FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS

Greek Orthodox Primate Brings Message of Ecumenism to Fairfield University

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Nov. 16, 2007 - In a warm display of Christian unity and a respect for the religious beliefs of all people, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Fairfield University, on Wednesday evening, November 14, 2007, before delivering his remarks on the need for greater understanding between religions.

It was a fitting tribute to the Archbishop, the spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians and a leader in the ecumenical movement, who is celebrating his 40h anniversary in the episcopacy.

In his talk, Archbishop Demetrios offered five suggestions for developing interfaith dialogue, beginning with, “The need to unlearn in order to learn.”  Very often, he said, people enter interfaith dialogues believing “they know well the people of other religions and their beliefs.”  He said that the need to relinquish our preconceptions “implies honesty, consideration, frankness, a prayerful disposition, and, even the willingness to accept truths which may in fact feel hurtful when they are offered in a genuine spirit of love with the aim of understanding and rapprochement.”

Next he said we must remember that “gaining knowledge in an interfaith dialogue might be painful.”  Quoting from the first chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, that “he that increases knowledge will increase pain,”  he added that “in acknowledging the need for reconciliation via dialogue, there follows the implication that at some point in history, there has been a breach in a relationship which must be restored.  This involves the uncovering of many painful truths.  It also requires that we engage in truly honest inquiry into painful historical circumstances that are understood differently by different people for different reasons.  The results of such an honest examination can add significant knowledge, but we should be ready; indeed we must be ready, to accept that our growing in knowledge will entail experiencing levels of pain.  But the pain will not be debilitating.”

Suggestion three was to “prepare for interfaith dialogue by honestly trying to understand the religion of the other.”  While Archbishop Demetrios said this may seem to be an obvious principle, “examples of interfaith dialogue in history show that the very purpose of encounters between people of different religions frequently was to disprove the validity of the other faith, with the view toward convincing the other party of the superiority of the religious faith across the table.  In such an adversarial context, how could constructive encounters ever begin to move toward anything resembling a genuine rapprochement, and even more toward anything resembling a genuine reconciliation?”

Archbishop Demetrios next talked about the “sacredness and power of the human language.”  Quoting again from scripture, this time the twelfth chapter of Matthew, he said “Jesus Christ offered a statement of tremendous importance.  He said, ‘I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will render account of every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.’”

As a witness to this truth, Archbishop Demetrios pointed to “The amazing work of the Ecumenical Synods, searching unceasingly for the proper language in matters of faith and for the proper interpretation of the Bible.”  In interfaith dialogue, he said there should be “a deep understanding of the sacredness and power of language.  It should not be taken lightly.”

The fifth suggestion offered by Archbishop Demetrios is that “Our interfaith dialogue must always be focused on truth.”  He said, “Truth is not something to be feared.  We do not avoid the truth because we might consider its consequences to be negative.  Rather, we begin our dialogue with the understanding that Truth is a concrete notion, fulfilled in the very person of Jesus Christ the Lord.  We enter into dialogue knowing that the consequences of searching for the truth will ultimately be liberating as Christ Himself said, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32)
 
In summing up his remarks, Archbishop Demetrios said, “Each of these suggestions: a) being willing to unlearn in order to learn, b)  bracing ourselves for some levels of pain,  c) seeking first to understand,  d) recognizing the sanctity and power of language, and  e) focusing on truth, is offered in the hope that we may all continue to grow in our understanding of one another, and as Christians work for the realization of the Lord’s will that “we may all be one” (John 17:21), and at the same time enhance our relationship with the non-Christians, no matter what their religion is.“

In thanking Archbishop Demetrios, Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., president of Fairfield University, noted that it was just a year ago that His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of all Orthodox Christians around the world, welcomed His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, the Primate of the Roman Catholic Church, in Istanbul.  “In our ceremonies this evening and in your magnificent talk, we are hopefully fulfilling the dreams of these two patriarchs that we of the Greek and Latin traditions can cooperate in love and understanding to spread the message of the One God whom we both serve:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Over 400 guests were moved by the inspiring message of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios; the compassionate words of National Philoptochos President, Mrs. Georgia Skeadas; the stirring message offered by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos; the wonderful musical program, and the popular guest speaker, Mr. Michael Chiklis, who acknowledged how his Greek heritage and family influenced him in his life and career and guided his philanthropic efforts particularly with children’s charities. Program highlights included the generous donations totaling $180,000 presented by President Skeadas to seven children’s hospitals and special children’s medical programs in the Metropolis of San Francisco and for the medical care for children afflicted with diseases, malnutrition and other ailments in the Orthodox Archdiocese of Zimbabwe, Africa. The Luncheon program created a heartwarming and inspirational afternoon for the guests gathered to “Rejoice and Embrace the Children.”    

Mr. George Miserlis, Luncheon Master of Ceremonies, aptly guided the attendees through each phase of the program interspersed with his beautiful baritone voice singing favorite musical renditions.  The musical highlight was the elegant performance of Soprano Michele Patzakis Prappas whose segment included delightful singing and dancing with the Children’s Chorus from the St. Sophia Cathedral of Los Angeles.

Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, extended special thanks to the Luncheon General Chair and San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos President, Valerie Roumeliotes, and the Luncheon Co-Chairs, Patty Chacopulos, Kathy Gabriel, Marina Kookootsedes and Jeannie Ranglas and to the entire Luncheon Committee that includes committees and volunteers, locally and nationally, who worked unceasingly to ensure the Luncheon’s success.  Special recognition and gratitude were offered to the entire Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos for their outpouring of love, hospitality and support.  A heartfelt thank you was expressed to all the benefactors, underwriters and sponsors for their boundless generosity of time, talent and treasure.

President Skeadas also offered a tremendous thank you to all the Philoptochos Chapters and members for their continued and generous support for our Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon and our Philoptochos mission, “as we continue to work for the protection, the transmission and the enhancement of life in its fullest for the children.”
President Skeadas honored Martha Stefanidakis, 2005 Luncheon Chair, presenting her an award for the successful Luncheon held in the Metropolis of Denver.   She also acknowledge and recognized those helping us making a world of difference in the lives of children - Mrs. Eugenia Lyons, of Newport Beach, California who overwhelmed us with her profound generosity, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Morykwas of Winston Salem, North Carolina who are our Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon Great Benefactors for a third time and George and Judy Marcus for their magnanimous donation.

President Skeadas stressed that, “This particular undertaking provides critical support for ailing children and brings comfort and renewed hope for a healthy and happy future for so many families.  The National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund serves as a manifestation of love and compassion by honoring the precious gift of children”.

Michael Chiklis, internationally renowned actor, director, producer and philanthropist, delighted the Luncheon guests with his recollections of growing up in a Greek family in Massachusetts that allowed him to flourish in his life and career. He congratulated the National Philoptochos for its philanthropic work and for reaching out beyond the Greek community.  In recognition of Mr.  Chiklis’ work with the Autism Speaks/ Cure Autism Now and the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation, President Skeadas presented him a $20,000 donation for Autism Speaks.

President Skeadas presented donations to the following area hospitals and programs: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (San Clemente, CA) $52,000; Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center (Tacoma, WA) $11,500; Children’s Hospital Central California (Madera, CA) $11,500; Clinica Monsenor Oscar A. Romero (Los Angeles, CA) $25,000; Emilio Nares Foundation “Ride with Emilio” Transportation Program for Children with Cancer (San Diego, CA) $12,500; St. Joseph’s Children’s Health Center (Phoenix, AZ) $25,000; Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (Phoenix, AZ) $12,500.  A $30,000 donation was presented to the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) focusing on the provision of medical care for children at the Parktown Medical Center in Zimbabwe, Africa.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios addressed the entire Luncheon program by weaving humanitarian and theological tenets throughout his remarks stating “this is a day filled with dreams, a day filled with magic.”  He offered special recognition for the spirited and talented Master of Ceremonies and the beautiful voice of the soprano accompanied by the wonderful children’s chorus.  Archbishop Demetrios reminded the guests of the problems that exist for children throughout the world including lack of proper education, exposure to danger and viciousness on the internet, lack of family life and homelessness.

His Eminence recognized the outstanding donations made to this Luncheon to date of $465,000 and challenged everyone to reach further and achieve the half million dollar mark.  He congratulated the Philoptochos on the quality and magnitude of the work it accomplishes and thanked them for all the donations made this day including $25,000 for the victims of the Southern California Fires,  which he presented to His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.  He remarked on the generosity throughout the country for the Greek Fire Relief Fund.  His Eminence compared the women of Philoptochos to a “strong group of lionesses” and said that “there is no limit to what we are called to do”, and urged the women “to spread this benevolent power.”
 
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