November 13-15, 2009
National Philoptochos Medical Luncheon, Boca Raton, Fla.
Fri., Nov. 13, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception hosted by Philoptochos
7:30 p.m.
Archon Dinner Banquet
Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton Fla.
Sat., Nov. 14, 2009
10:30 a.m. Philoptochos Medical Luncheon Press Conference
1:30 p.m.
National Philoptochos Medical Luncheon
Sun., Nov. 15, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Archieratical Divine Liturgy
St. Mark's Greek Orthodox Church, Boca Raton, Fla. (561) 994-4822
Tue/Wed., Nov. 17-18, 2009
Pastoral Visit to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery
Roscoe, NY 12776
Thurs., Nov. 19, 2009
1:00 p.m.
Farewell Luncheon for Andreas Panayiotou, Consul General of Cyprus to New York
Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, NYC
Fri., Nov. 20, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Meetings of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees
of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
Brookline. Mass.
Sat., Nov. 21, 2009
12:00 noon
Saint Basil Academy 65
th
Anniversary Gala Benefit Luncheon
Terrace on the Park, Flushing, NY
7:00 p.m.
Dinner honoring the 10th Enthronement Anniversary of Archbishop Demetrios
offered by the community of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection
Mill River Country Club, Brookville, NY
Sun., Nov. 22, 2009
9:00 a.m.
Archieratical Divine Liturgy followed by the Inaugural of new Community Center
Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, Roslyn, NY
Tue., Nov. 24, 2009
Archieratical Great Vespers
on the Eve of the Feast of Saint Catherine
St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, Braintree, Mass. (781) 843-0047
Wed., Nov. 25, 2009
-
Feast of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr
Archieratical Divine Liturgy
St. Catherine and St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Astoria, NY (718) 545-4796
== 30 ==
The Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden and his wife hosted a formal dinner yesterday Nov. 4, at the Vice Presidential Residence to honor His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who during this third leg of his trip to the United States is visiting Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON -
The Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden and his wife hosted a formal dinner yesterday Nov. 4, at the Vice Presidential Residence to honor His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who during this third leg of his trip to the United States is visiting Washington, DC.
His All Holiness and the Vice President had a long and fruitful meeting immediately prior to the dinner, where issues of mutual interest were discussed including religious freedom and religious tolerance, the interreligious and intercultural dialogue initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki and the leadership role of His All Holiness for the preservation of the natural environment. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has just concluded hisEighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium
in New Orleans, focusing on the Mississippi River.
"We are with you, [and] we support the Ecumenical Patriarch as a leader of global standing," said Vice President Biden addressing the Ecumenical Patriarch and quoting the Ancient Greek fabulist Aesop who said "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance," the Vice President said to His All Holiness: "You have always been brave and never from a safe distance. You have stared down those who seek to erode the authority of the Church tirelessly, professing the Greek Orthodox way for millions of followers."
"Your Holiness I am truly grateful for your work on environmental awareness across the United States of America... You delivered a moving address in New Orleans and in New York, and you have inspired hundreds of thousands of Americans along the way," continued Mr. Biden and added "you have been a champion for tolerance and interfaith dialogue reaching out to both the Catholic Church and the Moslem community, both in your native country Turkey and throughout the world."
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his response to the Vice President thanked him for the love, the hospitality and his "lifetime of public service" for his fellow citizens and in defense of justice and freedom and he underlined current worldwide conditions:
"The current worldwide economic crisis has fast become a crisis of hope for the peoples of the world. The youth of the world are in doubt as to the security of their economic future, the stability and tranquility of the world's many governments and nations, and the health and well-being of the planet that we all call "home."
"For those of us who serve ancient and venerable spiritual institutions like the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we are challenged daily to convey spiritual truth in a context of acceptance and understanding of every person, whether they are adherents of our faith or not. We have the awesome task of instilling hope for the future in the hearts of the people of the world. Our message is not confined to any grouping, identity or language. For in these challenging times, Mr. Vice President, while you seek solutions in the worlds of finance, diplomacy, and social welfare, we offer the lasting and existentially meaningful alternatives to the "opiates of the people". We have the sacred duty and trust to offer compassion, mercy, sacrifice, generosity, and ultimately love." (for the full text see
http://www.patriarchate. For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
President Obama Receives Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Oval Office
November 3, 2009
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was received today at the White House in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama. This reciprocal visit to the one paid by President Obama earlier this year (April 7, when he made his first overseas visit to a Muslim country, Turkey) followed up on their conversations at that time on the subjects of the recently concluded environmental symposium on the Mississippi River and the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki.
WASHINGTON – His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was received today at the White House in the Oval Office by President Barack Obama. This reciprocal visit to the one paid by President Obama earlier this year (April 7, when he made his first overseas visit to a Muslim country, Turkey) followed up on their conversations at that time on the subjects of the recently concluded environmental symposium on the Mississippi River and the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki.
“The President with his kindness and openness received me and my delegation with love and honor,” said His All Holiness to the Press as he was exiting the White House.
During the more than half an hour meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew raised the subjects of climate change and commended the President for his initiatives, urging him for an even more intensive campaign on behalf of ecological responsibility. For his part, President Obama thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his moral and ethical leadership for all the world’s faith communities in responding to environmental concerns. In particular, the President thanked His All Holiness for his recent environmental symposium on the Mississippi River and his opening address. They both shared their experiences of the Lower Ninth Ward and their concern for the redevelopment of this hard hit neighborhood of New Orleans.
President Obama stressed his appreciation for the unique role of the Ecumenical Patriarch as the leader of the Orthodox Christian world, and the unique character of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as an institution. He expressed to His All Holiness his commitment to the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki, citing the advantage to Turkey itself that the full operation of Halki would bring.
At the close of their very substantive meeting, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew assured the President of his prayers for his healthcare initiatives for the sake of the poor and needy.
Present at the meeting of the President with His All Holiness were, from the White House: Tom Donilon, Assistant to the President, Deputy National Security Advisor; Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of European Affairs; Joshua DuBois, Director of Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; Bridget Brink, Director for Aegean and South Caucasus; and accompanying the Ecumenical Patriarch were: Archbishop Demetrios of America, Geron Metropolitan Athanasios of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea and Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos.
Lecture at Georgetown and other events
Immediately after their meeting, His All Holiness, returning to the campus of Georgetown University , gave a major address entitled “A Changeless Faith for a Changing World. ” The Center for American Progress, together with Georgetown University, sponsored the event. (for the full text see
http://www.patriarchate.org/documents/georgetown_2009
)
Tomorrow, His All Holiness will give another major address at the Brookings Institution entitled, “Saving the Soul of the Planet,” on environmental responsibility.
In the afternoon, the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader will co-host His All Holiness at a luncheon in the Capitol. A private meeting with the Speaker PelosiGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Come Receive the Light Schedule - November 2009
November 2, 2009
Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox Christian radio broadcast, is a weekly program that features interviews with noted Orthodox Christian clergy, theologians, and lay leaders on theological, spiritual, pastoral, and modern social issues.
November 6
Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
Topic: Prodromou on Patriarch's visit
Friend of the show Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou returns to talk with Fr. Chris about Eccumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's recent trip to the United States and what it means for Orthodox Christians here in the United States and around the world. Also on the show is Orthodox priest and prolific author of New Testament commentaries Fr. Lawrence Farley. He's here to tell us about St. James the Apostle, the first bishop of Jerusalem, whose Feastday we celebrated on October 23rd.
November 13
Speaker: Fr. Antonio Perdomo
Topic: Perdomo on reaching out to Spanish-speakers
On today 's episode of Come Receive the Light, we welcome Fr. Antonio Perdomo of St. George the Great Martyr Orthodox Church in Pharr Texas to the show. He talks about his work reaching out to Spanish-speaking people with the Word of our Holy Orthodox Faith. In a short segment, Dr. David C. Ford of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary tells a little about St. John Chrysostom, whose Nameday we celebrate on November 13th. All of us know of this important Saint, but many of us don't know much about who he was.
November 20
Speaker: Fr.Timothy Chrapko
Topic: Chrapko on baptism
Fr. Timothy Chrapko, associate pastor at St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Alberta, Canada, is here to talk with us about the sacrament of Baptism. Learn more about the history of this ancient rite and how it fits into our daily spiritual walk. Also on the program is Eva Kokinos, who's the director of youth ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit. She and Fr. Chris talk about internet resources and safety, since not everything on the web is as enriching as OCN's website!
November 27
Speaker: Subdeacon Irenaios Anderson
Topic: Anderson on Nahum & Habakkuk
On December 1st and 2nd, we celebrate the Feastdays of the prophets Nahum and Habakkuk. Subdeacon Irenaios Anderson from Saint Herman Theological Seminary in Kokiak, Alaska, will tell us about the role of prophets in the Old Testament and these two prophets in particular. Plus, it's always a pleasure to have Frederica Mathewes-Greene on the show, and she's back with us to talk about her new book "At the Corner of East and Now."
______________________
Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox Christian radio broadcast, is a weekly program that features interviews with noted Orthodox Christian clergy, theologians, and lay leaders on theological, spiritual, pastoral, and modern social issues. Heard on the radio in more than 100 cities in the United States and the Bahamas, this unique weekly broadcast offers the ancient, Christ-centered message of Orthodox Christianity to the modern world. You can listen to past programs on demand and find many other online resources to deepen your faith at
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Addresses the Archdiocesan Council
November 1, 2009
Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed His All Holiness to a unique session of the Archdiocesan Council yesterday morning, attended by more than 100 members, all the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Auxiliary Bishops and Metropolitans Athanasios Geron of Chalchedon and Emmanuel of France accompanying His All Holiness.
NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed His All Holiness to a unique session of the Archdiocesan Council yesterday morning, attended by more than 100 members, all the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Auxiliary Bishops and Metropolitans Athanasios Geron of Chalchedon and Emmanuel of France accompanying His All Holiness.
“All of you are indispensable members of this responsible body of the Church – bishops and presbyters, clergy and laity, men and women, young and old,” said His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his paternal and patriarchal exhortation to the members of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that had gathered in New York City for their regularly scheduled Fall meeting.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his “special pride” and “sincere gratitude” for the achievements of the Archdiocesan Council and the Church in America, for the “unfailing commitment” of the members and for their “fervent love for Christ and His teachings.”
As His All Holiness spoke of the long and uninterrupted tradition of the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople and as he offered his Patriarchal Blessing upon the members exhorted them: “…never lose sight of two things: First, of your sacred and historical roots, which lie in the Mother Church of Constantinople, which has known glory and martyrdom alike over the centuries, and to this day maintains the unity, sanctity, catholicity and apostolicity of the Orthodox Christian Church; And second, of your spiritual and heavenly goal, which lies in the Kingdom of God, to which all of our actions and our ministry should aspire.”
Following his exhortation to the Archdiocesan Council His All Holiness offered a private audience to the National Philoptochos Executive Committee, during which he expressed the gratification of the Mother Church for the important philanthropic work of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society.
Later in the day, His All Holiness attended a Luncheon in his honor by the Permanent representative of Turkey to the United Nations, Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan.
Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530 or (718) 415-5850
Email:
pressoffice@goarch.org
"Tribute to Peacemakers" A Concert in Honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios
October 30, 2009
“It was a prayer for peace,” said His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew yesterday, following the conclusion of a concert entitled “Tribute to Peace Makers” at the renowned Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan’s Lincoln Center.
American Bible Society Commemorates U.S. Visit with Exhibition at Museum of Biblical Art
NEW YORK – “It was a prayer for peace,” said His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew yesterday, following the conclusion of a concert entitled “Tribute to Peace Makers” at the renowned Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan’s Lincoln Center.
The Concert was organized by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in honor of His All Holiness and in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, and was attended by nearly a thousand people, faithful and guests, from the greater New York Metropolitan area.
The Manhattan Philharmonic, under the direction of its Maestro Peter Tiboris performed Verdi’s Overture to La forza del destino, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with virtuoso Vassilis Varvaresos at the piano, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.
The special appearance of the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir was received with enthusiastic applause as it performed, under the direction of Maria Koleva and the accompaniment of Vassilis Varvaresos, favorite pieces like Miller/Jackson’s Let There Be Peace on Earth, Bernstein’s America from West Side Story, Spanoudakis’ Petrina Hronia, Kaldaras/Pythagoras’ I Smirni and Zoudiaris’ Vosporos with soloist Flora Kirou.
Following the concert Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew praised the musicians, the children of the choir, the conductor and the choir director and told those in attendance that music has “the power to kindle love…
not only for our own people, but for all the world and for every member of the human race.”
And His All Holiness added: “The flame of brotherly love fires the forge of peace. Let the song of the children be the anthem of all tonight: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me… with every step I take, let this be my solemn vow .”
Exhibition at Museum of Biblical Art
Earlier in the evening, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA). The American Bible Society in tribute of His All Holiness’ Apostolic Visit to the U.S. organized an exhibition of sacred texts and icons celebrating the history of the Orthodox tradition, which opened yesterday Oct. 30 and is continuing through Jan. 24, 2010.
ABS President and CEO Dr. R. Lamar Vest hosted privately His All Holiness who then toured the icon exhibition and a pictorial tribute for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s prophetic and pioneering leadership for the environment. In his presentation to the Ecumenical Patriarch Dr. R. Lamar Vest said: “In Your All Holiness’ ministry, the Gospel is made relevant to the most pressing matters of the day, as you apply the truths and mandates of Scripture on issues of socioeconomic justice, human freedom, religious tolerance, and especially on the environmental crisis.” Dr. Vest presented to His All Holiness a commemorative edition of the Paschal reading from the Gospel of John, entitled,
In the Beginning Was the Word,
in forty different languages.
Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530
Email:
pressoffice@goarch.org
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Faithful Welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at “An Ecumenical Gathering of Peace” in Atlanta October 29, 2009
Over twelve hundred people, including dignitaries and distinguished guests, gathered with His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Georgia, for a unique and spiritually uplifting “Ecumenical Gathering of Peace.”
Atlanta, Ga – Over twelve hundred people, including dignitaries and distinguished guests, gathered with His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Georgia, for a unique and spiritually uplifting “Ecumenical Gathering of Peace” on Thursday, October 29, 2009. His All-Holiness was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Most Reverend John Donoghue, Archbishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and Priests from both the Metropolis of Atlanta and sister Orthodox Churches. The beautiful Cathedral sanctuary was filled to capacity, with people standing along the walls and overflowing into the narthex. Nearly 150 people watched the service on a wide screen television in Carlos Hall.
His All-Holiness offered a Doxology of Peace at the beginning of the Gathering. Mr. Nick Moraitakis, Metropolitan Council Vice President, served as Master of Ceremonies and offered welcoming remarks and introductions. Honoring His All-Holiness’ concern for the environment, Archbishop Donoghue read from St. Basil the Great’s Homily on Genesis, followed by Archbishop Demetrios’ reading from St. John Chrysostom’s Homily on Genesis. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios welcomed His All-Holiness, Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Donoghue, the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, dignitaries and honored guests, stating that “our hearts are filled with joy, so much so that we cannot express the happiness we feel at Your decision to be with us.” His Eminence further stated that “we have been blessed with a Spiritual Father who does not hesitate to do what is right and what is needed – travel all over the world and speak the truth about environmental issues.”
His All-Holiness’ homily concerned St. Cleopas, whose feast day is celebrated today, and the darkness of spirit that often results from our experience of hatred, injustice and violence. St. Cleopas had been a witness to the humiliation, torture and barbaric death of Jesus, and did not recognize the man who joined him on the road to Emmaus. Yet in worship, in giving thanks, in the breaking of the bread, the Eucharistic encounter, St. Cleopas recognized Christ and the veil of darkness fell from his spirit and his heart.
The Cathedral Choir, led by Mrs. Christina Polizos and the Annunciation Cathedral Chantors, led by Mr, Nicodemus Economos, offered Byzantine hymns. The Holy Spirit Catholic Church Traditional Choir, with Dr. Albert Ahlstrom, Choirmaster, offered Ave Maria and a Litany of the Saints. The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church Voices of Praise Choir led by Elder Kevin Bond offered two hymns in the tradition of African-American gospel music.
As His All-Holiness departed, the Chantors led the congregation in the Polychronion , a hymn asking our Lord to grant His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch “many more years.” After the Ecumenical Gathering of Peace concluded, a festive reception was offered by the Metropolis of Atlanta and the Annunciation Cathedral in honor of His All-Holiness for guests in the Kartos Ballroom of the Thalia M. Carlos Hellenic Center.
We pray that the Lord will grant His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew many years of good health to lead His Church and inspire the Orthodox World.
Annual Archdiocesan District Staff-Development Seminar To Be Held November 3, 2009October 28, 2009
This year’s annual Staff-Development Seminar of the Direct Archdiocesan District will be held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 (Election Day), at the High School of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria.
NEW YORK – This year’s annual
Staff-Development Seminar of the Direct Archdiocesan District
will be held under the auspices of
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America on Tuesday, November 3, 2009(Election Day), at the High School of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria.
Organized by the
Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education
, the Seminar will include a great number of workshops covering the English and Greek curricula, from pre-K to high school grades, offering in-service training to the teachers serving in the community day and the afternoon schools of the Direct Archdiocesan District. The keynote speaker will be
Mr. Nick Katsoris, writer and publisher of the
Loukoumi Books and Materials
for young children.
The Greek language and culture teachers will have the opportunity to listen to two lecture presentations by distinguished university professors from Greece. Specifically,
Prof. Georgios Papanastasiou
, director of the Institute of Modern Greek Studies and professor of Linguistics at the
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
will speak on “
The relation of the Greek language and its script form throughout the centuries
.” And
Prof. Eleni Skourtou
of the Department of Elementary Education/
University of the Aegean,
Rhodes will speak on “
The basic principles of language teaching from the aspect of bilingualism
.”
“
Professional development is essential for making teachers competent and in alignment with education standards
” noted
Mrs. Maria Makedon
, director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education. “
We believe that all teachers can benefit from learning new methods and techniques and, thus, invite them to attend the District’s Annual Seminar that contributes significantly to their professional advancement
.”
The Board of the Parochial Day School Principals of New York has designated “Election Day” for professional development, and all schools will be closed. The principals of the District’s afternoon Greek schools are advised to do similarly and encourage their teachers to attend.
The Seminar For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Fordham University Bestows Highest Honor On Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
October 28, 2009
Fordham University conferred yesterday its highest honor, the Honorary Doctorate of Laws, to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew “for his remarkable service to the world community and for the principles that he continues to uphold.”
NEW YORK – Fordham University conferred yesterday its highest honor, the Honorary Doctorate of Laws, to
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
“for his remarkable service to the world community and for the principles that he continues to uphold.”
The solemn and historic conferral ceremony was held in the University Church at the Rose Hill Campus in Bronx, NY and was attended by many hundreds of people, University officials and trustees, professors and students, clergy of the Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox Churches, honored guests and hundreds of faithful.
“It is a grace to welcome your All Holiness,” said
Stephen Freedman
, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, acting as the Master of Ceremonies.
His Excellency Timothy M. Dolan
, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York offered the invocation.
“AXIOS” (meaning “worthy” in Greek), was exclaimed several times by Fordham University President, the
Reverend Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
, as he highlighted the Ecumenical Patriarch’s work in the advancement of ecumenical dialogue, his devotion to the promotion of peace and his dedication to the cause of environmentalism.
His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan,
Papal Delegate of His Holiness Benedict XVI conveyed the welcome and brotherly greeting of the Pope and in his comments underlined the importance of dialogue which one day will lead to becoming one as “it is the wish of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Fr. McShane read the Citation and along with,
John N. Tognino
, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees conferred to His All Holiness the honorary degree. The Fordham University Choir sung the Ecumenical Patriarch’sPolychronion
(a prayer hymn for health and many productive years).
His All Holiness delivered a very important address entitled “Discerning God’s Presence in the World” in which he emphasized “
the primacy of ecumenicity or the value of opening up in a world that expects us ‘always to be prepared to give an answer to everyone that asks us to give the reason for the hope within us
.’” (1 Peter 3:15) In concluding the address, His All Holiness summarized the theme of his remarks:
"Opening up to the heart; opening up to the other; and opening up to creation. Our age demands no less than openness from all of us. We hear it stated often that our world is in crisis. Yet, never before in history have human beings had the opportunity to bring so many positive changes to so many people simply through encounter and dialogue
.” (see full text below)
For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Meets With U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
October 28, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as part of his Patriarchal and Apostolic Visit to the United States met yesterday, Wednesday, October 28, with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations Headquarters.
Visits Park East Synagogue, Meets with former President Bill Clinton
NEW YORK – His All Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
as part of his Patriarchal and Apostolic Visit to the United States met yesterday, Wednesday, October 28, with
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
at the United Nations Headquarters.
The Secretary General warmly received the Ecumenical Patriarch, and after the two were photographed together, His All Holiness signed the official visitor’s book.
The meeting that ensued was held in a cordial atmosphere. The discussion revolved around the issues of mutual environmental concerns, climate change and the initiatives for dialogue among people, religions and cultures.
In a comment to the Press, following the meeting, His All Holiness said that Mr. Ban Ki-moon is aware of the environmental initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its efforts toward the advancement of interfaith dialogue. He also made the point that the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is aimed at some of the same goals as those of the United Nations: the betterment of humanity both through interfaith dialogue and through the efforts for the protection of the natural environment.
Following the meeting, His All Holiness visited the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, where he was received by
Rabbi Arthur Schneier
, President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and other Jewish religious and lay leaders. Rabbi Schneier offered a warm welcome to the Ecumenical Patriarch, a few passages from the Book of Psalms were read and children sung hymns and songs. Rabbi Schneier presented His All Holiness with a silver Menorah as a gift.
Later in the afternoon at his hotel, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with former U.S. President
Bill Clinton
. In the evening
Archbishop Demetrios of America
hosted an Archdiocesan Leadership Dinner in honor of His All Holiness at the Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park.
During the activities of the day His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was accompanied by Archbishop Demetrios of America and Metropolitans Athanasios of Chalcedon, Emmanuel of France, and Ambrosios of Korea and the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Iakovos of Chicago, Maximos of Pittsburgh, Methodios of Boston, Isaiah of Denver, Alexios of Atlanta, Nicholas of Detroit, Gerasimos of San Francisco and Evangelos of New Jersey.
Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530 or (718) 415-5850
Email: pressoffice@goarch.org
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