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Orthodox Observer - September 1996

The Future Is Now

By Fr. Angelo Artemas

The last time a new Greek Orthodox Archbishop was elected for America was in 1959. Since then, one thing has become painfully obvious: the median age of the Archdiocese has become much higher. Our bishops, priests, parish council members, ladies of Philoptochos, participants in choirs and volunteers in numerous other ministries are now among the senior membership of the Church.

The new Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (United States) is only 51 years old (He turns 52 on Sept. 24).

This presents a unique situation for many of our faithful who have been accustomed to having an older Archbishop. A large percentage of priests and parish leaders throughout the country are well into their 50s or more. And with longevity rates higher than ever, many faithful can expect to live very productive years long into retirement.

Over the next two decades, many of the most active faithful will continue to be older than His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon. This may result in some awkward feelings during the initial transition, but then the best kept secret in America - Orthodoxy - may well be catapulted to new prominence.

Consider the stages of adulthood. Certain sociologists have dubbed the 50-65-year-old period as the "Age of Mastery," and the 65-and-up period as the Age of Integrity.

By definition, those in the Age of Integrity should reap the rewards of their hard work by refocusing their energy not on accomplishing new things, but on sharing wisdom and knowledge gained from years of accomplishments.

Retired Archbishop Iakovos deserves the highest level of integrity as he recounts his accomplishments, and shares his wisdom with even more generations.

Archbishop Spyridon returns to these United States in the Age of Mastery. Despite His Eminence's numerous accomplishments in Constantinople, Geneva, and Italy, his best years are ahead of him. Archbishop Spyridon has embarked on his prime years, and that can only bode well for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

His Eminence returns to America and immediately challenges us with his presence. While many his age have directly witnessed the sexual revolution, the growth of rock & roll music, and the rise of the drug culture, Archbishop Spyridon brings America self-denial, advanced theological learning, and Orthodox spiritual discipline.

While many his age now enjoy the comforts of the good "American" life, Archbishop Spyridon brings American faithful the urgency of reaching out to the young and to the unchurched.

Many faithful in America have only known one Archbishop. This transition is therefore unique and historic. To those adults who can remember the enthronement of Archbishop lakovos, the enthronement of Archbishop Spyridon now offers a second experience of prominent history.

Transitions can be stressful, but this one affords Orthodox faithful the opportunity to grow to new and unprecedented heights.

As we welcome Archbishop Spyridon back to the United States of America, we must pledge our commitment to respond to his God-inspired ministry, and pray that God grant him peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 61, No. 1118 - September 1996 - p. 8 ]