NEW YORK – Ionian Village, the travel abroad camping program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is now accepting volunteer staff applications for the summer of 2009. Ionian Village staff members play an important role in the spiritual, cultural and social development of Orthodox teenagers from across the United States of America, as they travel to the most significant and cultural sites in Greece.
Staff member responsibilities consist of supervising daily activities and excursions (destinations include Zakynthos, Aegina, Kefalonia, Meteora, Ancient Olympia and the Acropolis), serving in a department (Orthodox life, Music and Greek culture, Arts and Crafts, Athletics), executing various aspects of the camp program, and assisting in camp administration.
Staff members must be active Orthodox Christians at least 21 years of age by June 20, 2008. Greek language skills are not a requirement. Ionian Village staff will volunteer from June 19 through August 16, 2009 (medical staff can make shorter time commitments). Staff members will have a four-day break in between sessions and the opportunity to extend their stay in Greece at the conclusion of the program. Ionian Village offers round trip airfare New York/Athens, and full room and board for the duration of the camp.
Applicants can download and print the staff application packet from the Ionian Village website at www.ionianvillage.org or may call the office for more information. Applications must be completed and postmarked by January 21, 2009. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by February 19, 2009.
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On November 1st of each year, our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the holy Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, two extraordinary brothers who were renowned physicians and martyrs of the early Church.
Protocol 82/08
November 1, 2008
The Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries
Sts. 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 November 1st of each year, our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the holy Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, two extraordinary brothers who were renowned physicians and martyrs of the early Church. Born in Asia Minor, these beloved saints of our Church earned a distinctive reputation for offering their services of healing to those in need. In their deeds, Saints Cosmas and Damian were living examples of the commandment of Christ to His disciples: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay (Matthew 10:8). It is for this reason that our Church bestows upon Saints Cosmas and Damian the honorific distinction of “Holy Unmercenaries” (Agioi Anargyroi), for these two great men took these words of Christ to their heart.
Yet, what precisely does the Church mean by this term “unmercenary”? In answering this question, it is helpful to recall that a mercenary is one who specifically contracts with another to serve on a “work-for-hire” basis. The loyalty of a mercenary normally is measured by the amount of money which he is promised in exchange for his performance. For the mercenary, the monetary value of his work is of significance.
By contrast, an “unmercenary” renders service for a lifetime. Payment is not the basis of his work, but rather the unselfish nature of his labor and his deep love for the beneficial work he is doing. The example of Saints Cosmas and Damian is a superb, indeed holy example of the mindset and actions of an “unmercenary.” This is because the labor of these beloved Saints was expressed in the task of restoring the health of others in the name of Jesus Christ, and the level of love they had for this labor was equal to the level of love they held for Christ, which was without limit.
Today, the legacy of Saints Cosmas and Damian lives on, and their example of giving challenges us to consider concepts of labor, love, and faithfulness in radical ways as we engage in philanthropic actions and service to others. In tribute to the legacy of philanthropy that these great Saints of Asia Minor have bequeathed to us, our National Ladies Philoptochos Society leads us annually on this day in raising funds to support the hospitals, nursing homes, and philanthropic agencies of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and in turn the venerable Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople. Therefore, you are kindly asked to pass a special tray on Sunday, November 2, in your parish to support the National Ladies Philoptochos Ecumenical Patriarchate Fund, a ministry which is a tangible expression of our love. In supporting this important Fund, you will help to bring both material and spiritual comfort to the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ who know Constantinople as their home.
It is my fervent prayer on this day and always, through the intercessions of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and by their For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
St. Michael's to Celebrate 50th Anniversary and Honor Archbishop Demetrios
October 28, 2008
On November 9th, St. Michael’s Home will celebrate its 50th Anniversary and honor Archbishop Demetrios of America with the Archangel Michael Award during its annual Name Day Gala which is held in conjunction with the November 8th Name Day of the Home, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels and Heavenly Powers.
NEW YORK – On November 9th, St. Michael’s Home will celebrate its 50th Anniversary and honor Archbishop Demetrios of America with the Archangel Michael Award during its annual Name Day Gala which is held in conjunction with the November 8th Name Day of the Home, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels and Heavenly Powers. The event will be held at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.
The Archangel Michael Award is presented every year to a distinguished member of the community who embodies and promotes the finer qualities and traditions of Greek Orthodox heritage. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America is being honored not only for the dedicated and inspired leadership he has offered the Church in America but also on the occasion of his 40th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary in 2007 and the upcoming 10th Anniversary of his Enthronement as Archbishop of America.
St. Michael’s, the only Greek Orthodox adult home in the United States offering assisted living to its residents, was opened in 1958 by the late Archbishop Michael. At that time, the facility was known as
Spiti Tou Protoporou (Home of the Pioneers) but in 1966 the name was changed to honor its founder and was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. For five decades, St. Michael’s has been a home-away-from home for countless Greek Orthodox elderly most of whom have come from the NY/NJ/CT Metropolitan area but in recent years some residents have come from other states across the nation. Within this unique Greek Orthodox environment, the residents are provided with assistance with their daily routine as well as room and board, medical attention, and other services critical to the well-being of these individuals.
While the evening will be an occasion to honor the Archbishop and to celebrate the Home’s accomplishments during the past 50 years of offering quality care to the elderly, the Gala will also be an opportunity to plan for the future. For the past five years, St. Michael’s has been operating at full capacity and has been limited by its present State license in the level of care it offers. Plans are underway to expand both the number of beds plus the level of care the Home offers and all proceeds from the event will go towards the Expansion Fund.
For more information about the Gala, please call 914-476-3374 or to make a donation on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of St. Michael’s please visit the Home’s website at stmichaelshome.org.
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Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: 212.570.3530 – Fax: 212.774.0237
Email: communications@goarch.org
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