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Annual Archdiocesan District Staff-Development Seminar To Be Held November 3, 2009
October 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 Officially Opens Eighth Environmental Symposium in New Orleans
October 21, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officially opened today the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, entitled “Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River,” which takes place here for the next five days under his high patronage and includes a large and diverse group of theologians, scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, representatives of business and NGOs, and media.
NEW ORLEANS – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officially opened today the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, entitled “Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River,” which takes place here for the next five days under his high patronage and includes a large and diverse group of theologians, scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, representatives of business and NGOs, and media.
Roman Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and read a cordial, prayerful and personal message from Pope Benedict XVI in which he conveyed his support and solidarity in the effort of caring and protecting the environment and “the safeguarding of God’s creation.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his very significant opening address said that “we have reached a defining moment in our history…the point where absolute limits to our survival are being reached,” and we “instead of living on income, or the available surplus of the earth, we are consuming environmental capital and destroying its resources as if there is no tomorrow.” (See full text below)
Following the Patriarchal Address, retired US Senator Paul Sarbanes, who is a participant in the symposium read a message from former Vice President Al Gore, in which he expressed his esteem and respect for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s perseverance demonstrated by this Eighth Environmental Symposium. Al Gore was the first to address Patriarch Bartholomew as the “Green Patriarch” in 1997 when welcoming him to Washington D.C.
Finally, Archbishop Demetrios, as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, offered an official welcome to the Ecumenical Patriarch both to the United States and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is an eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. “We are in this wounded city, New Orleans, and in an equally wounded River, the mighty Mississippi. And we are here to contribute, as much as it is possible, to the healing of both,” said Archbishop Demetrios and added that His All Holiness is “the Healer Patriarch who laboriously, incessantly, and deliberately serves in an extraordinary way the ecological healing process and tends to the wounds inflicted upon nature by human beings.”
Information on the Ecumenical Patriarch and his visit to the U.S. can also be found online at: www.goarch.org or www.usvisit2009.org and on the Mississippi symposium at: www.rsesymposia.org
Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530 or (718) 415-5850
Email: pressoffice@goarch.org
Opening Address of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Symposium The Great Mississippi River: Restoring Balance’ (New Orleans, 21 October 2009)
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you all to the official opening of Symposium VIII, entitled “The Great Mississippi River”.
This Symposium is in many ways both historical and unique. This river comprises a microcosm of our planet. In its waters, we observe many of the world’s ecological issues. We are humbled in its presence. We have come to listen to its story, to learn from its history.
Let us consider our own presence on this great river.
As the Mississippi links the prairies to the sea, we ourselves form the link between the past and the future. Science has developed a theory to explain the beginning of the Universe almost 14 billion years ago, the beginning of simple life forms some 4 billion years ago and the birth of human beings a mere 160,000 yea 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
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Presides Over Ninth Annual Prayer Service for the U.N. CommunityOctober 27, 2009
Last evening, Monday, October 26, His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Ninth Annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations Community, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral, the traditional site when the service is hosted by an Eastern Orthodox Church. The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied to the Service by Metropolitan Geron Athanasios of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea, and clergy and lay leaders of the Church of Constantinople.
NEW YORK – Last evening, Monday, October 26, His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Ninth Annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations Community, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral, the traditional site when the service is hosted by an Eastern Orthodox Church. The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied to the Service by Metropolitan Geron Athanasios of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea, and clergy and lay leaders of the Church of Constantinople.
This Service is sponsored annually by the Joint Commission of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and the Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches of America (SCOOCH).
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed His All Holiness and the assembled Hierarchs, Clergy, Ambassadors and Dignitaries of the UN Diplomatic Corps and laity to the Cathedral, which was filled to overflowing. Over 70 clergy of the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches were in attendance. The Choir of St. Vladimir’s Seminary provided the processional and recessional hymns, while the Choir of Holy Cross Seminary chanted a traditional Vespers Service in English.
Archbishop Demetrios led the Members of the SCOBA, including Bishop Antoun representing the Antiochian Archdiocese, Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Archdiocese, Metropolitan Christopher of the Serbian Archdiocese, Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA, Bishop Ilia of the Albanian Diocese and Archpriest Alexander Abramov of the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA. The Metropolitans of the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as well as other Hierarchs were also in attendance.
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian , Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Church and Chairman of SCOOCH led the following Hierarchs of the SCOOCH delegation: Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Zecharius of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Ambassador to the UN for the Vatican, led a very large showing of the UN diplomatic corps, which included the Ambassadors of Orthodox countries and those countries where the families of the Christian Churches represented by SCOBA and SCOOCH exist locally.
Greetings from Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon were delivered by Under-Secretary-General Vijay Nambiar , Chef de Cabinet, with special words of welcome to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The address was delivered by the President of the Brookings Institution, former Deputy Sceretary of State Strobe Talbott . In his remarks, Talbott highlighted the pioneering work of His All Holiness for ecological responsibility in the faith community. He also commented on the recently concluded work of the Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium that His All Holiness convened last week in New Orleans on behalf of the Mississippi River.
In his response, His All Holiness stressed both environmental responsibility and dedication to religious freedom that are integral to the message of the Gospel. He also spoke of service to the world:
[W]e Orthodox Christians are called to offer service to humanity without expectation of anything in return, and also, to be examples for others to do the For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Wall Street Journal
October 26, 2009
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was published this morning on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal in an op-ed piece entitled: "Our Indivisible Environment."
New York, New York
10/26/09
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was published this morning on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal in an op-ed piece entitled: "Our Indivisible Environment."
The editorial, which can be found on page A-17 of the print edition, and on the website at
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574485341504345488.html
is a powerful statement for the Orthodox Christian view of creation and the need for the protection of the environment. The 18 year patriarchy of His All Holiness has been characterized by this utmost concern for the environment. The Ecumenical Patriarch also finds common cause with all faith communities and non-believers as well, when he states:
Moreover, just as God is indivisible, so too is our global environment. The molecules of water that comprise the great North Atlantic are neither European nor American. The particles of atmosphere above the United Kingdom are neither Labour nor Tory. There can be no double vision, no dualistic worldview. Faith communities and nonbelievers alike must focus on the common issue of the survival of our planet. The natural environment unites us in ways that transcend doctrinal differences.
The Ecumenical Patriarch has just concluded his Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium in New Orleans, focusing on the Mississippi River. His Apostolic Visit to the United States continues in New York, Atlanta and Washington DC until November 6th.
More information about His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the environmental work of the Church and the Apostolic Visit to the United States may be found at:
www.usvisit2009.org and www.patriarchate.org.
Archdiocesan District Office of Education Offers Lesson Plans on Ecumenical Patriarchate
October 26, 2009
On the occasion of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's visit to the United States (October 20 - November 6, 2009), and especially the Greek American School of St. Demetrios, Astoria, the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education developed a lesson for the upper grade students of the community day and afternoon schools (grade 5 and up).
New York - On the occasion of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's visit to the United States (October 20 - November 6, 2009), and especially the Greek American School of St. Demetrios, Astoria, the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education developed a lesson for the upper grade students of the community day and afternoon schools (grade 5 and up).
The student lesson offers historical information on the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as a short biography of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasizing his concern for the Environment. It consists of the text in Greek, reading comprehension exercises, and English vocabulary of certain Greek words. It may be used either for classroom instruction or for home study.
This resource is available on the website of the District Office of Education at
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/education/news
.
Contact: Maria Makedon
Tel. 212-570-3553
Email: mm@goarch.org
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Presides at Divine Liturgy in New Orleans
October 26, 2009
In the Byzantine Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of New Orleans, the oldest Orthodox Christian Community in America, established in 1864, orthodox faithful had gathered early Sunday morning, Oct. 25, waiting for His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to arrive for Matins service and the Divine Liturgy.
NEW ORLEANS - In the Byzantine Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of New Orleans, the oldest Orthodox Christian Community in America, established in 1864, orthodox faithful had gathered early Sunday morning, Oct. 25, waiting for His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to arrive for Matins service and the Divine Liturgy. His All Holiness dressed in his Episcopal Mandyas (Episcopal mantel) presided over the services, blessed the faithful and delivered words of love and wisdom.
His All Holiness after the reading of the Gospel, in his homily to the hundreds of faithful who attended the Liturgy acknowledged the devastation and the suffering caused by hurricane Katrina and commended the people of the Community and the City of New Orleans for their resolve for recovery and rebirth.
Focusing attention to the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the places where the seven Ecumenical Councils took place, His All Holiness said that "to this day, the Ecumenical Patriarchate continues to safeguard this truth, (the dogmatic truth of Christianity - Orthodoxy) while the Apostolic Throne of Saint Andrew continues to keep these historic Sees alive - even if only with the witness of a few."
The Ecumenical Patriarch explained the history and the purpose of the Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposia and in particular this Eighth one entitled " Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River ," which had just concluded here and said: "When we began on the Sacred Island of Patmos, we chose this location for a very specific reason. We recognized, in the apocalyptic vision of St. John the Theologian, a prophetic call to action for our planet and for all who live herein. From the Isle of Patmos, the Evangelist bore witness to coming catastrophe, even to the scorching of a third of the earth, a third of all trees - and the poisoning of a third of the seas, and a third of all rivers and fresh water. (Revelation 8:7-11). This vision is a call to arms for all of us, not merely to take action for environmental responsibility and reason, but to take a closer look at the root cause of our declining world - and that is the decline in our human values, our human relationships, and the very understanding of what it means to be a human being."
"Welcome apostle of healing, peace, truth and care for the people and for the environment," said at the conclusion of the Liturgy Archbishop Demetrios of America welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch and thanked him for his pastoral care for all Orthodoxy and especially the flock of the Archdiocese of America. His Eminence further characterized the Ecumenical Patriarch "an agent of the healing process and conveyor of the Grace of God."
The mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin welcomed His All Holiness to the City expressed his gratitude for the support and the prayers of the Ecumenical Patriarch for the people of New Orleans.
Photos and additional resources are available at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media
BROADCAST QUALITY FOOTAGE in NTSC and PAL available at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media/pressvideo
For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Ninth Ward
October 23, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a return visit to the Lower Ninth Ward District today to survey the recovery and restoration efforts of the wetland area in Bayou Bienvenue.
CONDUCTS MEMORIAL SERVICE AND BLESSES THE WATERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI
NEW ORLEANS - His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a return visit to the Lower Ninth Ward District today to survey the recovery and restoration efforts of the wetland area in Bayou Bienvenue.
In January 2006, the Ecumenical Patriarch traveled to New Orleans in order to witness the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and to pray with the people of New Orleans. His visit today was part of his continuing advocacy for the protection of the environment that is being highlighted once again at the Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium, entitled " Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River ," convened by His All Holiness this week in New Orleans.
Upon his arrival in the area, His All Holiness walked up a platform overlooking the wetlands and was briefed by local officials on the work of the coastal restoration of the bayou, the re-building of the levees, which would prevent storm waves and allow trees and other vegetation to flourish again in the area.
"We are here again to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families and to express our solidarity with the people of New Orleans. We shall also continue to pray and work for the protection of the natural environment," said His All Holiness to the local officials, conservationists and residents of the area.
"God compelled you to come and stand with us in our fight to restore the natural environment in this area, which is part of God's creation," said City of New Orleans Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis as she thanked His All Holiness for his visit and his prayers and on behalf of the City Council presented him with a Proclamation.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proceeded near the waters of the bayou and along with other hierarchs and clergy accompanying him chanted the hymn of the Epiphany. He then toured the area where the levees had broke and met with local residents who have only recently moved back.
Earlier in the day, His All Holiness conducted a memorial service at the St. Louis Cemetery # 3 of New Orleans, for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and also in memory of the late Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America, whose patron saint's day is celebrated today, according to the Orthodox Christian liturgical calendar.
Yesterday, Oct. 22, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as part of the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, conducted the Service of Sanctification, blessing of the Waters, aboard the riverboat "Natchez" and symbolically sprinkled Holy Water over the Mississippi River. All the participants of the Symposium were aboard to witness the ceremony.
Photos and additional resources for the media at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media
BROADCAST QUALITY FOOTAGE in NTSC and PAL available at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media/pressvideo
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Begins Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the U.S.
October 21, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived today in New Orleans, as he begins a 15-day Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the United States. “We welcome you, Your All Holiness with deep reverence and respect, total dedication and plenty of love,” said Archbishop Demetrios of America, welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch at Louis Armstrong Airport along with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, members of the local clergy, local officials, a small group of Orthodox faithful from this area and two-dozen children dressed in traditional costume.
NEW ORLEANS – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived today in New Orleans, as he begins a 15-day Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the United States. “We welcome you, Your All Holiness with deep reverence and respect, total dedication and plenty of love,” said Archbishop Demetrios of America, welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch at Louis Armstrong Airport along with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, members of the local clergy, local officials, a small group of Orthodox faithful from this area and two-dozen children dressed in traditional costume.
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered a few words of greeting and blessing to those who had gathered at the airport and said:
From the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Holy and Great Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we bring you greetings and blessings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
We give thanks to Almighty God for granting us a safe arrival here in New Orleans, a place to which we return with much hope and expectation. We return after nearly four years, when we came in the Winter of 2006 to share in the loss and pain of the courageous citizens of New Orleans and to witness the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We return to the place where the mighty Mississippi River nears its course into the Gulf of Mexico, and where the waves of the sea and the banks of the river overflowed. We return so that we might bear witness to the hope that is in you, the hope you have manifested through the rebuilding your lives and your community. We return in order to pray with you and to intercede with the Lord of creation, that the ‘flood of many waters shall not come nigh unto you again’, (cf. Psalm 31/32:6).
We return to this historic and famed city, and call on your fellow citizens around the country to return here for themselves; whether to live or enjoy the unique offerings of New Orleans.
Finally, we return to New Orleans with the same conviction and concern that has taken us around the globe, to oceans and seas and mighty rivers: from the Aegean to the Arctic, from the Black to the Baltic Seas, from the Danube to Amazon – and now, to the mighty Mississippi River. Throughout the previous seven Religion, Science and Environment Symposia, we have brought together academics and policy makers, scientists and theologians; so that we might pose questions and find solutions for the ecological perils of our time.
Here in New Orleans, for the next five days, we shall gather again, and we thank the RSE Committee for their extraordinary efforts in bringing this conference to fruition. Our prayer is that during these days, we shall heighten awareness, strengthen resolve, raise expectations and explore new hopes.
We stand in solidarity with the people of New Orleans and all people who seek a better life. And we are present with you to call for a renewed consciousness for environmental responsibility, and an awareness of what such a consciousness entails.
We pray that our days among you will be a blessing for you and a blessing for us, for we come with only words of peace, love and benediction upon our lips and in our hearts. May God bless the people here present, and bestow upon all his infinite mercy.
Tomorrow Oct. 21, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will convene and officially ope For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
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