ASTORIA – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was welcomed on Sunday, July 14, when he presided over his first Archieratical Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Demetrios in Astoria.
His Eminence, assisted by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia and the parish priest, Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, had the opportunity to reach out to the members of the community, some of whom had attended his recent enthronement.
This was the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Synod, with Archbishop Elpidophoros referring to the events and its decisions, as well as to the Churches that did not accept its decisions (Copts, Armenian, etc.) stressing, however, that we should love and respect our Christian brothers, whether or not our Churches are in communion.
The Archbishop of America was welcomed to the parish by Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, who along with the flock exclaimed “Axios,” while he did not hide his emotion when he mentioned the day was also his mother’s 40-day memorial.
“It is our honor that, even in the summer, with this heat, you came here to bless us with your presence. We all want to say ‘Axios’ because, from the first moment you came, you gave examples of love and humility, and you are an example to all of us. You are our spiritual father and we expect in your pastoral service to get to know you even better. The day is special to me, as it is my mother’s 40-day memorial today,” said Fr. Papazafiropoulos, unable to hold back his tears.
In reply, Archbishop Elpidophoros, having noted that he fully understands Fr. Papazafiropoulos’ emotional response, spoke about the importance of the St. Demetrios community, but also of Hellenism in Astoria, in general.
“I understand the emotion of Fr. Nektarios. I would like to thank him for this warm welcome, but also all of you. I will visit the parish in the winter. Know that Astoria is not just in the heart of the Archdiocese. It is the heart of the Archbishop. Astoria keeps the traditions. Astoria keeps education. Astoria keeps the language. Astoria keeps Orthodoxy. Astoria holds the heart of the Archbishop,” His Eminence said.
He then spoke about the loss of a parent, referring to Fr. Papazafiropoulos’ loss. “I realize the pain is great. I lost my father, relatively recently. Whatever your age, when you lose your father or mother, you are an orphan,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
Thereafter, the Archbishop praised Bishop Apostolos, who is inextricably linked to the St. Demetrios community of Astoria.
Among the many present were many members of the community, the Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras, and the former president of the Greek American Homeowners Association George Kitsios.
WASHINGTON, DC –His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with U.S. President Donald Trump today. The Archbishop was warmly greeted by President Trump in the Oval Office at the White House. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos were also present for the visit.
WASHINGTON – Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, addressed guests at the dinner they hosted in honor of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros in Washington. The text of his speech follows:
Your Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Your Beatitude Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Order of St. Andrew Spiritual Advisor and Vicar General of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese,
Reverend Fathers and Presbyteres, Congressman Bilirakis, Members of the President Trump Administration, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished guests and Brother Archons of the Great Church of Christ,
Good evening and welcome to the Order of St. Andrew dinner honoring our newly enthroned and beloved Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as we gather here in Washington to participate in the U.S. State Department’s Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. How appropriate it is for the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which has been the victim of religious persecution for centuries, to participate and speak at this ministerial, having served the Mother Church for over 25 years and who has witnessed first-hand the Martyria of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
We are especially honored this evening with the presence of His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, where the very birthplace of Christianity is being threatened with the complete asphyxiation of the Christian Community.
Whether you look at the Middle East, or Africa, or Asia, the countries of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey, Yemen, China, Pakistan, India…it’s horrific that Christians are persecuted globally. According to our own State Department, Christians face persecution in more than 60 countries around the world, that’s more than one out of every three countries in existence today. Stated another way, although Christians comprise only 30% of the world’s population, 80 percent of all acts of religious discrimination are directed at Christians. The Order of St. Andrew commends President Trump, Secretary Pompeo, and Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Brownback for organizing this Ministerial in which over 1000 individuals representing 130 countries are participating to focus attention on religious persecution and deliberating on the ways and means this evil can be contained and ultimately overcome.
Your Eminence, we are among friends this evening. Members of the Administration past and present, Distinguished Members of Congress, leaders of Hellenic American organizations, our local and beloved Clergy and Presbyteres and Brother Archons, whose collective desire is to seek the complete and unfettered religious freedom of the Holy and Great Mother Church of Constantinople.
Representing the Order of AHEPA is newly elected Supreme President Archon George Horiates and Supreme Treasurer Archon Savas Tsivicos, who is also the Honorary Chair of the Cyprus Children’s Fund. We are honored to have AHEPA Executive Director Archon Basil Mossaides here with us. Representing the American Hellenic Institute is its President, Archon Nick Larigakis. The Hellenic Initiative is represented by Archon George Stamas, its president, The National Hellenic Society by its Executive Director Art Dimopoulos, The American Hellenic Leadership Council by its Executive Director Endy Zemenides, The Hellenic American Women’s Council by its cofounder Theodora Hancock, the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes by Archon Andy Manatos and the Western Policy Center by Archon John Sitilides.
We are all working together so that Halki may once again function as the luminary seminary it once was and the worldwide ministry of His All-Holiness will be free of the interference of the government of Turkey. I believe this day will come and that ultimately the bells of freedom will peal from the St. George Patriarchal Cathedral at the Phanar pronouncing once and for all, that Religious Freedom has come to the Great Church of Christ! Amen!
At this time, as we begin our meal, allow me to recognize Archon George Stamas and his beloved wife Georgia, who serve as our sponsors this evening at this beautiful private club which is for the exclusive use of its members. Archon George we are very grateful!
We recognize the great efforts of the father/son Manatos Team… Well actually, it is a grandfather/father/son Team beginning with the late great Presidential Aid to JFK and LBJ Mike Manatos, for their invaluable assistance in the organization and execution of this evening’s dinner and tomorrow’s State Department Archon Sidebar at the Capitol.
A special word of thanks to Liz Fagan of Manatos team and our own outstanding Archons at the National Office, Archon Andrew Veniopoulos and Archon John Mindala. Thank you all so much!
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia on the occasion of the tragic 45th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus presided over the Divine Liturgy on July 21 at the Annunciation Cathedral of the Theotokos in Sydney. At the end of the Liturgy a Service was offered for the repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives during the invasion and for the healing of the victims of the Turkish army’s atrocities.
In attendance were the Cypriot Presidential Commissioner Fotis Fotiou, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia Martha Mavrommati, and the Ambassador of Greece to Australia Ekaterini Xagorari.
Archbishop Makarios in his sermon made reference to the tragedy of Cyprus and declared that even with the passage of time the injustice which was carried out in Cyprus will not be forgotten.
Archbishop Makarios offers a Memorial Trisagion for the victims of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Credit: Archdiocese of Australia
The Archbishop mentioned with respect and compassion the 200,000 refugees who were forced to leave their homelands, and he also commemorated the late Archbishop and President of Cyprus Makarios III, the 4,000 dead, and the 1,619 missing.
Last but not least, the Archbishop urged the attendees not to forget the pain of the people who lost not only their relatives and friends, but also their homes and their land.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presides over the Memorial Service at the end of the Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral of Sydney for the repose of those who died during the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. Credit: Archdiocese of Australia
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain will be enthroned on Saturday July 27 at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral of London. Archbishop Nikitas was elected unanimously by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Wednesday June 12, succeeding Archbishop Gregorios who retired from active ministry.
Metropolitan Emmanuel of France will preside over the service of the enthronement representing His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, assisted by visitor hierarchs from Greece and Europe. From the United States will come Metropolitans Alexios of Atlanta, Gerasimos of San Francisco, and Nathanael of Chicago.
In an interview with The National Herald replying to a question about the preparations of the enthronement he said that “we are doing very well and the first and main reason is we have the blessing of our Patriarch. Second, I went to greet and received the blessing of my predecessor Archbishop Gregorios, who invited his relatives and some friends and told them “I want you to support and help the new Archbishop.”
Archbishop Nikitas added that, “Archbishop Gregorios welcomed me cordially. I kissed his hand and I told him don’t worry about anything. You will stay here at the Archdiocese and we will provide you with anything you need. He will continue to live in the Archdiocese because he requested that from me and I told him that I see you as my own father and whatever I would have wanted for my father I want it also for you.”
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate-Nikos Manginas
When asked about his first impression and findings from his visits thus far in the Archdiocese in England he said, “first I want to tell about the great enthusiasm of the clergy and laity who were waiting for me with open arms. When I visited a number of restaurants of Greek ownership I went into the kitchen I greeted all the employees, introduced myself and told them I am your new Archbishop. They became speechless because they weren’t expecting that from me.”
Regarding the condition of the communities of the Archdiocese, he said, “I didn’t have a chance to visit many except two or three.” He added that, “we are going to start some programs. It is helping me a lot that I am a child of America and that I have lived and served in its Missions. I believe that all the future hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate should go and serve first in Missionary places and Metropolises because by doing you realize the difficulties and you know what to do when you are called to minister a Metropolis.”
He also said that “certainly the Archdiocese of Thyateira has been there for many decades but we should open more to the outside world and show that we have something to offer.”
According to Archbishop Nikitas, “the Archdiocese is comprised of more than one hundred communities, some of which are very small and. It includes four countries England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.”
As to how the Archdiocese is sustained financially, he said that, “it has a Trust and also some real estate from which it has income. The paid membership of the faithful in the communities is not obligatory as it is in America. The faithful give only donations if they so wish, freely, and also they give something for the issuance of marriage and baptismal permits. I want to stablish a list of the faithful just to be able to communicate with them.”
Asked what he would do if someone comes to a parish and says he does not have the funds to pay for a marriage or baptismal certificate, but asked him to bless the wedding and baptize the child, Archbishop Nikitas said, “of course,” he would. “What would Christ do? If we drive away the people then we are not a Church.”
Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain during the Service of Great Minima (Announcement) at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral. Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate-Nikos Manginas
Regarding the salaries of the priests he said “the priests are salaried by the parishes, but many of them don’t have good salaries – they get one thousand dollars a month and that is why they work in other jobs.”
One of his first priorities will be “the Greek Education. We have schools here and now with the economic crisis in Greece many Greeks immigrate to England.” He added, “of course I will pay attention to the religious education and youth as well.”
Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain is the son of Constantine and Kalliope Lulias. He was born on June 22, 1955 in Tampa, FL and raised in Tarpon Springs, FL with his brother John. His roots are from Krokos Kozanis and the island of Kalymnos.
A member of Savant, the University of Florida Honor Society, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree from the University in 1976. His Eminence attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and received his Masters’ of Divinity, with Honors, in 1980. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece until November 1982. He also studied the Russian language at the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary, St. Petersburg, Russia from late 1992 to mid-1993. His Eminence Nikitas’ first assignment upon ordination was Associate Pastor at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merrillville, Indiana. He remained at the Cathedral until 1987, at which time he became the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chicago. During his tenure as Chancellor from 1987 to 1995, he was involved in numerous educational, community service, and interfaith activities, including teaching a course in Orthodox Christian Theology at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois (1988 to 1991). In 1994 he was appointed Director of Development for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and on July 1, 1995 he became Pastor of the St. Demetrios Orthodox Church of Chicago. He was consecrated a bishop and named Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South East Asia on December 14, 1996. That historic event took place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George the Great Martyr at the Phanar in Constantinople. He was enthroned as the first Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South East Asia (the Exarchates of China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore) on January 12, 1997 at the Cathedral of Saint Luke the Evangelist in Hong Kong.
In March of 2007, His Eminence Nikitas was appointed Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute.
NEW YORK – FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism (FAITH) is pleased to announce the launch of a new leadership training program, the “Executive Education Program in Strategic Leadership and Transformative Action” (SLTA), for members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at the prestigious Fletcher School of Tufts University. SLTA is an intensive executive leadership training program designed to give clergy and laity a foundational set of technical, intellectual, and spiritual tools and ideas for strategic management and leadership that can produce transformative action in the Church and community. The pilot program will launch in the Metropolis of Chicago and is scheduled for January 2020.
Funded by FAITH, the program is the first of its kind for the Greek Orthodox community of America. The curriculum was developed by Professor Elizabeth Prodromou and will include lectures by leading experts in related disciplines of faith-based and non-profit organizations covering topics such as strategic planning and management, financial planning for non-profits, leadership, communication strategies, and religious literacy. Dr. Prodromou and the Fletcher School have hosted similar type leadership training programs for other community and church/faith-based institutions.
Participants will be selected from clergy and laity, for their desire and potential to learn and incorporate their new knowledge to further develop a strong, vital, and active Church built upon institutional sustainability and adaptability. Participants are expected to return to their parishes and communities where they will implement the organizing principles of this program; awareness, action and impact to build stronger communities within their Parish, Metropolises and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
“The Metropolis truly is grateful to FAITH to be selected as the pilot program group for the opportunity to learn from the faculty in a world-class university setting like Tufts’ Fletcher School,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. “It presents a unique setting for active engagement in workshops focused on teaching the best practices of non-profit management, collaboration, and accountability that will help empower our Metropolis and community. Leadership must be the unbroken thread through everything we do as a Church and community from both clergy and laity perspective.”
Since 2004, FAITH has supported and promoted excellence and leadership among young people within the Greek and Hellenic community through sponsoring college scholarship programs, St. John Chrysostom Awards, financial aid travel grants to Ionian Village, and various educational resources for the Greek language and culture programs at parishes. More information and applications for this program will be posted at www.thefaithendowment.org later this summer.
BOSTON – In a letter to the interim President, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the Board of Trustees, Faculty and Administration of Hellenic College Holy Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announced the completion of the appointment of the search committee for a new president of the School.
In his letter, the Archbishop stated:
“Hellenic College and Holy Cross are the well-springs of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States, equipping the Archdiocese with competent, trained clergy and service-oriented lay persons. The leadership of the School is vital to the health of our National Church.”
The six-member Committee is constituted from Faculty (two), Board Members (two) and two appointments by the Archbishop. They have been charged by the Archbishop to complete their work within 120 days of their initial meeting, which is scheduled to occur in early August.
The members are:
Prof. Aristotle Michopoulos and Prof. Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis from the faculty of the College and School of Theology respectively. Father Steve Zorzos, Board Secretary, and Nick Spiliotis from the Board of Trustees. Argyris Vassiliou, Chairman of Leadership 100, and George Tsandikos, Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council, are the two appointed members by the Archbishop, with Mr. Vassiliou presiding as chair of the committee.
The Archbishop further commented: “Together with the Most Reverend Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the entire Archdiocese – clergy and lay alike – we look forward to the Committee immediately beginning its vital and important work to be completed within 120 days of its commencement. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston is to be thanked for his willingness to serve as president in an interim capacity during this critical period of transition. Establishing Hellenic College Holy Cross on a firm foundation, that respects the past even as it envisions the future, will fulfil a dream of the Greek Orthodox Community of America for a true alma mater that will produce generations of Church leadership to come.”
ASTORIA – The festival at St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria began on Thursday, July 25 with a large crowd in attendance for the annual celebration, a highlight event of the summer for Queens’ residents.
The opening day started off with the blessing presided over by His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, Abbot of the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou. He was assisted by Fr. Apostolos Manoloudis, Fr. Nikolaos Kalafatis, Fr. Nikolaos Gourdoupis, and Fr. Gerasimos Balas.
At the festival, 32 volunteers are working at various posts. Attendance is expected to peak on the afternoon of Friday and Saturday, while on Sunday, the traditional procession of the icon will take place.
On Saturday, July 27, the Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will celebrate the Great Vespers, and on Sunday, July 28, he will preside over the Divine Liturgy which will be followed by the traditional procession.
On the evening of July 24, Vespers and the Mystery of the Sacred Eucharist were celebrated by Bishop Ierotheos.
His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, the Abbot of the the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou, performed the blessing at the start of the festival. Photo: TNH/ Kostas BejThe Festival at St. Irene Chrysovalantou began with the blessing performed by His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, the Abbot of the the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
WASHINGTON, DC – Greek-American mixed media fine artist Nia Tavlarides Stratos is the first United States artist to exhibit her work at the prestigious Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of American States (AMA) and the first of Greek descent. She told The National Herald that her exhibition titled, “Revelation, Illumination, Transformation… explores the relationship between art, empathy and tolerance.”
The exhibition, on view at the AMA’s Marcus Garvey Hall of Culture, opened on July 15 and runs through August 2.
The opening night on July 18 featured a visit from a very special guest, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
The artist told TNH, “I was honored to share my exhibition with our newly enthroned Archbishop Elpidophoros.”
According to her biography, the native Washingtonian’s natural artistic ability was evident in her youth. Stratos was awarded a scholarship to The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, where her work was exhibited. Burlington Industries purchased her paintings to be used in textile design. She completed her undergraduate work at The University of Maryland where she participated in juried shows for painting and jewelry design. Nia designed her own line of jewelry, Evyenia Designs, with collections sold to boutiques and department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. She later became a partner in a Washington-based advertising agency where her work garnered both regional and national awards.
Nia has participated in juried shows as well as successful solo shows in galleries and venues, such as The Ritz Carlton. She is a published fine artist, whose work is held in both private and corporate collections, including VISA Card Corporation.
Having mastered the use of color with palettes that range from harmonious, muted, conceptualizations to bold, iconoclastic expressions, she explores a rich synthesis of pattern and spatial composition through various media and assemblage. Nia feels each composition is a mosaic of elements demanding amalgamation. Every work of art provides a thoughtful vehicle to interpret texture and dimension and is an examination of color and style through the use of various media.
Passionate about life, the artist notes in her biography that spending time in her ancestral home of Greece has given her the opportunity to explore her Byzantine heritage.
More information is available online: museum.oas.org and niastratosfineart.com.
LONDON – The Enthronement of the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Nikitas, will take place at the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom, Bayswater, London on Saturday 27th July 2019 at 11am.
Entry to the church is strictly by invitation only but you can watch the ceremony live here.
GREENLAWN, NY – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Feast of Saint Paraskevi, the Great-Martyr with the Divine Liturgy yesterday, July 26, 2019, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the same name, located in the Greenlawn hamlet of Long Island.
“You and I are equally sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. We are equally heirs of His riches. We are equally blessed with His power from on high through faith in Christ,” said the Archbishop in his sermon to the congregation.
Young children and Parish officials welcomed His Eminence as he arrived for the Orthros service in the morning. Ten clergymen took part in the liturgy. Soon the beautiful church filled to capacity as the faithful came to honor the feast of their patron saint, but also welcome and meet their new spiritual father, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
In his homily the Archbishop spoke about the life and healing witness of Saint Paraskevi and the Epistle and Gospel readings of the day, connecting them through the single thread of the healing power of God. (Read full text of Archbishop’s homily)
“We should be always a people of hope and optimism; people of joy and thanksgiving; people of fervent prayer and bold intercession, as was the saint for whom this Shrine Church is named. Through the intercessions of the holy Great-Martyr Paraskevi, may the Lord grant us eyes that are open always to the possibilities of His incomparably great power in us.”
Just before the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Eminence by the laying-of-the-hands, blessed six young men of the parish as Readers, gave them the book of Psalms and proclaimed each one Axios! The Archbishop said that this event of the blessings of the Readers gives him hope. “These young men give me hope,” he said and requested from mothers, grandmothers and family to encourage their children, their young men, to become priests. “Give the most successful, the best, the most brilliant minds to the Church,” he urged them.
His Eminence praised Fr. Elias Nicholas, the pastor of the community, and said that the priest is the reference point for every community… without a good priest who sacrifices from his own, the community cannot see success and prosperity. He also expressed congratulations and gratitude to the Parish Council, its President Steve Ramerini, and the ladies of the Philoptochos Society for their hard work for their Church, their fellow congregants and fellow human beings.
After the Liturgy, the Archbishop visited and venerated the Grotto-Shrine of the Holy Water fountain of Saint Paraskevi located next to the church. This fountain and Shrine is a replica of the miraculous holy spring of St. Paraskevi in Therapia, Turkey.
The community of Saint Paraskevi hosted a luncheon in honor of Archbishop Elpidophoros and his first visit, at the nearby Larkfield Manor, with the proceeds benefiting the rebuilding fund of Saint Nicholas Shrine in the World Trade Center. The Archbishop was pleased and impressed by the presentations of young students and the St. Paraskevi GOYA Hellenic Dancers who performed traditional folk dances.
LONDON – The enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia), Bayswater, London, on July 27.
The ceremony was attended by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France as a representative for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with hierarchs from all over the world present.
At the end of the enthronement ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Greeks Living Abroad, Antonis H. Diamataris, said, “It is a great honor to represent the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the enthronement of the Archbishop Nikita of Thyateira and Great Britain. I have followed the Archbishop’s course from my previous position and I can say that he is a capable archbishop who is deeply aware of his ecclesiastical and national mission.
“I would also like to thank and congratulate His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on the choices he has made. After Archbishop Nikita in Great Britain, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America – who has already made the best possible impression – and Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who has also impressed us, as well as for the upgrading the Metropolis of Canada to an Archdiocese.”
A luncheon followed in honor of the new Archbishop at a central hotel in the British capital.
In his address, the Deputy Minister praised the spiritual, educational, and social work of the new Archbishop and his multifaceted contribution to the American and Hong Kong church and expressed his conviction that he would continue with the same zeal in his new duties.
He said, “From my previous position, that of the publisher-editor of The National Herald, I have closely watched your spiritual, educational, and social work, your morals, your great abilities, your multifaceted contribution to the Church of America and to our large and fine community there. And I am sure that you will also serve this flock with great success and with the same principles that accompany you throughout your ministry.”
The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in London was crowded with the faithful for the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, His Eminence Mr. Nikitas. Photo: Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain
Mr. Diamataris also met with leading representatives of the local Greek community associations at a dinner held in his honor, hosted by Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom Dimitris Karamitsos-Tziras at the ambassador’s residence on the eve of the enthronement. Greek Ambassador to Ireland Aikaterini Simopoulou was also present at the meeting.
The Republic of Cyprus was represented by High Commissioner of Cyprus to the United Kingdom Euripides Evriviades. In his speech, he conveyed to His Eminence the best wishes of the President of the Republic and the people of Cyprus, referring to the historical contribution of the Cypriots to the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church in Britain. He characterized his election as Archbishop as a “landmark” for the community.
On Sunday, July 28, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in London, presided over by Archbishop Nikitas, after which he received the congratulations and best wishes of the faithful at a reception in the Cathedral community center.
Archbishop Nikitas was unanimously elected on June 12 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on the recommendation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and succeeding His Eminence Archbishop Gregory, who joined the retired hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.
ASTORIA – Hundreds of faithful from the New York Metropolitan Area, as well as those from as far as Maryland, attended the annual procession of the miraculous icon of St. Irene Chrysovalantou, which took place on Sunday, July 28, immediately following the Divine Liturgy at the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presiding.
The Abbot of the Monastery, His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, along with Fr. Apostolos Manoloudis, Fr. Nikolaos Kalafatis, Fr. Nikolaos Gourdoupis, Fr. Meletios Bougas, and Fr. Ierotheos Markopoulos, among others, also participated in the liturgy.
His Eminence presided for the first time at the celebration as Archbishop and read a message from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In spite of the heat and humidity, the faithful waited patiently to participate in the procession which is one of the highlights of the summer for the Greek Orthodox community in New York and commemorates the Feast Day of St. Irene Chrysovalantou.
The procession started from the Holy Monastery of St. Irene on 36th Street, headed to 33rd Street towards Ditmars Boulevard, and then returned along 33rd Street to 23rd Avenue, completing the ritual.
With Sunday’s religious services, the four-day festival at St. Irene Chrysovalantou which benefitted from perfect weather conditions, concluded.
“It is a fact that the pilgrimage to St. Irene Chrysovalantou here in Astoria is a pilgrimage that attracts many people, thousands of people, all year long. They are not only Greeks and Greek Orthodox, but also from other denominations, culminating in this day, which was brightened by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as the representative of the Patriarchate. There was a great deal of piety and emotion, and there were buses that came in from other communities as well,” Fr. Gerasimos Ballas told The National Herald.
WARM WORDS FROM ELPIDOPHOROS
There was a warm welcome and praise on the part of His Grace Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia on Saturday at the Great Vespers, which was also led by Archbishop Elpidophoros.
The annual procession of the miraculous icon of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
Bishop Ierotheos emphasized that Archbishop Elpidophoros is a “distinguished Hierarch of the Great Church” referring to the key posts he served at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the recent past.
“With the announcement of your election, everyone’s hearts were overwhelmed with joy and hopeful delight. You are a distinguished hierarch of the Great Church, the Holy Synod entrusting you with the rudder of one of the most remarkable provinces of the throne. Your ministry so far guarantees your continued pastorate. I met you at the Patriarchate when you were a deacon and secretary of the Holy Synod. Then you became Archbishop and, later, Metropolitan of the historic Metropolis of Bursa in Asia Minor, as well as Abbot and Director of the Theological School of Halki, which we hope will soon open its gates,” His Grace said.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, in his speech, conveyed the congratulations of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
“It is very moving to be with you. This is not the first time I have visited this beautiful monastery. I have visited other times. I have visited as a deacon, as a priest, and today God has granted that I visit as a representative of our Patriarch. I would like to express on behalf of our Ecumenical Patriarch the gratitude, praise, and congratulations, in the first place, to your Abbot, Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia, for the blessed and great work he is doing, the brotherhood around him, and you, too, who support him,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Among those present at the Great Vespers service was Consul of Greece in New York Lana Zochiou.
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH) announced that the audit of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 has been completed. (See financial statements here).
“The completion of these financial statements confirms that progress in financial accountability is improving as this is the earliest after a year end in over 15 years that audited financial statements have been made available, GOARCH says in its announcement.
“The audited financial statements disclose significant improvement in the financial results of the Archdiocese. The expenditures of the Archdiocese were substantially reduced from prior years in accordance with budget and staff reductions that were implemented in late 2017 and early 2018. Those reductions, together with significant cost controls and a delay in filling budgeted staff positions resulted in an unrestricted excess of revenue over expenses of approximately $3.4 million. This compares to an excess of revenues over expenses of approximately $352,000 in 2017. The excess of revenues over expenses in 2018 is necessary to cover prior period shortfalls. The audited statements also confirm that, as previously announced, all custodial and restricted accounts were restored in 2018 in accordance with donor wishes. The restoration of the funds was completed in June 2018 with bank financing that provided a $5.5 million mortgage and a $3 million line of credit ($2 million of the line of credit outstanding at the end of 2018 and fully repaid at the present time). The bank financing also provided the necessary funds for the Archdiocese to become current on its obligations to creditors, Hellenic College Holy Cross, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdiocesan pension plan as is evident in the audited financial statements. Funds of $2.8 million were also advanced to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine by the Archdiocese in order for contractors to be paid in full.
“His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros stated ‘I am pleased that our 2018 financial results were confirmed by the audit. There are unfilled budgeted positions at the Archdiocese and also a reprioritizing of needs that must be addressed. But as we do that, we must maintain a balanced budget and also eliminate the deficits of the past to ensure the Archdiocese remains on firm financial footing.’
“The Archdiocese recently provided to the Executive Committee and Archdiocesan Council internally prepared interim financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, with those statements showing that an excess of revenues over expenses was also generated in the first quarter. (See attached interim financial statements and budget to actual results).”
CONSTANTINOPLE – Bishop Sahak Mashalian, the newly elected Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate in the City (Istanbul), visited today, Friday, August 2, 2019, the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar.
Bishop Sahak, accompanied by clergy of the Armenian Patriarchate, was received by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with honor and cordiality, and informed him of the ongoing process of electing their new Patriarch.
CONSTANTINOPLE – In a statement released Sunday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his revulsion and deep shock at the murderous shootings at El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, “which killed and injured many of our fellow citizens,” reads the statement.
Patriarch Bartholomew said he strongly condemns “all acts of hatred, be it racial, religious or social, but also any form of violence and fundamentalism, wherever they may come from.”
“Hate and violence,” he pointed out, “cause a great deal of pain and fear, and are sometimes the cause of further acts of violence in the form of revenge. In the face of this rising, dangerous and bloody phenomenon, every person of good will must display strong spiritual resistance.”
He called on everyone “to work, through dialogue and in a spirit of mutual respect, to preserve peaceful coexistence and cooperation, against practices that boost fear and divide society.”
“The Holy Church of Christ, in faith in the teaching of our Lord, is making strenuous efforts in this direction. The Church prays for the resting of the victims’ souls, and expresses its heartfelt condolences to their families, and wishes courage and speedy recovery to the injured. At the same time, it expresses its sympathy and support for the local community of El Paso as well as Dayton, the US government and people in the US,” said the Patriarchate.
The Ecumenical Patriarch asked the Archbishop of America Elpidoforos to convey the above message of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to local and national authorities and to the people of the United States at large.
TORONTO – The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Opposition, visited the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada on August 2 and met with His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios.
Mr. Scheer, who is a Member of Parliament from Saskatchewan and former Speaker of the House of Commons, congratulated the Archbishop on the recent elevation of the Metropolis of Toronto to the Archdiocese of Canada. He was given a tour of the Archdiocese headquarters in Toronto by His Eminence that included a visit to the Church of St. John the Theologian, which is on the ground floor and replete with Byzantine-style iconography. Scheer also visited the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy and various offices of the Archdiocese.
The two leaders then met and had an extensive dialogue in the private residence of the Archbishop. Issues discussed included several challenges and opportunities facing Canadian society, various global developments, and the importance of peace and unity among peoples, as well as religious freedom around the world, particularly in Turkey and for our venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios and Canadian Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer in the Archbishop’s office. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Following the meeting, the Archbishop presented the Leader with an icon from the Holy Monastery of St. Kosmas in Bolton of St. Andrew the First-called Apostle, who is the patron saint not only of Scheer, but also of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Before Scheer departed from the Archdiocese, His Eminence sincerely thanked him for his continued support of the Greek Orthodox community across Canada and for his commitment to religious freedom, and wished Scheer and his family continued success and prosperity in service to Canada.
The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Opposition, visited the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and met with His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
WHITESTONE – The Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Christ was celebrated at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone which hosted the Transfiguration community of Corona which has yet to return to its own church building following a May 2017 fire. The celebration began with the Great Vespers service on August 5 with the Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos presiding over the service after His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia had to cancel at the last minute due to laryngitis, as Fr. George Anastasiou, the presiding priest of the Transfiguration community explained following the service.
Also joining Fr. Papazafiropoulos and Fr. Anastasiou were the presiding priest of the Holy Cross community Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos, Fr. Chrysostomos Panos, Fr. Nicholas Samaras of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in West Nyack, NY, and Fr. Constantin Ursache from St. Paul’s Cathedral in Hempstead.
In his speech, Fr. Papazafiropoulos spoke about the Transfiguration and its meaning, noting that what Christ revealed to His Disciples was always there, but their eyes were opened to be able to see Holy Light of Christ’s Divinity. He pointed out that the light of Christ is always bright and lit for everyone who welcomes it into their life.
Fr. Papazafiropoulos thanked Fr. Anastasiou for his invitation to preside over the service and wished everyone all the best and hoped to see everyone next year back at the Transfiguration Church in Corona to celebrate the community’s feast day.
Fr. Anastasiou thanked all the priests who joined the celebration especially Fr. Papazafiropoulos for accepting his last-minute invitation to lead the service on August 5, and Fr. Anagnostopoulos calling him the most welcoming priest in the area for opening the doors of Holy Cross to the parishioners from Corona for the celebration of the community’s feast day. He also thanked Fr. Samaras and Fr. Ursache for traveling from so far to be a part of the celebration and pointed out that Fr. Panos after having spent some time serving in Chicago was now back in the New York area as he was recently appointed as the presiding priest for one of the oldest communities in New York City, St. Eleftherios in Manhattan which was established in 1918.
Fr. George Anastasiou, presiding priest of the Transfiguration community of Corona, during the Great Vespers service for the feast day of the community held at Holy Cross in Whitestone. Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos is shown at left. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
Fr. Anastasiou wished him all the best in his new post and wished all the best to everyone in attendance. He invited everyone to attend the reception in the church hall with coffee and sweets after the vespers service and also to the following morning’s Divine Liturgy on the Feast Day of the Transfiguration, August 6 which was followed by a luncheon of baccaliero and skordalia provided for free by the Corona community.
His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia presided over the service on August 6.
Fr. Nicholas Samaras carried the icon of the Transfiguration in the procession during the vespers service. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
Fr. Nicholas Samaras, Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos, Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, Fr. Chrysostomos Panos, Fr. George Anastasiou, and Fr. Constantin Ursache during the service for the Transfiguration of Our Savior. Photo: TNH/ Kostas BejThe Great Vespers service for the feast day of the community held at Holy Cross in Whitestone. Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos is shown at left. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
Fr. George Anastasiou, presiding priest of the Transfiguration community of Corona, during the Great Vespers service for the feast day of the community held at Holy Cross in Whitestone. Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos is shown at left. Photo: TNH/ Kostas BejThe Great Vespers service for the feast day of the community held at Holy Cross in Whitestone. Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos is shown at left. Photo: TNH/ Kostas Bej
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced on August 6 the conclusion of an independent audit of its financial statements for the years ending 2015, 2016, and 2017. The audit was requested by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael shortly after his enthronement in May 2018 to promote greater transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the Metropolis.
By initiating an audit, the Metropolis sought to assess its overall financial condition, determine whether its financial statements were fairly presented, and improve its accounting procedures and internal controls. Upon completion of the audit on August 2nd, the auditors issued a Disclaimer of Opinion, meaning they were unable to form an opinion due to the limited information available to substantiate the amounts presented in the financial statements. A complete copy of the Audit Report may be accessed online.
“From the onset, we said we would follow the findings and recommendations of the audit, wherever they led us. With a full accounting of our assets and liabilities, we can earnestly make good on our promise to revitalize the Metropolis,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. “I am grateful to the many volunteers who selflessly donated countless hours to help the Metropolis meet the needs and expectations of the faithful.”
In the Notes to the Financial Statements, the auditors described a number of inadequacies encountered in the accounting records and supporting data, including insufficient documentation to support the cash receipts and disbursements. Documents such as receipts, invoices, purchase orders, and payment records for the items the auditors sampled and tested were not available to substantiate the transactions. In addition, the cash receipts and disbursements were not maintained in the accounting records of the Metropolis based on donor restrictions.
The auditors also noted that the Metropolis was unable to substantiate the $4,909,613 capitalized value of the land, building, and improvements at 40 East Burton Place, the property which has served as the Metropolis Center until last year. The property was originally purchased by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in the 1960s and later granted to the Metropolis in October 2012. After an extensive search, records detailing the value of the property at the time of purchase or the value of the improvements and depreciation since that time could not be located. The Metropolis’ inability to substantiate the capitalized value of the largest asset on its balance sheet will continue to be a problem in future financial statement audits, so long as the Metropolis continues to own the property.
The findings of the audit are consistent with the open letter to the Metropolis, written by His Eminence in June, which described the financial condition of the Metropolis upon his arrival, short- and long-term challenges, and his vision for the future. Since His Eminence’s enthronement, the Metropolis has consolidated and streamlined numerous accounts, adopted strong controls on receipts and expenditures, instituted new recordkeeping procedures, published its financial statements and annual budget for the first time, conducted an audit of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, and begun establishing best practices for accounting records.
Going forward, the Metropolis will publish its financial statements and its budget annually and will have them reviewed or audited by an independent auditing firm. The Metropolis has also requested guidance from its independent auditor to further improve its internal controls and will implement new policies once the recommendations are finalized and received.
The audit was conducted by the independent accounting firm of MichaelSilver, which was selected after a Request for Proposal was issued by the Metropolis Council in the third quarter of 2018. The auditors reviewed all books, records, policies, and procedures of the Metropolis and conducted interviews of past and present managers and others charged with governance during that time period. The audit required 10 months to complete due to insufficient accounting records for the 2015-2017 time period.
“As Metropolitan, I see it as one of my primary responsibilities to ensure a higher level of financial accountability, one that fosters confidence and trust among our people. To me, the sobering results of the audit only reaffirm that responsibility,” said His Eminence. “While we cannot determine the direct cause of these shortcomings, we must move forward and rebuild the loss of faith that these failures produced. I am saddened that past omissions, lack of transparency, and absent or inadequate procedures have tainted our faithful’s relationship with their Church. As the spiritual leader of our Metropolis, I vow never to allow — indeed, to prevent at all costs — the Metropolis from operating with such recklessness and carelessness. As Metropolitan, this is the path I want to be on, and I invite our people to join me.”
The Metropolis asks for your continued prayers and support to fulfill its mission. To help make a difference, consider an annual donation to the Metropolis’ Hands of Mercy campaign.
More information is available online: chicago.goarch.org.
The venerable Metropolitan of Tyroloi and Serention, the most honorable Exarch of Thrace, Panteleimon (Rodopoulos), fell asleep today, August 7, shortly after 2 p.m., at the age of 90.
The blessed Hierarch fell asleep peacefully at the Holy Monastery of Vlatades, of which he had been a longtime abbot, with his successor and spiritual son, Bishop Nikephoros of Amorion, at his side.
The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 9, at 11 a.m. at the Monastery of the Vlatades, where he will be buried.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America stated the following:
“With profound sadness at the falling asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Panteleimon of Tyroloi and Serention, I celebrated the Trisagion for the repose of the soul of the departed Hierarch, to whom I owe much, because as my teacher in the university he taught me not only Canon Law, but also he was by his example the model of ecclesiastical ethos for all of us younger clergy. As the Archdiocese of America, we are especially grateful to the late teacher for having served, devotedly and effectively, our Holy Cross Theological School in Boston. Eternal and unforgettable be his memory.”
… because as my teacher in the university he taught me not only Canon Law, but also he was by his example the model of ecclesiastical ethos for all of us younger clergy.
The official resume of the departed Hierarch of the Ecumenical Throne follows:
His Eminence Panteleimon (Rodopoulos), Metropolitan of Tyroloi and Serention, the most honorable Exarch of Thrace, was born in 1929 in Athens, where he received his elementary and secondary education. He studied Theology at the University of Athens. He was ordained as a deacon in 1952 and as a priest in 1954. He attended postgraduate theological studies at the universities of London and Oxford (1954-1957) and Frankfurt, Germany (1957-1958), submitted a dissertation at the University of Oxford on the topic of “The Serapion School of Philosophy,” and received the B. Litt Master’s Degree. He was called to Greece and was appointed chancellor of the Metropolis of Thessalonica and dean of its cathedral church of Holy Wisdom. In 1958, he was appointed professor at the Theological Faculty of the University of Athens, and in 1960, he became a fellow of the Theological School of the University of Thessaloniki. While continuing to serve as a lecturer at the University of Thessaloniki, Fr. Panteleimon was appointed Dean of Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston (1963-1966). In 1968, he was elected Professor of Theology at the University of Thessaloniki, in the fields of Canon Law and Pastoral Theology. He was a member of the Senate of the University of Thessaloniki (1976-1977) and Dean of the Theological School (1977-1978). He was elected by the professors of the University of Thessaloniki to serve as Vice Dean and Dean (1981-1983).
In addition to his duties as professor at the University of Thessaloniki, he took over as Dean of the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology of Balamand, first in Lebanon (1972-1975) and then in Thessaloniki (1975-1979), during the time when the school was relocated to Thessaloniki because of the war in Lebanon. He organized the school there and obtained recognition from a top university school, as well as from the Lebanese Ministry of Education and from the Orthodox Theological Schools of Greece. In 1974 he was elected Metropolitan of Tyanon, and later (1977) as Metropolitan of Tyroloi and Serention. He was sent by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Rome to be an observer at the Second Vatican Council (1964), and also on other ecclesiastical missions. He has been a member of many international religious committees and organizations, and has participated in many synods and ecumenical and academic meetings and conferences. He was elected President in 1982 of the International Academic Association of Eastern Churches, and since 1991 he has been Honorary President of the Society. He was the Orthodox Co-President of the Joint Committee for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the World Council of Churches and chairman of the Organizing Committee that planned theological symposia in Thessaloniki each year under the auspices of the Dimitria events, under the general theme of “Christian Thessaloniki.”
He served as abbot of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Vlatades in Thessaloniki (1984-2012), chairman of the Board of Directors in the Cloister of the Patriarchikon Idryma Paterikon Meleton (1985-1989) and its vice-chairman (1989-2012). He was an honorary member of the Board of Directors of the Vienna Pro-Oriente Foundation, author of books and articles on Canon Law, liturgy, pastoral theology, ecumenical relations and more. He was honored with ecclesiastical, academic, and state awards. He was a Distinguished Doctor of Theology at Holy Cross of Boston and the Theological School of the University of Sibiu, Romania. He was invited to teach courses at the Theological Seminary of Minsk in Belarus and the Theological School of the Free University in that city. He also taught a course at the Theological School of the University of Presov in Slovakia.
