearing the way for the rebuilding of the church. Archbishop Demetrios made the announcement at the fall meeting of the Archdiocesan Council, which was greeted with a standing ovation by council members. Mid-way through the morning session His Eminence and other hierarchs of the Holy Synod left to go to a meeting called by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at his Manhattan office, where the signings took place. After their return about two hours Photos by JUDY SANDERS Gov. Cuomo and His Eminence sign agreement to enable the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church. later, Archbishop Demetrios stated that he was in a very blessed position to announce something extremely important. He hailed the resurrection of St. Nicholas Church as he briefly related some background on the issue, noting the abrupt disruption of talks by the executive director of the Port Authority, which occurred in 2009 and the subsequent action earlier this year of filing a lawsuit against the PA. He praised the commitment of Gov. Cuomo, who brokered the agreement, FAITH Endownment member Dennis Mehiel, former Gov. George Pataki, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, state Sen. Dean Skelos and other officials in pushing for the resolution of the issue and eventual rebuilding of the church. As a result of settlement discussions u to page 3 Athenagoras Award U.S. Navy Admiral James G. Stavridis, and NATO s Supreme Allied Commander of NATO in Europe and Commander of the U.S. European Command, receives the Archbishop Athenagoras Human Rights Award from Archbishop Demetrios and Order of St. Andrew the Apostle National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis at the Archons annual banquet on Oct. 15 in New York. A native of South Florida, the admiral is the grandson of a Greek immigrant from Smyrna. He is the first naval officer to hold these positions and the highest ranking Greek Orthodox Christian in the U.S. military. Also shown are Archons national officers John Halecky Jr., and James Fountas. (More Archons coverage page 2). Photo: D. Panagos

2 2 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS New Archons Inducted into Order of St. Andrew the Apostle New Archons of the Class of 2011, shown in photo above with Archbishop Demetrios, members of the Holy Synod and spiritual advisor Fr. Alex Karloutsos, were inducted in ceremonies at Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York on Oct. 16. They were (name of parish included): Mark Adam, Archon Depoutatos, St. George Cathedral, Manchester, N.H.; Kostandinos M. Arger, M.D., Archon Aktouarios, St. Anthony, Reno, Nev. John Avdoulos, Archon Maestor, St. Catherine, Westland, Mich.; Drake G. Behrakis, Archon Maestor, Taxiarchae, Watertown, Mass.; Jon J. Couchell, Archon Dikaiophylax, St. Nicholas, Spartanburg, S.C. George M. Gazis, Archon Ostiarios, Annunciation Cathedral, Houston; George Gritsonis, Archon Ekdikos, St. Nectarios, Palatine, Ill.; Constantine Kaganis, Archon Referendarios, Zoodohos Peghe, Bronx, N.Y. Chris Karamanos, Archon Eftaxias, St. Barbara, Toms River, N.J.; Pavlos Kymissis, To Contact Us For questions about submitting information/news to the Orthodox Observer: Jim Golding, , Advertising & Greek sections, Lefteris Pissalidis, , NEXT DEADLINE Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration for the November 2011 issue: Wed., Oct. 26. Photos should be sent as a large format-jpg attachment (300 dpi or greater). to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79 th St., New York, NY USPS ISSN In 2011, published monthly except February - March and July - August by the Greek Ortho dox Archdiocese of America. Editorial and Business Offi ce: 8 East 79 th Street, New York, NY TEL.: (212) FAX (212) Support Your Orthodox Observer Donors Helen Ballas, Scarsdale, N.Y.; Irene Econome, Albany, N.Y.; Katherine E. Hatzigeorgis, Birmingham, Ala.; Grant & Helen Ballas, Newport Beach, Calif.; Cleo Coloritis, Nutley, N.J.; Mrs. Lillian Pantos, Houston; Eugenia Nonis Lambrinos, Douglaston, N.Y.; John & Kathy Cotromanes, Glenview, Ill.; Alexander Chibucos, Westmont, Ill.; Milton Stoilis, Victoria, Texas. Patron Chris Theodosakis, Augusta, Ga.; Dr. George A. Besbekos, Longwood, Fla.; Special Patrons Angie Econ, Southern Pines, N.C.; Constantine Vases, Whitestone, N.Y.; Michael Choban, Altadena, Calif.; Elena Eracleous, Whitestone, N.Y.; Louis G. Malevitis, Oak Brook, Ill.; Elaine Jaharis, Chicago; Jerry H. Pefanis, Amherst, N.Y.; Frank D Elia Jr., Shrewsbury, Mass.; Mr.& Mrs. George Fonti, Emerald Hills, Calif.; Andrew Mantelos, Schaumburg, Ill.; Dr. Theodore Vlahos, Safety Harbor, Fla.; Augustinos Kim, Shoreham, N.Y.; Peter S. Arvanetes, Dover, N.J; Change of Address To submit a change of address: By phone contact Soula Podaras at spodaras@goarch.org fax: Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79 th St., New York, NY Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish. EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) GREEK SECTION EDITOR Eleftherios Pissalidis PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING Eleftherios Pissalidis GRAPHIC ARTIST Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras BUSINESS MANAGER Marissa P. Costidis CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Manginas M.D., Archon Hartoularios, St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead, N.Y., and Holy Cross, Stroudsburg, Pa.; Steven Lukac, Archon Depoutatos, St. John the Baptist, Sharon, Pa.; Christopher D. Mandaleris, Archon Hartophylax, Dormition of the Theotokos, Greensboro, N.C.; Markos K. Marinakis, Archon Depoutatos, Holy Trinity Cathedral, New York; Thomas N. Mitrakos, Archon Ostiarios, Holy Cross, Mt. Lebanon, Pa.; Theo Nicolakis, Archon Kastrinsios, St. Barbara, Orange, Conn.; Harry Oryhon, D.D.S., Archon Aktouarios, Sts. Peter and Paul, Palos Park, Ill.; Paul J. Plumis, Archon Nomophylax, St. Demetrios, Seattle; Reince Priebus, Archon Nomophylax, Dormition of the Theotokos, Racine, Wis. John C. Rouman, Ph.D., Archon Prostatis Ton Grammaton, Annunciation, Dover, N.H.; John Sakellaris, Archon Hypomnematografos, St. Demetrios, Jersey City, N.J.; Dean G. Skelos, Archon Hieromnimon, St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead, N.Y.; Harry W. Spell, Archon Notarios, St. Mary, Minneapolis; Christopher J. Spilios, Archon Eftaxias, St. Demetrios, Weston, Mass. Gregory J. Stamos, Archon Proto Ekdikos, St. Barbara, Orange, Conn.; Holy Trinity Church, Ansonia, Conn.; Thomas M. Suehs, Archon Skevophylax, Transfiguration, Austin, Texas; George A. Tsougarakis, Archon Dikaiophylax, St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly, N.J. Argyris Vassiliou, Archon Notarios, Archangels, Stamford, Conn., and Assumption, Windham, N.Y; Peter N. Vatsures, Archon Kastrinsios, Annunciation Cathedral, Columbus, Ohio; and George P. Zaharas, Archon Myrepso, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cheyenne, Wyo. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely in house. Past issues can be found on the Internet, at: E mail: observer@goarch.org Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are expressed in official statements so labeled. Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79 th Street, New York, NY OCTOBER 2011 ENCYCLICAL The Holy Unmercenaries Sts. Cosmas and Damian 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 Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America. Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this feast of the Holy Unmercenaries Sts. Cosmas and Damian, we commemorate two great healers and preachers who offered a faithful witness of Christ and the Gospel. This is evident when we read the Holy Scriptures and see how many references are made to the healing and preaching ministry of our Lord. In Matthew we read that Jesus went about all the cities and villages preaching the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every sickness and every disease among the people (9:35). Luke the Evangelist writes, He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who had need of healing (9:11). In offering accounts of the ministry of Christ, the saintly writers of the New Testament Gospels also acknowledge the nature of this ministry. It was a true service of compassion. On numerous occasions the Scriptures state that Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes. He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick (14:14). This is why the ministry of the Holy Unmercenaries was the ministry of Christ. As they preached the Gospel and healed the sick, they did so with hearts of compassion for those in need. They gave of their gifts and abilities freely, seeking only the glorification of God and the response of faith in Christ. Their words and their touch were filled with the compassion of our Lord, bringing peace, comfort, and grace to the lives of those they served. This same ministry of compassion is offered by our Ecumenical Patriarchate through its philanthropic programs to those in need. In the grace of God, the hierarchs, clergy, and parish and ministry leadership serve through the Baloukli Hospital and elder center and through other institutions and programs that assist orphans and the poor. Each day the needs of the elderly, sick, abandoned, and homeless are seen with compassion, and they are touched by hands offering healing of body and soul. We are called to offer this same ministry of compassion in our parishes and through the programs and institutions of our Holy Archdiocese. We are also blessed to be able to support this vital work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate through the efforts of our National Ladies Philoptochos Society. Each year they lead us in assisting this philanthropic work, and on Sunday, Oct. 30, all of our parishes are asked to conduct a special collection for this purpose. This work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the leadership of our national Philoptochos Society and local chapters offer a faithful witness of the compassion of our Lord and emulate the beautiful service of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. They also inspire all of us to see the multitudes around us who are in great need, both spiritually and physically, and u to page 19

3 OCTOBER 2011 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 3 Holy Eparchial Synod Meets The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened its regular meeting on Oct at the Synodal Chamber of the Holy Archdiocese in New York. Archbishop Demetrios presided and all Synod members participated. Prior to the commencing of the meeting, members held a special meeting with Fr. Stratton Dorozenski, Archdiocese Benefits Committee chairman, during which relevant issues were discussed. They also met with Fr. James Kordaris, director of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism, and were informed on the work being accomplished by the committee. During the meeting, the Synod discussed the following issues: With regard to the resignation of Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, due to health reasons, the Synod expressed its deep gratitude and wholeheartedly recognized his most precious and lengthy offering to the Church, especially his decisive contribution in the meetings and decisions of the Holy Eparchial Synod. The Synod then proceeded with the formulation of the triprosopo a three-person list, for the filling of the vacant seat of the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, to be submitted to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which will then elect the new Metropolitan who will succeed the most worthy former Metropolitan of Pittsburgh Maximos. The Synod also worked on the English translation of the original Greek text of the Divine Liturgy and approved the English translation of the hymn Christ is Risen to be used by the parishes of the Holy Archdiocese. Issues of pastoral nature and the administering of the Sacraments were also discussed. The Synod reviewed and approved a recent list of clergymen eligible for episcopacy, and discussed general issues relating to clergy, and the ordination especially of new clerics, as well as issues with respect to the administration of parishes and the Holy Archdiocese in general. Finally, a discussion took place on the fruitful cooperation between the Synod and the Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the Assembly of all Canonical Orthodox Bishops, the special educational program for deacons, the forthcoming Clergy-Laity Congress, and issues of pastoral care of clergy and laity. u from page 1 mediated by the governor s office, the Port Authority and Archdiocese agreed to an independent engineering study to determine the feasibility of siting the Church at various locations in Liberty Park. The final agreement and permits signed at the governor s office calls for swapping the 1,200-square-foot site at 155 Cedar Street where the original church stood for a 4,100-square-foot property at 130 Liberty Street. The new site faces the 9/11 Memorial. Those signing the documents were Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman Michael Jaharis, PA Executive Director Chris Ward (who will leave the post at the end of October) and St. Nicholas Parish Council President John Kulukundis. Gov. Cuomo and Archbishop Demetrios signed as witnesses. According to published reports, Gov. Cuomo said in a statement, With this agreement, we are continuing New York s collective healing, restoration, and resurgence. Now we are finally returning this treasured place of reflection to where it belongs. Archbishop Demetrios stated, We are grateful to our esteemed governor and precious friend Andrew Cuomo for bringing to reality the dream we have nourished for 10 long years. St. Nicholas Church, rising again with the help of God at Ground Zero - where it stood spiritually important for 85 years, is an affirmation of the significance of religious freedom and experience for all New Yorkers and all Americans. The covenant stands firm. We will again light many candles in the new St. Nicholas Church and remember those who were lost to us, and those heroes who so nobly sacrificed their lives. Our pledge is to be a witness for all New Yorkers, that freedom of conscience and the fundamental human right of free religious expression will always shine forth in the resurrected St. Nicholas Church. Also commenting was New York state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who said, Today is a very historic day for the members of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the entire Greek American community. As the grandson of Greek immigrants, I have worked for years to ensure that this church was rebuilt, and thanks to Archbishop Demetrios, Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg and countless others, we have finally achieved that reality. Rebuilding St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero will stand as a strong and hopeful symbol to the world of the revitalization of New York and a fitting reminder of the spiritual journey we have taken together since 9/11. Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said construction on the church is scheduled to begin in 2013, once underground modifications are made to the future church site. The new site is still below ground level and the PA s underground St. Nicholas Issue Resolved The above is a rendering by the firm RKK&G that is not the intended design of the proposed church, but is used to show placement only within the context of the Ground Zero site. The process of a final design for the new church is currently being developed. modifications will include bomb proofing an underground subway station and a security facility. The Archbishop said later at the council meeting that, the church will rest on a very thick layer of concrete. Even if a big bomb explodes underneath, the church would not experience damage. He added, It s an event of tremendous importance. It s a location where literally thousands of people each day will witness the Orthodox faith. He also noted that the church will attract attention through its small scale in comparison to the surrounding high-rise buildings and will not be a parish, but a Pan-Orthodox effort in general. Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, I am delighted that we were able to find a way to rebuild the Church with no impact on the construction schedule at the World Trade Center. The Church is an important and appropriate addition to the site, and will serve New Yorkers of all faiths for generations to come. According to a Religion News Service report, Cuomo intervened earlier this year, appointing engineers to study alternate sites for the church. A statement from the Port Authority said the four-month engineering study concluded that structural issues could be resolved with minor modifications to the original plan to build the church at 130 Liberty Street and there would be no impact on the World Trade Center construction schedule. The agreement permits the rebuilding of the church with an adjacent nondenominational bereavement center. Reflecting on the role of faith in the ordeal and successful resolution to the decade-long issue, Arch- bishop Demetrios commented that It s a great gift from God. For me this is an indication of the power of God and an indication that God acts in history and in the Church. He continued, Imagine the political economic and religious issues involved I consider it an indication of the presence of God giving us this kind of solution. As an event, it strengthens our faith and our trust. If you believe, you can move a mountain. Archdiocesan Council members, along with hearing reports from the national ministries, responded to the Archbishop s request for motions expressing gratitude for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s 20 th anniversary, gratitude to retired Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh for his service to the Church, and support for Coptic Christians in Egypt, many of whom have been killed in rioting in recent days. Archbishop Meets with Carpatho-Russian Officials NEW YORK Archbishop Demetrios met with the Consistory of the American Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Archdiocese headquarters. The Consistory requested the meeting with the Archbishop, who has been serving as locum tenens for the Diocese since Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos death earlier this year. Consistory members are Chancellor Fr. Frank P. Miloro, Vice Chancellor Fr. Michael S. Rosco, and Frs. Ronald A. Hazuda; Michael Polanichka; Lawrence R. Barriger; Mark Leasure, and Kenneth Bachofsky. Archdiocese Expresses Support for Coptic Christians NEW YORK The Holy Eparchial Synod, at their fall meeting, unanimously adopted the following statement the following statement on Oct. 12 in support of the beleaguered Coptic Christians in Egypt: On behalf of the faithful Clergy and Laity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, we, the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, cognizant of our responsibility to speak the truth in love, hereby state and declare our sincere support for the pious Coptic Christian Faithful of Egypt, during this most difficult transition in the life of the Egyptian nation. Furthermore, we deplore all acts of religious violence by any community or persons, knowing that, as His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has stated so eloquently, A crime committed in the name of religion is a crime against religion. We call upon the leaders of all Christian and Faith Communities, especially our Orthodox Christian Communities and the Ancient Oriental brethren, to support the struggling Coptic Christians of Egypt, and for all of the Christians of the Middle East, who are encountering extraordinary challenges of diminution and the restriction of the exercise of religious liberty, in the face of rising religious fundamentalism and political retrenchment. Ordinations to the Diaconate Demetrios Kazakis Archbishop Demetrios of America Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Brooklyn, NY 7/30/11 Athanasios Sharpley Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver Holy Trinity Church, Dallas 9/10/11 Ordinations to the Priesthood Deacon John Haby Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit Assumption Church, Springfield, Ohio 8/27/11 Deacon Haralambos Spaliatsos Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver Holy Trinity Church, Dallas 9/11/11 Deacon Athanasios Papagiannis Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago Assumption Church, Chicago 9/18/11 CLER GY UPDATE Assignments Fr. John Haby Assumption Church. Springfield, Ohio 8/27/11 Fr. Nicholas Bekris Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco 10/01/11 Fr. Luke Palumbis Nativity of Christ Church, Novato, Calif. 10/01/11 V. Rev. Fr. Grigorios Tatsis Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans 10/01/11 Offikia Fr. Thomas Newlin Office of Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta 8/14/11 Fr. Thomas Guerry Office of Economos, bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios 8/15/11 Sabbaticals Fr. Michael Kontos - 9/19/11

4 4 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OCTOBER 2011 Twenty Years of an Energetic Worldwide Ministry Editor s note: In commemoration of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s 20 year anniversary, the Orthodox Observer presents the following chronology that highlights significant activities, events and developments occurring during his ministry, as relating to His All Holiness direct involvement and to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in general, as reported in the pages of the Observer. (Precise dates not available for some entries.) 1991 Nov. 2 Enthronement as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew following his election by the Holy Synod on Oct. 22. He succeeds Patriarch Dimitrios, who died on Oct. 2, as the 270 th successor to the Apostle Andrew. Nov. 30 Dec. 1 Welcomes delegation of Roman Catholic clergy headed by Edward Cardinal Cassidy to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Feast of St. Andrew Jan. 2 Receives a delegation of ecumenical leaders of the New York based Appeal of Conscience Foundation, led by Rabbi Arthur Schneier. They discuss the situation in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union after the fall of communism. Jan. 16 His All Holiness travels to Ankara to meet with Turkish government officials to discuss issues relevant to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Feb. 5 Meets with Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Ozal for friendly and substantive talks. March Convenes summit conference of the heads of the 12 autocephalous and autonomous Orthodox Churches to address their stand on rapidly changing world events, the environmental crises, failures of ecumenism, European unity and relations with Protestants and Roman Catholics. Aug Convenes the first summit of Greek Orthodox hierarchs from around the world at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Archbishop Iakovos was among the 73 bishops and spiritual leaders in attendance. Oct. 26 Notifies Archbishop Iakovos of the election of Bishop Anthimos, formerly of Denver, as Bishop of Olimpos, and Bishop John, formerly of Atlanta, as Bishop of Amoriou. Nov. 2 Welcomes Patriarch Ilia II, head of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, who visits the Ecumenical Patriarch to mark the first anniversary of his enthronement. Nov. 27 Dec. 9 Leads annual pilgrimage of the Order of St. Andrew and National Philoptochos Society from the U.S. and Canada to Christian sites in southwestern Turkey, including Myra where he held a symposium. Nov. 30 During annual visit of Roman Catholic delegation for the Feast of St. Andrew, the Patriarch comments on obstacles in the relations between the two Churches relating to Eastern Europe. Dec. 4 Ecumenical Patriarchate states its position on the ordination of women priests in the wake of the decision of the Church of England on Nov. 11 to ordain women priests, confirming that the priesthood is limited to men, but affirming the tradition of women deaconesses. Dec. 17 Issues an appeal for peace among warring factions in the former Yugoslavia. Orthodox Observer Archive On his visit to New York in October 2009, His All Holiness meets for the first time with members of the Archdiocesan Council on Oct Early May His All Holiness makes a weeklong visit to the Middle East, including Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. He meets with presidents of Syria and Lebanon, the prime minister of Egypt, Patriarch Parthenos of Alexandria, Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch and the Catholicos of the Armenian Church. He also visits the Monastery of St. Katherine on Mt. Sinai. May 12 Holds first ever meeting with European Commission President Jacques Delors in Brussels, at the invitation of Mr. Delors. They discuss the situation in Europe, the peace process in former Yugoslavia, and the breakdown of moral values in Europe. Mid May World Council of Church General Secretary Konrad Raiser makes first official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His All Holiness pledges the Patriarchate s unequivocal support of every WCC action to promote Christian unity. July 3 Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate designates the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, Calif., as a patriarchal institute. Early July Makes first visit to Russia. Travels to St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities. Meets with Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II. They discuss the rapid changes taking place in Russia. July Ecumenical Patriarch convenes a rare Greater Synod of heads of all Greek Orthodox Churches in the World to address the issue of the Patriarch of Jerusalem creating an issue of canonical order in areas under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Several days later, Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem issues a statement that he would accept the Synod s decision and withdraw from areas under the Ecumenical Patriarchate s jurisdiction. Aug. 25 His All Holiness denounces vandalism at a Greek Orthodox cemetery near the Church of the Mother of God at Neohorion. Late August Meets with a delegation from the Orthodox Church of Estonia while on a visit to Stockholm, Sweden. Delegation asks that the Estonian Church be granted full autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate. September Visits Balkan countries of Serbia, Montenegro and Bulgaria. Decries western prejudice against Eastern Orthodoxy and attacks against Serbian Orthodox Church. Dec. 14 Greater Synod of the Orthodox Church reinstates Patriarch Diodoros II of Jerusalem Feb. 7 9 Ecumenical Patriarch hosts Appeal of Conscience Foundation conference on Peace and Tolerance. Representatives include all Orthodox Churches, the Vatican and the World Council of Churches. Issues an appeal for peace at the end of the conference. April 2 His All Holiness father, Christos Archontonis, dies. Archbishop Iakovos attends funeral April 5. April 19 Addresses European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg, France, the first such visit of an Ecumenical Patriarch to that body. Expresses satisfaction at the mission of European unity. In an interview with the Paris daily newspaper, Le Monde, he denies the suggestion of an Athens, Belgrade and Moscow axis. Late May Islamic fundamentalists make a foiled attempt to bomb the Ecumenical Patriarchate. May 31 His All Holiness receives honorary degree from the City University of London. The ceremony took place at St. Paul s Cathedral in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. June 4 Welcomes Syndesmos Secretary General Alexander Belopopsky to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for discussions on the future projects of the international youth fellowship. June 20 Launches a 10 day series of environmental seminars on Halki to bring environmental awareness, education and action into the training of clergy and laypeople. June 28 Issues message to Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul, which was attended by a patriarchal delegation. Aug Hosts meeting of 5 th International Consultation of Orthodox Theological Schools on Halki, attended by more than 70 leading Orthodox theologians, educators and students representing more than 30 schools in 15 countries. Sept. 1 His All Holiness issues message on the Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment. Oct. 18 Arrives on the island of Patmos to mark the 1,900 th anniversary of St. John the Divine s vision of the Apocalypse and to begin a 10 day visit of the Greek islands. Nov Makes an official visit to Brussels to mark the 25 th anniversary of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Belgium. Meets with King Albert and other political and religious leaders. Nov. 29 The Ecumenical Patriarchate issues a statement announcing that the annual pilgrimage to Myra for events relating to the St. Nicholas Theological Symposium would not take place Dec. 6. The Athens News Agency later reported that Turkish authorities laid down conditions that made worship impossible. Nov. 30 His All Holiness receives a message from Pope John Paul II commemorating the Feast Day of St. Andrew. The Pope also asks in his message for all Catholics to pray that the two Churches would unite by the year Edward Cardinal Cassidy leads the delegation from Rome for the celebration of the feast day. Dec. 7 Receives visits from Bishop Nicholas of Amissos of the American Carpatho Russian Greek Catholic Diocese of the USA, from Bishop Pangratios (Vsevolod) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America and a separate visit by the German Consul General in Istanbul Mid January Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew makes a 10 day visit to Ethiopia, reciprocating a visit to the Phanar by Patriarch Pavlos of Ethiopia in Jan. 10 Orthodox Church opens office at the European Union in Brussels on the initiative of His All Holiness. Jan. 31 Ecumenical Patriarchate issues a communique responding to the decisions of the Orthodox Bishops in North America at the conclusion of their conference in Ligonier, Pa., on Dec. 2. The communique, in part, states that the Patriarchate repudiates all initiatives taken at the meeting. Feb. 22 U.S. Undersecretary of State Richard Holbrooke visits the Phanar, reassures Patriarch Bartholomew of America s continued support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for religious freedom in Turkey. Feb. 27 A delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate travels to Moscow to discuss the transfer of certain parishes of the Orthodox Church in Estonia to the jurisdiction of Constantinople. March 1 Following demonstrations by Muslim extremists after the visit of Undersecretary Holbrooke, in which they expressed solidarity with Muslims in northern Greece, His All Holiness grants a rare interview to the Turkish daily newspaper Sabah expressing concern about the difficult situation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the indifference of Turkish authorities in the face of repeated physical attacks on Church properties. March Archbishop Iakovos and members of the Holy Synod of the Archdiocese travel to the Phanar for a series of meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Eparchial Synod. Late March Ecumenical Patriarchate announces the reception into its jurisdiction of a Ukrainian Orthodox group based in the United States. April 2 13 His All Holiness pays his first visit to Japan and South Korea. He visited Japan at the invitation of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to participate in an international summit on religion and the environment. Mid April Names AHEPA Supreme President Charles Georgeson as a Great Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. u to page 6

5 OCTOBER 2011 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE 5 The Ecumenical Patriarch: One Who Serves But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:27) During the Last Supper, on the occasion of a dispute among His disciples, the Lord made the following significant statement: But I am among you as one who serves (Luke 22:27). The Lord had made previously the same statement, the focal point of which was the concept of serving, when He declared that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45). With these most important statements, the Lord Jesus Christ established the concept of serving as the fundamental and leading concept of His incarnation and work on earth and as the eternal and ultimate criterion of the true and authentic mission of the workers of the Gospel at any time and in any place on Earth. Our Most Holy Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been as a human being and a clergyman, but more specifically as Patriarch during his twenty years of amazingly fruitful tenure, the serving Patriarch. He is a par excellence imitator of our serving God Jesus Christ, serving among us incessantly day and night. Our Most Holy and Beloved Patriarch is the one who serves through his intense, eloquent and continuous offering of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every part of the Earth, and, essentially, to all mankind. This is an extremely difficult work but he does it regardless of the sacrifices which such a work requires. He is the one who serves with his incessant labor and toil for unity, cooperation and common witness of faith among the Orthodox Churches throughout the world. By being the serving Patriarch, he managed to bring together the Heads of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches for appropriate pan-orthodox action. He is the one who serves with his extremely diligent and systematic work for the protection of the injured natural environment and the curbing and reversal of the ecological destruction. Specialists in the field speak about the Patriarch as the number one person in the activities related to ecology. He is the one who serves with his sleepless and affectionate pastoral care for his immediate and his wider congregations, for specific individuals facing afflictions and ordeals, but also for the wider masses of people in need of immediate help. He is the one who serves in his superb work in defense of human rights and in promotion of religious freedom for any person or religious entity. We wholeheartedly and incessantly pray that the years which will follow be years of lengthy and glorious continuation of the creative and dynamic work of our serving Ecumenical Patriarch, years leading him from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:18) in imitation of the serving God, the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ. Archbishop DEMETRIOS of Amer i ca Ways of the Lord The latest book by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America includes his Keynote Addresses from his first Clergy-Laity Congress in Philadelphia in July 2000 through his address in Washington, DC in July Also included are addresses given in Athens, Greece, Cyprus, Fordham University and Brookline, MA plus others. In compiling this book Archbishop Demetrios writes in the Prologue of Ways of the Lord, Sharing the Gospel with those who do not know it can be at times an uncomplicated task as we know from the long history of Christianity. Frequently, however, and especially in our days, the very same task seems to require more elaborate, methodical and sophisticated approaches. The texts presented in this book constitute an humble effort to contribute to such a task, which is the sacred but also demanding work of sharing the Gospel with the people of today; hence, the subtitle of the book Perspectives on Sharing the Gospel of Christ. To purchase your copy of Ways of the Lord ($24.95 per + $6 S&H)* please call , or gotel@goarch.org, or comple the order form below and mail it to GOTelecom, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY Yes, I want to order copies Enclosed is my check for: $ or I authorize GOTelecom to charge my: Exp. date: Card No.: Name on Card: * All proceeds to benefit Archbishop Demetrios Benevolent Fund. Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: IS your PARISh... Ready to expand parish participation? Seeking funds for a building project? Wishing to promote Planned Giving? Assistance is Available! The office of Parish Development offers guidance to parishes through: Strategic Planning Workshops: For greater involvement in your parish Capital Campaign Planning Studies: Assessing your project s fundraising potential Capital Campaign Management: Planning and coaching from beginning to end Stewardship Assistance: Inspiring greater giving in your parish Parish Planned Giving Programs: Guidance in cultivating planned gifts Grant Proposal Research & Writing: Help throughout the grant proposal process Want More Information? Contact us to discuss your Goals & Needs and allow us to explain how we might be of help. Greek orthodox Archdiocese of America office of Parish Development 3 South Prospect Avenue, Ste. II Park Ridge, IL Phone: (847) jminetos@goarch.org

6 6 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OCTOBER 2011 Save the Date July 1-5, 2012 Phoenix Desert ridge PHOENIX, AZ More information to come in future issues of the Orthodox Observer! An Energetic Worldwide Ministry May 2 Visits London, but cuts trip short to be with his ailing mother. May 9 15 Visits Israel and meets with top Israeli and Palestinian officials, including President Weizman, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and PLO Chairman Yassir Arafat. May 27 June 2 Visits Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland. Presides at Liturgy in Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Helsinki. June 18 Consecrates St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Zurich, Switzerland. June 28 Begins three day trip to the Vatican for the historic first visit with Pope John Paul II. The two hierarchs worship side by side at the Feast Day service on June 29 for Sts. Peter and Paul at St. Peter s Basilica. Aug. 15 His All Holiness accepts the resignation of Archbishop Iakovos, effective on July 29, Sept Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Prince Philip sponsor environmental symposium that commemorates the 1,900 th anniversary of the Revelation of St. John the Divine. Leading scientists, environmentalists and 12 Orthodox hierarchs attend the event, which is highlighted by a voyage to Patmos. Oct. 18 His All Holiness sends a delegation of three hierarchs to study the situation of the Church in America. It includes Metropolitan Demetrios of Vresthena (now Archbishop Demetrios), Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia. Nov Makes first official visit to France. Celebrates centennial of St. Stephen s Cathedral in Paris. Meets with French President Jacque Chirac and Prime Minister Alaine Juppe. Late November Opens two day conference at the Phanar on The Present and Future of Orthodoxy in a United Europe. Representatives from 11 nations attend. Nov. 29 In an interview with Ecumenical News International, Patriarch Bartholomew discusses the relationship between the Orthodox and Roman Catholicism, the life of the other Orthodox Churches, the religious and social role of the Orthodox Churches in greater Europe and other ecumenical issues. Early December At a conference of more than 20 church officials, mostly from Orthodox Churches, Ecumenical Patriarch calls on European Union to expand to include Turkey and countries of eastern and southeastern Europe. Dec. 4 Makes first official visit to Britain; delivers the annual Constantinople Lecture Orthodox Observer Archive President Barack Obama and the Patriarch hold a private meeting at the White House on Nov. 3, u from page 4 before Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey and a large audience at Westminster Abbey. Mid December Makes first official visit to Switzerland; meets with Geneva based international ecumenical organizations, including World Council of Churches officials Jan Meets with delegation of Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee members and Archbishop Iakovos to discus wide range of issues of concern to the Greek Orthodox faithful in America, including the smooth transition upon the retirement of the Archbishop. Invites the committee to return for a follow up visit in April. Jan. 30 Representatives of Ecumenical Patriarchate, Baptist World Alliance leaders meet and agree to hold talks in May. Feb. 16 The Flemish Louvain Catholic University in Belgium bestows honorary doctorate upon Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for his work in providing unity in the Christian world, for establishing ties between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches and for spiritual endeavors he has undertaken within the framework of the European Union. Feb. 25 Holy Synod of Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously decides to honor a 1923 decision recognizing the autonomous Estonian Orthodox Missionary Church as the autocephalous Orthodox Metropolitanate of Estonia, under the Patriarchate s jurisdiction. Late March Patriarch meets privately with leading Muslim cleric Fetullah Gulen to discuss problems facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including the theological school at Halki. After the meeting, leading Turkish newspaper columnists calls for a reappraisal of Ankara s policy toward the Patriarchate. Early April Meets with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz in Ankara about issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Establishes permanent presence of Ecumenical Throne in Hong Kong. April At second meeting of Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee members, and the Archdiocesan Holy Synod with His All Holiness and the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, they discuss the transition period upon the upcoming retirement of Archbishop Iakovos. The Patriarch announces the prospect of visiting the United States in the fall of u to page 8

7 OCTOBER The Voice of P hiloptochos President s Message Detroit Conference Features Leadership, Membership Detroit Metropolis Philoptochos President Eleni Zeferes and metropolis board members organized an interactive conference for delegates and members Sept concurrent with the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conference. Philoptochos focused on its global reach, effective leadership and membership strategies and recognition of chapter projects. Representatives joined the Clergy- Laity Assembly for Metropolitan Nicholas keynote address on Sept. 29. Delegates then met for sessions on parish ministries. National public relations Chairman Christine Karavites presented the new media campaign for the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. Delegates viewed the BROOMALL, Pa. --When it comes to reaching out to the community with acts Conn. Site of 2011 Children s Medical Fund Luncheon OLD GREENWICH, Conn.- The National Philoptochos 2011 Children s Medical Fund Luncheon will take place Dec. 3 under the patronage of Archbishop Demetrios and the blessings of spiritual advisor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane. National President Aphrodite Skeadas and Direct Archdiocesan District President Maria Skiadas, the luncheon general chairwoman, encourage all Philoptochos members, friends and families to support this major benefit that provides funds to area pediatric hospitals, research universities and families with critically ill children. Look for invitation, sponsorship forms and hotel reservation information on Detroit Philoptochos Assembly delegates with Metropolitan Nicholas. GOTelecom produced video Help Philoptochos Open the Doors. She facilitated an interactive workshop for all Philoptochos members that included a strategic analysis of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats to an effective chapter. A second workshop was held with chapter presidents that engaged participants in exercises promoting strong, sustainable and effective leadership. Diane Tseckares, national membership chairman, reviewed the membership theme, One Woman asking another Woman to Care, and stressed the importance of reaching out to all members of the parish to become Philoptochos ambassadors. Ms. Tseckares presented Best Practice examples from chapters nationwide that have successfully increased membership through creative outreach. The outstanding metropolis chapter accomplishments were recognized at the breakfast on Sept. 30 with an awards ceremony for achievements in all ministry commitments; unique projects for outreach, reaching inward and fundraising as well as growth and expansion. Delegates also attended a special viewing of a video that featured Detroit Metropolis native Alexandra Crosson on a mission trip in Kenya. The metropolis sponsored Alexandra s first trip to Kenya where she assisted women in a small village to begin a soap business for hygiene. Penn. Chapter Brings Smiles to Children in Need of kindness, the Philoptochos chapter of St. Luke Church leads the way. Members take pride in the work they do for the many organizations they support locally, nationally and internationally. Locally however, there is a special relationship that stands out: the special affiliation the chapter has with ConKerr Cancer. ConKerr Cancer is a locally based non-profit organization which provides colorful pillowcases to children who suffer from cancer and other life threatening diseases in Philadelphia area hospitals, most notably CHOP The Children s Hospital of Philadelphia. The pillowcases, sewn by members, come in all varieties. From Star Wars to Cinderella, they brighten up the children s rooms and provide comfort and familiarity to their surroundings. Started in 2008 with five women, the program has grown into a full-time mission for the group. Through the leadership and motivation of Maria Kalisperis, the group has already met its 2011 goal of providing 3,000 pillowcases to the children. The task of producing a single pillowcase is time consuming yet rewarding. The ladies purchase fabric with designs that appeal to children of different age groups. The fabric is then cut, sewn, laundered, ironed and packaged. There are strict requirements for the process because the children often have weakened immune systems. Philoptochos members visit the hospital with fabric and sewing machines. The children select a design, help make the pillowcases and, after their chemotherapy treatments, put the pillowcases on their beds. St. Luke Philoptochos Ronald McDonald House cooking committee members feel energized when weary parents and siblings, returning from a day at the hospital, express appreciation for the colorful pillowcases made for their children. The chapter was featured at the 2010 National Clergy-Laity/Philoptochos Assembly for its work with ConKerr Cancer. For more information on starting a chapter in your church, contact Mrs. Kalisperis (markal09@yahoo.com). Dear Esteemed Chapter Presidents and Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, A mother laid off from her job, with a young child, is being evicted. A father, head of the family of four, with one of the children very sick, cannot afford to feed his children because of medical bills. A senior citizen is left homeless, after his wife who was the bread winner, passes away. A parent, with a severely autistic child, needs assistance. The wounded serviceman has returned home from duty suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has created a legacy of service, a legacy that has responded boldly and with faith to serve those in need. To further our charitable mission through faithful action, and with the blessings of Archbishop Demetrios, the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy will become the future permanent home of the Society. This center will be a beacon of shining light, providing hope for the battered, the underprivileged, the suffering, disabled and the hungry. The center will provide the permanent location to expand our current social services assistance, an opportunity for broader services including counseling for medical and mental health wellness, case management, and advocacy for women, children, families and seniors. In addition, educational workshops, forums, training sessions and seminars among others, will be conducted for all of our membership at the chapter, metropolis and national level. The center will provide the space necessary to meet physically and conduct video conferencing for the benefit of all. The Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy will be your home and will exist to continue its unparalleled service. But we need your help. Join the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy media campaign. Enlist your Philoptochos sisters and brothers, your friends and everyone you know to become ambassadors for your Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. Look for the campaign in the upcoming Orthodox Observer, visit or telephone the national office for information on how you may support and promote this initiative. A three-minute Philoptochos video, Open the Doors, features the Center and is available at org. Look for this video and share with your friends and family asking them to resend it to everyone on their personal and business contact list. Please appoint a person in your Philoptochos chapter to place the video on their social media networks and to your entire church community in order to spread awareness and good news of this Philoptochos project. Together we will accomplish our goal and create YOUR Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. May the Lord and Savior bless you, your loved ones and your good works. With love in Christ, Aphrodite Skeadas

8 8 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OCTOBER 2011 Twenty Years of an Energetic Worldwide Ministry u from page 6 Late April His All Holiness and European People s Party President Wilfried Martens meet at the Ecumenical Patriarchate to discuss the significant role Orthodoxy can play in an expanding Europe. May 16 Moscow and Ecumenical Patriarchates agree to resume communion following a break in February over the Estonia issue. The Churches agreed to divide the communities into two jurisdictions. July 1 7 Ecumenical Patriarch opens Summer Seminar on Halki 96: Environment and Communication, the third in a series of summer seminars on the environment. July 30 His All Holiness announces the decision by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to elect Metropolitan Spyridon of Venice, as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of America, consisting of the United States, and the reorganization of the remaining Western Hemisphere into three metropolitanates: Toronto, Panama and Buenos Aires. Sept. 1 3 Presides over the third biennial Assembly of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a special meeting of all European hierarchs of the Throne on Sept. 4. Main theme of the meeting concerns the position of the Orthodox Church in facing challenges of contemporary Western culture. Oct Visits the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria at the invitation of Patriarch Maximos of Sofia and All Bulgaria. Oct Welcomes Boston s Bernard Cardinal Law and Bishop Methodios of Boston who led a pilgrimage of 120 Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Late October His All Holiness welcomes 45 Roman Catholic businessmen from Germany on a visit to the Patriarchate after tracing the steps of St. Paul in Asia Minor. November About 500 pilgrims from France arrive in Istanbul and visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Nov. 4 6 Makes first pastoral visit to China and the Metropolis of Hong Kong. Nov Visits Australia and New Zealand, making stops in every major city with Orthodox populations including: Canberra, Victoria, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, and Wellington, New Zealand. Meets with national and local government officials and visits several colleges and other institutions. Australian Prime Minister John Howard holds official dinner in his honor. Nov. 30 At services for the Feast Day of St. Andrew attended by a Roman Catholic delegation headed by Edward Cardinal Cassidy, His All Holiness calls for Christian Unity and for a solution to the problem of Uniatism. Dec. 2 Announces the election of two American born metropolitans: Bishop Athenagoras of Dorylaion as Metropolitan of Panama and Exarch of Central America; and the Very Rev. Archimandrite Nikitas Lulias as Metropolitan of Hong Kong January Formally announces plans to visit the U.S. in the fall to mark the 75 th anniversary of the Archdiocese and 60 th anniversary of Holy Cross School of Theology. Jan. 17 U.S. special envoy to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey Kerry Cavannagh and U.S. Consul in Istanbul Stephen Kimmel meet with His All Holiness. Jan. 24 Welcomes Secretary General Enrico Vinci of the European Parliament. They discuss various issues including the organization of planned activities and the Orthodox Church s upcoming participation in honoring of St. Ambrose, 4 th century Bishop of Milan. Feb. 13 A delegation of Austria s Ecumenical Council of Churches and 20 reporters from Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, pay an official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch. Mid February Web site established for Ecumenical Patriarchate at Vlatadon Monastery in Thessaloniki. March 16 His All Holiness celebrates the Sunday of Orthodoxy and a Trisagion service on the island of Pringipos with a large number of local and foreign visitors in attendance. March 19 Holds a Trisagion memorial service at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Christ the Savior on Pringipos in memory of Ecumenical Patriarch Chrysanthos. March 27 April 1 Welcomes delegation of Archdiocese officials and Presbyters Council members led by Archbishop Spyridon to discuss the Patriarch s upcoming visit to the U.S. Early April Welcomes officials of International Orthodox Christian Charities who discuss the work of the IOCC. April 20 Meets with members of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. April 26 ABC TV re transmits the Resurrection Service from the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Easter Sunday during the Good Morning America Sunday show. May Co sponsors second conference on the role of women in Orthodoxy, attended by 50 women from Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches in Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, and North and South America. May 12 In a statement to a Bucharest, Romania, newspaper, His All Holiness warns that NATO s exclusion of Romania as a member could cause tensions between Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians in Eastern Europe. Mid May Turkish President Sulieman Demirel invites Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to view the screening of a documentary film, The Looting of Antiquities. The Turkish press covered the event and reported His All Holiness was treated with high honors. Receives a visit from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Genadi Ukovenko who came to Constantinople to attend a conference on the environment. Welcomes an official delegation from the Anglican Church for talks on inter denominational issues. Orthodox Observer Archive Pope Benedict XVI and His All Holiness light candles at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George when the Pontiff traveled to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Feast of St. Andrew in November The two hierarchs have held three official meetings over the past five years at the Vatican and at the Phanar. Late May Visits Milan, Italy, at the invitation of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, to honor the memory of St. Ambrose on the 1,600th anniversary of his death. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of Milan. May 30 Postpones visit to Austria for the 2 nd European Ecumenical Assembly in June, over efforts to undermine his role as the main Orthodox liaison with other faiths. June Time magazine s European edition interviews His All Holiness on a wide range of issues, including the reconciliation with Rome, the future of the Orthodox Church, the ecosystem and relations with Turkey. Mid June Welcomes a delegation of AHEPA leaders led by Supreme President Spiro Macris. June 30 July 3 Hosts four day international environmental seminar at Agia Triada Monastery on Halki. July Receives participants of the Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey program in a patriarchal audience. Escorts Carey Cavanaugh, director of Southern European Affairs at the U.S. State Department on a tour of the theological school on Halki. Christian History magazine interviews His All Holiness about his upcoming visit to the United States. Makes his first visit to Armenia, which Armenian officials consider an expression of solidarity and support from the Orthodox world. Meets with Patriarch Karekin, President Levon Ter Petrosyan and Prime Minister Robert Kostaryan. Meets with Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov during his visit to Turkey and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. August Addresses Greek Turkish forum, advises Greece and Turkey that free trade and cultural exchange between the countries would guarantee tolerance and understanding between religions and traditions. Aug Visits island of Chios at the invitation of the Union of Mastic Producers. Aug. 30 Sept. 1 Archbishop Spyridon, Holy Synod and the Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to discuss his upcoming visit to the United States. Sept. 19 Holds second international inter religion symposium on The Black Sea at Risk, with 250 religious leaders and scientists participating. Beginning is marred by Turkish nationalist extremist group, the Grey Wolves, who shout slogans at the delegates. Sept. 24 His All Holiness travels to Odessa, Ukraine, to meet with Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia to facilitate the progress on the parishes of the Orthodox Church of Estonia relating to jurisdictional issues. The two patriarchs agree to meet more often to discuss issues. Sept. 28 Visits Thessaloniki where his activities include planting a tree to help restore the fire ravaged Seikh Sou forest. October 19 November 16 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew makes his first official visit to the United States. Below is a recap of this historic event: Oct. 19 Arrives in Washington, conducts doxology at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. Oct. 20 Doxology at Washington s National Cathedral. Visits U.S. Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress. Makes unannounced stop at organization for the homeless, Martha s Table. Oct. 21 Receives Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony under the dome of the U.S. Capitol. Speaks at Georgetown University and receives honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Attends AHEPA tribute bestowing him with Socratic Award. Oct. 22 Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Cathedral. Visits White House, holds private meeting with President Bill Clinton. Attends State Department dinner, calls for renewed effort to rebuild Eastern Europe spiritually. Oct. 23 Concludes Washington visit with breakfast hosted by Vice President Al Gore at his residence. Travels to Baltimore for Pan Orthodox doxology at Annunciation Cathedral. Also attends a reception at City Hall and a luncheon at Baltimore Convention Center. Visits the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Cathedral. Arrives late in the day at New York s LaGuardia Airport in 39 degree weather. Oct. 24 Attends breakfast with nearly 500 National Young Adult League representatives at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Dedicates plaque commemorating the 75 th anniversary of the Archdiocese. Visits National Council of Churches in Christ. Attends meeting and dinner at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral with Orthodox hierarchs and clergy from many jurisdictions, followed by a Pan Orthodox doxology. Oct. 25 Attends doxology and speaks at St. Vladimir s Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y. Travels to St. Demetrios Church in Jamaica, Queens where he greets about 1,000 children. Attends Nana Mouskouri Concert hosted by Archons of the Order of St. Andrew at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. Oct. 26 Presides at Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at Madison Square Garden; about 20,000 attend. Attends luncheon in his honor at Rockefeller Center hosted by New York Gov. George Pataki and Alexander Papamarkou. Visits St. Michael s Home and later attends endowment dinner at the Palace hotel. Oct. 27 Visits Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America headquarters in South Boundbrook, N.J. Oct. 28 Travels to Boston. Welcomed by Bishop Methodios and acting Gov. Paul Salucci. Attends luncheon at residence of Mayor Thomas Menino. Also meets with U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy. Later in the day, meets with Armenian Catholicos Aram at St. Stephen s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Mass., and attends Distinguished Foreign Visitors Dinner at the JFK Library; the first religious leader and second non head of state to receive the honor. Oct. 29 Breakfast with Diocese clergy at Boston Cathedral Center. Attends con- u to page 9

9 OCTOBER u from page 8 vocation at Hellenic College Holy Cross to honor the seminary s 60 th anniversary. Receives honorary degree. Goes to Tufts University in Somerville to speak at the Fletcher School of Diplomacy. Receives honorary Doctorate in International Law. Oct. 30 Travels to Atlanta. Attends doxology at Annunciation Cathedral. Attends breakfast at Fulton County Commission. Attends luncheon at Emory University, receives the school s President s Medal. Participates in ecumenical prayer service at Centennial Olympic Park, which includes clergy from the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and African Methodist Episcopal churches. Later attends National Philoptochos banquet celebrating the 65 th anniversary of Philoptochos. Oct. 31 Becomes first head of a major faith to visit the Martin Luther King Center for Social Change next to the Ebenezer Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta where Dr. King served as pastor. Attends banquet hosted by Bishop Alexios of Atlanta. Nov. 1 Begins three day visit to Chicago. Attends Doxology at Annunciation Cathedral. Nov. 2 Celebrates Ecumenical Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at Navy Pier with more than 12,000 young adults in attendance. Pan Orthodox family dinner held that evening at Sheraton hotel. Nov. 3 Attends Philoptochos hosted breakfast at St. Andrew Church commemorating their 65 th anniversary. Receives proclamation at City Hall from Mayor Richard Daley, then attends reception at Diocese of Chicago headquarters attended by more than 50 religious leaders. That evening, attends Vespers at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills sponsored by the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council and National Sisterhood of Presvyteres. Nov. 4 Visits St. George Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Also attends an ecumenical doxology at Greater Des Moines Civic Center. Travels to Dallas and attends evening activities including a Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Church, a reception sponsored by Denver Diocese youth and a dinner hosted by Mayor Ron Kirk at the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Nov. 5 Takes part in ecumenical prayer service at Thanksgiving Square Foundation. Attends Diocese Grand Banquet at Fairmont Hotel. Nov. 6 Travels to San Francisco for a one day visit. He meets with Bishop Anthony, Mayor Willie Brown, former Mayor Art Agnos and representatives of various Christian Churches. Holds ecumenical doxology service at Annunciation Cathedral; breaks ground at site of future cathedral. Also attends a lengthy dance program, and grand banquet at St. Francis hotel later in the day. Nov. 7 Attends breakfast with priests and their families at Holy Trinity Church. Travels to Los Angeles and addresses World Affairs Council gathering of nearly 1,000 religious, civic and political leaders in Beverly Hills. Receives gold medal from Mayor Richard Riordan. Visits near West Side neighborhood known as the Byzantine Latino Quarter near St. Sophia Cathedral, where he presides at an ecumenical vespers service. Nov. 8 Addresses environmental symposium, Caring for God s Creation: Religion, Science and the Environment at St. Barbara Church in Santa Barbara. Attends Grand banquet at Bonaventure hotel in Los Angeles. Nov. 9 Celebrates Feast of St. Nectarios at Los Angeles Convention Center, with some 3,000 persons attending. Later attends youth rally with 200 young adults. That evening, attends Living the Liturgy dinner sponsored by Archdiocesan Council President Alex Spanos. Nov. 10 Visits St. Anthony s Monastery in Florence, Ariz., then flies to Stockton, Calif., for an ecumenical doxology of thanksgiving ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE at St. Basil s Church. Nov. 15 Following a rest period in California, His All Holiness travels to Pittsburgh where he attends a reception with Diocese of Pittsburgh priests and their families at St. Nicholas Cathedral. He also attends a grand banquet that evening at the David Lawrence Convention Center hosted by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. Nov. 16 Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh draws more than 4,000 faithful with 75 priests and 170 choir members taking part. After attending a diocese luncheon, he travels to Johnstown, Pa., for a visit to the American Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese in the USA. Dedicates the cornerstone for a new chancery building, then takes part in a doxology at Christ the Savior Cathedral. Returns to Pittsburgh after a dinner in his honor. Nov. 17 After a breakfast hosted by Bishop Maximos, His All Holiness departs for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Nov. 24 The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate announces the elevation of the synodal bishops of the Archdiocese to the ecclesiastical rank of Metropolitan. They include Bishop Iakovos of Chicago, Bishop Anthony of San Francisco, Bishop Maximos of Pittsburgh, Bishop Methodios of Boston, Bishop Isaiah of Denver, and Bishop Nicholas of Amissos. Dec. 3 The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George at the Phanar sustains extensive damage after someone throws a bomb on the roof, which also resulted in serious injuries to a deacon Early February During a recent visit to Zurich, His All Holiness announces that a Synod of Orthodox Churches will convene in Early April Addresses the International Council on Monuments and Sites at its second meeting at Yildiz University, extolling the cooperation between Greek and Turkish groups in collaborating to preserve significant historic monuments. April 7 Ecumenical Patriarchate accepts the Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria, N.Y., into its jurisdiction, including the founding clergy, Passios Loulourgas and Vikentios Malamatenios. April 8 His All Holiness meets with Archbishop Spyridon at the Phanar to discuss the progress of the institutions and ministries of the Archdiocese. April Young adults of the Greek Orthodox Young Adult League celebrate Holy Week with the Ecumenical Patriarch at the Phanar. April 29 May 4 A large group of active and retired priests and presbyteres and widowed presbyteres led by Fr. Dimitrios Constantelos and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Yeonas, make a pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. May 18 Holy Synod of Ecumenical Patriarchate elects two new auxiliary bishops: Bishop George (Papaioanou) of Komanon, and Bishop Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthos. May His All Holiness visits New York and Connecticut for three days prior to his trip to Canada. Celebrates Patriarchal Great Vespers at St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery, May 23; and a Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Bridgeport, Conn., May 24, to coincide with the parish s 85 th anniversary. Receives honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at Yale University on the 25 th. Late May First official visit to Canada includes Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, London, Toronto, Montreal and other cities. June Welcomes Archbishop Chrystodoulos of Athens to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Invites His All Holiness to visit Greece. July Welcomes the new Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland, Savvas. u to page 11 GET RESULTS ADVERTISE observer@goarch.org Tel (212) Fax (212)

10 10 OCTOBER 2011 HC/HC NEWS New Program Emphasizes a Holistic Growth Experience by Nayla Day Hellenic College Holy Cross is an institution of higher learning where students receive an education based on Orthodox Christian principles. Deacon Nicholas Belcher, dean of students, says, Hellenic College is the only place in the Western Hemisphere that offers an education based on the classical ideals of Hellenic civilization and the life of the holy Orthodox Church. Just as the Eastern Roman Empire was a multinational civilization built upon this synthesis of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, our school continues in this tradition by welcoming students from a variety of countries, ethnic groups and cultures to worship and study together on our Holy Hill. First year student Gabriel Moes grew up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In my search for colleges, I found that HC- HC was well known in many Orthodox communities around the world. In my time here, I hope to receive a higher form of education that will inspire and challenge me. Moes plans to pursue psychology. Theo Karcher, a freshman who grew up in Greece says, HC HC provides an exceptional opportunity to grow spiritually, which is crucial to the completion of my life objectives. Karcher hopes to continue on to Holy Cross. A new program has been introduced this academic year to welcome a diverse group of students to campus. The program offers a holistic growth experience that addresses their personal, spiritual, intellectual and social formation. Dr. Demetri S. Katos, dean of Hellenic College says, This new program is called Eisodos and it embodies the college s educational philosophies. Deacon Nicholas says the Greek word eisodos was selected very carefully because of its meaning. Eisodos is the term we use liturgically for an entrance. Eisodos was used when God s holy people gathered and entered with the angels for leitourgia or common service. Similarly, we welcome them to enter with us in this common purpose by living the life of a student in a Christ-like way and being educated for a life of faith and service. The Eisodos program unfolds over several weeks. A unique component of the program is called the Pistevo Project. In Greek rhetoric, the word pistis originally had the meaning of an argument. In the Creed, when we say Pistevo or I believe, we are not only proclaiming our faith, but we are also making an argument about who God is and who we are meant to be. This argument has implications for how we live, said Deacon Nicholas. The first year students of Hellenic College will be asked to write a reflection paper on what they believe about the world, and their faith. They will revisit these papers in their senior year to see how their world view has been challenged and enhanced by their educational experience. Most students are from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, but one in five is not. HC HC attracts many Orthodox Christians from other jurisdictions and around the world. Students who have attended represent the following Churches: Antiochian Archdiocese, Orthodox Church in America, Metropolis of Hong Kong, Church of Greece, Patriarchate of Alexandria, Patriarchate of Bulgaria, Patriarchate of Moscow, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. This trend continues as this year s class represents different countries and students from different jurisdictions. They all enroll with the same purpose to receive an education that integrates faith, education and service. HC HC has evolved from its origins as a place that only educated men for a priestly vocation to a higher education institution that also prepares men and women for leadership in their professions and in their communities. HCHC continues to serve in its primary function as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese seminary. However, 45 percent of the students are undergraduates studying for a bachelor s degree. The majority of those men and women are studying human development, elementary education, classics, management and leadership, and literature and history, said Dr. Katos. Photos by DIMITRIOS PANAGOS (Above) Seniors of Holy Cros School of Theology at the Rasophoria Ceremony with Archbishop Demetrios, HC/HC President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou and Holy Cross Dean Rev. Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald. (Below) New Seminarians following the bestowal of the Cross of the school at the Feast Day of the Holy Cross celebration on September Students of Hellenic College with Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Triantafilou and Fr. Fitzgerald.

11 OCTOBER An Energetic Worldwide Ministry u from page 9 August His All Holiness travels to Czech Republic and Slovakia, holds meetings with Church and government officials. Aug. 28 Sept. 2 Archbishop Spyridon and a delegation of Archons travel to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for extensive meetings in conjunction with the fourth Biennial Assembly of Bishops. Sept. 14 His All Holiness receives visit from Archbishop John of Karelia and All Finland and a delegation from the Orthodox Church of Finland. Oct. 1 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew convenes Holy Synod of Orthodox Primates from around the world to end a schism in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Oct Makes official visit to the Polish Orthodox Church. Meets with President Aleksander Kwasniewski and Prime Minister Jersy Buzek and other Polish government officials. Praises Pope John Paul II s contribution to Christian unity. Oct The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate pass legislation recognizing the integrity and freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which President Clinton signs into law. Oct Visits Mount Athos for the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Xenophontos Monastery. Nov Travels to Venice to mark the 500th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox community there. Officiates at Divine Liturgy at Church of St. George. Nov. 23 At an inaugural ceremony for a renovated education and arts center in Ferikoy, Istanbul, His All Holiness assures the Greek Orthodox faithful in Constantinople that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will remain where it is, despite the difficulties it faces. Nov William Cardinal Keeler, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore, leads a delegation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in observance of the Feast of St. Andrew activities. Dec. 7 8 At the invitation of His all Holiness, the third dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the European People s Party and European Union of Christian Democrats takes place at the European Parliament in Brussels Jan. 12 Archbishop Spyridon and the Eparchial Synod meet with His All Holiness and the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Feb. 2 Ecumenical Patriarch calls on participants in the World Economic Forum meeting in Davas, Switzerland, to reconsider the role of moral values in the pursuit of economic globalization. March 13 Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elects three new bishops to fill the vacant Sees of New Jersey, Atlanta and Detroit: Bishop Alexios of Troas for Atlanta; Bishop George of Komanon for New Jersey; and the Very Rev. Archimandrite Nicholas Pissare as Bishop of Detroit. April Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Synod grant autonomous status to the Orthodox Church of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Mid April In a wide ranging interview with the Greek newspaper Eleftherotypia, His All Holiness sounds a stern warning against nationalism, which was branded a heresy in He recently mediated between Serbian Patriarch Pavlos, Roman Catholic Cardinal Kucharitz and the leader of the Muslim community. May 23 June 5 Makes first official visit to Church of Greece, including the Metropolis of Northern Greece. June Receives visit from National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes. ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Early June Bishop Frank T. Griswold, presiding hierarch of the Episcopal Church in the United States, meets with the Patriarch in his official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. July At the invitation of His All Holiness, Archbishop Spyridon, members of the Holy Synod and Archdiocesan Council representatives attend meetings on several issues pertaining to the Church in America. Aug 19 Ecumenical Patriarch accepts the resignation of Archbishop Spyridon, to take effect Aug. 30. Following the resignation, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate elects Metropolitan Demetrios of Vresthena as the new Archbishop of America, with his enthronement to take place Sept. 18. October His All Holiness speaks on Globalization and Its Religious Aspects at Forum 2000, an international conference held in Prague, Czech Republic, organized by President Vaclav Havel. Oct Holds third Religion, Science and the Environment Symposium, taking place on the Danube with more than 70 delegates attending. Nov. 17 On his trip to Turkey, President Clinton and his family pay a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All Holiness. Late November Patriarch makes official week long visit to Albania Jan. 6 Ecumenical Patriarch leads other patriarchs and bishops in Christmas Eve celebrations at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The event attracts dozens of political leaders from Eastern Europe and republics of the former Soviet Union, including former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Jan. 25 On his second visit to Poland, addresses Polish Parliament and holds discussions with government leaders about the 800,000 member Orthodox Church of Poland. Late February Visits South Korea, where he is joined by Archbishop Demetrios, on the first leg of his Far East trip. Celebrates a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy Feb. 27 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul as part of the observance of the 100 th anniversary of Orthodoxy in that country. March 2 Orthodox Christians in the Philippines greet the Ecumenical Patriarch upon his arrival in Manila. Consecrates Church of the Annunciation on March 5. Meets with government and church leaders, including President Joseph Estrada. Early May Travels to Cappadocia with hierarchs and pilgrims of other Orthodox Churches. Celebrates Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on Sunday of St. Thomas on May 7. June Archdiocese submits a proposed new charter to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for consideration and approval. June 3 5 Visits his native island of Imbros. June Welcomes more than 350 young people from around the world to the Orthodox Youth Conference sponsored by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Nov Makes three day pastoral visit to parishes in the Diocese of Detroit. Schedule includes church services, a youth rally and meetings with various leaders. Nov. 13 Travels to New York for the opening of the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and to receive an award from a non profit environmental group, Scenic Hudson Inc. Nov. 25 Dec. 1 His All Holiness convenes the first Worldwide Clergy Laity Conference at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The approximately 650 participants include an American delegation led by Archbishop Demetrios. Conference theme was The u to page 12

12 12 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE OCTOBER 2011 An Energetic Worldwide Ministry Oriental carpet & area rugs Upholstery & fine fabrics Drapery & shades Marble & stone cleaning Ceramic tile & grout cleaning Headboards & bed frames Fabric walls Leather furniture Serving the Tri-State Area fabracleen.com fabracleenstoneandtilecare.com u from page 11 Parish, Cell of the Church s Life: Living Reality, Contemporary Orientations and Challenges. Dec Hosts numerous hierarchs and other representatives of Orthodox Churches for a series of meetings and to celebrate the 2,000 th anniversary of the birth of Christ. They agree to form three new inter Orthodox bodies: an association of Orthodox theological schools, a committee to study contemporary issues such as bioethics, and a committee on liturgics to eliminate disparities in liturgical practices among the jurisdictions Feb. 6 Marking the 30th anniversary since the closing of the theological school on the island of Halki, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at Feast Day of St. Photios service at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Halki, denounces the continuing closure of the school. March Leads hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne and the visiting Patriarch of Alexandria in the Sunday of Orthodoxy procession at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. March 31 Participates in the celebration of the 1,700 th anniversary of the official recognition of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which takes place at the Mother of God Patriarchal Church in Kumkapi, Istanbul. April 29 Accepts honorary chairmanship of an AHEPA sponsored forest project during a visit to the Phanar by a visiting delegation of the organization. May Travels to southern Italy and Sicily, where he visits Greek speaking villages. Receives warm reception on a separate visit to Hungary May 8 Consecrates Grand Archdeacon Tarasios as Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. Enthroned July 14. June At the invitation of Metropolitan Iakovos of Mytiline, visits the island to celebrate the memory of its saints. June Delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate represents His All Holiness at the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul celebration at the Vatican. Early July Makes pastoral visit to Cappadocia and Central Turkey; participates in cultural festival of city of Agirnas July 7 8. Aug. 31 Issues lengthy statement in support of the UN Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa, Aug. 31 Sept. 8. Sept. 22 Following the destruction of St. Nicholas Church in the attack on the Twin Towers, Ecumenical Patriarchate gives $50,000 toward the church s rebuilding. Dec His All Holiness and European Commission President Romano Prodi convene a meeting of more than 100 Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders in Brussels to discuss peaceful coexistence and collaboration among Islam, Judaism and Christianity Jan Travels to Iran on a peace mission. Signs an agreement for continuing dialogue and cooperation between Orthodoxy and Islam with Iranian Minister of Culture and Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei. Also meets with Iran s President Mohammad Katami. March 4 Arrives in Washington for his fourth trip to the U.S. March 5 Meets with President George W. Bush at the White House and Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department. Discusses the work of the Patriarchate in ecumenical relations and the efforts to reopen the theological school on the island of Halki. March 6 Meets with Roman Catholic hierarchs, including the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, and the cardinals of Washington and Baltimore. March 6 8 Visits Boston. Attends dinner in his honor hosted by Metropolitan Methodios, meets with Holy Cross Hellenic College students and families, meets with the Eparchial Synod, HC HC trustees and alumni, and New England clergy. March 9 Concludes his U.S. visit in New York where he holds an audience with elementary, middle and high school students at St. Demetrios Cathedral cultural center in Astoria, presides at a 6 month memorial service at St. Barbara Church in Manhattan for victims of the 9/11 attacks and visits Ground Zero. May 2 Leads the preparation and consecration of Holy Myrrh, a procedure that occurs once each decade. May 12 Presides at thyranoixia service for the Church of St. George in his native village of Theodorou, Imbros. May Travels to Cappadocia for pastoral visit. Presides at Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Sinasso. June 5 10 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew leads a voyage around the Adriatic Sea on the fourth in a series of environmental symposia led by His All Holiness. June 9 Presides at a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Apollonaire in Ravenna (the city s first bishop). June 10 Attends closing ceremony of the symposium at the Palazzo Ducale in Venice. His All Holiness and Pope John Paul II issue joint declaration on environmental ethics. June 12 Receives the Sophie Prize from Norway s Sophie Foundation in Oslo for his efforts to raise environmental awareness throughout the world. June Receives award from the Binding Institute of Liechtenstein for his efforts to protect nature and the environment. Also in June, receives honorary doctorate from the University of Ravenna (Italy) School for the Protection of Cultural Treasures. Sept. 1 Orthodox hierarchs from around the world attend the Indiction service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George for the new ecclesiastical year, with the Ecumenical Patriarch presiding. Sept. 21 Following his journey to Greece, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg travels to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to meet with His All Holiness. At an official reception, the mayor praises the Patriarch for his initiatives on the environment and the advancement of interdenominational dialogue and world peace. Oct. 3 His All Holiness and European Commission President Romano Prodi meet to discuss the continuation of the Peace of God in the World conference initiated in December Oct Visits the Emirate of Qatar and meets with Sheik Hamad Bin Khalia Al Thani to discuss interfaith dialogues between monotheistic religions. The emir extolled the initiatives of Patriarch Bartholomew in pursuing the dialogues. His All Holiness also is interviewed on Al Jazeera TV, the major network of the Islamic world. Oct. 18 Archons make their annual pilgrimage to the Phanar. Oct His All Holiness sponsors 10th Islamic Christian Dialogue Conference in Bahrain attended by more than 150 religious leaders, scholars, government officials and representatives of non profit corporations. Following the meetings, the conference issues the Bahrain Declaration, calling on all peoples and nations to reinforce dialogue in search of peaceful coexistence and the negation of violence. Dec. 20 Ecumenical Patriarchate grants u to page 18

13 ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2011 ΕΤΟΣ 76 ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1269 Α ΡΧ Ι Ε Π Ι ΣΚΟΠ Ι Κ Η Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ Ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ 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. Ἀγαπητοί Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἡ ἱστορική μνήμη τῆς 28ης Ὀκτωβρίου 1940, μέ τόν ἐτήσιο ἑορτασμό τῆς Ἡμέρας τοῦ ΟΧΙ, ἀποτελεῖ ἐξαιρετική εὐκαιρία γιά νά τιμήσουμε τό θάρρος αὐτῶν πού ὀρθώθηκαν ἀκλόνητοι ἐναντίον τῆς τυραννίας καί νά χαροῦμε τήν ἐλευθερία τήν ὁποία κληρονομήσαμε διά τῆς μεγάλης θυσίας των. Αὐτή εἶναι ἡμέρα μνήμης γιά τούς Ἕλληνες οἱ ὁποῖοι δέν δέχθηκαν ὑποτασσόμενοι στίς ἀπειλές ἀπολυταρχικῶν καθεστώτων νά βεβηλώσουν τήν ἐλευθερία ἡ ὁποία κερδήθηκε ἀπό παλαιότερες γενεές. Ἡ ἀπάντηση ΟΧΙ στίς ἀπαιτήσεις τῶν τυράννων καί στά καταστροφικά σχέδιά των ὑπῆρξε ἀληθινή καί παραδειγματική πράξη θάρρους γιά ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Αὐτή εἶναι, ἐπίσης, ἡμέρα εὐγνωμοσύνης καί εὐχαριστίας. Καλῶς ἐνθυμούμεθα τίς μεγάλες θυσίες αὐτῆς τῆς ἐποχῆς, γεμίζει ἡ καρδιά μας εὐγνωμοσύνη γιά ὅλα ὅσα προσφέρθηκαν χάριν τῶν ἰδεῶν τῆς ἐλευθερίας, τῆς αὐτοδιαθέσεως καί τῆς ἀληθείας. Ἐξακολουθοῦμε κάθε χρόνο νά μνημονεύουμε καί νά δοξάζουμε τούς πατέρες καί τίς μητέρες μας καί νά εὐχα-ριστοῦμε γιά τίς εὐλογίες τῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας οἱ ὁποῖες γεμίζουν τίς ζωές μας μέ χαρά καί εἰρήνη. Στό πνεῦμα αὐτό τῆς μνήμης καί εὐγνωμοσύνης, πρέπει ἐπίσης νά ἀναγνωρίσουμε ὅτι ἡ Ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ ἀποτελεῖ μεγάλη πρόκληση. Πρόκειται βεβαίως περί προκλήσεως γιά μεγαλύτερη συμμετοχή σέ κοινωνικά θέματα καί γιά ἐπίγνωση, ἔτσι ὥστε νά εἴμεθα σέ θέση νά προσφέρουμε τό καλό καί τό δίκαιο στίς κοινότητες καί στό ἔθνος. Ἀποτελεῖ ἐπίσης πρόκληση γιά τήν διαφύλαξη καί καλλιέργεια μιᾶς ὑπεύθυνης καί ὥριμης κατανοήσεως τῆς ἐννοίας τῆς ἐλευθερίας ὄχι ὅμως εἰς ἀφορμήν τῇ σαρκί, ἀλλά ὡς δυνατότητα ἵνα διά τῆς ἀγάπης δουλεύουμεν ἀλλήλοις (Γαλ. 5:13). Ἡ πρόκληση τῆς Ἡμέρας τοῦ ΟΧΙ μᾶς καλεῖ ὅλους νά στεκόμεθα ἀκλόνητοι ἔναντι τῆς τυραννίας, νά ἀναγνωρίζουμε τό κακό ἀκόμη καί ὅταν εἴμεθα ἀδύναμοι, νά δείχνουμε θάρρος ἐν μέσῳ καταπιέσεων, νά μαχόμεθα γιά τή δικαιοσύνη καί νά ἀντιμετωπίζουμε τή βία μέ καρδιά καί πνεῦμα εἰρήνης. Ἡ ἀπάντηση ΟΧΙ στίς 28 Ὀκτωβρίου 1940, φανέρωσε τήν ἄρνηση νά θυσιασθοῦν ἰδανικά στό βωμό τῆς εὐκολίας καί νά θυσιασθῇ ἡ κληρονομιά τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί τῆς δημοκρατίας στό uσελίδα 16 Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος 20 Χρόνια Αγώνας για την Ορθοδοξία Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος αποτίνει φόρο τιμής στο σημείο όπου βρισκόταν ο Ιερός Ναός του Αγίου Νικολάου, Μανχάταν, κατά τη διάρκεια επίσημης επίσκεψης στις ΗΠΑ το Μάρτιο του Ειδικό φωτογραφικό αφιέρωμα στην επέτειο των 20 χρόνων από την ενθρόνιση του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου στην εκκλησία του Πρωτόκλητου Αποστόλου Ανδρέα στις σελίδες ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ Φωτογραφικό αρχείο ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΑΝΟΙΚΟΔΟΜΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý Η πίστη, οι ελπίδες, οι προσευχές, οι συνεχείς προσπάθειες και κόποι πολλών ανθρώπων για τα δέκα τελευταία χρόνια από τότε που ο ιστορικός, µικρός και παγκοσµίως γνωστός ναός του Αγίου Νικολάου καταστράφηκε κατά την τροµοκρατική επίθεση στους δίδυµους πύργους την 11η Σεπτεµβρίου 2001, τελικά δικαιώνονται µε την επίτευξη και υπογραφή συµφωνίας της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής µε την Λιµενική Αρχή Νέας Υόρκης και Νέας Ιερσέης (γνωστή ως Port Authority) η οποία ανακοινώθηκε στις 14 Οκτωβρίου 2011 και προβλέπει την ανοικοδόµηση του Ναού του Αγίου Νικολάου, σε προνοµιακή τοποθεσία του Παγκοσµίου Εµπορικού Κέντρου που τα τελευταία χρόνια έγινε γνωστή ως Ground Zero. Ο Σεβασµιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής κ. ηµήτριος και οι Ιεράρχες της Επαρχιακής Συνόδου της Αρχιεπισκοπής συναντήθηκαν την Παρασκευή 14 Οκτωβρίου µε τον κυβερνήτη της Πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης Άντριου Κουόµο στο γραφείο του στο Μανχάταν, κατόπιν προσκλήσεως του Κυβερνήτη. Στη συνάντηση συµµετείχαν η ηγεσία της ενορίας του Αγίου Νικολάου και του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συµβουλίου, το οποίο συνεδρίαζε την ίδια ώρα σε κεντρικό ξενοδοχείο της Νέας Υόρκης. Η συµφωνία υπεγράφη στο γραφείο του Κυβερνήτη από τον αντιπρόεδρο του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συµβουλίου Εµµανουήλ Τζαχάρη, τον πρόεδρο της ενορίας του Αγ. Νικολάου Ιωάννη Κουλουκουνδή και τον εκτελεστικό διευθυντή της Λιµενικής Αρχής Κρις uσελίδα 16

14 14 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2011 Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: 20 Χρόνια Αγώνας για την Ορθοδοξία ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ Ἡ Αὐτοῦ Θειοτάτη Παναγιότης, ὁ Οἰκουμενικὸς Πατριάρχης κύριος κύριος Βαρθολομαῖος, ἐγεννήθη ἐν Ἴμβρῳ τὴν 29ην Φεβρουαρίου 1940 ἐκ τῶν Χρήστου καὶ Μερόπης Ἀρχοντώνη. Τὸ κατὰ κόσμον ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἧτο Δημήτριος. Μετὰ τὰ ἐγκύκλια μαθήματα ἐν τῇ γενετείρᾳ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν τῷ Ζωγραφείῳ Λυκείῳ τῆς Πόλεως εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν περιώνυμον Θεολογικὴν Σχολὴν τῆς Χάλκης, ἐξ ἧς ἀπεφοίτησεν ἀριστοῦχος τὸ 1961 καὶ ἀμέσως ἐχειροτονήθη διάκονος, μετονομασθεὶς εἰς Βαρθολομαῖον. Ἀπὸ τοῦ 1961 μέχρι τοῦ 1963 ἐξεπλήρωσε τάς στρατιωτικὰς αὐτοῦ ὑποχρεώσεις ὡς ἔφεδρος ἀξιωματικός. Μεταξὺ τῶν ἐτῶν μετεξεπαιδεύθη ὡς ὑπότροφος τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου ἐν τῷ Ἰνστιτούτῳ Ἀνατολικῶν Σπουδῶν Ῥώμης, ἐν τῷ Οἰκουμενικῷ Ἰνστιτούτω Bossey Ἐλβετίας καὶ ἐν τῷ Πανεπιστημίῳ τοῦ Μοναχοῦ, εἰδικευθεὶς εἰς τὸ Κανονικὸν Δίκαιον. Ἀνηγορεύθη διδάκτωρ τοῦ ἐν Ῥώμῃ Ἰνστιτούτου (Γρηγοριανὸν Πανεπιστήμιον), ὑποβαλών διατριβὴν μὲ θέμα «Περὶ τὴν κωδικοποίησιν τῶν ἱερῶν κανόνων καὶ τῶν κανονικῶν Διατάξεων ἐν τῇ Ὀρθοδόξῳ Ἐκκλησίᾳ». Ἐπιστρέψας τὸ 1968 εἰς τὴν Πόλιν διωρίσθη Βοηθὸς Σχολάρχης ἐν τῇ Ἱερᾷ Θεολογικῇ Σχολῇ Χάλκης, ἐν τῇ ὁποίᾳ τὸ ἑπόμενον ἔτος ἐχειροτονήθη πρεσβύτερος. Μετὰ ἐξάμηνόν που ὁ Πατριάρχης Ἀθηναγόρας ἐχειροθέτησεν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ ὀφφίκιον τοῦ Ἀρχιμανδρίτου. Τὸ 1972, ὅταν ἐξελέγη Οἰκουμενικὸς Πατριάρχης ὁ ἀοίδιμος Δημήτριος καὶ ἵδρυσε τὸ Ἰδιαίτερον Πατριαρχικὸν Γραφεῖον, ἐκάλεσεν ὡς Διευθυντὴν αὐτοῦ τὸν Ἀρχιμανδρίτην Βαρθολομαῖον, τὸν ὁποῖον καὶ προήγαγε τὸ ἑπόμενον ἔτος (Χριστούγεννα 1973) εἰς Μητροπολίτην Φιλαδελφείας. Ἐπὶ κεφαλῆς τοῦ Γραφείου τούτου ἔμεινε μέχρι τῆς προαγωγῆς του εἰς Μητροπολίτην Γέροντα Χαλκηδόνος (Ἰανουάριος 1990). Ἀπὸ τοῦ Μαρτίου 1974 καὶ μέχρι τῆς ἀναρρήσεως αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν Οἰκουμενικὸν Θρόνον διετέλεσε μέλος τῆς Ἁγίας καὶ Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου, ὡς ἐπίσης καὶ πολλῶν Συνοδικὼν Ἐπιτροπῶν. Μετὰ τὸν θάνατον τοῦ Γέροντος αὐτοῦ Μητροπολίτου Μελίτωνος ἐξελέγη παμψηφεὶ εἰς διαδοχὴν αὐτοῦ Μητροπολίτης Χαλκηδόνος. Ὁμιλεῖ πλὴν τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς γλώσσης, τὴν Τουρκικήν, τὴν Λατινικήν, τὴν Ἰταλικήν, τὴν Ἀγγλικήν, τὴν Γαλλικὴν καὶ τὴν Γερμανικήν. Ἐδημοσίευσεν ἀρκετὰ ἄρθρα, μελέτας καὶ λόγους. Εἶναι ἰδρυτικὸν μέλος τῆς «Ἑταιρείας τοῦ Δικαίου τῶν Ἀνατολικῶν Ἐκκλησιῶν», τῆς ὁποίας ἐπὶ ἔτη διετέλεσεν Ἀντιπρόεδρος. Ἐπὶ 15ετίαν ὑπῆρξε μέλος καὶ ἐπὶ ὀκταετίαν Ἀντιπρόεδρος τῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς «Πίστις καὶ Τάξις» τοῦ Παγκοσμίου Συμβουλίου Ἐκκλησιῶν (ΠΣΕ). Ἔλαβε μέρος εἰς τάς Γενικὰς Συνελεύσεις τοῦ ΠΣΕ Δ (Uppsala 1968), ΣΤ

15 ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2011 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 15 (Vancouver 1983) καὶ Ζ (Canberra 1991). Ὑπὸ τῆς τελευταίας ἐξελέγη μέλος τῶν Ἐπιτροπῶν Κεντρικὴς καὶ Ἐκτελεστικῆς τοῦ ΠΣΕ. Ἀντιπροσώπευσε τὸ Οἰκουμενικὸν Πατριαρχεῖον εἰς πλεῖστα Συνέδρια Διορθόδοξα καὶ Διαχριστιανικά, εἰς ἐπισήμους ἀποστολὰς πρὸς τὴν Τουρκικὴν Κυβέρνησιν, πρὸς Ὀρθοδόξους καὶ μὴ Ἐκκλησίας, πρὸς Ἐπαρχίας τοῦ Θρόνου καὶ πρὸς τὸ Ἅγιον Ὄρος. Τὸ 1990 προήδρευσεν ἐν Γενεύη τῆς Διορθοδόξου Προπαρασκευατικῆς τῆς Ἁγίας καὶ Μεγάλης Συνόδου Ἐπιτροπῆς, ἥτις ἐξήτασε τὸ θέμα τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Διασπορᾶς. Κατόπιν προσκλήσεως ἔδωκε κατὰ καιροὺς διαλέξεις εἰς διαφόρους πόλεις ἐπὶ θεμάτων ἐπικαίρων ἢ σχετιζομένων πρὸς τὴν εἰδικότητα αὐτοῦ (Ἀθῆναι, Θεσσαλονίκη, Λουβαίν, Μαδρίτη, Βιέννη, Ῥώμη κ.ἄ.). Εἶναι Ἑταῖρος τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἀκαδημίας Κρήτης καὶ ἐπίτιμον μέλος τοῦ ἐν Βιέννη Ἱδρύματος Pro Oriente. Εἶναι ἐπίσης ἐπίτιμος Διδάκτωρ τῆς Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Ἀθηνῶν καὶ τῆς Θεολογικῆς Ἀκαδημίας Μόσχας, τῆς Φιλοσοφικῆς Σχολῆς τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης, τοῦ City University τοῦ Λονδίνου, τοῦ τμήματος Περιβάλλοντος τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Αἰγαίου (Λέσβος), τοῦ Καθολικοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Leuven Βελγίου, τοῦ Ὀρθοδόξου Θεολογικοῦ Ἰνστιτούτου Ἁγίου Σεργίου Παρισίων, τῆς Σχολῆς Κανονικοῦ Δικαίου τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Aix-en-Provence (Γαλλία), τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου τοῦ Ἐδιμβούργου, τῆς Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς Τιμίου Σταυροῦ Βοστώνης, τοῦ ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκη Θεολογικοῦ Ἰνστιτούτου Ἁγίου Βλαδιμήρου, τῆς Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς Ἰασίου, πέντε τμημάτων τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, τῶν ἐν Ἀμερικὴ Πανεπιστημίων Georgetown, Tuft, Southern Methodist, τοῦ Δημοκριτείου Πανεπιστημίου Ξανθῆς, τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Yale, τοῦ Τμήματος Ἱστορίας - Ἀρχαιολογίας τῆς Φιλοσοφικῆς Σχολῆς τοῦ Πανεπιστημίου Ἰωαννίνων, κ.ἄ. Ἀμέσως μετὰ τὴν χάριτι θείᾳ ἀνάρρησιν Αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν Οἰκουμενικὸν Θρόνον ἤρξατο τοῦ ἔργου Αὐτοῦ κατὰ τάς ἐξαγγελίας Αὐτοῦ εἰς τάς προγραμματικὰς δηλώσεις καὶ εἰς τὸν Ἐνθρονιστήριον λόγον του. Οὕτω, πρὸς προώθησιν τῆς πανορθοδόξου ἑνότητος καὶ συνεργασίας, συνεκάλεσεν εἰς τὸ Φανάριον τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς Αὐτοῦ Προκαθημένους τῶν κατὰ τόπους Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐκκλησιῶν καὶ ἅπαντες ὁμοῦ ἐξαπέλυσαν Μήνυμα πρὸς τὴν Ἐκκλησίαν καὶ τὸν κόσμον, χαρακτηρισθὲν ὡς ἡ ἑνιαία φωνὴ τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας. Παρόμοιαι Συνάξεις ἔγιναν καὶ τὸ 1995 ἐν Πάτμω, τὸν Ἰανουάριον 2000 ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις καὶ τὸν Δεκέμβριον του ἰδίου ἔτους ἐν ΚΠόλει καὶ Νικαίᾳ. Ὡς νέος Πατριάρχης ἐπεσκέφθη ἐθιμοτυπικῶς τὸν Πρόεδρον τῆς Δημοκρατίας καὶ τάς Κυβερνητικὰς ἀρχὰς ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ καὶ ἔθεσεν ὑπ ὄψιν αὐτῶν τὰ ἀπασχολοῦντα τὸ Οἰκουμενικὸν Πατριαρχεῖον καὶ τὴν περὶ αὐτὸ ἐν Τουρκίᾳ Ὁμογένειαν προβλήματα, μὲ πρῶτον τὸ τῆς ἐπαναλειτουργίας τῆς ἐν Χάλκῃ Ἱερᾶς Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς. Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: 20 Χρόνια Αγώνας για την Ορθοδοξία

16 16 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΜΟΥ Πρώτο επίπεδο Τεύχος 1Α Πρώτο επίπεδο Τεύχος 1Β Πρώτο επίπεδο Τεύχος 2 Δεύτερο επίπεδο Τεύχος 1 Με την ευλογία και καθοδήγηση του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Δημητρίου, τη χορηγία του κληροδοτήματος FAITH και την επιμέλεια του Γραφείου Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής, εκδόθηκαν τα βιβλία της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου», τα οποία διδάσκονται στα ελληνικά κοινοτικά σχολεία, όπως και σε σχολεία άλλων φορέων. Τα βιβλία 1Α & 1Β επανεκδόθηκαν τον Ιούλιο του 2011 σε βελτιωμένη έκδοση και χρησιμοποιούνται για την 1 η και 2 α τάξη για τη διδασκαλία των Ελληνικών ως δεύτερης/ξένης γλώσσας. Τα δύο αυτά βιβλία αντικαθιστούν το Τεύχος 1 του πρώτου επιπέδου που είχε χρησιμοποιηθεί τις δύο προηγούμενες χρονιές ( ). Το τεύχος 2 του πρώτου επιπέδου που εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2010 αποτελεί τη συνέχεια των δύο προηγούμενων βιβλίων και διδάσκεται μετά την ολοκλήρωσή τους, δηλαδή καλύπτει μέρος της Δευτέρας τάξης και συνεχίζεται στην Τρίτη. Το τεύχος 1 του δευτέρου επιπέδου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου», εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2011 και διδάσκεται για πρώτη φορά τη φετινή σχολική χρονιά. Καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Τρίτης και Τετάρτης τάξης. a Tα βιβλία διατίθενται δωρεάν από τα Γραφεία Παιδείας όλων των Μητροπόλεων της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Ειδικότερα, για την Άμεση Αρχιεπισκοπική Περιφέρεια Νέας Υόρκης τα βιβλία διατίθενται από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Ευαγγελία Ζήνω-νος, τηλέφωνο Για την Μητρόπολη της Νέας Ιερσέης τα βιβλία διατίθενται από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Θεολόγου στο Τεναφλάι. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Άννα Μέγαρη, τηλέφωνο Για την Μητρόπολη Ατλάντας από την Κοινότητα Αγίας Τριάδος στο Σάρλοτ, Βόρειας Καρολίνας. Υπεύθυνος επικοινωνίας είναι ο π. Μιχαήλ Βαρβαρέλης, τηλέφωνο Για τη Μητρόπολη Ντιτρόιτ από τα γραφεία της Μητρόπολης. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Χάριετ Στούκας, τηλέφωνο Για τη Μητρόπολη Ντένβερ από τον Καθεδρικό Ναό του Ευαγγελισμού. Υπεύθυνος επικοινωνίας είναι ο κ. Νικόλαος Ιωαννίδης, τηλέφωνο Για τη Μητρόπολη του Αγίου Φραγκίσκου από την Κοινότητα του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Μπέλμοντ. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Θεοδώρα Κουναλάκη, τηλέφωνο Για τη Μητρόπολη Βοστώνης από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Νεκταρίου στο Ροσλιντέιλ. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Θεοδώρα Χρονοπούλου, τηλέφωνο Για τη Μητρόπολη Πιτσβούργου από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Νικολάου, Πιτσβούργου. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Μαρία Σταμούλη, τηλέφωνο Η ολοκλήρωση του παιδαγωγικού έργου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου» αναμένεται να πραγματοποιηθεί με τη συγγραφή και έκδοση του 2 ου τεύχους του δευτέρου επιπέδου μέχρι τον Ιούνιο του 2012, ως και των δύο τευχών του τρίτου επιπέδου μέχρι το , καλύπτοντας έτσι όλα τα επίπεδα του ελληνικού σχολείου για τη διδασκαλία και εκμάθηση της Ελληνικής ως δεύτερης / ξένης γλώσσας. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες απευθυνθείτε στο Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής 8 Ε 79 Street, New York, NY 10075, μέσω ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου: ioannise@goarch.org, mteleiopoulou@goarch.org, daisytsitouridou@goarch.org ή στα τηλέφωνα και a uσελίδα 13 uσελίδα 13 ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος Γουόρντ. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ηµήτριος, ο Κυβερνήτης Κουόµο και ο αρχηγός της πλειοψηφίας στη Γερουσία της Πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης Ελληνοαµερικανός Ντιν Σκέλος συνυπέγραψαν το έγγραφο ως επίσηµοι µάρτυρες της συµφωνίας. Η συµφωνία, µεταξύ άλλων, προβλέπει την ανοικοδόµηση του Ναού στην ανατολική άκρη της οδού Λίµπερτι στον αριθµό 130. Της συµφωνίας προηγήθηκε ανεξάρτητη τετράµηνη µελέτη ειδηµόνων µηχανικών και η εκπόνησή της είχε από κοινού ανατεθεί από τη Λιµενική Αρχή και την Αρχιεπισκοπή Αµερικής. Η µελέτη αυτή διαπίστωσε ότι η ανοικοδόµηση του Ναού θα µπορεί να πραγµατοποιηθεί στον χώρο αυτό µε µικρές µόνο προσαρµογές στο αρχικό σχέδιο και χωρίς να επηρεάσει το πρόγραµµα κατασκευής του ιεθνούς Εµπορικού Κέντρου, στο Ground Zero. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ηµήτριος εκφράστηκε εγκωµιαστικά για τον Κυβερνήτη της Νέας Υόρκης Άντριου Κουόµο: «Είµεθα ευγνώµονες προς τον αξιότιµο Κυβερνήτη και εκλεκτό φίλο Άντριου Κουόµο διότι βοήθησε στην πραγµατοποίηση ενός ονείρου το οποίο τρέφουµε για µια ολόκληρη δεκαετία. Με τη βοήθεια του Θεού η ανοικοδόµηση του ναού του Αγίου Νικολάου, στο Σηµείο Μηδέν, εκεί δηλαδή που είχε σηµαντική πνευµατική παρουσία και προσφορά 85 ετών, αποτελεί επιβεβαίωση του πόσο σηµαντική είναι η εξάσκηση της θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας για όλους τους κατοίκους της Νέας Υόρκης και όλους τους Αµερικανούς. Η υπόσχεση θα γίνει πραγµατικότητα. Θ ανάψουµε και πάλι πολλά κεριά στον νέο Ναό του Αγίου Νικολάου εις ανάµνηση εκείνων που έφυγαν από κοντά µας και εις ανάµνηση των ηρώων που θυσίασαν τις ζωές τους. Η υπόσχεσή µας είναι υπόσχεση µαρτυρίας για όλους τους κατοίκους της Νέας Υόρκης, ότι η ελευθερία της συνειδήσεως και το βασικό ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2011 βωμό τῆς ἀποφυγῆς δυσκολιῶν. Ἦταν μία σθεναρή καταγγελία τῶν πονηρῶν σχεδίων τά ὁποῖα τροφοδοτοῦσαν μηχανισμούς δυνάμεων διά τῆς καταστροφῆς τῆς ἀνθρώπινης ζωῆς καί τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων κοινοτήτων. Οἱ Ἕλληνες τοῦ ΟΧΙ ἔδωσαν παράδειγμα θάρρους καί ἐλπίδος πού μᾶς ἐμπνέει νά γνωρίζουμε αὐτό τό ὁποῖο μᾶς ἀπελευθερώνει καί νά προσφέρουμε αὐτή τή διαβεβαίωση σ ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Τό πράττουμε αὐτό τιμῶντας τήν Ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ καί ἀποδεχόμενοι τήν πρόκληση πού αὐτή μᾶς προσφέρει. Ὅταν στεκόμεθα ἀκλόνητοι μάρτυρες τῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας, ἑδραιωμένοι στήν ἀλήθεια τῆς πίστεώς μας στόν Θεό, θά εἴμεθα σέ θέση νά ἀντιμετωπίσουμε τό κακό μέ θάρρος τό ὁποῖο ἀποκαλύπτει Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος νίκησε τήν ἁμαρτία καί τόν θάνατο καί προσφέρει βεβαιότητα ζωῆς. Ὥς ἄνθρωποι πίστεως, οἱ ὁποῖοι δέν διακατεχόμεθα ἀπό πνεῦμα δειλίας ἀλλά δυνάμεως καί ἀγάπης καί σωφροσύνης (Β Τιμ.1:7), στήν ὑπηρεσία τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος, θά μπορέσουμε νά ἀντιτάξουμε ἕνα ἠχηρό ΟΧΙ σέ ὁποιοδήποτε ἄτομο ἤ δύναμη ποὐ θά ἐπιχειρήσουν νά καταστρέψουν τήν ζωή ἤ νά καταργήσουν τήν ἐλευθερία μέ σκοπό τήν κυριαρχία. Ἀποδεχόμενοι αὐτή τήν πρόκληση, θά συνεχίσουμε νά ὑποστηρίζουμε τήν κάλυψη τῶν ἀναγκῶν ἐκείνων οἱ ὁποῖοι στεροῦνται τῆς ἐλευθερίας ἤ τῶν δικαιωμάτων νά ἀναπτύξουν ποιότητα καί ἀσφάλεια ζωῆς ἡ ὁποία ἁρμόζει σ ὅλα τά ἀνθρώπινα ὄντα. Αὐτή τήν ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ, προσκαλῶ ὅλους τούς πιστούς ἀνά τήν Ἀμερική, ὅλους ἐμᾶς οἱ ὁποῖοι εἴμεθα δικαιοῦχοι αὐτῆς τῆς κληρονομιᾶς τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί τοῦ θάρρους καθώς καί τῆς βαθειᾶς πίστεως καί θυσίας, νά τιμήσουμε τίς θαρραλέες πράξεις τοῦ παρελθόντος μας καί ν ἀποδεχθοῦμε τήν πρόκληση αὐτῆς τῆς ἡμέρας γιά τό μέλλον μας. Μέ πίστη καί ἀλήθεια καί μέ τήν δύναμη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἄς σταθοῦμε ἀκλόνητοι ὡς μάρτυρες τῆς ἀγάπης ἡ ὁποία ὑπερνικᾶ τό κακό, τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἡ ὁποία ἐπικυρώνει τό καλό καί τῆς εἰρήνης ἡ ὁποία μᾶς δίδει ἐλπίδα κάτω ἀπό ὁποιεσδήποτε συνθῆκες ζωῆς ἀπό τό παρόν ἕως τήν αἰωνιότητα. ΣΥΜΦΩΝΙΑ ΑΝΟΙΚΟΔΟΜΗΣΗΣ ΑΓ. ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ανθρώπινο δικαίωµα της ελεύθερης θρησκευτικής εκφράσεως είναι το φως που θα εκπέµπει ο αναστηµένος ναός του Αγίου Νικολάου». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε επίσης την βαθιά του ευαρέσκεια για τους κ.κ. Εµµανουήλ Τζαχάρη και Ντένις Μιέλ και άλλα µέλη της κοινής επιτροπής που εργάστηκαν µε πολλή επιµέλεια για την επίτευξη της ιστορικής αυτής συµφωνίας. Ο κυβερνήτης Άντριου Κουόµο αναφερόµενος στη συµφωνία είπε: «Χάσαµε το ναό του Αγίου Νικολάου στην καταστροφή της 11ης Σεπτεµβρίου και για ένα µεγάλο διάστηµα το µέλλον του ναού ήταν αβέβαιο. Η ανοικοδόµηση του ναού του Αγίου Νικολάου, µε τον πρόσθετο χώρο περισυλλογής, µνήµης και προσευχής (για τις οικογένειες των θυµάτων της 11ης Σεπτεµβρίου), δεν είναι ευχάριστη είδηση µόνο για την Ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα αλλά για και για όλους τους Νεοϋορκέζους. Με τη συµφωνία αυτή συνεχίζουµε συλλογικά την πορεία επουλώσεως, αποκαταστάσεως και αναγεννήσεως. Επιτέλους επιστρέφουµε αυτόν τον πολύτι- µο χώρο προσευχής εκεί που ανήκει». Αµέσως µετά την υπογραφή της συµφωνίας ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ηµήτριος ενηµέρωσε µε λεπτοµέρειες το Αρχιεπισκοπικό Συµβούλιο της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής το οποίο συνεδρίαζε κατά την διάρκεια της Παρασκευής σε κεντρικό ξενοδοχείο της Νέας Υόρκης. Τα µέλη του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συµβουλίου δέχθηκαν µε ενθουσιασµό την ευχάριστη είδηση και ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος παρουσίασε το ιστορικό και τη διαδικασία που ακολουθήθηκε και τόνισε την καθοριστική συµβολή του Κυβερνήτη Κουόµο. Εξέφρασε επίσης την ευγνωµοσύνη του προς τον ήµαρχο της Νέας Υόρκης Μάϊκλ Μπλούµπεργκ για την συνεχή και σταθερή υποστήριξή του, οµοίως δε και στον πρώην κυβερνήτη της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης Τζόρτζ Πατάκι, ο οποίος από τις πρώτες ηµέρες µετά την καταστροφή είχε δεσµευθεί για την ανοικοδόµηση του ναού του Αγίου Νικολάου.

17 OCTOBER SEPTEMBER ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ 17 Υποστήριξη στους Κόπτες Χριστιανούς της Αιγύπτου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Κατά τη διάρκεια των εργασιών της φθινοπωρινής συνεδρίας της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, οι Αρχιερείς μέλη της υιοθέτησαν ομόφωνα την ακόλουθη δήλωση: «Εκ μέρους του πιστού κλήρου και λαού της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, εμείς, τα μέλη της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου, με επίγνωση της ευθύνης μας να λέμε την αλήθεια με αγάπη, δηλώνουμε και υπογράφουμε την ειλικρινή υποστήριξή μας προς τους ευσεβείς Κόπτες Χριστιανούς πιστούς της Αιγύπτου, κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της πολύ δύσκολης μεταβατικής περιόδου στη ζωή του αιγυπτιακού έθνους. Επιπλέον, εκφράζουμε τη λύπη μας για όλες τις πράξεις της θρησκευτικής βίας από οποιαδήποτε κοινότητα ή άτομα, γνωρίζοντας ότι - όπως η Α.Θ.Π. Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος έχει δηλώσει τόσο εύγλωττα - «ένα έγκλημα που διαπράχθηκε στο όνομα της θρησκείας, είναι έγκλημα κατά της θρησκείας.» Καλούμε τους ηγέτες όλων των χριστιανικών κοινοτήτων και όλων των θρησκειών και, κυρίως των χριστιανικών Ορθοδόξων κοινοτήτων μας και των αρχαίων αδελφών μας εξ Ανατολής, να υποστηρίξουν τους αγωνιζόμενους Χριστιανούς Κόπτες της Αιγύπτου, και για όλους εν γένει τους Χριστιανούς της Μέσης Ανατολής, οι οποίοι αντιμετωπίζουν μεγάλες προκλήσεις μείωσης και περιορισμούς της άσκησης θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας, εν όψει του αυξανόμενου θρησκευτικού φονταμενταλισμού και της πολιτικής λιτότητας. Μήνυμα Σύμπνοιας και Ομοψυχίας από Πατριάρχη ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá Μήνυμα σύμπνοιας και ομοψυχίας για το ξεπέρασμα της οικονομικής κρίσης έστειλε από το Άγιο Όρος ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, κατά τη διάρκεια της πατριαρχικής Θείας Λειτουργίας που τελέστηκε σήμερα το πρωί στον ιστορικό Ιερό Ναό του Πρωτάτου, στις Καρυές, στο πλαίσιο των εορτασμών για τα 20 χρόνια από την εκλογή του Βαρθολομαίου ως Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη, παρουσία του πρωθυπουργού Γιώργου Παπανδρέου και μελών της κυβέρνησης. Στην ομιλία του ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ευχήθηκε όλοι οι λαοί «και ιδιαιτέρως ο βαρέως χειμαζόμενος ελληνικός λαός» να εξέλθουν της κρίσης «με τας ολιγοτέρας δυνατάς ταλαιπωρίας». Χαρακτήρισε «δύσκολο και κοπιώδες» το έργο του πρωθυπουργού, αλλά και των άλλων ηγετών του κόσμου, ευχόμενος να τους δίνει ο Θεός πνεύμα συνέσεως και φωτισμόν και στο λαό δύναμη και ομόνοια, τονίζοντας ότι για την έξοδο από αυτή τη δύσκολη περίσταση απαιτείται «συστράτευση και σύμπνοια πάντων, θυσία, κόπος και υπομονή». «Παράδειγμα, που εμπνέει» χαρακτήρισε τον αγώνα του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη για την ανάδειξη των αξιών της Ορθοδοξίας, την παγκόσμια ειρήνη και το περιβάλλον, ο πρωθυπουργός Γιώργος Παπανδρέου, αναφερόμενος στην προσπάθεια που καταβάλλεται για να ξεπεραστεί η κρίση και να βγει η χώρα πιο δυνατή. Ο πρωθυπουργός τόνισε ότι ο αγώνας του κ. Βαρθολομαίου είναι ένα παράδειγμα που μας εμπνέει και μας δίνει και μας δύναμη, σε μια εποχή δύσκολων καιρών για τη χώρα μας, που έχουμε επωμιστεί όλοι μας, όχι μόνο προσωπικά εγώ αλλά και ο ελληνικός λαός και βάρη και ευθύνες. «Μας δίνετε με το παράδειγμα σας, κουράγιο και δύναμη να συνεχίσουμε και να ξεπεράσουμε με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο αυτές τις δυσκολίες, ώστε η χώρα μας να βρεθεί στην άλλη όχθη του ποταμού, πιο δυνατή, με μεγαλύτερη βιωσιμότητα και ευημερία». Ο πρωθυπουργός τόνισε ότι παρακολουθεί το έργο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη, αυτά τα είκοσι χρόνια, και δήλωσε την αμέριστη ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΥ Νέα Ὑόρκη, 13 Ὀκτωβρίου 2011 Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς συνῆλθεν εἰς τήν τακτικήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς εἰς τήν αἲθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 12 ην καί 13 ην Ὀκτωβρίου 2011 ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τοῦ Σεβασμιωτάτου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἀμερικῆς κ. Δημητρίου καί τήν συμμετοχήν ἁπάντων τῶν Μελῶν αὐτῆς. Πρό τῆς ἐνάρξεως τῆς συνεδρίας τῆς Συνόδου, τά Μέλη αὐτῆς εἶχον τήν εὐκαιρίαν εἰδικῆς συναντήσεως μετά τοῦ Αἰδ. π. Stratton Dorozenski, Προέδρου Ἐπιτροπῆς Ὑγείας καί Ἀσφαλίσεως Κλήρου, κατά τήν ὁποίαν συνεζητήθησαν σχετικά θέματα. Ἐπίσης, εἶχον συνάντησιν μετά τοῦ Αἰδ. π. Δημητρίου Κορδάρη, Διευθυντοῦ τῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς Συνεισφορῶν, Ἱεραποστολῆς καί Εὐαγγελισμοῦ, καί ἐνημερώθησαν διά τό ἒργον τό ὁποῖον ἐπιτελεῖται ὑπό τῆς ἐν λόγῳ Ἐπιτροπῆς. Κατά τήν διάρκειαν τῆς συνεδρίας τῆς Συνόδου συνεζητήθησαν μεταξύ ἂλλων καί τά ἀκόλουθα: Ἡ Σύνοδος, ἀναφερομένη εἰς τό θέμα τῆς παραιτήσεως διά λόγους ὑγείας τοῦ Μητροπολίτου Πιττσβούργου κ. Μαξίμου, ἐξέφρασε τήν βαθεῖαν εὐγνωμοσύνην της καί ὁλοψύχως ἀνεγνώρισε τήν πολυτιμοτάτην καί μακροχρόνιον προσφοράν του εἰς τήν Ἐκκλησίαν, ἰδιαιτέρως δέ τήν ἀποφασιστικήν συμβολήν του εἰς τάς συνεδρίας καί ἀποφάσεις τῆς Ἱ. Ἐπαρχ. Συνόδου. Ἐν συνεχείᾳ, προέβη εἰς τόν καταρτισμόν τοῦ τριπροσώπου πρός πλήρωσιν τῆς κενῆς ἓδρας τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μητροπόλεως Πιττσβούργου, πρός ὑποβολήν του εἰς τήν Ἁγίαν καί Ἱεράν Σύνοδον τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, ἡ ὁποία καί θά ἐκλέξῃ τόν νέον Μητροπολίτην εἰς διαδοχήν τοῦ ὂντως λαμπροῦ Μητροπολίτου πρώην Πιττσβούργου κ. Μαξίμου. Ἀκολούθως, ἡ Σύνοδος ἐπεξεργάσθη μετάφρασιν εἰς τήν ἀγγλικήν τοῦ πρωτοτύπου ἑλληνικοῦ κειμένου τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας, καί ἐνέκρινε μετάφρασιν εἰς τήν ἀγγλικήν τοῦ ὓμνου Χριστός Ἀνέστη πρός χρῆσιν ὑπό τῶν ἐνοριῶν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς. Συνεζητήθησαν ἐπίσης θέματα ποιμαντικῆς φύσεως καί τελέσεως Ἱερῶν Μυστηρίων. Ἡ Σύνοδος ἀνεθεώρησε καί ἐνέκρινε πρόσφατον κατάλογον κληρικῶν ὑποψηφίων διά ἀρχιερατείαν, καί συνεζήτησε θέματα ἀφορῶντα εἰς τόν κλῆρον γενικῶς, καί εἰς χειροτονίας εἰδικῶς νέων κληρικῶν, ὡς καί θέματα ἀφορῶντα εἰς τήν διοίκησιν τῶν ἐνοριῶν καί ἐν γένει εἰς τήν διοίκησιν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς. Τέλος, ἐγένετο ἀναφορά καί συζήτησις, περί τῆς γονίμου συνεργασίας μεταξύ Ἱ. Συνόδου καί Ἑλληνικοῦ Κολλεγίου/Θεολογικῆς Σχολῆς τοῦ Τιμίου Σταυροῦ, περί τῆς Συνελεύσεως ὃλων τῶν Κανονικῶν Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐπισκόπων, περί τοῦ εἰδικοῦ μορφωτικοῦ προγράμματος Διακόνων, περί τῆς προσεχοῦς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως, καί περί θεμάτων ποιμαντικῆς μερίμνης τοῦ κλήρου καί τοῦ λαοῦ. Ἐκ τοῦ Γραφείου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου συμπαράστασή του στο έργο του. «Είμαι εντυπωσιασμένος από τη δύναμή σας, την επιμονή σας, την αφοσίωσή σας τον αγώνα σας, να αναδείξετε το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο αλλά και τις πνευματικές αξίες που συμβολίζει για την Ορθοδοξία, βεβαίως και για τον Ελληνισμό και θέλω να ξέρετε ότι θα έχετε πάντα τη στήριξή μου. Από κάθε θέση στήριξα και θα στηρίζω τη δική σας προσπάθεια». Ο πρωθυπουργός τόνισε ότι παρά τη δύσκολη συγκυρία θα βρίσκεται πάντοτε κοντά στα προβλήματα του Αγίου Όρους και των μοναχών.

18 18 Support your ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Twenty Years of an OCTOBER 2011 Energetic Worldwide Ministry Yes, I want to Support our ORTHODOX OBSERVER Enclosed is my Ecclesiastical Year donation. $25 00 Donor $50 00 Patron $ Special Patron Special Patrons will receive a complimentary DVD of the award winning: Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: SUBSCRIBER S NUMBER (located above your name on the mailing label): I authorize the ORTHODOX OBSERVER to charge my: The ORTHODOX OBSERVER has been offering Greek Orthodox faithful in America and around the world news from our Archdiocese, our Metropolises and our parishes for almost 40 years. Originally begun primarily as a theological magazine by Archbishop Athenagoras in the1930s, the ORTHODOXOBSERVER was transformed into its present format and role by Archbishop Iakovos in1971. Each member of the national Church continues to receive a complimentary copy of the ORTHODOXOBSERVER as part of their stewardship to their local parish. Over the years, mailing and printing costs have continued to rise and have outpaced increases in the ORTHODOX OBSERVER S income resources. Advertising revenue and donations contribute to our revenue, but an increasing shortfall exists because of these rising costs. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER, which will print 10 issues in 2012, has initiated a campaign to raise additional funds for these rising costs. We invite you to participate as a Donor, Patron or Special Patron. Voluntary donations are welcome in one of the following categories: DONOR $25 PATRON $50 SPECIAL PATRON $100 Special Patrons will receive a complimentary DVD of the award winning: Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ Those contributing to the campaign will receive a special mention in each issue of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER. *The ORTHODOX OBSERVER welcomes gifts of any size, including sponsorship of a full issue. For more information contact Marissa Costidis at phone: Card No.: Expiration Date: Name on Card: Signature: Thank you for your generosity. Mail this form and/or make your check payable to: Orthodox Observer 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY u from page 12 new charter for the Archdiocese following a review of nearly six months. A key provision is the elevation of the dioceses to metropolises and names the hierarchs of the former dioceses as metropolitans of their respective metropolises Jan. 6 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrates the Epiphany on the shores of the Golden Horn, the first time in memory that a patriarch has conducted the ceremony there. Jan. 20 Ecumenical Patriarchate creates the Metropolis of Spain, detaching it from the Metropolis of France, and includes Portugal and the Canary Islands. Feb. 8 His All Holiness receives an official visit from members of the European Rights Party and its president, Wilfried Martens, the European People s Party and European Democrats, former Belgian Prime Minister Wim Van Velzen, and Member of Parliament Antonios Trakatellis, brother of Archbishop Demetrios. March 19 Ecumenical Patriarchate issues an appeal for peace in response to continuing warfare in the Middle East. March 23 Ecumenical Patriarch conducts a thyranoixia service for Holy Trinity Church of Stavrodromio in Istanbul upon the completion of renovations he had initiated in The church was built in April 12 Ecumenical Patriarchate elects Archimandrite Epiphanios as the first metropolitan of Spain and Portugal. April Makes his first visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan as part of effort to promote interfaith dialogue. Meets with President Heydar Aliyev who gives His All Holiness a warm, cordial welcome. May Presides at fifth Academic Meeting between Judaism and Orthodox Christianity in Thessaloniki. More than 60 delegates from around the world attend. Patriarch also rededicates the Holocaust Monument in the city, which honors the memory of tens of thousands of its Jewish population executed during World War II. Early June Hosts fifth Environmental Symposium, which takes place on the Baltic Sea and includes participants from Poland, Russia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden, and Archbishop Demetrios. Aug Visits island of Zakynthos on a pastoral visit. Sept. 5 His All Holiness reflects in a homily on the fifth anniversary of the desecration of the Church of Neohorion cemetery along the Bosporus and on the upcoming anniversary of the Ground Zero tragedy. Sept. 11 Travels to Tripoli, Libya, for his first visit to that nation. Meets with Moammar Khadafy and other government and religious officials. Sept Makes first visit to the Republic of Georgia. Commemorates the 1,000 th anniversary of the Kimisis tis Theotokou Church in the city of Kioutasi. Nov. 23 Presides at a historic Patriarchal Divine Liturgy among the ruins of Ephesus and reflects on the historic Ecumenical Council held there in 431 A.D Jan His All Holiness makes first visit to Latin America when he travels to Havana, Cuba, to consecrate St. Nicholas Cathedral, which Fidel Castro gave to the Greek Orthodox Church. March 13 Inaugurates the Byzantium: Faith and Power exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in Manhattan. March Makes first visit to Metropolis of New Jersey and his fifth official trip to the U.S. Highlights include greeting more than 1,000 youth at the Sights and Sounds at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, presiding at a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly and meeting with Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders. April 19 Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elevates the Orthodox Church of Korea as a separate metropolitanate under the leadership of Metropolitan Sotirios. June His All Holiness travels to Rome to meet with Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the feast day of the Roman Catholic Church. The visit also commemorated the 40 th anniversary of the 1964 meeting in Jerusalem of Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, the first between a pope and a patriarch since the Great Schism in Nov. 27 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and a delegation of Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church hierarchs and Archons transfer relics of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian from the Vatican to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The event starts with an ecumenical service at St. Peter s Basilica and concludes with a procession and service at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George. Dec. 4 5 Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria makes his first official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch and meets with Patriarch Bartholomew. They concelebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. George Jan. 12 Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod elects new bishop for the Archdiocese of Spain and Portugal, Archimandrite Hilarion Rudnik. April 7 His All Holiness attends the funeral of Pope John Paul II. April 19 The United Nations Environmental Program honors His All Holiness with its Champions of the Earth award. Archbishop Demetrios accepts the award on the Patriarch s behalf at a UN ceremony in New York. May 24 Ecumenical Patriarch convenes a Pan Orthodox Synod at the Phanar to address a crisis in the Jerusalem Patriarchate tied to the leasing of church properties to Jewish interests. July 12 His All Holiness holds talks in Brussels with European Commission President Jose Manuel Baroso, European Parliament President Josep Borrel and other senior European Union officials relating to safeguarding the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the EU s upcoming talks on Turkey s admission. Sept. 6 Issues a statement expressing sympathy and support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Mid September Makes eight day pastoral tour of the central and western Macedonian parishes in northern Greece, accompanied by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece and other Church and government officials. Late September Receives visits from U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes and from President Traian Basescu of Romania, who both express support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Oct. 28 Turkish nationalists stage violent demonstrations in front of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, reaching the entrance to the compound before Turkish police intervene. u to page 20

19 OCTOBER Michael Parlamis with one of the patriarchal flags he commissioned. Archon Plants the Patriarchal Flag throughout the World by Jim Golding Parishes around the country received an unexpected gift over the summer, thanks to Archon Michael Parlamis of New Jersey. Mr. Parlamis, a member of St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly, had the idea of distributing the flag of the Ecumenical Patriarchate throughout the Archdiocese after viewing last spring s Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York. All the churches were marching with Greek and American flags and I thought Why aren t they flying the patriarchal flag? His idea was to donate full-sized patriarchal flags to each metropolis for display in the churches. They flags come with a pole, base, cross and tassel. It s a nice way to commemorate the Patriarch s anniversary, he said, and the flag projects the image and authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate around the world. Mr. Parlamis contacted the Annin Flag Co. in New Jersey, which produced the flags for $200 each. They made a perfect match, he said. A total of 750 flags were initially manufactured, which he distributed to the metropolises over several weeks. Mr. Parlamis, an Archon since 1987 and commander of the Order of St. Andrew s Northern District of New Jersey, said that he decided to expand the project to all metropolises of the Ecumenical Patriarchate around the world. Thus far, he has sent 315 in Britain, Germany, Spain, Korea, Crete, Mexico and Canada. He persists in his efforts to distribute the flag globally. The flag of the patriarchate is flying throughout the world, he said. We have to show the flag in order to make some noise. We have to stand up for the Patriarchate; and to make it known to the world that we exist. He added, I feel good doing it. It is something positive, something lasting. ENCYCLICAL u from page 2 to be filled with compassion through the presence and power of Christ in our lives. As the people of God, this wellspring of compassion should lead us to offer the healing and saving touch of the grace of God. May we prayerfully consider a generous gift for the philanthropic ministries of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. May we continue our support for the ministries of our National Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local chapters, and may we be vigilant to respond in compassion to those in need, binding their wounds, offering comfort to their troubled souls, and guiding them to assurance in presence and love of Christ. With paternal love in Him, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America Kontos Foods fa mous for its POCK ET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its orig i nal prod ucts once again. Fillo Kataifi Delicious, traditional products made POPULAR GREEK RECIPES SAINT IRENE S PHILOPTOCHOS 30 Race Street, Charleston, South Carolina Please send me copies of Popular Greek Recipes at $18.95 plus $6.00 postage and handling for each copy. (Total $ each) Enclosed you will fi nd $ for this order Name Ad dress City State Zip Code KONTOS FOODS, INC EVRIPIDES KONTOS, Pres i dent BOX 628, PATERSON, NJ Fax: (973) (973) NATIONAL AWARD WINNING Winner of the McIlhenny Community Cookbook Award Hall of Fame NOW IN 16 th PRINTING SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Offered to Com mu ni ties, Or ga ni za tions, Church fes ti vals and all other func tions. Spanakopita Tyropita with the highest qual i ty in gre di ents Courteous Service WE SHIP EVERYWHERE in the US & CAN A DA Exclusive Distributor for USA & CANADA of TRIKOMITES HALOUMI

20 20 TICKETS TO GREECE ON SALE Από ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ ΑΘΗΝΑ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ DELTA (OLYMPIC) - ALITALIA - AIR FRANCE - BRITISH - KLM - LUFTHANSA ONE WAY ROUND TRIP $ 218 From From ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗΣ ΧΑΜΗΛΕΣ ΤΙΜΕΣ ΑΠ ΟΛΗ ΤΗΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗ From $ 318 STERLING TRAVEL 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J Toll Free: Local: THE NAMEDAY BOOK To order your own copy or copies of The Nameday Book ( $ each + $ 5 S&H) please call or gotel@goarch.org ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE atention all yiayias, Papous, Theas, Theos, Nounas, Nounos, Sunday School Teachers, moms & dads! Withagape.com is happy to announce that The Nameday Book is now available for purchase through GoTelecom! The Nameday Book written by Despina Manatos & Illustrated by her Nouna Goldie DeLorenzo encourages all in the Orthodox faith to celebrate their given name every year and includes a comprehensive month by month list of the most prominent Saints and Feast Days in the Orthodox faith. This is a great gift for Easter, birthdays, christenings, Christmas, and of course, Namedays! OCTOBER 2011 An Energetic Worldwide Ministry u from page 18 Nov. 10 Turkish nationalists stage a second violent demonstration in an attempt to disrupt a meeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with members of the Holy Synod and representatives of the Church of Cyprus Jan. 4 8 His All Holiness makes sixth visit to U.S. Celebrates the 100 th anniversary of the Epiphany event in Tarpon Springs, Fla. Travels to New Orleans on Jan. 7 to view the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina and to participate in an ecumenical prayer service for the victims. Returning to Tarpon Springs, he presides at a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Early February Travels to Central America for 10 day visit, spending five days each in Panama and Mexico. The trip includes worship services, meetings with Roman Catholic hierarchs and other religious and government leaders, including Presidents Vicente Fox of Mexico and Martin Torrijos of Panama. Late May Newly elected Patriarch Theofilos III of Jerusalem meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to discuss inter Orthodox issues and recent developments in the Jerusalem patriarchate. October His All Holiness makes pastoral visit to Mytiline and Samos. Nov Pope Benedict XVI visits His All Holiness and the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the feast day observances of St. Andrew. Dec. 1 His All Holiness pays a reciprocal visit to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul where he receives a welcome from the Pope Jan 6 Leads the Epiphany celebration on the Golden Horn. Mid May Makes eighth pastoral visit to Cappadocia, accompanied by Metropolitan Kiril of Smolensk who represented the Patriarch of Moscow, and Metropolitan Barnabas of Neapolis (Thessaloniki). June American Bible Society officials, including its president, the Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and meets with Patriarch Bartholomew. June 12 Former Vice President Al Gore visits Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to discuss environmental issues of mutual concern. June 16 His All Holiness travels to Athens to visit Archbishop Christodoulos, who is hospitalized suffering from cancer. July Opens the second Orthodox Youth Conference attended by young people from all the Eparchies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate around the world. Archbishop Demetrios leads a delegation of 125 young people from the U.S. to the conference. Sept. 1 Convenes Synod of Orthodox Bishops for the Feast of the Indiction. Sept Leads seventh international Symposium on the Environment, which takes place in Greenland and the Arctic. Sept. 18 U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns visits His All Holiness at the Patriarchate October Ecumenical Patriarch meets with Pope Benedict XVI in Naples while attending an international peace conference. National Philoptochos members make pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Cappadocia. Early November Young adults from U.S. and Canada, led by Bishop Savas of Troas, make pilgrimage to Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate Jan. 6 His All Holiness holds Epiphany service on the Bosporus. Jan. 10 Ecumenical Patriarchate elects Archimandrite Nektarios Tsilis, episcopal vicar to the Metropolitan of Samos, as Metropolitan of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Mid January Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of Greece visits the Ecumenical Patriarchate while on an official visit to Turkey. Raises the issue of the opening of the Halki theological school with Turkish officials. Jan. 28 Presides at the funeral of Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece in Athens. Feb. 17 Travels to Geneva to help celebrate the World Council of Church s 60 th anniversary. Early March Travels to Rome to meet with Pope Benedict XVI, their third meeting in three years. On March 4, His All Holiness receives an honorary doctorate in international and diplomatic affairs from the University of Trieste, in northern Italy. March 8 Travels to Smyrna for a pastoral visit. March 8 15 Orthodox Christian Fellowship undertakes its first Real Break trip to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Italy. Participants, led by Bishop Savas of Troas, meet with His All Holiness and spend several days renovating the historic Our Lady of the Heavens Church. April 11 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew receives a visit from senior European Union officials, including European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. April 22 Receives a visit from Austrian foreign minister Ursula Plassnik. May 12 Time magazine names the Patriarch to its Time 100 list of the world s 100 most influential people. He is number 11 in its list of the top 20 world leaders. He was profiled in the magazine by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. The article said the Patriarch is noted for his concern for the environment and international mission of peace that secured the first Muslim condemnation of 9/11 as an anti religious act. May 12 Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece meets with His All Holiness at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in his first official visit since his election in February. May 15 The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution honors Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with its Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. June Makes official visit to Rome for the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul. His All Holiness and Pope Benedict XVI participate in the services together. It is the seventh visit of the Patriarch to the Vatican. Among those attending were 50 pilgrims from the United States led by Archbishop Demetrios and sponsored by FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism. July Visits Ukraine for the 1,020 th anniversary of the Kievan Rus. His All Holiness presides in national and liturgical celebrations, including a Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Alexsy II of Moscow. Mid August Receives members of the Swedish Parliament s Cultural Committee during their fact finding visit to Turkey. Late August Travels to Mount Athos to commemorate the relics of St. Nikon II at the Monastery of St. Dionysius. Oct Patriarch convenes a Synaxis of the heads of the 14 autocephalous Orthodox Churches at the Phanar, followed by a symposium through Oct. 16 held in honor of St. Paul that focused on aspects of his life, apostolic activity and teachings. Oct. 18 Travels to the Vatican at the personal invitation of Pope Benedict XVI to address the 12 th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops of the Roman Catholic u to page 24