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GOARCH - January 21, 1999
OFFICIAL NEWS

Archdiocesan Cathedral Assumes Leadership Role
in New Model Ministry Initiatives

NEW YORK - Today, His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, announced a proposed plan for new model ministry programs under the auspices of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City.

In a meeting held this evening, the Archbishop charged the Dean of the Cathedral, the Reverend Protopresbyter Robert Stephanopoulos, with the task of spearheading proposed initiatives including: a coordinated hospital ministry for Manhattan, a similar coordinated prison ministry, a ministry to the homebound (elderly and physically challenged), coordinated college and university ministry, a ministry of pre-marital counseling, an expanded ministry for social concerns, including the Ronald McDonald House, mental health institutions and, building on the Cathedral's already established Soup Kitchen, aid to the needy.

The Cathedral, which was founded in 1892, is the See of the Archbishop of America and as such is under the direct administration of the Archbishop. Father Stephanopoulos met with the Archbishop this evening and discussed the ambitious proposals. The Cathedral already has a vibrant Day School, a Greek education program, a soup kitchen and a renowned choir, under Maestro Dino Anagnost. Earlier this week, the Archbishop broadened the responsibilities of the Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Gabriel Karambis, to include direct oversight of the administrative and liturgical operation of the Cathedral on behalf of His Eminence. Archimandrite Karambis was appointed Archiepiscopal Vicar on January 1, 1998. Previous Vicars have been Bishop Philotheos of Meloa and Metropolitan Isaiah, the Presiding Bishop of Denver, when he served as the Bishop-Chancellor in New York.

Commenting on these developments, the Archbishop said:

"These dreams have been in the minds of many for a long time. I was very gratified indeed to learn that Father Robert has served for many years in anticipation of such a development. Under the coordination of Father Robert, I feel we will be more than equal to the task of expanding the ministry of the Cathedral throughout our city, and provide a leadership model for others to follow. I also look forward to the clergy of the metropolitan area participating in this unique opportunity to bring these new initiatives to fruition."

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