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Orthodox Observer - August 1997
Chancellor Urges Support for St. Basil's The following is a letter written by the Archdiocese Chancellor Fr. George Passias to all clergy in the parishes on the need to support St. Basil Academy. July 17, 1997 St. Marina Most Beloved Brothers in Christ: "Suffer the little children to come unto me; for of such does the Kingdom of Heaven belong." Matt. 19:14 It is with a joyous heart and a great deal of happiness that I come to you, my brothers in Christ, through this letter. Please allow me to enter into the chamber of your heart for a few moments while I share with you some of our latest and most significant developments. I am a firm believer that when you and your parishioners have the information and what is best for the Church in your hearts, you will join ranks and support the mission upon which we have embarked. One of the critical issues facing the Church has certainly been the undeveloped potential of the St. Basil's Academy. Although many thoughts and ideas existed and surfaced, it was clear that this institution was hardly being used to its fullest potential and capability. It is then, with this mind-set, that the Archbishop acted, redirecting the academy and its programs.
His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon led a reevaluation team to analyze the present state of the academy, from many standpoints, and then sought to find ways which could enrich and expand the ministry offered by this precious and most revered institution of our Church. You must note that, although it is always good to evaluate, it is also painful in that reality is not usually what we would like it to be. This past year there were thirty-eight (38 students). Twenty were genuinely qualified to be part of the academy. By this it is meant that there were cases where both parents were alive and enjoyed financially flourishing businesses, while at the same time were not members of the Church and did not offer any stipend to offset the expenses of clothing, feeding, boarding, and educating their children. Providing for needy children and dysfunctional families is certainly our mission. Providing a free ride for those who choose not to be responsible for their own children, at the expense of others who need this help and support, is not our mission but rather our mistake. Staffing has been reorganized so as to reduce the number of paid employees from thirty-five (35) to twelve (12). The academy's buildings and grounds are not in the best condition and are at best time and weather beaten. These structures require serious repairs in order to bring back into usefulness. Only thirteen (13) confirmed students who are truly qualified from a financial standpoint or from other private standpoints are currently registered for the academy this fall. What should we do? What could we do? CLOSING IS NOT AN OPTION!!! Conducting a school with so few students was not prudent either. Therefore, His Eminence felt that the children should take advantage of the fine educational facilities in the area which can provide a much better education than the academy presently can offer. The academy will then provide otherwise for all of the children's needs, not the least of which is feeding, clothing, boarding, religious and Greek language education, and LOVE. After all, that is what they need the most! As one can see, we need and have the capability of caring for more students. This is now my beloved brother what we need from you and your ministry. We want you to have confidence in this institution that it will provide everything that a child could possibly need and much of what they would desire. Won't you please consider seeking students and families who could benefit from our beloved jewel. The more students we have, the more we can do about providing everything in-house. Please include often in your Sunday bulletins and monthly periodicals advertisements for our beloved Saint Basil's Academy not only for its needs but also for its desires to serve more of our people. I trust that you will make this a priority. There are children out there who are in need of what we can provide for them just short of their own loving family home. And what can we ultimately say about Saint Basil's Academy? It is the Church's expression of the loving and practical Gospel given to us by the Son of God, our Lord, who himself called the children to come close to Him and be embraced by Him.
In His Love,
[ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1132, August 1997, p. 5 ]
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