October 23, 2009
Encyclical Of Archbishop Demetrios For OXI Day - October 28, 2009
October 28, 2009
OXI Day

For you, brethren, have been called to freedom.     
Galatians 5:13


To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With gracious hearts for our blessed faith and heritage, we observe the annual commemoration of OXI Day once again. The significance of our remembrance of this special day originated in a firm stand against the forces of tyranny and oppression that threatened Greece and the world in 1940. It is also inextricably linked to our identity as Hellenes and Orthodox Christians.

The resounding “NO” to the occupation and subjugation of Greece that was proclaimed in the words and deeds of the people, affirmed the deep faith of these people in words of St. Paul, you have been called to freedom (Galatians 5:13), and stated emphatically the love of freedom and truth that characterized the Hellenic mind, a mind that had sustained generations through centuries of oppression, and that nurtured the hope of many as they waited for justice and peace. The reply to the leadership of Fascist regimes was also marked by courage and honor. The military resources of Greece were no match for the terrorizing war machine of the occupiers. The reply of “NO” to their requests could only be supported by the courage to stand for what was right and the honor to endure the sacrifice that would follow. For the people of Greece did suffer for their stand, and on this day we commemorate the sacrifice of life, property, and well-being for the sake of freedom and justice.

As Orthodox Christians we also can affirm in our commemoration the strength and power of the faith that we share with those who endured the pain and tragedy of occupation. As believers in the One who loves us and gave himself up for us (Ephesians 5:2), we know the redemptive power of God’s grace, which instills within us courage to endure and have hope in all circumstances. We also share in a divine love that inspires us to stand for freedom and truth, to offer our lives and resources in service, and to carry a cross of sacrifice so that others may know the ineffable joy of freedom and redemption.

On this OXI Day of remembrance may we offer prayers for the blessed memory of those who sacrificed so much in their stand for what is just, true, and honorable. May we also affirm our commitment to the unwavering defense of freedom, truth, and justice by all means and always under the guidance and protection of our loving God.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

October 29, 2009
Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2009
November 1, 2009
Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries
Saints Cosmas and Damian
          
                         
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this day when we commemorate the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, we are reminded by the lives and deeds of these two saints of the beautiful parable of our Lord concerning the Good Samaritan. In the Gospel of Luke we read of the compassion of the Samaritan who tended the wounds of the injured traveler and arranged for his care until he was healed. In addition, the Samaritan showed his attentiveness to the needs of the man who had fell among robbers by stating to the innkeeper, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend” (Luke 10:35). This genuine concern for one in need extended beyond an initial offering of assistance to the assurance that everything needed for healing would be provided.

The ministry of healing that offers a true witness of the compassion and grace of Christ is characterized by a commitment of time, attentiveness to the real needs of a person, and a willingness to offer what is necessary to ensure restoration of body and soul. This is the kind of ministry that is offered both by our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate and our National Ladies Philoptochos Society. The philanthropic work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate provides vital care and meets critical needs in the Greek Orthodox Community of the Archdiocese of Constantinople. Through the Baloukli Hospital and elder center, together with other institutions and associations for orphans and the poor, the Ecumenical Patriarchate offers an environment of care and faith that is attentive to the physical and spiritual wounds of those in need.

This philanthropic work has been assisted by the efforts of our National Ladies Philoptochos Society in their ongoing ministry of healing. Dedicated to offering time and resources for physical and spiritual healing, the members of the Philoptochos Society of our Holy Archdiocese have brought glory to God by their willingness to ensure the viability of quality health care, educational, and charitable programs. As a part of this sacred work, they have led us in collecting offerings for the philanthropic ministries of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and in support of this effort, I ask all of our parishes to take a special collection on Sunday, November 1, the Feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damian, for the National Ladies Philoptochos Ecumenical Patriarchate Fund. This is an opportunity for all of us, in the spirit and example of the Good Samaritan, to ensure the quality and attentiveness of the care offered to those in need.

May we continue to offer our prayers and support for the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and for the faithful of the Archdiocese of Constantinople and the Metropolises of Turkey. May we also heed the words of our Lord and be the people who show mercy. In a world filled with haste and neglect, we must offer the time, compassion, and resources that will reveal the love of God and restore bodies and souls to life.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

November 3, 2009
Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2009
November 8, 2009
Feast of the Synaxis of the
Holy Archangels
          
                              
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this blessed feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels we commemorate the beautiful presence and purpose of the myriads of angels that have been created by God for serving His divine will and plan for salvation. In the observance of this feast, in the pages of Holy Scripture, and through the iconography of our parishes we are reminded that the angels, led by the Holy Archangels, are an essential part of the order and ministry of God’s kingdom. As messengers, protectors, and beings of divine praise, angels direct our attention to the glory and holiness of God, and it is in this way that they aid us in gathering people into God’s home.

Over the past year following our 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington, DC, we have emphasized the theme “Gather My People to My Home,” exploring the significance of this calling in our lives, our parishes, and our world. We have affirmed that one aspect of the theme is our benevolent response to those in need at any stage in life. Knowing that life is a gift from God, seeing the divine image imprinted upon every person, and having hearts filled with compassion, we give willingly and sacrificially for the well-being of others. This is the mission of the Church, and it is the nature of our life in God’s family.

This is why the ministry of Saint Michael’s Home is necessary and valued. For over fifty years this institution has met physical and spiritual needs as an adult care facility and has done this in a way which is true to its name. In the example of the Holy Archangels, the staff, directors and donors of St. Michael’s have focused on order, quality, and ministry in providing the best environment of care. This has been accomplished by protecting and sustaining life and through nurturing the faith of residents so that their life at Saint Michael’s affirms the loving presence of God and their place in His home, the Church. This wholeness of care and service offers a beautiful witness to all adult care institutions. It also proclaims the truth of life in God’s kingdom: physical abilities are not the measure of a person’s value; love and faith are needed throughout life; and we each have a responsibility to care for those who are in need.

Being mindful of this and the ministry of Saint Michael’s Home, this feast has been designated each year as a time to offer our gifts for the service and growth of this holy work. On this day parishes are asked to have a special collection for this ministry, and the offerings should be designated for Saint Michael’s Home and sent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This act of giving generously should also be accompanied by our care and generosity offered in our communities. In the spirit and witness of Saint Michael’s, we should strive to help those in need of care to know that they are loved, that they are a part of our spiritual family, and that they have a present and eternal home with God. May we offer our prayers for the residents, staff, and directors of Saint Michael’s Home, and may we also commit ourselves to offer quality and faithful ministry to all.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America

November 22, 2009
Encyclical of SCOBA for IOCC Sunday November 22, 2009
Let us not love in word or in tongue,
but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

IOCC Sunday
November 22, 2009

The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of the
Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

To the Most Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics and Devout Faithful
of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas

Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God the Father, Christ Jesus our Lord, and from the All-Holy Spirit.

On this Sunday before our National Feast of Thanksgiving, we offer thanks to God who has given us the ministry of loving and caring for our brothers and sisters. Through International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), our SCOBA humanitarian aid and development agency, the Orthodox people of North America have a way to express their love and unity to the wounded of this world. Since 1992, IOCC has delivered more than $300 million in humanitarian services to people in need in more than 33 countries on our behalf.

In the spirit of Christ’s love, IOCC helps families who have been devastated by a natural disaster like a hurricane or are forced to leave their homes because of an armed conflict. Your gifts of love allow IOCC to deliver water, food, medicine, hygiene and hospital supplies to those who need them the most in places like Georgia, Russia, Kosovo, the Holy Land, Lebanon and Zimbabwe.

IOCC also helps families and communities in 24 countries create lasting change through micro-loans for poor farmers, education for children from low-income families, vocational training for refugees and programs that help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Orthodox Church is a key partner with IOCC to help the poor. IOCC assists the Church to create and manage charitable works, and to mobilize thousands of Orthodox Christian volunteers across our Nation.

IOCC is every Orthodox Christian listening to this message today. When you support IOCC, you are expressing your desire to give and to receive God’s love. And so brothers and sisters, as the Apostle of love exhorted the faithful of his day, so we exhort you. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18), the love of the Triune God Who is Love.
          

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you and your families this holiday season, as we offer thanksgiving to Him, and make ready to receive Him anew in His Glorious Nativity in Bethlehem.


With paternal love and blessings in Christ,




†Archbishop DEMETRIOS
Chairman
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

† Metropolitan PHILIP
Vice Chairman
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
Of North America

† Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER
Secretary
Serbian Orthodox Church in North
And South America

† Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Amissos
Treasurer
American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox
Diocese in the USA

† Archbishop NICOLAE
Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese
In the Americas

† Metropolitan JOSEPH
Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church

† Metropolitan JONAH
Orthodox Church in America

† Metropolitan CONSTANTINE
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA

† Archpriest Alexander Abramov
Acting Representative of the Moscow
Patriarchate in the USA

† Bishop ILIA of Philomelion
Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America