May 14, 2009
HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS MESSAGE ON THE NEW MILITARY ORTHODOX BIBLE
Reverend Clergy, Monks and Nuns and the Faithful of the Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta

My dearly beloved in the Lord,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

I greet you today with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, giving thanks to Almighty God for all His abundant blessings, with that glorious greeting: “Χριστός ἀνέστη! Christ Is Risen!”

As Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Atlanta, of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a participant in the Standing Commission of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), I am pleased to inform you that, through the efforts of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, the Bible Society has published the New Testament and Psalms for Orthodox Christians serving in military. This compact, pocket-sized book, which conforms to military specifications and can be easily carried in a pocket or backpack, also contains icons, morning and evening prayers, guidance for the Holy Scriptures and Orthodox living and other resources. It is aimed at ministering to our Orthodox Christian service men and women who are serving in the United States Armed Forces. The cost of producing the Bible has been paid in full by the members of the Holy Synod.

I pray that you will help us find the names of our brothers and sisters serving in the military so that we can send them these Bibles for their spiritual comfort and edification, providing the means by which they can become closer to God. What better thing could we do than provide them with the “word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”? Please go out of your way to find their names and addresses and invite all the Armed Forces members who belong to your parish to attend the Divine Liturgy on May 31, where a special prayer may be offered for them, and/or a Trisagion may be offered for those who have died in service or as Veterans. Veterans can be encouraged to attend as well.

Additional copies of the Military New Testament and Psalms to distribute to the members of the Armed Forces may be obtained from the SCOBA web site at: http://www.scoba.us/military.

As His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios said, “Ministering to the men and women who selflessly protect and defend our Nation is an essential part of the Church’s work. During the Divine Liturgy, we do not only pray for peace in the world, but we also pray for those who serve in the Armed Forces and risk their lives to protect that peace.”

May God continue to bless you and keep you in His loving care! Praying for your good health, and wishing you a blessed and safe summer, I remain,

With paternal love in our Risen Lord,
+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta


May 14, 2009
HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS on AHEPA SUNDAY
This Sunday May 17 has been designated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to honor the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the largest and oldest American-based, Greek heritage organization. As you know, AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in Atlanta, to combat the evils of bigotry and racism that in American society in the early 20th century. AHEPA also assisted Greek immigrants to assimilate into the mainstream of American society.

Today, AHEPA carries the torch of our Hellenic Orthodox principles of philanthropy, education, responsibility, and dedication to family and to individual excellence into our modern society. A half-million dollars in scholarships is awarded annually, so that many young men and women have benefited from this commitment to education. Their commitment to philanthropy is no less generous, as they have participated in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, support St. Basil Academy, the USO, housing for the elderly, medical research, healthcare facilities in Greece, and many other community charitable programs.

These magnificent accomplishments of AHEPA in promoting not only Greek culture, but the universal principals of freedom, justice and faith should make us all proud to be associated with such an organization. I pray that the dedicated and selfless members of AHEPA will continue their sacred mission of service to the community into the future. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all our AHEPA family, and I proudly proclaim “AXIOS!” to each and every one of you.

ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta