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In Memory of Katherine “Kay” Valone

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Kay Valone

Source: The Chicago Tribune

(February 16, 1932 – November 27, 2012)Katherine (Kay) Valone, age 80, fell asleep to the Lord Jesus Christ on November 27, 2012. The loving daughter of the late Constantine (Gus) and Gianoula (nee Ladas) Valone; beloved sister of Harry (late Marjorie) and the late Victoria (late Sam) Kalas, late Louis, late George (late Mercedes), and the late James (late Lucille); loving aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. Katherine will be missed by her dear cousins, relatives, and friends. Retired Chicago Public School Teacher of more than 20 years, Katherine also taught in Morocco and Greece in her youth, and traveled throughout Europe, as well as Constantinople and South America. Her favorite destination was the Holy Land, where she witnessed modern war and ancient religious sites and traditions. Dedicated to life-long learning, Katherine received two Master’s Degrees from the University of Chicago. Katherine devoted herself to the Greek Orthodox Church. Founder of Phosadelphia (“Phos”) Mission, a non-profit organization, and was equally dedicated to her parish, S.S. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Palos Hills. Intimately involved in the design and building of the Church and school, she participated in the development of the Sunday school curriculum, as well as the day school, Koraes. Katherine taught Bible Study throughout her life. For more than 30 years Katherine was the editorial columnist for “The View from the Pew”; never fearful of commenting on what she thought were wrongs or injustices.

Visitation Friday, 3 to 9 p.m., at Hills Funeral Home, Ltd., 10201 S. Roberts Rd. (8000W), Palos Hills. Funeral Saturday, beginning 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to S.S. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Service 10 a.m. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Koraes Endowment Fund or S.S. Constantine and Helen Church appreciated. “Blessed is the path on which you are traveling, O Soul, for a peaceful place is being prepared for you.” May Her Memory Be Eternal. Info: 708-598-5880 or hillsfh.com.


In Memory – Basil Constantine Foussianes (OCL Board Advisory Member)

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Basil Constantine Foussianes

Basil Constantine Foussianes

Source: A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors

July 4, 1922 – December 12, 2012
Resided in Naples, FL

Basil Constantine Foussianes – Totally dedicated and always loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend.

Basil “Bill” Foussianes cherished his family and his church, going to any length to serve both. He wanted nothing more than to see his children succeed, build their own families, and enjoy life. He loved lively conversation, had many lifelong friends and possessed a wonderful sense of humor and appreciation of life. He died peacefully with his wife of 57 years, Irene, and children by his side in Naples, Florida on December 12, 2012.

Bill Foussianes was born on July 4, 1922 in Toledo, Ohio to Constantine and Vasilike Foussianes. He lost his father at an early age, but not before he had been taught the value of education and a strong work ethic. He loved his mother very much and took good care of her until she passed in 1988.

Bill enlisted in the Air Force during WWII in October of 1942 while he was enrolled in the Chemical Engineering program at the University of Toledo. After his discharge from the service as a 1st Lieutenant, he finished his bachelor’s degree and enrolled in the University of Toledo’s Law School, putting himself through school by teaching and by working part-time in the laboratories at Owens-Illinois.

The Greek community in Toledo was relatively small and although he was a few years older, he had known Irene Tokles for some time. They married on April 30, 1955 and moved to Detroit shortly thereafter when Bill joined Barnes, Kisselle, Raisch and Choate as a Patent Attorney. He loved his work and stayed with the firm for over 40 years, eventually becoming senior partner.

Most important to Bill was his family. He was father to Dean(Lauana), George(Frances), Christine Lenz(Jeffrey), and Nicholas(Lisa). He was grandfather to Anne, Chloe, Jack, Quinn, Theodore, George, and Sophia. He had a brother, George, who died shortly after birth in 1924.

He talked often about the frequent visits his children and grandchildren made. He loved seeing his grandchildren and watching them grow. More recently, when he had trouble communicating, he would still look at them with the biggest smile on his face and loved it when they just sat near him and kept him company.

Bill was actively involved in the organization and development of the Greek Orthodox Church initially at a local level and eventually at a national level where he worked actively with Archbishop Iakovos on various matters for over 30 years, and was named an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This work was deeply satisfying for him and allowed him to utilize his organizational and communication skills to bring different constituencies together. He was also a member of the General Board of the National Council of Churches, the Board of the Hellenic College, and the Michigan Patent Law Association – serving as President in 1971.

Bill was the first person to suggest that the University of Michigan Athletic Department consider registering the trademark for the “Block M” when his son George was playing baseball there. Bill donated his services to register the trademark for the school. As a token of the University’s appreciation, the school offered to fly him on the team plane out to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl in 1981. In his typical modest fashion and much to the disappointment of his children, he declined.

Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Home (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak – Sunday 7:00 – 9:00pm. There will be a Greek Orthodox Trisagion prayer service from 7:30-7:45.

Funeral Monday 11:00am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 740 Superior Street, Toledo, Ohio. Visitation at the cathedral begins at 10:30am.

Interment Toledo Memorial Gardens in Sylvania, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers family suggestion memorial tributes to Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Year End Summary: What’s up with OCL?

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As the year comes to an end, we wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The December Issue of Estiator “The Restaurateur” Magazine (www.estiator.com), an excellent monthly trade publication of the Greek-American Food Industry, published and edited by Peter S. Makrias and designed and produced by Vicky Tsavalias, carries an article (“Orthodox Christian Laity Celebrates 25 Years of Service”) summarizing the outstanding Program celebrated at the end of October in honor of Orthodox Christian Laity’s 25th Anniversary.

G_Matsoukas_GramotaThe high point of the Anniversary Year is the “Gramota” (Official Certificate of Merit) signed by the Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America. The photo shows OCL’s Executive Director, George Matsoukas, displaying the beautiful Gramota on the steps of St Catherine Orthodox Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. What a wonderful tribute to the Board and Members of OCL!

The final year-end highlight is the election of: 1) Susan Haikalis of Walnut Creek CA as President of OCL, an outstanding social work professional committee participant; 2) Gayle Woloschak (researcher and educator of Chicago, IL) and Fr. Irenaeus Scott Watson, (Western Rite ROCOR of Suffern, NY), to the OCL Board and Advisory Board respectively.

Thank you to all the members and donors to OCL this past fiscal year. Your support and prayers make the work of OCL possible. We are looking forward to your participation in 2013! Stay tuned to the OCL website to learn what’s up with OCL.

Jaharis’ Evaluation of State of Church: Worthy of Discussion and Action

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(West Palm Beach, FL) Susan W. Haikalis, President of the Orthodox Christian Laity, finds Michael Jaharis’ (Vice Chair of the Archdiocese Council) overview on the State of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, an essential starting point for assessing and re-evaluating the administration of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, the education of the clergy for our future and the assimilation of monasticism into an organized structure of the Church. These issues are especially relevant in the context of looking to a time of administrative unity of Orthodoxy in the United States.

Mr. Jaharis has put before us some issues that need the serious consideration and input, in an organized process, by all members of the Church body who are participants in the sacramental life and stewardship of the Church.  He has opened the door that can lead to meaningful renewal of Orthodoxy in America.

The operational infrastructure that he mentions in this talk needs to take into consideration the Chambesy directives issued in 2008 by the Patriarchs in traditional Orthodox Lands to develop a blueprint for a unified Orthodox Church in the United States.  A critical assessment of the administration of the Greek Archdiocese, if it is to maintain a leadership role, must be seen from this inclusive perspective.  A major focus of this leadership role is to create an institutional framework that supports programs to help us retain our children and future generations within the faith.  This should result if resources within the Orthodox Christian faith community are combined to avoid waste and duplication.  The challenges are many but the opportunity has been given to us, by the Patriarchs, to advance Orthodoxy in the United States. Do we have the leadership, vision and will to create this blended infrastructure?  Orthodox leaders in all jurisdictions only have to look at the census statistics of baptisms, marriages and funerals, and address the no growth – really the decline – of our Church life in the United States.

OCL applauds Mr. Jaharis’ evaluation as a beginning step in the renewal and unity of Orthodoxy in the United States and is willing to work with him and all other lay leaders of all Orthodox Christian Churches and affiliated organizations to build the necessary administrative infrastructure which will support the renewal of Orthodoxy in the U.S. What a wonderful opportunity to add the strengths and skills of our members as we work in unity to grow our faith in America.

Contact George Matsoukas, OCL Executive Director: 877-585-0245 or ocladmin@ocl.org.

OCL has a new look with a new logo. What does this logo represent?

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Our Logo

OCL_logo

CHRIST CENTERED
At the center of the logo is a cross. It represents OCL’s commitment to keep the gospel of Christ and His Church at the center of the organization’s ministry efforts. The cross is the compass for the organization, steering it toward ministry opportunities that elevate the gospel and strengthen the Church.

UNITY
The silhouette of the circle reiterates that the church is and must be one, just as Christ has one body, undivided. The concept of oneness permeates every part of the organization’s mission and ministry. Most explicitly, the organization’s promotion of jurisdictional unity in North America focuses on our common faith and experience.

DIVERSITY
Some understand unity and diversity to be in opposition to one another. To the contrary, the body of Christ has “many members” that possess great diversity yet still maintain a unity. The Orthodox Church’s conciliar model of governance allows for a diversity of cultural and liturgical expression yet still preserves one faith. The bands of blue that surround the cross represent the many jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church, each maintaining its own particular shade, shape and position, but resembling the other bands in color and relationship to the central cross.

COOPERATION
The bands of blue also form a sort of tapestry pattern that represents cooperation among the jurisdictions. None of the bands are off axis or in opposition to the other, but rather, in their ordered unity support and elevate the cross they surround.

AMERICAN
The tapestry is also a symbol associated with the American identity. It represents the aforementioned themes of unity, diversity, and cooperation that are central to the American democratic system, but also the idea of something homemade, industrious and durable. The OCL effort is a grass roots one based on the belief that the laity, or “the people”, can and should hold their government accountable and effect important change. To make this association more explicit and to identify itself with the country where it operates, the tapestry in the OCL logo is colored red, white and blue.


 

Henry says: “Support Orthodox Unity”

A note from Susan Haikalis: Share your Pan-Orthodox / Inter-Orthodox Experiences with One Another! We will be happy to put them on our Grass Roots Unity in Action Feature.

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Susan Haikalis

Susan Haikalis

Dear Friends of OCL,

I am writing to you all during this Lenten Season with a special request, one that does not involve money but rather a bit of your time. Please join me in offering a special prayer asking God’s help in enlightening the hierarchs and leadership of all Orthodox jurisdictions in America so that they move forward with their deliberations regarding the establishment of a unified Orthodox Church in America.

I realize that we as individuals have little control as to how the work of our leaders proceeds except through the power of prayer and our actions at the local level demonstrating Pan-Orthodoxy at work.  To help us in formulating our prayers for unity, I have included a short prayer at the end of this communication written by His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel which addresses the question of unity in a beautiful and thoughtful manner.

In addressing the grass roots support for unity, I would like to share an experience I had recently when participating with a group of Orthodox women at a retreat at the Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, California.  Some of you may remember that I have been the President of the Women’s Board of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (PAOI) which is a member institution of the Graduate Theological School in Berkeley, CA. The membership of this Board has members from many Orthodox Jurisdictions (Antiochian, OCA, Serbian, GOA) as is true of the graduate students and the faculty. The Women’s Board plans several Educational Programs every year along with maintaining a strong fund raising effort of a minimum of $30,000 every year. Our March meeting was planned for a visit to the Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. We spent the day with Mother Melania and her community of 18 to 20 sisters. The Monastery is part of the OCA.  The sisters are very much involved with the community reaching out and welcoming people who may need additional support at this time in their lives. The Community includes 18 to 20 Sisters who come from Orthodox backgrounds or have converted. They are also developing a line of preserves, honey and hand crafts that they sell in local markets to help meet their expenses. The Sisters provided us with a wonderful Lenten lunch.

In addition to several talks by Mother Melania and Sister Marguerite, we also were able to share a church service in the small and beautiful Russian Church on the property. Father Tom Paris, who is the President of the Board of Trustees for the PAOI, was asked by the Sisters to join them in the service. This small 18th Century Russian Church is being maintained and cared for by the Monastery.

Both Mother Melania and Sister Marguerite told us the stories of some of the beautiful Icons that are in the church, including one of St. Nicholas of Tokyo (1860) who in his lifetime was believed to have converted over 30,000 people to Orthodoxy. The Church also has relics of St. Innocent of Alaska and of St. Herman.

The Monastery has no regular priest assigned to them, but in this small town two blocks away is another small Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR). They are now working together to share their resources. Board members agreed that it was a wonderful and uplifting experience for us all and offers another small example of Unity efforts.

In another recent development, The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) brand has had a makeover.  We have developed a state-of-the-art website.  We encourage you to comment on the content that is posted and invite you to present your point of view.  The Internet is a cost-effective way of communicating rapidly and frequently.  OCL also has a new logo.  Its colors and symbolism signify that home-grown Orthodoxy in America is Christ-centered, unified, diverse and cooperative. By means of its conciliar governance ethos, it is maturing into a self-governing sister Church fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. In this year 2013, I am blessed to be serving as your President and I will, with your prayers and support, promote the efforts of the Assembly of Bishops to move ahead with developing the foundation for the unified and self-governing Church in the North America.

I am looking forward to the OCL Board meeting in Nashville in April as we continue to find ways to support progress towards Unity.

May we all continue to have a blessed Lenten period!

Susan W. Haikalis, President OCL – April 2013

A Prayer for Orthodox Unity

O All Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we your faithful children beseech you to forgive us the sin of divisiveness, which is rooted in our hearts, our dioceses and land.  Implant in our lives the holy vine of unity which only you can bestow on those who have come together in your name.  Enlighten us with your grace so that we may come to the knowledge of your truth and move our hearts to respond with trust and total obedience to your divine will. Through the intercessions of the God-inspired Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, who in harmony decreed that there should be one hierarch in each city serving your faithful as a loving father over his children, one shepherd over a united flock, we also praise your all holy name.  O Father who is without beginning, O Son who is eternal and O Holy Spirit, the life-creator, illuminate the way and guide us all to once again unite your Holy Church.  Amen.

[Please share your Pan-Orthodox grass roots unity experiences by contacting the News Editor at http://ocl.org/orthodox-christian-laity/contact/]


 

A Special Visit from Greece by Andreas Papadopoulos, Corinth, Greece

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Archimandrite Eusebius A. Stephanou

Archimandrite Eusebius A. Stephanou

Source:  Orthodox Evangelist Newsletter

Great is the mystery of holiness!

In 1976, I was impressed hearing Fr. Eusebius (Stephanou) preach for the first time in Winnipeg, Canada.  When I returned to Greece in 1982, he was speaking in Athens and I attended the meeting.  Thirty years later, while I had forgotten all about the man, I had come across one of his books.  And after fourteen months we have translated almost all of his books and many of his articles into the Greek language.  We have already translated and printed two books and are in the process of publishing two more, plus a small booklet “Warn the Orthodox.”  In February I flew to Florida where I spent two days with him, Symeon and Joseph.  The purpose of my visit was specific.  I needed to see what the Lord has been conveying to me and to sense whether the same feeling existed at the office of the ministry. I saw the spirit of a prophet, who is ready to climb up the step of the tenth decade of his life, with the power of the Spirit still burning in his heart.  I witnessed the total indifference of the American Orthodox Christians where he ministered among them for the last forty years.  I saw the concern he has for the future of the precious message the Lord had entrusted to him.  And I saw the spark in his eyes when we talked about the acceptance of his prophetic message here in Greece, though the newly born ministry of St. Symeon the New Theologian, located in the Apostolic city of Ancient Corinth and reaching through the land of Greece and eventually around the world.  The two of his books we’ve published in Greek are already in five bookstores of the largest bookstore chain in Greece and even at the airport of Athens.  Lord willing, we are in the process of doing the same in the Apostolic city of Thessaloniki.

Although the Ministry of St. Symeon the New Theologian in Greece is just beginning, many people have already expressed their interest for the “message” the Lord has entrusted to Fr. Eusebius.  Two of the members of the Board of Directors are born again Greek Orthodox priests; the other is a monk who spent nearly thirty years in Mount Athos, but the Lord commanded him to leave there and minister in the mainland, and myself, doing the translation, publication, distribution of the book and all the rest of the demands of the ministry.  We ask and thank you for your prayers!

While departing from America, the word of the Lord strongly spoke to me about the U.S.  “Woe to you…for the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented” (Matt. 11:20).  Our responsibility becomes even greater under the light of the Lord’s words in the scripture mentioned above.  Our mandate is to make available to the people the prophetic message the Lord has entrusted to Fr. Eusebius.

Your prayerful consideration is appreciated.  I am sure the results will count for eternity! Blessed be the Mighty Name of our Lord and Master.

Andreas Papadopoulos, Corinth, Greece

Fr. Eusebius  -  60th Anniversary of Priesthood

By Joseph Abbate

….In closing, I cannot forget to mention that a memorable event has taken place.  February marked the month in which Fr. Eusebius had been ordained into the priesthood. As we reflect back at the years during his priesthood, we can see God’s calling on his life, and the journey in which He has taken him. It has not been an easy road for him in the least.  Years of indifference by other clergy and ostracism has taken a toll on his health and often saddened his heart.  Keep him in your prayers that his road to recovery be complete and that the Lord will continue to give him strength.

Note:  Rev. Archimandrite Fr. Eusebius Stephanou, Th.D served on the OCL Advisory Board from 1988-2002. Originally published Spring 2013, Vol. 46, No. 1.


OCL Board of Directors Meeting in Franklin TN on April 10-12, 2013

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St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, Franklin TN

St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, Franklin TN

The OCL Board of Directors will be meeting in Franklin, Tennessee on April 10-12, 2013.  They will be attending the Pre-sanctified Liturgy on Wednesday Evening, April 10, at the new St. Ignatius Church and will discuss the work of OCL and the Progress of the Assembly of Bishops at the fellowship supper.  The board will conduct its business meeting Thursday and Friday.  President Susan Haikalis is presiding.  Franklin TN is the home parish of Advisory Board Member Father Gordon Walker, and it will be an honor to be with him in his home community.   OCL’s focus this year is helping the faithful understand that the Assembly of Bishops is working diligently to lay the foundation and blueprint for a unified Orthodox Christian Church in the United States and encourages everyone to visit the Assembly website for latest details.  Our second focus is to assist the growth of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) so that it might be a viable organization.  The needs of the central office of OCF are great.  Please visit the OCF website and learn how you can help this example of Orthodox Christian unity grow on all of our college campuses.


 

BE IN THE KNOW – BE AN OCL MEMBER – Press “Donate Now”

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Dear Faithful Members, Friends and Supporters of Orthodox Christian Laity,

The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) brand has had a makeover.  We have developed a state-of-the-art, interactive and cost-effective website.  We encourage you to comment on the content and invite you to add your point of view.  OCL also has a new logo.  Its colors and symbolism signify that Orthodoxy in America is Christ-centered, unified, diverse and cooperative. By means of its conciliar governance ethos, Orthodoxy is maturing into a self-governing sister Church fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. In 2013, I am blessed to be serving as your President and I will, with your prayers and support, promote the efforts of the Assembly of Bishops to move ahead with developing the foundation for the unified and self-governing Church in the North America.

What is not new?  Many of you have been faithful members, supporters and friends these past 25 years and without your prayers and support, we would not have a purpose and the means to fulfill our mission.  So during this time period – the onset of Spring – every year, we ask for your membership support so that we can continue to advocate for canonical unity and strengthen the voice of the laity in this process of developing a unified Orthodox Church.  Without our combined voices, the conciliar governance process does not exist.  Your membership support helps us remain part of the governance equation by offering conferences, publications, videos, and an informative, interactive website that impacts the unity process.  Your financial support is critical this year.  If it is possible this year, could you double your membership support?  Any additional dollars will strengthen our mission to keep all Orthodox informed as we work together to achieve Unity.

OCL’s long and positive history clearly shows that we are not anti-hierarchical, anti-clerical or anti-ethnic.  Orthodox Christian Laity is an Inter-Orthodox fellowship, and its board is composed of members who are “cradle-Orthodox” as well as those who have converted to the Faith. Our board and membership – composed of you – are active in their parish communities, teach Sunday School, are choir members and chanters, parish council members and stewards. We are active participants in the sacramental life of our local Churches. On the regional and national levels, we participate in diocesan and archdiocesan governance and events.

Since 2008, OCL has been the advocate, educator and financial supporter of the work of the Assembly of Bishops.  OCL realizes that these times are a turning point in the history of Orthodoxy in the United States and the whole of North America. The work of the Assembly is expected to consolidate and eliminate the costly duplication of services offered by 14 separate Orthodox groupings.  It affords leadership to self-select the outstanding bishops within its midst to lead the Church.   Unity celebrates the multicultural and multiethnic character of Orthodoxy.  In synergy with the clergy and laity, the Assembly of Bishops can better direct the outreach of the Gospel message in America, so that we can be a light in this country.  More importantly, the Assembly can strengthen our educational message to retain and attract faithful people, including our children and grandchildren.

As we complete Great Lent and look forward to the light of the Resurrection, may this spring be a new beginning in our spiritual lives. May we make the effort to participate fully in the services the Church offers to us and, let’s especially pray for the Unity of the Church on this continent.  Please join Orthodox Christian Laity in its important work by becoming a member or making a donation today.

Thank you for you for your generous help at this critical time.

Sincerely,

Susan Haikalis, OCL President

Anastasia Tsotsoura Fallen Asleep in the Lord

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Anastasia Tsotsoura (far left) with Archbishop Spyridon and members of the OCL Board.

Anastasia Tsotsoura (far left) with Archbishop Spyridon and members of the OCL Board.

Anastasia Tsotsoura suddenly fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.   We learned of her passing on the day of her funeral, May 25, which took place at Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Whitestone, New York.  She is resting next to her beloved husband Soterios in Flushing Cemetery.   They were both devoted Orthodox Christians and founding members of Orthodox Christian Laity.  Her passions were her family, her faith and painting.  She touched so many of us with her example of being pure in heart – a woman of noble character.  She personifies the example of a wife and mother – of a life lived as described in Proverbs 34.  She spoke with wisdom, watched over the affairs of her household; her children and husband call her blessed.  Many do noble things, but she surpassed them all.

Tessie was part of the great generation of Orthodox laypersons who built up the Church from their youth.  She lived her life within the sacramental life of the church.  She was involved in GOYA, CEOYLA, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Philoptochos Society and local parish life.  She and her husband,  through their devotion to the church as role models and stewards, solidified Orthodoxy in America.  Her greatest pleasure as a grandmother was taking her grandchildren to church and instructing them in the serenity of the Divine Liturgy.

She had a small frame but a great heart.  She truly was the backbone of her family.  She knew who she was and that the source of her strength came from the Lord.  She accompanied a delegation of OCL board members in 1997 to pay our respects to Archbishop Spyridon (see photo).  The delegation included an attorney, a physician, entrepreneurs, an educator, a public servant.  His Eminence invited all of us to comment on the life of the Church.  We were all moved with Tessie’s words and thoughts  that the education of our children in the life of the liturgy and sacraments needed to be our priority so that we could retain them.  All other aspects of church life were secondary to this mission.  We needed to give our children the means to learn and live out our faith.

The Lord took her home without sorrow, shame or suffering.   May she rest in peace.  May she be one with the Risen Lord!

George Matsoukas
Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity

Minutes of OCL Board Meeting and 25th Anniversary Meeting October 24-27, 2012

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Approved Minutes

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] Wednesday, October 24 at 6:30 pm dinner meeting begins at Savoy Hotel.  Those present included: George Karcazes, Andy Kartalis, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel, His Grace Bishop Mark, Alice Kopan, Chis Xeros, Peter Marudas, Bill Souvall, Peter J Petkas, George Pontikes, George Matsoukas, Guest was Joel Kalvesmaki, a member of the web oversight committee.

The first item of discussion was about the revised web site.  Alice Kopan started discussion by stating that the purpose of the web site overhaul is to attract youth. Who is our audience?  How will we measure this objective?  A history of the development of the site was presented by Bill Souvall and Andy Kartalis talked about the oversight committee.  It was decided that a new oversight committee should be developed.  The committee would come up with an oversight philosophy; finalize new regulations; set up a functioning web site committee. 

  A Discussion on the function of the Web site followed.  What are we capable of doing?

George Karcazes pointed out that the feature missing in other sites was the ability to interact with the story. The question is how do you keep editorial control? Peter  J. Petkas asked do we want a web site that is educational and communicates information or do we want to be a blog?  The OCL website should be educational and not a platform. If we cannot control the commentary then we should not have it.

Joel Kalvesmaki, a member of the oversight committee stated that the site needs to be the voice for those who have no voice.  If the parish or institutions does not act in transparent and accountable ways then the site needs to be the outlet.  This is consistent with the mission and purpose of OCL.  The present web guidelines attempt to create an independent, web editorial board that is a standing committee of OCL. OCL by laws should reflect the independence of the editorial board.

Peter Marudas offered that OCL needs to stay focused.  What are the priorities of OCL?.  You cannot do many things well.  OCL advocates for the rights of the laity which call for transparency and accountability in administrative and other matters.  OCL promotes unity.  The call for unity is not being projected anywhere.  OCL is pushing unity and has endorsed the Protocols of Chambesy since 2008.  Unity is not filtering down to a parish level.  We need to stay focused on these two items.

Alice Kopan reminded members that OCL is an educational ministry that provides information and this information draws us into being a semi-advocacy organization.  George Karcazes stated that OCL must find the balance between information and advocacy.  George Pontikes suggested that we must have a monitored web site.  Articles and comments are posted by OCL and then invite people to comment.  OCL has the right to decide what is appropriate.  We do not want instant responses.  There should be an orderly system to make comments.  We invite comments and readers know that they will be reviewed.  Guidelines relate to 4 elements: accountability, transparency, unity and lay participation.  

Alice Kopan reminded us to keep aware of who is our audience.  We need to focus on being a grassroots/catalyst educational organization.

Peter Haikalis suggested that board members should not contribute their thoughts without clearance.

Conclusion:  The consensus is the web site has an educational function.  The oversight committee will determine what are appropriate comments based upon OCL principles/values of accountability, transparency, unity, and lay participation.   Andy Kartalis will work to develop the oversight committee.

Further considerations for a Communication Strategy.  This concept was also reviewed.  It should be based on the 4 principles/values  of accountability, transparency, unity and lay participation.  We need to connect to a younger demographic.  What messages do we send to this group?  Accountability is helping our hierarchy to maintain its integrity by insisting that they work together to bring unity to our Church in the US.  How can we do this?  What capacity do we have to do this?  H:ow do we bring in the voices from other jurisdictions? Getting involved in groups is not our capability.  What does the web site reflect?  It must stay focused on our 4 core values/principles  and not contradict them.  We must have the opportunity to edit what is put on the web site and find a balance to allow those who come to the web site to express themselves and not stifle their energy.  Is our site informational? Advocacy- What are the issues within the church? What direction is the church going in?  Do we allow multiple points of view in discourse?

Our web site must reflect the direction OCL is advocating.

Board Meeting Continued Thursday October 25, 2012 at St Nicholas Cathedral Church Hall

Thursday Meeting was held at St Nicholas Cathedral following the Liturgy.  It convened at 1:oopm. Minutes of previous meeting in Columbus Georgia were accepted with a correction in the second paragraph correcting the spelling of Souvall.  Office reports on web site and bookkeeping were reviewed and discussed.  How can we better relate to other Orthodox Christian Fellowships is an ongoing topic.  Names suggested to be included on the Internet Committee were Teva Regule and Deacon David Oancea .  Do the OCL By-Laws need to reflect the work of the Oversight Committee?  George Pontikes will review this matter. 

At 1:45 pm the meeting was recessed and an Endowment Committee Meeting was convened and board members participated.  Peter Haikalis, chairman directed the meeting.  The structure of the committee members was reviewed as well as donations received  during the year.  A discussion followed on reaching out to some major donors who were identified.   Meeting was adjourned at 2:15pm and the meeting of the OCL board continued.  The topic of discussion was how to contact OCF students?  Can we use the web site to reach out to them?  Can we get Teva Regule involved with helping us undertake this project?      

The report of the Nomination Committee prepared by Chairman Jim Demetrion was presented and accepted.

Board Members nominated for 3 year terms were:

  1. Susan Haikalis
  2. Nicholas Karakas
  3. George Pontikes
  4. Robert Poydasheff
  5. William Souvall
  6. Dr Gayle Woloschak

Father Irenaeus Scott Watson of the Western Rite ROCOR was nominated to the Advisory Board.

Peter Haikalis and Nick Pappas were transferred to the Advisory Board.

A prayer was offered in memory of our departed Board Members and Brother in Christ Father Peter Gillquist.  May his Memory Be Eternal!

The resignation from the Advisory Board of Cal Oren was accepted.

President Bill Souvall was thanked for his inspiration and service as President of OCL during the past three years as were the services of Vice President  Andy Kartalis who worked diligently to assist Bill.  The 25th Anniversary Board Meeting was adjourned.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Orthodox Christian Laity was convened at St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral  Washington D.C. on Thursday October 25, 2012 at 3:15 pm.  The order of business was the election of officers for the New Year.

The board members elected the following officers:

President:            Susan Haikalis

Vice Presidents:  Andrew Kartalis, Peter J. Petkas, William Souvall and George Pontikes

Secretary:           George Karcazes

Treasurer:           James Koulogeorge

Co-Treasurer:    George Aravosis

Andy Kartalis reported on the preparations that were made for 25th Anniversary Dinner that would take place at St George Antiochian Church on Friday evening featuring His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Deacon Peter Danilchick liaison to the Assembly of Bishops.   He also expressed thanks to Father Joseph and the staff of the Church who worked diligently to make the dinner affordable and celebratory.

Peter Marudas updated the board on the facilities at George Washington University Mt Vernon Campus where the Annual Meeting Program Our Orthodox Past Our Orthodox Present and Our Orthodox Future will be presented on Saturday.

The board thanked Katherine and Andy for their donations underwriting the Anniversary Dinner and Peter Marudas for hosting the Saturday Morning Program Brunch.

The board members also thanked His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel and Bishop Mark of Baltimore and the clergy of the Cathedral for celebrating the Divine Liturgy on the Occasion of the Anniversary of OCL on Thursday October 25.

George Matsoukas provided information about the Reception at the Library of Congress at the Whittal Pavilion that was scheduled for Friday October 26. Joel Kalvesmaki and the Auxiliary of the Cathedral were thanked for their help in preparing the fellowship brunch following the liturgy.  Joel was also acknowledged for helping arrange the use of the Church Hall for the OCL Meeting.

The Annual Meeting was adjourned at 4:15pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by George Matsoukas on behalf of George Karcazes, Secretary

Susan Haikalis, President, Reviewed Minutes   

Unofficial Minutes of OCL Board Meeting, Spring 2013, Franklin, TN

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St Ignatius Orthodox Church Cultural Center

April 10-12, 2013

Wednesday Evening, April 10, OCL Board Members attended the Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at the new Sanctuary of St Ignatius and following the Liturgy participated in a fellowship pot-luck dinner. Father Stephen Rogers greeted His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel and the OCL Board. The 25th Anniversary video was shown to the group and a short introduction to the work of OCL was presented by President Susan Haikalis. A highlight of the Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy was sharing the service with many families and their children of all ages.

Formal Board meeting convened at the Cultural Center at 9:00am on the 11th. Those attending included Archbishop Nathaniel, Fr. Gordon Walker who helped organize our visit to this area, Susan Haikalis, Peter Haikalis, George Karcazes, Andy Kartalis, George Pontikes, Peter J. Petkas, Dr. Gayle Woloschak and Chris Xeros. A highlight of the meeting was meeting our new enthusiastic board member Dr. Gayle Woloschak.

Agenda was reviewed and Fall 2012 Washington DC minutes were reviewed. There were a number of clerical corrections and a clarification of the website as an educational vehicle rather than a blog. Andy Kartalis made the motion to accept the corrected minutes. George Pontikes seconded this motion and the minutes were unanimously accepted.

Discussion on the work and progress of the Assembly of Bishops followed. Executive Director’s Report indicated ways OCL was informing the laity about the work of the Assembly. General board discussion concluded that these past few years of meetings show that the bishops are beginning to develop an understanding of how they need to work together, including developing effective working relationships.  They also need to identify ways to keep the Laity informed about the activities of the Assembly and the work of the Committees. The Bishops need to give their Priests a blessing to publicize the work of the Assembly at local levels.  The Laity need to understand that One Bishop per diocese is the canonical norm for the Church.  The website will be used to promote work of the Assembly and will  pull subjects/reports  from the Assembly website –especially interviews of the Bishops themselves which are on the Assembly site. We will help encourage our readers to also use the Assembly site.

During Lunch a presentation was made by John Meese on the reorganization of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. John is the South East Regional Coordinator for OCF and is working in that capacity as a volunteer/intern. Efforts are being made to make this region a model for the reorganization of all regions of OCF. Mickey Hodges of the National board and Brian Short a local board leader accompanied John and contributed to his presentation. OCF National is in the process of redefining and developing an organizational structure to grow. It is taking inventory of where chapters exist and who are their advisors. It is concentrating on training regional leaders, district leaders and local leaders. They were encouraged to define their financial needs for the National and local chapters. They are focusing on the mission of OCF, being a clearing house for the 250 local chapters that have campus fellowships and helping to connect students to parish life after college.

The executive director of OCL had been in touch with the National Office of OCF and a few of the needs of the organization were discussed. John was informed that His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel would assist OCF in organizing its summer training program for regional and other leaders and offered space and other resources including speakers for this summer program. OCL has been interested in the work of OCF for many years and has provided scholarships for Winter College Conferences, grants to provide leadership in certain regions. Two board members have developed a model OCF program in Cleveland at their own initiative which is now being funded by the various parishes. This program has a paid staff which helps oversee the needs of four separate OCF programs at 4 different local universities in this geographical area.

Following the lunch-discussion with OCF the OCL board discussed the need to put together its financial records. Board requests that treasurer send the last 7 years of tax returns to Joanne Nikides and the previous years of tax returns are to be sent to OCL Archives at DePaul University. Due to the illness of George Aravosis and at the request of Jim Koulogeorge who has indicated his wish to resign it is necessary to find successors and new signatories for our OCL accounts. George Karcazes and George Pontikes indicated a willingness to oversee our accounts until a new Treasurer is elected in October. (E mail went out to board members asking for ratification of these two members as signers on May 15 and a majority of board approves) They will also assist Jim in getting the records to Joanne and the Archives. Board wants Joanne to handle the day to day financial and bookkeeping operations of OCL with the oversight of the Treasurer. It was also suggested that George Matsoukas and Joanne Nikides will have authorization to sign checks up to $500 value on behalf of the business of OCL. Any checks beyond that amount will be signed by George Karcazes and George Pontikes with proper backup. George Matsoukas and Joanne Nikides will not sign payroll checks. This proposal was sent out in the May 15th e mail to board members and was approved by a majority.

Friday April 10 2013 George Pontikes presented a thorough and inspired overview of the Jesus Prayer.

Fall Meeting time, place and topic were discussed. Board authorized Susan to speak with her network in California to see what could be planned. The date of the meeting will be November 5-9th 2013. Details will be forthcoming. October 30-November 2 is an alternative date for the meeting.

The board voted to make the following gifts: $350 gift to the reorganization of the SE Region of OCF; $200 to DePaul University OCL Archives; $350 to the Pan Orthodox Meeting of Youth of Akron, Ohio; $200 to St Ignatius Church, Franklin TN; and $750 advertisement in the Year Book of the National Antiochian Assembly.

Peter J. Petkas and Chris Xeros will work together to check on the commitment of Alin Voicu-Comendant to serve on the OCL Board. He is from the Dallas area.

Foundation meeting was held presided by Peter Haikalis. Should the endowment fund be used to underwrite the website? Should the Endowment and OCL Boards Merge? Should the loan to OCL Be forgiven? Peter will draft a letter for an Endowment Appeal. Issues raised will be discussed in October.

Meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.

Minutes Approved by Susan Haikalis,  George Karcazes and George Matsoukas 


 

OCL Marks 25 Years Promoting Orthodox Unity, Church Reform

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Commemorative photo of the third annual meeting of the Assembly of Bishops in September, 2012. Archbishop Demetrios of America (7th from L) is the Assembly’s Chair.

Commemorative photo of the third annual meeting of the Assembly of Bishops in September, 2012. Archbishop Demetrios of America (7th from L) is the Assembly’s Chair.

Source: The National Herald

by Constantine S. Sirigos

NEW YORK, NY – Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL), a national organization of Orthodox Christian laypersons that will mark its 25th anniversary at its annual conference this Fall in California, has been at the forefront of critical Church issues through its publications, conferences, and meetings, despite the fact that few know of its existence.

Whether or not people agree with OCL positions – they have met numerous times with hierarchs from of Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, whose officials have alternately viewed them with interest and suspicion – they have a vision for the Church and a strategy on how to achieve their goals.

OCL was incorporated in Chicago by Greek-Americans active as Church and community leaders in order to support greater participation by the laity in the governance of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and to promote Orthodox unity in America. Their website, ocl.org, will inform visitors regarding important matters about which there is only limited information.

For example: there is a new reality for all the Orthodox Churches in North and Central America, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. It is the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.

Few people seem to be aware of it, but OCL is one of the few groups that have embraced it. In 2009, the 4th Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference in Chambesy, Switzerland which was attended by the representatives and leaders of all the universally-recognized autocephalous Orthodox churches in the world led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, established the Assembly.

Archbishop Demetrios is its chairman and according to its website, http://www.assemblyofbishops.org, “The Assembly understands itself to be the successor of SCOBA, and as such, it has assumed all of its agencies, dialogues, and other ministries.”

One of its four stated main goals is “the promotion and accomplishment of Church unity in North and Central America.” The existence of multiple jurisdictions along ethnic lines in a given city or region is an anomaly in the Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America and is a member of the OCL Advisory Board. The National Herald asked him to put the Assembly into perspective. “The main thing to keep in mind is that the Assembly has been blessed by all the Patriarchates.”

Nevertheless, even as OCL leads the cheers, its leaders notes that not much seems to be happening. OCL’s Executive Director George Matsoukas sees symptoms of lethargy in the Assembly’s website. “It’s is not very informative.” Regarding the Assembly, he says it is moving glacially. He would bristle at those who say that is the Orthodox way, saying rather that “it has lost its focus… What are the Committees doing?”

OCL’s President Susan Haikalis would also like to see more movement, but said that OCL’s November conference provides an opportunity to spotlight the Assembly.

OCL Board members George Karcazes and George Pontikes discussed its founding and purpose and answered questions at the organization’s Washington, DC conference in 2012.

OCL Board members George Karcazes and George Pontikes discussed its founding and purpose and answered questions at the organization’s Washington, DC conference in 2012.

Chicago attorney George Karcazes one of OCL’s founders and Past-President of OCL and the Parish Council of the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, is a bit more sanguine.

“The fact that they have created committees and work is being done, all preliminary to a proposal…for the restructuring of the Orthodox churches” is very positive. He pointed out, however, that to move forward, clergy have to be told by their hierarchs to devote sermons and parish council meetings about the existence, function and aim of the Assembly.

George Matsoukas is less patient. He believes“OCL has to keep the community informed about the Assembly because nobody knows what is happening.”

It would not be the first time. Karcazes spoke about the Clergy-Laity Congress held in Los Angeles in 2002 as example of the leading role OCL has played on some important issues. Thanks to its efforts, the L.A. Congress was the first time in his experience that “a really significant body of lay people arrived there knowledgeable about the issues being discussed.”

“We fought the battle of the Archdiocesan Charter and that was the high point, in terms of getting the laity involved.” He was referring to revisions in the Archdiocese’s charter which had been in force since 1979. The Ecumenical Patriarchate made revisions, which followed and codified its transformation of America’s bishoprics into metropolises formally under the Archbishop but effectively under the Patriarch and independent of New York.

Peter Marudas, another founder, served as Chief of Staff for retired Senator Paul Sarbanes and is one of many Greek-American community leaders who believe the change was ill-advised. “It undercut the role of the Archbishop and weakened the unity of the community,” he told TNH.

One of the main issues in Los Angeles was the role of the Laity, in particular, the defense of the 1979 charter’s requirement that any changes to the charter had to be approved both by the Patriarch and a Clergy Laity Congress. That was removed from the new Charter, which Karcazes said was to be kept under wraps and not even discussed.

OCL obtained copies and disseminated it to all the parishes and the arriving delegates demanded to be heard. That resulted in an unprecedented item-by-item review of the proposed charter. Finally, Dr. John Collis’ historic motion was overwhelmingly adopted that the suggestions be forwarded to the Patriarchate.

“But when the Patriarchate pretty much ignored all the changes…OCL helped to fund a lawsuit that was filed in New York by about 30 individuals…Ultimately it was dismissed because of the court’s reluctance to get involved” on church-state separation grounds, despite having a strong case Karcazes said.

Regarding reform in the Archdiocese, Karcazes points out that the decline in the Archbishop’s prestige and authority limits his ability to change things, but Marudas is even more pessimistic. “There is a retrogression in the way it is organized.” He said there has been an increase in the number of leaders who are appointed by hierarchs rather than elected by the laity at the Archdiocesan and Metropolis levels.

His main point is that this state of affairs “drains the vitality out of many of the organizations because [member participation] is the way we do things in America.” OCL also sees a lack of transparency and accountability, which it says can be remedied through the principle of syndiakonia, co-ministry of clergy and laity.

ORTHODOX UNITY: STALLED BY INERTIA OR FEARS?

TNH brought up the concern expressed by some Greek-Americans that promoting Orthodox Unity will undermine the Hellenic character of their parishes. Marudas said it is a false dichotomy. “There is nothing that says that if you are for Orthodox unity you would be against the promotion of the Hellenic character.”

He noted “These communities are already changing every weekend with mixed marriages. The rate is at least 80 percent. It’s happening anyway and isn’t it better for it to happen in a structure which encourages people to stay within the church…and which enables us to reach out to the greater community and our own young people…it doesn’t rule out having communities with more Greek the liturgy.”

Karcazes believes that even with the canonically correct establishment of one Orthodox hierarch in each city, the latter could still be assisted by bishops corresponding to the traditional ethnic groupings and thus minister to their continuing needs of parishes.

Archbishop Nathaniel, whose main concern is to advance the cause of Orthodox unity, addressed the issue for TNH. “I think OCL has kelp pretty close to the issue at heart, which is how do we live as Orthodox Christians respecting our own ethnic traditions and languages and also become a moving force in American society.

“The church is a mother and has many children. It certainly cannot say you cannot use this language and not have those traditions. Local communities have particular issues, one is the language and passing on with the language cultural and historical benefits,” he said.

He agrees that any structure that emerges would support local parishes determining such issues by themselves, a principle first enunciated by Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory. Nathaniel said “where we are speaking of when there might be one bishop in an area that bishop must respect the needs of his people. He can’t say we can only use English.”

Karcazes brought up fears expressed by some Greek-Americans that the “poorer” jurisdictions just want access to the Greeks’ money, including the Faith and Leadership 100 endowments, “but there are ways of dealing with that if the will is there,” he said.

Haikalis was buoyed by the recent merger of Antiochian and Greek Orthodox parishes in Tennessee that were both struggling. “That’s the direction we need to be going in, finding ways to bring everyone together. It may be uphill, and not in my lifetime, but maybe in my children’s life times.”

Another situation is typified by her parish of the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, whose membership already represents a multi-jurisdictional reality. “Despite the existence of other ethnic churches in the Bay Area, people by choice are coming to Ascension.”

James Koutrelakos, psychologist and professor, is the author of a landmark study of over 700 New York high school and college students which shows that “ethnic identity can continue, strong, across generations, if the right factors are in place.” Among Greek-Americans, the factors included church membership, participation in other organizations, and children’s attendance of Greek culture and language schools.

The implication is that with imagination, good management, and a commitment to gathering the necessary financial resources for schools and innovative programs, Hellenic identity can flourish within a Pan-Orthodox framework, but OCL members would say that can only happen if clergy and laity are working together.


 

Letter from Susan W. Haikalis, President of OCL regarding the Angel Fund and the upcoming Annual Meeting and Community Forum

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Susan Haikalis

Susan Haikalis

August 20, 2013

Dear Orthodox Christian Laity Supporters,

It is a blessing and responsibility to serve as the twelfth president of Orthodox Christian Laity. August is the time of the year that we invite you to participate in our Annual Angel Fund Program which supports the newly revamped OCL website (http://www.ocl.org) and the expenses of our Annual Meeting and Program

The focus of this year’s meeting is putting the work of the Assembly of Bishops into a context and perspective. The group has been meeting since 2008 in person as well as regular conference calls by the Committees. On Saturday, November 2, we will be sponsoring a community forum addressing this topic. For details about the community forum, click here. We plan to have the forum videotaped and available on our website. Needless to say all of this along with our other educational efforts costs money and without your generosity, nothing can happen.

My tenure as president can be characterized as a year of “watchful waiting” -a time of vigilance- to see how the work of the Assembly of Bishops is progressing. We want to encourage all of you to put the website of the Assembly of Bishops (http://www.assemblyofbishops.org) on your “favorites” list. We hope that this site stays focused on the work of the Assembly and the Committees, where the work is being done, so that the laity can be informed of how the restructuring of the Church is progressing. Most importantly we ask you to pray for all our bishops as they meet once again for the fourth time September 17-19, 2013 at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, Illinois. We all need to pay attention to the work of the Assembly because it is about creating canonical order, unity and self-governance for the Orthodox Christian Church in North and Central America.

Regrettably, during this period of watchful waiting I am amazed at how few of us are involved and/or informed about the work of the Assembly. Selected laypersons and clergy have been appointed as liaisons to Assembly committees but unfortunately little or no input has been sought from the enormous talent of laypersons and clergy who comprise the Orthodox Christian Church in America and to my knowledge very few parishes have shared information with their parishioners. That means that many of us are virtually in the dark about what is going on. A synergy of all of us needs to be developed as part of this process of restructuring. Top down and bottom up inputs are needed for a successful outcome. OCL has supported the work of the Assembly from day one when in 2008 the Synaxis of Patriarchs announced the establishment of the Assemblies. We have kept you informed via our web site. We have also provided the Assembly with financial support of $20,000 raised by you our OCL membership. One of the things you can do at the local level is to energize your parish to talk about the work of the Assembly.

We ask you to be part of the OCL Angel Fund Appeal so that you can help us through our website and programs to support keeping Orthodox Christians informed. Thank you for your consideration. I will look forward to seeing some of you in Northern CA for our 26th. Annual Meeting!

Susan W. Haikalis
President, OCL

PDF version of Susan Haikalis’ Letter available HERE.


The Assembly of Bishops and the Future of Orthodoxy in America – A Community Forum Sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Laity

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ocl-news-smallA Community Forum Sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Laity 

The Assembly of Bishops and the Future of Orthodoxy in America 

Guest Speakers: His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel
Spiritual Leader of the  Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, Director of Patriarch Athenagoras Institute

Eric Namee, a member of the Secretariat of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops and serves as a consultant to numerous Orthodox Christian projects and organizations.

 Program Moderator: Susan Haikalis, President of OCL 

Saturday, November 2:   9 am – Noon

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church 1700 School Street, Moraga, California 

Although the majority of Orthodox Christians in America support the idea of unity, few of us are aware of the work of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America which was established in 2009/10.   Among its several goals is to explore the organization of the Church in North and Central America in accordance with the ecclesiological and the canonical tradition of the Orthodox Church.   The forum will provide us with an opportunity to learn more about what is taking place, to share our own opinions about the ideas of unity and what we as laypersons, “the people of God,” might do to move the process along. The forum is open to all interested persons and will focus on the following: 

  • The history of the movement for jurisdictional unity in American and how the the Assembly of Bishops has come about as the vehicle for moving this concept forward to reality.
  • How the Assembly is organized and what planning is currently taking place in its various committees and subgroups.
  • What are the aspirations of the hierarchs, lay leaders and the laity in conjunction with the work of the Assembly?
  • What is the vision of our church leadership for the future of the Orthodox Church in America?

Directions to Holy Trinity:  East on Highway 24 to Walnut Creek, off at the Orinda Exit and follow signs for Moraga which leads you to Moraga Way. Follow Moraga Way for about 3 miles and turn right on School Street.   Continental Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 am.   If you are able to join us, please respond by Friday, October 24 to Susan  Haikalis at 925-705-7520 or by email to susanhaikalis@yahoo.com.  Conference Hotel: The Walnut Creek Marriott, 1355 N Main Street, Walnut Creek, California.  Room rate for the Conference is $119 plus tax.  $5 per day and overnight for valet parking. For reservations, call 925-934-2000 or 800-828-5613 and mention the Orthodox Christian Laity. Please note: All reservations received after the cut-off date will be accepted on a space available basis.  If the group rate is not available, attendees will be given the current rate at the time the reservation is made. Walnut Creek is approximately 20 miles east of Oakland/San Francisco on Highway 24. Closest airport is in Oakland with service from throughout the US on Southwest Airlines.  BART service is available from both the Oakland and San Francisco airports to Walnut Creek.

In Memory of George Kappos

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George Kappos

George Kappos

George Kappos passed away on August 24 at the age of 89, having led a long and fulfilling life. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Andos); most loving father of Alex (Paula), Dennis (Connie), and George Jr. (Laura) Kappos; loving grandfather of Maria (Bob) Kehres, Christopher Kappos, Gregory, Kristen and Tom Kappos, Elyse (Michael) Deckard, George III and Alexandra Kappos; great-grandfather of Jack, Ryan and Sophia Kehres; brother of John (Harriette) Kappos and the following deceased: Michael, Nicholas and James Kappos, Mary Xinakes and Delores Post; godfather, uncle, great-uncle and great-great-uncle of many. George had strength of character, boundless energy, a strong work ethic, dedication to the Lord, his church, and deep love for his beautiful wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a great benefactor and former president of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral when it was the only Greek church in Cleveland and oversaw the orderly separation of the community into building two additional church communities in Cleveland.  He was involved for many years with the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Board under Metropolitan Maximos, and he was appointed as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

George was co-founder and retired CEO of Erieview Metal Treating Co., and member of the Athletic Dept. Hall of Fame at Cleveland State University in two sports – basketball and tennis.

He was a Board Member and then an Advisory Board Member of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL), strongly identifying with the goals that OCL espouses.  He believed that the present fracturization of  the Church based on ethnicity was detrimental to good order in addition to being uncanonical, and the future viability and growth of the Church in America lay in the unity of the fourteen jurisdictions.

George also found a way to express his concerns for Orthodox youth who are leaving the Church once they go to college.  He was a founder of four Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) chapters in the four major colleges in Cleveland.  He served as the President of the Board overseeing the chapters, and actively involved himself in fund raising to support the program and in the activities of the students in the chapters.

George will be missed by his family, his many friends and the church community in the Pittsburgh Metropolis of the GOA.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Cleveland Hts., OH. Contributions may be made to  Sts. Constantine & Helen Endowment Fund or Zoe For Life. Interment took place in Lake View Cemetery.


 

Attention OCL Members: Notice of 2013 Annual Business Meeting & Annual Meeting Proxy

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Attention: OCL Members
CLICK HERE to view the OCL Annual Business Meeting Notice & Proxy Form.

Letter from OCL President, Susan Haikalis – Year in Review

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November 30, 2013
Christmas Lenten Season

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We are very happy to report that because of your most generous response to our recent Angel Fund Drive along with this year’s membership outreach in March and special gifts by board members and friends, OCL has been able to maintain its website, manage its administrative expenses and present an outstanding 26th Annual Meeting and Program. Your prayers and financial support were critical! We hope that the two Informational programs developed and presented this year on the work of The Assembly of Bishops will be replicated across the country as we become more proactive in promoting Orthodox Unity.

The first one took place in Cleveland, Ohio on the weekend of October 27th. Board member, Andrew Kartalis provided support and assistance to the Cleveland area Orthodox communities along with Orthodox Clergy who took leadership in discussing Unity for Orthodox Christians in the United States. The attendance was outstanding with over 300 people participating.

This year’s 26th Annual Meeting was held in Northern California at the beginning of November. In addition to our Annual Board Meeting, the program also included a vesper service at Resurrection Romanian Church in Hayward, CA and a discussion on the Assembly of Bishops at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Moraga. The speakers were excellent (Peter Haikalis, PhD, Eric Namee from the St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wichita, Kansas and His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America.) Archbishop Nathaniel is a member of the Assembly of Bishops and Mr. Namee serves on the Assembly’s Committee for Legal Affairs and the Fund Raising Subcommittee of the Committee for Financial Affairs. The Forum also had the blessing and encouragement from Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Archdiocese.

Both Forums have been videotaped. The Cleveland, Ohio event may be viewed at http://ocl.org/hundreds-attend-cleveland-assembly-forum/, and the  Moraga, California event  is available on OCL’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/oclaity). Please share what you find informative with your family and friends.

As we complete the activities for the Thanksgiving holiday and continue our preparation for Christmas, we want to thank you for all your support and extend our prayers and best wishes to you and your families for a Blessed Season of Preparation. In keeping with the tradition of sharing, OCL donated $1000 to IOCC for the Syrian Children Refugee Relief Fund. Earlier this year, we also donated $5,000 to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in commemoration of its 75th Anniversary.

As a quick reminder, it is still possible to make a year-end, tax deductible donation to OCL directly from your IRA, by mailing a personal check, using a credit card or PayPal. Please go to http://ocl.org/orthodox-christian-laity/support-ocl/ for details on how to complete your donation.

It has been a privilege to serve as President of OCL, and I continue to be proud of our role in supporting the Laity in understanding the issues facing Orthodoxy in America. As I begin my second year as President, I ask for your prayers and also for your input on what more we can do to be more effective in promoting Orthodox Unity in the United States.

Thank you for being part of the Orthodox Christian Laity Movement!

Susan Haikalis, President OCL


 

 

Long-Time OCL Member and Supporter Nicholas James Kiladis Falls Asleep in the Lord

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Nicholas Kiladis is seen in this undated family photo.

Nicholas Kiladis is seen in this undated family photo.

Source: The Baltimore Sun

Originally published on December 29, 2013.

Oversaw major contracts for Maryland’s transit projects

By Erica L. Green, The Baltimore Sun

Nicholas James Kiladis, a former contracts administrator for the Maryland Transit Administration, died Dec. 25 at Oak Crest, a long-term care facility in Parkville, of complications from a brain injury he suffered in November 2012. He was 79.

Mr. Kiladis was born in Somerville, Mass., in 1934 to Greek immigrants. He graduated from Somerville High School, where he participated in glee club and marching band, while also working at his father’s diner in East Boston.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., in 1956 and went to work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., where he was employed for three years.

His desire to move back east brought him to Baltimore in 1959, and he and his wife, Mary, whom he’d met in Los Angeles, married in 1962 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, where he remained an active parishioner for many years, his family said.

While in Baltimore, Mr. Kiladis attended the University of Baltimore Law School, obtaining his law degree in 1964 and passing the bar a year later.

He went on to work as an administrative assistant for then-newly elected Rep. Paul S. Sarbanes in Washington from 1970 to 1974. For years after that, he stayed involved in politics, remaining active in the Democratic Party and volunteering on Election Day.

Mr. Kiladis joined the Maryland Transit Administration, formerly called the Mass Transit Administration, in 1973, and served as the manager of contract administration.

Frank Waesche, who served as the MTA’s engineering director during Mr. Kiladis’ tenure, said Mr. Kiladis “helped guide the procurement of virtually every mass transit project in Maryland.”

Mr. Waesche said Mr. Kiladis was highly respected at the state and federal departments of transportation, which he said “would call him to ask his opinion on difficult procurement questions.”

The two worked together for five years, but knew each other for 20. Mr. Waesche said Mr. Kiladis’ competency was as powerful as his kindness.

“He was a calm, reassuring, knowledgeable person,” Mr. Waesche recalled. “He was one of the senior managers you could always rely on to know that his part of the job was done perfectly. He was also a mentor to many people who worked there.”

According to his family, his most notable work in his 23 years there was helping to start Baltimore’s metro and light rail lines. He was passionate about public transportation — he studied systems in Europe as part of the Carnegie Mellon Transportation Research Institute — and often promoted its benefits.

Upon retirement from the MTA, he received a governor’s citation for outstanding service in the field, his family said.

Mr. Kiladis and his wife enjoyed traveling through Europe, particularly Greece, Turkey and France. He was described as an avid reader, who enjoyed music and theatre.

What he most enjoyed was spending time with family, particularly showing his love through hearty meals for his children and grandchildren, said his daughter Kira Kiladis Muller.

After he retired from the MTA in 1997, he would cook for his children and grandchildren every Wednesday. Promptly at 5 p.m, he would arrive with an enthusiastic, “Let’s eat!” and all would run to the table, Ms. Muller recalled.

“The whole idea of sharing a meal together and sharing stories was very important to him,” she said. “And it was big deal for my mom that he did that. It was like his gift to us every week.”

Paul Muller, Mr. Kiladis’ son-in-law, described him as the most generous man he’d ever met.

“He was always giving in any way he could, whether it was time, knowledge, food, money,” Muller said. “He was just generous in every way.”

A viewing for Mr. Kiladis was held at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson on Sunday, along with a Trisagion Service.

Mr. Kiladis will lie at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation today from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at which time a funeral service will be held.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Bahadouris Kiladis; a son, James Nicholas Kiladis; daughters Kira Kiladis Muller and Lia Kiladis; four grandchildren; a sister, Mary Gould of Cape Cod, Mass.; and a brother John Kiladis of Hawaii.

erica.green@baltsun.com

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Copyright © 2014, The Baltimore Sun


 

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