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Orthodox Observer - January 1997

Archbishop's Activities for the Month of December

Archbishop Spyridon held several meetings and celebrated a number of important feast days during the month, beginning with Vespers at St. Barbara's Church in Manhattan on Dec. 2.

His Eminence met with the other hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) on Dec. 4 for an all-day meeting at Archdiocese headquarters.

He celebrated the Vespers of St. Nicholas on Dec. 5 at the St. Nicholas Shrine Church in West Babylon, N.Y., and Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas in Manhattan.

Vespers and Divine Liturgy for his patron saint took place at St. Spyridon Church in Manhattan on Dec. 11-12.

Also on the 12th, His Eminence officiated at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Archdiocese in the afternoon and attended a dinner for Athens College in the evening.

Archbishop Spyridon traveled to Chicago for pastoral visits on Dec. 13-15, and while there held meetings with Diocese Young Adult League members, Philoptochos and clergy. He officiated at Divine Liturgy at St. Spyridon's Church.

The Archbishop attended the Christmas program at St. Basil's Academy on Dec. 18, and a luncheon of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York on the 19th.

He met with the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council, on December 20th.

He officiated at the Liturgy for staff members and families at the Archdiocese on Dec. 24, and at Christmas Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

On New Year's Eve, His Eminence officiated at the annual Vasilopita cutting for area clergy and their families.

At several vespers and liturgies where Archbishop Spyridon spoke, his message was that of humility. On the Feast of St. Nicholas, Archbishop Spyridon noted that "St. Nicholas became great because he was humble. Humility in itself is greatness.

He further stated that through humility "a person is set free from the dubious powers of his ego. To be humble means one does not need to boast about himself, his works and his good deeds, and doesn't need the applause of others. Humility is the best and quickest way to the world of love preached by Christ in his gospel."

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1122 - January 1997 - p. 2 ]