FROM THE CHANCELLOR`S DESK March 15, 2005

Dear Reverend Vicars, Reverend Clergy, and the Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

Our Metropolis’ Annual Banquet honoring our Archons and Diakonia Deca Members is scheduled for Saturday evening, April 9th, 6:00 p.m. at our Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia. Invitations been mailed to all our Parishes, including Clergy, our Archons and Diakonia Deca Members, and all our Metropolis leadership. That weekend, the Metropolis of Atlanta also is hosting meetings for our Vicars, Ambassadors, Metropolis Council, Diakonia Center Board Members and Metropolis Philoptochos Board Members. Everyone joining us that weekend is encouraged to attend. We are pleased that the National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Dr. Anthony Limberakis, will be our Guest Speaker. Please RSVP to your invitation or telephone Cynthia Stanton, 404/634-9345 if you did not receive one.

Faithfully yours with brotherly love,

+Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis

Chancellor



METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA SCHEDULE OF SPRING MEETINGS Thursday, April 7, 2005

4:00-6:00 PM Vicars Meeting Metropolis Board Room
6:00-7:00 PM Metropolis Vicars Dinner Metropolis Board Room
7:00-10:00 PM Vicars Meeting Resumes Metropolis Board Room


Friday, April 8, 2005

8:30-9:00 AM Continental Breakfast
Vicars/Ambassadors
Metropolis Board Room
9:00-1:00 PM Vicars/Ambassadors Meeting Metropolis Board Room
9:30-10:00 AM Continental Breakfast
Philoptochos
Cathedral Board Room
10:00-12:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting Cathedral Board Room
12:00-1:00 PM Philoptochos Lunch Cathedral Board Room
1:00-2:00 PM Vicars/Ambassadors Lunch Metropolis Board Room
1:00-5:00 PM Resume Philoptochos Board Mtg. Cathedral Board Room
2:00-6:00 PM Metropolis Council/
Vicars/Ambassadors Meeting - Metropolis Board Room

6:00-7:00 PM Combined Dinner
Vicars, Ambassadors, Metropolis
Council, Philoptochos
(Cathedral)Carlos Hall
7:00 PM 4th Salutations of the Virgin Mary Annunciation Cathedral


Saturday, April 9, 2005

9:00-9:30 AM Continental Breakfast/Diakonia Center Board
Metropolis Board Room

9:30-10:00 AM Continental Breakfast/Philoptochos Cathedral Board Room
9:30-12:00 PM Diakonia Center Board Meeting Cathedral Board Room
10:00-12:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting
Cathedral Board Room
12:00-1:00 PM Diakonia Deca Distribution Sub- Committee Meeting
Metropolis Upstairs Board Room
12:00-1:00 PM Philoptochos Lunch Cathedral Board Room
12:00-1:00 PM Diakonia Center Board Lunch Metropolis Board Room
1:00-2:30 PM Diakonia Deca Meeting Metropolis Board Room
1:00-3:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting Cathedral Board Room
2:30-4:00 PM Archons Meeting Metropolis Board Room
5:00 PM Vespers Metropolis Chapel
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception Hellenic Center Atrium
7:00 PM Banquet Honoring Archons and Diakonia Deca Members*, **
Kartos Ball Room

Sunday, April 10, 2005

9:30 AM Archieratical Divine Liturgy Annunciation Cathedral
with His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios

NOTE: Luncheon in the Kartos Ballroom
Immediately following Divine Liturgy.**
*The Vicars, Ambassadors, Metropolis Council, Diakonia Center Board & Metropolis Philoptochos Board and their guests are encouraged to attend.
**Guest Speaker - Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D
National Commander
Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate


PARISH LIFE Please send us your news and events to kpowers@atlmetropolis.org

His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios travelled to ST. SOPHIA CATHEDRAL, Miami, Florida, this past weekend, celebrating an Archieratical Liturgy.

The cookbook from HOLY TRINITY,Charlotte won in the regional division, Southern US, Tabasco Community Cookbook First established by the McIlhenney Company in 1989, the Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards were created to recognize the best of the thousands of cookbooks published annually to generate money for charitable causes while preserving local culinary history and celebrating these communities. Previous winners have been rich in diversity and steeped in tradition, and this year’s
pool of entries promises to continue that trend.The Tabasco Community Cookbook Awards honor outstanding cookbooks and the dedicated volunteers who compile them.


ST MARK, Boca Raton, raised $11,439.00 for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, $4,234.00 more than the first year. Congratulations to all those who participated and contributed to this worthy cause.






NEWS/EIDISEIS Dear readers - we ask you to help us by sending your news and suggestions,by introducing the Messenger to your friends, by signing up your Parish to receive the Messenger or sending us the email addresses so that we can sign you up.

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD - UPCOMING EVENTS

On Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 AM, ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL, Atlanta Philoptochos invites all women to come and hear Penny Deligiannis, who served in Albania for 8 years doing important work for Orthodoxy and is currently in Southeast Asia working with tsunami victims. She is a tremendously interesting woman and has amazing work to share with us! We will meet in the Conference Room of the Thalia Carlos Community Center, and afterwards there will be a free-will offering Lenten luncheon.

ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, and ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, are sponsoring a lecture by Professor John Yiannias,Prof. Emeritus of Art History, University of Virginia on
The Lenten Message of the Holy Icons
Date: Thursday, March 31, 2005
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: St. Nicholas Community Center (New Building)

ATLANTA AREA IOCC RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER
Saturday May 7, 2005
For more information contact:
Costa Panos, 404-325-5900, 404-874-1329
Demetrios Lynberopoulos, 770-494-3445, 770-494-3445





FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK

Mar. 20 Sunday of Orthodoxy
Mar. 25 Annunciation of the Theotokos
His Eminence Metropolitan
Evangelos Nameday
Mar. 26 Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel

METROPOLIS YOUTH NEWS AND COMING EVENTS Want to receive email information and updates about Youth, Education and Culture? Send email addresses to Michelle Cassimus,
youth@atlmetropolis.org

HDF-HELLENIC DANCE FESTIVAL-2005
Videos (VHS or DVD)and Photos available now!
Orders taken until March 17
Contact: Chris Savas
chris@chrissavas.com
260 Greencrest Ct.
Marietta, GA 30068
HDF Special Deal $30
Order any 3 or more videos and save $5 each.
Photography: $10 per unit. Group photo or Individual photo
Unit 2-5x7s 8x10
VIDEOS: $35 per video unit
Order forms available online:
http://www.atlanta.goarch.org/youthsite/greekdance.htm


Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta is hosting a Pan-Orthodox Youth Retreat,
LIVING YOUR FAITH IN AN UN-ORTHODOX WORLD
on Saturday May 7, 2005
10:00 AM - 3 PM, following the IOCC Run/Walk. Call Michelle Cassimus, 404-634-9347 for more information and registration packet.

ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS graduating Spring 2005
What: 1st Annual Graduation Celebration
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday June 10, 11 & 12, 2005
Where: DIAKONIA CENTER-Salem, SC
www.diakoniacenter.org
$50.00 per student (lodging)
Forms available online http://www.atlanta.goarch.org/youthsite/Graduate%20Retreat%202005

Please note:
Deadline for Youth Workers Workshop at Holy Transfiguration, Marietta is 3/14/05.
Deadline for GOYA Lenten Retreat 4/1/05


ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL Excitement is building as we learn of the many many Parishes who have scheduled their St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Contest! Glykeria Hadjisimos (odysseia1@yahoo.com)and Father Felix Miles (priest@greekchurch.org) are co-chairs of this year's Metropolis of Atlanta Oratorical Festival.




FIRST ANNUAL ALTAR BOY RETREAT APRIL 7-10, 2005 The first annual National Altar Boy Retreat will take place on the grounds of our beloved school, Hellenic College/Holy Cross from April 7-10, 2005. The retreat will begin on Friday evening and participants will be able to experience Seminary life on Friday, including Chapel and classes. A keynote address by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, workshops, practical training, as well as opportunities for fellowship, will be offered for Altar Boys of GOYA age (12-18).

All retreat information, including registration forms and hotel information may be obtained from your local parish or Michelle Cassimus at the Metropolis of Atlanta, Hellenic College/ Holy Cross at 866-424-2338, or the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 646-519-6180 for more information. All forms and information are also available through our Metropolis Website - www.atlanta.goarch.org Click on the heading “Metropolis Resources”…click on “Youth Diakonia”….click on “Acolytes & Myrofores”.


VOLUNTEER AT ST. STEPHEN'S SUMMER YOUTH CAMP Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis and Michelle Cassimus are looking for volunteers to help in many different ways with St. Stephen's Camp this summer - not just as camp counsellors but with art, crafts, food, music etc. The sessions are
Session I: Sunday, July 10-Saturday July 16, 2005
Session II: Sunday, July 17-Saturday, July 23, 2005
Session III: Sunday, July 24-Saturday, July 30, 2005
Volunteer positions available:
CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS-2 per week
A stipend will be given for the Life Guards and the Metropolis will pay for Certification!
CAMP NURSES/DOCTORS- 1-2 per week
ARTS & CRAFTS INSTRUCTORS-2 per week
Chairman: Peggie Dunkerly-Marietta, GA 770-664-7972 greekpd@comcast.net
FOOD -2 FOOD Chairmen per week
Chairman: Haido & Steve Pourlos-Greenville, SC 864-246-7104
hpourlos@att.net
MUSIC/CAMPFIRE LEADER -1 per week
Guitar knowledge helpful!
Questions? Contact Michelle Cassimus 404-634-9345, youth@atlmetropolis.org
or to volunteer, contact
Father Stavros Akrotirianakis,St. Stephen's Camp Director,813-876-8830,
frstavros@cs.com


SINGING AS PRAYER: CHURCH MUSICIAN`S WORKSHOP & CHURCH MUSIC INSTITUTE The Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians would like to invite all Church Musicians (Choir Masters, Organists, Chanters, Choir Members and Friends)to the "Singing As Prayer" Workshop at the beautiful Diakonia Center, March 26, 2005 from 9 AM - 4 PM. Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, Kevin Lawrence and Dr. Philip Thevaos will lead sessions such as, "United in Prayer:Seamless Interweaving in Church Singing", "Challenges We Face," and "Introducing the George Raptis Liturgy."
Accomodations at the Diakonia Center are available Friday March 25th.
Please contact Toula Chininis, 336-288-7968 or Zia@bellsouth.net for further information or reservations.


ATLANTA AREA MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT LENTEN RETREAT - Friday, April 15 and Saturday April 16, 2005. Dr. Peter Kalellis, Director and Founder of the Human Growth Center,and nationally known Orthodox psychotherapist, marriage and family therapist will be facilitating the retreat. On Friday after the Akathist at Annunciation Cathedral,at approximately 9 PM introductory gathering in Carlos Hall, to register for the retreat. Saturday, April 16, 2005
At the Annunciation Cathedral, Hellenic Community Center,
Kartos Ballroom (lower level)

8:30am-9:30am Late-Registration and Lenten Breakfast
9:30am-10:30am, Presentation I, "Empowering the Orthodox Faithful”, break
10:45am-12:00pm, Presentation II, "What Makes For A Healthy Relationship?"
12:00 pm-1:00pm Lenten Luncheon
1:00pm-2:15pm, Presentation III, "Spiritual Growth, a Journey”, break
2:30 pm-3:00pm, Presentation IV, Wrap it Up/Overview of main points
3:00pm-4:00pm Question/Answer/book signing Session
Babysitting Available on Saturday by Reservation Only!!!

Thank you to the Atlanta Pan-Orthodox Clergy Syndesmos/Brotherhood for sponsoring this retreat. If you would be interested in more information about Marriage Enrichment or would like to volunteer to help with this Lenten Retreat,please contact Glykeria Hadjisimos at H) 404-325-3888 or odysseia1@yahoo.com.

We particularly are looking for youth or others who would be willing to provide childcare for a two hour shift during the retreat!


CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY 2005 "Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptis, one God and Father of all, Who is above all and through all and in all." Eph. 4:3-6

The 2005 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Laity Assembly convenes on Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, 2005

Our theme for this years Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Congress is Unity.

Please note that completed registration forms, yearbook materials and fees are due by April 1, 2005.

Hotel reservations should be made by May 1:
Riverview Plaza Hotel, 251-438-4000. Please let them know that you are attending the Clergy-Laity Assembly or Philoptochos to receive the $79 rate.

SFGOCM ANNUAL CONFERENCE JULY 21-24 Mark your calendars now!
Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians Conference
29th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
July 21 – 24, 2005
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday, July 21st through Sunday, July 24th, 2005
Featuring the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomos, arranged and conducted by George S. Raptis

Hotel Information:
The Atlanta Marriott Century Center Hotel
2000 Century Boulevard, NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-325-0000, 800-228-9290
You must register by June 20, 2005, and identify yourself as a member of the Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians Conference to receive the conference rate of $74.
.
Conference Fees
(Conference Registration Fee covers breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday and lunch on Sunday.)
Adults $125 postmarked by June 1st
$150 after June 1st (late fee)

Youth $80 postmarked by June 1st
$90 after June 1st (late fee)
For registration packet or further information, contact:
Kay Nastopoulos
Registration Coordinator
2761 Lawrence Mill Run
Marietta, GA 30068
(770) 321-6303
kay.nastopoulos@mindspring.com



GREEK-AMERICAN HISTORY DIAKONIA Magazine is looking for articles on Greek-American history. Do you have stories and histories that you would like to share? Please contact Paula Marchman at pmarchman@yahoo.com.


HELLENIC SCHOLARS’ LIBRARY TO BE DEDICATED AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY The Hellenic Scholars’ Library will be dedicated at Samford University April 15-17, 2005. Samford University ranks as one of the top institutions in the South in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of America's Best Colleges and the Princeton Review's choices of the nation's 351 best colleges, with high marks for academics.

The Parish community of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Birmingham found itself without adequate space to house many priceless volumes of Greek history, culture, religion, art, that used to be stored in their Hellenic Center. So The Hellenic Scholars’ Library originally began as a project of the Birmingham Philhellene Society. For six years, a small group of dedicated parish volunteers began to catalog books and to increase the library. The governments of Greece and Cyprus, The Greek Press and Information Office of New York, Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts, and many private donors have generously given books and donations, along with a grant from the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, to complete the project. The result of many hours of hard work and dedication is The Hellenic Scholars' Library, an extensive collection of over 1,500 volumes.

Along with the dedication of the Library on April 16, Samford University will hold the first symposium on Greek-American Literature and contemporary fiction. Renowned Greek-American Novelist Harry Mark Petrakis, twice nominated for The National Book Award, will be keynote speaker and honored guest and many writers from the Greek-American community will be on hand to conduct book signings. Books Published by Mr. Petrakis include LION AT MY HEART,ODYSSEY OF KOSTAS VOLAKIS,PERICLES ON 31ST STREET,A DREAM OF KINGS,THE WAVES OF NIGHT,STELMARK,IN THE LAND OF MORNING,THE PETRAKIS READER,THE HOUR OF THE BELL,NICK THE GREEK,DAYS OF VENGEANCE, REFLECTIONS,COLLECTED STORIES,GHOST OF THE SUN, and THE FOUNDER’S TOUCH.

This promises to be a weekend of celebration where writers, teachers, students, and parents will be able to gather together and explore the many contributions that Greek culture has made to the western world. (information submitted by Irene Lafakis)