The newly-enthroned leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Elpidophoros, 51, has wasted no time going on the road around the United States to talk about the importance of the Church and the Greek-American community.
He even went to Phoenix, far outside the big city circle of the Church’s main population, and stayed at St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, said AZCentral in a report on his visit there to conduct a service in honor of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ and then in Phoenix for a supplication service to the Virgin Mary at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Spokeswoman Kristen Bruskas told the site that less than two months after his enthronement, “He is making himself available and accessible to the faithful throughout the archdiocese, and that is a true blessing for all of us.”
Father Apostolos Hill, senior pastor at the Phoenix cathedral, said an Arizona visit so soon into an Archbishop’s tenure is rare, but gave local worshipers a chance to get to know the new leader. “If he has an ability to speak healing words and words of clarity in times of confusion, that’s something we look forward for him to do,” Hill said.
Hill said he hopes Elpidophoros will prioritize youth outreach to help re-energize the church’s younger members.
WASHINGTON – His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, received the 2019 ECOS® Award for exceptional leadership in environmental protection on August 2 at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey. It was presented to His All Holiness by Earth Friendly Products President and CEO, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, and Manatos & Manatos President, Mike Manatos.
The Ecumenical Patriarch received this prestigious award in honor of his lifetime of environmental advocacy and global influence on environmental protection. His life’s work to protect the environment earned him the title “Green Patriarch” from the then-Vice President of the United States and fellow world leader in the environmental movement, Al Gore. In 2008, Time Magazine named Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew one of its 100 Most Influential People in the World for “defining environmentalism as a spiritual responsibility.” He famously said that “to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin.”
Mike Manatos said, “We are honored and humbled that this pioneer in environmental protection through faith has received the ECOS Award. We are excited to also announce the establishment of the ‘Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Environmental Scholarship’ — a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by ECOS® and Manatos & Manatos, that will be given each year to a student from his childhood home of Imroz, Turkey, who writes the best essay on the importance of protecting the environment.”
Vlahakis-Hanks said, “His All-Holiness is truly one of the greatest environmental advocates in the world today, with a tremendous influence that is building greater awareness of the urgent environmental crises we face and clarifying our moral obligation to create real change for our planet.”
Earth Friendly Products®, the maker of ECOS® environmentally friendly cleaning products, established the annual ECOS® Environmental Award to recognize world leaders who are creating powerful impacts to protecting our environment and the health of the earth’s citizens. This is the third year that the award has been given; previous recipients include Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and California U.S. Senator and candidate for President of the United States Kamala Harris.
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris together with Rabbi Noam E. Marans, Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations during an official visit at the Archdiocese on August 8.
The Archbishop thanked the AJC for their deep and longstanding bond with the Archdiocese and their unwavering support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The AJC acknowledged the critical international role that the Ecumenical Patriarchate continues to play in establishing peace and reconciliation among peoples. In a spirit of candidness and honesty some of the challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed and the strong cooperative bond between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus was highlighted.
CHERRY HILL, NJ – Since March 2019, the Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, NJ, under the guidance of the Parish Priest, V. Rev. Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis and the Parish Council President Anastasios Efstratiades, is undertaking a major renovation project that will completely redesign the interior and exterior of the Church.
On May 22 of this year, the Church was closed and services were transferred to the Community Center to allow for this major and historic renovation of the Church. The project will repair the roof and ceiling. A dome has been constructed which will be lifted and attached to the roof of the Church. The project also includes a redesigned Narthex with a curved/vaulted ceiling on the inside and an A-frame on the outside which finishes the facade, completed two years ago. Cultured stone is being applied to the exterior walls of the Church to match the facade and a tiled roof will be installed as well. Finally, a bell tower is being built which will include a small matching dome.
On August 6, 2019, parishioners were invited to view the completed dome and the smaller dome for the bell tower. Parishioners expressed not only their satisfaction with the project but were impressed and in awe of the engineering of the domes. They realized that their beautiful Church was being transformed into a beautiful Byzantine Church to shine as a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Southern New Jersey.
An image of what St. Thomas Church will look like once the renovations are completed. Photo: Courtesy of the St. Thomas Community
The large dome will be lifted onto the Church roof by a large crane the week of August 11, 2019. It is anticipated that the entire renovation project will be completed by the middle of September. The Church will open soon thereafter for services.
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America reports that a donation of $260,000 is being made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine from the proceeds of the Enthronement Luncheon for His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.
“I was immensely moved by the number of faithful who traveled from near and far to participate in my Enthronement. I wish to thank all the generous parishes, organizations and faithful who contributed to the Enthronement Luncheon and whose presence made the day extraordinary. From the start I asked that the net proceeds of the Luncheon be restricted for the construction of St. Nicholas Church and National Shine and I am so pleased with this significant donation.”
The funds represent the net proceeds from the Luncheon, which was underwritten by many generous faithful including parishes, organizations and individuals and was attended by more than 1,700 individuals. The donation will contribute to the fundraising activities to provide for the resumption of the construction.
A full financial report on the Enthronement and related events, including the Luncheon, will be included as part of the second quarter financial statements of the Archdiocese and will be posted on the Archdiocese website as soon as they are completed.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael on August 14 announced the appointment of the Very Reverend Father Timothy Bakakos as Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. He will begin in his new role on September 1.
“As the most senior priest in the Metropolis of Chicago, Fr. Timothy brings a wealth of experience, relationships, and insight to the role of Chancellor. I am most pleased by Fr. Timothy’s desire to serve the Metropolis given that he has embodied the essence of Christ-centered servant leadership throughout his ordained ministry, a blessing which will directly benefit our parishes, our clergy, and our faithful,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
As Chancellor, Fr. Bakakos will be responsible for nurturing the spiritual growth and overseeing administrative matters of the clergy of the 58 parishes and two monastic communities across the Metropolis’ six-state region. Beyond working closely with the clergy, Fr. Bakakos will also interact with lay leadership, maintain and grow the Metropolis’ ministries, and advance Metropolis’ policies and programs.
“I am honored to be chosen as Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago and am eager to help implement the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The calling of the priesthood is in my blood, and though I will now serve the Metropolis in another capacity, I will remain an advocate for the clergy and work hard to foster a culture of openness and brotherhood,” said Fr. Bakakos.
During his nearly 40 years of priesthood, Fr. Bakakos served at St Elias the Prophet Church in Dubuque, IA; St. Sophia in Elgin, IL; St. Nicholas Church in Oak Lawn, IL; and (currently) the Assumption Church in Chicago, IL. He attended Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, Pierce College in the Athens suburb of Agia Paraskevι, and the University of Athens. In 1975, Fr. Bakakos received a B.S. from Hellenic College and an M.Div. from Holy Cross School of Theology in 1978. He was ordained into the Holy Diaconate in 1980 and, a few months later, ordained into the priesthood.
Among other responsibilities, Fr. Bakakos also served as a member of the Metropolis Council; currently serves as a member of the Metropolis of Chicago Spiritual Court, and is the Spiritual Advisor to the Metropolis’ “Bishop Iakovos Scholarship Fund.” Additionally, he served on the National Clergy Benefits Committee (ABC) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and was a Metropolis of Chicago Clergy representative to the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC).
Fr. Bakakos, son of the late Demosthenes and late Antonia Bakakos, was born in Chicago in October of 1952, and is the second of four sons. He and his siblings were raised in the Assumption Church of Chicago, where he attended the Sunday Church School and Greek School programs, as well as serving as an altar boy, and was a member of the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs of the Parish. Fr. Bakakos is a product of the Chicago Public School System, where he attended Lane Technical High School for three years before moving with his family to Park Ridge, finally completing high school at Maine Township High School South.
Tracing its roots back to 1923, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the diocese of Greek Orthodox faithful in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, as well as northern Indiana and southeastern Missouri and consists of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine regions in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America appointed His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos as the Hierarchal Proistamenos of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, FL, which falls directly under the auspices of the Archbishop.
Among the duties and responsibilities of His Grace Bishop Demetrios will be the organization and development of missionary, social, and philanthropic activities geared towards the Spanish speaking population of the USA, since His Grace is knowledgeable in the Spanish language—the second most-prominent language in the State of Florida.
In addition, following the resignation of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh from his position as the Synodal Liaison of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the USA to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and consequently from his position as a member of its Board of Directors, His Grace Bishop Demetrios was appointed as his replacement.
As is known, His Grace Bishop Demetrios served for many years as a priest and as a hierarch in his position as Chancellor for Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago of blessed-memory, and after the falling asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Iakovos, His Grace Bishop Demetrios returned to his position as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archbishop of America.
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America issued his first encyclical on the Feast on Indiction as Archbishop, speaking about climate change and the protection of the nature, the environment and natural resources.
The text of the encyclical follows:
Thirty years ago, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued an appeal to Orthodox Christians, urging prayer and care for God’s creation. Since 1989, each year on September 1st, at the inspiration of His All-Holiness Patriarch Demetrios, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has opened the liturgical year with prayers for all God’s creation. Since 1992, at the exhortation of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, all Orthodox Churches have implemented the same tradition.
Over the years, the World Council of Churches has heeded this call, while more recently the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion have also embraced this tradition. Today, countless parishes and faithful adopt the same practice in their communities and lives. Therefore, in all corners of the planet, we have perceived glimpses [of the threat] of the polluted creation that we are called to redeem and the new creation that we are called to promote.
All of these initiatives are positive signs of awakening, but much more remains to be accomplished. Moreover, the Orthodox Church has drawn on its liturgical, patristic, and spiritual treasures to develop a sensitive and profound theology of creation, emphasizing the Eucharistic and ascetic dimension of creation care, while highlighting the role of human beings as priests of creation.
In many ways, the encyclical of 1989 proved genuinely prophetic. What the world has witnessed in terms of climate change and global warming has only deteriorated and become exacerbated; the predictions of scientists were accurate, albeit restrained. At the same time, as Orthodox Christians, we must admit our failure to integrate our theology with our practice. Now those problems have intensified, while the challenge requires a more urgent response by the Church.
Our response, however, is fraught with difficulties and barriers because we are captive to a mentality of consumption and greed that is fundamentally foreign to Orthodox Christianity and contradictory to the spirit of communion and generosity. Instead, we are called to participate in the ‘cosmic liturgy’ of creation (St. Maximus the Confessor), where ‘everything that breathes praises the Lord’ (Psalm 150:1), where ‘the heavens and the hills, the trees and the animals exalt the name of God’ (cf. Psalm 148:4–13), and where every drop of water and grain of sand offer glory and gratitude for the presence of the Creator.
Of course, we all recognize that we can no longer desecrate God’s creation, whose origin and destiny are inseparably identified with ourselves. What we refuse to do is take the next step that is required of us as priests of creation, which entails consecrating creation to the Creator. Avoiding desecration is only a partial response to the ecological crisis; accepting and advocating consecration is the fulfillment of our divine mandate to ‘serve and preserve the earth’ (Gen. 1:15). Such a sanctification and offering to God of ‘His own of His own, on behalf of all and for the sake of all’ (from the Divine Liturgy) also unleashes the transformative potential and restorative capacity of all creation for healing and wholeness. However, in order to heal the Earth, we must purify our hearts and transform our habits. Every act of defilement on the body of creation is ultimately contempt for the Body of Christ. Whereas when we demonstrate respectful consideration for the earth’s natural resources, then we can also begin to discern the perspective of the kingdom ‘on earth as in heaven’ (From the Lord’s Prayer).
As Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has written: ‘Climate change affects everyone. Unless we take radical and immediate measures to reduce emissions stemming from unsustainable excesses in the demands of our lifestyle, the impact will be both immediate and alarming.’ Therefore, each parish and every individual should seek out ways of practicing prayer and care for God’s creation by applying the fundamental principles of scripture, theology, and tradition with regard to our relationship with the natural environment by considering changes in our attitudes and habits with regard to food and travel, by reducing consumption of fossil fuels and choosing alternative sources of energy with regard to lighting and heating, as well as by raising and promoting awareness with regard to the divine gifts of water and air.
Every parish and community is invited and encouraged to open a fruitful dialogue on this challenge of our generation.”
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited Hellenic College Holy Cross for the first time as Archbishop and officiated at the Agiasmos Service (blessing of the waters) in Holy Cross Chapel, marking the beginning of classes and the new academic year. After joining the community for breakfast in the Condakes Cafeteria, the Archbishop toured the campus, greeting students in their classrooms and stopping in at the library, the bookstore, and numerous department offices to meet staff and learn about day-to-day operations.
It was especially touching for those present to see Elpidophoros kneel at Archbishop Iakovos’ grave behind the Chapel’s altar and to offer a Trisagion Service for the repose of his soul.
A Synaxis and Convocation of all the members of the School was held at the Maliotis Cultural Center. The Archbishop then offered words of welcome to all assembled, but especially to the new students on their first day of classes.
In his speech he said among other things that, “I am more than happy to be with you today for the first time as your new Archbishop. I am also honored by your presence and your commitment to making this school a place of education and knowledge, but also a place of theology in the sense of a true Christian experience, bearing witness of what the Holy Apostle Peter spoke of as: “the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15) Jesus Christ Himself.”
The Hellenic College and Holy Cross Community of students, professors, administrators and personnel in a procession towards the Maliotis Cultural Center for the Academic Synaxis and Convocation. PHOTO: HCHC
In another instance he said “during the next few years, you will be shaping your minds, your souls, and your hearts through exposure to a rich and unique variety of disciplines and by building lifelong friendships. But in a place like Holy Cross, the liturgy also plays a crucial role in your training. Chapel is not just for seminarians. It is for everyone who, being aware of his or her Christian vocation to become Christ like, wants the Holy Spirit to be a transformative agent of our Salvation, making each one of us agents of the transformation and transfiguration of our world. This transformation is not only spiritual.”
He emphasized his love for the School, saying that “as you all know, this School has held a special place in my heart since I first came and taught here in the spring of 2004.” He also made clear that he would teach also at the School. “For many years now I have been teaching at the Theological School in Thessaloniki as Assistant Professor of Symbolics, Inter-Orthodox Relations and the Ecumenical Movement, and I intend to continue this crucial part of my personal vocation as a professor and academic here at Holy Cross”.
The Archbishop added that “teaching is also the best way to understand the work of our School, form a special connection with the faculty, and cultivate a direct relationship with our students and seminarians, who are called to serve
the Orthodox Church in America, and our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in particular, in one way or another. Having said that, I wanted to tell each of you that my office door is always open. Should you have any concerns, questions, or apprehensions, I will make it my priority to answer them.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros on the grave of Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory offers a Trisagion Service for the repose of his soul. PHOTO: HCHC
It is reminded here that Archbishop Elpidophoros has set among his first priorities the salvation of the Theological School which had reached a paralytic condition as The National Herald revealed in its reporting during previous years and months. As a result of this unacceptable withering situation the number of students this year for Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is not expected to exceed 126 – although there is a possibility for them to reach 130. Those who are in charge today are trying to justify the shrinking of the student body, using as an excuse that a large number of students graduated last May. The Interim President of the School is Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and the Interim Dean of Holy Cross is Fr. Thomas FitzGerald. Both had served in the past in the same positions and have been part of the Board of Trustees for decades. A search committee for a new president has been appointed which should give its findings to the Archbishop by November.
Archbishop Elpidophoros will return to the School on September 10 and will stay for five days to celebrate the Feast Day of The Holy Cross by officiating at the Vesper Service on Friday, September 13 and at the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, September 14. He will also meet with the students, the faculty, and the Board of Trustees.
Archbishop Elpidophoros blesses the wives and the children of married seminarians. PHOTO: HCHC
BROOKLINE, MA – The Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and strategic leader to serve as President of the academic institution.
The candidate must be a practicing Orthodox Christian who possesses strong leadership, administrative, fund-raising, and institutional advancement skills and who will be an effective communicator with the institution’s internal and external constituencies.
HCHC is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Association of Theological Schools. The institution is engaged in educating, forming, and developing seminarians, collegians, and graduate students in preparation for leadership positions in service to the Church and society. It provides liberal arts and theological training in the context of the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church and its Hellenic heritage. HCHC houses several high-quality institutes and centers that provide complementary academic assets for faculty, students, and visiting scholars.
It is essential that the President embraces the vision of the institution as the center for the intellectual, educational, and spiritual formation for the Greek Orthodox Church in America. The ideal candidate, clergy or laity, will have a genuine capacity and record as a team builder who can inspire and lead efforts to enhance the institution’s stature and develop its full potential in accordance with its distinct ethos, history, and mission.
Further, the Presidency requires creativity and courage to meet the institution’s challenges and opportunities and build upon its achievements, leading it into a future of ever-changing needs in higher education.
A graduate degree or equivalent experience is required. Proficiency in Modern Greek is preferred. Non-traditional candidates with organizational leadership and development experience are encouraged to apply. Compensation is competitive with institutional peers.
Applicants are to submit a letter of application and a resume or curriculum vitae. Nominators are to submit a letter of recommendation and the nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae. Additional materials will be solicited as needed. The search process strictly adheres to a policy of candidate confidentiality.
Applications or nominations are to be submitted to presidentialsearch@hchc.edu by October 1, 2019.
Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445, (617) 731-3500.
Hellenic College Holy Cross is an institution of higher learning founded by, associated with, and supported by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
CONSTANTINOPLE – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew appointed the new members of the Holy and Sacred Synod which meets monthly at the headquarters of the Patriarchate at the Phanar, presided by Patriarch Bartholomew.
The new term of the Holy Synod began September 1, and will last until February 29, 2020.
The Hierarchs in new synodic composition are the following: Metropolitan Ieremias of Ankara, Archbishop Sotirios of Toronto and All Canada, Archbishop Eirinaios of Crete, Metropolitan Makarios of Anaea, Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea,
Metropolitan Makarios of Gortys and Arkadia,
Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium,
Metropolitan Amphilochios of Ganos and Chora,
Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokorona, Metropolitan Nathanael of Kos and Nisyros, Metropolitan Athinagoras of Kydonies, and
LONG BEACH, CA – The Young Adult League (YAL) extended a very warm welcome to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at their 2019 conference which was organized by the Metropolis of San Francisco in Long Beach, CA.
Archbishop Elpidophoros was met at the airport by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, a group of clergy, and representatives of YAL holding a sign with the word ‘AXIOS’ – ‘WORTHY’.
The theme of the Conference was Proclaim and it was taken from the First Epistle of St. John, Chapter 1:3 which reads: “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
More than 350 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 journeyed from all over the U.S. to proclaim their faith and to enjoy fellowship with one another during a three-day gathering over the Labor Day weekend that was engaging and fulfilling.
Jonathan Jackson, the famous actor and singer, spoke and also sang at the Conference. Jackson and his entire family converted to Orthodoxy a few years ago.
ALLEN ALTCHECH PHOTOGRAPHY
The Conference was organized under the guidance and supervision of Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco who told The National Herald “I am excited for this gathering with our young adults, and to engage with them in dialogue about our faith and how important it is to stay connected to the Church.” He also said that “The YAL movement has tremendous potential to impact our parishes with a new generation of leaders whose talents can make a positive impact on the growth of our Orthodox faith.”
Speaking about the presence of Archbishop Elpidophoros, he said that “it was a special blessing because he shared his vision about the future of our Church in America. The members of the YAL got to know him and received his blessings,” and he added that “everybody young and old, clergy and laity were so pleased with his presence, his message, his friendliness, his smile, and his words of wisdom. He also brought the blessings of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church of Constantinople.”
Several workshops were offered throughout the weekend, coordinated by the Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness ministry.
In addition to workshops, daily worship services, and fellowship, YAL Conference participants joined hands in a Diakonia (service) project with the organization Rise Against Hunger, packaging 10,000 to 20,000 meals for those who hunger throughout the world.
ALLEN ALTCHECH PHOTOGRAPHY
In his speech Archbishop Elpidophoros among other things said, “I am very pleased to be here with all of you today. As I look out and see so many happy faces – faces of our Orthodox young adults from around the Archdiocese of America – I think of the words of the Apostle John: ‘We write these things to you, so that our joy may be full.’ (1 John 1:4) Just as Saint John’s joy was made full in his spiritual children, so is my own joy made full and complete in you, my beloved young people!”
The Archbishop declared, “it is truly encouraging to see all of you, coming together here in California, out of your love for Christ and His Church. You have expended time and resources to be here. Some of you have given up vacation days; others must go directly from this weekend to the start of the new school year. You have all made an effort and a sacrifice for the sake of your faith. May the Lord accept this offering in His Kingdom and reward you richly! And I personally express my gratitude for making your life in Christ a priority.”
In another instance the Archbishop said that “often when we think of proclaiming the Gospel, we think about talking to people outside of the Church about Jesus Christ. In this verse from the First Epistle of Saint John, however, the goal of the writer is to proclaim Christ to those who are in the Church, who are already believers in the Lord. He sent this epistle to his fellow Christians for a special purpose. That purpose is κοινωνία. This is translated with the English word ‘fellowship’; but ‘fellowship’ does not express the full meaning of κοινωνία.
It means more than friendship or spending time together. This word κοινωνία means a mutual sharing, a participation in the most important things in the world. It means ‘communion’: communion as a full and free exchange of all that is good in life; and above all, communion as Holy Communion, sharing the Mystical Supper, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ. This Communion is the reason for proclaiming.”
NEW YORK –Archbishop Elpidophoros announced that Archdiocese’s efforts to complete the Saint Nicholas National Shrine have received new impetus with the debut performance of Yiannis Hadjiloizou of Cyprus conducting the Athens Philharmonic on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 8 PM in the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. All proceeds will go to the rebuilding the Shrine.
“As you know, I have made the completion of Saint Nicholas the top priority of my ministry as your Archbishop. This will require the combined efforts of our entire Community. It will be my pleasure to attend the Carnegie Hall Concert, which marks the coming together of Greece, Cyprus and America in support of our efforts. I urge you to also attend or otherwise support this event,” Archbishop says in a press release.
“The generous initiative of Ms. Katerina Nafplioti Panagopoulos, recognized by the Greek State as Honorary Ambassador, has made this possible. Her production will feature Mr. Hadjiloizou, an accomplished conductor, composer and pianist, who has performed in more than 30 countries, conducting Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” on the same stage where Mahler himself conducted his final concert.
“Opening the program will be the Interlude from the 9th of July 1821 opera, composed by Michael Hadjiloizou, the conductor’s father, widely considered Cyprus’ National composer. Following this, the program includes the conductor’s own Cyprus Dance No.1, Servikos.
“The Concert gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate our Hellenic Heritage while at the same time advancing our goal.
“I am confident in your desire to make this event a great success and I look forward to personally welcoming you.”
ATHENS – The new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, Nikitas, was warmly received by His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece during a recent visit. Archbishop Nikitas was welcomed at the entrance of the Archdiocese by Bishop Symeon of Thespies, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Athens.
He then met with Archbishop Ieronymos, who welcomed him to the Archdiocese.
Archbishop Nikitas told Archbishop Ieronymos, “I thank you so much Your Beatitude for welcoming me into your office, because I know that you have a great workload, both with the Holy Synod and with the Archdiocese.”
Archbishop Nikitas added that, “I came to express my gratitude to Your Beatitude for the support of the Church of Greece…the Church abroad ministers to the people and the Greek expatriates and we need clergymen in England to minister in the churches for the Greeks,” the Archbishop of Thyateira underscored.
Archbishop Nikitas also invited Archbishop Ieronymos to visit Great Britain in the future, to see firsthand the work being done, as well as to meet the Greeks abroad.
Archbishop Ieronymos expressed his appreciation to the new Archbishop for his visit, saying, “thank you very much. I wholeheartedly wish you a constructive ministry.”
Archbishop Ieronymos also referred to the work of the Church abroad, stressing that “I know there is a great amount of pastoral work to be done abroad, by the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira,” and he added that “we will always try to be close to you”.
NEW YORK – Cardinal Timothy Dolan honored Archbishop Elpidophoros of America by hosting a luncheon on September 4 to welcome him to New York. After initial introductions and warm greetings, the Cardinal and Archbishop exchanged remarks. The Cardinal expressed his desire for each to be present at the major events and holidays of the other, and the Archbishop agreed that cooperation and exchange are essential for mutual Christian witness.
On Wednesday I had the privilege of hosting a luncheon for faith leaders in honor of the new @goarch Archbishop @Elpidophoros. We welcome you to New York, archbishop! pic.twitter.com/YL6IHVs4tj
At the conclusion of the luncheon, Cardinal Dolan brought the Archbishop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A short prayer was offered by Archbishop Auza, the Papal Nuncio to the United Nations.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York at their first meeting with officials of both sides. Photo Credit: Jillian Nelson
CONSTANTINOPLE – United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar on Sunday, September. He was welcomed with the honors set forth in the Patriarchal Protocol.
Secretary Ross was accompanied by his wife and the new U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, David Satterfield, as well as by politicians and officials of the Commerce Department and other branches of the U.S. government, including James G. Rockas, Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Planning of the Department of Commerce, who facilitated the visit.
The American dignitary was received by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with whom he had a long discussion on the issues of the life and initiatives of the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Diaspora, and more generally, the Orthodox faithful in Turkey, as well as the question of the use of the former Orphanage of the Princes’ Islands. They also discussed Orthodoxy in the U.S. in light of the recent election of the new Archbishop, Elpidophoros of America, as well as the initiatives of the Mother Church in inter-Christian and interfaith dialogues, and its efforts to raise public awareness of the need to protect the natural environment.
American born Patriarchal Deacon Niphon informs Secretary of Ross and his entourage about the history and the holy relics of the St. George Patriarchal Cathedral at the Phanar. Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate/Nikos Manginas
The meeting was attended by Patriarchal Deacon Niphon, and by Professor Konstantinos Delikostantis and Lakis Vigas, both Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Immediately afterward, Secretary Ross and his entourage visited the Patriarchal Church of St. George and was informed of its history and about its relics by the Patriarchal Deacon Niphon.
On Sunday morning Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on the occasion of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the renowned Holy Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos Palaiou Baniou of Diplokionion.
Following the dismissal, His All-Holiness was welcomed by Metropolitan Irenaios of Myriophytos and Peristasis, Overseer of the District of the Bosphoros, and Despina Filippou, former Director of the Zappeion School, on behalf of the ecclesiastical committee. In his homily, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to the importance of the Feast and the relationship of Christians, and especially the faithful of the City of Constantinople, with the All-Holy Theotokos. He congratulated Metropolitan Irenaios, the parish priest of the Church, Archimandrite Kaisarios Chronis, and the members of the ecclesiastical committee for their efforts.
BOSTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is planning to visit Bahamas which recently was struck by hurricane Dorian, which left behind many dead and wiped out entire towns and islands.
The day of his visit has not been established yet, but he has given directives to his close associates to organize it because his wish is to visit Bahamas in person encourage the faithful members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox parish and other Bahamians who suffered from its deadly force. He wishes to provide them with spiritual comfort and humanitarian assistance. Officials from the humanitarian organization IOCC will travel with the Archbishop.
In the Bahamas there is a Greek Orthodox parish of the Annunciation of the Mother of God. The nave is located at 11 West Street, Nassau, Bahamas. It was established ninety years ago by Greek immigrants and today efforts are underway for the renovation of the nave and its community buildings. The Presiding Priest since 2015 is Fr. Irenaeus Cox. The parish is under the direct pastoral responsibility of Archbishop Elpidophoros.
There were not victims of property damage in the Greek Community based on what The National Herald has learned thus far.
CONSTANTINOPLE – Archon Athanasios Martinos, newly appointed Governor of Mount Athos by the decision of the Greek government and due to take up his duties in the near future, visited His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar.
The new Governor paid his respects to the Ecumenical Patriarch who is the Bishop of Mount Athos, and requested a Patriarchal blessing on the occasion of beginning his new and multifaceted duties. His All Holiness, who will visit Mount Athos from October 19 to October 22, wished the new Governor a fruitful and prosperous tenure as the representative of the Greek state on Holy Mount Athos, which is under the canonical and spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Throne.
During his meeting with His All Holiness, Martinos was accompanied by his wife Marina and University Professor Emeritus Dr. George Penelis and his wife, as well as by Dr. Gregory Penelis.
CHICAGO (AP) — The fate of one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Church’s in the nation has become clear.
The sale of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago for $2.5 million to Universal Life Church was approved Tuesday by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge. The congregation of Holy Trinity will now have 75 days to vacate the building.
The church’s future hung in the balance after financial woes put it on the verge of closing for good. Church officials said a bank rejected a loan request after the church was unable to secure $1.6 million in needed pledges.
Holy Trinity avoided foreclosure late last year after an anonymous donation. But an issue with the money arose, forcing the church to go up for sale again.
Officials say Holy Trinity is the second oldest Greek Orthodox Church in the United States.
NEW YORK (AP) — Over 18 years, the rubble left by the destruction of the World Trade Center has given way to a gleaming new complex of office towers, a museum, a transit hub and a memorial that draws millions of visitors each year. But though it no longer looks like a construction site, the rebuilding of the World Trade Center is still incomplete. Here’s a look at four pieces of the complex that have yet to be finished.
ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH AND NATIONAL SHRINE
Maybe the most visible sign of unfinished work at the World Trade Center is the unfinished, concrete facade of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, perched across the street from the southeast corner of the memorial plaza. Construction on the church, which would replace a small chapel destroyed in the attacks, has been stalled since December 2017 due to financial problems.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. (FILE Photo by TNH/Kostas Bej)
The unfinished structure has been wrapped in a protective covering ever since. Designed, like the transit hub, by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it is intended to become a shrine to the memory of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as a parish church. Originally budgeted at $20 million, the cost of the Byzantine-inspired church ballooned to $80 million. Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, who was installed June 22 as the new head of the church in the United States, told The Associated Press he hoped to raise money to resume construction.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
A planned performing arts center at the trade center site has long been delayed by disputes over funding and design but is now scheduled to open in 2021. The arts center will be at the northeastern corner of the site and will be called the Ronald O. Perelman Center for the Performing Arts. Perelman, a billionaire investor, donated $75 million to make the building happen. Barbra Streisand was named chairwoman of the center’s board in 2016. The 138-foot (42-meter), cube-shaped building will be covered with translucent marble.
2 WORLD TRADE CENTER
New York Fire Department members attend a second funeral service for FDNY firefighter Michael Haub in Franklin Square, N.Y., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
Four commercial skyscrapers have been built so far to replace the office towers destroyed in the terror attacks. One World Trade Center, originally called the Freedom Tower, now anchors the northwest corner of the site, towering over 7 World Trade Center tucked just behind it. On the eastern side, two glass towers are complete: 4 World Trade Center and 3 World Trade Center. Yet to be built is 2 World Trade Center, just north of the white wings of the Oculus, the hall that houses a transit hub and shopping mall. Developer Larry Silverstein plans an 81-story building but has not secured an anchor tenant. The 2 World Trade Center space now houses mechanical equipment enclosed in a corrugated metal structure covered with graffiti art.
5 WORLD TRADE CENTER
A tower south of the trade center site that housed offices for Deutsche Bank was damaged and contaminated by the Sept. 11 attacks and was later demolished. After years of wrangling by different government agencies over control of the parcel, a formal request for proposals to develop it was released over the summer by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Developers can submit plans for either an office building up or a mixed-use project that includes housing.
Steam blows by a mural placed at the future site of 2 World Trade Center, a planned commercial office tower, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019 in New York. In the background is the World Trade Center transportation hub. Wednesday marks the 18th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)FILE- In this Sept. 9, 2015 file photo, visitors look at the waterfalls at the World Trade Center Memorial in New York. As they have done 17 times before, a crowd of victims’ relatives is expected at the site on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 to observe the anniversary the deadliest terror attack on American soil. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)FILE- In this May 15, 2015 file photo, visitors gather near the pools at the 9/11 Memorial in New York. As they have done 17 times before, a crowd of victims’ relatives is expected at the site on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 to observe the anniversary the deadliest terror attack on American soil. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
