ATLANTA – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta is shocked  by the strange behavior of Rev. Anastasios Gounaris presiding priest of the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Theofany City of Tarpons Springs who abandoned the parish and the active priesthood and fled to Greece alone. Gounaris notified Metropolitan Alexios via an e-mail the night before his departure, on Wednesday June 10^th.

In a telephone interview to TNH Metropolitan Alexios said that “it cost me a lot. When I first learned about it I was petrified because I didn’t know what to make out of this. I was thinking a number of things if for example did something serious down there.”

Metropolitan Alexios accepted Gounaris under his omophorion and appointed him Dean of the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpons after the turmoil at the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York when no Metropolitan was willing to give him a parish.

Metropolitan Alexios said “he was doing well at the parish; he was praising the parish, the Metropolis, it was good, I don’t know what happened. He must got sick or probably he hasn’t overcome the problems of New York.”

Gounaris did not notify Metropolitan Alexios prior to his decision. The Metropolitan said “he didn’t even make a phone call. He sent me an e-mail late on Wednesday night June 10 which I read the next morning. I called the president of the parish council who told me ‘I don’t know anything, I received the same e-mail that you received.’” Metropolitan Alexios also said that “I wrote him back but he didn’t reply to me. After many hours he wrote back telling me ‘I am in the airplane.’ On Monday I received another e-mail telling me that I am in Greece, I apologize for causing problems for you, but I had to leave because I was extremely tired. For an entire year I didn’t have not even one day off.” The Metropolitan told TNH “this is how much I know.”

Gounaris didn’t tell Metropolitan Alexios his whereabouts in Greece: “He didn’t tell me where he is, or what he is going to do. He simply said that ‘I need time to see what I am going to do with my life’ which means that he doesn’t want to be appointed anywhere.”

The Metropolitan communicated immediately with presbytera Maria Gounaris but he didn’t want to tell TNH what they discussed.

Asked if the parish had reduced his salary Metropolitan Alexios said “coming from his previous parish in New York yes, but he was getting what was agreed to at St. Nicholas.”

As to why and how a priest communicates with his Metropolitan the way Fr. Gounaris did the Metropolitan said “that is why we say that what he did was unorthodox.”

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Translated from the original Greek

NEW YORK – It was a moving ceremony rich with messages. Forty-eight 8th grade students of the William Spyropoulos Greek American School, the day school of St. Nicholas in Flushing, bade farewell to the school and community that was their second home for nine years on June 12 and spread their wings in pursuit of new horizons.

Their parents, teachers and leaders of their community urged to never forget their alma mata, and  Pastor Fr. Paul Palesty, who presided over the graduation, told the students, “We pray for you and the doors of the church and the community will be open not only in difficult times but also to celebrate your achievements,” he added.

PTA president Maria Sakalis, Assistant Principal Mary Tzallas, Elaine Mallios, and PC President Andreas Tsiolas expressed their love and congratulated, and offered their best wishes.

Theodota Kontopoulou (2011) presented the Alumni Exhortation and urged the graduates to be open and tolerant with each culture they encounter at their future schools and throughout their life and work hard to achieve their goals.

Attorney Christopher Stratakis, the keynote speaker told them that their grandparents are proud of their achievements and love them unconditionally.

After advising them that each day is unique and that they must set ambitious goals for each day, he reminded them that they are the ambassadors of their families and the community and urged them that whatever they do in their lives, they should do it with pride.

Valedictorian Vasiliki Lazarides, speaking on behalf of the graduates, welcomed the parents and invited guests and thanked them for “the opportunity to be nurtured with the best principles and virtues of our nation, as well as values that are timeless and universal.

Michael Pierides, the salutatorian, reminisced about the days and moving moments he and his classmates experienced at the school and the parish that has thrived for six decades.

Athena Kromidas, the principle, told her beloved students, “It is with mixed feelings that I greet you today. Joy and sadness together. Joy for you have victoriously completed your first academic marathon. Sadness, so in a short time you won’t be with us as students…Nine years! How fast they passed by!”

“Your teachers,” she continued, prepared you to become valuable members of society…you tasted the majesty of the Orthodox faith, walked through the path of our world’s civilizations…you studied the heroic pages of Greek literature and history.”

Kromidas spoke of the “lifetime, unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood,” they established, and said, “We want you to remember that each and every one of you has a very special place in our heart. Remember we will be happy to see you and hear about your accomplishments,” before concluding: “Keep your Hellenic ideals in your heart as you very precious keepsake. May our Panagia protect you forever and guide your steps in life.”

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On June 13 at the Church of the Dormition  in the Hamptons the  Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music offered a moving concert titled “All Creation Rejoices: Hymns in Honor of the Theotokos!”

Archbishop Demetrios, Ambassador Georgios Iliopoulos of Greece and Ambassador Vasilios Philippou of Cyprus were in attendance and welcomed by Father Alexander Karloutsos and Father Constantine Lazarakis. A reception followed the concert.

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The National Herald published its quarterly Religion & Spirituality insert in its June 20-26 edition. We asked our contributors to tell us if they believe heaven and hell exist and, if so, what are they? The following article was included in the insert. Below, Raphael Masterjohn, lay preacher for over half a century, talks about the final judgment, when the dead will be resurrected and divided like sheep and goats regarding their final destination.

By Raphael Masterjohn

God is the only immortal One and is not the creator of death. Death or mortality is a penalty and the result of violation of the law against the sin of disobedience, which results in death. God is the Source and Creator of all life, and of all that exists, but his highest and greatest creation is man destined to become His image and likeness and live forever. Anyone on earth who is seeking immortality will find it only in Jesus Christ and His holy Body, the Church He built upon a rock.

MORTALITY

If they lack belief in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, even millions of scientists will never solve the problem of immortality. For they fail to recognize that Jesus Christ, is the only Immortal One, the source of immortality, and the source of all knowledge and immortality. Only from Him can scientists begin to understand the problem of immortality and a second life and mortality or death, for this is a spiritual subject. The certainty that they cannot possibly succeed in solving this problem is that they are unaware that the Source of life Jesus Christ came into the world for this very reason, to solve the same problem for which they are seeking a solution. More than this, the Godman has

already permanently solved the problem of mortality, because He alone is the immortal Source of all life.

By His sacrifice of death on the Cross, Christ destroyed mortality’s power and trampled down death putting death to death, granting life to those in the tombs. Scientists who are seeking the end of death ought to stop searching, lest they look foolish searching for what is already found, and available to the entire human race. Christ and His Body, the Orthodox Church, is the source of immortality, the same treasure they are seeking. The immortal Christ is Orthodoxy’s Head and the immortal Holy Spirit is its Guide.

THE GREAT INVITATION

Expressing these facts will not cause the masses to rush to Christ to acquire the immortality He offers, because it requires on their part, sincere, faithful repentance, and the decision to confess their sins and stop sinning, because sin is the deadly poisonous cause of mortality as the Lord legislated saying to Adam: “On the day you eat (sin) you shall surely die.” The word sin in the Biblical Greek is amartia, which means “to miss the mark,” our proper destination. To come to Christ requires repentance, confession, and faith in the true God who created all. Christ offers everyone this blessed invitation. “Come unto me you that are heavily laden and you will find rest for your souls…Whoever comes to me I will not cast out.”

HEAVENLY JOY

Christ’s offer brings genuine joy to the believer, for everything He teaches is for our ultimate benefit. He teaches, for example, that meekness is better than anger, humility is better than pride, holiness is better than vileness, faith is greater than unbelief, hope is much better than despair, love beats envy, and joy is preferable to sorrow. This is what humanity hungers for and needs, in order to be genuinely happy and to stop killing each other.

THE LAST JUDGMENT

Whether man believes or not does not alter the fact that Christ warned us about the fearful day of judgment when the dead shall be resurrected and be divided like sheep and goats for judgment.

The judgment and its results is permanent, and there is no turning back, for it does not exist in time but in eternity where time ceases. He also warned that few would find the narrow way that leads to eternal life. The following is a description of the last judgment, and resurrection as seen in a vision of Saint Nephon the Ascetic: “The archangel was holding the trumpet to sound it loudly…with the first blast all the bodies of the dead were raised. With the second sound the spirit of the Lord again restored the souls in the

dead bodies. Awe and horror seized the universe. The celestial and the terrestrial trembled. And then the third and most terrifying trumpet call resounded, which shook all the world. What a fearful sight! They surpassed the sand of the sea in number. At the same time, like dense rain, the angelic armies descending from Heaven toward the Throne of preparation shouting: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Powers, the whole earth is full of fear and trembling.’”

THE “ENDARKENMENT”

For thousands of years the world in general believed in God. While a few worshiped him properly, others worshiped false gods. Public discussions were common regarding death and life after death.

The populace was not atheistic because they reasoned rightly and believed in God, as Creator of everything that exists. During the historical period (1650-1800) better named “endarkenment,” misnamed by historians as “the enlightenment,” man elevated himself above God bringing on the folly of humanism, elevating man above God. Many of the “enlightened” decided that there was no God, no judgment, no life after death, and that man could do anything, even study the universe and figure out the material source of everything including life and the universe. They attempted to accomplish this by ridding themselves of God. How sad that many of their distorted ideas have perverted the minds of millions and darkened the hearts of men in our modern materialistic world, who recognize only matter that perishes, rather than spirit, which never perishes.

HEAVEN

Does everyone go to Heaven when they die? According to the Godman Christ, who will judge all men, more will be condemned than saved, because they will not repent. Also, Heaven is conditional and not open to the unconcerned masses but to those who keep the Lord’s commandments. Christ says: “Narrow and restricted is the way that leads to life and few there be who find it…If you love me, keep my commandments.” These words coming from He who is the supreme authority, so how can a creature contradict or judge God the Creator? When Jesus says, I am the life, we need to listen; when He says, I am the Truth, we need to listen, for Christ alone is the only Life and Truth. If we look elsewhere we will remain in darkness. But how we approach Christ is critical for He laid down rules.

CHRIST’S RULES

When He began preaching, His first words were: “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Repentance means changing the way we reason about everything, and is a necessary condition for forgiveness of sins. Sinners men must sorrowfully repent, confess and rid themselves of sins. As soon as they do so they will receive everything from the kind and generous God! Not only that which their souls desire but much more, for everything is promised to those who struggle to acquire sinlessness.

Every sin violates the law of God and is harmful to man.

HEAVEN AND EARTH

In Heaven everything is pure and undefiled for it is the abode of the righteous angels and men and the throne of God. There are no similarities between earth and Heaven buy an infinite difference, The earth is a place where believers prepare, are sanctified and wage a battle against pernicious sin which plagues the human race. But the kingdom of Heaven is the glorious and victorious goal where crowns are awarded. “Each man will be judged for what he has done.” The delights and joys of Heaven are

expressed by St. Paul who ascended and came back telling us that what he saw was beyond description. It is not a place where we will meet our relatives or old friends or social acquaintances.

We do not know whether they or we will deserve the joys Heaven. Scripture says: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” The fact is the pure in heart have become holy and sinless. To enter the kingdom Heaven requires truth and struggle, not possible without prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We cannot know if we or our relatives will be worthy, for it is Christ who will judge us.

Without truth and the proper path, the kingdom of Heaven is inaccessible. Christ also qualifies who will enter Heaven. Christ does not say that everyone will go to Heaven, but on the contrary He says: “Broad and wide is the way leading to destruction and many are they that go that way.”

HEAVEN AND GEHENNA

Concerning the idea of burning in Hell, a phrase Orthodox usually do not use, but some people imagine a fire and a torturing God, but God is not a torturer, for He is good, compassionate, and the only Lover of man. He is just and gives each person what they deserve. What is Hell? The word used in Scriptural Greek is Gehenna and refers to a permanent prison of misery and torment, the greatest misery being the awareness of God’s love but the inability of men to receive that love, which will torment them. Sin will also cause torment, though it may seem sweet for a season, and will cause separation from God. Torment is not derived from God’s anger but from man’s sin, and the sinful character he acquired while in the world, which in the next life will torment him.

GOD’S JUSTICE AND MERCY

God is just and His justice is perfect, and must give each what they deserve. God is merciful and His mercy extends to the repentant ones. All men are offered His mercy, available through no one but Christ. One thing is certain: Heaven is beyond our expectations with joy, exaltation, happiness and life that will never end, but Hell or Gehenna, a place of unending torment, of body and soul of the unrepentant sinner. No one can adequately describe the torment of Gehenna but the prudent will want to escape its severe punishment.

ONLY WAY TO ACCEPT CHRIST

Some say that they cannot accept Christ intellectually so how can they be blamed? The answer is that Christ does not send His message to intellectuals (like the Scribes and Pharisees) and the righteous, but to sinners who confess their sins. His message always is to repent, for this is the only way to reach Christ and receive His salvation and great mercy. Christ seeks the heart of man, out of His great love for man and approaches the whole man through his intellect and heart. We must open

our hearts to Christ, love and obey Him and keep what He says is the greatest commandment, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and all your soul, with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself. Christ loves us, and to gain eternal life we must return our love to Him. The love of this world is the biggest stumbling block to the kingdom of Heaven, so we must make a choice. Those who are unable to believe are hypocrites and those who love the world, and that is why the Apostle John says: “He who loves the world hates God.” By world, it does not refer to world God created, but the love of material things and the spirit of the world’s inhabitants, which includes, love of pleasure, barbarism, crime, idolatry, fornication, adultery, robbery, stealing, cheating, false witness, drunkenness, etc. It is the love of sinful creation instead of the Creator.

As no one can be saved without Jesus Christ whom God the Father sent into the world, so no one can be saved without His holy Orthodox Church which the His Son established in the world. This unique and only Church, is now almost two-thousand years old, and like its Head, is both divine and human and the treasury of immortal life.

Raphael Masterjohn was ordained a lay preacher by Archbishop Michael, and is editor and publisher of: Canons of the Church: the Rudder.

The post The Reality of Heaven and Hell appeared first on The National Herald.

The National Herald published its quarterly Religion & Spirituality insert in its June 20-26 edition. We asked our contributors to tell us if they believe heaven and hell exist and, if so, what are they? The following article was included in the insert.

By Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou

Why can’t everyone be saved? It seems a logical question. After all, as people have long observed, if God is love, why would He send anyone to hell? Just as most heresies are not new but recycled ideas from the past, the idea that in the end everyone would be saved is likewise nothing new. It had been discussed and rejected by the Church long ago. In fact, this idea has a name, in Greek, of course: apokatastasis panton. This literally means the “restoration of all (things).” Reportedly one of the early proponents of this idea was the most famous and influential theologian of the early Church, Origen, a brilliant third-century thinker from Alexandria. Origen and the teaching of apokatastasis were condemned by the Church at the Fifth Ecumenical Council held in Constantinople in 551. Reportedly, Gregory of Nyssa, a famous and well regarded fourth century Father of the Church also may have taught this. The Fathers of the Church are considered authorities in Orthodoxy, and yet even if Gregory taught or believed it, apokatastasis was rejected. The opinion of one Father or a small number of Fathers does not override the opinion of the Church as a whole.

Why can’t Gregory of Nyssa and Origen be correct that, in the end, God will save everyone? In theology, our individual opinions or wishes play no role.  What matters is what God has revealed to us. We must accept that and conform ourselves to His will and revelation, rather than pretend that the truth is something else. Christ spoke frequently of the Kingdom of Heaven and likewise he spoke of a place of eternal torment, usually referring to it as “Gehenna.” He told us that when he returns to judge the world he will separate the sheep (the good people) from the goats (the bad people) and that the sheep will inherit eternal life and the goats will be sent to eternal punishment. We cannot deny that Christ spoke many times of both a heavenly kingdom and of a place of eternal torment. Therefore, the Church rejects the notion that everyone will be saved in the end.

Besides Christ’s own teachings, why must apokatastasis be rejected? Why can’t it be true? There are three important reasons why everyone will not be saved: (1) Heaven is not a “place,” (2) We choose hell because God does not “send” anyone to hell, and (3) it is impossible to share eternal life with God later if we have not lived a life with God now on this earth.

First, what is “heaven” and what is “hell”? Let us divest ourselves of childish notions that heaven is like a lovely park where we will be having a picnic or that in heaven we will be sitting on clouds and playing harps. These ideas are acceptable only for young children who cannot conceptualize in an abstract manner. By the time we reach adulthood we ought to be capable of deeper and more complex thought than this. In the Orthodox Church we rarely speak of “going to heaven,” perhaps because that word conjures up in our minds a “place,” somewhere “up there.” But God is not “up there” and heaven is not a physical “place.” Conversely, what is hell? It is the absence of God and the absence of all of the good things he provides. Without God we would experience a tormented existence because it would be a life without love, hope, beauty, goodness, light, joy, etc.

Rather than referring to “going to heaven” the Orthodox Church speaks consistently of obtaining “eternal life.” Salvation is eternal life with God. Everyone will not “be saved,” not because God denies this to anyone but because we do not desire a life with God. The witness of the Scriptures are clear: God desires “that all people be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 2:4). Even in the Old Testament the message is clear: God “does not desire the death of a sinner but that he turn from his wickedness and live.” (Ez. 18:23) Christ said that hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). It was never intended for us. God is a loving God. God wants everyone to be saved. But God does not force himself upon us. He respects human freedom. He created all of us with the ability to make our own choices, including whether we wish to have a relationship with Him or not. The invitation is open to all, but the choice must be by us and it must be made in this life. If we chose to follow the devil and his angels, then we will end up in the place which was prepared for them. But only because we have freely chosen it. What about people who may never have heard of Jesus Christ? What about people in difficult circumstances? Everyone knows right from wrong. Everyone is born with a conscience. Everyone knows what it is to be kind or to be cruel. We will be judged by God justly, not only on what we know or believe in our heads but on how we have lived our lives.

The purpose of this life is to gain eternal life. Why doesn’t God override human freedom and simply say “You are going to live with me eternally”? Because God is LOVE, he created us to love so He gave us the ability to love. Love cannot be forced or demanded. Love requires free will. Without free will we would be robots and we would lack the capacity to love. Therefore, God will never force us into a relationship with him because any relationship with God must be based on love and must be freely chosen.

Third, it is impossible for us to enjoy eternal life with God later if we do not live a life with God now. Why not? Why can’t I live a profane, immoral, cruel, greedy, selfish, hate-filled life now and still be with God later in the next life? Because God is HOLY and “heaven” is not a “place” but eternal life in union with God. God who is holy cannot share a life with one whose life is profane and sinful. It is true that we are all sinners, and God forgives our sins, but only when we acknowledge them and attempt to change our lives to model ourselves after God. We are all created in the “image” of God. Our purpose on this earth is to try to acquire the “likeness” of God. If we are not behaving in a God-like manner, we are deluding ourselves if we think that we could possibly share eternal life with God. With whom do you have a close relationship? With other people like yourself, who share your values, your lifestyle, your ideas, etc. Do you have those relationships because you ignore those people or because you cultivate those relationships and because they are important to you? It is not different than our relationship with God. We cannot expect God who is holy to share eternal life with us if we chose to ignore him, reject Him and chose a life of sin instead. Andrew of Caesarea, a Father of the Church, wrote that hell is unnecessary yet that people “volunteer” for it. Yes, God is good, loving, forgiving and compassionate, but people freely choose evil. Let those who point to the love, mercy and forgiveness of God also remember that he is honest, fair, righteous and true to His word. He neglected nothing for our salvation, even a death on the cross. He has done and continues to do His part. The rest is up to us.

Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou is professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity at the University of San Diego, and author of the book Guiding to a Blessed End: Andrew of Caesarea and His Apocalypse Commentary in the Ancient Church.

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NEW YORK – The Church of Our Savior in Rye New York is more than a landmark of the Archdiocese of America; it is a spiritual oasis and a feast for spiritually hungry eyes.

The architecture of this unique round church appears to have been conceived with its layer -upon-layer of beautiful icons in mind, but its creation was not automatic

Some 53 years after the sanctuary’s doors were first opened by Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory – it was designed and executed gratis by architect John Kokkins and supervising engineer Peter Limber – the icons which glow against a sky blue background that feels like a piece of heaven that has come down to earth, were anointed with myrrh by Archbishop Demetrios assisted by the pastor, Father Elias Villis.

The ancient ceremony marked the completion of the church’s five-phase icon decoration program by iconographer Dimitrios Mourlas, an endeavor that has enhanced if not transformed the life of the church.

It was a process eloquently described by the documentary film PISTEVO, I Believe – Bringing Iconography to the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Savior, which premiered during the complimentary luncheon in the church hall that followed the services.

The anointing occurred just prior to the closing words of the Divine Liturgy. Before wielding the long pole to which a sponge dipped in myrrh was attached that he used to dab every icon in the nave,  Archbishop Demetrios spoke of what a great joy it was to be with the congregation, a feeling shared by all.

It was Father’s Day, and the Archbishop also offered blessings to the fathers present and their families, and the Archbishop put the his sermon on the day’s Gospel reading of Matthew 6:33, and the icon blessing, into the perspective of current events.

Christ offers hope to those who agonize over the necessities of daily life when He said, “But seek first the kingdom God and his Justice, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

PASSING DOWN THE FAITH

The Archbishop continued by touching upon another source of anxiety among Christians today, the inhuman and barbaric depredations of ISIS. He was the first of several people to note that as icons were being blessed in Rye, churches and icons were being destroyed in the Middle East.

“What is the Kingdom of God,” the Archbishop asked. “Peace, truth and love,” he said, and the Church is where the people learn about them. “People say the youth are the future of the Church,” but it is better to declare “the Church is the future of the youth,” he said, because that is where they will find the values and priorities they need to thrive in a dangerous world where priorities are being turned upside down.

Icons, it was then made clear, are where how people learned about their faith in more humble times. The Archbishop explained that “the tradition of icons saved the church during the four centuries of Turkish rule in Greece when education was suppressed.”

“The people received information about their faith from worship and icons, which provided living teaching about everything, the life of Christ, the lives of the martyrs and saints,” he continued.

The guests also learned that the clergy and laity had to fight for their icons against the persecutions of the iconoclast emperors of the 8th and 9th Centuries. Indeed, the triumph of icon supporters was the triumph of Orthodoxy. But the Church of the Savior was not a testament to the power of icons until recently.

The guests who came from afar and were lost in wonder at the icons could hardly believe that for many years the sanctuary’s walls and ceilings were a stark white.

In the 1980s, the Platytera icon of the Theotokos was added above the altar, followed by the monumental Christ Pantocrator that crowns the dome.

Among the movers and shakers of the monumental project to complete the icon program were Fr. Elias, the pastor, but when Michael Psaros, the Executive Producer of the movie, acknowledged the role of the Archbihsop, he described a prime mover less ethereal but just as effective as Aristotle’s.

“Four years ago in your very subtle way…looking out at all of us, you looked to the left and you looked to the right, and you observed that we had white walls…and more than 400 people are seated here at this luncheon, because of your subtle challenge.”

Nobody wants to leave the love of his spiritual father unacknowledged and without effect.

The scaffolding which intruded on the nave for three years until 2014 was welcomed as the parishioners marveled at Mourlas’ progress.

THE JOY OF GIVING

His Eminence said it was also a special joy to welcome Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, who is Father Elias’ father-in-law and is about to conclude a 15-year tenure as President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology.

The Archbishop said Fr. Triantafilou’s tenure was a worthy extension of the work of the Apostles, adding it was fitting that his final day of service would be June 30, the Feast of the Holy Apostles.

After the anointing, Parish Council President Robert Augustinos to address the congregation, followed by Fr. Elias who thanked the Archbishop for his presence and support.

The anointing was also the occasion for acknowledging the those supporting another great endeavor asserting the presence of Orthodoxy in America.

Heeding the call of the Archbishop for members of the church nationwide to participate in the rebuilding of St. Nicholas at Ground Zero, were three Rye parishioners who contributed a total of $3 million. Fr. Elias said, “Michael and Robyn Psaros were the first to give $1 million… C. Dean and Mary Anne Metropoulos were the second, and Maria Alwin’s family was the third.”

He then evoked applause when he noted the parish is donating an additional $65,000 to the cause.

In the church hall Psaros, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP,  a family of private equity funds, introduced the creators of PISTEVO,  Mark I. Brodie, of MiB Media Works, the Director, and  Taryn Grimes-Herbert, Writer and Producer, and asked them to rise.

Psaros said he would skip reciting their professional credentials – which includes 60 Minutes credits – because the move speaks for itself, but he wanted to share with the guests about the emotional impact of the movie project on Brodie.

Psaros was told that parishioners reported seeing Brodie, “On Good Friday evening…carrying his camera all night with tears streaming down his face.”

After again thanking the Archbishop for inspiring the project – Psaros’ daughter Marina presented His Eminence with a cross of Waterford crystal – he turned to the pastor and said “Fr. Elias has been tireless…he has been the glue… and he leads with love.”

Psaros, who is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, underwrote the film because he a nd other believed it was a story that had to be told, concluded with an appeal to the guests to blast the link where the movie can be seen – www.theartofbelief.org – to everyone they know by email and social networking.

Numerous speakers noted that the services of the Orthodox Church are designed to engage all the senses. Human hearing, not least among them, was engaged by the parish’s choir, led by Dean of Music Petros Hatjopoulos, and the chanters, including guest chanter Antonios Papathanasiou, who was invited by Head Chanter and Pastoral Minister George Hazlaris.

The altar boys contributed greatly to the day’s splendor, for which they were praised by the Archbishop.

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NEW YORK – As the Greek crisis threatens to turn darker, diaspora groups like the Philoptochos Society are closely monitoring developments. In 2012 the philanthropic organization created the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund.  To date, $450,000 has been disbursed through this fund to help Greeks, in Cyprus and Greece, affected by ongoing hardship.

An additional $32,000 has been distributed in Greece through the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund and General Medical Fund, for a total of $482,000 from 2012 through 2014.

“After six years of recession, the crisis is expanding and deepening, affecting all sectors of society. Both countries require humanitarian aid and the need increases daily.  There is 26% unemployment in Greece and the child poverty rate is 17.5%.  While Cyprus has weathered its banking crisis, the domestic situation remains grim,” the Society noted in a recent press release.

The release continued “Volunteer organizations and churches are stretched beyond their capacity while trying to provide for those in need. Food kitchens in both countries feed thousands daily, and children and senior citizens are particularly at risk for malnutrition. There has been a dramatic rise in depression and suicide among citizens, as many feel their plight is hopeless.”

National Philoptochos President Maria Logus said, “Providing aid for this crisis is consistent with our continuing commitment to support relief efforts throughout the world.  Greece and Cyprus, along with Nepal, are examples of our current areas of focus.  Through our Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund and other pertinent campaigns, National Philoptochos has distributed close to half a million dollars to a number of philanthropic organizations.”

Monies go towards providing for medical needs, assisting families that do not have basic necessities and for after school programs for children in impoverished neighborhoods, to name just a few examples.

Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor, said, “In the face of such great suffering of our brothers and sisters in Greece and Cyprus we cannot remain indifferent, Christ and the Church calls us to action to share what we have with those in need giving them hope and the assurance that they are not forgotten and that this crisis by the Grace of God should pass.”

For the efforts to date “National Philoptochos expresses gratitude to Philoptochos chapters and the many friends of Philoptochos nationwide who have contributed to the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Fund and other campaigns.”

Donations may be sent to National Philoptochos, 126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016 or can be made online at www.philoptochos.org. For more information contact:

Rania Richardson, Communications Manager, Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

Phone: (212) 977-7770 x203 Email:  rrichardson@philoptochos.org

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By Vasilis Papoutsis

SACRAMENTO, CA – A 25 year-old dream started to become reality with the groundbreaking of a $12.5 million Family Center and Administration building for the parishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento. More than 500 people attended the special blessing by his Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, including clergy and elected officials.

The structure will evoke the Byzantine style of Greek Architecture and it will feature a large hall for weddings and special events, administration offices and in the center of it all a huge courtyard inspired by the ”Plateia” that is the centerpiece of every Greek village.

”The primary goal of the project is to expand the youth ministry” said George Koufasimis, who is the Building Committee Chairman. It will replace the aging Sunday and Greek school classrooms, and it will be 3 times bigger than the old structure.” With the new facilities they will be able to bring home the basketball and volleyball leagues that are currently housed at rental facilities. So far they have raised $6.3 million, all donated by the parishioners, and Mr. Koufasimis told me that church members voted in favor of a $7 million bridge loan so construction can begin. The project is due to be completed in 16 months time.

It is the oldest Greek Orthodox parish between San Francisco and Salt Lake City dating back to 1920 when 50 Greek community leaders formed the first Orthodox parish. The present building was constructed in 1951. Today with the parish exceeding 500 families it is the largest church in the Sacramento region and the need for new facilities was long overdue.

Angelo Tsakopoulos a prominent Real Estate developer and founder of AKT Development company told me that the Greek community in Sacramento is a ”vibrant community that has expanded tremendously in the last 20 years and that the church’s expansion is vital for the community’s progress.” He also shared with me his deep emotional ties to the church since his kids were baptized and married there and he has been a parishioner for the last 50 years!

The church is actively continuing fundraising to repay the loan as construction is underway and you can learn more details by visiting their web site at www.thebuildsac.org.

A bright future is ahead for the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. As Sam Manolakas, the chair of the capital campaign committee, said ”It is a historic moment for us to move forward with a vision 25 years in the making.”

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BROOKLYN – The Uniquity ministry of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity had a blast – even before the fireworks that followed the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game – at MCU Park off the famed Coney Island boardwalk on July 11.

Friendships were deepened and formed as fellowship blended with the delight of baseball purists who revel in minor league ball and the curiosity of newcomers to the game – marking the event a bit hit.

It is always more festive when the home team wins and even Yankee fans in attendance appreciated the ‘Clones 2-1 victory.

Pitcher Kevin Canelon’s fine performance, limiting Aberdeen IronBirds to one run on two hits over six-and-one-third innings, was backed up by Pedro Perez’s two-run single early in the game.

The first-place Cyclones improved to 15–6 in the A-level summer league

Uniquity is the Cathedral’s ministry for single, widowed and divorced adults.

“We had a great night tonight and we had a great group of people in Uniquity Leah Hanlon, told TNH. The Uniquity committee is now working on its fall schedule of activities, which could include a talent night and a karaoke night. During the past year there were game nights and visits to the Met museum.

The baseball game was also the occasion for Star Wars night, with activities that raised money for St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Queens.

Fans enjoyed costumed people taking turns with the ‘Clones’ cheerleaders, “The Beach Bums” – the old Brooklyn Dodgers’ nickname was Dem Bums – performing on the field, on top of the dugout, and in the stands.

After the game dozens of Star Wars characters poured onto the field for a skit that culminated in a massive light saber battle – which the good guys won.

Cathedral member Daniel Padovano, is not from Brooklyn, but having grown up in Yorkville, just north of the Cathedra near what was known as Italian Harlem, he fits right in in Brooklyn. He told TNH, “Tonight is about good times, a lot of nice people, good friends, a lot of fun.”

Jimmy Sirris, is from Brooklyn – a veteran altar boy from Three Hierarchs who grew up in nearby Sheepshead Bay, said he has drawn to the event by “a pretty good group of people from the Cathedral.” He is also a diehard Yankee fan.

Anna McCorriston is in New York for a fashion internship at Refinery 29. She is studying at Ryerson University in Toronto. “I started attending the Cathedral in New York because I go to the St, George Orthodox Church in Toronto,” she said.

John Paterakis, the English-language chanter at the Cathedral, is a minor league aficionado – he is a ‘Clones mini-season ticket holder – and helped organize the event. “I encouraged Uniquity to come and I knew they would have a marvelous time. There are 25 people here.”

And they all would love to come back.

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BABLYON, N.Y. – A fire broke out at 9:30 PM on July 21 that scorched the altar of the Church of St. Nicholas at 200 Great East Neck Road.

“It was bad, but it could have been a lot, lot worse,” the pastor, Rev. Demetrios Kazakis told Newsday, and “Driving to his church early Wednesday, was able to maintain a positive outlook on a fire that ravaged the altar area of the West Babylon building where he and hundreds of his parishioners worship,” Newsday reported.

Archbishop Demetrios, who was presiding over vespers at the Church of St. Markela in Wantaugh, raced to the Church to survey the damage and comfort parishioners.

Fire departments from West Babylon and Babylon responded and the fire was out in a little more than a half-hour, Kazakis said. Suffolk County’s Arson Squad is investigating the fire and no one was injured, police said, and Kazakis said he was most grateful for that.

A faulty refrigerator or its electrical cord may have started the fire in a backroom near the altar Kazakis said. Newsday added “It spread from the backroom to the entire altar area,” and Kazakis said “It combusted and started everything…There is extensive smoke and water damage to the areas above and around the altar.”

Kazakis said many things, including icons, were destroyed, mainly due to smoke and water damage, but he praised fire fighters for being able to save other items.

“Some of my personal items, vestments, liturgical books. All gone,” he said.

And although many articles were lost to smoke and water damage, Kazakis praised firefighters, saying they were able to save many other items.

“Early indications are there is no structural damage to the building, and the fire did not spread to any neighboring buildings…and the fire also knocked out the church’s phone system…Firefighters stayed long after the fire, as the heavy smoke took its time leaving the church; Kazakis said things didn’t get cleared up until close to 3 AM,” according to Newsday.

“We’ll be able to see a little more today…I know there is no way some things can be saved. But then I also know it really could have been worse,” said Kazakis, who will take inventory Wednesday morning.

The post Fire Ravages St. Nicholas in Babylon appeared first on The National Herald.

CONSTANTINOPLE – Metropolitan Elpidoforos of Bursa, Abbot of the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Monastery on the island of Chalki, is making efforts to succeed Demetrios as the future Archbishop of America, sources in Constantinople, Athens, and New York told TNH.

But Archbishop Demetrios told TNH that he has not resigned and has no intention of doing so. “No, absolutely not,” the archbishop said, calling the information “mendacity” and “fable.”

But does he intend to resign soon? Again, Demetrios responded:  “I want you to know that there is a big ‘no’ to everything that relates to resignation. As long as I am alive and I am in this [healthy] condition, God gives me health and strength and I work. There is no intention for resignation.” The Archbishop added that “these issues are up to God’s will and not man’s.”

His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recently approached Metropolitan Methodios of Boston to see if he wanted to become Archbishop of America, but the latter declined, invoking reasons of health.

That was the second time that Methodios has declined the Patriarch’s offer. The first time was in August 1999, before the Patriarchate settled on Demetrios. At that time, Bartholomew had invited Metropolitan Methodios to Constantinople and offered him the Archbishopric Throne, to which Methodios declined also then for health reasons.

TNH has learned there were other reasons for Methodios’ declining the offer, related to the composition of the Holy Eparchial Synod in American at the time.

Sources told TNH that Metropolitan Methodios told Metropolitan Elpidoforos that the hierarchs in  America want the latter to be the next Archbishop, and Metropolitan Elpidoforos conveyed that to Patriarch Bartholomew, whose initial reaction reportedly was “will see”, but then said “if you think that you can do it, proceed.”

Elpidoforos asked Hierarchs to support his candidacy, while also campaigning with high-ranking members of the Greek government,  powerful publishers, Archons, and benefactors of the Patriarchate  in Greece.

It should be noted here that Patriarch Bartholomew’s words do not amount to a conclusive decision, but rather an attempt to test Elpidoforos’ candidacy.

Elpidoforos has promised Bartholomew that he will solve the Patriarchate’s economic problems once and for all. The hierarchs, priests, and general employees, for instance, have not been paid for three months now.

Well-respected Greek-Americans, who choose to remain anonymous, told TNH that Elpidoforos would be a risk, drawing parallels to Demetrios’ predecessor, Archbishop Spyridon.

The post Efforts Behind the Scenes Regarding Choice of Next Archbishop Intensify appeared first on The National Herald.

SOUTHAMPTON – Thousands of people from across the New York Metropolitan Area journey to the Eastern tip of Long Island for the Hamptons Greek Festival Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons – Kimisis Tis Theotokou from July 16-19 on Church Grounds in Southampton, NY.
Archbishop Demetrios of America attended on July 18. He congratulated Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Fr. Constantine Lazarakis for leading the parish council and all the volunteers producing a fine festival.
His Eminence enjoyed experiencing the event that has become a Hamptons highlight, attracting Greek-American celebrities like Broadway start Constantine Maroulis and local public officials.
He told reporters from newspapers and ANT-1 TV that “as you see, here are many people from our various parishes but also many people who are not related to our Church. These festivals are an essential vocation of the Church.”
He added that “the Church’s neighbors look forward to it every year and it is a blessing of joy and an opportunity to breathe a little Greek orthodox and traditional air. ”
Fr. Karloutsos told TNH the festival constitutes a bridge between Greek and Orthodox culture and the greater New York community. After thanking TNH for its coverage of the achievements and activities of the parish, he said the purpose of the festival is to present the best of Hellenism, “hospitality, charity, pride, and love. People of many traditions come to us and experience the spirit of Greece, which is the sun of Western Civilization.
“When people tell me there is a cloud over Greece I remind them that there are we are Greeks in America and that the sun will always shine over Greece and we as a community will maintain the values of our ancestors, because we believe in the truth of the Greek spirit and are proud our accomplishments,” he said.
The volunteers present Greek culture and traditions with warmth and pride, and, of course, they are delighted to serve the world their nation’s wonderful food.
In addition to the traditional booths displaying jewelry, arts and crafts, and other products there were innovations like the little zoo with bunnies, goats, ducks, horses, and ponies.
A live orchestra performed on a state set up beneath the main tent where the community’s “Hamptons Hellenic Dancers” also performed, evoking much applause.
Two of Fr. Karloutsos’ youngest grandchildren, Xanthi and little Alexander, also danced, along with children not of Greek descent. Karloutsos said the instructor for the youngest dance troupe is Serbian and noted that the parish offers instruction in the Greek, Serbian, and Romanian languages.
The smiles on the faces of the visitors reflected the many things that attracted them to the festival, including the raffle whose first prize was a car worth $20,000, but number one on the Festivals hit parade was the food.
Volunteers coordinated by Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos were running here and there carrying trays of food and sweets produced by another army of helpers in the community centers state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
The offerings could compete in taste and quality with those of the best local restaurants. Restaurateur George Polychronopoulos was the head chef and he was assisted by Kyriakos Mytides, the chef of the Archdiocese.
The Archbishop’s visit gave the parish clergy the opportunity to give him a tour of the sanctuary and to brief him about the work that needs to be done.
Fr. Karloutsos introduced the Archbishop to Tula Bakas, who along with her husband Pericles was one of the founders of the parish.
Madeline Singas, interim DA for Nassau County who is a candidate for that position in the November election attended the festival with her husband and her two children. She told TNH “I am very happy to be here to see all the people supporting the Church of the Assumption. It is a very beautiful event. ”
“It is an honor for me and my wife to be here to spend this evening with you,” Congressman Lee Zeldin told the crowd “I would like to thank Fr. Alexander for the work he does to make this world a better place for everyone. To thank him not only for what he does for America but also for Greece so passionately. ”
Dean Angelakos came all the way from Brooklyn because “This festival annually brings together hundreds of visitors from the Hamptons and New York and elsewhere. We are fortunate that Archbishop Demetrios joined Father Alexander and other members of the parish who welcomed us…it feels good to be here. “

The post Hamptons Greek Festival a Hit appeared first on The National Herald.

NEW YORK – In the streets of Astoria on a glorious summer’s day the people celebrated a feast and a homecoming. The Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou held its annual procession and the Patriarchate was represented by Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, who had been the pastor of St. Demetrios Cathedral and was missed by the community.

The institution is under the Jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and its sanctuary is on 23^rd Avenue.

After the Divine Liturgy the congregation, along with throngs of children, poured into the streets of New York’s Greek Town and followed the icon and silver case of the relics held aloft by men dressed as evzones, the Greek presidential guard, accompanied clergy, chanters, altar boys, and young flag-bearing girls in white robes.

Sunlight bathed the environs and streamed through the gaps in the structures of the elevated subway and Amtrak as non-Greeks joined Hellenes gathered along the sidewalks.

There was a fun and festive air – some people had already gathered at the tables set up at the food court as smiling but serious volunteers were hard at work cooking souvlakis and loukoumades – but there was also a spirit of reverence.

Even before the procession returned to the Church, people who ultimately numbered in the hundreds began lining up in the street, waiting for the beloved 9^th century saint’s icon and relics to be passed over them in the hopes of a miracle for the troubled and a year of blessings for the rest.

After the procession, the monastery’s Abbot, the Right Rev. Archimandrite Ierotheos Zacharis, addressed the congregation – Bishop Apostolos had earlier delivered the sermon – praising his parishioners and the guests for the respect and devotion they displayed for the Saint.

“Today our people have shown that they believe, that they love their Church, that they respect and venerate and honor God’s saints,” he said.

He also proclaimed that His Grace Bishop Apostolos demonstrated his love of the community through his participation in all the events related to the feast, including the weekend festival that precedes Monday night’s vesper services, and the Divine Liturgy that will be celebrated on July 28.

After thanking His Grace, who is an auxiliary bishop and serves as the Chancellor of the Metropolis of San Francisco, for traveling all the way from Los Angeles to be present, Fr. Ierotheos called on God’s blessing on the latter and thanked Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the greetings that were conveyed by their honored guest.

His Grace thanked Fr. Ierotheos and the congregation, calling the monastery “a symbol of faith, patience, prayer, and faith, and peace in New York.”

He then thanked the people for participating in the Liturgy and the festival and concluded by saying “I wish for you to always have peace, harmony, love, health and strength in your families and your lives.”

Caught up in the joy of the day, Fr. Ierotheos said “I feel that I find myself in one of the great pilgrimage sites in Greece,” and that he feels strongly the blessings of God on his people in America, concluding with a passionate exclamation of “chronia polla – many years – and health and happiness to all.”

George Andriotis, who was preparing to leave for his native Dodecanese island of Nisyros, was delighted by the “magnificent day, and the important thing I want to point out that everyone came out – young and old – to express and participate in one of the great events that presents our culture, traditions, language and religion,” which he believes is the primary concern and goal and we must always promote all Hellenic things.”

Athena, who has roots in Kavala and Thasos, and her husband Jimmy whose family is from the Peloponnese, have made the pilgrimage every year since. She loves the Church, richly decorated with icons, “and I love the saint,” Athena said. She first learned about St. Irene when as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of the Prophet Elias in Yonkers.

Two of the participants in the procession symbolized of the harmony that is such a boon for the community when it is manifested. City Councilman Costa Constantinides was marching with his electoral opponent Gus Prentzas. They worked together for the good of Astoria before they faced off and they continue to do so.

Constantinides joined in the celebration with his constituents. “It’s always wonder to celebrate the festival of St. Irene. It pulls the community together – see the wonderful turnout – for a great event,” he told TNH.

Prentzas said “It’s always an honor and a pleasure to be able to partake of this event. I grew up in this community…it’s a blessed day for the whole community.”

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SOUTHAMPTON, NY – Retired 4-Star Admiral James Stavridis, Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, presented a lecture titled, “21^st Century Security Challenges and Opportunities” at the Kimisis Church of the Hamptons on August 8.

The lecture is one of the major summertime events of a parish that does not slow down after June. Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, and the Parish Council, led by President Gus Karpathakis, welcomed the guests.

Stavrides, who signed copies of his book, The Accidental Admiral, is the author of six books and hundreds of articles. He told The National Herald his presentation is “a look at the global security situation which I think we can all agree is pretty dangerous.”

“There will obviously also be a conversation about Greece and its economic challenges and the challenges in the Eurozone,” he said.

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PALOS HILLS, IL – Father Byron Papanikolaou, who served the historic parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, IL for 55 years, passed away on August 11.

In addition to being a renowned cleric, he was a great inspirer, a visionary, and a leader; a mainstay of the parish’s day school, Koraes.

Fr. Byron was one of the few priests who served spent his entire life serving one parish, and he was as faithful and devoted, and steadfast in preserving the Greek language, as anyone.

A loyal and dedicated reader of the Herald, Fr. Byron often impressed us with his knowledge and enthusiasm regarding an array of topics: Greece, our Greek-American community, pedagogy, culture, and, of course, Greek Orthodoxy.

Ten years ago (October, 2005), the Sts. Constantine and Helen community celebrated Fr. Byron’s 45 years there with a moving ceremony. At that point, as TNH reported, he had performed many thousands of sacraments, including having presided over 1891 wedding ceremonies, 3737 baptisms, and 1914 funerals. He had also made, to that point, over 65,000 visits to hospitals, retirement communities, and prisons.
The parish, founded in 1909, is one of the oldest in the United States, and Fr. Byron played a key role in keeping it united, strengthening it, and leading the school to new heights, all culminating in a deserving celebration in 2009 of its first century.

Strongly supporting him throughout his accomplishments were his Presbytera Xanthippe, and his children and grandchildren, all of whom made him proud.  His son Aristotle is co-Founder of and a Senior Fellow at Fordham University’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center, where he is the Archbishop Demetrios Professor in Orthodox Theology and Culture.

Father Alexander Karloutsos, who began his career at Sts. Constantine and Helen, expressed to TNH his sorrow for the loss of his friend and mentor.

The post Fr. Papanikolaou Was Leader, Visionary appeared first on The National Herald.

WEST MILFORD, NJ – With the magnificence and splendor of a bygone imperial Byzantine era, the Pontians of America honored and venerated the Virgin Mary at the Panagia Soumela Greek Orthodox Church in West Milford.

Metropolitan Evangelos officiated, and Greek Consul Manos Kambourakis was present.

Though fewer than expected were on hand, Pontians traveled from across the United States for the occasion. What was encouraging, though, was the number of young people on hand, portending that this tradition will endure in future generations.

Indeed, the Sunday morning liturgy on August 16, in the small but very warm and welcoming chapel, resembled something out of Byzantine grandeur, and was enhanced by the presence of Evangelos and cantor Dr. George Bilalis.

The metropolitan advised the congregation to live the word of love by faith, works of love, and support of the Church. “Everyone who was here dancing and having fun last night [at the Panagias’ eve celebration] should be here [at the Liturgy] today,” he added.

The procession of the icon of the Panagia followed, which many Astorian Pontians traveled to see, and also to greet Evangelos, whom they remember well when he served the community there.

More than 30 young Pontian-Americans, dressed in traditional costumes, danced the traditional dances of their ancestral homeland. Greetings were read aloud of various well-wishers, including the Metropolitans of Drama, Veria, and Naoussa, and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Philadelphia Pontians were on hand, including the President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, Efstathios Karadonis, who called for support of The Holy Foundation Panagia Soumela Pontion Amerikis, by Pontians and non-Pontians alike. Evangelos praised the Foundation, and said “it is here all the time,” and so called on the laity to support it throughout the year.

Those sentiments were echoed by Gus Tsiflidis, President of the Pan Pontian Federation of America & Canada.

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SOUTHAMPTON, NY – The fifth annual Blue Dream Gala for charity of the Kimisis Church of the Hamptons attracted more than 430 Greek-Americans and their friends on August 29 to an event that has set the standard for great parties for good causes in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Co-pastors Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Father Constantine Lazarakis, respectively welcomed the guests and offered the invocation.

Refugees International (RI), represented by Michel Gabauda, its president, and Amani Global Works (AGW) were this year’s honorees and fundraising beneficiaries. Dr. Jacques’ Sebisaho, AGW’s founder and his wife and coworker, Mimy, received the award and addressed the guests, as did Gabauda.

Actor Matt Dillon, a member of the boards of both organizations and the event’s Honorary Chair, and Fox News anchor Rosanna Scotto, Master of Ceremonies, greeted the guests and introduced the honorees. Scotto also conveyed warmest regards from her colleagues Ernie Anastos and Nick Gregory.

The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring fellowship and networking in the Muses Cultural Center and the surrounding grounds. The dinner was held inside a huge billowing tent nearby that evoked a night on a Greek isle.

At previous Blue Dreams the magic worked by noted event planner Angela Giannopoulos had an exotic dimension. This spirit of this year’s gathering was one of simple Mediterranean elegance as live greenery flowed from the canopies that graced many of the dinner tables and the shadows of tree branches were projected onto the surface of the tent.

The soft, white wooden floor added to the warmth and was a magnet for dancers who enjoyed the Greek music performed live by Milos International and lead singer Sophia, and the non-Greek music was presented by DJ Sava.

The army of dedicated volunteers were led by event chairs Olga Palladino, Karen Mehiel, Maria Samuels, and Giannopoulos, with her usual special touches added by Presbytera Xanthi Karloutsos.

Among the guests were Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus on Capitol Hill. TNH Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris and his family attended, for the first time.

The dinner was overseen by celebrity chef Maria Loi and among the highly-desired prizes, which included fine jewelry and fashion, was a dinner for 10 in the winner’s, to be catered by Loi.

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – From September 11-13 a string of blocks in Downtown Salt Lake City turns a slice of Greece bursting with music food and dancing courtesy of the Greek Festival of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

This year, Salt Lake City’s largest ethnic event is celebrating a big Anniversary.

“The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake is delighted to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Salt Lake Greek Festival,” Alicia Mares, Parish Council President told the Salt Lake Tribune. “Our annual event gives us the opportunity to share our deep rooted culture with the great people of Salt Lake City and beyond.”

Cindy Skedros’ family migrated to the Rocky Mountains in the early 20^th century. They were active in church and community –  her brother James Skedros is a professor at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline – and they have been a part of all 40 festivals.

Four decades ago Salt Lake City’s cultural life was not highly developed, she told The National Herald, and the Festival gave the parish the opportunity to showcase Hellenic traditions to a city that was literally hungry for it.

“Tables of plump dolmades, layers of fluffy and savory pastitsio, hearty spanakopita and pounds of feta and olives await hungry festivalgoers,” the Triune reported, but Skedros told TNH it’s the hospitality offered by the community which makes it one of the biggest Greek festivals in the country.

The entertainment is also a powerful draw. The festival “boasts the best in traditional and contemporary Greek folk dancing. Like years before, the main stage fills up quickly with adult and children dance troupes, performing for attendees…There are entertainment options for children, live Greek music provided daily by the Chris Dokos band.

Skedros noted that the Cretan dance group is also a big crowd pleaser.

There are also tours of the Cathedral, and of the Hellenic Cultural Museum.

The Tribune notes that the festival “boasts a comprehensive look at Greek culture, with plenty of arts, crafts and memorabilia available for purchase.”

“We invite you to join us in experiencing our Greek heritage,” said Mares, “Enjoy a wide variety of food and drink while being entertained with Greek music and dance performances. OPA!”

The festival is the parish’s major annual fundraising event and it is held at the Cathedral campus, which is located at 279 300 W. in Salt Lake City. Hours and other admission information is available at 801-328-9681 or saltlakegreekfestival.com .

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