Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

With love and joy in my heart, I humbly answer the call of our spiritual father, His All Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, and the Holy Synod, to serve and minister to the Greek Orthodox faithful in America. I thank my beloved brother, Metropolitan loakeim of Chalcedon, for personally bringing to us the love of His All Holiness and the blessings of the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople.

It is only by the mercy of God that I stand before you today as your Archbishop, for only by His grace could so many worthy challenges be placed on so unworthy a soul.

Indeed, elevation to this sacred throne is an awesome commission entrusted to me by the Ecumenical Patriarchate On this most solemn day for our Church in America, I pray for strength from God to carry out this blessed task, and I ask all of you for our love, support and constant prayer.

As I accept this commission, I find myself as the in- heritor of an extraordinary legacy which has been given to us by my predecessors: Alexander, Athenagoras, Mi- chael and Iakovos. Their record shows what mere people can achieve when touched by a compassionate God who loves mankind. Today, the shepherd's staff is passed to a generation born in America. Let us pray together for God's continued blessings and grace, so that in our own day, we, too, may know what it is to achieve great things in His holy name.

Let us remember this day all that they accomplished would not have been possible without our committed clergy, our faithful presbyteres, and our loyal laity — and without people like my parish priest, Fr. Constantine Raptis of Tarpon Springs, Fla., who was a spiritual guide to me, and who honors me by his presence here today.

Like the sturdy columns that have sustained the Par- thenon for thousands of years, and like the powerful arches that have suspended the dome of Aghia Sophia for centuries, each and every one of you carries the Greek Orthodox Church in America on your shoulders. Indeed, so vital is your role in the future of our Arch- diocese that I will begin my tenure with a pilgrimage to parishes throughout the United States, in order to ex- perience the parish life of the Church in America, be close to you, and walk with you, and in so doing see how the Archdiocese can be of greater help.

I approach this throne today as a pulpit from which to preach the Faith; not so much as a lectern from which to instruct you, but as a seat from which to learn about your concerns, dreams and expectations; and not as a podium from which to dictate, but as a platform from which to define, with your help, a vision for our Church in America.

Two hierarchs (N. Maginas photo)
Archbishop Spyridon, escorted by Metropolitan Ioakeim of Chalcedon, makes his way past the crowd outside the Holy Trinity Archdiocese Cathedral.

I profoundly believe that, as great and glorious as our past, there is even greater glory in our future. But only if we take to heart the central message of our Church: that in the resurrected Christ, we are all born again, we are all reconciled, we are all renewed. Only by renewal do we grow, only by renewal do we improve, only by renewal do we become more worthy of our Father, in whose image we were made. And so St. Paul wisely counsels us, "Be renewed in the spirit of you mind and put on the new man who was created in the image of God."

Like His All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, I believe that the Archdiocese of America can play a pivotal role in the renewal of the Holy Orthodox Church. The Greek Orthodox faithful in America are deeply engaged in all aspects of the life of this great nation. The rich spiritual, intellectual and material resources of the Church in America can provide us with the tools to better confront growing pastoral challenges and safeguard the rights of Orthodox Churches and communities throughout the world.

This Archdiocese stands at the forefront of an ex- traordinary history. Indeed, both the Church and her children have come a long way since we arrived on these shores more than a century ago, as "strangers in a strange land." The Church that we inherit was built with love, faith and great sacrifice by our parents and grandparents who emigrated to this land of hopes and dreams. Often uneducated, they worked from sunrise to sunset until they could save enough money to bring over a brother, a sister, a wife, a child or a cousin. The little they earned put bread on the table for themselves and for those still back in the homeland. But as good Christians, they also knew that "man does not live by bread alone." And so, hard-pressed though they were, they made sure to build a home for the Faith of their fathers and mothers — a Greek Orthodox Church that would protect and preserve that rich spiritual heritage and convey it to their children born in a new land.

Those early immigrants built 65 percent of the Or- thodox churches in America while they were among the poorest communities in the country. We have much to accomplish to match their achievement now that their children have been blessed with material resources.

Our archbishops have been faithful fathers, seeing us through the stages of our communal life. Alexander nurtured us through our childhood as a community, while Athenagoras guided us safely through the conflicts of adolescence. Under Michael, we achieved adulthood, and with His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, our community finally became wedded to America.

Together we have created a new community that is partly Greek, partly American, and yet completely Or- thodox.

It is no betrayal to join ourselves to a new nation. But it would be a grave failing not to provide for the fruit of that union —the children of Orthodoxy in America. The time has come to think earnestly about our legacy to them.

What kind of church will we leave to our children, and to our children's children? If we take our faith seriously, we know that their salvation tomorrow depends on how well we answer that question today.

I see one of my primary roles to be an advocate for those children — after all, I am one of the children of America. My mother gave birth to me in Warren, Ohio. I feel truly blessed today to have her and my sisters and brother here.

Of all humanity, Jesus singled out children as special: "Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me." We need to cherish, love and spiritually nurture our children, keeping them close to the Church and teaching them the beauty of their Faith.

Our young people deserve a living tradition in which they can find spiritual sustenance. They deserve a refuge from the anxiety of modern, materialistic life. they deserve the comfort of belonging to a loving, spiritual family. And they deserve the strength that comes from enduring values. All that they seek is offered by the Greek Orthodox Church.

I take it as the special task of my tenure to prepare a strong legacy for our youth: a Church that will grow and endure, a Church that will serve the needs, not just of any one generation of Orthodox in America, but of all generations of Orthodox in America.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the key to building such a Church is inclusion. Rome became great by opening up its citizenship to all people. Christianity became pre- dominant by welcoming all people into the Faith. The United States became the strongest nation in the world by opening its doors to all people — raising a huge Statue of Liberty in the middle of its greatest harbor, to let newcomers know that they were welcome. Each of these communities shared the belief that, by admitting new members, it would gain far more than it lost. Each of these communities was right.

The Greek Orthodox Church is no exception. I read in

a newspaper not too long ago that the greatest problem we face today is that the majority of our people in America marry persons not of the Orthodox faith. I was shocked, not that they are a majority, but that anyone would regard this solely as a problem.

It is not so much a problem as it is a promise of things that can be. It is an opportunity. Let us take advantage of it, for a church that is open to all people is a church that grows. Isn't this what happened when the Apostle Paul, the patron saint of the Archdiocese, took the message of Christ to the Gentiles, the Greeks, and the Romans of the eastern Mediterranean, despite the disapproval of some of his fellow disciples?

Let us inspire our young people with the Faith that inspired their mothers and fathers, so that when the time comes for the sacrament of marriage, the Church is their first thought, not their last resort. Let us welcome and embrace their non-Orthodox spouses with love, and let us tell them about our Faith with joy.

Today, we all gather in this cathedral as children of God. We are honored by the presence of political and civic leaders of many races and creeds, and by cardinals, bishops and clergy. They are our brothers and sisters, and we join hands with them to promote religious tol- erance and freedom. Together, we must fight the forces of bigotry and intolerance that burn African-American churches in the United States, and that forcibly close seminaries in other parts of the world.

There is a brotherhood of believers in America, and we must take care to build bridges to each of these communities of Faith, even as we nurture and develop our own community. The mosaics that adorn our churches bring together parts that are different and turn them into a vision of beauty. So it is with the American mosaic, and we must respect that. Yes, we have a unique gift in the Tradition of our Church — we have preserved something beautiful and fulfilling, something ancient and pure, and kept it safe so that others may share in it. As the Orthodox Patriarchs wrote in a joint letter in 1718, "we preserve the doctrine of the Lord uncorrupted, neither adding anything nor taking anything from it." That doctrine is called ORTHO-DOXIA, correct belief. but let us be sure to follow ORTHO-DOXIA with ORTHO-PRAXIA — to follow correct belief with correct action. We must love even those who are different from us.

And that includes our fellow Orthodox, such as Rus- sians, Georgians, Albanians, Romanians, Serbs, Bulgar- ians, Ukrainians, Arabs, as well as Hispanics, Asians, Afri- cans and countless others, those who were born Or- thodox and those who were not born Orthodox but yet have embraced the Orthodox Faith. We learn from our Creed that there is "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church." but too often we see with our eyes a church divided, not only in Eastern Europe, but even here in the United States, with its parallel Orthodox jurisdictions.

We read in the Bible that "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." But what we see all to often — not only among Orthodox, but throughout the world — is a destructive politics of identity, in which there is only Jew or Greek, only male or female, only black or white.

No one takes greater pride in Hellenic culture that I do, to which my Greek school teacher, Savvas Petrides, will readily attest. He came all the way from Steubenville, Ohio, to be with me today. I am deeply touched by his presence.

Western civilization arose within the womb of Hellenism. We would be foolish to squander that rich legacy, or to forget who we are and where we came from.

I believe that those newer arrivals who still feel strong ties to the country of their birth and to their mother tongue are a bulwark of our Church in America. I believe we need to do more to preserve the culture and the language to which they, and we, are bound. It will be one of my goals to expand the teaching of the Greek language, the language of the Gospels, and of Hellenic culture in our communities. And I intend to reach out to all philhellenes and friends of Orthodoxy who recognize the vast contributions that Hellenism has made to Christianity and the world. with the help and support of our Church schools, of the many academic programs devoted to Hellenic studies, of the great number of Greek cultural organizations in America, and of Hellenes and philhellenes everywhere, we will preserve our cultural identity.

But my concern is first and foremost with our spiritual identity. For the Orthodox Church serves no earthly power, but only Christ Jesus himself.

I spoke earlier of our Ecumenical Patriarch's special hopes for America as a source of renewal for Orthodoxy. When it comes to inclusion, America very much justifies those hopes. For every time Orthodoxy believers of dif- ferent ethnic backgrounds share the chalice of Holy Com- munion — as we do here in America — all of Orthodoxy takes a step forward. Every time bishops of different ju- risdictions meet in partnership to advance the common Faith — as American bishops do in SCOBA — all of Orthodoxy takes a step forward. I am pleased today to greet my brother hierarchs of SCOBA; I warmly thank you for your presence and participation here today; and I pledge myself to our common dream of growing together and ministering as one Orthodox family to all of our Faithful.

The inclusiveness of the American Church stands as a beacon for Orthodox Christians throughout the world. It justifies His All Holiness' high expectations for this Arch- diocese. I am thankful for the ministries of my brother Bishops of the Archdiocese, who for many years have served my predecessor as his co-shepherds to the flock in the Western Hemisphere. I look forward to working closely with them for the continued good welfare of this Holy Church.

Family pride (D. Panagos photo)
The Archbishop's mother, Clara Papageorgiou (r), and his three sisters rever- ently look on as he is elevated as the next archbishop of the American church.

The Greek Orthodox Church here is a natural exten- sion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Just as the Mother Church is the first See of world Orthodoxy — with in- creased responsibilities, a special ministry, and a primary role in the affairs of Orthodox Churches throughout the world — likewise the Daughter Church of America has a special ministry in the New World, a ministry of relevance to all of us.

Sisters and brothers, today we open a new chapter in that ministry. We approach the third millennium in a society where people are desperate to distract them- selves. they are weary of life and afraid of death. Political cynicism and personal disillusionment have robbed them of their ability to believe.

Yesterday, our forbears needed the hope offered by America. Today, America needs the hope offered by our Church.

We must recapture the daring spirit of the great Patriarchs of Constantinople — Chrysostom, Gregory, Photios, Athenagoras and Dimitrios — as well as the dreamers who left their homelands, the pioneers who established our Church in America. And we must share the Good News. Where others see death, we have a vision of life. Amid sorrow, we have reason to rejoice. In an untrusting world, we have something we can depend on, something that has remained true to us for the last 2,000 years, and will remain true to us for the next 2,000 and unto the ages of ages: the salvation of the cross and the promise of the empty tomb of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Brothers and sisters in Christ: may our Heavenly Father grant us the wisdom and strength to pursue our task, and the good fortune to succeed. And in so doing we on earth will become, like the angels in heaven, messengers who proclaim: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to all women and men."

Part of an ongoing series

What is the goal (v.14) of the maturing Christian believer? For Paul it is that we be engaged in the struggle of faith, confident that Christ has made us His own, but fully cognizant we are not yet perfected. Therefore, we have to "press on" (v. 12) toward the realization and completion of our salvation. There is no room for "instant salvation" in the teachings of St. Paul.

Yes, it is possible to lose one's salvation. If we are arrogant and presumptuous enough to claim to know our eternal future then we must take enormous care never to place that salvation in jeopardy. The truth is, however, that we should never become so complacent, so sure, as to say that we can force the hand of Almighty God. This truth is laid out clearly in several places:

In John 3:4-10

"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness (being good, just and blameless) is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning... Whoever is born (again) of God does not sin, for Christ's seed remains in Him, and He cannot sin. Because He has been born again of God."

In 2 Peter 2:20-22

"For if, after a person has escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.

For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to its own vomit.'''

Of course, a man can lose the gift of being "born again." Look at his or her life. Do they manifest the gifts of the Spirit, i.e., truthfulness, honesty, purity and all forms of righteousness? Or are they like dogs, who return to the vomit from which they came?

Look also at Hebrews 6:4-6:

For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold Him up to contempt.

So, you see, it is possible to lose the gift of being born again and it is impossible to renew them again to repentance.

How Can We Be Saved?

We are continually being saved. Our Savior asks us to "abide (continue) in My word, (then) you are My disciples indeed" (John 8:31). "Everyone who loves is born of God" (1 John 4:7). And one who loves "keeps the commandments." This is a hard word indeed! No instant, emotional salvation here! Salvation is a continual process because I was saved by Christ's death on the cross, when He paid the penalty for my sins. Read Romans 5:6-11:

"In that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (v.8)

"Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (v.9)

"We shall be saved by His life." (v.10)

I am saved because I know Christ is the only path to heaven and eternal life "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

I am being saved each day of my life, by trying to become as much like Jesus Christ as is humanly possible.

"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps." (1 Peter 2:21)

Christ Himself, commanded us to strive for perfection. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48)

I will be saved when my life, lived in God's love, and following the example of Christ Our Savior, is over and I am judged whether I really believed and lived what I claimed to believe. For what is the purpose of a judgment if I am sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, as our "born again" friends say, that I am saved and my name is in the Lamb's Book of Life. Judgment is unnecessary for the saved! Salvation as noted in Holy Scripture, is not mere words. Jesus was adamant when He said, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

St. Paul expands on this profound truth in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15:

"If anyone's work which he has built endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

Obviously, if salvation was assured in an instant there would be no need for St. Paul to urge us to "endure."

Eternal salvation can take a lifetime and requires ef-

fort, not mere testimony:

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

No one can work their way to heaven

We can never work our way into heaven! We can never "earn" our salvation by the quantity or quality of the good works we perform. However, because we were saved by Christ's redemptive death we must expend effort and be obedient to the example Christ set for us.

"And do not present your members (body) as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not now have dominion over you...(because of Christ's sacrifice) for you are not under the Law but under grace." (Romans 6:13-14)

Add to this James' words:

James 2:14: "What does it profit a man, my brethren if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?"

James 2:17: "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead."

James 2:18: "But someone will say; "You have faith, I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show my faith by my works."

However, when we believe in Christ as Lord, good works will naturally flow from our belief, if they are done in the name of our belief of Jesus, as Savior and Redeemer.

St. Paul, in Hebrews 11:6 says:

"For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek to do His will."

We recall the story of Zacchaeus related in Luke-19:8-10. Zacchaeus was wiling to give one half of all he owned to the poor and pay back four times over to anyone whom he may have defrauded. These were both good works, and followed Zacchaeus' acceptance of Jesus, for Whom he had an open heart. Jesus proclaimed, for all to hear, that because Zacchaeus was willing to do what the rich young man could not, salvation had come to his house.

Your salvation is dependent on your faith in Christ as Your Savior. But this faith cannot be just mouthed - it must be active and alive. Unlike Zacchaeus, the rich young man was unable to sell his belongings and give to the poor (clearly good works). Had he done so Jesus promised him treasure (salvation) in heaven. (Matthew 19-21)

In the seventh century, St. Gregory the Great said this:

"For many come to faith, but few are brought into the heavenly Kingdom. And many serve God with their tongue, but turn from Him in their lives. From this we should reflect on two things. The first is that no one should presume concerning his own salvation: for though he is called to the faith, he knows not whether he will be chosen to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The second is that no one should take it upon himself to despair of his neighbor, whom he sees steeped in vice, because no one knows that rightness of Divine mercy."

A Spiritual Elite?

Keeping in mind the preceding words of Gregory the Great, we must refrain from becoming either arrogant or presumptuous about our salvation, or the salvation of others. Some "born again" Christians enjoy being members of a spiritual elite. They believe only they have true salvation and, as such, are favored in the eyes of Almighty God. They also will not accept any interpretation of salvation except their own narrow version. They conveniently forget that the idea of "re-birth," being "born from above" (which is actually the proper translation of "born again") has been, and now is, common to many religions. To be "born-again." to be renewed or made whole once more, is actually at the heart of beliefs such as Shamanism, nature religions, New Age, and almost every mystic faith known to man. Dying to old life and being re-born is not a new phenomenon. It has been around since the earliest days of the Christian Church where it was borrowed from pagan belief systems St. John Chrysostom tried to fight a perverted interpretation of being born from above as did Gregory.

Many tried to twist Christ's teaching about being born of water and the spirit, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).

To these early Christians, Gregory responded:

"Perhaps each of you will say to himself. I have believed, therefore I shall be saved. He speaks what is true if to his faith he joins good works. That is indeed true faith which does not deny in work what it professes in word.

"For this St. Paul says of certain false faithful: "They profess that they know God, but by their lack of works they deny Him." (Titus 1:16) For this John also says: "he who says that he knows God, and keeps not His Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:4)

Excerpted from the book "What the Church Fathers say about ..." edited by George W. Grube, Light & Life Publishing Co., Minneapolis, 1996.

Dear Archbishop Spyridon:

I am pleased to join with Greek Orthodox Christians and people of faith across America and around the world in extending heartfelt congratulations on your enthrone- ment as Archbishop of America.

Your commitment to serving the spiritual needs of others has been invaluable in fostering an atmosphere of compassion and fellowship. By embracing this new chal- lenge, you are helping to shape a part of our world for generations to come.

While the responsibilities of spiritual leadership are great, the knowledge of a mission fulfilled can be among

life's most meaningful rewards. As you begin to address the tasks of leading the church in the Western Hemi- sphere, you have my prayers and good wishes for every success in this special a role to which God has called you.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

NEW YORK — Archbishop Spyridon recently appointed three clergymen to key positions at the Archdiocese.

The Very Rev. Alexander G. Leondis is chancellor; the Very Rev. Archimandrite John A. Heropoulos is director of the Office of the Archbishop and the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos is vicar for public affairs.

Fr. Leondis has served as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Westfield, N.J., since 1974. He is a past presi- dent of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council.

Father Heropoulos most recently was pastor of St. Paraskevi Church, Greenlawn, N.Y., and served as deacon to Archbishop Iakovos from 1989 to 1993.

Since 1992, Fr. Karloutsos has served as an assistant to the Ecumenical Patriarch and was vicar for public affairs for the Archdiocese from 1984-92.

The three officials assumed their duties on Sept. 20.

Archbishop Spyridon has sent the following letter to Prime Minister of Turkey Necnettin Erbakan and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller protesting a recent demonstration by extremist groups directed against the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The letter also protests threats made against the life of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in an article appearing recently in a Turkish periodical, "Middle East," in which His Eminence alludes to the hanging of Patriarch Gregory V in 1821.

His Eminence wrote: "It is with deep concern that I write this letter regarding the demonstration recently di- rected at the Ecumenical Patriarchate by various extrem- ist elements who protest unrelated events which have taken place in a foreign country.

"The Orthodox Church in the United States is most sensitive every time our Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar, is unjustly connected to un- related political matters and used as a target for violent protest. These unjust actions, directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, cause international concern and distress for millions of Orthodox faithful who look upon the Patri- archate as the Center of world Orthodoxy.

"I must also bring to your attention that the personal threats against Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's life which were expressed at the same time by the Turkish periodical "Middle East" can only be a matter of further profound concern to the Orthodox Church worldwide. Appealing in this case to the sad example of the violent death of Patriarch Gregory V, who in 1821 was hanged at the center gates of the Patriarchate at the Phanar, can only be perceived as a direct threat to the freedom and peaceful existence of the Patriarchate, a sacred place which has for centuries prayed for peace and under- standing between all people and until this day humbly serves millions of Orthodox faithful throughout the world.

I am confident that you, Madame Foreign Minister, known for being guided by religious principles and for the desire to protect the rights of all revered religious institutions in Turkey, will use the good influence of your office to bring these latest unjustifiable protests to a peaceful end.

I address this encyclical to all the faithful of the Holy Archdiocese of America with a heart which yearns for peace in the world and understanding between all people.

As you know, there has been continuing bloodshed and violence on the island nation of Cyprus. Cyprus, which is the home of countless churches, monasteries and holy places, a country which has produced saints throughout the ages who continually prayed for peace, continues to be tormented by the abuse of human rights and the killing of precious young people.

On August 11, Tassos Isaak and Solomos Solomou were killed by the brutal action of Turkish-Cypriot citizens and members of the military. These two young people who were expressing their desire for justice, and were bringing attention to the 22-year occupation of a con- siderable portion of Cyprus by foreign troops were, one, ruthlessly beaten to death, and the other shot to death. Violence and hate are reaching into yet another gen- eration of our young people because of the blatant dis- regard for international law, and the constant call of all civilized nations to peacefully settle the Cyprus question once and for all time.

With a spirit of fatherly love for these two young men, and for the youth of the world who desire for goodness and freedom everywhere, I ask that a memorial service be chanted in all of the churches of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on Sunday, September 22, 1996. Let us come together in love, as a united Greek Orthodox community, to pray for the blessed repose of the souls of these two young men, and also pray to Christ, the Prince of Peace, to inspire all people of good will to work for peace in Cyprus and throughout the world.

By the coming together of tens of thousands of prayers from every part of this Archdiocese, may the unity of the Greek Orthodox Church in America be most perfectly realized once again.

Praying for the grace and mercy of the Lord to be with you all, I remain,

With paternal blessings,

Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America

This morning I was enthroned as the Archbishop of A- merica. For those of you who were at that service, and for those of you who are here this afternoon, I am very honored and grateful that you have come to lend your voices to my prayer that I may rightly pastor this flock that God has given to me this day.

First entrance (D. Panagos photo)
His Eminence enters Archdiocese headquarters shortly after 6 p.m. following his arrival at Kennedy Airport on Thursday, Sept. 19.

It is an awesome responsibility to be given charge of this particular Church. I my homily this morning, I spoke of America as a source of renewal for Orthodoxy. I spoke of an America whose very essence is the inclusion of all peoples, as a place where the Greek Orthodox Church can flourish as a beacon for Orthodox Christians through- out the world. Indeed, as I look around this room, I see the uniqueness of this Church, and of this country. Even this luncheon, with so many distinguished guests, with so many people who have traveled from afar, even with all the glorious flowers that adorn these tables, and the fine food, and this magnificent setting: all of this say to an Orthodox churchman who has spent most of his ministry in another country that this is a unique and wonderful place.

But of course, I come to you as an American, too. And I must say, it is good to be home.

Someone once told me that the only place you can truly be an American is outside of America. In other words, while we are in America we are merely our- selves amongst ourselves, and only when we are in an environment and circumstances foreign to us do we see ourselves as particularly American.

The thought that goes along with this axiom is that, in order to understand who we are, we must see ourselves in relationship to everyone else. This holds true for us as Americans; this holds true for the many of us in this room of Greek heritage; this holds true for those of us who are Orthodox Christians. And this holds true for me as an Orthodox churchman. I remind you of this truth because, as leaders and servants and citizens of such a great country, our vision must encompass more of our world than our own relatively narrow circumstances sometimes tempt us to allow. Otherwise, we Greek Orthodox Christians in the United States of America would end up living our Faith in the sectarian isolation of an ethnic ghetto. And I don't think -looking around this room- that is something any of us want.

The full integration of our Orthodox community into the mainstream of American society is perhaps the most profound legacy left to us by my direct predecessor, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. Indeed, the many Ortho- dox civic leaders sitting in this room are a testimony to that legacy.

A FEW weeks before coming to the United States, Archbishop Spyridon received the American ambassador to the Vatican, Raymond Flynn, at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy In Venice. Flynn, a former mayor of Boston, conveyed President Clinton's congratulations on Archbishop Spyridon's election as primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America.

However, a legacy is not an inheritance to merely hold onto; it is a foundation on which to build. It is, therefore, our obligation to build on this legacy and not be content with merely being part of the American mainstream. Rather, our aim should be to witness in our American community to our Faith, and the best way to do that is to live our Faith. It is, then, our moment in history to take our witness of faith among our neighbors and join it to that of St. Paul, who advanced Christianity throughout the Greek-speaking world of his time; to join it to that of Ss. Cyril and Methodios, who brought Orthodox Chris- tianity to the Slavs; and to join it to that of the mission- aries who sacrifice even today their well-being in order to preach the Gospel in all the corners of the earth.

This is not a call to be arrogant about our Faith. It is, however, a call to simply live our faith. This is what the true evangelistic spirit has always meant. This morning I spoke of intermarriage, not as a problem, but as a bless- ing and an opportunity for our community to grow. But for the opportunity to truly be a blessing, it would be good to remember the admonition of an American Prot- estant theologian, who once wrote that it is not an indict- ment against others if they see the Church as it is and choose not to be Christians; if others see the Church and do not want to be Christians, it is an indictment against the Church. In other words, if we do not live out our Faith with love and humility, why should anyone-including our children's spouses-want to join it?

This morning I also spoke of the future realization of one Orthodox Church here in America, and here I echoed the thoughts of His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. We must now move forward toward that bright new day when all the Orthodox in this country-Greeks. Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs, Arabs, and all the many others-must be united, for it is only as one Church that we will fulfill the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ when, as it is told to us in the 17th chapter of John, he prayed that his entire flock be one. Indeed, we can even extend our hopes for this unity to our partners in the ecumenical movement, although to achieve it will be a long and complicated process, as the history of ecumenical relations in this century has shown. Still, it is a hope and a goal to which I, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, are deeply committed indeed, if the 20th century has been called the "ecumenical century," why can't we dream of our great-grandchildren one day looking back on the next century as the "century of unity"?

On that long march, our Church has the potential to play an important role. The Greek Orthodox Church in this country is unique among the other Orthodox Churches. Where else are Orthodox laymen and lay- women so deeply involved in the workings of the Church, not just at the parish level, but at the diocesan and Archdiocesan levels? Where else in the world is there a body resembling the Archdiocesan Council, with mem- bers who lend their time and talent to ensure fiscal and legal soundness in the administration of the Church? Where else are Orthodox laywomen so well-organized as in the National Philoptochos, with its great works of charity on the local and national levels? Where else are young people so actively involved in the Church's life, in such organizations as JOY, YAL, and the various Scouting troops affiliated with church communities? Where else have Orthodox men and women donated their money with such foresight as to provide the Church with a perpetual source of funds for its national ministries, in the form of an endowment fund known as Leadership 100? Where else have Orthodox laymen been asked to give their talents and resources with one accord to de- fend and build up the Patriarchate as in the Order of St. Andrew, or the Archons?

Yes, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is unique in the Orthodox world. But it is also part of the Orthodox world. And here I most specifically refer to its intimate connection with the Orthodoxy's Mother Church; the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

As we all know, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has had a glorious history. And, more than any of us know, it has a glorious future. From the 4th century to the 15th cen- tury, it's existence, or rather its worldview, defined that of the Byzantine Empire, which was the greatest Empire known to the history of the world. As the head of the Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople was the symbol of Orthodoxy throughout the Empire, or since the Empire was defined by its borders, throughout the Christian world, the Oikoumene. In 1453, the Byzantine Empire came to an end. But the Ecumenical Patriarchate remained. What remained as well as the worldview of the oikoumene. And it continues to exist today. For those of us in the room who are Greek, one of the most puzzling developments in the 20th century -and this has been written about by the great English historian Steven Run- ciman- is that we Greeks, in our search for an identity have perhaps skipped over the largest portion of our history and have chosen the legacy of ancient Greece as that which only defines us rather than proudly looking also to the Byzantine legacy that has formed us for over 1,500 years. Only by balancing both legacies do we hon- or our true cultural heritage.

The Ecumenical Patriarch is well conversant with this problem, and he seeks to address it. He sees it as a matter of our Faith. Therefore, let us reiterate the reality that we have known for 2,000 years-that at the Ecumen- ical Patriarchate, the Great Church of Christ, the Phanar, is still the unwaning candle that illuminates that world- view that defines the Orthodox soul, whether it be the soul of a Greek, a Russian, an Arab, an Asian, an African, or an American.

The Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholo- mew I, is cognizant of his role as the guardian of that candle's light. And for all of world Orthodoxy he desires to brighten the flame. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese will continue to play a great part in spreading the light that emanates from the sacred flame in the Phanar. And we Orthodox believers, if we truly are agents of renewal as His All Holiness believes must recognize our obligation to be united with him in this effort. This is the perspec- tive we need to maintain if we want to steer a clear course as an Archdiocese in the years to come. This per- spective will guide our internal Church life; this per- spective will guide our ecumenical life; and this per- spective will guide our relations with the larger communi- ty in which we live.

We recognize the reality in America of the problems of crime, alcohol, tobacco, violence, and abortion. As Arch- bishop, and with the full support of His All Holiness, I assure our civic leaders -Governor Pataki, Senator Sar- banes, Michael Bilirakis, and others present, as well as those not present this afternoon- that the Greek Ortho- dox Archdiocese of America stands ready to help address these problems.

We also recognize the reality in America of civil rights abuses and racism -we see it, for example, in the burning of black Churches- and we deplore it. As Archbishop, I assure you that our Archdiocese stands ready to meet this hatred head-on, with both the love of Christ and the active participation of our people. These evils do harm against holy and well-meaning people around the world, especially the crimes of violence and hatred and racism, which in other countries take the form of ethnic divisions and nationalistic aberrations and religious wars. As Arch- bishop, I assure you that we join the peacemakers of the world in the flight against these horrible forms of hatred. Enabling us to do battle against such evils is, of course, the Holy Spirit. but also assisting us is knowledge of the fact that we live in a country founded on tolerance, reli- gious freedom, and human rights.

These principles are the core of our values as Ameri- cans. And they are what we, as Orthodox believers, yearn to pass on to our children along with the tenets particular to the Christian faith.

Next year, our Archdiocese celebrates many anniver- saries. It is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Archdiocese. It is the 75th anniversary, too, of the AHE- PA, which has always supported our Archdiocese. It is the 60th anniversary-of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology. I look forward to celebrating these events with you, and I look forward to welcoming Ecumenical Patri- arch Bartholomew, who will honor us with his presence at these celebrations.

His visit to America, in the fall of next year, will kick off our countdown to the new millennium. And this fit- ting. In the face of the next 1,000 years of Christian Faith, a visit from His All Holiness, whose unique histor- ical and theological vantage point gives him the clearest of vision, will help us to reaffirm what we believe in, and help us to see what a the future can hold for us.

And it will be a bright future. All of us in this room have a share in that future, all of the parishioners back home in your communities have a share in that future. And I feel blessed to be walking toward that future with each and every one of you, guiding you as the appointed shepherd of this Church.

And as we walk toward the future, we must not forget our past. And the great debt we owe to our forebears. As one writer put it:

We owe a great debt to the Great Church. Where would we be without the liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great? ...the glorious Nicene Creed? ...the definitions of Christ and the Trinity as formulated by the Ecumenical Councils? the sublime icons? How many others have labored in our behalf that we could come to this hour as Orthodox Christians? All that we have, all that we are, the great treasure of our faith has been bought with enormous price. We are not our own. We were bought with a price none can repay. We are debtors living on great gifts from the past.

Thank you for your dedication as Greek Orthodox believers. Thank you for your participation in Church life, at the local, diocesan and national levels. Thank you for your presence today.

Scores of faithful surround His Eminence at Cathedral Center

(D.Panagos photo)

I would be remiss if I did not also thank the members of the Enthronement Committee, who worked diligently to make this a momentous occasion for you, especially His Grace Bishop Sotirios, who served as General Chair- man of this luncheon, and who also commendably served as Archiepiscopal Vicar during the transition, as well as our Chairman and Co-Chairman. Mr. Alex G. Spanos and Mr. John A. Catsimatidis. And I would be equally remiss if I did not thank my staff as well, for all the work they have done for our Archdiocese, and for all of the services they will continue to provide in the years to come.

My thanks to all of you. Thank you, our distinguished guests, church and civic leaders who honor me with your presence. Thank you, Your Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, for your words, and for the Church you have left in my care. I know I speak for everyone when I say that in your 37 years as Archbishop, you have been a faithful steward of the Church here in America. and Thank you, Your Eminence Metropolitan Ioakeim, my good friend and beloved brother in the Lord, for bringing the blessing of our spiritual father, His All Holiness, to us today.

This is a blessed day. Let us go forward, as God has commanded us to multiply these blessings.

HIERARCHS from Orthodox Churches around the world gathered for the biennial meeting at the Phanar at the beginning of September.

(D. Panagos photo)

CONSTANTINOPLE — Nearly 70 hierarchs representing Orthodox jurisdictions from around the world gathered at the Ecumenical Patriarchate Sept. 1-3, for the third regular biennial assembly (Synaxis), upon the invitation and under the presidency of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch. Bartholomew.

In addition, a special meeting of all European hier- archs of the Ecumenical Throne took place on Sept. 4.

On Sunday, Sept. 1, members of the Sacred Assembly concelebrated at the Divine Liturgy with His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, at the Most Venerable Patriar- chal Church of St. George, at the Phanar. Following His All-Holiness, the entire Hierarchy, in turn, signed the Act of the New Indiction (Ecclesiastical New Year).

The day marks the official beginning of the new ecclesiastical year. In addition, the day also has been set aside by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as one of prayers for the preservation and protection of the natural environment which was observed by all sister Orthodox Churches in the world.

The main work of the Sacred Assembly commenced on Sunday afternoon with an address by His All Holiness the Patriarch, followed by a response on behalf of the Hierarchy by His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim, of the Senior See of Chalcedon.

On the morning of Sept. 2, began the discussion of the main theme of the Assembly: "The Position of The Orthodox Church in Facing the Challenges of Contempo- rary Western Culture."

The following reports were presented on this subject.:

1. Basic characteristics of contemporary Western Cul- ture.

2. The preaching of the Church and the challenges of contemporary culture.

3. The Orthodox Church and Information and Com- munication Media.

4. The Orthodox Church and the problems of Con- temporary Youth.

5. The role of the post-graduate Institute of Orthodox Theology in Switzerland at the service of the Church as

she faces the challenges of contemporary Western Cul- ture which confront it.

From the above addresses and the lengthy discus- sions which followed, the following was ascertained:

What is commonly referred to as Western Culture constitutes the framework within which the Orthodox Church functions today. This culture tends to be domi- nant in almost all countries of the world. Given the fact that the characteristics of this culture were formed under the influence of Western Christianity, Orthodoxy finds itself in a dialectical relationship with this culture on ma- ny issues.

As a consequence, it is the duty of Orthodoxy not to become marginalized within Western countries, but rath- er to take care to influence the course of history from within these countries. Orthodoxy possesses the spiritual powers by which it will be enabled to confront the im- passes which Western culture, despite its great progress in all fields, has created for contemporary humankind. Orthodoxy will accomplish this, primarily, if it reinforces the institution of the local parish and relates its preaching and entire pastoral ministry to the existential problems of contemporary humanity.

For this reason, it was decided that at the next, Fourth Assembly of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, we shall examine the issue of the local parish, in both theory and practice.

ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON with other hierarchs in the synodical meeting room of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

(Nicholas Maginas photo)

Aside from the discussions of the main theme of the Assembly, the Presiding Hierarchs of the Inter-Orthodox Committees reported to the Assembly on the course of bilateral theological dialogues between the Orthodox Church, on the one hand and, on the other, the Roman Catholic, Non-Chalcedonian, Anglican, Lutheran, Old Cath- olic and Reformed Churches.

The hierarchs also attended a concert in their honor by singer Demis Roussos on Sept. 1.

CONSTANTINOPLE — A number of articles have appeared recently about human rights issues in Turkey. The plight of the Kurds and even of Turkish dissidents has been discussed in the media.

Even the Turkish press has reported on the status of the theological school of Halki, closed by the Turks in 1971. A Turkish journalist, Yalman Onaran, writing for the Associated Press, reports in the following story about the concerns of orthodox church officials for the seminary's future:

Although shut down by the Turks 25 years ago, Yorgo Kara still carries out a daily ritual of dusting the books in the library of what was the country's only Orthodox Christian seminary.

"What if one day the school reopens?" Kara, of Greek origin, says as he cleans a theological book from 1864 published in French and Greek. "We have to be ready for the students."

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH Bartholomew signs the Indiction for the new church year on Sept. 1.

(Nicholas Maginas photo)

The Turkish government has offered to open a theological school as part of Istanbul University, but the Patriarchate refuses, saying a religious school cannot be under the mandate of a secular government.

H Ορθοδοξία διαθέτει τις πνευματικές δυνάμεις, με τις οποίες θα συμβάλλει στην αντιμετώπιση των αδιεξόδων που έχει δημιουργήσει ο Δυτικός πολιτισμός για τον σύγ- χρονο άνθρωπο, παρά την μεγάλη τεχνολογική πρόοδο που ο πολιτισμός αυτός έχει σημειώσει σε όλους τους το- μείς.

του Νικολάου Μαγγίνα

Αυτό αποτέλεσε ένα από τα βασικά συμπεράσματα των εργασιών της Γ' Ιεράς Συνάξεως των Ιεραρχών του Οι- κουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, που συνήλθε απο τις 1 έως 3 Σεπτεμβρίου 1996, στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.

Οι εργασίες της Συνάξεως άρχισαν με προσφώνηση του Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου στην οποία απάντησε εκ μέρους της Ιεραρχίας ο Μητροπολίτης Χαλκηδόνος Γέρων κ. Ιωακείμ.

Υπό την προεδρία της Α.Θ.Π. του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίου, 62 ιεράρχες του Θρόνου πήραν μέρος στη φετινή Σύναξη. (Φωτ. Ν. Μαγγίνας)

Στην Σύναξη των Ιεραρχών υπό την προεδρία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου, έλαβαν μέ- ρος 62 Ιεράρχες, μεταξύ των οποίων ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Α- μερικής κ. Σπυρίδων και οι Ιεράρχες της Αμερικανικής η- πείρου.

Κεντρικό θέμα της Συνάξεως ήταν: «Το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο προ των προκλήσεων του Δυτικού πολιτι- σμού». Εγιναν εισηγήσεις από Ιεράρχες και ακολούθησαν μακρές συζητήσεις και παρεμβάσεις των μελών της Συνά- ξεως με τον ομολογουμένως άψογο συντονισμό και τις εύστοχες παρεμβάσεις του Προέδρου της Συνάξεως κ. Βαρθολομαίου.

Εισηγήσεις παρουσίασαν ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου κ. Ιωάννης με θέμα: «Βασικά χαρακτηριστικά του Δυτικού Πολιτισμού», ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Σπυρίδων με θέμα: «Η Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία και τα μέσα ενημερώσεως και επικοινωνίας», ο Επίσκοπος Σκοπέλου κ. Σβεβολόντ με θέμα: «Η Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία και τα προβλήματα των σημερινών νέων», ο Μητροπολίτης Κισάμου και Σελίνου κ. Ειρηναίος με θέμα: «Το κήρυγμα της Εκκλησίας και οι προκλήσεις του συγχρόνου πολιτισμού», και ο Μητροπο- λίτης Ελβετίας κ. Δαμασκηνός με θέμα: «Το μεταπτυχιακό Ινστιτούτο Ορθοδόξου Θεολογίας εις την διακονία της Εκκλησίας εν σχέσει προς τας ενώπιον αυτής προκλήσεις του Δυτικού πολιτισμού».

Η νέα Ινδικτιώνα

Της Συνάξεως προηγήθηκε Θεία Λειτουργία στον Πα- τριαρχικό Ναό Αγίου Γεωργίου στο Φανάρι με Χοροστασία του Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου και τη συγχοροστασία των Ιεραρχών του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου, στα πλαίσια της οποίας εορτάσθηκε και η νέα Ινδικτιώνα, η έναρξη του νέου Εκκλησιαστικού έτους. Επίσης συμπροσευχήθηκαν για τη διάσωση του περιβάλλοντος, στου οποίου την προ- στασία έχει αφιερωθεί η 1 η Σεπτεμβρίου κάθε Εκκλησια- στικού έτους, μετά από πρωτοβουλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου.

Η θεματολογία της Συνάξεως, εντάσσεται στη γενικό- τερη προσπάθεια του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου για πνευματική και πολιτιστική επικοινωνία μεταξύ Ανατολι- κού και Δυτικού πολιτισμού, στο πλαίσιο του ευρύτερου στόχου για ουσιαστική παρέμβαση της Ορθοδοξίας στον σύγχρονο κόσμο.

Πατριαρχικές Επισημάνσεις

Για να υπάρξει όμως ελπιδοφόρο μέλλον για τον άν- θρωπο του 21 ου αιώνα, καθίσταται επιτακτική η ανάγκη διάσωσης του περιβάλλοντος στο οποίο ζει. Και προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση κινείται και το εφετεινό μήνυμα του κ. Βαρθολομαίου για την «Ημέρα προστασίας του περιβάλ- λοντος». Συγκεκριμένα ο Προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας επισημαίνει μεταξύ άλλων: «Το οικολογικά πρόβλημα πε- ριπλέκεται στις μέρες μας λόγω των συμφερόντων των ο- λίγων και αγνοίας των πολλών, με αποτέλεσμα να επι- κρατεί η οικολογική αναλήθεια υπό την μορφή σκοπίμου αποκρύψεως της αληθείας. Παράλληλα, καλλιεργείται με πολλούς τρόπους η οικολογική τρομοκρατία, παραβιάζον- ται διεθνείς συμβάσεις και επικρατεί οικολογική αναρχία. Ετσι ελάχιστα αποτελεσματικά βήματα έχουν γίνει. Η εμ- μονή του μεγαλυτέρου μέρους της ανθρωπότητος να πιστεύει, εσφαλμένα, πως το οικολογικό πρόβλημα μπορεί να αντιμετωπισθεί διά της πολιτικής της οικονομίας υπεν- θυμίζει ότι η οικολογική καταστροφή αποτελεί παραβίαση των θείων ρυθμίσεων της ζωής. Επιβάλλεται, λοιπόν, η ά- μεση συμφιλίωση του ανθρώπου με αυτές τις μίσεις. Εάν δεν συμφιλιωθούν -καταλήγει ο Πατριάρχης- όλα τα δη- μιουργήματα του Θεού μέσα σε μία κοινωνία αγάπης και στο πλαίσιο αυτών των θείων κανόνων που προκαθόρισε ο Δημιουργός, τότε κινδυνεύει το ανθρώπινο και φυσικό κάλλος που αποτελούν υψίστη δωρεά του Θεού. Γι' αυτό και η Ορθοδοξία αγωνίζεται σήμερα για να ενημερώσει γι' αυτή την αλήθεια τον άνθρωπο, ώστε να αναζητήσει στις πραγματικές πηγές της ζωής τη λύση γιά διάσωση του πε- ριβάλλοντος».

Στη Σύναξη υπογραμμίσθηκε ομοφώνως, ότι το κυριό- τερο μέσο συμβολής και μαρτυρίας της Ορθοδοξίας, είναι οι ζωντανές οπουδήποτε Ενορίες μας που, ως το συνεκ- τικό κύτταρο της Εκκλησίας, μεταφέρουν την εναλλακτική και σωτήρια διέξοδο στα αδιέξοδα του Δυτικού Πολιτισμού.

Επίσης διαπιστώθηκε ότι ο καλούμενος Δυτικός πολιτι- σμός αποτελεί το κυρίαρχο πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο, μέσα στό οποίο κινείται στις ημέρες μας η Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, σε Δύση και Ανατολή. Είναι δε γεγονός ότι σε όλες σχεδόν τις χώρες του κόσμου τείνει σήμερα να κυριαρχήσει ο πο- λιτισμός αυτός. Ακόμη ότι η Ορθοδοξία βρίσκεται σε μεγά- λο βαθμό σε διαλεκτική σχέση προς τον Δυτικό πολιτισμό, λαμβάνοντας υπ' όψη ότι τα χαρακτηριστικά του πολιτι- σμού αυτού διαμορφώθηκαν κάτω από την επίδραση του Δυτικού Χριστιανισμού. Τονίσθηκε επίσης ότι χρέος της Ορθοδοξίας είναι να μη καταστεί ένα «γκέτο» ή ένα απο- λιθωμένο δάσος μέσα στις δυτικές κοινωνίες, αλλά να φροντίσει να επηρεάσει εκ των έσω την πορεία της ιστορίας.

Αντιμετώπιση των αδιεξόδων

Η επιτυχής αντιμετώπιση των αδιεξόδων θα επιτύχει κυρίως εάν η Ορθοδοξία ενισχύσει τον θεσμό της Ενορίας και συνδέσει το κήρυγμα και την όλη ποιμαντική διακονία της προς τα υπαρξιακά προβλήματα του συγχρόνου αν- θρώπου. Για το λόγο αυτό αποφασίσθηκε όπως κατά την προσεχή Δ' Σύναξη της Ιεραρχίας του Θρόνου το 1998, εξετασθεί θεωρητικά και πρακτικά το θέμα της Ενορίας.

Εκτός από την συζήτηση του κυρίου θέματος «Η στά- σις της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας έναντι των προκλήσεων του δυτικού πολιτισμού», ενημέρωσαν το Σώμα της Ιεραρχίας και οι Πρόεδροι των Διορθοδόξων Επιτροπών γιά την πο- ρεία των διμερών Θεολογικών Διαλόγων μεταξύ Ορθοδο- ξίας και των άλλων Χριστιανικών Εκκλησιών και Ομολο- γιών, όπως της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής, Παλαιοκαθολικής, Αγ- γλικανής Λουθηρανής, Αντιχαλκηδονίου κ.ά. Την πορεία του Διαλόγου της Ορθοδοξίας με τους Λουθηρανούς ανέ- πτυξε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Σπυρίδων, ο οποίος εί- ναι και ο Πρόεδρος της Διορθοδόξου Επιτροπής.

Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος κατά τη λήξη των εργασιών προσφώνησε τα μέλη της Συνάξεως της Ιεραρχίας του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου τονίζοντας μετα- ξύ άλλων τα εξής:

«Θα επανέλθετε μετά διετίαν εις τον ιερόν τούτον χώ- ρον, τη χάριτι του Κυρίου, άπαντες οι παρόντες και ενδε- χομένως και νεώτεροι μέχρι τότε αδελφοί, και θα εύρετε την Μητέρα Εκκλησίαν να αγωνίζεται πιστώς και ευσυν- ειδήτως επί των πνευματικών επάλξεων της Εκκλησίας και του Γένους, όπως το πράττει επί αιώνες ήδη τώρα, όπως θα συνεχίσει να το πράττει και μέχρι της συντελείας των αιώνων. Εις τούτο ενισχύεται από τον ιδικόν σας κόπον καί ιδρώτα, από την καύχησιν αυτής εν Κυρίω διά πάντας υμάς, από την αγάπην των τέκνων της και υπέρ πάντα από την χάριν και την προστασίαν του Θεού. Χαλυβδώ- νεται η θέλησίς μας διά την δράσιν και προσφοράν και α- πό τας αδίκους εναντίον αυτής επιθέσεις εξ οικείων συχ- νάκις, τας οποίας αντιπαρέρχεται εν μεγαλοψυχία καί εν προσευχή να φωτίζει ο Κύριος τους κινούντας την πτέρ- ναν κατά του ευεργέτου. Αληθώς, ποίος άλλος θεσμός, θρησκευτικός ή θύραθεν, ποία άλλη Εκκλησία, ευεργέ- τησε πλέον του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου όχι απλώς το Γένος των Ελλήνων, αλλά το Γένος των Ορθοδόξων όλων και την ανθρωπότητα ολόκληρον διά της δημιουργίας τοιούτου υπερόχου πολιτισμού ως ο ημέτερος».

Η διατήρηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας, η προώθηση των ελληνικών αξιών στη ζωή της Ομογένειας, η σύσ- φιγξη των σχέσεων μεταξύ της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, είναι μεταξύ των προβλημάτων που πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσει η Εκκλησία της Αμερικής, όπως τα διατύπωσε ο νέος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής, Σεβασμιότατος κ. Σπυρίδων.

Σε συνέντευξή του, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος τόνισε πως το Φανάρι αποτελεί σήμερα «τη μεγαλύτερη ελπίδα της Ορ- θοδοξίας, την εγγύηση για ένα λαμπρό μέλλον της Εκκλη- σίας μας».

«Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή θα καταβάλει» δήλωσε, «κάθε δυνατή προσπάθεια και θα χρησιμοποιήσει όλα τα μέσα που έχει στη διάθεσή της για να κρατήσει ζωντανούς και μάλιστα να ενισχύσει τους ιερούς αυτούς δεσμούς της Ομογένειας της Αμερικής με το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο στην Κωνσταντινούπολη».

Υπογραμμίζοντας τη σπουδαιότητα που έχει η ελλη- νική γλώσσα για την Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, ο Σεβα- σμιότατος είπε ότι «δεν μπορεί παρά να είναι σημαν- τικότατη η θέση της ελληνικής γλώσσας και στον χώρο της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας και της Ομογένειάς μας στην Αμερική». Πρόσθεσε ωστόσο ότι «παρά τις σο- βαρές προσπάθειες που κατεβλήθησαν μέχρι τώρα, υπάρ- χει ακόμη ένα τεράστιο έργο που πρέπει να επιτελεστεί στον χώρο αυτό» και συνέστησε όπως «με ταπεινοφρο- σύνη να διδαχθούμε από τις εμπειρίες του παρελθόντος».

«Η Ομογένειά μας στην Αμερική είναι ένας Ελληνισμός που τείνει να θεωρεί τις ελληνικές αξίες στα πλαίσια της Ορθοδοξίας του, πράγμα που συνέβαλε αποφασιστικά στη διάσωση και διατήρηση, μέχρι σήμερα, των αξιών αυτών σε όλα τα στρώματα της μεγάλης μας Ομογένειας και, μέ- σω αυτής, στην προβολή τους στο ευρύτερο αμερικανικό κοινό», τόνισε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής, σημειώνοντας ότι «ασφαλώς υπάρχει ακόμη χώρος πολύς για ακόμη με- γαλύτερη προβολή των ελληνικών μας αξιών, για την α- νάπτυξη τόσο των «πολλαπλών μας αξιών», όσο και «των πολιτιστικών δραστηριοτήτων» μας.

Κατά τον Σεβασμιότατο, οι προσπάθειες σε αυτές τις κατευθύνσεις, χρειάζονται «σαφή προκαθορισμό των ευκταίων στόχων και σοβαρότατο προγραμματισμό ως προς τα επί μέρους». Το ίδιο, είπε, ισχύει και «για τη συμ- μετοχή της Ομογένειας στην εξεύρεση λύσεων στα προ- βλήματα της ευρύτερης ελληνικής οικογένειας, είτε πρό- κειται για ζητήματα που αφορούν στα απαραχάρακτά της δίκαια, είτε για θέματα πνευματικού, κοινωνικού ή άλλου χαρακτήρα που την απασχολούν».

Σε σχέση με την άποψη ότι η κατάτμηση της Εκκλη- σίας της Αμερικής σε μια Αρχιεπισκοπή και τρεις άλλες Μητροπόλεις συντελεί στον κερματισμό του Ελληνισμού της Αμερικανικής Ηπείρου, ο Σεβ. Αρχιεπίσκοπος κ. Σπυ- ρίδων υποστήριξε πως δεν μπορεί να γίνεται λόγος για κάτι τέτοιο. Υπογράμμισε ότι η μεγάλη διαφοροποίηση στην κοινωνική-πολιτισμική και άλλη πραγματικότητα των ΗΠΑ «από εκείνη της Αργεντινής ή του Καναδά ή του Πα- ναμά», οδήγησε στη δημιουργία τριών νέων Μητροπό- λεων στην αμερικανική ήπειρο με σκοπό «την ευχερέ- στερη και λυσιτέλεστερη διαποίμανση των εκεί μεγάλων ορθοδόξων παροικιών μας».

Σύμφωνα με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής «η αποτελε- σματικότερη εκκλησιαστική διοίκηση θα συνεπιφέρει φυσικά και την καλύτερη οργάνωση και μεγαλύτερη συ- νοχή του Ελληνισμού στις χώρες αυτές». «Η Αρχιεπι- σκοπή Αμερικής ήταν, είναι και θα παραμείνει ελληνική. Και, ως ελληνική, έχει ήδη προσφέρει ακόμη περισσότερα στον Ελληνισμό και στην Ορθοδοξία. Δεν θα μπορούσε, άλλωστε να είναι διαφορετικά, εφόσον η Ομογένειά μας στην Αμερική είναι ελληνική και αυτό όχι κατά συνθήκη, αλλά εκ πεποιθήσεως και μάλιστα βαθείας», δήλωσε χα- ρακτηριστικά ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος.

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- Ο Σεβ. Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Σπυ- ρίδων παρακολουθεί με μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον και ανησυχία τις εξελίξεις στη μαρτυρική Κύπρο και στιγμάτισε ιδιαίτερα τις βάρβαρες δολοφονίες των δυο Ελληνοκυπρίων νέων, τον περασμένο Αύγουστο.

Σε επιστολή του προς τον Γενικό Γραμματέα των Ηνω- μένων Εθνών κ. Μπούτρος Γκάλι, με ημερομηνία 20 Αυ- γούστου, ο Σεβασμιότατος εξέφρασε τις ανησυχίες του και στηλίτευσε τις κατάφωρες παραβιάσεις των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, του διεθνούς δικαίου και των αποφάσεων του Ο.Η.Ε., καθώς και την συνεχιζόμενη κατοχή της Κύ- πρου. Γράφει συγκεκριμένα:

«Με βαθύτατη λύπη» γράφει ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερι- κής, «σας απευθύνω την επιστολή αυτή για να εκφράσω τη ζωηρή ανησυχία μου σχετικά με τις πρόσφατες βιαιό- τητες που σημειώθηκαν στη νήσο Κύπρο. Οπως κάλλιστα γνωρίζετε, το Κράτος αυτό υπέστη συνεχείς παραβιάσεις της εθνικής του κυριαρχίας, την παρουσία ξένων κατοχι- κών στρατευμάτων στο έδαφός του και συνθήκες εντά- σεως που επανειλημμένα οδήγησαν σε απώλεια ανθρώπι-

νων ζωών».

Αναφερόμενος στη σημερινή κατάσταση στην Κύπρο, τονίζει ότι «δεν μπορεί να θεωρηθεί παρά σαν συνεχής κατάφωρη παραβίαση του διεθνούς δικαίου, των ψηφι- σμάτων των Ηνωμένων Εθνών και των αρχών εκείνων που ασπάζονται όλοι οι λαοί που στέργουν την ελευθε- ρία». Και υπογραμμίζει: «Τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα πρέ- πει να υποστηριχθούν παντού, για όλους τους ανθρώπους και ιδίως για εκείνους που, σύμφωνα με κριτήρια του κό- σμου τούτου, είναι ανίσχυροι».

«Προσθέτω τη φωνή μου» λέει ο Σεβασμιότατος, «στις χιλιάδες φωνές που ερωτούν: Δεν ήλθε πια ο καιρός, μετά από 22 χρόνια δεινών και θανάτων, να τεθεί ένα δίκαιο για όλους τέρμα στην Κυπριακή κρίση;»

Και κλείνει την επιστολή του στον Γεν. Γραμματέα των Ηνωμένων Εθνών με την ευχή να συνεχίσει με έμπνευση το δύσκολο έργο του για την επικράτηση της δικαιοσύνης και να οδηγεί άλλους σε σοφές επιλογές επ' ωφελεία ό- σων υποφέρουν και έχουν παραθεωρηθεί για τόσα χρό- νια».

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- Τη διαίρεση των ορθόδοξων ενοριών της Εσθονικής Εκκλησίας συμφώνησαν οι εκπρόσωποι του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και του Πατριαρχείου Μόσχας, που συναντήθηκαν πρόσφατα στο Ταλίν της Εσθονίας, και αποφάσισαν να συστήσουν κοινή επιτροπή που θα εξετάσει τα θέματα που αφορούν τη νομική υπόσταση των ενοριών που θα παραμείνουν στη δικαιοδοσία του Πατριαρχείου Μόσχας.

Μετά τη λήξη της συνάντησης ο Γραμματέας της Συνό- δου της Εσθονικής Αποστολικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας, Χενν Τόσσο, ανέφερε ότι από τις 84 ενορίες, περί τις τριάντα επιθυμούν να υπάγονται στη Μόσχα και οι υπό- λοιπες στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο.

Η αντιπαράθεση στο θέμα της Εσθονικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας είχε προκαλέσει στις αρχές του έτους τη διατά- ραξη των σχέσεων μεταξύ Μόσχας και Κωνσταντινού- πολης. Η σύγκρουση άρχισε πριν τρία χρόνια, όταν οι εσθονικές αρχές καταχώρησαν ως Εσθονική Αποστολική

Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία την εσθονική εκκλησία της διασπο- ράς. Η υπαγόμενη στη Μόσχα εκκλησία αρχικά προσπάθη- σε κι αυτή να κατοχυρωθεί. Οι εσθονικές αρχές αρνήθη- καν να την καταχωρήσουν ως Εσθονική Αποστολική Ορ- θόδοξη Εκκλησία διότι με το όνομα αυτό είχε ήδη κατα- χωρηθεί η παραπάνω εκκλησία η οποία αποκτούσε και το σύνολο της εκκλησιαστικής περιουσίας.

Η αναγνωρισμένη πλέον ως Εσθονική Αποστολική Ορ- θόδοξη Εκκλησία πέτυχε επαναφορά της στη δικαιοδοσία της Κωνσταντινούπολης που είχε διακοπεί κατά τη σοβιε- τική περίοδο και στις 20 Φεβρουαρίου, η Α.Θ.Π. ο Οικου- μενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος αποφάσισε να απο- καταστήσει την δικαιοδοσία του στην Εσθονία. Ως απάν- τηση, ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας κ. Αλέξιος, διέκοψε τις σχέ- σεις του με το Πατριαρχείο Κωνσταντινουπόλεως. Τον πε- ρασμένο Μάιο τα δύο Πατριαρχεία συμφώνησαν ότι στην Εσθονία θα συσταθούν δύο ανεξάρτητες ορθόδοξες εκ- κλησίες και αποφάσισαν επίσημα να αποκαταστήσουν τις σχέσεις τους.

It had all the ingredients of a human drama with a touch of the Divine. We had just marched into the histor- ic Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City preceding the entry of Archbishop Spyridon for his en- thronement ceremony.

By Fr. George Papaioannou

The jubilation the Byzantine pageantry with its soul elevating music had helped raise one's joy to its highest level. We all were in anticipation of the entry of the new spiritual leader as a symbolism and proclamation of a brighter future for Greek Orthodoxy in America.

The past and even the present are about ready to give way to the future, but not yet, not without the blessing of the past which is represented in the person of its leader, Archbishop Iakovos, who enters this magnif- icent setting to make the heartbeat of the congregation faster and remind it of its glory days. Being the master of these people's emotions, and the calmer of their fears, he walks slowly into the Cathedral that had been his spir- itual castle for 37 years.

Unlike other times, he is not directing his steps to- wards his throne. About a year ago he chose to give it up or, rather, to allow a younger hierarch to take over both the throne and the reign of the Archdiocese he had so dearly loved. He is escorted to a chair opposite his for- mer hierarchical throne to witness the ceremony of the ascent on it of his successor.

He comes only as a guest, not as a host in this grand Cathedral that had witnessed in the past so many glo- rious ceremonies and events in which he was the central figure. At his appearance the air of joy and jubilation is replaced for a few moments by a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. He will feel the emotion but he will succeed to hold back the tears, he has conditioned himself to pass the torch to his successor with pride and dignity, and will lead his former flock in the applause as their new spir- itual father and leader enters triumphantly yet solemnly the Archdiocesan Cathedral. Again the eyes and the at- tention are turned to the man of the hour, they all try to take a glimpse of their new Archbishop.

A breathtaking view; the grandeur of Byzantium, the majesty of Orthodoxy, the glorious past, the present all form a unity to project a promising future. Suddenly the congregation erupts. Axios! Worthy! What a marvelous experience! What a blessing for the Church, for the peo- ple, for those who labored before us to prepare for our better future!

The vision of Athenagoras the Patriarch, the dream of our immigrant forefathers but also the prayers of the faithful were heard and their wishes are realized in this one man, Archbishop Spyridon. He is flesh of their flesh and moreover he is the work of Providence. Youthful look- ing and trim, simple and yet majestic, gently and very comfortable in his new role he acknowledges the ap- plause solemnly with a blessing. He follows the proces- sion down the central isle and stops at the first pew to give a blessing, an embrace and filial kiss to the woman who gave birth and injected love in his heart for God and His Church. How special and how blessed and fortunate is this Mother! Undoubtedly today she is the most blessed woman in this congregation.

Following that stop, that embrace and that kiss the most dramatic moment took place so that will remain un- forgettable in the memory of those present and the thou- sands of television viewers throughout the land. Arch- bishop Spyridon directs his steps to the seat of Archbish- op Iakovos. The protocol of the letter gives way to the protocol of the heart. They embrace and exchange the kiss of love, peace and harmony. How great are the works of the Lord! No one who witnessed it shall ever forget the emotion that this embrace caused. Right there, in that embrace we saw, witnessed, and loved the passing of the torch from one generation to another, from the old to the new from the past and the present to this future, from Iakovos to Spyridon; and it was done with unprecedented grace, so peacefully, so humanly, so lovingly, so movingly.

Watching it, I couldn't help but think how wrong had we been to doubt our strength and our maturing for a peaceful transition. I looked at the congregation and I saw the emotion; I saw young and old, women and men to cry out of joy and shed tears unashamed and feel as if God Himself was a part of that historic embrace. And in- deed He was because that embrace of the past with the future, of Iakovos with Spyridon fulfilled his wish; To love one another. And I imagined all the people of our Church to be a part of that embrace for that was the message that these two may wish to pass to us all: To embrace each other, to love each other and to walk together the path of the faith and towards the future.

As November 9th is rapidly approaching our commu- nity is not only preparing for our Patron Saint's Nameday, we are also finally under way with the construction of our new Shrine.

Back in May 1995, we had the first excavations clear- ing the land on the future site of Saint Nectarios. Then in August of 1995 we received our Conditional Use Permit. In September 1995 plans were submitted to the Los An- geles County Building Department and after many delays and disappointments due to recent civic codes related to construction in L.A. County, we finally received all our stamped and approved set of plans. In August 1996, with the Grace of God, construction has begun. To complete our task of the building of the St. Nectarios Shrine, the support of our fundraising must continue. Simple words cannot fully express the sincere gratitude we wish to convey to all of you for your strong support and part- nership to date for this most worthy cause. Your gen- erous donations in the past have made it possible for us to reach this point in the life of the St. Nectarios Shrine. Now as we have finally begun construction, any gift that you can possibly offer, small or large, would be most ap- preciated.

The Shrine has become a focal point of hope and faith to thousands who call and write each year, seeking prayer and assistance. Testimonies reveal that St. Nec- tarios is continuing his miraculous intercession in behalf of those who suffer in illness and misfortune. Let us not forget the Shrine belongs to all Christians in the Ameri- cas, not because they make donations, but because it is their right. We have a divine destiny and the sacred privi- lege to continuously pray for the sick, to serve those who come as pilgrims as Well as those who write and tele- phone for comfort and prayers. Please call us at 919/ 967-5524.

As many of you may already know, since 1979 we have been blessed to have a portion of St. Nectarios' Relic here in Covina from the monastery in Aegina, to serve the needs of the ill much in the same way as at the monastery in Aegina.

May the blessing of our Lord and Savior and the pro- tection of St. Nectarios be with you and your family. Be sure to send us the names of family and friends so that we may continue to pray for those in need during our weekly Parakleses Services. Also, at your request we will send you, at no cost, a bottle of the Holy Oil.

There are a number of ways you can help. We have the square foot program, the Brotherhood, donation certificates, etc. Will you please help with our mission?

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Sixty-one students have en- rolled for the 1996-97 school year at Hellenic Col- lege/Holy Cross School of Theology. The figure topped last year's record enrollment by eight.

The new students received an official welcome to the campus during the Sept. 1314 feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the traditional start of the new academic year, at matriculation ceremonies led by the school's president, Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas.

Bishop Soterios of Toronto, acting as archepiscopal vicar, presided over the Friday evening vespers and Saturday morning liturgy.

Following the vespers, Dr. Aristotle Michopoulos, Hellenic College dean, introduced the new under- graduates and Rev. Dr. George Dragas recognized the incoming School of Theology students.

Bishop Soterios conducted the "rasophoria" ceremony.

New students in the theological school include: Fr. John Bernardi, Melrose, Mass; Innocentios Byakatonda, Kampala, Uganda; Carolyn Crossley, Torrance, Calif.; Michael Diavatis, Benicia, Calif.; Mark Doku, Worcester, Mass.

Evangelos Evangelidis, Scarsdale, N.Y.; Susan Fennell, Cocoa, Fla.; Dr. Helen Geanon, D.D.S., Addison, Ill.; Nicholas Georgiou, Cary, N.C.; Paul Gikas, Poway, Calif.

Fr. Quenton Gipp, Phoenix, Ariz.; Jacob Gorny, Portland, Oregon; Scott Hoffhines, Maplewood, Minn.; Michael Kailas, Fullerton, Calif.; Deacon Methodios Kalis, Patras, Greece.

John Katsoulis, St. Louis; Paul Keriotis, Warren, Ohio; George Ketrenos, Portland, Mich.; John Kokinos, Ph.D., Woods Hole, Mass.; Dr. Euthym Kondaxis, M.D., Scotts- dale, Ariz.

Nicholaos Kotsis, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Daryle Lamou- reux, Dover, N.H.; Konstantinos Liadis, Huntsville, Ca- nada; Nicholas Louh, Jacksonville, Fla.; Brother John Lopresti, Needham, Mass.

Vasile Mihai, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mihail Moisin, Brook- line, Mass.; Dimitrios Moraitis, Elmhurst, N.Y.; George Nikas, Upper Marlboro, Md.; Dimitrios Pappas, Denver.

Daniel Payne, Fort Collins, Colo.; Brant Pelphrey, Ph.D., Smithville, Texas; Timothy Robinson, Danville, Calif.; So- terios Rousakis, Clearwater, Fla.; James Shadid, Oklaho- ma City.

Constantine Simeonidis, Strongsville, Ohio; Michael Skrocki, Newton, Mass.; Michael Stearns, Chicago; Peter Stratos, Santa Ana, Calif.; Demetrios Tonias, Niskayuma, N.Y.

Those accepted to the undergraduate program at Hel- lenic College include:

Nektarios Antoniou, Brussels, Belgium; Christopher Cook, St. Petersburg, Ha.; Maria Dantos, Hanover, N.H.; Peter Goritsan, Chicago; Kariofillis Grozoudis, Greece.

Ryan Gzikowski, Canonsburg, Pa.; Anastasia Ioakimi- dou, Thessaloniki, Greece; Evagelia Kotsari, Athens, Greece; Gus Lazarakis, Salt Lake City; Larry Legakis, Royal Oak, Mich.;

Peter Milovanovic, Niagara Falls, Canada; George Pa- pacostas, Athens, Greece; Aliki Pistikos, Litochoro, Greece; John Smiliotopoulos, Brockton, Mass.; Andrew Tsikitas, Jamaica Plain, Mass.; Hiryt Yohannes, Addis-A- baba, Ethiopia.

Joshua Utomo, Indonesia; Nicholas Voyadgis, Syra- cuse, N.Y.; Abraham Wassef, Middletown, N.J.; Paul Za- haras, Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Paul Zamora, Washington, DC.

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Fr. Alkiviadis Calivas, president of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, recently announced the appointment of Dr. John Klentos as director of admissions and records. Dr. Klentos replaces Fr. Athanasios Demos who will focus on his responsibilities as director of development and alumni.

According to a press release from the school, Klentos, an Oklahoma City native who attended the University of Oklahoma, received a bachelor's degree from Hellenic College in 1986 and a Masters of Divinity from Holy Cross School of Theology in 1989.

He pursued post-graduate studies in liturgical history at the University of Notre Dame, where he was awarded a Ph.D. in January 1996.

At Notre Dame he studied under Fr. Robert F. Taft, S.J., a preeminent authority in the field of Byzantine li- turgy. In the course of his studies, Klentos also attend- ed the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome.

He continues to collaborate with Bishop Kallistos Ware and others on The Queen's University of Belfast research project focusing on the history of monasticism in 12th century Constantinople.

Klentos has most recently taught undergraduate courses in theology at Notre Dame and was a visiting assistant professor at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn.

Dr. Klentos was appointed director of admissions and records on the strength of his demonstrated inter- personal-skills. While teaching at Notre Dame, Klentos was nominated for the Outstanding Undergraduate In- structor award. His experiences with undergraduate stu- dents both in and out of the classroom have taught him how to interact with American college students.

His ongoing involvement with the national Phi Kappa Psi fraternity has made him aware of student recruitment and retention on a college campus. As someone sensitive to the attitudes of young people, Klentos will help Hellen- ic College and Holy Cross communicate their educational principles and goals to the next generation of Orthodox Christian leaders, through the development of new re- cruitment strategies and marketing approaches.

In addition to these duties, Dr. Klentos will exercise oversight over student records and develop new methods in the scheduling of courses, the registration process, and the maintenance of academic records and policies.

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Reverend Dr. Alkiviadis Kalyvas, school president, has named Dr. Valerie A. Karras as assistant director of institutional planning and special projects.

Dr. Karras will provide assistance to the president re- lating to planning and developing summer programs, grant development, and activities connected with the up- coming 60th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross.

A native of St. Louis, Dr. Karras received a Bachelor of

Arts degree in Political Science from Washington Univer- sity in 1979. She graduated with a Masters of Theological Studies from Holy Cross in 1982.

She then received a T.h.D. in Patristics, 1991, from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

She is presently working on her second doctorate in Church History at Catholic University of America.

Dr. Karras has published articles in various journals and books.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The first conference for all Orthodox Christian clergy and laypeople interested in ministry to those incarcerated in juvenile facilities, local jails, state, and federal institutions has been scheduled for Oct. 14-16, in St. Augustine. Approved and blessed by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bish- ops in the Americas, the conference will be sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), which is located in St. Augustine. Chairing the event will be Fr. Duane Pederson, director of the Orthodox Christian Pris- on Ministry for the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese.

Among the featured participants are Fr. Nicholas Lassios, Fr. David Randolph, Ivan Sotirov, Dave George, Fr. Milton Magos, and Deacon Keith Powley. Bishop Basil of Enfeh will provide spiritual leadership and celebrate Divine Liturgy for the participants.

Everyone actively ministering to prisoners, or inter- ested in learning how to minister to prisoners, is wel- come to attend and participate. All levels of involvement will be addressed. Opportunities will be available to net- work to exchange ideas and information, and to plan for further cooperation.

Conference sessions and accommodations will be at the Howard Johnson Resort Hotel in St. Augustine Beach. The special convocation room rate is $50 per night (sin- gle or double), and the conference registration fee is $95 per person ($85 if received by Sept. 10).

For more information, contact the OCMC at P.O. Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085, or call Andrew Lekos, conference coordinator, at 904/829-5132.

On the West Coast, contact Fr. Duane Pederson at 213/467-2720, or P.O. Box 1949, Hollywood, CA 90078.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Church of the Holy Spirit took root one year ago and continues to thrive.

Since its founding as a mission church in October 1995, the community has grown to more than 90 fam- ilies. Diocese and Archdiocese charters were issued ear- lier this year.

The new parish rents space in an office/warehouse complex, but plans call for building a Byzantine-style church within two years.

Until recently, a part-time priest served Church of the Holy Spirit, Rochester native Fr. Kenneth C. Anthony, a 1990 Holy Cross graduate with an MBA from Stanford University. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Buffalo while commuting to hold services each weekend and to meet with the parish council.

He was recently transferred to Detroit and a new priest, Fr. George P. Savas, a native of Chicago and 1984 Holy Cross graduate who has served parishes in Atlanta, South Bend, Ind., and Charleston, S.C., has become pas- tor.

Since last year, the Holy Spirit parish has formed a Sunday school, altar boys group, HOPE, JOY and GOYA groups, campus ministry, and a number of standing com- mittees. Its choir is under the direction of George T. Georgantas who recently won the First Place Choir Award by the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs.

Plans are under way to expand the Sunday school, and to add a Greek school, children's Greek dance group and Philoptochos chapter.

Seven young people of the parish recently took part in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Metamorphosis Soteros Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary the weekend of Oct. 12-13.

Vespers will take place Oct. 12, followed by a ban- quet. After Sunday morning Liturgy, parishioners will at-

tend the opening of an exhibit at the Albemarle County Historical Society featuring the history, culture and spirit of Charlottesville's American Greek community. The exhibit will be open through Jan. 1.

MOBILE, Ala. — Annunciation Church will dedicate its recently completed iconography project on Oct. 26.

The three-year project features 42 icons by icono- grapher Tom Clark in the area around the Platytera, in the dome and the drum of the dome, within the altar and

along the nave walls.

The church also received an icon of "Jacob's Ladder," donated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile in memory of Patriarch Athenagoras I. The event will in- clude a dinner at the parish's Center.

Rev. George Keramas died Aug. 24 in Orange, Conn., after a lengthy illness. He had served as pastor of St. Barbara Church in New Haven, Conn., for 32 years until illness forced him to relinquish his duties in 1982.

Fr. Keramas was born in Lowell, Mass., in April 1925. He was raised as a devout Christian by his mother, Athe- na Keramas, and after graduating from high school in Lowell enrolled at Holy Cross School of Theology in 1948.

In 1950, he became engaged to Vassiliki Alexa of Som- erville, Mass. There were married and became parents of three children.

In January 1951, he was ordained by Bishop Ezekial

of Nazianzus as a deacon at St. Barbara's Church in New Haven and as a priest at Annunciation Church in Newbury- port, Mass.

After his ordination, he was appointed as the priest in New Haven, where he received the offikion of "Sakel- larion" in 1957 from Archbishop Michael, and "Oikono- mos" in 1969 and protopresbyter in 1973 from Archbish- op Iakovos.

Upon being informed of Fr. Keramas' death, Archbish- op Spyridon sent condolences to his family and to his mother.

Funeral services took place Aug. 28 at St. Barbara's Church in Orange with Bishop Alexios of Troas officiating.

Representing 10 Greek Orthodox dioceses in America, 10 young adults and 10 junior teens, recently competed in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival finals in Salt Lake City, according to a news release from Nicholas Karakas.

Each year, from parishes all over the United States and Canada, hundreds of Orthodox youth prepare and deliver their well-researched and rehearsed presenta- tions. Winners at the parish level proceed to the diocese oratorical matches where one junior and one senior are selected to compete in the finals, this year at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City.

A selected list of topics for each division are reviewed each year and about 15 are chosen for each group as the theme for their presentation, with participants making their own choice.

To assist the speakers in preparing their homilies, an extensive list of reference materials, including books, tapes and videos is made available.

Senior Steve Tsoraides of St. Demetrios Church in Ham- mond, Ind., Chicago Diocese, was awarded top honors, followed by, Matia Magoulias of Annunciation Church in Modesto, Calif., San Francisco Diocese, and Nathan Shand of Prophet Elias, Salt Lake City, Denver Diocese.

In the Junior division, Demytra Mitsis of Holy Trinity in London, Ontario, placed first, with Joseph Whitely, Annun- ciation Church, Modesto, second, followed by Anna Pardenek of St. George in Asbury Park, N.J.

Winners at the finals level receive college scholar- ships, while all participants earn certificates of merit, commendations and US Savings Bonds.

Now in its 13th year, the competition features some of Orthodoxy's brightest young men and women who eloquently articulate articles of their faith, historically saint and and Church Father, John Chrysostom.

As the Patriarch of the Mother Church in Constan- tinople, he preached powerful homilies and wrote elo- quently on what parents and teachers must do in leading their children toward a life of Christ.

Moreover, the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the Orthodox

Church on most Sundays and feast days is the Divine Lit- urgy of St. John Chrysostom. It is a fitting tribute to this noble saint that the oratorical festival carry his inspira- tional name. The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

The competition, under the direction of Ernest Villas, director of the Department of Religious Education, has grown tremendously since its inception, and is, perhaps, one of the Archdiocese's best religious programs. Mr. Villas is ably assisted by Mrs. Vickie Villas and Rev. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, who coach and council the participants on organizing and managing the various diocesan events and stage the finals.

From a total participation of about 200 young men and women in 1984, the festival has grown to almost 1,000 aspiring student speakers this year.

Bishop Isaiah of the Diocese of Denver attended throughout the weekend to give encouragement and support to the participants.

After the difficult decisions of the judges were made known, His Grace commended the youthful orators as the "creme de la creme" of Greek Orthodox youth.

At the awards banquet, Nicholas Karakas, whose fam- ily foundation has been a long time contributor and ad- vocate of the oratorical festival, spoke directly to the participants. "Young people, you hold the future of Or- thodoxy in America in your hands. Armed with your faith, your convictions, your God-given gifts and talents, the keys are in your hands. From among you will come the presbyteres, clergy and faithful who in syndiakonia, work- ing together as clergy and laity, will provide the lead- ership of our beloved Church tomorrow."

At the conclusion of a weekend of excitement, fun, surprises, and many new friendships, Mr. Villas stated, "Our youth reflect good upbringing of their homes, the spiritual values of the Church and the experiences they have received in Sunday School, Greek language school, GOYA, summer camps, and other Church programs. These are made possible only through the support of the generous faithful to whom we are profoundly grateful."

J.F.KENNEDY AIRPORT, NY — The atmosphere was not only a crystal clear blue, but was also charged with ex- citement as dozens of church leaders, clergy and laity, waited for the moment anticipated since July 31, the arrival to America of our new Archbishop.

As did his predecessor, Archbishop Iakovos, His Emi- nence came directly from Greece, but the similarity ends there.

Archbishop Iakovos' trans-Atlantic voyage on an o- cean liner (the jet age had only dawned a few months earlier) was delayed 12 hours due to a storm at sea, resulting in an 11:15 p.m. docking in New York, and causing a one-day delay in the enthronement events.

Archbishop Spyridon, responds to greetings from the crowd

(D.Panagos photo)

In contrast, Archbishop Spyridon's Olympic Airways 747 flight from Athens landed only 15 minutes be- hind schedule. The new era for the church in America began at 4:15 p.m. EDT.

A group of bishops, priests, lay leaders and diplomats greeted His Eminence at the arrival gate and a police escort whisked them to the press room of the nearby Port Authority Administra- tion building.

Visibly tired from the long flight (it was nearly 1 a.m. in Athens), he entered the room to a standing o- vation and a presentation of flowers by some children.

With bishops of the Archdiocese, Metropolitan Ioakeim

of Chalcedon, and other clergy who accompanied him on the flight standing in the background, the Archbishop stepped to the podium and read his arrival statement in English and Greek (text below). It was received with enthusiastic applause. He then greeted the more than 60 clergy, laypersons and news reporters on hand for the event.

WELCOME YOUR Eminence! Upon entering the press room, Archbish- op Spyridon is greeted by three children representing the youth of the Archdiocese who presented him with flower bouquets. From left, Chryssa Golding, Nick Dimitriou and Mary Golding.

A motorcade, which al- so included his mother, sisters and brother who ac- companied him on the flight, through rush-hour traffic to Archdiocese head- quarters for his first wel- come by the staff. After a brief paraklesis in the Arch- diocesan Chapel of St. Paul, His Eminence placed a large bouquet in front of the icon of the Panaghia and spoke briefly, convey- ing the greetings of the Ec- umenical Patriarchate.

The following day, the Archbishop attended vespers at Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, followed by a dinner with more than 400 clergy and presbyteres.

He spent about two hours visiting each table and be- ing photographed with each priest and presbytera.

Among the speakers were Fr. Constantine Raptis, Arch- bishop Spyridon's priest in Tarpon Springs during his high school years; Rev. Chris Metropulos, the National Pres- byters Council president; and the Very Rev. Eugene Pap- pas of Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn, who pre- sented His Eminence with a gift from the clergy and pres- byteres, a silver staff.

For me, as an American, it is a special joy to return to the United States to guide and serve the Greek Orthodox Church in America. But as I greet you for the first time as your new Archbishop, my joy is tempered by the thought of the great responsibilities that have been entrusted to me, and I beseech you all for your support, for your un- derstanding, and for your prayers.

I am uplifted to have alongside me my brother in Christ, Metropolitan Ioakeim, the representative of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who will participate at my enthronement on Saturday. His All Holiness sends his patriarchal blessing and fatherly love to the Orthodox faithful of the Archdiocese, and his warm greetings to all the people of this country, the United States, which he looks forward to visiting in the fall of next year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Arch- diocese.

It is also a great joy for me to begin my ministry in this great city, New York, the gateway to the freedom and opportunity that this nation represents to the whole world. I am mindful that this most important journey of my ministry began in Constantinople, the capital of world Orthodoxy; paused in Athens, the capital of western civi- lization, and culminates in another capital — the capital of the world, as Mayor Giuliani calls it — New York City.

New York is the seat of our holy Archdiocese. I do not use the word holy lightly. We call the region around the sacred City of Jerusalem the Holy Land because it was there that Jesus Christ and the prophets walked and preached the message of God.

Wherever this message takes root is hallowed ground, and while it may seem that this frenzied metropolis is anything but holy, I know that there is great faith, love and compassion in this city, and I look forward to seeing it become the center of a new, vibrant and embracing Orthodox Church.

Our Church is now firmly established, not only in this city and this nation, but throughout the whole continent. Our communities have become an integral part of American society, and are accepted and admired by the other religious and ethnic groups that came to these shores before us.

We owe the acceptance and the respect we enjoy in the United States to the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents, who worked so hard to earn an honored place in American society and to prepare their children to seize the opportunities available in this great nation.

As the Chruch grew and matured under Archbishops Alexander, Michael, Athenagoras, and my beloved elder brother, Iakovos, its mission expanded to the larger com- munity in which it is planted, promoting human rights, seeking protection for our brethren in more dangerous parts of the world, and embracing new followers of our Faith.

Our mission is to preserve the best that our parents brought here from the old world, bind it together with the best that they found in this new land, and infuse it all with the new commandment our Lord Jesus Christ, that we love one another.

With God's blessing, and your help, I will do eve- rything in my power to carry out that mission; work with you to strengthen our communities; expand the teaching of our values, traditions and our rich Hellenic culture to our children; make our presence more keenly felt in A- merican society, not by increasing our demands, but by expanding our contributions; and show all Orthodox Chris- tians in America the relevance of our faith to our times.

Arriving here at JFK International Airport, I am re- minded of President Kennedy's moving inaugural speech some 35 years ago, when he announced that the torch had been passed "to a new generation of Americans." In my election as Archbishop, the torch of Orthodoxy in America is being passed to a new generation as well, born in this new land, and we are committed to see its flame burn brightly in the new millennium and unto the ages of ages.

I thank you for your warm greeting this afternoon. I look forward to working with you, and all our brothers and sisters throughout America, in the service of the Lord. We have much to do, but as St. Paul reminds us: "All things work together for good to those who love God."

May His love be with you always.