Archbishop Attends Inauguration; Honors Priebus, Bilirakis, Gigicos. What s Inside. Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day ENC YC LICAL

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1 JANUARY 2017 Vol. 82 No $1.00 What s Inside Epiphany Events Archbishop Demetrios throws the cross at the annual Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs. P. 6 A look back Highlights of 2016 Leadership 100 Ionian Village receives grant NJ Philoptochos Sets the pace for St. Nicholas support GOA/D. Panagos photo P. 2 P. 4 ENC YC LICAL Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day 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, Our commemoration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs represents a strong and holy tradition in the Orthodox Church of affirming that these three saints, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom, are exalted examples of per- u to page 3 P. 5 Medical Fund Luncheon Philoptochos sets biennial event for November P. 7 Honoring anniversary Connecticut parish, Archons to honor Ecum. Patriarch s 25 years P. 9 Reflections The Invisible Church Family connections Care teams OCMC A recap of 2016 IOCC milestone A quarter century of assistance Scholarships Agris scholarships available HDF Atlanta Metropolis dance festival P. 11 P. 19 P. 23 P. 27 P. 27 P. 28 Orthodox Observer photo Archbishop Attends Inauguration; Honors Priebus, Bilirakis, Gigicos by Stavros H. Papagermanos Archbishop Demetrios (at right behind President Clinton) at the Inauguration of President Donald Trump. WASHINGTON Archbishop Demetrios attended the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20, and participated in other events surrounding the occasion that included awarding the Medal of St. Paul to key Greek Orthodox members of the new president s staff. The morning of the inauguration, at the invitation of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, he attended the traditional Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John s Episcopal Church on Washington s Lafayette Square. President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, together with their families and a select group of guests, were in attendance. Shortly after, Archbishop Demetrios, accompanied by Fr. Alexander Karloutsos were seated at the prominent dignitaries platform at the Capitol for the Presidential Inauguration and swearing in of the 45 th president. On Saturday, Jan. 21, His Eminence u to page 3 ABC News-Live Stream GOA photo President Trump greets Archbishop Demetrios at the National Cathedral Prayer Service.

2 2 To contact National Ministries Archives Communications Greek Education Internet Ministries Inter Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Ionian Village Center for Family Care Parish Development Philanthropy Public Affairs Registry Religious Education Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism Youth and Young Adult Ministries NEXT DEADLINE Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the Feb. March 2017 issue: Friday, Feb. 10 Photos should be sent as a large format.jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79 th St., New York, NY USPS ISSN In 2017, 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) EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) GREEK SECTION EDITOR, PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING: Eleftherios Pissalidis GRAPHIC ARTIST: Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras BUSINESS MANAGER: Marissa P. Costidis THEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: Dn. Eleftherios Constantine GOA Photographer: Dimitrios Panagos CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Manginas ARCHDIOCESE NEWS A 2016 Retrospective Many significant events in the Church took place in 2016, foremost of which was the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, the first such council to convene in more than 1,000 years. As chronicled in the issues of the Orthodox Observer, the following highlighted the Church s year. JANUARY Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew convenes a synaxis of the heads of all Autocephalous Orthodox Churches Jan at Chambesy, Geneva, Switzerland, in preparation for the Great and Holy Council planned for June. Daily construction at the site of St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine is fully under way as the mechanical work begins. FEBRUARY MARCH Archbishop Demetrios sets theme for the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress, You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States publishes the first-ever Atlas of American Orthodox Christian Monasteries. San Francisco Folk Dance Festival and Choral Festival marks 40 th year. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund approves $3.67 million in grants at its Feb. 17 meeting. The Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos in Atlanta donates more than $155,000 toward the construction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York at a Feb. 28 fund-raiser. Architect Santiago Calatrava, meets with Archdiocese officials in New York on March 1, including Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane and Jerry Dimitriou, executive director of administration, to discuss progress on St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. Archbishop Demetrios offers prayers How to Contact Archdiocesan Institutions, Metropolises and Related Agencies and Organizations Direct Archdiocesan District ; Metropolis of Chicago ; Metropolis of Boston ; Metropolis of Denver ; Metropolis of Atlanta ; Metropolis of Detroit ; Metropolis of Pittsburgh ; Metropolis of San Francisco ; Metropolis of New Jersey ; Archdiocesan Institutions Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity for the victims of the March 22 terrorist attack on the Brussels airport, which killed more than 35 people. APRIL Total National Philoptochos donations top $1 million for St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine. St. Nicholas Church in Appleton, Wis., donates $100,000 for the church and national shrine. The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese holds its spring meeting April Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, travel to the island of Lesbos in mid April to view the Syrian refugee problem. MAY Archbishop Demetrios visits St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York on May 4 after the cathedral was destroyed by a fire on May 1, Easter Sunday. St. George Church in Piscataway, N.J., celebrates its centennial. HCHC graduates 55 students at commencement ceremonies May 21. Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops convenes May in Contoocook, N.H. Archbishop Demetrios receives honorary doctorate May 28 from St. Tikhon s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New Canaan, Pa. JUNE St. Nektarios parish in Charlotte, N.C., hosts the 33 rd St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival, June The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church convenes at the Orthodox Academy in Crete June Some 300 hierarchs representing 10 of the 14 Autocephalous Churches attended. Metropolitan Methodios of Boston represents Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Feast Day of Sts. Peter Tel ; Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology ; Saint Basil Academy ; St. Michael s Home ; St. Photios National Shrine ; Other key organizations and services National Philoptochos ; Internet Ministries: Orthodox Jobs: Orthodox Marketplace: Online Store for Parishes: freebookstore Orthodox Children s Bible Reader Online: cbr.goarch.org 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 JANUARY 2017 and Paul at the Vatican on June 29. JULY AUGUST The 43 rd Clergy-Laity Congress takes place in Nashville July 3 7. The National Philoptochos Convention takes place concurrently. National Philoptochos President Maria Logus presents a $100,000 check to Archbishop Demetrios for the construction of St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine. The national organization also celebrated its 85 th anniversary. The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, meeting concurrently with the Clergy-Laity Congress, marks its 40 th anniversary. SEPTEMBER A sudden tornado inflicts extensive damage to Ionian Village on Sept. 8, downing more than 600 trees and damaging several buildings. Archbishop Demetrios receives a visit from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the Republican vice presidential candidate on Sept. 15. Stavros Niarchos Foundation fulfills $5 million pledge for the construction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, Sept. 21. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visits Archdiocese headquarters on Sept. 22. OCTOBER National Missions and Evangelism Conference, hosted by the Metropolis of San Francisco, convenes Oct. 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States hold their seventh annual general assembly in Detroit on Oct. 4. The first official biography of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, written by Fr. John Chryssavgis, is released Oct. 11. Two parishes celebrate their centennials in October. Dormition Church-Somerville, Mass. (Oct ), and St. Nicholas Church-Bethlehem, Pa. (Oct NOVEMBER Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marks the 25 th anniversary of his enthronement on Nov. 2. The Orthodox Observer published a commemorative issue in October. Annunciation Church in Akron, Ohio, marks its 100 th anniversary Nov Archbishop Demetrios presided at the Archierarchal Divine Liturgy. Efstathios and Stamatiki Valiotis pledge $10 million on Nov. 13 toward the St. Michael s Home expansion project. Archbishop Demetrios receives 9 th Century New Testament Codex from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago at a ceremony Nov. 15. Topping-Out Ceremony for St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine takes place Nov. 28. A 7-foot cross is hoisted to the top of the dome. DECEMBER Archbishop Demetrios returns 9 th Century New Testament Codex 1424 to the Holy Metropolis of Drama, Greece, from where it was taken in the waning days of World War I by Bulgarian forces, on Dec. 3 Passings Fr. Demetrios Michaelides, a 1942 graduate of Holy Cross Seminary, then in Pomfret, Conn., died Jan. 1. Fr. John Romas, longtime pastor of St. Nicholas Church, which was destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, on Jan. 24. Kris Anne Konugres Vogelpohl, 90, former National Philoptochos Board u to page 4

3 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS JANUARY u from page 1 ENC YC LICAL u from page 1 sons who were filled with the knowledge of God and great spiritual wisdom. In the major hymn for the feast we sing of them as the honey-flowing rivers of wisdom, who flooded all creation with streams of divine knowledge, acknowledging the witness that they offered through tremendous service as compassionate pastors, skilled teachers, and masterful theologians. Today, their examples and teaching guide us in living in a changing and challenging world. They show us how faith and service, grounded in our knowledge of God and our trust in His divine wisdom, can help us navigate our lives and the complexity of the world around us while keeping our focus on our relationship with God and His promises of abundant blessings and salvation. As great preachers and theologians the Three Hierarchs gave significant attention to questions about how we know God, especially through what we can observe in the world around us. Saint Basil wrote in one of his letters, But in our belief about God, first comes the idea that God is. This we gather from His works. For, as we perceive His wisdom, His goodness, and all His invisible things from the creation of the world, so we know Him. So, too, we accept Him as our Lord. (Letter 235) On the knowledge of God Sts. Gregory and John Chrysostom agree. Gregory states in his Second Theological Oration, Now our very eyes and the Law of Nature teach us that God exists and that He is the Efficient and Maintaining Cause of all things; our eyes, because they fall on visible objects, and see them in beautiful stability and progress, immovably moving and revolving...because through these visible things and their order, it reasons back to their Author. Chrysostom concurs: Not only does the greatness and beauty of the creation show forth the Divine Architect, but the very manner likewise in which it is compacted together, and the method of operation, transcending as it does, the ordinary course of nature. (Homily X Concerning the Statutes) For the Three Hierarchs the knowledge of God is not only visible to all humanity, but it is an essential foundation for understanding our place and purpose in the created order, for recognizing whom and what is greater than the visible world, and for our response to this knowledge by seeking communion with Him. On this foundation, however, is the knowledge of God and the spiritual wisdom revealed through Christ. They affirm that knowledge of God through creation is important, but it is incomplete without Christ. To know truly God and His wisdom, we must know Christ. The Three Hierarchs emphasized the necessity of the knowledge of Christ in order to know God. As we commemorate the Three Hierarchs and reflect on their insights on how we know God and through Christ are given the knowledge and wisdom to follow His will in a challenging world, we also see the value of their teachings in relation to our observance of Greek Letters Day. On this observance and the blessed Feast of the Three Hierarchs, my prayer for you is that beautiful greeting offered by the Apostle Paul: I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 1:16) With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of Amer i ca participated in the traditional National Prayer Service for the new president at Washington s National Cathedral, and offered a prayer for service to others: Give to all the people of our land, O God, the desire to serve you. Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of Him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 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, As we welcomed the new year on the Feast of Saint Basil, we are strengthened and inspired by the mighty acts of God in One of our tremendous blessings was the gathering in Nashville for the 43rd Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of our Holy Archdiocese. Our theme for the Congress was You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World, and we continue our focus on this theme as we plan our ministry and service in the year to come. The commemoration of Saint Basil the Great provides us with an example of holiness, leadership, and service that embodies this theme. From his prayerful manner of life and his deep faith and spiritual insight, we see a man who knew Christ and lived in His presence. Through his sermons, theological treatises, and pastoral diakonia he was the voice of Christ. He lived during a time marked by Archbishop Honors Priebus, Bilirakis, Gigicos THE MEDAL OF ST. PAUL At the Greek American inaugural reception Jan. 19, Archbishop Demetrios bestowed the Medal of Saint Paul, the highest honor of the Archdiocese of America, to White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and George Gigicos, the deputy assistant to the president and director of advance. All three are Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate-Order of St Andrew the Apostle. The inaugural reception, traditionally organized on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, was sponsored by The Hellenic Initiative and held in the St. Regis hotel, two blocks from the White House. Both Priebus and Congressman Bilirakis spoke about their deep connection with their Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. Reince Priebus spoke of the integrity and the discipline of the Orthodox Church as something that everyone can learn from: attention to detail, checking boxes, doing things properly, doing things correctly, and added that for those of you that have been altar boys as a young kid, you know what I m talking about. He further spoke of his willingness to support religious freedom and the Ecumenical Patriarchate: We want to put the concept of religious freedom, our Patriarch, Constantinople, the recognition of the struggle of the Orthodox Church front and center in this White House. I d love to see the day that the President of the Untied States shows up in Constantinople, at the Patriarchate, and recognizes the oppression and the struggle, that really is not just a symbol for the Orthodox Church, but it is a symbol for people of faith around the world. Congressman Bilirakis received an enthusiastic applause when he said at the onset of his remarks: When I walk in to the House Chamber, I do not leave my Greek Orthodoxy at the door. Gigicos was not able to attend the event, as he was involved in the preparations for the inauguration. His parents, Fr. Dean Gigicos and Presvytera Elaine, received the medal on his behalf. Fr. Dean is a retired priest of Holy Trinity Church in Maitland/Orlando, Fla. Archbishop Demetrios, after bestowing the medals, said that the appointment of these Greek Orthodox faithful members in the new administration could be a catalyst for more involvement of the people in the community in the political field. It is about time that we show the dynamism of the Greek-Orthodox soul and mind and these appointments of Greek Orthodox people in the new ENC YC LICAL Feast of Saint Basil and New Year theological controversies and transitions related to Christianity and the Church. Many people had significant physical and spiritual needs. In this very challenging and changing period, Saint Basil offered wisdom, comfort, and guidance by the grace of God. In following the witness of Saint Basil and many other Fathers of the Church who have been the voice of Christ, we are sent by our Lord into the world and into this new year to share the Gospel of faith and love, to bring comfort and healing with God s grace, and to help others know Christ and His blessings of peace and life. He sends us as His voice into a world that continues to change. At the beginning of each calendar year we are reminded of this rapid change as we survey the events of the last twelve months. We are called as Orthodox Christians to meet this change with grace and truth. We do this as we commit to the timeless mission of the people of God to live and proclaim the Gospel. We also do this as seen in the breadth and substance of our ministries and through expanding and adapting our work to meet contemporary needs. We are sent by Christ with a message of hope and life and with the wisdom to navigate a changing and challenging world while sharing His grace in effective ways. On the Feast of Saint Basil we also GOA/D. Panagos photo rom Archbishop Demetrios. administration is a catalyst, he said and added: The Greek Orthodox Church in America is going to be with you in prayer, in love, in care and with the absolute certainty, beyond optimism or pessimism, but with hope for better things to come. George Stamas, representing The Hellenic Initiative, presented the program, while introductions were made by Andrew Manatos for Congressman Bilirakis, by Michael Karloutsos for George Gigicos and by John Catsimatidis for Reince Priebus. Many leaders and prominent members of the Greek-American community also attended. Representing Greece were the Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos and the Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media Nikos Pappas, who traveled to Washington for the inaugural ceremonies. Minister Kammenos presented to Archbishop Demetrios a Greek flag that was flying in the small Greek island of Ro near Kastelorizo and the coat of arms of his ministry to Prebus. See photos from the event: flic.kr/s/ahskpwgead White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus receives the Medal of St. Paul from Archbishop Demetrios. share the voice of Christ through our support of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For over seventy years this has been a place of peace, faith, and nurture for children and youth, offering them love and care in the name and presence of Christ. May we offer our prayers for the directors, benefactors, and residents of the Academy. As we participate in the cutting of the Vasilopeta in our communities, may we respond generously to the call of our Ladies Philoptochos Society to support this vital ministry. May we also affirm our commitment to be the voice of Christ in all that we do. Certainly, we will be His voice through the witness of our worship; but let us also be His voice through the growth and quality of our ministry to families, children, youth, and senior adults. Let us be His voice through the quality of our educational work and resources. Let us be His voice in our outreach to the unchurched. Let us be His voice in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Let us be His voice in traditional, unique, and inspiring ways so that others will find life and peace in Him. With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of Amer i ca

4 4 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS Orthodox Observer photo Counter terrorism visitors Three Greek government officials attending an international conference in New York on counterterrorism financing at the United Nations in mid-december also paid a visit to Archbishop Demetrios to brief him of their efforts in the war on terror. Shown with His Eminence, from left, Katerina Fountoulaki, deputy chief of the Greek mission at the UN; George Pantelis, public prosecutor with the Supreme Court of Greece and head of Financial Investigations Unit-Greece; and Police Lt. Col. Areti Liasi, Financial Sanctions Unit, Hellenic Republic Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing and Source of Funds Investigation Authority. Youth Ministry, Camping Leaders Addressing New Protection System AUSTIN, Texas Twenty-two youth and camp workers from across the Archdiocese gathered Jan. 23 to begin three days of intensive youth protection and abuse prevention certification. Y2AM (the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and the Office of Camping Ministries of the Archdiocese) are in the process of finalizing new policies for the Protection of Youth and Children. These policies are scheduled to be Passings u from page 2 members, Feb. 6. Archdiocesan Council Vice President Michael Jaharis, 87. also an Archon, a founder of Leadership 100 and a driving force in the effort to rebuild St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center, Feb. 17. Fr. Theodore Chelpon, 83, founding pastor of St. Katherine s Church in Falls Church, Va., Feb. 14. Retired Fr. George Prassas, 86, May 19. Retired Bishop Gennadios of Buenos Aires, May 22, in Greece. Fr. Eusebius A. Stephanou, 91, graduate of Halki Seminary in Pomfret, Conn., May 23. Fr. Manousos Emmanuel Lionikis, 96, a 1944 graduate of Holy Cross Theological School in Pomfret, June 24. Retired priest Fr. John Kutulas, 83, who served Chicago-area churches, July 2. Presvytera Mary Mourikis, widow of the founding priest of St. George Church on Cape Cod, Fr. Spyros Mourikis, Aug. 21. Fr. Theodore Phillips, first pastor of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Cardiff, Calif., Aug. 23. Retired Fr. Vasilios Thanos, 86, Sept. 2. Fr. J. Matthew Gilbert, 58, pastor of Holy Trinity/Prophet Elias Church in Salt Lake City, Sept. 17. George Coumantaros, 94, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarch, philanthropist and great benefactor, Oct. 23. Fr. Dionisios Marketos, 93, ordained as a priest later in life, Nov. 20. Fr. John A. Mangos, MD, 84, serving St. Sophia Church in San Antonio, Dec. 25. fully rolled-out across the Archdiocese in The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America continues to demonstrate its incredible commitment to the safety of all youth and children. We are proud to keep working with the Archdiocese as they take their youth protection policies and system to the next level, said Christy Schiller, vice president of Religious Services of Praesidium Inc. These 22 youth workers gathered to begin the Praesidium GuardianTM training program, an intensive three-day program offered by the Archdiocese s official youth protection vendor. Upon completion, these youth workers will be certified leaders in youth protection and abuse prevention, and be in a unique position to lead the rollout of the Archdiocese s new policies. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his last Christmas encyclical, declared 2017 as the Year of Protection of the Sanctity of Childhood, and this important youth protection initiative embodies the Patriarchal call. The Leadership 100 Executive Committee, at a special meeting on Dec. 20, unanimously approved a $250,000 gift toward the Ionian Village repair efforts. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Summer Camp in Greece was devastated by a tornado formed in the Ionian Sea on Sept. 8. Chairman George S. Tsandikos, stated that, The Ionian Village has been the centerpiece of the Archdiocese youth program and has introduced generations of Greek American Orthodox youth to their faith and heritage in a hospitable environment. While there was massive damage inflicted on the camp, no one was injured. Most buildings remain intact, but almost everything else, from air conditioners and water heaters to doors LITTLE ONES But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. Matt. 17:20 JANUARY 2017 L 100 Gives $250,000 for Ionian Village Anthony S. Papadimitriou, president of Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, will deliver the keynote address at the Hellenism Forum on Feb. 9, at the 26 th annual Leadership 100 Conference, which will convene at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Fla., Feb Papadimitriou, a prominent attorney and economist who was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1955, was unanimously elected President and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Foundation in Under his Presidency, in 2009, the Foundation joined Leadership 100. In an interview at that time, he said: Our mission is to promote through our programmes Hellenic culture in Greece and abroad. Greece was always at the centre of Aristotle Onassis s vision. His vision is also the vision of all the Hellenes and in par- and windows, suffered major damage, according to Ionian Village Director Fr. Evagoras Constantinides. Also, more than 600 trees were either ripped from the ground or broken apart due to the heavy winds, eliminating almost every tree on the campus, he added. Total estimated cost of repairs is $1.5 million, which includes the chapel exterior and cross on the dome, driveways, walkways and fences, housing complex for animals, the lighting system, basketball court and amphitheater. A major fund-raising effort is under way among individuals, parishes, Church organizations and other foundations and entities. To donate or for more information visit Onassis President to Deliver Keynote to L-100 GOA/D. Panagos ticular of the Hellenes of the Diaspora. The Foundation honors Leadership 100 bearing in mind the very important role of this organization in promoting Hellenism and the Greek Orthodox faith in America. We consider it our duty and an honour to participate in this organisation. Based on the up to date achievements of Leadership 100, I express my optimism for the future of the organization and of Hellenism in general in the USA. A graduate of the Athens University Law School in 1977, Papadimitriou holds a postgraduate degree in law (DESS) from the University Aix-en- Provence, France. He obtained a Ph.D. in Political Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He also holds a B.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics. Byzantine Choir Members of the Archdiocesan Byzantine Men s & Women s Choir perform at Holy Resurrection Church in Brookville. NY.

5 JANUARY Financial Support from Many Sources Ensures Progress on St. Nicholas by Constantine S. Sirigos NJ Parish Begins Fundraiser by Anastasia Michals National Philoptochos held its 2016 Biennial Convention in Nashville. The WESTFIELD, N.J. The Holy Trinity last installment came from the St. Irene Church Philoptochos was the first Philoptochos of St. Thomas Church in chapter in the Metropolis of New Jersey Cherry Hill, N.J. to kick off the fundraising effort for St. St. Irene reached and exceeded its Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and goal of $9,200 by adopting a program National Shrine, in October that involved two major luncheons, the They completed their commitment final one taking place on Feb. 28, 2016, only a few months later. Other chapters with more than 180 guests attending. in the Metropolis of New Jersey were The event titled, Our Women in inspired by this early example of Holy Leadership, gave guests the opportunity Trinity to reach its goal of $22,000 by to hear speakers Catherine Avgiris, adopting a simple program that entailed executive vice president and CFO of personal appeals to all stewards. Other Comcast Cable, and Eleni Kousoulis, an plans quickly began to take root. assistant federal public defender and the The Metropolis of New Jersey sister of Danielle Kousoulis, who was Philoptochos fulfilled its commitment killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks of more than $310,000 by the time the that destroyed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. She had been FAITH a vice president at the financial services firm of Cantor Fitzgerald. During her presentation, Eleni credited her mother and father s immigrant journey to America as being a if you have faith as a mustard seed, guiding example, at home and in the you will say family business, laying a path to success to this mountain, in her career as a public defender in Move from here to there, Delaware. Eleni s sister and best friend and it will move, Danielle, was the main focus of her and nothing presentation, as she cited her sister s life will be impossible for you. in the community of St. Thomas and in her position. Matt. 17:20 u to page 8 John Mindala photo Justice Kennedy tours site U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Kennedy recently visited the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine site in late December where he received briefings about the project from the Archdiocese Executive Director of Administration Jerry Dimitriou (center), and Andrew Veniopoulos (right). Also in attendance were Peter J. Pappas (in background), building committee member whose company installed the heating and air-conditioning for the church. Justice Kennedy came with Archon and California philanthropist Angelo Tsakopoulos and his wife (not shown), at their invitation. NEW YORK People get excited about the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine at the World Trade Center when they see the construction progress through the live feed at and those who are deeply involved in the project are equally thrilled by the support shown by people from all walks of life. The Shrine is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018 and is planned to open with the iconography complete. Many communities around the country have offered overwhelming support for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas. One example is the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Houston which has come in with the biggest parish pledge thus far. The Cathedral dean, Fr. Michael Lambrakis and lay leaders led a drive that recently donated $150,000. The hope is that every community in the United States will participate significantly in the rebuilding of St. Nicholas. Many have already worked very hard for the effort however, Archbishop Demetrios has stated that this must be a national and international effort as it will be the most visited Orthodox Church in the United States, if not the World. Recent major donor contributions include Philanthropists George and Cathy Sakellaris who just pledged $1 million to the project. The Niarchos Foundation has recently conveyed the $5 million they had pledged and other major donors and foundations are fulfilling their pledges as well. The National Philoptochos has already contributed $1.3 million. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund has given $1 million, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have already exceeded their $1 million commitment, and The Order of AHEPA is well on its way towards fulfilling its pledge of $1 million. Donations are funding the Church s numerous dimensions, including the construction and decoration of the Church, and the endowment fund to sustain St. Nicholas as living parish and not just a destination for visitors. The fundraising target exceeds $50 million. To date there has been $43,640,826 in pledges, of which $31,490,175 has already been received. Those who wish to donate directly can visit: www. stnicholaswtc.org/donate. New York Life recently gave $100,000 to fund the planning process for programs that will be implemented for the international bereavement center, which is an integral part of the project. The center s planning will be overseen by a committee consisting Order r your Ecclesiastical c s i cal Wall Calendar AN ANNUAL RESOURCE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS. The Calendar features full-color icons, the names of the Saints, a fasting guide, and daily Scripture readings and commemorations following the liturgical protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. In addition, thumbnail icons on major feast and saint days, fasting symbols, and more. Call or send a check for $ 5 each Calendar to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Dept. of Communications 8 East 79 th Street New York, NY of scholars, psychologists and clergy and laity. The first meeting in February will focus on the goals and later they will shape the programs and address questions related to operations and staffing. Construction has not slowed down in the winter, it just shifted gears and moved inside. Recent photos show the progress of the dome and completion of the erection of steel. The openings in the structure have been shielded from the cold so the interior work can progress. There will be a weatherproof wrap on the dome. In the spring, they will resume work on the exterior.

6 6 Epiphany 2017 JANUARY GOA/D. Panagos Many parishes marked Jan. 6-8 with outdoor Blessing of the Waters services and cross diving events, under both balmy and frigid conditions. Among those who sent in photos in time for the January issue are as follows: 1. Fr. Dimitri Tobias of Holy Trinity Church in Sioux City, Iowa, blesses the Missouri River. 2. St. Nicholas Cathedral youth, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. Sampson Kasapakis, following the cross diving at Spring Bayou. 3. Annunciation Church parishioners in Buffalo, N.Y., with 3 Fr. John Sakellariou (assistant priest in red vestments) and the Rev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis, Proistamenos (Gold vestments). The Niagara River and Ontario, Canada are in background. 4. Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos and parishioners of St. Demetrios Church, Merrick, N.Y., at the Wantagh Marina on the south shore of Long Island where the temperature was 32 degrees. 5. Assumption Church in Galveston, Texas pastor Fr. Stelios N. Sitaras and diver Harold Peter Abdul-Ahad. 6. Georgia Mazza (l.) and Gabriella Pyros of St. Nicholas Church in Babylon, N.Y., prepare to release the doves near East Bay. 7. St. Nicholas Church Corpus Christi, Texas, held its annual Blessing of the Waters Service Jan. 8 at Corpus Christi Bay. Fr. John Haby with cross retriever Emmanuel Maragakis. 8. Standing on part of the Mississippi River in zero-degree weather, Fr. Richard Andrews of St George Church in St 4 Paul, Fr. George Dokos of St Mary s Church in Minneapolis, and Fr. Mircea Vasiu of St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church in St. Paul, hold the first ever outdoor blessing of the water service in Minnesota. 9. On the other hand, at St. Demetrios Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., on a nice day for a swim, Steno Paspalakis retrieves the cross from the ocean. Evangelo Pavgouzas also dived. 10. Twice blessed. Parishioners of the communities of Assumption Church of Town and Country, Mo., St Nicholas Church of St Louis and Sts. Constantine and Helen Church of Swansea, Ill., attend the blessing the Mississippi River in St Louis. 11. Young parishioners of St. Spyridon Church in San Diego with Metropolis of San Francisco Chancellor Bishop Apostolos of Medeia and Fr. Andrew Scordalakis at San Diego Bay. 12. Saturday, January 7 Metropolis of Chicago Chancellor Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Fr. Ciprian Sas of All Saints Church and Fr. Aurel Sas of All Saints Church in Peoria, Fr. Andrew Kishler of St George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley, and Fr. Habib Ghantous of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church in Peoria, stand with parishioners on the historic Spirit of Peoria riverboat in Downtown Peoria to bless the Illinois River. 13. Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta blesses Nicolas Padillo of St. Andrew Church in Kendall, Fla.,who retrieved the cross, assisted by Fr. AndrewMaginas and Fr. Aristidis Arizi. The Metropolitan and Bishop Kyrillos Katerelos of Abydos presided at the Divine Liturgy in the Hellenic Cultural Center of St. Catherine Church in West Palm Beach. Fourteen South Florida Orthodox clergy also participated * Photos submitted by each parish shown. 6

7 JANUARY Archdiocesan Institutions - Philoptochos National Philoptochos Launches Campaign οn Critical Issues Influencing Young People by Barbara Pasalis At the opening meeting of the national board term, National President Maria Logus announced that Philoptochos will launch a campaign to educate our community on critical issues that affect our youth. Topics to be addressed include technology addiction, bullying, body image and self-esteem, and human trafficking. Technology Addiction. Technology addiction is defined as the inability to control the use of various kinds of technology, in particular the Internet (video games and social media), smartphones (texting), tablets and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and now Snapchat. The average 8- to 10-year-old spends nearly eight hours per day plugged in, while the number is over 11 hours for older children. Half of children aged 12 to 17 send and receive 60 or more text messages a day. Technology addiction is associated with stress, sleep disorders, depression, and weak social, verbal and written communication skills. Children who suffer from technology addiction have an increased risk of depression, problems at school, obesity and carpal tunnel syndrome. Bullying. Bullying is repeated, aggressive behavior, which intentionally causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying includes making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group. It is especially harmful within the school environment. Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for poor school adjustment, sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression and even suicide. Nearly one in four students reports being bullied during the school year; however, it is suspected that more than 64 percent of bullied children do not report it, indicating that the percentage of bullied students must be much higher. Peer intervention can be extremely effective in stopping bullying. Therefore, education of our youth is a critical component of the solution. Technology addiction has given rise to cyber bullying as a huge problem. Of the 25 percent of high school students who report being bullied, nearly three-fourths of these report being bullied online. Body Image and Self-Esteem. Body image refers to how people see themselves. One s body image is closely linked to selfesteem. When a person dislikes their body, they have lower self-worth and feel that others will not value them. Because adolescents grow and develop at different rates, they are at greater risk. Inevitable comparisons result in anxiety and low self-esteem. Other influencing factors are the media, and even well meaning family members and school coaches, who encourage teens to gain or lose weight to look better, make weight or become stronger, which also have negative effects on a young person s body image and selfesteem. Human Trafficking. Human trafficking has been likened to modern-day slavery. Over 27 million people, including 5.5 million children, are in enforced slavery as a result of human trafficking. In the US, homelessness is a major cause of human trafficking; therefore, it is critical to support organizations like Covenant House that provide safe housing for young women. The International Labor Organization estimates that human drug trafficking generates $150.2 billion in illegal profits each year. Two-thirds of these profits are from sexual exploitation. The huge economic incentive makes it that much more difficult to combat. On Dec. 12, Philoptochos partnered with UNICEF to present a webinar on Human Trafficking. Anyone suspecting that human trafficking is occurring in their community should call the Human Trafficking Hotline at It may also be helpful to use Fair Trade Products, which are produced without trafficking. Among the products available are sugar, cocoa, coffee, tea, wines and more. These fair trade products are readily available at grocery stores. Just look for the FairTrade logo. Communities can sponsor a Fair Trade Event; event kits are available at org. Additional information and resources chapters and individuals can use to reduce the effects of Human Trafficking are available at: Over the next few months, Philoptochos will sponsor educational podcasts and webinars on these important issues. Visit Chapters Shine a Light on Wishing Tree Initiative by Despina Denne The 16 th Children s Medical Fund Luncheon, hosted by the Metropolis of New Jersey, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J. The Children s Medical Fund is National Philoptochos major fundraising event. Since its inception, the National Philoptochos has raised about $3.3 million for the Children s Medical Fund, and has awarded over $2.8 million in grants to hospitals and organizations. The balance of the funds is held in reserve to benefit individuals as the need arises. The remaining funds have been disbursed for children in need through grants handled by the Social Services department at the National Philoptochos office. Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President and General Luncheon Chair Anastasia Michals, has assembled a dedicated and talented group of Philoptochos members to begin the planning process of this important event. With the This past Christmas season, Philoptochos chapters from coast to coast demonstrated that it is truly better to give than to receive through many variations of the Wishing Tree project. This initiative is a wonderful way for our parishes to remember the less fortunate among us and offer them a tangible gift of our love during the holidays. The St. Catherine Church chapter in Ithaca, N.Y., decorated a Christmas tree with ornaments containing the wishes of a deserving family identified by the Salvation Army. Parishioners purchased gifts and Philoptochos donated enough food for a feast, all delivered to the family in time for Christmas. In a similar project, the Sts. Constantine & Helen chapter in Reading, Pa., participated in the Salvation Army s Angel Tree program to brighten the holidays for 75 local children. In addition to the angel ornaments, the tree was decorated with colorful envelopes which parishioners could select to make monetary donations to fulfill the wish list of a local homeless shelter. St. Nicholas Church chapter in Newburgh, N.Y., decorated an angel giving tree with tags for a needy family in the community determined by calling agencies the chapter supports throughout the year. In addition, the chapter generously responded to an appeal to aid several more families in a local school district who were in need of Christmas gifts. In Danbury, Conn., the Assumption Church Philoptochos adopted several local families through Danbury Child Family Services. The GOYA, JOY and HOPE youth groups along with the entire parish collected gloves, hats, scarves, socks and gift cards for the families. In addition, a parishioner and her daughters organized a toy drive for the agency, and the youth groups collected nonperishable food for donation to the local food banks. St. Nicholas Philoptochos of Tarpon Springs, Fla. organized a Day of Giving party for which they made Christmas bell ornaments to give to a nursing home and hospital. Additionally, each year the Philoptochos adopts a domestic violence center, and this year, the Sunday school children made prayer boxes for the children of the center. The party attendees each donated a Walmart gift card to the center, and the chapter made a generous monetary donation. At the St. Catherine chapter of Greenwood Village, Colo., it starts with six small Christmas trees and culminates in hundreds of gifts for families in need. For more than 10 years, the chapter has sponsored giving trees to aid four families from two local schools who are determined by social workers to be most in need. Gifts include clothing, household items, toys, shoes and gift cards for meals and groceries. The parish delivers hundreds of gifts, bringing joy and hope to many children and adults who need a lending hand. On the West Coast, Assumption Church chapter in Seattle has displayed a wishing tree for the last three years. This year s tree supported the Jubilee Women s Center, a long-term transitional housing program for homeless women. The Philoptochos Wishing Tree initiative is a great opportunity for our parishes, and particularly our youth, to demonstrate that it is better to give than to receive. Every chapter should choose an organization that is most relevant in their community to support. CMF Luncheon Set Nov. 11 in NJ by Marissa Costidis goal of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for area hospitals and health organizations, Mrs. Michals invites all to be a part of the this wonderful day, stating, It is our hope to reach a significant level of giving from all over the country, which will offer the opportunity to grant substantial awards to children s hospitals, research and special programs to benefit children throughout the Metropolis of New Jersey and the country. The majority of the funds raised in conjunction with the Children s Medical Fund Luncheon in 2017 will go towards the benefit of hospitals and programs that help children with medical needs in New Jersey, Delaware, Greater Philadelphia, Maryland and Virginia. Women from all over the country will attend and participate in the Children s Medical Fund Luncheon. Mark your calendars and join us! * Marissa Costidis is CMF Luncheon- Publicity Co-chair.

8 8 Archdiocesan Institutions JANUARY 2017 Saint Basil Academy Receives Two Generous Christmas Gifts GARRISON, N.Y. The first major snowstorm of the winter which dumped more than six inches at Saint Basil Academy and the surrounding area on Dec. 17, didn t dissuade about 150 people from attending the annual Christmas program there. According to board of trustees member Dr. Steven Gounardes, though some dignitaries had cancelled their plans to come, he was very humbled to see the Archbishop not only attend but arrived exactly at 11 am as scheduled even with the inclement weather. Also attending was the Supreme President, executive director and treasurer of AHEPA, along with other Ahepans and Daughters of Penelope members, and the National Philoptochos. The highlight of the event was two check presentation; one from students at John Caroll High School in Maryland who, as part of their senior project To purchase your copy of The Fathers Interpret ($15 per copy + $6 S&H) please call , or gotel@goarch.org, or comple the order form below and mail it to: Department of Communications, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY Yes, I want to order copies Name: Enclosed is my check for: $ or Exp. date: Card No.: Name on Card: Signature: raised funds for SBA. They presented His Eminence with a check for $5, The other check was for $10,000 from Andrew Gounardes, who ran the NYC Marathon as a fundraiser for SBA. Board member Spiro Mitsis, also an academy alumnus, had some very unique and special gifts for every child through a fundraising project he undertook. After the gift distribution at the Main, many other donations were made. His Eminence stayed at SBA and watched the children open their gifts and then joined in singing Christmas Carols with everyone. Earlier the children put on a special Christmas program. The night before Vespers service was held, and a morning Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Very Rev. Dean Moralis, a board member and dean of Annunciation Cathedral in Baltimore. THE FATHERS INTERPRET Apostoliki Diakonia, a significant and multi-faceted ministry of the Church of Greece, published in 1996 the book OΙ ΠΑΤΕΡΕΣ ΕΡΜΗΝΕΥΟΥΝ authored by Archbishop Demetrios of America. The book contained six original studies on patristic biblical exegesis. Now, Apostoliki Diakonia has published these studies in English in a new book titled THE FATHERS INTERPRET. Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: u from page 5 NJ Parish Begins Fundraiser So, when Metropolis Philoptochos chapters completed their St. Nicholas commitments, the task seemed relatively uncomplicated since it was driven by personal memories; stories such as Danielle s and those told by others who knew people who lost their lives on that fateful day. The task of raising funds for St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine may not be so easy for women in parishes far away from downtown Manhattan because many need to see to believe, Ordinations to the Diaconate Panteloukas, Demetrios, by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston; St. George Chapel, Contoocook, NH 09/17/16 Mueller, Nicholas, by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, St. Ann Church, Roseville, Calif. 12/18/16 Ordinations to the Priesthood Dn. Demetrios Panteloukas, by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, Conn., 09/18/16 Dn. Anton Vrame, by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, St. Nicholas Church, Oak Lawn, Ill., 11/21/16 Dn. Christopher Retelas, by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, St. Anthony Church, Pasadena, Calif., 12/11/16 Assignments Fr. Demetrios Panteloukas, Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, Conn. 09/18/16 Fr. Mark Emroll, Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Church, Cincinnati, 01/01/17 Fr. Joseph Gingrich, Annunciation Church, Dayton, Ohio, 01/01/16 Fr. Spyridon Kehayes, St. George Church, Massillon, Ohio 01/15/17 Fr. Polykarp Steve, Annunciation Church, Farrell, PA 01/15/17 Offikia Fr. Richard Scott, Office of Economos, bestowed by Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit 01/31/16 Fr. Anastasios Pourakis, Office of Economos, bestowed by Archbishop CLERGY UPDATE GOA/D. Panagos photos (Above left) Children of St. Basil Academy perform their Christmas program. (Above) Generous donations for the Academy presented to Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Constantine Sitaras, director; and Evellyn Tsiadis, board president. and most of us have not seen. For the Metropolis women, it was easy because we saw. But if you remember the story of our own Danielle, who may not be known but should never be forgotten, the task will be uncomplicated for you, too, because Danielle grew up in St. Thomas, a New Jersey parish much like your own. And as the Bible says, faith is believing without seeing. Please support the local Philoptochos chapter(s) in your area or your Metropolis Philoptochos with your donations. For further information and resources, visit news/saintnicholas. Demetrios, 11/25/16 Fr. Christodoulos Margellos, Office of Archimandrite, bestowed by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, 12/06/16 Fr. Michael Prevas, Office of Economos, bestowed by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco 12/06/16 Fr. Soterios Baroody, Office of Economos, bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios of America 12/11/16 Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, Office of Economos, bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios of America 12/11/16 Fr. John Mamangakis, Office of Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta 12/11/16 Fr. Dimitrios Tobias, Office of Confessor, bestowed by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos 12/11/16 Clergy Deaths Page 20 Receptions Fr. Gregory Edwards, January 11, 2017 (from the Church of Greece) Releases Fr. Costas C. Constantinou, Dec. 29 (to the Metropolis of Paphos, Church of Cyprus) Vicariate for Palestinian/Jordanian Orthodox U.S. Communities Suspensions Rev. Fr. Moheen Hanna 01/20/17 Returned to status of Layman Haddad, Rev. Fr. Hanna 11/01/16

9 JANUARY Light the Path Illumines Journey to Priesthood Metropolis News by Kristen Bruskas The Metropolis Philoptochos recently hosted two luncheons to benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. Light the Path A Christmas Luncheon was held Nov. 19 at the Resurrection Church is Castro Valley, Calif., and Dec. 10, at Assumption Church in Long Beach. More than $100,000 was raised to provide scholarships for seminarians and students from the Metropolis currently enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. More than 600 guests combined at both events, at which Metropolitan Gerasimos remarked, What we are doing today is much more than buying pretty Christmas trees and holiday decorations. We are making an investment in the future of the church. Do not let the giving stop today, because the needs are greater than what is in this room. Through your generosity, let us light the path for our seminarians and students at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology as they prepare to serve the Church. At the luncheon in Castro Valley, Matthew Jouthas spoke about his experiences at HCHC and how his journey has been enriched through his interaction with the clergy, his professors and fellow students. Jouthas also spoke of the support he receives from the Metropolis Philoptochos and how it has eased his journey to the priesthood, receiving both the financial and emotional support as he devotes himself to his studies and future service to the Church. Jason Ivey, in his remarks in Long Beach, spoke of the many opportunities and challenges as a seminarian and how meaningful the Adopt-a-Student program has been to him, knowing that the Metropolis Philoptochos sends a ray of light through their care packages, notes of encouragement and friendship. Ivey also commented on the family aspect of the school, how everyone looks out for one another, and that the relationship among the Metropolis students is especially strong. The opportunity to come together to celebrate the beautiful Christmas Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas with other Philoptochos members at the Long Beach luncheon. season with our seminarians and students truly is a gift, stated Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas. These young men and women are so inspiring and we look forward to celebrating their many achievements in their future service to the church. The festive events were adorned with themed Christmas trees donated by chapters and individuals throughout the Metropolis. The proceeds from the Christmas trees and Christmas boutique added to the success of this event. In addition, this year Secret Santa created shopping excitement among the guests, along with photo opportunities with Santa Claus enjoyed by young and old alike. The angelic voices of the San Francisco Girls Chorus shared festive music for the season at the event in Castro Valley, while the No Square Singers from Laguna Beach performed Christmas carols and led the guests in holiday favorites at the luncheon in Long Beach. The Metropolis Philoptochos is committed to many ministries, but especially to providing substantial support for our future priests and the perpetuation of our Orthodox faith. Through his photos courtesy of Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos creative vision, Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, remains a beacon of hope and love for our seminarians and students who can now graduate with peace of mind, knowing that the Philoptochos is committed to reducing their school debt. The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund was established over 25 years ago, and has since distributed over $1 million in scholarships to students from the Metropolis studying for the holy priesthood. In 2016, the Metropolis Philoptochos awarded more than $140,000 to 22 students. Conn. Parish to Hold Event Honoring Ecumencial Patriarch s Anniversary by Gregory Stamos ORANGE, Conn. St. Barbara Church, AHEPA Chapter 98, The Hellenic Bar Association of Connecticut, and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, are sponsoring and supporting an educational forum and lecture, in essence, a celebration of the 25 th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s enthronement. The event will take place Feb. 15, 7 p.m. at the social and educational building of St. Barbara s, 480 Racebrook Road in Orange. Presenters will include Professor George Demacopoulos of Fordham University and Nik Mathews, both Archons. Dr. Demacopoulos also is the Archons historian and Mathews is regional commander of District 1. He will touch upon the aspects of the Denial of Religious Freedom under which His All-Holiness labors, and Professor Demacopoulos will be the primary presenter, sharing His All-Holiness s significant accomplishments during this quarter-century of Orthodox leadership. The recent autobiography celebrating this 25 year period, Twenty- Five Years of Guiding the Christians Bartholomew - Apostle and Visionary, by Father John Chryssavgis, will also be reviewed at this event. This educational lecture will also include a question and answer period. WORD In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Orthodox Observer Deadlines Note: The following is the tentative deadline schedule for submitting articles and photos to the Orthodox Observer for consideration in In rare instances, it may be necessary to change a deadline. If that occurs, the new date will appear in red letters. Month Deadline Highlights 2017 February March Friday, Feb 10 Lenten issue April Friday, March. 24 Easter issue May Friday, April 21 HCHC commencement issue June Friday, May 26 July August Friday, June 23 September Thursday, Aug. 31 New ecclesiastical year begins October Friday, Sept. 29 Archon weekend issue November Friday, Oct. 27 Thanksgiving issue December Thursday, Nov. 30 Christmas issue You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World. As the Father has sent Me; so I send you. John 20:21

10 10 Book Review JANUARY 2017 Specialists in Travel to Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus & Jordan Tailor made itineraries to any of our unique destinations. European Honeymoon & Wedding specialists. European Family Vacations. Customized European Group Travel. Specialists in Greek Orthodox groups to the Holy Land, Constantinople & Greece. JOIN US ON OUR GREEK ORTHODOX PILGRIMAGES & CULTURAL TOURS: HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES: April 25 - May 03, 2017 Led by Fr. Stephen Karcher of St. Anthony Church in Reno, NV - October 10-17, 2017 Led by Fr. James Retelas of Annunciation Church in Sacramento, CA PILGRIMAGE TO RUSSIA: Moscow & St. Petersburg: July 10-20, 2017 Led by Fr. Teodor Petrutiu of SS. Constantine & Helen in Westland, MI PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY: Italy & Sicily: Oct., 2017 Visit us at: Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY Tel.: (718) Toll Free: Fax: (718) info@cloudtours.com The Apostolic Gospel Rev. Dr. Theodore Stylianopoulos 98 pages Holy Cross Press Available from Holy Cross Bookstore $14 by Rev. Dr. Harry Pappas What a privilege for the Orthodox Church in the United States to have among its growing resources this latest book by Fr. Ted Stylianopopoulos who has been a teacher and mentor to numerous clergy theologians and faithful for decades. In the flurry of daily life today and the astonishing richness of our Tradition, clergy and laity can become consumed with so much activity and external stimuli that we easily lose sight of what is central to our faith: the person Jesus Christ and the Gospel as the core of Orthodoxy. This short book explores, in a responsible and fresh way, the varied dimensions of the message of salvation that we are entrusted to proclaim and live: its specific content, the extraordinary blessings that are poured out upon all who accept Christ as Lord and Savior, the consequent demands for how we are to live, and its inherent power to transform us as persons and communities! With precision, Fr. Ted first lays out his own definition in dialogue with both the ancient Church and some of the best scholarship today: The core message of the good news is this: through the person of Jesus and the main events of his life, God s new and decisive era of salvation has powerfully broken into the fabric of history. Through the ministry of the incarnate Son and the gift of the Spirit, God had inaugurated a new order of life, a transforming reality intended to be announced as good news to the whole world. This message of salvation, with special emphasis on the death and resurrection of Christ, is grounded in the unity of the apostolic testimony by Peter, John, James, Paul, and other privileged witnesses to the primary events of revelation. Next, he explores the key Greek words that express different aspects of the Gospel - evangelion, logos, kerygma, and martyria in ways that are easy to understand, even if a reader does not know the original language of the New Testament. And for those who do, there is no small benefit from his precision and clarity. Fr. Ted then elucidates the basic content of the Gospel which, he points out, was so well understood in the time of the Apostles that St. Paul could safely assume his own listeners would know it. Contrast this with the actual situation today in our parishes: how many people in fact know the Gospel in all its particularity? Fr. Ted shows the inherent interconnection of two distinct triads that reverberate throughout the book: the person and work of Christ (centered in the four Gospels), the outpouring of the Spirit (starting in Acts), and the life of the Church (in Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation). This content itself is distinct but related to its blessings (examples: forgiveness, joy) and demands (examples: purity and holiness) In the chapter on blessings, Fr. Ted then explores the richly diverse New Testaments terms such as salvation, justification, redemption, reconciliation, divinization, forgiveness, righteousness, peace, and gift. In a culture that is so work-oriented and an ecclesial tradition that can appear intimidating, this section powerfully demonstrates the astonishing goodness and sheer gift of God s eternal love for all creation that has now been dramatically and liberally poured through His Son. As Fr. Ted notes, such a priority of blessings over demands accords with the overall Biblical story of God s relationship with us from the Garden of Eden, through Noah and the Ark, Moses and Mount Sinai, David and Jerusalem: everything is initiated by the Lord who loves and keeps on giving even when we do not return the favor. Next comes a chapter on the demands inherent in the gospel that are centered on love of God and neighbor through Christ who is the personal embodiment of divine teaching (Torah or Law) that sets us in a right relationship of communion with the Trinity. Fr. Ted notes both the diversity and unity of such ethical and spiritual requirements throughout the New Testament, starting with the challenging teaching of Jesus himself, and then how this is worked out in actual community life by the Apostles, chiefly St. Paul but also including Sts. Peter, John and James. Our true battle inwardly and outwardly involves spiritual striving (ascesis) and moral strictness that is grounded not in our own resources and efforts but in the primacy of divine grace that alone allows us to live up to our exu to page 24 Guidelines for Centennial News As the Archdiocese will mark the 100 th year of its founding in 1922, a number of parishes founded in the decades the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries have already celebrated their centennials and more and more communities will also mark this important milestone in the coming years. The Orthodox Observer welcomes articles and photos from parishes on their celebrations and offers a few guidelines for submission of articles and information about these events. Communities planning a series of events taking place over the course of the year, may submit an article noting these activities two or three months in advance for publication in an issue of the Observer prior to the start of festivities. If a celebratory activity such as a banquet or other formal program, is planned, an article and photos may be sent immediately after it has taken place. Articles and stories may be 500 to 700 words in length. Pictures should be high resolution (300 dpi or greater). Photos posted online are not of high enough resolution for use in a print publication. Further photo guidelines are available on the classified advertising page. More information, jim@goarch.org Parishes observing this event in 2017 are asked to send a brief as to the date of its primary celebration so a listing of all these communities may be included in the December issue.

11 JANUARY by Fr. Stephen Powley Have you been around people who proclaim a faith in Christ, yet totally reject the idea of Church? It seems to be a growing belief among folks in our country. It really has its beginnings with a doctrine that came out of the Reformation: The Invisible Body of Believers. The Reformation began with some noble ideas to get the Roman Catholic Church back on the right track with some beliefs the Reformers thought had gone astray. What began as a desire to correct led to a full scale protest and a breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. Alas, the Reformers couldn t agree on what doctrines were correct and so the protest carried on against each other. As group after group began to separate themselves from other groups, the divisions began to take on the look of a shattered mirror. As these groups (which became known as denominations) multiplied, they also called themselves by the name: church. The shattered mirror sadly continued to grow as more and more splinters took place. Each splinter group believed differently than the one they left behind. So it was that the number of differing churches grew enormous with people having friends and family in differing belief systems. Each group proclaimed loudly that they used only the Bible to prove their beliefs. But, in fact it was their interpretation of the Bible that was really at the core of their differences. Each group believed they were the ones that held to the Truth and that the other groups were in error. Some of them simply condemned others and said those who didn t hold to their beliefs would wind up in hell. Whew that was a pretty serious belief! The majority, though differing in beliefs, sought to find a belief that would unite the various groups. Thus was born the doctrine of the Invisible Body of Believers. Anyone who believed that Jesus is Lord would be a member. Differences in doctrine were given second place to this wonderful belief. People in differing groups could now be close friends and joint services could be held where doctrinal proclamations would be limited to just Jesus is Lord. This became the most important belief that anyone could hold and it was thought to be the doctrine that united all believers together. Thus was born the concept of the Invisible Body of Believers where it was irrelevant which church one attended. The Lordship of Jesus was the key to belonging to the Invisible Church. Over time, most folks continued to attend their own church, but some began to drop out. As the shattered mirror continued to splinter, some people either became confused or discouraged. When there are 30,000 to 60,000 groups (hard to pin down the number) proclaiming Jesus is Lord but holding to much different doctrines (all supposedly proven by the Bible), confusion or discouragement are certainly possibilities. People who made the decision to not attend any Church were often Reflections The Invisible Church: A Doctrine That Has Come of Age asked why this was so. Many folks found this answer seemed to work well and defuse any arguments: I am spiritual, not religious! That phrase spread like wildfire as no one seemed to have a good response to it. It grew to the point that many people could confidently say: I choose not to attend a church, but I am a Christian and Jesus is my Lord! I worship Him when I am outdoors, in fact, up on a mountain is best! Because membership in the true church of Jesus, that invisible church, requires only belief in the Lordship of Jesus, then all of these people must be saved too. More and more people are seeing the advantages of being saved without need of a church: extra sleep, golf, football on television, freedom to do as one pleases The doctrine of the Invisible Church may be reaching the pinnacle of its evolution with an unbelievable growing membership. But here are some thoughts for reflection: Why would the Bible talk about ordaining bishops, priests, and deacons for an invisible church? Why would the Bible mention that we should never forsake the assembling of ourselves together? Why would the doctrine of the invisible church never be mentioned for over 1,600 years after Jesus established His Church if He intended it to be invisible? Is there any authority except self for proclaiming I am spiritual, not religious? Did Jesus desire a doit- yourself belief in Him? For those who prefer to worship the Lord up on a mountain, when was the last time this honestly took place in your life? This cannot mean simply being in awe of God s creation, but real, true worship of the Lord. This article is not merely an issue about how someone may spend their Sundays. What is at issue here is the matter of salvation and how people will spend eternity. Jesus did in fact establish a Church on this earth. It was never meant to be invisible, but it is meant to be a visible witness to the entire world. This Church has been passed on to each and every generation without fail. Christ passed it on to His Apostles, they passed it on to their disciples, and each generation of disciples passed it on to the next. It is a place where each and every person is meant to be an important part of an overall Body, with each part playing a role. A thumb by itself, not connected to one s body, is simply dead flesh. Jesus is the Head of a Body, not of individual parts scattered about by their own desire. I did it my way should never be the theme song for how we live our lives. The Church is the very place where all the aspects of salvation are found. All of the Sacraments of the Lord are found within the Church. It begins with Holy Baptism and Chrismation. Confession of our sins takes place within the Church. It is the place where members receive the very Body and Blood of Christ, which then nourishes u to page 19 ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ ΑΘΗΝΑ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ STERLING TRAVEL 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J sterlingtravel@hotmail.com 20 Lauren Lane, Phillipsburg, NJ TICKETS 2 GREECE ON SALE από$ 299 Cheap Tickets, Great Price Με επιστροφή + FUEL FEES + TAXES EXTRA Περιορισμένος αριθμός θέσεων Restrictions Apply Χαμηλές τιμές για ΑΠΛΗ ΜΕΤΑΒΑΣΗ ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΕΣ ΚΙ ΑΠΟ ΑΛΛΕΣ ΠΟΛΕΙΣ P.O. Box , Miami, Fla., Τηλεφωνείστε δωρεάν (Call Toll Free): ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗ To donate to the St. Nicholas National Shrine, make checks payable to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Mailing Address: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79 th St., New York, NY

12 12 Spelling Bee Competition Finals Held for Parochial Schools by Maria Makedon Education JANUARY 2017 NEW YORK Eleven students competed in the annual Spelling Bee Finals for the Direct Archdiocesan District s Greek American day schools Jan. 12 at Archdiocese headquarters. There were six finalists and five runners-up. Nicoletta Baltzis, a 7 th grade student of St. Demetrios School of Astoria was the finalist. Anastasia Michialis, an 8 th grade student of the Greek American Institute in the Bronx was the runner-up. The winning word was hygiene. John Atanas, assistant principal of the Greek American Institute in the Bronx, and Ms. Helen Zapantis gave the words to the students. Following are the names of all the contestants and their schools: W. Spyropoulos Greek-American School, Flushing: Evangeline Cassidy. St. Demetrios Greek-American School, Astoria: Nicoletta Baltzis Nicole- Katerina Tiliakos. Greek American Institute, Bronx: Anastasia Michialis, George Germanakos. Cathedral School, Manhattan: George Chudley, Demetra Chudley. Participants in Spelling Bee participants with Bishop Sevastianos, Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education Director Maria Makedon and teachers. A. Fantis Parochial School, Brooklyn: Lily Torre, Jessica Prendaj D.G.K. Parochial School of Holy Cross, Brooklyn: Joanna Maniatis, Marta Balikcioglu. On behalf of Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Sevastianos of Zelon presented each student with a certificate of award and a silver cross. GOA/D. Panagos photo Nick Katsoris, president of the Loukoumi Foundation, which sponsors the District Spelling Bee Competition, offered each student a $100 check, and all students received gift cards for Amazon from the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education. The Spelling Bee competitions are sponsored by The E.W. Scripps Company and are open to boys and girls, in grades 5-8. In New York City, competitions are sponsored by the newspaper Daily News. The Office of Education of the Direct Archdiocesan District selects the words and coordinates the competitions among the city parochial Greek-American day schools.

13 ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2017 Εγκύκλιος Ἑορτή Ἁγίου Βασιλείου καί Νέου Ἔτους Καθώς ἀπέσταλκέν με ὁ Πατήρ, κἀγώ πέμπω ὑμᾶς Ἰωάν. 20:21 Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Συμβουλίων τῶν Ἑλληνορθοδόξων Κοινοτήτων, τῶν Διακεκριμένων Ἀρχόντων τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Καθώς καλωσορίζουμε τό νέο ἔτος τήν ἡμέρα τῆς Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Ἁγίου Βασιλείου, ἀντλοῦμε δύναμη καί ἔμπνευση ἀπό τίς ἐνέργειες τοῦ Θεοῦ κατά τό ἔτος Μία ἐκ τῶν πολλῶν εὐλογιῶν ἦτο καί ἡ 43η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας, ἡ ὁποία ἔλαβε χώρα στήν πόλη Nashville, Tennessee. Τό θέμα τῆς Συνελεύσεως ἦτο: «Εἶσθε ἡ Φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ σ ἕναν Μεταβαλλόμενο Κόσμο», θέμα στό ὁποῖο συνεχίζουμε νά ἑστιάζουμε τήν προσοχή μας καθώς προγραμματίζουμε τή διακονία καί τίς ὑπηρεσίες μας γιά τό ἐπερχόμενο ἔτος Ὁ ἑορτασμός τοῦ Ἁγίου Βασιλείου τοῦ Μεγάλου τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή μᾶς προσφέρει ἕνα παράδειγμα ἁγιότητος, ἡγεσίας καί ὑπηρεσίας τό ὁποῖο συμπεριλαμβάνεται στό θέμα αὐτό. Ἀπό τόν τρόπο τῆς ζωῆς του, ζωῆς προσευχῆς καί βαθιᾶς πίστεως καί πνευματικῆς ἐπιγνώσεως, παρακολουθοῦμε ἕναν ἄνθρωπο ὁ ὁποῖος γνώριζε τόν Χριστό καί ζοῦσε μέ τήν παρουσία Του. Διά τῶν κηρυγμάτων του, τῶν θεολογικῶν διατριβῶν του καί τῆς ποιμαντικῆς διακονίας του, ὑπῆρξε φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἔζησε σέ ἐποχή ἡ ὁποία χαρακτηριζόταν ἀπό θεολογικές ἀντιπαραθέσεις καί μεταβατικά στάδια σχετικά μέ τόν Χριστιανισμό καί τήν Ἐκκλησία. Πολλοί ἄνθρωποι ἀντιμετώπιζαν σημαντικές φυσικές καί πνευματικές ἀνάγκες. Ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῆς τῆς περιόδου προκλήσεων καί ἀλλαγῶν, ὁ Μέγας Βασίλειος προσέφερε σοφία, παρηγορία καί καθοδήγηση μέ τή χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἀκολουθῶντας τή μαρτυρία τοῦ Ἁγίου Βασιλείου καί πολλῶν ἄλλων Πατέρων τῆς Ἐκκλησίας οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐνσάρκωσαν τή φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀποστελλόμεθα ἀπό τόν Κύριο στόν κόσμο καί μέσα στό νέο ἔτος γιά νά διαδώσουμε τό Εὐαγγέλιο τῆς πίστεως καί ἀγάπης, νά φέρουμε παρηγορία καί θεραπεία μέ τή χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ καί νά βοηθήσουμε ἄλλους νά γνωρίσουν τόν Χριστό καί τίς εὐλογίες Του, δηλαδή εἰρήνη καί ζωή. Ὁ Χριστός μᾶς ἀποστέλλει μέ σκοπό νά εἴμεθα ἡ φωνή Του σ ἕναν κόσμο ὁ ὁποῖος συνεχίζει νά μεταβάλλεται. Στήν ἀρχή ἑκάστου ἡμερολογιακοῦ ἔτους συνειδητοποιοῦμε αὐτή τή ραγδαία ἀλλαγή u Σελίδα 15 του Νικολάου Μαγγίνα ΕΤΟΣ 82 ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1322 Ο Πανηγυρικός Εορτασμός των Θεοφανείων στο Ελληνικό Τάρπον Σπρινγκς στη Φλόριντα ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ Για 111ή χρονιά ο Ελληνισμός του Τάρπον Σπρινγκς, αλλά και η ευρύτερη ομογένεια στις ΗΠΑ εόρτασαν την τελετή αγιασμού των υδάτων και την κατάδυση του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Γέρων Αμερικής Δημήτριος συνεχίζοντας τη μακροχρόνια παράδοση του Αγιασμού των Υδάτων και Μετά μεγαλοπρεπείας καί λαμπρότητος ἑωρτάσθησαν ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις τά Ἅγια Θεοφάνεια τοῦ Κυρίου καί Θεοῦ καί Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τήν Παρασκευήν, 6ην Ἰανουαρίου. Ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ὁ Πατριάρχης, ἐν τῷ τέλει τοῦ Ὄρθρου, ἐτέλεσε τόν Μέγαν Ἁγιασμόν, ἁγιάσας ἐν συνεχείᾳ τούς ἁγίους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Κληρικούς τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς, τούς Ἄρχοντας Ὀφφικιαλίους καί τούς ἐπισήμους καί προέστη τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς καί Συνοδικῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ, ἐν συλλειτουργίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Μητροπολιτῶν Γέροντος Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντίνου, Προικοννήσου κ. Ἰωσήφ, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτωνος, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, Μύρων κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Ἰκονίου κ. Θεολήπτου, Προύσης κ. Ἐλπιδοφόρου, Κυδωνιῶν κ. Ἀθηναγόρου καί Ἀδριανουπόλεως κ. Ἀμφιλοχίου. Κατά τήν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ἐχειροτόνησεν εἰς Πρεσβύτερον τόν Ἱερολ. Διάκονον κ. Βαρθολομαῖον, ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῆς ἐν Ἀγγλίᾳ Ἱ. Πατριαρχικῆς καί Σταυροπηγιακῆς Μονῆς Τιμίου Προδρόμου Ἔσσεξ. Ἐκκλησιάσθησαν οἱ Σεβ. Μητροπολῖται Πέργης κ. Εὐάγγελος καί Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στέφανος, Πρωτοσυγκελλεύων, ὁ Ἐντιμολ. κ. Κωνσταντῖνος Δεληκωνσταντῆς, Ἄρχων Διδάσκαλος τοῦ Γένους, Γεν. Γραμματεύς τῆς ἐν Ἀθήναις Ἀδελφότητος Ὀφφικιαλίων «Παναγία ἡ Παμμακάριστος», ἐκπροσωπῶν αὐτήν, οἱ Ἐξοχ. κ. Ἰωάννης Ἀμανατίδης, Ὑφυπουργός Ἐξωτερικῶν τῆς Ἑλλάδος, ὅστις GOA-ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ της Κατάδυσης του Τιμίου Σταυρού (από τον εκάστοτε Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής για 111 χρόνια) στο Σπρινγκ Μπαγιού στο Τάρπον Σπρινγκς της Φλόριντα, προέστη της τελετής, παρόντων χιλιάδων ομογενών αλλά και άλλων επισκεπτών οι οποίοι ήθελαν να βιώσουν από κοντά την ξεχωριστή αυτή τελετή της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας κατά την οποία εορτάζεται και τιμάται η Βάπτιση του Κυρίου Ημών Ιησού Χριστού στα νερά του ποταμού Ιορδάνη από τον Ιωάννη τον Βαπτιστή. Η τελετή του Αγιασμού των Υδάτων, αλλά και η Κατάδυση του Τιμίου Σταυρού αποτελούν μοναδική εμπειρία για όσους έχουν την τύχη ναπαρευρεθούν και να λάβουν μέρος. Σύμφωνα με τις πρώτες εκτιμήσεις των αρχών της πόλης, ο καλός καιρός βοήθησε εφέτος να συγκεντρωθεί πλήθος κόσμου κι επισκεπτών οι οποίοι ξεπέρασαν τον αριθμό των 25.οοο χιλιάδων. Παρόντες στην τελετή ήταν μεταξύ άλλων ο Υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών, αρμόδιος για θέματα Απόδημου Ελληνισμού, Τέρενς Κουίκ, ο Πρέσβης της Κύπρου στην Ουάσιγκτον, Λεωνίδας Παντελίδης, η Γενική Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Τάμπα, Αδαμαντία Κλώτσα, ο πρόεδρος της ΑΧΕΠΑ, Ανδρέας Ζαχαριάδης, οι δήμαρχοι Καλύμνου και Χάλκης και ο δήμαρχος του Λίαργουώτερ. Τους υψηλούς επισκέπτες καθώς και τα παιδά καλωσόρισε στην Πόλη των Θεοφανείων ο Ελληνοαμερικανός Δήμαρχος, Χρυσόστομος (Κρις) Αλαχούζος. ο οποίος εξελέγη πέρυσι. Τον Τίμιο Σταυρό ανέσυρε ο 18χρονος μαθητής Τζόζεφ Κούλει μέλος της τοπικής Ελληνορθόδοξης κοινότητας του Αγίου Νικολάου. Φέτος βούτηξαν συνολικά 48 νέοι ηλικίας από 16, έως 18 ετών Τά Ἅγια Θεοφάνεια ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις ἐξεπροσώπησε τήν ἕντιμον Ἑλληνικήν Κυβέρνησιν κατά τήν ἐπίσημον ταύτην ἡμέραν, οἱ Ἐξοχ. κ. Κυριακός Λουκάκης, Πρέσβυς τῆς Ἑλλάδος ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ, καί Πρέσβυς κ. Εὐάγγελος Σέκερης, Γεν. Πρόξενος αὐτῆς ἐν τῇ Πόλει, πιστοί ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ. Μετά τό πέρας τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας, ὁ Πατριάρχης προέστη τῆς τελετῆς τοῦ Ἁγιασμοῦ τῶν ὑδάτων καί τῆς Καταδύσεως τοῦ Τιμίου Σταυροῦ εἰς τήν θάλασσαν, ἐκ τῆς ἀποβάθρας τοῦ Φαναρίου, συμπαραστατούμενος ὑπό τῶν συλλειτουργῶν Αὐτοῦ Ἱεραρχῶν, τοῦ λοιποῦ Κλήρου καί τοῦ λαοῦ ἐν πομπῇ Φωτο: Νικόλαος Μαγγίνας ἐκ τοῦ Π. Πατριαρχικοῦ Ναοῦ, τῶν κωδώνων αὐτοῦ κρουομένων χαρμοσύνως. Τόν Τίμιον Σταυρόν ἀνέσυρεν ἐκ τῶν ὑδάτων ὁ Ἐντιμ. κ. Νικόλαος Σολῆς, ἐξ Ἀγρινίου, εἰς τόν ὁποῖον ὁ Παναγιώτατος προσέφερεν εἰς εὐλογίαν χρυσοῦν Σταυρόν καθώς καί ἄλλους σταυρούς εἰς τούς ὑπολοίπους κολυμβητάς. Τήν μεσημβρίαν, παρετέθη ἐπίσημον ἄριστον εἰς τήν Πατριαρχικήν Τράπεζαν, εἰς ὅ παρεκάθησαν καί οἱ ὡς ἄνω ἐπίσημοι. Ἡ πρώτη τοῦ ἔτους ἐν τοῖς Πατρι- u Σελίδα 14

14 14 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2017 Η πνευματικότητα και τα ιδεώδη των Τριών Ιεραρχών του Δρα Ιωάννη Ευθυμιόπουλου Οι Τρεις μεγάλες εκκλησιαστικές προσωπικότητες που τιμώνται σήμερα από την Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία και την Ελληνική Παιδεία, είναι οι πρώτοι που διέγνωσαν τη σημασία της συναδέλφωσης και της συνεργασίας της Ελληνικής κλασικής παιδείας με τον Χριστιανισμό. Ο βίος τους ήταν χριστιανικός. Μεγάλωσαν και βαπτίστηκαν με τα νάματα και τις διδασκαλίες του Ευαγγελίου. Συνένωσαν το αθάνατο Ελληνικό με το χριστιανικό πνεύμα και υπήρξαν οι πρώτοι θεμελιωτές του χριστιανικού πολιτισμού. Πιστεύεται ότι αυτός είναι και ο λόγος για τον οποίον Εκκλησία και Ελληνική παιδεία καθιέρωσαν τη σημερινή εορτή ως εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών και των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων. Γιατί, στη συνείδηση του Ελληνικού λαού υπάρχει η αντίληψη ότι η πίστη και ο χαρακτήρας της Εθνικής μας παιδείας είναι Ελληνικός και συγχρόνως χριστιανικός. Κατά την εορτή αυτή ο σκοπός μας δεν είναι μόνο να εκθειάσουμε τις έξοχες πνευματικές και ηθικές αρετές των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Θα θέλαμε κυρίως να εξετάσουμε και να προσεγγίσουμε τις πράξεις τους και τη σχέση τους με τη σύγχρονη εποχή μας. Με άλλα λόγια, λόγω της διαχρονικότητας των Τριών Ιεραρχών να ερευνήσουμε, τι οφείλει η σημερινή εποχή στους Τρεις Ιεράρχες και πόσο κοντά βρίσκεται στα έργα τους. Ακόμη, αν η κοινωνία έχει προσανατολιστεί στις ηθικές αξίες και τα ιδεώδη που επεδίωξαν και πραγμάτωσαν οι ίδιοι οι Πατέρες. Αξίζει να αναφερθεί ότι οι μεγάλοι αυτοί της Εκκλησίας διδάσκαλοι, δεν προσκολήθηκαν σε ορισμένα φιλοσοφικά συστήματα και ρεύματα της εποχής, αφού κανένα από αυτά δεν ικανοποιούσε τις ψυχικές ανάγκες του ανθρώπου. Γι αυτό ήταν εκλεκτικοί στις θεωρίες των ιδεών και των διδασκαλιών που μπορούσαν να προσαρμόσουν, και να συνταιριάσουν την τελειότητα του ανθρώπου με το χριστιανικό ιδεώδες. Μεταξύ των άλλων, ο Μ. Βασίλειος προτρέπει τους χριστιανούς νέους να μελετούν τους αρχαίους Έλληνες σοφούς, τον Πλάτωνα, τον Ευριπίδη, το Σωκράτη. Οι αρχαίοι, έλεγε, δίδαξαν πολλά σοφά και εγκωμιάζουν την Αρετή, και ιδιαίτερα του Σωκράτη. Αυτό άλλωστε είναι και το ιδεώδες της χριστιανικής παιδείας. Είναι το ιδεώδες όπως το κατανόησαν, το οραματίσθηκαν, το μορφοποίησαν και το πραγμάτωσαν στην εποχή τους με τη ζωή και το έργο τους οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες. Το όραμα των Τριών Ιεραρχών προβάλλεται ως ένα τριπλό ιδεώδες: Θρησκευτικό, Κοινωνικό και Πολιτιστικό. Δεν θα επιχειρήσω να αναλύσω τα παραπάνω. Όμως θα προσπαθήσω να πω με λίγα λόγια τι εκφράζει το καθένα. Το πρώτο ιδεώδες εκφράζει την ενότητα της ανθρωπότητας κάτω και μέσα από μία πίστη, τη χριστιανική πίστη, στην οποία τηρείται ο νόμος της αγάπης. Το δεύτερο ιδεώδες, το κοινωνικό, είναι εκείνο στο οποίο εμπεριέχονται η δικαιοσύνη, η ισότητα, η ελευθερία και η πνευματική ωριμότητα, η ηθική ακεραιότητα του ανθρώπου, και τα οποία κατακτώνται με άσκηση και παιδεία. Τέλος, το ιδεώδες της σύνθεσης αξιών και των πολιτιστικών αγαθών απαιτεί, για να γίνει άρτια η παιδεία, την ακριβή γνώση των πολιτισμικών παραδόσεων. Θα πρέπει να προστεθεί ακόμη το οικουμενικό ιδεώδες των Τριών Ιεραρχών ως ενότητα του κόσμου, με τη χριστιανική πίστη, τον έμπρακτο λόγο και την παιδεία. Ο Άγιος Βασίλειος προτρέπει τους νέους να διαβάζουν την αρχαία Ελληνική γλώσσα, γιατί φωτίζει και οξύνει τον νουν, ώστε να μπορούν να εκφράζονται με καλλιέπεια του λόγου. Ο Γρηγόριος εγκωμιάζει τη θύραθεν παιδεία, (κλασσική παιδεία), σε αντιδιαστολή με την εκκλησιαστική, λέγοντας ότι η «θύραθεν παιδεία» είναι το μέγιστον των αγαθών του ανθρώπου. Μόνο οι σκαιοί και οι απαίδευτοι λέγει μισούν την παιδεία. Γιατί απαίδευτοι και αυτοί, θέλουν και οι άλλοι να είναι το ίδιο, ώστε να μη μπορούν να ελέγχουν την απαιδευσία τους. Οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες αντιπροσωπεύουν και συνθέτουν το χριστιανικό ιδεώδες. Θέλουν να βοηθήσουν και με διδασκαλίες Ελλήνων σοφών να εξυψώσουν τον άνθρωπο πνευματικά u Σελίδα 16 Τά Ἅγια Θεοφάνεια ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις uσελίδα 13 αρχείοις. Ἐν ἑορταστικῇ ἀτμοσφαίρᾳ ἑωρτάσθη ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις ἡ ἑορτή τῆς Περιτομῆς τοῦ Κυρίου, ἡ μνήμη τοῦ Μεγάλου Βασιλείου καί ἡ 1η τοῦ ἀνατείλαντος ἔτους Κατά τόν Μ. Ἑσπερινόν τῆς παραμονῆς, Σαββάτου, 31ης Δεκεμβρίου, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ὁ Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. κ. Βαρθολομαῖος, ἐχοροστάτησεν ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ, ἐν συγχοροστασίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Μητροπολιτῶν Γέροντος Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντίνου, Γέροντος Χαλκηδόνος κ. Ἀθανασίου, Γέροντος Δέρκων κ. Ἀποστόλου, Πέργης κ. Εὐαγγέλου, Τρανουπόλεως κ. Γερμανοῦ, Πριγκηποννήσων κ. Ἰακώβου, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτωνος, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, Μυριοφύτου καί Περιστάσεως κ. Εἰρηναίου, Μύρων κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Συνάδων κ. Διονυσίου, Σασίμων κ. Γενναδίου, Ἰκονίου κ. Θεολήπτου, Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στεφάνου, Προύσης κ. Ἐλπιδοφόρου, Κυδωνιῶν κ. Ἀθηναγόρου, Σηλυβρίας κ. Μαξίμου καί Σμύρνης κ. Βαρθολομαίου. Παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι ὁ Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀνθηδῶνος κ. Νεκτάριος, Ἐπίτροπος τοῦ Παναγίου Τάφου ἐνταῦθα, ὁ Πανιερ. Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Τελμησσοῦ κ. Ἰώβ, ὁ Θεοφιλ. Ἐπίσκοπος Ἁλικαρνασσοῦ κ. Ἀδριανός, Ἄρχοντες Ὀφφικιάλιοι ἐντεῦθεν, ὁ Ἐξοχ. Πρέσβυς κ. Εὐάγγελος Σέκερης, Γεν. Πρόξενος τῆς Ἑλλάδος ἐνταῦθα, καί πιστοί ἐντεῦθεν ὡς καί προσκυνηταί ἐξ Φωτο: Νικόλαος Μαγγίνας Ἑλλάδος. τῇ Μητρί Ἐκκλησίᾳ. Ἐν συνεχείᾳ ὑπέβαλον Ἐν συνεχείᾳ, ὁ Πατριάρχης ἐδέχθη σέβη καί ἔλαβον τήν Πατριαρχικήν εὐλογίαν τούς ὡς ἄνω ἁγίους Ἀρχιερεῖς ἐν τῷ ἐπισήμῳ τό προσωπικόν τῶν Πατριαρχείων, ὑπό τήν Αὐτοῦ Γραφείῳ, μετά τῶν ὁποίων ἡγεσίαν τοῦ Ἐντιμ. κ. Συμεών Φραντζελᾶ, ἀντήλλαξε τόν ἐπί τῷ νέῳ ἔτει ἑόρτιον Ἀρχικλητῆρος. ἀσπασμόν, καί εὐλογήσας διένειμεν αὐτοῖς Εἶτα, ἐν τῇ Αἰθούσῃ τοῦ Θρόνου τήν Ἁγιοβασιλόπιτταν, τοῦ χρυσοῦ νομίσματος ἐγένετο ἡ τελετή τῆς κοπῆς τῆς Ἁγιοβα- λαχόντος εἰς τό τεμάχιον τοῦ σιλόπιττας τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς ὑπό Πανιερ. Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Τελμησσοῦ κ. Ἰώβ. τοῦ Παναγιωτάτου, εἰς ἥν παρέστησαν καί Ἐπηκολούθησεν ἡ εἰθισμένη ἀκρόασις ὁ Ἐξοχ. κ. Γεν. Πρόξενος καί πλεῖστοι ἐκ τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς καί τῶν λαϊκῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιασθέντων εἰς τόν Ἑσπερινόν Γραμματέων καθ ἥν προσεφώνησε τόν προσκυνητῶν. Τό χρυσοῦν νόμισμα ἔλαχεν Πατριάρχην ὁ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Καλλιουπόλεως εἰς τόν Ὁσιολ. Ἱερομόναχον κ. Καισάριον καί Μαδύτου κ. Στέφανος, Χρόνην, Ἱερατικῶς Προϊστάμενον τῆς Κοι- Πρωτοσυγκελλεύων, καί ἀντεφώνησεν ὁ νότητος Γενεσίου τῆς Θεοτόκου Παλαιοῦ Πατριάρχης ἐπιδαψιλεύσας τάς εὐλογίας Μπάνιου-Διπλοκιονίου. Του αὐτοῖς καί εὐχηθείς τήν ἄνωθεν ἐνίσχυσιν Τό ἑσπέρας, παρετέθη εἰς τήν Πατρι- πρός ἐπιτέλεσιν τῆς διακονίας των ἐν αρχικήν Τράπεζαν δεῖπνον, καθ ὅ ἡ Α. Θ. Φωτογραφία: The White House Παναγιότης συνεδείπνησε, κατά τό ἔθος, μετά τῶν κληρικῶν τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς καί τινων φιλοξενουμένων λαϊκῶν. Τήν ἑπομένην, Κυριακήν, 1ην Ἰανουαρίου, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ὁ Πατριάρχης, ἐχοροστάτησεν ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ κατά τήν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν τοῦ Μ. Βασιλείου, ἐν συγχοροστασίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Μητροπολιτῶν Γέροντος Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντίνου, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτωνος, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, Μύρων κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Συνάδων κ. Διονυσίου, Ἰκονίου κ. Θεολήπτου, Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στεφάνου, Κυδωνιῶν κ. Ἀθηναγόρου καί τοῦ Πανιερ. Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Τελμησσοῦ κ. Ἰώβ. Ἐκκλησιάσθησαν ὁ Ἐξοχ. Πρέσβυς κ. Εὐάγγελος Σέκερης, Γεν. Πρόξενος τῆς Ἑλλάδος, πανοικί, ὁ Ἐντιμ. κ. Ἠλίας Κοντοζαμάνης, Διευθυντής τῆς ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ Ἐθνικῆς Σχολῆς Δικαστῶν, καί πιστοί ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ. Κατά τήν καθιερωμένην ἐν τῇ Αἰθούσῃ τοῦ Θρόνου δεξίωσιν, προσεφώνησαν τόν Πατριάρχην, ἐκ μέρους μέν τῆς σεβασμίας Ἱεραρχίας τοῦ Θρόνου ὁ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Γέρων Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντῖνος, ἐξ ὀνόματος δέ τῶν Ἀρχόντων Ὀφφικιαλίων τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μ. Ἐκκλησίας ὁ Ἐντιμολ. κ. Κωνσταντῖνος Σανταλτζίδης, Ἄρχων Ἔξαρχος, τοῦ Πατριάρχου ἀντιφωνήσαντος καταλλήλως ἐπί τῷ Νέῳ Ἔτει.

15 ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2017 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 15 Εγκύκλιος Ἡμέρα τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν καί τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν Γραμμάτων Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Συμβουλίων τῶν Ἑλληνορθοδόξων Κοινοτήτων, τῶν Διακεκριμένων Ἀρχόντων τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ὁ ἑορτασμός μας τῆς Ἑορτῆς τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν ἀποτελεῖ δυναμική καί ἱερά παράδοση στήν Ὀρθόδοξη Ἐκκλησία ἡ ὁποία ἐπιβεβαιώνει ὅτι οἱ τρεῖς ἅγιοι, Μέγας Βασίλειος, Γρηγόριος Ναζιανζηνός καί Ἰωάννης Χρυσόστομος, εἶναι ἐξαίσια παραδείγματα ἀνθρώπων οἱ ὁποῖοι ἦταν πεπληρωμένοι μέ τήν γνώση τοῦ Θεοῦ καί κατεῖχαν πνευματική σοφία. Στόν κύριο ὕμνο τῆς Ἑορτῆς, τούς ἀποκαλοῦμε μελιρρύτους ποταμούς τῆς σοφίας, τούς τήν κτίσιν πᾶσαν θεογνωσίας νάμασι καταρδεύσαντας, ἀναγνωρίζοντας τή μαρτυρία τήν ὁποία προσέφεραν διά τῆς ἐξαιρετικῆς προσφορᾶς των ὡς εὐσπλαγχνικοί ποιμένες, ἄριστοι διδάσκαλοι καί βαθύτατοι θεολόγοι. Σήμερα, τό παράδειγμα καί ἡ διδασκαλία των μᾶς καθοδηγεῖ στήν καθημερινότητά μας ἡ ὁποία χαρακτηρίζεται ἀπό ἀλλαγές καί προκλήσεις. Μᾶς δείχνουν πῶς ἡ πίστη καί διακονία μας, ἡ ὁποία ἔχει ὡς βάση τήν ἐπίγνωση τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τήν ἐμπιστοσύνη μας στό θεῖο θέλημά Του, μπορεῖ νά μᾶς βοηθήσῃ νά διαχειριστοῦμε τίς ζωές μας καί τήν πολυπλοκότητα τοῦ κόσμου γύρω μας ἐνῶ, ταυτοχρόνως, ἑστιάζουμε τήν προσοχή μας στή σχέση μας μέ τόν Θεό καί τίς ὑποσχέσεις γιά ἄφθονες εὐλογίες καί σωτηρία. Σάν ἐξαίρετοι κήρυκες καί θεολόγοι, οἱ Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες ἔδωσαν ἰδιαίτερη προσοχή σέ ἐρωτήματα σχετικά μέ τό πῶς γνωρίζουμε τόν Θεό, εἰδικότερα μέσα ἀπ αυτά τά ὁποῖα γίνονται ἀντικείμενα παρατηρήσεως στόν κόσμο γύρω μας. Ὁ Μέγας Βασίλειος ἔγραψε σέ μιά ἐπιστολή του, ἐν δέ τῇ περί Θεοῦ πίστει ἡγεῖται μέν ἡ ἔννοια ἡ περί τοῦ ὅτι ἕστι Θεός ταύτην δέ ἐκ τῶν δημιουργημάτων συνάγομεν. Σοφόν, γάρ, καί δυνατόν, καί ἀγαθόν,, καί πάντα Αὐτοῦ τά ἀόρατα ἀπό τῆς τοῦ κόσμου κτίσεως νοοῦντες ἐπιγιγνώσκομεν. Οὕτω δή καί Δεσπότην ἑαυτῶν αὐτόν καταδεχόμεθα. (Ἐπιστολή 235) Οἱ Ἅγιοι Γρηγόριος Ναζιανζηνός καί Ἰωάννης Χρυσόστομος συμφωνοῦν ἐπί τοῦ θέματος τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὁ Γρηγόριος λέγει στόν Δεύτερο Θεολογικό Λόγο του, τοῦ μέν γάρ εἶναι Θεόν, καί τήν πάντων ποιητικήν καί συνεκτικήν αἰτίαν, καί ὄψις διδάσκαλος, καί ὁ φυσικός νόμος ἡ μέν τοῖς ὁρωμένοις προσβάλλουσα, καί παπηγόσι καλῶς, καί ὁδεύουσι, καί ἀκινήτως, ἵνα οὕτως εἴπω, κινουμένοις καί φερομένοις ὁ δέ, διά τῶν ὁρωμένων καί τεταγμένων, τόν ἀρχηγόν τούτων συλλογιζόμενος. Ὁ Χρυσόστομος συμφωνεῖ: ἀλλ ὅπερ καί ἔμπροσθεν ἔλεγον, ὅτι οὐ τό μέγεθος καί τό κάλλος τῆς κτίσεως δείκνυσι τόν Δημιουργόν μόνον, ἀλλά καί ὁ τρόπος αὐτός τῆς συμπήξεως καί τό ὑπέρ φύσεως ἀκολουθίαν εἶναι τῆς δημιουργίας τόν τρόπον. (10 η Ὁμιλία Περί Νόμων) Γιά τούς Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες ἡ γνώση τοῦ Θεοῦ δέν εἶναι μόνον ὁρατή σέ ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα, ἀλλά ἀποτελεῖ καί οὐσιαστικό θεμέλιο γιά τήν κατανόηση τῆς θέσεως καί τοῦ προορισμοῦ μας στή δημιουργηθεῖσα τάξη, γιά τήν ἀναγνώριση τοῦ ποιός καί τί εἶναι σημαντικότερο τοῦ ὁρατοῦ κόσμου καί γιά τήν ἀπόκρισή μας στή γνώση αὐτή διά τῆς ἀναζητήσεως ἐπικοινωνίας μαζί Του. Σέ αὐτό τό θεμέλιο, ὅμως, βρίσκεται ἡ ἐπίγνωση τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἡ πνευματική σοφία ἡ ὁποία ἀποκαλύπτεται διά τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἐπιβεβαιώνουν πώς ἡ γνώση τοῦ Θεοῦ διά τῆς δημιουργίας εἶναι σημαντική, ἀλλά ἐλλιπής χωρίς τόν Χριστό. Πρέπει νά γνωρίζουμε τόν Χριστό γιά νά γνωρίζουμε πραγματικά τόν Θεό καί τή σοφία Του. Οἱ Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες ἔδωσαν ἔμφαση στήν ἀναγκαιότητα τῆς γνώσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ για τήν οὐσιαστική ἐπίγνωση τοῦ Θεοῦ. u Σελίδα 16 Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος στην ορκωμοσία Τράμπ του Σταύρου Η. Παπαγερμανού ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος παρέστη στη τελετή ορκωμοσίας του νέου προέδρου των Η.Π.Α. Ντόναλντ Τράμπ και συμμετείχε σε συναφείς εκδηλώσεις συμπεριλαμβανομένης και της απονομής του Παρασήμου του Αποστόλου Παύλου σε ελληνορθοδόξους, μέλη της νέας κυβερνήσεως. Το πρωί της 20 ης Ιανουαρίου, ημέρα της ορκομωσίας, και κατόπιν προσκλήσεως της οργανωτικής επιτροπής της προεδρικής ορκωμοσίας, ο Σεβασμιώτατος παρακολούθησε την δέηση που ετελέσθη στον Επισκοπελιανό ναό του Αγίου Ιωάννου παρουσία του Προέδρου Ντόναλντ Τράμπ, του Αντιπροέδρου Μάϊκ Πενς και των οικογενειών τους. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος, συνοδευόμενος από τον πρωτοπρεσβύτερο π. Αλέξανδρο Καρλούτσο, παρακολούθησαν εκ του σύνεγγυς την προεδρική ορκομωσία, από περίοπτη θέση στην εξέδρα των επισήμων. Την επομένη της ορκωμοσίας, Σάββατο 21 Ιανουαρίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος έλαβε μέρος στην καθιερωμένη δέηση που λαμβάνει χώρα στον Εθνικό Καθεδρικό ναό της Ουάσιγκτον, λαμβάνοντας κατά το πρωτόκολλο ξεχωριστή θέση τιμής, όπως αρμόζει στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος διάβασε σύντομη δέηση στην οποία μεταξύ άλλων ανέφερε: «Προστάτευσέ μας Κύριε, στις διάφορες ενασχολήσεις μας από τον εγωισμό μας, ώστε να μπορούμε να εκτελούμε το έργο που μας αναθέτεις εν αλήθεια, με ωραιότητα και για το κοινό καλό». Το βράδυ της παραμονής της ορκωμοσίας, 19 Ιανουαρίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος παρέστη σε δεξίωση Ελληνοαμερικανών παραγόντων της Ουάσιγκτον στο ξενοδοχείο St. Regis και κατά τη διάρκεια της δεξιώσεως απένειμε το παράσημο του Αποστόλου Παύλου, την ανώτατη τιμή της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, στο νέο προσωπάρχη του Λευκού Οίκου Ηρακλή Ράϊνς Πρίμπους, στον Ελληνομερικανό βουλευτή από τη Φλόριδα Κωνσταντίνο (Γκάς) Συνάντηση Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου με τον υφ. Εξωτερικών Τ. Κουίκ στις ΗΠΑ Με τις συναντήσεις του με μέλη της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων και με στελέχη ομογενειακών οργανώσεων στην Ουάσιγκτον, ολοκληρώθηκε η πενθήμερη επίσκεψη του υφυπουργού Εξωτερικών Τέρενς Κουίκ στις ελληνικές κοινότητες της ανατολικής ακτής των ΗΠΑ. Στις 9 Ιανουαρίου ο κ. Κουίκ συναντήθηκε στη Νέα Υόρκη με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο, με τον οποίο συζήτησε, όπως αναφέρει σχετική ανακοίνωση του ΥΦΥΠΕΞ, θέματα των σχολείων, της ελληνικής γλώσσας και του Συμβουλίου Απόδημου Ελληνισμού (ΣΑΕ) για το οποίο ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε πολύ ενδιαφέρουσες απόψεις. Πριν τη συνάντηση με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο, ο Υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών Τέρενς Κουίκ μαζί με τον Γενικό Πρόξενο της Ελλάδας στην Νέα Υόρκη κ Κωνσταντίνο Κούτρα και τον διπλωματικό του Σύμβουλο Βίκτωρα Μαλιγκούδη, επισκέφθηκαν την εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου που αναγείρεται στο «σημείο Μηδέν». «Είναι ένα αρχιτεκτονικό αριστούργημα του γνωστού μας Καλατράβα. Μία εκκλησία που θα έχει τη μορφή καντηλιού, και που είμαι πεπεισμένος ότι θα αποτελεί το παγκόσμιο σημείο αναφοράς της Ορθοδοξίας με βάση τη Νέα Υόρκη, στο σημείο όπου πριν 16 χρόνια είχαμε την τραγωδία των Δίδυμων Πύργων. Υπολογίζεται ότι η ανέγερση θα ολοκληρωθεί την Άνοιξη του 2018 και φαντάζομαι ότι τα θυρανοίξια θα αποτελέσουν ένα παγκόσμιο γεγονός με τη συμμετοχή και των δύο Προέδρων, των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών και της Ελλάδας. Σήμερα που είναι ακόμα γιαπί, υπολογίζεται ότι επισκέπτονται περιμετρικά το χώρο πάνω από άτομα. Αντιλαμβάνεται κανείς τη κοσμοσυρροή όταν αρχίσει η λειτουργία του Ναού». Κατά τη μονοήμερη παραμονή του στη Νέα Υόρκη ο κ. Κουίκ συναντήθηκε ακόμα με την εκτελεστική διευθύντρια του Ιδρύματος Μπιλιράκη και στον Γεώργιο Τζιτζίκο, ο οποίος διορίστηκε ως βοηθός του Προέδρου. Και οι τρεις Ελληνοαμερικανοί είναι Άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου. Ο κ. Πρίμπους και ο κ. Μπιλιράκης μίλησαν με θερμά λόγια για την Ελληνική τους καταγωγή και την ορθόδοξη πίστη τους. Ο κ. Τζιτζίκος δεν μπόρεσε να παρευρεθεί, λόγω των καθηκόντων του σχετικά με την προετοιμασία της ορκωμοσίας και αντ αυτώ το παράσημο παρέλαβαν οι γονείς του π. Κωνσταντίνος Τζιτζίκος και πρεσβυτέρα Ελένη. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος μετά την απονομή των μεταλλίων σημείωσε ότι οι διορισμοί ελληνορθόδοξων στη νέα κυβέρνηση θα μπορούσε να λειτουργήσει ως καταλύτης, ώστε περισσότεροι άνθρωποι τη κοινότητός μας να συμμετέχουν στη πολιτική. Ο Γεώργιος Στάμας, εκ μέρους της Ελληνικής Πρωτοβουλίας, παρουσίασε το πρόγραμμα της βραδιάς. Ο Άντριου Μανάτος παρουσίασε τον βουλευτή Γκάς Μπιλιράκη, ο Μιχάλης Καρλούτσος παρουσίασε τον Γιώργο Τζιτζίκο και ο Τζον Κατσιματίδης παρουσίασε τον Ωνάση Αμαλία Κοσμετάτου, με τον πρόεδρο του Ιδρύματος Νιάρχου Ανδρέα Δρακόπουλο, με τον εκτελεστικό διευθυντή της Αμερικανοεβραϊκης Επιτροπής (AJC) Ντέιβιντ Χάρις, και αργά το απόγευμα με την πλειοψηφία των ομογενειακών επαγγελματικών οργανώσεων και λοιπών φορέων. «Η συνάντησή μου με τους εκπροσώπους των ομογενειακών οργανώσεων και φορέων ήταν πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα και χάρηκα ιδιαίτερα που μιλήσαμε ανοιχτά για όλα τα ζητήματα», δήλωσε ο κ. Κουίκ και ζήτησε, σύμφωνα με ανακοίνωσή του, «να γίνει ολοκληρωτική επανεκκίνηση από μηδενική βάση στην οργάνωση της ομογένειας, αφού προηγουμένως φύγουν από τη μέση, σε μια αναγκαία αυτοκάθαρση, τα σωματεία - σφραγίδες». Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, δήλωσε ότι είναι ανοιχτός σε κάθε συνεργασία και τόνισε πως θα ενθαρρύνει κάθε σημαντική πρωτοβουλία που θα ξαναφέρει την ομογένεια στα επίπεδα που ήταν πριν 20 και πλέον χρόνια, με μοναδικό στόχο την προβολή και υποστήριξη των εθνικών συμφερόντων. «Θα επιμείνω για το restart και θα είμαι σε επαφή με τις οργανώσεις, ασφαλώς και με τη βοήθεια των κατά τόπους διπλωματικών αρχών», κατέστησε σαφές. Στο πλαίσιο της πενθήμερης παραμονής του στις ΗΠΑ, αρχικά ο κ. Κουίκ ανήμερα των Θεοφανείων, εκπροσωπώντας τον πρωθυπουργό, παρέστη στη Θεία Λειτουργία και στην τελετή κατάδυσης του Τίμιου Σταυρού στο Τάρπον Σπρινγκς. Επίσης, συναντήθηκε με τους ελληνικής καταγωγής δημάρχους του Τάρπον Σπρινγκς Κρις Αλαχούζο -ο οποίος τού απένειμε το χρυσό κλειδί της πόλης- και του Κλιαργουότερ Γιώργο Κρητικό, επισκέφτηκε ελληνικά σχολεία, καθώς και το Κέντρο Ελληνικών Σπουδών στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Φλόριντα και παρέστη στο δείπνο που του παρέθεσε η ηγεσία των AHEPA. (Πηγές: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών) Ηρακλή Ράϊνς Πρίμπους. Τέλος παρέστησαν από την Ελλάδα, ο Υπουργός Εθνικής Αμύνης Πάνος Καμμένος και ο Υπουργός Ψηφιακής Πολιτικής, Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ενημέρωσης Νίκος Παππάς. Ο κ Καμμένος προεσέφερε ως συμβολικό δώρο στον μεν Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο μία ελληνική σημαία που ανέμιζε στο μικρό νησί Ρο, κοντά στο Καστελλόριζο και στον κ. Πρίμπους το θυρεό του Υπουργείου. Φωτογραφίες: u Σελίδα 13 Φωτο: ABC News-Live Stream Εγκύκλιος καθώς ἀναλογιζόμεθα τά γεγονότα τῶν τελευταίων δώδεκα μηνῶν. Καλούμεθα ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, μέλη τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, νά ἀντιμετωπίσουμε αὐτή τήν ἀλλαγή μέ χάρη καί ἀλήθεια. Καί αὐτό πράττουμε προσηλωμένοι στή διαχρονική ἀποστολή τῶν ἀνθρώπων τοῦ Θεοῦ νά βιώνουν καί νά κηρύττουν τό Εὐαγγέλιο. Αὐτό ἐπίσης πράττουμε ὅπως γίνεται φανερό στό εὖρος καί στήν οὐσία τῶν διακονιῶν μας, καί στήν ἐπέκταση καί προσαρμογή τοῦ ἔργου μας πρός κάλυψη τῶν συγχρόνων ἀναγκῶν. Ὁ Χριστός μᾶς ἀποστέλλει μέ μήνυμα ἐλπίδος καί ζωῆς καί μέ τήν σοφία νά διαπλέουμε τήν θάλασσα ἑνός μεταβαλλομένου καί προκλητικοῦ κόσμου, ἐνῶ ταυτοχρόνως μετέχουμε τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ μέ ἀποτελεσματικό τρόπο. Τήν ἡμέρα τῆς Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Ἁγίου Βασιλείου μεταδίδουμε ἐπίσης τή φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ διά τῆς ὑποστηρίξεως τῆς ἀγαπημένης μας Ἀκαδημίας Ἁγίου Βασιλείου. Ἐπί ἑβδομήκοντα καί πλέον ἔτη ἡ Ἀκαδημία ἔχει ὑπάρξει τόπος εἰρήνης, πίστεως καί φροντῖδος παιδιῶν καί νέων, προσφέροντάς τους ἀγάπη καί θαλπωρή ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί μέ τήν παρουσία Του. Ἄς προσφέρουμε τίς προσευχές μας γιά τούς διευθυντές καί τροφίμους τῆς Ἀκαδημίας. Καθώς κόβουμε τήν Βασιλόπιττα στίς κοινότητές μας, ἄς ἀνταποκριθοῦμε μέ γενναιοδωρία στό κάλεσμα τῶν Κυριῶν τῆς Ἐθνικῆς Φιλοπτώχου γιά τή στήριξη αὐτῆς τῆς ζωτικῆς διακονίας. Ἄς ἐπιβεβαιώσουμε ἐπίσης τήν ἀφοσίωσή μας στό νά εἴμεθα ἡ φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ σέ ὅλα ὅσα πράττουμε. Βεβαίως, θά γίνουμε ἡ φωνή τοῦ Χριστοῦ διά τῆς λατρείας μας, ἀλλά ἄς εἴμεθα ἐπίσης ἡ φωνή Του διά τῆς αὐξήσεως και ποιότητος της διακονίας μας πρός τίς οἰκογένειες, τά παιδιά, τούς νέους καί τούς ἡλικιωμένους. Ἄς εἴμεθα ἡ φωνή Του διά τῆς ποιότητος τῶν ἐκπαιδευτικῶν μας ἔργων καί τῶν ἐκπαιδευτικῶν μας πηγῶν. Ἄς εἴμεθα ἡ φωνή Του στήν προσπάθειά μας νά πλησιάσουμε αὐτούς πού ἔχουν ἀπομακρυνθεῖ ἀπό τήν Ἐκκλησία. Ἄς εἴμεθα ἡ φωνή Του συνδυάζοντας παραδοσιακούς, μοναδικούς καί ἐμπνευσμένους τρόπους ἔτσι ὥστε οἱ ἄνθρωποι γύρω μας νά βροῦν τήν ἐν Χριστῷ ζωή καί εἰρήνη. Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

16 16 ΟΡΘΟ ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ Η πνευματικότητα και τα ιδεώδη των Τριών Ιεραρχών uσελίδα 14 να φτάσει σε ένα υψηλό μορφωτικό και ηθικό επίπεδο, μέσα σε μια νεότερη υγιαίνουσα Ελληνική κοινωνία. Σε μια κοινωνία χωρίς κοινωνικές αναταραχές. Να μην υπάρχουν ο κλονισμός ηθικών αξιών, η καταπίεση των ισχυρών και η κοινωνική αδικία, οι πόλεμοι, οι τρομοκρατικές εντάσεις και η πολιτική αστάθεια. Σε αυτή τη παραζάλη της κοινωνίας που επιτείνεται με την αβεβαιότητα του αύριο, οι λαοί στρέφονται σε νέους προσανατολισμούς και ο άνθρωπος επιζητά την πνευματικότητά του. Γίνεται δικαστής της εποχής του, γιατί ο ίδιος είναι πολύ πέρα, πέρα και πάνω απ αυτήν. Ο πνευματικός άνθρωπος στη βία δεν μπορεί να αντιτάξει βία, αλλά αντιτάσσει την ψυχή του, το πνεύμα του, την εσωτερική ηθική ελευθερία του και τη θρησκευτικότητά του. Πάθος του είναι η αγάπη και η πίστη για την ανθρώπινη αξία, τα βήματα του πνεύματος, της ιστορίας του Ελληνισμού και τα διδάγματα και οι πράξεις των Αγίων Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας. Η ελληνική φυλή επιδιώκει ως ηθικό έρεισμα το ελληνοχριστιανικό ιδεώδες, όπως το επέτυχαν και σε εκείνη την πολυτάραχη εποχή τους οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες, που αγωνίσθηκαν βάζοντας σε στέρεα βάση τις πνευματικές και ηθικές αξίες ενός νέου πολιτισμού, του λεγόμενου Βυζαντινού πολιτισμού. Αυτό το ιδεώδες που βίωσαν οι Άγιοι Πατέρες οφείλουμε να το διατηρήσουμε και να το προάγουμε, ώστε να φρονιματιστεί ο Ελληνισμός. Η ιστορική μοίρα του Ελληνισμού είναι να ζει, να ακμάζει, και να αγωνίζεται ως δύναμη ηθική και πνευματική. Η υπεροχή του μέσα στην ιστορία ήταν πάντοτε ποιοτική. Ο Ελληνισμός δεν επέζησε ποτέ ως ύλη, αλλά πάντοτε ως πνεύμα και το σύμβολο του Ελληνισμού υπήρξε πάντοτε ο πνευματικός άνθρωπος. Ο Έλληνας έζησε μέσα στην ιστορία, ως ο κατ εξοχήν θεμελιωτής του Ελληνικού κάλλους, του Ελληνικού πνεύματος και της Ελληνικής αρετής. Κάποιοι θέλουν να λέγουν ότι οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες, και γενικότερα ο Χριστιανισμός, από τον 4 ο αιώνα περιορίσθηκαν μόνον σε δογματικές συζητήσεις και σε θεωρητικές έρευνες και ότι εξέλειπε από την Εκκλησία η εσωτερική ζωή της. Αυτό είναι εντελώς άδικο. Δεν μπορεί να αιωρούνται παρόμοια νεφελώματα. Γιατί οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες δεν έμειναν στις θεωρίες. Αφιέρωσαν τη ζωή τους στον πρακτικό και κοινωνικό τομέα. Τα διάφορα φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα, η Βασιλειάδα, τα Πτωχοκομεία, τα Ορφανοτροφεία, τα Γηροκομεία και τα Νοσοκομεία δεν έλειπαν από καμιά πόλη. Σήμερα ζούμε σχεδόν παρόμοιες καταστάσεις, όπως εκείνες της εποχής των Μεγάλων αυτών Πατέρων. Διανύουμε μια εποχή κατά την οποία είναι σε έξαρση πολλά κοινωνικά προβλήματα, τα οποία απασχολούν άτομα, οργανώσεις, Εκκλησία και λαούς. Βέβαια, τα σημερινά κοινωνικά προβλήματα παρουσιάζονται με άλλη μορφή, με διαφορετικό χαρακτήρα και σε άλλη έκταση. Αν μελετούσαμε και εφαρμόζαμε εν τη πράξει, τα όσα μας δίδαξαν και επραγμάτωσαν οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες, θα είχαμε πολλά να ωφεληθούμε, ώστε να δώσουμε λύσεις προκειμένου να τα αντιμετωπίσουμε. Το οικουμενικό ιδεώδες π.χ. για την χριστιανική πίστη είναι να γίνει η πίστη αυτή οικουμενική, παγκόσμια, ως έκφραση ζωής και πολιτισμού να γίνει οικουμένη η Εκκλησία και η Εκκλησία οικουμένη. Ο Χριστιανισμός του Δ και Ε αιώνα αντιμετώπισε όλα σχεδόν τα φλέγοντα κοινωνικά προβλήματα χωρίς βία και με το πνεύμα της ευαγγελικής αγάπης και αλληλοβοηθείας. Παρά τις κοσμοπολιτικές του τάσεις, ο Χριστιανισμός είχε ήδη ζυμωθεί με το ελληνικό και ελληνιστικό πνεύμα και άρχισε να διαδίδεται διά μέσου της Ελληνικής γλώσσας και της Ελληνικής φιλοσοφίας. Και ήταν τόσο ταχεία και μεγάλη η επίδρασή του, ώστε το ανατολικό ρωμαϊκό κράτος γίνεται κατ ουσίαν ελληνικό και οι βάρβαροι και υποανάπτυκτοι λαοί δέχθηκαν το χριστιανισμό και την επίδραση του Ελληνικού πολιτισμού. Έτσι λοιπόν με την παράλληλη επίδραση Ελληνισμού και Χριστιανισμού έχουμε και τη σύγχρονη διάδοση της Ελληνικής γλώσσας και του Ελληνικού πολιτισμού. Σήμερα, η Εκκλησία μας, όπως και τότε, προσπαθεί με όσα μέσα διαθέτει, να έχει ευρεία κοινωνική δραστηριότητα. Οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες είναι άξιοι θαυμασμού και τιμής. Γιατί πέραν των όσων έπραξαν, διεκήρυτταν με παρρησία και θάρρος όσα πίστευαν. Πολέμησαν τους αιρετικούς και διέσωσαν την Ορθοδοξία αδιαφορώντας για τους κινδύνους που διέτρεχαν. Ο Μ. Βασίλειος αντιμετώπισε τις απειλές του Μόδεστου με χαρακτηριστική ευπρέπεια και θάρρος. Ο Χρυσόστομος την έχθρα της αυτοκρατορικής αυλής και τις εξορίες, ύστερα από την κριτική που ασκείτο στην αυτοκράτειρα Ευδοξία. Για τους παραπάνω λόγους, εύλογο είναι να θεωρούνται και να προβάλλονται ως λαμπρά υποδείγματα ηθικής και σπάνιας σοφίας. Αδαμάντινου χαρακτήρα, ρητορικής δεινότητας και ιδιαίτερα κοινωνικής και ανθρωπιστικής δραστηριότητας που ελάμπρυναν το πνευματικό στερέωμα της Εκκλησίας και συγχρόνως κόσμησαν και τίμησαν το Ελληνικό όνομα. Γι αυτό ο Ελληνισμός και ολόκληρο το Ελληνικό Έθνος οφείλει να συνεορτάζει αυτή την εορτή της Εκκλησίας και των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων. Να αναζητήσει στο βίο και το έργο των Τριών Ιεραρχών τη σοφία, την ευσέβεια, την αρετή και την ενσάρκωση των υψηλοτέρων ιδανικών, αφού υπήρξαν όχι μόνο μεγάλοι του Έθνους διδάσκαλοι, αλλά και του χριστιανικού κόσμου γενικότερα. Ο Χριστιανισμός με το Ελληνικό πνεύμα δεν περιορίστηκε στα στενά όρια μιας φυλής ή ενός έθνους. Αντίθετα, ως θρησκεία και με απολυτρωτική αγάπη απευθύνθηκε και συμπεριέλαβε όλο τον κόσμο και όλη την ανθρωπότητα. Σήμερα περισσότερο παρά ποτέ, σε μια πολυτάραχη εποχή, μέσα σε ένα ηθικό χάος με Εγκύκλιος ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2017 την καταρράκωση των αξιών, τις κοινωνικές αδικίες, τα εγκλήματα που διαπράττονται, τους πολέμους που συνταράσσουν την ανθρωπότητα, και τα πολιτικά λάθη που επαναλαμβάνονται, ο βίος και οι πράξεις των Τριών Ιεραρχών θα πρέπει να είναι το φωτεινό παράδειγμα για όλους. Η σύζευξη του Ελληνισμού και του Ορθόδοξου Χριστιανισμού παραμένει στη μνήμη μας ως το ιστορικό μας παρελθόν, το οποίο μας κληροδότησαν οι Άγιοι Πατέρες της Χριστιανοσύνης. Ιδιαίτερα στα παιδιά μας, την σπουδάζουσα νεολαία, που είναι η ελπίδα του Έθνους και της Εκκλησίας, οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες ας είναι ο φάρος και το παράδειγμα φιλομάθειας, εργατικότητας, αρετής, ήθους και φιλαλληλίας. Παράδειγμα αφοσιώσεως στο καθήκον, στο Θεό και την πατρίδα. * Ο Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος είναι διευθυντής του γραφείου Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. u Σελίδα 15 Καθώς τιμοῦμε τούς Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες καί ἐμβαθύνουμε στούς στοχασμούς των σχετικά μέ τόν τρόπο πού γνωρίζουμε τόν Θεό καί καθώς μέσῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ μᾶς δίδεται ἡ γνώση καί ἡ σοφία νά ἀκολουθήσουμε τό θέλημά Του μέσα σ ἕναν κόσμο γεμάτο προκλήσεις, ἀναγνωρίζουμε ἐπίσης τήν ἀξία τῶν διδασκαλιῶν τους ἐν σχέσει μέ τόν ἑορτασμό τῆς Ἡμέρας τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν Γραμμάτων. Ἐπί τῷ ἑορτασμῷ ἀμφοτέρων τῶν ἑορτῶν, ἡ προσευχή μου γιά σᾶς εἶναι ὁ ὑπέροχος χαιρετισμός τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου, οὐ παύομαι εὐχαριστῶν ὑπέρ ὑμῶν μνείαν ποιούμενος ἐπί τῶν προσευχῶν μου, ἵνα ὁ Θεός τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ πατήρ τῆς δόξης, δώῃ ὑμῖν πνεῦμα σοφίας καί ἀποκαλύψεως ἐν ἐπιγνώσει Αὐτοῦ (Ἐφ. 1:16). Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος 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

17 JANUARY Metropolis News Archdiocesan Institutions Holy Apostles Church photo Fr. George Alexson, Metropolitan Evangelos, Presvytera Joanna Alexson and Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, director of the Archdiocese Department of Registry, who visited his home parish. Virginia Parish Planning Church LOUDON COUNTY, Va. After completing a phase one study relating to the strategic planning of this fairly new parish of 135 members, Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church has completed a Phase One Study that culminated with a Kickoff Weekend. The parish has embarked on a process of vetting land available for purchase or existing church properties for sale. Parishioners are considering a 6.3- acre parcel of land valued at $1.8 million to accommodate the scope of their Vision. They hope to raise the vast majority of the investment through pledges to be fulfilled over a period of 1 to 3 years, with only a limited amount that may need to be carried as long-term debt for the community. Fundraising efforts have exceeded $535,000 (including pledges). Recently, Metropolitan Evangelos visited the parish where he bestowed the new name of Holy Apostles from what had been the Greek Orthodox Community of Loudon County. New Book Features Chicago Greeks in News Photos CHICAGO At a recent Metropolis of Chicago Christmas Open House hosted by Metropolitan Iakovos, a new book was unveiled featuring Greeks of the city appearing in news photographs. Proceeds from the book, EXTRA! EXTRA! Chicago s Greeks in News Photographs from will benefit the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Online copies can be purchased at com/?product=extra-extra-chicagos-greeksin-news-photographs or through the Metropolis of Chicago Office. Gregory Pappas compiled and edited the book and Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos wrote the forward. The book was published through a grant by Chicago businessman and Archon Harold Anagnos. Denver Metropolis Archons Host Council Symposium DENVER Order of St. Andrew Archon and historian George E. Demacopoulos, Ph.D, presented a symposium on the historical, canonical and ecclesiastical significance of the Holy and Great Council at Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral on Jan. 28. Dr. Demacopoulos Manhattan Church Receives Sacred Sites Challenge Grant; Celebrates 125 th Anniversary NEW YORK The New York Landmarks Conservancy, a private non-profit organization, has announced that Annunciation Church on Manhattan s Upper West Side was awarded a $25,000 Sacred Sites Challenge Grant to help fund church door, stained glass, and masonry restoration. Sacred Sites Grants totaling $260,000 have been awarded to historic religious properties throughout New York state. Altogether, the church plans to spend nearly $300,000 on exterior restoration work. Constructed as the Fourth Presbyterian Church, this Upper West Side church complex, with a prominent corner location, was designed by the architectural firm of Heins & LaFarge, and built in The church contains outstanding opalescent glass windows de- is professor of theology and co-director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center Fordham University, Bronx, New York. The symposium was co-organized by Archons Regional Commander Dr. Gregory G. Papadeas together with Archons of the 10 th and 19 th Districts signed by the Tiffany Studios, Benjamin Sellars, and Rafael Guastavino. An iconostasis and other liturgical furnishings were added to the interior in 1953 when the building was acquired by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The Metropolitan Greek Chorale is based at the church, and the Rachmaninoff Choir, an Eastern Orthodox Choral group based in Maine, holds annual concerts at the church. The parish house provides space for several secular programs, including the Young People s Choir of New York, the New Amsterdam Fencing Academy, a Greek dance troupe, SPOP, special programs for older people, a Russian language preschool, and rehearsal space for New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Combined, these activities reach over 1,000 people a year. Confirmation oaths NEW YORK Archbishop Demetrios administered the oath of office to the new boards of trustees for three institutions of the Archdiocese: (from top) St. Michael s Home with director Bishop Andonios of Phasiane; Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral with Dean Fr. John Vlahos; and Saint Basil Academy with director Fr. Constantine Sitaras. The Archbishop conducted a brief prayer service, which was followed by the traditional vasilopita cutting for each group. Orthodox Observer photo GOA/D. Panagos photos LOVE And you shall love the Lord your God with all your hear, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

18 18 JANUARY 2017

19 JANUARY Family Connections Care Teams Help Families With Problems by Patrick Tutella Please help me, plead the 32-year old Christian woman, frantic after finding her 50 year old mother suffering a brain hemorrhage due to an aneurism. Secretly, her mother has been addicted to opiates; legal prescription pain medication prescribed by her physician, and illegal narcotics including heroin. This secret probably would have remained under wraps much longer if her bleeding brain didn t send off a distress signal indicating that something was terribly wrong. This woman is one of the lucky ones who didn t die from her secret addiction. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4,102 people died as an unintended consequence of heroin overdoses in 2011 (the most recent year for which data are available). Think about that statistic. Approximately one person died from a heroin overdose every two hours! According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in that same year, 14, 091 Americans died from accidental overdoses of prescription opioids. (Drugabuse.gov) If parishioners know church as a safe place to come for help when they are in distress, where they will be loved and cared for not only by the clergy but also by their fellow parishioners, they may be more likely to share their secret struggles without the fear of being stigmatized or ostracized? Trained Care Teams can offer the additional emotional support and encouragement that is necessary for parish members to face personal and family challenges in life. A team of three caring women is now being recruited for training to meet with this recovering woman on a weekly basis as a supportive Care Team. Their purpose is not to fix her but simply to be present with her and love her. Their presence will encourage her in her recovery efforts, reminding her that she is not alone. It is amazing how much a caring team can do to encourage healing and restoration. Reflections Demetri (pseudonym) was a cradle Orthodox Christian who grew up in a loving home. He married a wonderful Greek woman named Eleni (pseudonym), fathered two beautiful daughters and became a successful businessman. What most people didn t know was that he harbored a secret gambling addiction that spiraled out of control, causing his life to become unmanageable, filling him with anxiety. In an effort to remedy the situation, he began to bend the rules in his business dealings, ultimately committing serious financial misappropriations. The day he was arrested, his family was devastated. His wife felt ashamed and humiliated. She didn t even want to be seen in public. She stopped going to church and quite often didn t even answer her telephone. Their two children, ages five and seven, were too young to comprehend what was happening, but they felt the tension in the house. They often thought that they did something wrong. The day that daddy went away was especially confusing. He said that he was going to work at a faraway place and they couldn t go along. He promised that he would think about them every day until he returned home. He tried to smile when he left but he cried instead. Their mommy also cried a lot. Their house became a very sad place. Overnight, Eleni s world was turned upside down. Prior to her husband s conflict with the law, she was a stay-at- home mom and her husband was the main breadwinner of the family. Now, he was locked up in a federal prison in another state, their bank accounts were depleted and she was only able to find part time employment. Raising the children as a single parent, she frequently had to shift them from one caregiver to another. Had her husband actually died, the family would have received an outpouring of support. In essence, she was as a widow and her children as orphans, silently suffering shame and humiliation in the u to page 23 The Invisible Church: A Doctrine That Has Come of Age ARETI KETIME The American Tour 2017 TRADITIONAL GREEK FOLK MUSIC with a Tribute to the American Rebetiko. The teenager that stole our hearts at the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games embarks on her second American performance tour in February, March, April and May A SYN-PHONIA ENTERTAINMENT production, (a company that strives for the preservation of Greek culture, heritage and traditions through music), this LIVE presentation will re-affirm Ketime s vast scope of musical talent and uncompromised charm and dignity in performance. This performance is available to any Greek Organization/ Parish in the U.S. and Canada. A wonderful fund raising tool, it can either be in concert form or Glendi style as part of another event (Apokriatiko). Organized Dance Groups may also participate in the performance. (Instructive seminars by Ms. Ketime on the subjects of Byzantine Music, Greek Folk Music and Dance, their styles and origins are also available.) For information on presenting this performance in your city: SynPhonia Entertainment or info@synphoniaentertainment.com u from page 11 every cell within a person. Prayers for healing and being anointed with Holy Unction come from the Church. Marriages are blessed by God within the Church; it is something God does, not we through our vows. Ordinations of clergy are done within the Church. And at the end of our earthly life, prayers are said at our funeral which takes place in the Church. Our whole life is meant to be lived as a member of the Church, not as a selfruled, individualistic journey. The Church is the place where people come to offer corporate worship. The earliest documented service of the Church comes from the hand of an Apostle of Christ: The Liturgy of Saint James the Apostle. This service and all of the services after him reflect the corporate sense of worship and not some individualistic endeavor. The Church in the Book of Acts also reflects this same corporate sense of worship. The Church is here today for each and every person. Salvation is truly found within the Church. This we affirm and proclaim to the world today. And with God s help we will pass this Faith on to the next generation. Fr. Stephen Powley is the executive director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry and the priest of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Pueblo, Colo.

20 20 Obituaries JANUARY 2017 Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos LINWOOD, N.J. Fr. Demetrios John Constantelos, renowned Orthodox scholar, college professor, prolific author and parish priest, died Jan. 10. He was 89 and was retired. Fr. Constantelos was one of the most respected Orthodox theologians and scholars of Greek culture, as witnessed by his innumerable scholarly publications receiving critical acclaim by internationally recognized experts. He earned his Ph.D. at Rutgers University and his D.D. from Holy Cross Hellenic College. He was the Charles Cooper Townsend Sr. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and Religious Studies at Richard Stockton College in New Jersey and also a Distinguished Scholar in Residence there, with specialties in the Byzantine or Medieval Greek world, ancient Greece, Rome and the Roman Empire, early Christianity, New Testament Studies, and the history of P philanthropy. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Hellenic Studies program at Richard Stockton. Early life He was born July 27, 1927 in Spilia, Messinia, Greece, the fifth child of Christine and Ioannis Constantelos. He attended elementary school in Messinia and high school in Kyparissia and, following his graduation, he was offered a scholarship to study at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass., and arrived in the United States in March Upon graduating from the school in 1951 he attended the University of Michigan. In 1954 he married Stella Croussouloudis of New York and Chios. She predeceased him in March He returned to Greece where he enrolled and attended courses at the School of Theology, University of Athens ( ). Upon his return to the United States in May of 1955, he was ordained in July, 1955 and assigned to St. Demetrios Church in Perth Amboy, N.J. During his diakonia at St. Demetrios ( ) he pursued post-graduate studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ, ( ), receiving a Th. M. in New Testament studies, and Rutgers University ( ), receiving an M.A. in 1963 and Ph.D. in 1965 in the history of Byzantine Civilization. He has received several scholarships, fellowships and honors including the Lane Cooper Fellowship and University Fellowship at Rutgers University, a Junior Fellowship at Dumbarton Oaks of Harvard University, several grants, an honorary doctorate in theology by Hellenic College/Holy Cross and several distinctions from academic, professional and social organizations. Accomplishments Beginning in 1962, he taught at Rutgers University, Hellenic College, Boston College, New York University and lectured at several universities and colleges in the United States and before many professional, religious, academic and civic organizations. He presented papers at international congresses of Byzantine Studies, Conference on Medieval Studies, the Catholic Historical Association, American Historical Association, Society for Church His- FR. DEMETRIOS CONSTANTELOS tory, the American Academy of Religion, the Modern Greek Studies Association, the Orthodox Theological Society of America, the Anglican-Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox-Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox and Evangelical Lutheran Theological Consultations, and other organizations in the United States, Spain, England, France, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Israel, South Korea, Australia and Greece. Between 1955 and 1996, Rev. Constantelos served either as regular or visiting pastor at several communities in New England, New Jersey, and Maryland. He was a visiting lecturer in many communities of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, California, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana. Fr. Constantelos was an associate editor of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies at Temple University, and a member of the New Revised Standard Version Bible Committee of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. He also received several academic, community and book awards from 1959 to Fr. Constantelos published more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles on Hellenism, philosophy, history and theology. He was predeceased by Presvytera Stella in March Survivors include four children, Christine, John, Helen and Maria, and six grandchildren. Funeral services took place Jan. 16 at Holy Trinity Church in Egg Harbor, NJ with Archbishop Demetrios officiating, and Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey assisting, and many priests participating. Fr. John A. Mangos, MD SAN ANTONIO Fr. John A. Mangos, 84, a priest with a lay profession, died Dec. 25. In addition to serving as assistant priest at St. Sophia Church in San Antonio, he was chairman of pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Born Sept. 19, 1932 in Thessaloniki, he attended public school there and studied at the medical school of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, receiving his M.D. in pediatrics tin He married Rae Mathewson of Milwaukee (now deceased) in December After relocating to the United States, they settled in the Chicago area. He was ordained to the diaconate at Sts. Constantine and Helen in Chicago in May 1973, and to the priesthood at Assumption Church in Madison, Wis., in July 1973 by Bishop Timotheos of Rodostolon. He served as part-time priest at Assumption Church in Madison until June 1975, and at the Greek Orthodox Community in Gainesville, Fla., until August 1982 when he was then assigned to San Antonio. Survivors include daughters, June Maria Matthews and husband, Patrick; Marianna Gardea and husband, Anthony; Elena Umbel and husband, David; and Yanna Goodwin and husband Christopher, and 12 grandchildren. In addition to his presvytera, he was predeceased by a grandson. Funeral services took place Dec. 28 at St. Sophia Church. Memorials may be made to Children s Hospital in San Antonio. Fr. Dionisios Marketos Fr. Dionisios Marketos, a retired priest of the Archdiocese, died Nov. 20 after a brief illness. He was 93. Fr. Marketos was born April 20, 1943 in Cephalonia, Greece, to Angelos and Anna Marketos. After completing high school, he completed the Public Trade School in Athens, studying accounting, and also attended seminars in Byzantine music and teleturgics at Rizario Theological School. After serving in the Greek army, he worked as an accountant in Athens. He emigrated to the United States in 1967 and married Anastasia Aravadinou at St. Phanourios Church in Elizabeth, N.J., in In the years prior to his ordination, he worked in the fur industry until becoming a priest later in life. He was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Philotheos of Meloa on March 24, 1996, and, on Aug. 27, 1997, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Phanourios Church by Bishop Alexios of Troas. He was appointed as pastor of Transfiguration Church in Mattituck by Archbishop Demetrios. In 2008, at the direction of Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, he was appointed as the priest of Evangelismos Church in Jersey City, where he served until his retirement on March 1, Survivors include his presvytera, Anastasia; children Anna and Stephanos; and other relatives. Funeral service took place Nov. 23, at St. Demetrios Church, Astoria, N.Y. Burial was at St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, N.Y. Theodore (Anargyros) Anastasopulos HONOLULU - Theodore A. Anastasopulos, 84, one of the founders of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, the first Greek Orthodox church in Hawaii, died Dec. 10 at his home in Kailua. He also was an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a member of one of the pioneer Greek families in Hawaii. He was the first and only person in Hawaii to be named an Archon. He was born in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii in 1932 to Demetrios and Julia Anastasopulos, immigrants from Vassara, Sparta, Greece. Because there was no Greek Orthodox Church in Hawaii in the 1930 s, Julia had made a vow that she would baptize her son at a small monastery in Greece near their summer village. The events of WWII and the subsequent Greek Civil War made travel to Greece impossible for many years. The vow was fulfilled in Ted took the name of the monastery, Sts. Anargyroi. The A. for Anargyros was added to his name after he was baptized. Ted and his sister, Helen, attended local schools. While at Stevenson Intermediate, they both worked in the pineapple fields. Because of the war, laborers were limited. When it was their turn to work, trucks would pick up the students from school. They would either hoe or pick pineapples by hand and put the pineapples in a burlap bag they would carry on their backs. A local newspaper had a full-page picture of them with hoes on their shoulders and a caption reading, Helping the war effort. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Ted went on to Menlo Junior College in Menlo Park, Calif., later transferring to the University of California at Berkeley and majored in American History, then decided to go to San Francisco Hotel and Restaurant School. Upon his return to Hawaii, he worked as a night clerk at the Moana Surfrider Hotel. From there he went to the Halekulani Hotel and was promoted to assistant manager. He worked there for five years and became manager of the Waiohai Hotel at Poipu, Kauai. Changing careers Ted received a master s degree in education from State College Boston in He taught for many years at Honolulu s Central Intermediate School and ended up at his alma mater, Roosevelt. Ted, along with his parents and sister, became one of the founders of what became the Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral of the Pacific in He served in various leadership positions over the years including parish council president. Ted also was the parish historian keeping books of photos, newspaper articles, and other materials. I was always uplifted by his positive and generous spirit, and by the way he gave of himself unselfishly to help others, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco said in a letter read at Ted s funeral. Ted was a man of impeccable character who loved the Lord and exemplified his faith in all his actions. Ted was predeceased by his parents, his sister, and her daughter. He is survived by his grandnephew, Demetri Marmash, who lovingly cared for him in recent years. Funeral services were held on Dec. 28 at the cathedral, officiated by the current priest, Fr. Alexander Leong and former pastor Fr. Peter Salmas. Contributions in Ted s memory may be made to the Cathedral, 730 Lunalilo St., Honolulu, HI Contributed by Clifford T. Argue

21 JANUARY Parish Profile A Community in the Picturesque Hudson Valley PARISH profile Name: St. George Greek Orthodox Church Location: Kingston, N.Y. Archdiocesan District Founded: 1960 Clergy: Fr. Michael Kourametis (HCHC 1980) Size: About 100 families Web: KINGSTON, N.Y. The picturesque Hudson Valley between Albany and New York City, settled by the Dutch in the 17 th century, is home to a several parishes of more recent vintage, and to Saint Basil Academy. Among them is St. George, a small church in the small city of Kingston (locally referred to as K-Town) that had a larger membership in more prosperous times. With a population of nearly 25,000, the sleepy little city near the Catskills about halfway between New York and Albany had as its main claim to fame its status as the capital of New York in 1777, at the height of the Revolutionary War, until the British army burned it. Now it is home to such cultural attractions as the Hudson River Maritime Museum, the Trolley Museum of New York and the Catskill Mountain Railroad. The contemporary parish, located near the downtown area, is a very active one. The parish is like a family, very closely knit, said Fr. Kourametis, who has served the community nearly three years. An active choir, consisting of 10 members, is one of the key ministries, drawing praise from Archbishop Demetrios who visited the parish. Active ministries include Sunday school and Greek school, each with nearly 25 students. The youth of the community hold an annual Greek dance, and the Junior PEACE Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 Questions about submitting news and photos: Jim Golding (212) ; jim@goarch.org For advertising or the Greek section: Lefteris Pissalidis, (212) ; lefteris@goarch.org GOYA go Christmas caroling to a local senior citizens home. A Hellenic women s club performs philanthropic work in the city and donates to Archdiocese causes that include fund raisers for Saint Basil Academy and St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine. In 2015, for the first time, members of St. George participated in the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The parish is on the Stewardship Program and major fund raisers include the annual bazaar the weekend before Thanksgiving, and a large dinner dance after Pascha to celebrate the Feast Day of St. George. In the greater Kingston community Fr. Michael meets regularly with area clergy, mostly Roman Catholic and Dutch Reformed, reflecting the large influence of the Dutch from the 17th century the Hudson Valley was part of the New Netherland colony. Converts three families just came to faith. We are a small but very active parish of kind, kind people, said Fr. Michael. The parish has a few immigrants, but mostly first to fourth-generation. Several own restaurants; others are doctors, lawyers and in other vocations. Historic background According to a parish history, St. George was a dream of the early Change of Address To submit a change of address: 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. ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH St. George church photo Greek Orthodox settlers of this area for many years. Before 1960, Greek Orthodox people made the long trip to either Poughkeepsie or Newburgh to attend services. Some of the original settlers of Kingston helped form the parishes of Kimisis in Poughkeepsie and St. Nicholas in Newburgh. Among them was George Maouris who became the church psalti. His daughter, Polyxeni Maouris Hillier eventually went to Holy Cross School of Theology and now serves as director of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. In 1960, Chris J. Larios, chairman of the original committee, was elected Board of Trustees president. He wrote to Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras to explain the need for a Greek Orthodox community in Kingston. He soon received a letter from the Patriarch giving his blessing. The original census revealed more than 140 adults and 73 children. The parish began services at a local Episcopal church, with Fr. Athanasios Chamberas from Poughkeepsie holding services. The Archdiocese also sent clergy to celebrate Holy Week and Easter Services. The first full-time parish priest to be assigned was Fr. Nicholas Katsoulis. Property was purchased and the groundbreaking for a church was held on Palm Sunday, Bishop Silas consecrated the Church on April 24, The parish had several hundred members, but the closing of the IBM plant caused the parish to lose numbers. Compiled by Jim Golding INTERNATIONAL K-12 SCHOOL IN ATHENS RECRUITING TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ACS Athens (American Community Schools of Athens) is seeking to attract and employ enthusiastic and qualified American faculty and administrators including a high school principal - of Greek descent, for all disciplines and levels (Elementary, Middle, High School). This is a unique opportunity for Greek-American teachers to return to their roots and teach where teaching began! ACS Athens is a student-centered English-language international school embracing American educational philosophy, principles and values. It is a private, nonprofit, pre-k-12 institution located in Athens and has served the children of the American, international and local communities in Athens since 1945, with a current enrollment of 898 students. Visit our website at acs.gr. For detailed employment listings, job descriptions and applying, see Candidates must CV (list all certifications) and cover letter to Anna Velivasaki, velivasakia@acs.gr. Feel free to contact Peggy Pelonis, Dean of student affairs at and pelonisp@acs.gr, or Steven Medeiros, Dean, Academic Affairs medeiross@acs.gr.

22 22 º π π ƒπ π π ø ª π ª π ƒ Contact: Eleni & Ari Poulos WEB: Επίσης αναλαμβάνουμε Διαβατήρια και Συμβολαιογραφικά (Πληρεξούσια, Μεταφράσεις, Πιστοποιητικά, κ.λ.π.) Call Now and Begin Saving Money with Eleni Tours, Inc. FARES BEGIN AT... $ 480 $ plus 299 tax ONE WAY plus tax ROUND TRIP To Athens or Thessaloniki from New York RESTRICTIONS DO APPLY SPACE IS LIMITED CALL TODAY LOWEST HOTEL & CAR FARES AVAILABLE LOWEST PRICES IN THE MARKET NON STOP FLIGHT US AIR FROM PHILA TO ATHENS AND CONTINUE TO THESSALONIKI 5 Bayberry Drive, Broomall, PA Fax: Church History JANUARY 2017 On the Road with Archbishop Athenagoras, October 1934 by William H. Samonides, Ph.D. In February 1931 Archbishop Athenagoras arrived in America. The task before him was daunting. He was expected to establish unity and order in the Church, which had been wracked by political dissension since 1915 and was in need of effective hierarchal administration. For the 44-year- old Athenagoras, whose previous domain had been the small island of Corfu, the scale of this new undertaking was enormous. He was responsible for the entire Western Hemisphere. Until the installation of Bishop Athenagoras Cavadas in June 1938, there were only two hierarchs overseeing this vast jurisdiction, which in the continental United States alone included over 250 Greek Orthodox parishes spread over nearly 3 million square miles. During his 18 years in America, Athenagoras was constantly on the move, crisscrossing the continent to visit the Greek Orthodox everywhere. His travels are often credited with uniting the Church and imbuing the faithful with a sense of the greater community of believers. President Hoover The Archbishop began traveling from the moment he arrived. Within four days he visited President Herbert Hoover at the White House. Early on, he made short single-destination trips, but he gradually extended his itineraries. By 1934, he had settled into a traveling mode that would serve him well for the rest of his time in America. A trip that began in Brockton, Mass., during the Columbus Day weekend in 1934 is an example of how he maximized the opportunities to reach out to the faithful. From Thursday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct. 21, 1934, he attended four major events and visited nearly a dozen communities in three states. He combined ecclesiastical duties with attendance at secular events. He visited Greek communities whether or not they had established parishes. He took the time to renew old acquaintances, make new friends, and extend his personal network. Visits Brockton, Mass. In Brockton, he consecrated the newly-built Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The Archbishop had presided at the laying of the cornerstone the previous year. For the consecration he was assisted by Fr. Basil Efthimiou, who was serving as dean of Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. Fr. Efthimiou had been the Archbishop s roommate and classmate at the Halki Theological Seminary in Constantinople. He was the first cleric to come to this country after the Archbishop s arrival in 1931 and among the first ordained to the priesthood by Athenagoras. Also assisting the Archbishop in Brockton was another old friend, Fr. Parthenios Comninos, priest of the St. Demetrios parish in Fall River, Mass. Fr. Comninos had served as Archdeacon and traveling companion to Archbishop Athenagoras during his first year in America. After completing his duties in Brockton and while the parish celebrated at a banquet and dance, the Archbishop slept on the night train to Richmond, Va. Virginia itinerary There on Saturday and Sunday, Oct , he consecrated the renovated Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. The priest was another old friend, Fr. Demetrios Sgouros. A native of Corfu, Fr. Sgouros had served as Archdeacon there for Athenagoras until his ordination to the priesthood in Here, as in Brockton, the services attracted hundreds of the faithful. After four intense days of travel and church services, Archbishop Athenagoras held services at the St. Elpis parish in Hopewell, Va., and visited other smaller groups in the area. One stop was in Greensboro, N.C., where priests from Winston-Salem conducted monthly services. The Dormition of the Theotokos parish was not established until 1948, but other organizations were already in place. At Manuel s Cafe, a local Greekowned restaurant, the Archbishop met with local leaders, including the heads of Philoptochos, AHEPA and the Greek school. Here and a few days later when he visited the faithful in Harrisonburg and Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, he met with the faithful wherever they gathered. When he visited communities without parishes or church buildings, he stopped by their restaurants or confectionaries. Archbishop Athenagoras had the common touch, the ability to make a personal connection with the people. On Friday, Oct. 19, the Archbishop visited the Holy Trinity parish in Roanoke and later attended the dedication of a new Veterans Administration hospital by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The construction and operation of this hospital, which is still in operation, provided much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Athenagoras placed a priority on connecting with political leaders. He paid annual visits to the three presidents in office during his years in America. He had known Roosevelt since April 1932, having visited him in Albany when he was serving as governor of New York. During the frequent courtesy calls to political leaders, the Archbishop often asked them to look after the interests of his people. This was particularly important since the status of many of his flock, especially the unnaturalized Greek immigrants, was not secure. The Archbishop s final stop on this trip was in Fredericksburg, Va., where he celebrated the first anniversary of the local AHEPA chapter. The Archbishop rarely missed any gathering of AHEPA or GAPA (Greek American Progressive Association). The Fredericksburg celebration was also attended by the governor of Virginia, the national president of AHEPA, and high-ranking members of the Greek legation in Washington. During his travels Archbishop Athenagoras demonstrated that he was comfortable and effective among groups of all sizes, at large-scale formal events and in intimate, one-on- one visits to homes and businesses. He had a remarkable memory for names and faces. His energy and ability to relate to people in all walks of life contributed greatly to the success of his mission of uniting and strengthening the Church in America. The author thanks Fr. Milton Efthimiou of New York, Joanna Stellakis and James Theos of Brockton, and Bernadette Cornelius of Richmond.

23 JANUARY Youth Camps OCMC * The following Metropolis Youth Camp schedules were received for the January issue. METROPOLIS OF BOSTON Metropolis of Boston Camp Location: St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center Contocook, N.H. Dates:Summer Family Camp June 29 - July 2; Session 1: July 3-9 Session 2: July Session 3: July Session 4: July Session 5: July 31-August 6 Cost per camper: TBA Director or contact person and phone number: Ioannis Michaelidis, yannim@boston.goarch.org website: metropolisofbostoncamp.org Open to: (ages 8-18, and families) Registration: Summer Camp Registration Begins March 1 METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO SUMMER CAMPS Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch Location: St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap Calif. Dates: Staff Orientation July 3-8, 2017 Session 1 July 9-15, 2017 Session 2 July 16-22, 2017 Session 3 July 23-29, 2017 Cost per camper: Early Registration December 1- $500 Regular Registration February 1- $525 Late Registration - April 1- $550 $25 Discount for each additional child Camp Director: Johanna Duterte, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries jduterte@sanfran.goarch.org Website: Open to: Mainly Greek Orthodox but Pan-Orthodox Christians from age 8 years (or entering the third grade in September 2017) to 18 years old (or a high school graduate in spring 2017), as well as friends and relatives of those campers. Online Registration Open: December 1, June 30, 2017 Greek Village Elliniko Horio Location: St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap Calif. Dates: June 17-24, 2017 Cost per camper: Early Registration $475 Regular Registration $500 Late Registration $550 $25 Discount for each additional child Program Coordinator: Katerina Iconomou info@katerinaonline.com Website: Open to: Mainly Greek Orthodox children ages 8-15 interested in learning more about Greek language and culture in a summer camp environment. Online Registration Open: February 1 - June 15 All Saints Orthodox Summer Camp - Arizona Location: Pine Summit, 800 E. Wolf Creek Rd., Prescott, Dates: June 21-26, 2017 Cost per camper: Early Registration: $375 Regular Registration: $400 Late Registration: $425 Director or contact person and phone number: Evan Tsagaris, camp administration director allsaintscamparizona@gmail.com Website: Open to: Youth from ages 8-18, from any Orthodox Christian communities, as well as the friends and relatives of those campers Capacity: 180 campers Online Registration Open: Jan June 15, 2017 All Saints Camp Washington Location: Gig Harbor, Wash. Dates: Counselor Orientation July 7-9, 2017 Elementary Camp (Grade 3-5) July 9-15, 2017 Advanced Camp (Grades 6-9) July 16-22, 2017 High School Camp (Grades 10-12) July 9-15, 2017 Cost per camper: $330 for high school campers $300 for all others $30 discount for each additional child Director or contact person and phone number: Lefteris Sitaras, Youth Director, St. Demetrios, Seattle, (206) info@allsaintscamp.com Website: Open to: Any youth ages 8 to 18. This camp is co-owned by the communities of St. Demetrios and Assumption but all Orthodox Christians are welcome to attend. Registration Opens: Jan. 28, Register by March 1, 2017 and receive a $50 discount. Registration closes June 1, Camp Angelos Location: Corbett, Oregon, in the Sandy River valley property of Camp Angelos Dates: July 9-14, 2017 Cost per camper: $280 Director/contact person Christine Whitton, Holy Trinity Cathedral, youth director. christine.n.whitton@gmail.com Website: goholytrinity.org Open to: Youth from ages 9-16, from any Orthodox Christian communities, as well as the friends and relatives of those campers. Registration: TBA Ascension Summer Camp Location: YMCA Camp Ravencliff, Redway Calif. Dates: June Cost per camper: $550 for 1 camper -pledged member $675 for 1 camper -non- pledged member (sibling discounts available) Director or contact person and phone number: Yanni Limnios Limnios@gmail.com Website: summer-camp/ Open to: Youth from ages 8-17, from any Orthodox Christian communities, as well as the friends and relatives of those campers. Registration: TBA St. Sophia Camp Location: Camp Seeley 250 N. Highway 138 Crestline, CA Dates: Session 1 July 23-29, 2017 Session 2 July 29 - Aug 5, 2017 Cost per camper: TBA Director or contact person and phone number: Perry Skaggs Camp Director saintsophiacamp@gmail.com Website: home.shtml Open to: Youth from ages 8-18, from any Orthodox Christian communities, as well as the friends and relatives of those campers. Registration: TBA 2016 Mission Teams Recap by Sara Staff 2016 has been another awesome year for OCMC short-term mission teams! Many of you have traveled across the globe to answer the call of making disciples of all nations, and the impact of that has been profound. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center was able to send off 20 teams totaling 122 team members to spread the message of Christ s love through the Orthodox Church. Team members represented 10 different jurisdictions, 33 states, and 2 from the United Kingdom and India. There were a variety of ages represented from 7 to 78 years old. Teams traveled to 7 countries on 4 different continents totaling over 641,600 miles flown! They ministered to 1,200 adults, 2,400 youth and young adults, cared for 1,500 patients, and numerous other unrecorded individuals were reached. Over $18,000 in grant money was received to be used for medicines, orphanages, conferences, retreats, camps, and projects for the mission teams. shadows during the husband/father s incarceration. This is not an isolated incident. On any given day, over two million adult Americans are confined to our nation s prisons. Prior to their incarceration, many of these people were struggling with harmful addictions (drugs, alcohol, gambling, and even shopping) that made their lives unmanageable. Eleni was visited often by her parish priest who encouraged her to attend Liturgy and keep the kids plugged in to the life of the Church. She was grateful for his paternal love, yet the stigma of her husband s arrest caused her to feel ashamed and alone. Eleni would have benefitted from the additional support of a trained Care Team of women from her parish community. A team that understands the challenges that families face when a loved one is arrested and incarcerated. They would embrace the woman in her pain, pray with and for her and protect the confidential nature of the relationship. Eleni would find rest, knowing that she is not alone. The peer Care Team approach for supportive care in the parish is in harmony with the scriptures. In the Gospel of St. John 13:34, our Lord commands us to love one another. St. Paul, writing to the Galatians said, Bear one another s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (6:2). A few verses later he continues, let us do good to all men, and especially to those of the household of faith (6:10). In similar fashion, he instructs the Thessalonians to, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thess 5:14) The Care Team approach is also congruent with the teachings of the early church fathers, including St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great. In his homily, Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren, Chrysostom presents the Following the mission trips, at least 14 team members felt a calling on their heart for long-term mission service, and 4 have already started the process to become long-term missionaries. Not only that, but teams have helped raise awareness of missions in the lives of 1,060 supporters, including over 510 new donors! OCMC is very thankful for another impactful year for mission teams. To be part of Christ s ministry on earth is an incredible blessing. Every individual who participates on a team is answering the call to make disciples of all nations and impacting lives with Christ s love. We pray that the Orthodox Church around the world continues to grow through the efforts of missionaries and mission teams. For all of you who served on or financed mission trips, thank you. Your love for Christ and the Orthodox Faith has brought many people encouragement and hope. It s already time to consider joining a 2017 short-term mission team. To see what teams are available for 2017, check out ocmc.org or call OCMC at (ext. 142). Care Teams Help Families With Problems u from page 19 Church as a hospital for sinners, and the sacramental life of the Church as therapy. St. Basil s New City was founded as a safe place where the poor, the diseased, orphans and the aged could have their needs addressed by laity working together with monks and nuns. Through the establishment of parish support Care Teams, the Orthodox faithful are presented with opportunities to grow spiritually through service to the parish that is personal, meaningful, and effective. One peer Care Team was recruited to assist a Greek Orthodox woman face the daily challenges associated with her husband s diagnosis of stage four COPD. Another Care Team is supporting a man who is working through grief over the death of his spouse. Operating under the direction and guidance of the parish priest, these Care Teams support his ministry by helping to manage challenging situations and thereby preventing them from becoming emergencies or tragedies. Finally, parish Care Teams are valuable for outreach and evangelism. In the Gospel of St. John 13:35, Jesus said, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. As the world continues to advance technologically, vast numbers of people express feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many times the search for God begins with the search for friends. Parish Care Teams can provide opportunities for neighbors to find each other in a Christ honoring way that leads to salvation. For more ideas to help your parish develop this ministry contact the Center for Family Care familycare@goarch.org. Patrick Tutella is director of the New Hope Project. He is the former national director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. He and his wife Cheryl reside in Berks County, Pa. They attend Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lititz, Pa.

24 24 Calendar of Events JANUARY 2017 Book Review * The following national and metropolis level events were received in time for the January issue. ARCHDIOCESE February th annual Leadership 100 Conference, Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa, Manalapan, Fla. May 4 5 Archdiocese Council Meeting, Location TBD. May 20 HCHC Commencement. June 17 Saint Basil Academy Graduation Oct Archdiocesan Council Meeting, New York. Oct Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate meetings, New York. METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO January Metropolis Winter Family Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap, Calif. January Metropolis Young Adult Winter Retreat, Galilee Camp and Conference Center, Lake Tahoe, Nevada January Metropolis Philoptochos Board Meeting, Metropolis Office San Francisco. January Metropolis Sisterhood of Presvyteres Retreat, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Dunlap, Calif. January 23 Metropolis of San Francisco Church School Directors Online Meeting January 28 Metropolis Church Music Federation Winter Business Meeting, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Long Beach, Calif. January 29 Metropolis Greek Letters Day Celebration, Annunciation Church, Sacramento, Calif. February 3 4 Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry Conference, Holy Trinity Church San Francisco. February Folk Dance and Choral Festival, Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, San Diego. February 27 Metropolis of San Francisco Church School Directors Online Meeting. February 27 June 4 Mochas for Missions Campaign, Metropolis Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism. March 5 Pan Orthodox Celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Location (to be determined). March 18 Adult Christian Education Webinar. Metropolis Online Meeting. March 18 Archdiocese Greek School Teachers Seminar, St. Sophia Cathedral Metropolis News CHICAGO Archons of the Metropolis of Chicago continue to actively pursue passage in several state legislatures of a resolution in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Most recently efforts have focused on Minnesota and Indiana. In Minnesota, three clergy, Frs. Rick Andrews of St George parish in St Paul, Tim Sas of Twelve Holy Apostles in Duluth and George Dokos of St Mary s in Minneapolis, along with Archon Bill Spell and Metropolis Media Relations Director John Ackerman met with Minnesota Republican Chairman Keith Downey to discuss the need for Los Angeles. March 19 Archdiocese Greek School Teachers Seminar. Holy Cross Church, Belmont, Calif. March 20 Metropolis of San Francisco Adult Christian Education Online Webinar. March 25 Metropolis Greek Independence Day Celebration, Location TBD. March 27 Metropolis of San Francisco Church School Directors Online Meeting. March 31April 2 Young Adult Lenten Retreat, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap, Calif. April 24 Metropolis of San Francisco Church School Directors Online Meeting. April Metropolis Council Meeting, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Dunlap, Calif. April 26 April 27 Metropolis Clergy Laity Assembly, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. April Metropolis Clergy Retreat, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. May 7 Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Agape Reception, Newport Beach, Calif. May 13 Metropolis St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. May Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry Conference, St. Paul Church, Irvine, Calif. May 26 May 29 Metropolis Spring Family Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. June 8 11 Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Camp Agape, Mayer, Ariz. June Greek Village Immersion Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. June 22 June 25 Metropolis Church Music Federation Conference, Location TBD July 9 15 Metropolis Summer Camp, Session I, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. July 16 July 22 Metropolis Summer Camp Session II, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. July Metropolis Summer Camp, Session III, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. July 24 July 29 Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Camp Agape, All Saints Camp, Gig Harbor, Wash. July 30 August 4 Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Camp Agape, Camp Angelos, Portland, Oregon. Chicago Metropolis Archons Press for Resolution Passage Minnesota to pass the resolution. In Indiana, as part of a joint initiative by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, and in conjunction with the Archon s of both Metropolises, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos visited Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merrillville, Ind., and made a presentation for passage in Indiana of the Archon Resolution. In attendance were Indiana State Sens. Lonnie Randolph and Rick Niemeyer, State Reps. Mara Candelaria Reardon and Hal Slager, and Lake County Auditor John Petalas. August 17 August 20 Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Camp Agape, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. August Metropolis of San Francisco Youth Worker Meeting, Metropolis Office. August Metropolis Philoptochos Kids n Cancer Camp Agape, Ramona, Calif. September 8 9 Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry Conference, Holy Apostles Church, Shoreline, Wash. September 16 Metropolis of San Francisco Church School Directors Online Meeting. September Metropolis Adult Resort Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Sept. (TBD) Metropolis Philoptochos Fall Spiritual Conference, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. October 6 9 National Presvyteres Retreat, Marriott Hotel, Newport Beach, Calif. November Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry Conference, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix. November (date TBD) Light the Path Metropolis Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon Southern California. December (date TBD) Light the Path, Metropolis Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon, Northern California. December 15 Young Adult Christmas Party, Metropolis House, San Francisco. December 16 Metropolis Christmas Open House, Metropolis House, San Francisco. METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY January 6 Vasilopita Cutting for Metropolis Clergy and Families, Metropolitan Council, GOMNJ Philoptochos, Parish Council Presidents and Parish Philoptochos Presidents, Metropolis of New Jersey, Westfield, NJ. January 7 Annual Epiphany Celebration, St. George Church in Ocean City, Md. January Metropolis of New Jersey. Hellenic Folk Dance Festival, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. Annapolis, Md. January 22 Maryland and Northern Virginia Regions Three Hierarchs/Greek Letters Celebration, St. Nicholas Church, Baltimore. January 28 Northern New Jersey Three Hierarchs/Greek Letters Celebration, St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly, NJ. January 29 Delaware Valley Three Hierarchs/Greek Letters Celebration, St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, PA. Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Retreat, Eastern Shore, Maryland April 2 Greek Independence Day Parade, Philadelphia. May 8 9, 2017 Metropolis Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention, The Venetian in Garfield, NJ. May Metropolis GOYA Outdoor Olympics, Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. September 17 Holy Cross Celebration, Asbury Park, NJ. November (TBD) Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey Ambassador Awards Banquet, The Merion in Cinnamonson, NJ November Feastday Celebration of St. John Chrysostom, Patron Saint of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. GOMNJ Headquarters in Westfield. November 15 Regional Holy Unction Services Marking the Beginning of the Christmas Lent. December (TBD) Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House, GOMNJ Headquarters in Westfield. u from page 10 alted calling in Christ. Finally, Fr. Ted explores the transforming power that is inherent in the Gospel whenever it is authentically proclaimed from the pulpit, through Orthodox worship, and evidenced in a Christian lifestyle. This results in a new creation of ourselves personally, our communities of faith, society and indeed the environment since Christ s person and work embrace and impact everything that exists. But he cautions that there is nothing automatic or magical about how this works. The Gospel s power is released through the integrity of our life, work and witness in submission to Christ, and enlightenment by the Spirit within the community of the Church. The last chapter, Fostering an Evangelical Ethos, serves as a fitting conclusion to reclaim the profound Gospel-centered nature of the Orthodox Church. By this Fr. Ted means a set of specific religious convictions and spiritual attributes that derive from Christ and the Apostles themselves. In this regard he is clear: The gospel is not so much about theological concepts, or moral values, or religious duties, or the celebration of tradition, although it embraces and illuminates these. It is about God s great saving acts in Christ, the Spirit, and the Church, which ushers in the new creation as a treasure in earthen vessels. Then he reminds us that, since the Gospel belongs to God, we who preach, teach, and minister need above all to continually embrace it, meditate upon it, proclaim and live it. Whatever qualities and expertise we have is secondary. Above all, the gifts and blessings of the Gospel are primary; the demands and expectations follow. This is critical since the life in Christ all too easily is reduced to moral obligations and religious duties. Only on this basis free acceptance again and again of Christ as Lord, God and Savior, and ever-renewed awareness of the positive benefits of the Gospel are we in the right position to become doers of the Word and not merely hearers only (or simply those who carry a warm sentiment in our hearts). Every genuine response is life-changing that issues in active participation in a local community of faith and a desire to share this good news with others. Simply put: The Apostolic Gospel clarifies the core of Orthodoxy that can illumine, shape, direct and empower our lives today. Fr. Pappas is pastor of Archangels Church in Stamford, Conn., and a professor at St. Vladimir s Orthodox Seminary. CONFESS Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. Matt. 10:32

25 JANUARY Metropolis News Yianni photography Hellenic Folk Dance Festival Metropolis of New Jersey by Fr. George Nikas ANNAPOLIS, Md. The Metropolis of New Jersey held its 25 th annual Hellenic Folk Dance Festival (FDF) at Sts.. Constantine and Helen Church January Nearly 300 enthusiastic dancers from parishes throughout the Metropolis attended the much anticipated weekend event. Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey blessed the participants at opening ceremonies Saturday exhorting the young people present to never forget your Hellenic roots and Orthodox Christian ideals. Remain steadfast in your faith and remember that you are all winners, because you are here showcasing your love of Hellenic culture as expressed through your passion of Greek Dance. Furthermore, Metropolitan Evangelos thanked the clergy, parents, dance Instructors, and grandparents for their support and participation. Addressing the youth directly, the Metropolitan expressed his joy that the Hellenic Folk Dance Festival has brought the young people together in a spirit of fellowship and cultural pride for a quarter of a century, and prayed that future generations would benefit from this most worthwhile Metropolis Youth Program Saturday s dance performances culminated with a dinner dance at which Yianni photography the Metropolitan expressed his gratitude to the founder, and Hellenic Dance Festival chairman, the Rev. Protopresbyter Kosmas Karavellas and his dynamic cochair, Felicia Karavellas Nolan, as well as the parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, for serving as the site host. Sunday morning, Metropolitan Evangelos presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by the V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Metropolis chancellor, and the Fr. Karavellas, vicar general of the Metropolis and Proistamenos of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. Another afternoon ensued of sensational Greek Dances being performed from all parts of Greece, Cyprus and Asia Minor. Especially enjoyable to watch were the youngest dancers that comprised the Primary Division, ensuring all present that Greek dance will continue to flourish in the hearts and souls of our young people for many, many years to come. Finally, the much anticipated Awards Ceremony took place in which the best performing Dance Troupes and those with the best costumes had an opportunity to be congratulated by all. Metropolitan Evangelos thanked especially the Clergy and 14 Parishes who encouraged the participation of their parish youth and sent 21 dance groups to this annual Hellenic Dance Festival: Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Annapolis. St. George Church, Asbury Park/Ocean, N.J; Annunciation Cathedral, Baltimore; St. Demetrios Church, Baltimore; St. Nicholas Church, Baltimore; St. Luke Church, Broomall, Pa; Nativity of the Theotokos, Fredericksburg, Va; Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Holmdel, N.J; Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk, Va; St. George Church, Piscataway, N.J; Assumption Church, Port Jefferson, N.Y; St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly, N.J; St. Barbara Church, Toms River, N.J; and St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, Pa. In his closing comments, Metropolitan Evangelos thanked the clergy and 14 parishes who encouraged the participation of their youth and sent 21 groups to this annual dance festival: The Official Results are as follows (Complete FDF results may be found on the G.O. Metropolis of New Jersey web page and metropolis@nj.goarch.org ): PRIMARY 1 st Place Hara SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Annapolis, MD 2 nd Place Jr. Rythmos Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Port Jefferson, NY 3 rd Place Demetrakia 4 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Baltimore, MD Best Costume (TIE): Hara Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Annapolis, MD Jr. Rythmos Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Port Jefferson, NY JUNIOR 1 st Place Jr. Mythos St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Asbury Park/Ocean, NJ 2 nd Place Demetrakia 3 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Baltimore, MD 3 rd Place Jr. Athenians Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, Fredericksburg, VA Best Costume: Jr. Mythos St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Asbury Park/Ocean, NJ INTERMEDIATE 1 st Place The Cathedral Choreftiki Omada of St. John St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly, NJ 2 nd Place Demetrakia 2 St. Demetrios Church, Baltimore 3 rd Place Sr. Rythmos Assumption Church, Port Jefferson, NY Best Costume: Demetrakia 2 St. Demetrios Church, Baltimore, MD SENIOR 1 st Place Evangelakia Annunciation Cathedral, Baltimore 2 nd Place The Aegeans SS. Constantine and Helen Church, Annapolis 3 rd Place St. George GOYA Dance Group St. George Church, Piscataway, NJ Best Costume: Evangelakia Annunciation Cathedral, Baltimore YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE 1 st Place Pontian Society Akritai of St. Demetrios St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, Pa 2 nd Place Hellenic Golden Coins St. Nicholas Church, Baltimore 3 rd Place Kimisis Greek Dance Troupe Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Holmdel, NJ Best Costume: Pontian Society Akritai of St. Demetrios St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, Pa

26 26 JANUARY 2017 OBSERVER S CLASSIFIEDS BOOKS REAL ESTATE A Greek woman makes her way in the second half of the twentieth century while her husband becomes one of the richest men in the world. ADVENTURE LOVE FAMILY FRIENDSHIPS STRUGGLES SUCCESSES DESTINY Athena a Modern Greek Life by Aliki Alexxa A novel in 3 volumes Amazon.com, also Kindle Edition PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY FOR SALE KARDAMYLA, CHIOS ο Η εταιρίαalexiou BROTHERS η οποία βρίσκεται στο 17 χιλιόµετρο της Εθνικής Οδού Τρικάλων-Λαρίσης από το 1978 ασχολείται αποκλειστικά µε την κατασκευή ξυλογλυπτικών έργων βυζαντινής τέχνης και τεχνοτροπίας. Είναι δε από τις λίγες που έχουν εναποµείνει στον ελλαδικό χώρο, απασχολούν µόνο παραδοσιακούς τεχνίτες-µάστορες και δραστηριοποιούνται σε ολόκληρο τον κόσµο. Αναλαµβάνουµε την ανάληψη κατασκευής µοναδικών ξυλόγλυπτων έργων σε παραδοσιακούς, ορθόδοξους βυζαντινούς ρυθµούς σε Ιερούς Ναούς, Παρεκκλήσια και Μονές σε οποιαδήποτε πολιτεία των ΗΠΑ. Βασικές αρχές της επιχείρησής µας είναι η ποιότητα των υλικών που χρησιµοποιούµε, η συνέπεια στο χρόνο παράδοσης των έργων και η διαχρονικότητά τους GREEK ART & PERSONALIZED GIFTS ΘΕΣΗ ΣΚΑΡΔΑΝΑΣ 2 1/2 STREMMATA - HARBOR VIEW ΣΕ ΟΙΚΙΣΜΟ - ΑΡΤΙΟ ΟΙΚΟΔΟΜΗΣΙΜΟ WELL WATER 160,000 EURO Please call DR. EMMANUEL KRATSIOS GREEK ART GIFTS & FESTIVAL NEEDS GREEK SOLDIER IN THE 2ND WORLD WAR R ecently, amazon.com published and distributed the English version of a book titled LIFE AS A GREEK SOLDIER , written by JOHN NIKOLOPOULOS, a Greek veteran of the Battles of El Alamein, Italy and December 1944 Events in Athens. 220 photographs and 7 maps, of that period, are included in the 592 pages book. The sale price is US $15.00, considered low for this book, because the author does not expect a particular financial profit. He hopes that Greeks living abroad, particularly in English speaking nations, and especially younger generations, who speak but it is difficult to read Greek, would be interested in. The content of this book is by one third (1/3) about the battles in which the writer participated in and by two thirds (2/3) about the history of the sociopolitical events in occupied Greece, the Middle East as well as those following the Varkiza Agreement up to PILGRIMAGE TOURS New Retail website PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Dimitrios Photography & Video To Purchase Photos from all events visit Yo u c a n f i n d u s o n F a c e b o o k CALL NOW ( 516) Advertisement Disclaimer ORTHODOX OBSERVER does not endorse, support, sanction, or verif y the information or material printed as advertisement unless otherwise specifically indicated. ORTHODOX OBSERVER has no affiliation with any of the organizations/companies/advertisers, listed in, described on or printed, and it makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with regard to those organizations or any other organization, entity or person. 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27 JANUARY IOCC 25 Years of Offering Assistance, Dignity and Hope by Constantine S. Sirigos BALTIMORE While there was a clear vision for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) when it was established 25 years ago as a viable emergency response entity the Orthodox Church could call its own according Constantine Triantafilou, executive director since 1997, it was impossible to foresee all that has happened in the world since the fall of the USSR that was among the catalysts for its formation. The professionalism and faith of its staff have enabled IOCC, headquartered in Baltimore and having operated in 50 countries, to continuously adapt to a changing and dangerous world and become one of the world s most respected international relief organizations. As an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, IOCC represents Orthodox Christians in North America. Beginnings IOCC s emergence was rooted in conversations held in There were several initiatives happening at once and Archbishop Iakovos called a meeting to bring everyone together, Triantafilou said. Businessmen-philanthropists Charles Ajalat, John Rangos, and Andrew Athens were the key people who served as its first chairmen. Charles is Antiochian Orthodox and he was already active in Eastern Europe. He had a vision to create an organization and the Archbishop asked him to join the efforts Rangos, Athens, and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos had been talking about. One of the keys was the hiring of its first executive director, Alex Rondos, who gained his experience in the field in Ethiopia working for Catholic Relief Services. The vision was to respond to emergencies in the name of Orthodoxy, but to also be there after the emergency, Triantafilou said, adding From that vision it s matured significantly. In 25 years $580 million in aid has been distributed and devoted. IOCC s staff have a knack for creating win-win situations with their partners and leveraging the aid it receives from various sources including governments, ecumenical partners, private donors, and volunteers. Applications for Agris Memorial Scholarships Available; Deadline Mar. 1 IOCC Beginnings Then Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh in 1992, with two of IOCC s founders, Andrew Athens and John G. Rangos, Sr., and IOCC founding executive director, Alex Rondos (far right), blesses supplies bound for Russia from Pittsburgh. Once mutual respect is established between IOCC and local churches, the philanthropic and capacity building work takes off. It s because of the traditional role and position the Church had in Bosnia and Georgia and Russia that IOCC could have a country-wide network of dioceses and priests and access and trust particularly in a place like Syria, because we were a trusted institution and we were creating schools, wells, and doing psychosocial work in communities recovering from trauma. IOCC s reputation also enables it to help the churches build their own philanthropic capacity. He agreed that it takes special people to do that kind of work, expats and locals. We have been blessed to identify people on the ground who come from the Church and want to see their churches succeed and many have served for more than or nearly 20 years. Triantafilou is an example of the talented people IOOC attracted. After establishing programs in Russia in 1992, IOCC was ready for an exploratory mission to the former Yugoslavia in response to the Bosnia conflict. Triantafilou s parents introduced him to Rondos. Alex called me and asked how soon can you be prepared to move to Belgrade to work for humanitarian response to the war-torn region of Bosnia-Herzegovina and I said two weeks. By the end of March 1993 he took a plane to Budapest, followed by a 20-hour bus ride to Belgrade, navigating military checkpoints and sanctions mechanisms. He worked there for more than three years under harsh and dangerous conditions, buoyed by his faith and his colleagues. The Middle East After the fighting ceased, We helped people return to their homes and resume their lives, he said with pride, adding how pleased they are to have been able to establish a presence in the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, to have worked with the Patriarch of Ethiopia as he was fighting the spread of HIV-Aids in his country, and now the response to the Syrian crisis. In Jordan and Lebanon the focus is on both the refugee population and the host communities. The work in Syria began more than 10 years ago with small development projects and after the second Iraqi war and the Syrian civil war created refugee crises, U.S. State Department funding enabled IOCC help the Church s refugee efforts Iocc.org has a Syria page with information and a way to make donations. Any support we get will be very helpful Scholarships BOSTON - The Alpha Omega Council of New England recently announced the 2017 Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarships, presented annually in memory of the organization s founder. This venture, begun in cooperation with the Agris family, has already provided more than a half a million dollars in critical funding to aspiring Greek American journalism/communications specialists from across this nation. It has been an honor for the Alpha Omega Council to support the educations of more than 100 Greek Americans pursuing careers in this increasingly important profession of journalism over the last 25 years, said Scholarship Committee Co-chair Nicholas Kourtis. More than $500,000 has been awarded thus far. Agris, also the founder and publisher of The Hellenic Chronicle, for fifty years the premier Greek American national English-language weekly newspaper in this country, was an Archon, a trustee of HCHC, Anatolia College, The American College of Greece and an Ahepan. I like to think of my father as the Nouno of Networking, ahead of his IOCC photo time in wanting to keep Greek Americans connected to their heritage and faith. My family is indebted to the Alpha Omega Council for its commitment to this endowed scholarship, which is the marriage of two of his greatest passions: education and journalism. He would have been deeply honored and incredibly proud of the young Hellenes to whom we have provided support in his name, said Nancy Agris Savage, executive director of the scholarship fund. Applications are currently being accepted from graduate and undergraduate journalism and communications students for up to six $5,000 nonrenewable scholarships. and appreciated. Even if there is peace tomorrow, it s a long, long recovery. Looking at our Bosnia experience, it took five to 10 years to bring back normalcy after the war and there is more devastation in Syria, Triantafilou said. Long term development programs are just as important. For example, Jerusalem is one of the places where IOCC focuses on women s empowerment, including agricultural enterprises. IOCC has education programs in a number of countries, where they also help maintain school buildings, and providing communities with fresh water is a priority. IOCC works to strengthen the capacity of all current programs and to expand into new areas, including Africa and Central and South America. It has provided clean water access, educational services and medical assistance to Cameroon and Uganda and, in the Western Hemisphere, has served Haitian communities since the 2010 earthquake. IOCC also supports literacy, education, disaster preparedness and response in the U.S. Efforts in Greece Greece was once a logistics support office for IOCC in the Balkans. Triantafilou says, For me personally it s been somewhat of a challenge to see that swing from one extreme to the other... but to see the outpouring of support from people all over the world for our Greece program has been rewarding. Their main partner is the Apostoli mission, the philanthropic arm of the Archdiocese of Athens whose director general is Constantine Dimtsas. Together they run humanitarian aid and development programs. The emphases are preserving dignity during the crisis and offering hope for the future. Triantafilou acknowledged that the Jaharis family has played a critical role in Greece from the funding and the credibility perspective the funding they gave us helped us attract other funders. I can t say enough about the Jaharis family. He adds that The Hellenic Initiative is right there with us, side by side... as is AHEPA [executive director] Basil Mossaides has been super-supportive. AHEPA has been a big catalyst for all the gifts in kind, especially medical supplies. Prerequisites for the scholarship include: Greek American heritage; U.S. citizenship; current full-time enrollment as a journalism or communications major at the graduate or undergraduate level in an accredited college or university in the United States; active participation in school, community, church organizations; a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Interested candidates should visit or write to: The Peter Agris Memorial Scholarships Committee, c/o Nancy Agris Savage, 9 Nonesuch Drive, Natick, MA Questions may be directed to nancyasavage@gmail.com. Applications, transcripts, required essay and any published work that might enhance the application must be returned by to nancyasavage@ gmail.com, or by mail to the above address, no later than March 1, 2017.

28 28 JANUARY 2017 Atlanta HDF WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. More than 900 kids and young adults from parishes of the Metropolis of Atlanta and the metropolises of New Jersey, Chicago and Denver gathered on Martin Luther King Weekend, Jan , for the 15th annual Hellenic Dance Festival. The event features groups ranging from primary age to advance senior doing 68 performances. Dancers competed in two divisions. Division I included primary, junior and advanced junior categories. Division II consisted of intermediate There was also a spiritual dimension to the weekend that consisted of 20 Spread the Word workshops on the following themes: The Social Media Gospel, led by Fr. Sampson Kasapakis; Communicating with God, by Fr. Constantine Shepherd; Byzantine Chant, by Jimmy Smith; Spreading the Word: The Women of Our Faith, by Alyssa Kyritsis and How to Build a Dance Program, by Jordan Elrod. Metropolitan Alexios was present throughout the three-day event and he officiated at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem. One highlight of the event took place at the Sunday evening awards banquet, when Metropolitan Alexios presented an icon to Gerry Clonaris, who founded the HDF, in appreciation for his 14 years as director. The sixteen parishes represented were as follows: Sts. Constantine and Helen, Newport News, Va.; Holy Trinity, Orlando, Fla.; Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta; Annunciation Church, Winston-Salem, N.C; 2 St. Nicholas, Wilmington, N.C; St. George, Greenville, N.C; Holy Trinity, Charlotte, N.C; St. George, Hollywood, Fla.; St. Demetrios, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Holy Trinity, Raleigh, N.C; Holy Trinity, Charleston, S.C.; 3 St. Paul, Savannah, Ga; St. John the Divine, Jacksonville, Fla; St. George, Knoxville, Tenn; Metropolis of Chicago, Assumption Cathedral, Denver; Holy Trinity, Columbia, S.C. HDF scenes shown here are as follows: 1. Metropolitan Alexios addresses the faithful at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Jan. 15, where he told the participants they weren t there to dance, but to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. 2. HDF founder and former director Gerry Clonaris was bestowed this icon of Panayia Glycofilissa by Metropolitan Alexios, joined by current director Fr. Mark Leondis and Metropolis Youth Director Julie Moricz. 3. Advanced senior dancers from Holy Trinity Church-Raleigh. 4. Fr. Constantine Shepherd conducts a workshop on Communicating with God. 5. Two of the Raleigh dance group members. 6. Senior dance group from Annunciation-Atlanta perform a Pontian war dance. 7. Dancers from the Metropolis of Chicago, which consisted of 4 young people from several parishes. 8. A junior group from St. George-Hollywood, Fla. 9. Intermediate level dancers from St. Demetrios Church-Fort Lauderdale. 11. These senior dancers from Assumption in Denver traveled the farthest to make their first appearance at the HDF. Orthodox Observer photos 1 5