METROPOLIS OF BOSTON MINISTRY REPORT … OF BOSTON MINISTRY REPORT Greek Orthodox Metropolis of...

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON MINISTRY REPORT Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston MINISTRIES REPORT JUNE 2011

Metropolis of Boston † 162 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445

Phone: 617.277.4742 † Fax: 617.739.9229 † www.boston.goarch.org

Email: [email protected]

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON MINISTRY REPORT

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June 2011

To the Reverend Clergy and Faithful Stewards

of the Metropolis of Boston Clergy-Laity Conference

My brothers and sisters in the household of God,

The purpose of this Ministries Booklet is to apprise the faithful

stewards of the Parishes throughout New England of the ministries

offered by our Metropolis. It is thanks to the visionary faith and

great generosity of faithful that our Metropolis is able to continue

developing programs to meet the challenges we face in today’s

complex world.

As this Ecclesiastical year comes to a close, I take this opportunity to

share with you a year-end review of the many rewarding ministries

that have been offered for the edification and spiritual growth of

our Metropolis family over the past year. We have kept as our guide the Archdiocesan theme, “Come and See: Gather

My People to My Home,” as an invitation and an imperative command by the Lord to approach our ministry with a

missionary focus of embracing all into the bosom of the Church. The activities addressed in this publication review

a wide variety of ministries that have touched the lives of thousands of our Faithful, while at the same time offering

ideas, encouragement, support and tools to strengthen and advance the outreach programs of the 63 Parish of our

Metropolis. I encourage the leaders of our Communities to avail themselves of these on-going programs with the

hope of inspiring the involvement of all of our Faithful – especially our young adult professionals – in the life and

ministries of the Church.

At our annual Metropolis Ministries Awards Dinner on June 12, over 750 Faithful from across New England filled the

banquet hall as we gave thanks to God for the individuals of every Parish who serve the Church with faith, humility,

love and joy on a daily basis. These brethren are the sterling examples of living a life of Orthodox Christian Stewardship

that we pray our young people will emulate. Stewardship of life is the only means by which we will advance ministries

of the Church, as well as engage full participation of the flock entrusted to our care.

May the summer be filled with peace, health and relaxation with family and friends. Thank you for the dedicated

diakonia you offer the Church, our Metropolis and your local Community.

With Episcopal love,

M E T H O D I O S

Metropolitan of Boston

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHILANTHROPIC MINISTRIES

4 Philoptochos

6 Philoxenia House

6 Nursing Ministry

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES

7 Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

11 Oratorical Festival

12 MBC

16 Special Needs Ministry

16 MBC Staff Training

16 Golf Outing

FAMILY MINISTRIES

17 Family Ministry

18 Marriage Preparation Seminar

18 Young Professionals Committee

19 St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center

22 St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center - Capital Improvements

23 Ministry Awards Dinner

LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES

23 Stewardship Team

24 Legacy Giving

24 Parish Council Training Seminars

24 District Parish Leadership Seminars

25 Finance Committee

25 Metropolis Clergy Laity Conference

26 Parish Management Software Initiative

26 Communications Committee

27 FOS

27 Parish Bylaw Committee

28 DOXA

28 Greek Education

SPIRITUAL/LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

29 Clergy Brotherhood

29 Sisterhood of Presvyteres

30 Retired Clergy

30 Registry Statistics

31 Radio Ministry

31 Special Services

32 Ecumenical Relations

33 Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians

34 Metropolis Internship Reflection

35 Fr. Metaxas Memoriam

35 METROPOLIS NEWS

39 SAVE THE DATE

40 DISTRICT MINISTRY TEAMS

METROPOLIS COUNCIL

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios

The Reverend Theodore J. Barbas, Chancellor

Angelo Stamoulis, Vice-chair

Legal Advisors:

D.M. Moschos, Esq. Kosta Ligris, Esq. Nick Anastasopoulos, Esq.

Finance Team Advisors:

Nick Avtges John Macaris Scott UsechekStephanie Wilson

Clergy:

The Rev. George DragasThe Rev. Andrew GeorgeThe Rev. Nicholas KrommydasThe Rev. Philippe MousisThe V. Rev. Fr. Makarios NiakarosThe Rev. Dean N. PaleologosThe Rev. Dean PanagosThe Rev. Fr. Nicholas PelekoudasThe Rev. Demetrios ToniasThe Rev. Fr. Luke Veronis

Members:

Mark T. AdamGeorge AlexisPeter John Condakes

Philippa CondakesMaria ContosGeorge E. DanisTheodore DimacopoulosStephen S. KalivasFrancine KolliasTheodore MenounosEmmanuel MihaelidesChris PappasDr. Nicholas SarantopoulosTheodore SperosEleni Vidalis

FAITH & HERITAGE CENTER COMMITTEE

George D. BehrakisDrake G. BehrakisFotios BarounisThe Rev. Emanuel Chris

John DallasGeorge FrangiadakisJohn GianakourasJohn KatsarosChris LagadinosFrances LevasEleni PantelisCosta Perdikakis Dino SarantosJohn ThibaultPaul TsitsopoulosPeter TsourianisNicholas Ypsilantis


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PHILANTHROPIC MINISTRIES

PHILOPTOCHOS

Throughout the year many events are hosted by the Metropolis Board at the Metropolis Center. Each year the St. Andrew’s Vesper Reception is hosted, the Metropolis Oratorical Festival in May and in June the St. Methodios’ Vespers Reception is held in honor of His Eminence’s Name Day.

In 2010, the Metropolis held a series of regional Parish Ministry Meetings. The Board was happy to participate in these meetings with holding breakout sessions for the local Philoptochos Chapters. These were great opportunities for us to connect with those chapters which may have been unable to participate in the Officers Workshop or other Philoptochos sponsored events. The Board also participated in the Metropolis Clergy Laity Meeting Conference on October 2, 2010. A breakout session was held for those interested in Philoptochos and we were honored to have a surprise guest, Aphrodite Skeadas, National Philoptochos President.

Our major fundraising event during this term was the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Biennial Charities Benefit Luncheon, “The Giving Feast”, held on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at the Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills in Quincy, Massachusetts. At the luncheon, under the direction of chairmen Georgia Lagadinos and Frances Levas, the feature event was a cooking demonstration by Chef James Botsacos of Molyvos Restaurant in New York City. He presented a “Greekified” Thanksgiving with Turkey and all the trimmings with a Greek twist. The theme for the event was in keeping with His Eminence’s encyclical to the Metropolis – to challenge

us to “reach out and minister to our brethren in the community at large who are suffering, especially the hungry and homeless.” We were also pleased to have as a presenter that day Ms. Scottie Wait, Director of Volunteer Programs at the Pine Street Inn. Ms. Wait described the ways in which people can volunteer for Pine Street and what an impact they have on those who use the shelter’s services. A donation of $500 was made to the Pine Street Inn for the services to the community. The centerpieces from each table consisted of fresh fruits, vegetables and canned goods. These centerpieces, along with the canned and dry goods collected from the attendees, were then distributed among five of our chapters that have had an ongoing relationship with their local food pantries. The five chapters chosen to receive these items were SS. Constantine and Helen, Andover, Massachusetts for their work with Lazarus House, Transfiguration Church, Lowell for their work with Merrimack Valley Food Bank, the Philoptochos chapter of the Church of the Annunciation, Cranston, RI for the Interfaith Food Ministry, St. Irene’s chapter of St. Nicholas Church, Lexington, Massachusetts for the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry, and St. Spyridon in Worcester for the Orthodox Food Pantry.

On March 18 and 19, 2011, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board hosted their first retreat at the St. Methodios Retreat House in Contoocook, New Hampshire. It was an incredible two-day program with twenty five attendees. The program consisted of two speakers: Dr. Philip Mamalakis, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Director of Field Education at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology who spoke on The Greek American Family in Society and

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Dr. Timothy Patitsas, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics at Hellenic College, who spoke on The Philanthropia of Holy Week. Dr. Mamalakis and Dr. Patitsas inspired the group. It was a great time to get to know the other attendees and create a real sense of sisterhood. The staff at the Retreat Center was outstanding and very accommodating. The Board is planning another retreat for the Retreat Center in the coming year.

Outreach continues to be a major part of our mission as a Board. The two projects in the greater Boston community that we support are hopeFound and The Pine Street Inn. The shelter at hopeFound is associated with the Shattuck Hospital and is also home to the Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center. Clothing and toiletry collections are an ongoing service that we have supported for the clients of this facility. The Board also has continued its service to the Pine Street Inn, cooking meals three or four times a year for the women’s side of the shelter. For our last dinner that we prepared in May, we served Greek food – pastitsio, spanikopita, koulourakia, kourambiedes, and Greek salad. It was a welcome change for the clients and they appreciated the real home cooked meal. These activities have been made possible under the guidance of our Outreach Chairperson, Georgia Lagadinos.

The Metropolis Projects of the Philoxenia House, the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, and Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (FOS) continue to be generously supported by the Philoptochos chapters. Through our annual fund drives for these entities, we are able to continue to provide support to these Metropolis Ministries. This year we were happy to distribute $15,500 to the Philoxenia House and $9,000 to the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center.The National Philoptochos has presented three grants to our Metropolis. From the proceeds of the 75th Anniversary Founders Fund, $20,000 was given to each of the local Orthodox Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. The Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Massachusetts, received the funds for refurbishment of patient’s rooms. The Holy Trinity Orthodox Nursing and Rehabilitation Center used the funds to renovate a tub room for the patient’s use. The third grant was to the Philoxenia

House for $10,000 to be used to defray the medical costs of the visitors to the House.

On June 4, 2011, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board held their Biennial Conference at St. Catherine Church in Braintree. We were honored to have National President Aphrodite Skeadas and National Board Members Diane Tseckares and Kathy Gabriel attend the conference. President Skeadas brought greetings from the National Board. Diane Tseckares and Kathy Gabriel presented information for membership. The theme for their presentation was “Asking One Woman to Care for Another.” Christine Karavites, Past Metropolis Board President and National Board member, presented on the campaign for the new Philoptochos Center for Philanthropy and the need for a permanent home for the National Philoptochos. The events and financial reports of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board were presented and reviewed.

Serving as President of the Metropolis Philoptochos has been a privilege and an honor. I would like to thank the entire Metropolis Community including the parish priests and all Philoptochos members for your warm welcome to your parishes. To the Metropolis Board, thank you for your commitment to serving the Philoptochos with all your time, talent and treasures. You have always been committed to the mission of Philoptochos.

And lastly, I would like to thank His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios for his unwavering support. He is there to challenge us to meet our goals and serve the community as best we can.

As Archbishop Demetrios has called us “an Army of Women,” together we can accomplish much.

Respectfully submitted,

Philippa CondakesMetropolis Philoptochos President, 2009-2011


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The Parish Nurse Ministry in the Metropolis of Boston continues to grow under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the supportive clergy of the Metropolis. With the support of parish priests, whom the nurse works closely with, Parish Nursing has become a viable and relevant ministry in the Orthodox Church. Parish Nurses have partnered with the pastoral staff to identify, support, educate, advocate and guide those in need of assistance.

Parish Nurses have established a positive relationship with other ministries in their parishes and together have presented programs of interest to all. There are now Parish Nurse Ministries in Lexington, MA; Nashua, MH; Peabody, MA; Portland, ME; Saco, ME; Somerville, MA; Springfield, MA. and Watertown, MA. In addition to these parishes in the Boston Metropolis there are other parishes throughout the Archdiocese that have shown an interest in establishing a Parish Nurse Ministry.

Parishes have presented Blood Pressure Clinics, Cholesterol and Glucose Screening, programs that focus on Women’s and Men’s Health Issues, Glaucoma and Hearing Screenings, Kid ID Programs, CPR training to church personnel, Health Care Laws, and many more health related programs. They visit local Nursing Homes and as reached out to develop a positive relationship with other

denominations in their community and collaborate with them to present programs. Parish Nurses have drawn upon the Community Relations offices of local hospitals and utilize these resources to present experts and speakers who willingly offer their services.

Parish Nurses now meet regularly to educate and support each other. All parishes are welcome to send a representative.

Established 25 years ago by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the Philoxenia House continues its mission as a “home-away-from-home, an “Orthodox Home of Hope” for those who come mainly from Greece but also from around the world and the United States for medical treatment of serious illnesses. When they return home, they still consider themselves part of the Philoxenia Family and contact Metropolitan Methodios. On Sunday, June 12, the following email was received at the Metropolis:

Ονομάζομαι Αικατερίνη Γεροπούλου και είμαι από Ελλάδα, Βόλο συγκεκριμένα. Θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω για πολλοστή φορά τόσο εγώ όσο και η οικογένειά μου για την αμέριστη βοήθεια και συμπαράσταση που μας είχατε προσφέρει πριν από 13 χρόνια, το 1998 όταν 14 ετών τότε ήρθα με τους γονείς μου στη Φιλοξένια

με σοβαρότατο οφθαλμολογικό πρόβλημα. Χίλια ευχαριστώ για την αγάπη, τη στοργή, το ενδιαφέρον, την αγκαλιά και την υποστήριξη σε πολλούς τομείς που μας είχατε τότε προσφέρει. Πάντα σας θυμόμαστε στις προσευχές μας. Ο Θεός να σας έχει καλά. Τώρα είμαι 28 ετών, παντρεμένη με μία κόρη 3,5 ετών. Έχω γίνει καλά και είμαι δασκάλα στη Λάρισα για παιδιά με αναπηρίες. Πάντα προσπαθώ να διδάσκω στους μαθητές μου αυτά που εσείς μου είχατε τότε διδάξει με τόση αγάπη! ΧΙΛΙΑ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ από όλη την οικογένεια Γεροπούλου στο Βόλο!!!!

Faithful from throughout New England not only support the Philoxenia House financially, they visit the guests on a regular basis enjoying a cup of coffee, or lunch, or dinner with them.

The dedicated volunteers who assist Metropolitan Methodios in the operation of the Philoxenia House are always on call. Their dedication is inspiring to all. Please continue to support the Philoxenia House and keep the residents in your prayers.

Please visit www.boston.goarch.org/philoxenia_house for more information about the Philoxenia House.

PHILOXENIA HOUSE

PHOTO: His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios met the

students of the Hellenic American Academy in Lowell

during a recent visit to the Philoxenia House. He urged

them to keep the residents of the house in their prayers.

NURSING MINISTRY

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Parish Nurse ConferenceSharing & Fellowship

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox ChurchWednesday, August 17, 2011

11:30 am to 2:30 pm

PROGRAM SPEAKERSFr. Christopher Foustoukos, PastorSt. Vasilios Greek Orthodox ChurchDeacon Fadel, St. Stephen Ministry

RSVP to Sophia Grevelis, RN: [email protected] Kazes, RN: [email protected]

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTIRES

With the continuous support and blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries serves as a resource for sustaining and providing ministry to children and young adults throughout the Metropolis. By offering Metropolis-wide events and programs, as well as supporting local parish efforts, the office aims at achieving the following goals: 1) To help our children develop a close relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2) To help them better understand and live our Orthodox Faith more fully in their lives, 3) To learn to make responsible decisions in the face of the many issues confronting them in their daily lives. For more information please contact Dino Pappas at [email protected] or call him at 617-277-4742.

Vacation Church School (VCS)

TThe Vacation Church School Program (VCS) is a faith based day camp for our youth ages 4-12. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn more about their faith while having fun! This year the 2011 Vacation Church School Program will run from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM during the week of August 1 – August 5, 2011. The St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington, MA will host the Metropolis VCS and the theme this year will be “Worshiping God with All 5 Senses.” The children will be engaged in a specialized curriculum that has been specifically developed to meet their needs. Each day they will begin their day with a short prayer service followed by sessions which include Orthodox Life, music, arts and crafts, fun and games, and much more! Check out our website at www.boston.goarch.org (then click on Youth Ministries, then click on VCS). Last year two separate Vacation Church School Programs ran at both the St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA and the St. Catherine Church in Braintree, MA during the week of August 2 – August 6, 2010.


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OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship)

The Metropolis works with seminarians of the Holy Cross Field Education Program who are currently assisting and establishing OCF chapters at universities all over New England. Each school has its own student-organized OCF group that meets weekly. Seminarians from Holy Cross are assigned to each school to lead the weekly discussions and local clergy serve as OCF chaplains, offering periodic services on campus. Seminarians this year were assigned to the OCF Chapters of Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, and Brandeis University. This year there was a new OCF Chapter established at Regis College. On September 22, 2010 a meeting was held at the Metropolis Center for all of the Presidents of the OCF Chapters. The goal of this meeting was for all of the OCF Chapters to begin working together and coordinating events and meetings together as well as to exchange ideas and calendars. As a result of this meeting OCF Chapters began organizing events together, including a hiking excursion up Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire on November 6, 2010. For more information regarding this ministry, please contact the Youth and Young Adult Office and visit the national OCF website at www.ocf.net.

Family District Retreats

The Youth Office now offers an exciting ministry opportunity for Greek Orthodox Families of our Boston Metropolis. The Metropolis runs Family District Retreats throughout the year at several of our Greek Orthodox Churches throughout New England. The retreats provide not only our children, but also the adults of our Metropolis an opportunity to meet other people who share the same Faith and who struggle with the same questions and difficulties that arise in their everyday lives. The goal is to offer families a “retreat” from the distractions of secular society in order for them to reorient themselves back to a life in Christ. This past year, the theme was “Ask, Seek, Knock.” Our very own Metropolis of Boston Camp Staff members run the sessions and activities for the youth, while an adult speaker is brought in to lead a discussion and lecture for the adults.

On November 13, 2010, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, ME hosted a Family Retreat. On December 4, 2010, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox in Cranston, RI hosted a Family District Retreat. On March 26, 2011, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church in Somerville, MA hosted a Family District Retreat. On April 2, 2011 the St. Demetrios Church in Saco, ME hosted a Family District Retreat. On April 8, 2011, the St. Philip Church in Nashua, NH hosted a Family District Retreat. On April 9, 2011, the Nativity-Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Cohasset, MA hosted a District Family Retreat. On May 6, 2011, the Holy Trinity Church in Fitchburg, MA hosted a Family District Retreat. If your parish is interested in hosting a Family District Retreat, please contact the Youth Office.

Youth Service Mission Trip

Each year the Metropolis sends a team of graduating high school seniors and staff members to assist in a one week service mission project. It is a great opportunity for our Orthodox young people to learn the importance of outreach ministry and how to put their faith into practice. For the past two years, the Youth Office has collaborated with IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) and Habitat for Humanity in order to send down a Metropolis Team to help build houses for families who had tragically lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina. During the week of June 14 – June 20, 2010 our Metropolis Team went down to Louisiana to help construct two houses for two different families.

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Walk for Hunger

As part of our social outreach ministry, the Metropolis Youth Office invites all of the youth, young adults, and families from across the Metropolis to join His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios for the yearly Walk for Hunger, which raises money to feed the hungry of New England.

On May 1, 2011, several children, young adults, and parents from different Greek Orthodox communities participated in the Walk for Hunger. Fr. Alex Chetsas served a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Chapel at 7:00 a.m. Following the service, shuttle vans transported our team to the start of the walk. Our entire Metropolis worked together to raise money for the Project Bread Organization, and in total we raised over $2,000 for this wonderful cause.

Athletic Ministry

Basketball Program:

The JOY (co-ed), Junior JOY (co-ed), GOYA Girls, and GOYA Boys Basketball teams play as part of the Youth Basketball League of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. The purpose of the leagues is to bring Orthodox Christian athletes closer to Christ by providing a mature, safe, moral, and sportsmanlike environment in which a healthy level of athletic competition can be enjoyed.

Games take place at the Hellenic College - Holy Cross Gymnasium. JOY games are played on Saturday afternoons; Girls and Boys GOYA games are played on Sunday afternoons. The Leagues run from November through February and all teams enjoy an end of the year Basketball Banquet. In the JOY Division, the St. Nectarios players emerged as the 2010-2011 JOY champions. The 2010-2011 GOYA Girls’ championship title went to the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston team while the St. Vasilios (Peabody) Team won the 2010-2011 GOYA Boys’ championship title. On March 20, 2011 more than 500 people attended the Metropolis of Boston Basketball Banquet at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown, MA.

Metropolitan Methodios Basketball Invitational Tournament:

The Metropolitan Methodios JOY and GOYA 2011 Basketball Invitational Tournament Championship Games were held on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the Hellenic College-Holy Cross Gymnasium. In the JOY Division, the St. Vasilios Team (Peabody, MA) won the championship in a final game with the St. Nectarios Team (Roslindale, MA). In the GOYA Division the St. George Cathedral Team (Manchester, NH) emerged victorious from the game with the St. Nectarios Team.

A total of 17 Greek Orthodox Church Teams competed throughout the weekend. Teams that do not play in the Metropolis of Boston League throughout the season but that were able to participate in the 2011 Tournament were St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, MA, St. George Cathedral in Manchester, NH, Annunciation Church in Cranston, RI, and a newly formed team which was comprised of children from the Annunciation Church in Newburyport, MA and the Holy Apostles/ SS. Peter and Paul Church in Haverhill, MA.


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Coaches Meeting:

For all those who are interested in coaching this year, please be sure to visit the Metropolis of Boston Website (www.boston.goarch.org) and click on Youth Ministries, and then click on Sports Ministries. All of the appropriate forms are now available online and should be downloaded and filled out prior to the Coaches Meeting. All

coaches are required to attend this meeting in October at the Metropolis of Boston in order to obtain information regarding the start of the season. For more information on the Athletic Ministries of our Metropolis, visit our website atwww.boston.goarch.org/youth_ministries/sports_ministry.html

The Metropolis of Boston Youth and Young Adult Office Facebook Page and Online Registration

This year the Youth Office has created a Facebook page. The goal of this page is to better communicate and update all of the Youth Advisors (and all those interested) in all of the latest ministries and opportunities offered by the Youth and Young Adult Office and the wonderful MBC camping ministries. If you are interested in learning more please look for us under the name “Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Youth and Young Adult Office” and “LIKE” us on Facebook.

The Youth Office has also been working closely with the MBC Camping Ministry and Golf Tournament Committee to set up ONLINE Registration for these 2011 ministries.

Parish Youth Adviser Meetings

In order to better recognize and address the needs of the local parish, the youth director met with the local Youth Advisers of each District as part of the Parish Ministry Team Development Meetings. The purpose of these meetings was not only to inform the Youth Leaders of the latest developments in Youth Ministry, but also to listen to the immediate concerns and needs of the local parish youth groups. On June 23, 2010 a meeting was held at the St. George

Cathedral in Springfield, MA for all of the Youth Advisers of District 5. On August 3, 2010 a meeting was held at the Holy Trinity Church in Lowell, MA for all of the Youth Advisers of District 2. On October 21, 2010 a meeting was held at the Holy Apostles/ SS. Peter and Paul Church in Haverhill, MA for all of the Youth Advisers of District 7. On November 1, 2010 a meeting was held at the Holy Trinity Church in Portland, ME for all of the Youth Advisers of District 4.

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ORATORICAL FESTIVAL 2011

The 2011 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Finals in each of four districts and at the Metropolis level have recently taken place. The Metropolis of Boston is divided into four districts, the Greater Boston District which is coordinated by Tina Bowling, the Central and Western District which is coordinated by Michael Constantinou, the Southern District which is coordinated by Elaine Otto, and the Northern District which is coordinated by Paul MacDowell. The Very Rev. Archimandrite Agathonikos Wilson, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church in Concord, NH, chairs and coordinates the Metropolis of Boston Oratorical Festival Committee.

The 2011 Junior Division (grades 7-9) topics were as follows: Topic 1: In the Orthodox Church, saints and icons are presented as examples to be imitated. Discuss one saint who has become as example in your life. Topic 2: In St. John’s Gospel, Philip invites Nathanael to “Come and See”. What would you want someone to experience in his or her first visit to an Orthodox Christian parish? Topic 3: In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”. What does it mean to be a peacemaker in an age of violence, terrorism, and war? Topic 4: Discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting in light of our age of increasing obesity. How does fasting compare with diets that have the purpose of achieving “model” appearance? Topic 5: Clean water is a precious commodity that is becoming even scarcer in many parts of the world. It also features prominently in many Bible stories. Discuss the importance of water as a symbol and in Orthodox liturgical life.

The 2011 Senior Division (grades 10-12) topics were as follows: Topic 1: In the past few years, the issue of bullying, including cyber-bullying, has been in the news. How should a Christian respond to the problem, especially in light of Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek? Topic 2: St. Paul encouraged the Christians in Ephesus to “grow up”. What is Christian maturity, and how does one become a mature Christian? Topic 3: Discuss what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ in our age of extreme individualism and

independence. Topic 4: What are the most attractive points that Orthodox Christianity offers to teenagers today, and how can we use them to bring young people to the Church? Topic 5: St. Basil the Great wrote, “Wealth left idle is of no use to anyone, but put to use and exchanged it becomes fruitful and beneficial for the public”. Explore this statement in light of the financial insecurity of the past few years and of modern financial practices in general.

The Metropolis of Boston Oratorical Festival Finals were held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Metropolis Center in Brookline, MA. The eight finalists in the Junior Division and the eight finalists in the Senior Division gave wonderfully prepared presentations, and all should be proud of their accomplishments. The first place finalist in the Junior Division was Athanasia Kourtis from St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA and the first place finalist in the Senior Division was Elissa Bowling from St. Athanasius Church in Arlington, MA. They each represented the Metropolis of Boston at the National Oratorical Festival Finals in Houston, Texas on June 10-12, 2011.


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The Greater Boston district held the district finals at St. Athanasius Church in Arlington, MA on Saturday, April 9, 2011. The two Junior Division finalists were Athanasia Kourtis of Weston and Maria Nicolleta Nifakos of Haverhill and the two Senior Division finalists were Elissa Bowling and Alexander Eriksson, both of Arlington. The Central / Western District held the district finals at St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, MA on Saturday, March 19, 2011. The two Junior Division finalists were Stephanie Poly of Worcester and Andrew Dasco of E. Longmeadow and the two Senior Division finalists were Aaron Lipp of Springfield and Christine Dasco of E. Longmeadow. The Southern District held the district finals at St. Gregory Church in Mansfield, MA on Saturday, April 9, 2011. The two Junior Division finalists were Eleni Giannopoulos of Newport and Alexi Frongillo of Mansfield and the two Senior Division finalists were Alexandra Reall of Cranston and Nikoletta Evangelatos of Brockton. The Northern District held their district finals at St. Demetrios Church in Saco, ME on Saturday, April 9, 2011. The two Junior Division finalists were Elias Demetroulakos and Kalliope Karagianes of Andover and the two Senior Division finalists were Merilla Michael of Portland and Panos Coufos of Andover.

The activities of the Oratorical Festival are sponsored by the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Oratorical Festival provides our youth in the junior high school and in the senior high school the opportunity to research a topic related to their Faith and to prepare a three to four minute speech on that topic.

PICTURED RIGHT: Junior Division Finalist Athanasia

Kourtis from St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA, with

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios.

PICTURED BELOW: Senior Division Finalist Elissa Bowling

from St. Athanasius Church in Arlington, MA, with His

Eminence Metropolitan Methodios.

MBC

In an effort to be more efficient and economically friendly, the Metropolis of Boston Camp is pleased to announce that registration for both winter and summer programs has been moved to an on-line process. Discussion began between the Metropolis of Boston and the Thriva registration company in the spring of 2010. Thriva is one of the leading on-line registration companies in the country; working with various camps, school programs, sports organizations and company registrations for special events. Thriva has streamlined the camp’s registration process and has also allowed families to make an on-line account, where camper information can be stored for future registrations. Additionally, this on-line process has greatly reduced the amount of paper waste for the registration of our 700 campers.

This past winter, the Metropolis of Boston Camp hosted its annual Winter Camping Program for both families and teens. The family weekend was highlighted by presentations from Dr. Ary Christofidis, founder of the Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute in IL, on the topic of marriage and challenges facing Orthodox families today.

The family weekend was attended by more than 30 families from the various districts throughout our Metropolis. Our annual family winter camping weekend will take place in February 2012. Our GOYA winter camping weekend was highlighted by the annual outing to Pat’s Peak, where campers were able to spend the afternoon out on the slopes and then wrap up the day with some fellowship during a dance in Valley Lodge. The weekend was focused on processing our “journey” as Christians and encouraging campers to “don’t stop believing” when they encounter challenges and endure hardships. GOYA winter camp 2012 is scheduled for President’s Day weekend - Friday, February 17 – Monday, February 20, 2012. Registration for both our family and GOYA winter camping programs will open in the fall. The link for registration will be placed on our website (www.mbcamp.org).

Our 2010 summer camping program was a great success! We had more than 40 new campers attend, and we ministered to more than 700 youth and families during the course of our six sessions. More than 170 scholarships were given to campers and families

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from throughout our Metropolis to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be a camper in our program. Additionally, there were two new Embracing Children campers who participated in our summer sessions, which grows this unique ministry to 12 campers.

Plans are well underway for our 2011 summer camping programs. We will be kicking off the summer with our annual family summer camp June 29– July 3, 2011. The summer family camp will be guided by a team led by Dr. Philip Mamalakis, who is a marriage and family therapist as well as a professor in Pastoral Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. We are expecting a full retreat house for the five-day program, which is jam packed with activities such as basketball, volleyball, canoeing and arts and crafts. In addition to all the fun, we will also be having discussions and sessions that are centered on enhancing communication and relationships amongst families, as well as on strengthening our relationships with God and learning the theology of our Church. Don’t miss out on your family’s opportunity to participate in this exciting and unique ministry. Visit our website (www.mbcamp.org) to register on-line today! Scholarships are available. The youth summer camping program is filling up fast! Our first session begins Monday, July 4, and the excitement has everybody waiting in anticipation. We will have five youth sessions this summer, all running from Monday evening through Sunday afternoon. There is a new addition to our program this year aimed at giving our pop (eldest) campers that extra little bit from their camp week. The “grad program” utilizes our six pillars and adds the enhancement of an unstructured program, utilizing boards to encourage reflection time and activities to strengthen relationships, that has been in use at our camp for the last several years. The program is designed to engage campers in service projects and encourage them to build relationships with our younger campers and have the opportunity to earn, as a group, privileges and special activities. Additionally, the camp program directors are hard at work coming up with new activities for all of our summer sessions, which include a giant inflatable waterslide as well as new night activities. It’s not too late to seize the opportunity to participate in camp this summer!

Registration is currently open and accessible on our website (www.mbcamp.org). Sign up today!

The Embracing Children’s program, launched in 2004, has brought new experiences and new paths of ministry to our growing camp. This program is designed to offer campers with varying degrees of special needs the opportunity to share in the camping experience. Since this program was founded, it has been met with a positive response by not only the campers who participate in it, but also by our Metropolis community at large. Many organizations and benefits, such as the Philoptochos and Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic, continually donate to keep this important ministry flourishing, and it is. Last year, we had two new campers participate in this ministry, which encouraged us to grow and develop the program in a deeper way this year. In the spring of 2011, the camp named Debra Chronopoulos, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Lowell, MA, the Embracing Children’s Coordinator. Debra’s responsibilities include reaching out to current campers, gathering information to help the camp administration tailor and design a camp week that will help to provide the best possible camping experience. Additionally, the camp has reached out to priests and leaders of the Metropolis to help us connect and outreach to youth within their parishes who could benefit from this unique program. With the continued growth of this program, the camp is exploring additional opportunities and resources, such as certified and trained aids, in order to continue offering the best possible camping experience to everyone. For


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more information on our Embracing Children’s program, please contact our camp office via phone (603.746.4400) or email ([email protected]).

The Metropolis of Boston Camp is continuing to grow. Last summer, we ministered to over 700 youth and campers from across New England. The safety of our camp is a top priority of our Director and Administration. Our efforts are assisted by a team of volunteer medical professionals, from parishes throughout the Metropolis, who donate their time and talents to keep our campers safe. As our camp grows, so does our need to enhance our attention to the safety of our campers. Thus, this year Debra Chronopoulos was named the Medical Director. Debra is the nurse at the Hellenic American Academy, where her two children attend, and the family are parishioners at the Holy Trinity Church in Lowell, MA. Additionally, Debra’s husband Kevin just completed his second year as a seminarian in the Master’s of Divinity Program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Debra has already organized all the medical staff for each session this summer, as well as updated a number of policies and procedures for the infirmary and first aid at the camp. Her sights are set on stocking and organizing the new infirmary, which is nearing completion. We look forward to having Debra and her family with us all summer!

The Metropolis of Boston Camp is trying to enhance communication and information output about our camping programs and ministries to our parishes and families throughout the Metropolis. If you are not receiving the emails and communication blasts, please email our camp office ([email protected]) and ask to placed on the Metropolis Listserv. For more information about our camping programs and retreat opportunities, please visit our website (www.mbcamp.org), or contact our camp office via phone (603.746.4400) or email ([email protected]).

Needs

In 1990, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios vowed that “no camper is turned away.” Regardless of the familial financial situation, no child who wishes to participate in the camp experience will be turned away. We are in continual need of scholarships for campers who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be a camper.

Our camp is known for its exceptional housing facilities that are well maintained by the camp staff. When we purchased the camp in 1999, two cabins from the previous camp were renovated. After the past ten years of use, as well as the lack of foundation, these two cabins are in need of replacement. The camp hopes to build cabins that are also slightly larger to increase the number of campers we are able to accommodate during some of our most popular sessions.

In addition to our dedicated staff who spend each day making our camp program possible, our camp team also includes a number of auxiliary personal who fulfill roles such as administration, office team, directors and members of the center staff that work there year-round. The camp is in need of housing for these auxiliary personal, in spaces that won’t take away from our ability to maximize the number of campers we can host during a summer session.

For day-to-day maintenance, programs and transportation around the camp, our golf carts are essential. In 2010, two new golf carts were donated, but several more are still needed.

Wish List

Field House and Outdoor Sports FieldStaff Lounge and Recreational SpaceArt & Crafts CabinArts & Crafts SuppliesComputers – Desktop and Laptop

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METROPOLIS OF BOSTON

Summer Camp 2011

JOIN US FOR OUR SUMMER SESSIONS:

FAMILY CAMP: June 29 - July 3 (Session 1)SESSION 2: July 4 - 10

SESSION 3: July 11 - 17 (Embracing Children)SESSION 4: July 18 - 24SESSION 5: July 25 - 31SESSION 6: August 1 - 7

Register now for a summer session at www.mbcamp.org.Call 603-746-4400 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

*SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE*


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SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY

GOLF OUTING

MBC STAFF TRAINING

Beginning in September 2010, “Special” Divine Liturgies were held at the Transfiguration Church in Lowell, MA. These Liturgies were held on the 3rd Saturday of each month and took place faithfully through April 2011. Physically and developmentally challenged Orthodox Christians, their families, and friends were invited to come and worship at this special time. The liturgies were sponsored by the Merrimack Valley Council of Eastern Orthodox Churches and officiated by Orthodox Christian priests from the Lowell area.

Goals for the Special Needs Ministry include expanding the Special Needs Ministry program to interested parishes throughout

the Metropolis of Boston. The Special Needs Ministry team also recognizes that parishioners with special needs continue to need social, emotional and educational support. Members of the team are looking into training opportunities for youth leaders, Sunday School teachers and other interested parties who wish to effectively include parishioners with special needs in the life of the Church.

For more information on Special Needs Ministry, contact Father Anastasios Coulouras at 978.251.4485 or [email protected] or Mary Lynn Pergantis at 617-592-1511 or [email protected].

The 11th Annual Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic will be held on Monday, September 12, 2011. This year’s event, as last year, will be held at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA.

This year’s committee includes: Mark Adam, Kosta Alexis, Drake Behrakis, Chris Chrisafides, George Frankiadakis, Frances Levas, TC Liakos, Eleni Pantelis, Costa Perdikakis, Nancy Sarris, Ted Speros, Angelo Stamoulis, Paul Tsitsopoulos, Nick Ypsilantis and on behalf of the camp, Dino Pappas and Michael Sintros. Esteemed members are His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and Father Ted Barbas.

Our goal to establish a Support A Camper Scholarship Program for 2010 was successfully met with the raising $30,000. For 2011, we look to build upon this endeavor. Among the many sponsorship options, we are asking for anyone who has the means and desire to donate $500 to sponsor a child to attend a week of camp. Our message will be one presented by His Eminence upon the opening of the camp, “No camper will be turned away.”

In an effort to reduce the cost of mailings and paper for 2011, the golf committee is going GREEN! All notices and correspondences will be conducted electronically. Additionally, this year all players, sponsors and supporters to the Golf Classic will have the option of paying through a portal off the camp website. Please visit www.campgolf.org for more information.

Our net goal for this year is $125,000. A portion of the proceeds will be set aside for the Camper Scholarship Program; the remaining will go to the day to day operations of the camp.

2010 recap is as follows, 112 golfers, gross revenues of $101,350, net profit of $78,250. The 2010 event was held on September 7th at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA.

Every year, the Metropolis of Boston Camp staff participates in a training program consisting of monthly meetings and weekend retreats. With over fifty members, from graduating high school seniors to full-time employed college graduates, getting everyone together at the same time is a challenge overcome by offering meetings at least once a month. The staff members work on the winter and summer program at each monthly meeting. The weekend retreats focus on each member’s development as an individual as well as the staff as a whole. The staff members participate in a

week-long training before the summer program begins as well as a CPR certification course and a rigorous online training course. Throughout these trainings, staff members cover all of the material necessary to prepare them for the most important job of taking care of the campers. In this way, our dynamic staff members keep the safety and security of our campers in the forefront of their minds at all times. The hope for coming years is to include training for a low-ropes course and life-guard training, as well as a continuing effort to evaluate, review, and improve the current curriculum.

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FAMILY MINISTRY

Through the guidance and love from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, our Metropolis is pleased to report that the newly established Family Ministry Program is flourishing. Last summer, our first annual summer family camp was a great follow up to our first annual family winter camp, which took place in February. More than 30 families from multiple districts within the Metropolis attended both the summer and winter family camps. The Family Ministries program also continues to grow through regional retreats held throughout the year across the Metropolis.

In February, the Metropolis of Boston Camp hosted the second annual family winter camp. We were joined for the weekend by Dr. Ary Christofidis, founder of the Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute in Chicago, IL. Dr. Ary made presentations on marriage and the challenges that Orthodox families face living in the world today. Dr. Ary also guided our family activities and sessions and spent time getting to know our staff. The weekend was highlighted by the annual Contoocook memorial ice fishing derby (www.521club.org), a town sponsored scholarship fundraiser on our beach that all of our families were invited to participate in. We ended the weekend by celebrating Liturgy together in the St. George chapel on Sunday morning. The next annual family winter camp will take place in February 2012. Don’t miss the opportunity for your family to participate in this unique ministry!

Plans are nearing completion for the 2nd annual family summer camp, which will take place June 29 – July 3, 2011. This camping program will be guided by a team headed by Dr. Philip Mamalakis, a marriage and family therapist and professor of Pastoral Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School. The four (4) days of the camp will be filled with sessions and activities that are focused on enhancing communication amongst families. Discussions will be centered on family life, the Church and our relationships with each other

and God. However, it wouldn’t be camp without all the essentials: campfires, canoeing, basketball, frisbee, soccer, volleyball and arts and crafts. Don’t miss out on this exciting ministry – registration is still open! Visit www.mbcamp.org and click the link to register on-line.

In addition to the new branch of family ministry offered by the Boston Metropolis, the Archdiocese has created a monthly Family Night booklet that is available online at www.goarch.org. According to the website, this Parish Family Night can “bring your parish family together monthly…this resource includes 12 detailed sessions and information on how to plan a family night at your parish. Each session includes group activities, breakout sessions, a comprehensive outline for each session, handouts, and prayers.”

For more information and dates on our Family Camping programs, please visit www.mbcamp.org.

FAMILY MINISTRIES


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MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINARS

This past year, we had 8 seminars with up to 36 couples at a time at the Metropolis and additional seminars throughout the Metropolis using the new marriage preparation program. In addition, we held two all-day trainings for clergy and lay facilitators, training over 30 clergy and lay facilitators. The program continues to receive strong positive feedback from couples. As we prepare for the next year, we will offer the seminars at the Metropolis and continue to support the program at the regional locations through ongoing training and support. The program remains a requirement for all those marrying in the Metropolis and is open to other Orthodox couples preparing for marriage.

The Boston Metropolis continues to lead the Archdiocese in terms of marriage preparation and in 2012 will host an additional facilitator training inviting others from around the country to attend.

UPCOMING MARRIAGE SEMINAR DATES:

August 13, 2011

September 10, 2011

November 5, 2011

December 3, 2011

February 4, 2012

March 10, 2012

May 5, 2012

June 2, 2012

July 7, 2012

September 1, 2012

November 3, 2012

December 1, 2012

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE

Who are the Young Adults of our communities? The Young Adults range from people who are just finishing college to those who are married with young children, i.e. 25 to 40 years old.

This ministry will work with this specific demographic to increase their involvement in their community and also to continually be a support to them as they grow through college and into their professional life. This time period is critical to our young people, and they must know that their Church is here to help them.

Consider

A local Orthodox Church is often graded on the size of their youth program. Our churches offer youth programs to include all age groups from Pre-K to High School. Unfortunately, our active programs cease after a student’s senior year in high school. The hardest years of a young person’s life begin when they leave home, potentially leave their church and enter college where their faith begins to be challenged for the first time. Our churches offer a very effective Orthodox Christian Fellowship program (OCF), which is a Pan-Orthodox organization that ministers to Orthodox students in various colleges and universities around the nation. However, after college vital decisions are still being made, and it is crucial that our young people make these decisions with the support of their Church. During these difficult times, rather than letting our youth face the world alone, it is important that the Church continue to be behind them. Too often within our communities we hear about “the lost generation.” This generation usually includes the ages we are seeking to help. From college graduation to marriage and beginning to raise a family, our young people should not be forgotten and should be continually supported by the Church.

How is this Accomplished?

An active priest is essential to this ministry. He will be a constant source of positive support for our Young Adults as a spiritual father and mentor. The only way to minister to this vast demographic is to

also have a dedicated individual be the point of contact or “group coordinator” for all participants within an area. It is vital to keep all members in contact and to keep the ministry active.

What to Include

First and foremost, this ministry is a way for our Young Adults to grow as Orthodox Christians. As adults, they will begin to see their potential within their community and learn how they can continually serve the Church with the gifts that they have been blessed with by God. This Ministry is specific to a wide age group and it may be necessary to break people into smaller age groups as it pertains to their situation, i.e. college students, post graduate single, newly weds, married with children, etc. The priest and group coordinator will use their judgment to create activities and fellowship gatherings to include all people. These activities can include retreats, seminars and simple social gatherings. The retreats and the seminars can focus on a variety of topics. The retreats can include topics related to the Church, i.e. Feast Days, Saints, Sacraments, book club, bible study, fasting, etc. The seminars will be set up by the group coordinator and should include topics that are of interest to the group members, i.e marriage seminar, family and children seminar, involving non-Orthodox spouses, networking, job fair, computer classes, etc.

All of these activities are designed to involve and include several people within a wide demographic, while at the same time giving them an opportunity to grow together in faith. They will become closer to their priest and each other by creating a larger support system. Ultimately, these gatherings will renew and strengthen people’s faith. By participating in this ministry, our Young Adults can begin to discern how their gifts, talents, and practical training can be offered back to God.

This ministry can take place throughout the Boston Metropolis. It can meet often as a small group coming from a few parishes, and then can meet on a larger scale.

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SAINT METHODIOS FAITH & HERITAGE CENTER

Since the completion of the Retreat House, the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center has seen an increase in the use of its facilities by adult clientele. With the addition of the new building, camp is no longer just for kids; it is now for people of all ages, and especially for families. Since receiving its certificate of occupancy on January 1, 2010, the Retreat House has opened its doors to a variety of adult camps, groups and organizations who have found its pristine accommodations to be the ideal site for their retreats. These groups include:

• Bishop Guertin High School

• Bishop Brady High School Faculty and Youth Retreats

• Central Catholic High School

• The New England Roman Catholic World Wide Marriage

Encounter Organization

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester Elderly Clergy

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester Permanent

Deacons Program

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester Youth Retreats

• The Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Reception

Youth Retreats

• The Scottish Highlanders

• Fiddle Heads Music Camp

• Hopkinton Schools

• St. Stephen’s Parish

• The Massachusetts Council of Churches/New England

Council of Churches

• Contemplative Outreach of New England

• The Bead Society of New Hampshire

The building is also being used by various Contoocook residents

and neighbors for a variety of local meetings and celebrations, such as memorial services, family reunions and weddings. The facility will host five weddings this year, four being for couples from the local community and one being our own campers, who are still involved in the camp program as directors and will be wed shortly before the summer camping season begins. Already, the camp has hosted three weddings whose couples have shared with us that the caliber of their wedding, the facility and the center staff was far beyond their expectations. All the couples have shared with us that one of the greatest benefits of using the camp for their wedding is that the ceremony, reception and lodging are all in one place, which made planning the transportation for the event very easy. Additionally, churches and emergency response organizations (such as the fire and police department) are also using the facility for a variety of lunches, dinners, meetings and day retreats.

The last year has provided us with an increase in the number of retreats held by our own Boston Metropolis parishes. Many parishioners and various church organizations continue to come to retreat with us in the peace and serenity of our New Hampshire campsite. Here, the world around is quieter, making it easier to hear the voice and direction of God. We have been blessed with the opportunity to host the following communities and organizations:

• Metropolis of Boston Clergy

• The Metropolis of Boston Presbyteres

• The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos

• Holy Trinity Cathedral NYC, FOS and Young Adult

Organization

• St. Gregory Parish, Mansfield, MA, Community Retreat

• Hellenic College/Office of Vocation and Ministry, New

Student Retreat


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• St. George Springfield, MA, and Sts. Constantine & Helen

Webster, MA, Family Retreats

• Transfiguration Philoptochos, Lowell, MA

• Transfiguration Parish Council, Lowell, MA

• The St. Demetrios Parish of Weston, MA, Prayer Group

• The Greek Orthodox Churches of Maine Community Retreat

• The Annunciation Parish Community Retreat, Newburyport,

MA

• St. Nicholas GOYA, Portsmouth, NH

• St. Catherine GOYA, Braintree, MA

• St. Athanasius GOYA, Arlington, MA

• Annunciation GOYA, Brockton, MA

• St. Nicholas, Lexington, MA

The private accommodations have allowed the Metropolis to launch a new branch of ministry that is geared toward families and focuses family life on God. The Metropolis has hosted two family camps, winter and summer, which were met with an overwhelming response in participation from the New England community. As of now, plans are already underway to again host a family summer camp, and to add quarterly family retreats to the Metropolis calendar. Individual families have also come and spent various weekends together,

reconnecting and strengthening their relationships with one another, away from the hustle and bustle of normal everyday life.

In addition to an increase in overnight retreats, many parishes are choosing to come and spend a day sharing in discussion and meals while visiting the grounds and facilities. Many of these parishes have immensely enjoyed the opportunity to see the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center and experience first hand the impact that our camp has on the lives of our campers. The various parishes who have recently visited are:

• The Cathedral of St. George, Manchester, NH.

• Assumption, Manchester, NH

• St. George, Springfield, MA

• St. Catherine’s, Braintree, MA

• The Church of the Annunciation, Cranston, RI

• Holy Trinity, Concord, NH

• St. Phillip’s, Nashua, NH

• Holy Trinity, Haverill, MA

Even with all the buzz and hype around the Retreat House, the main staple of our program, the cabins, have not been forgotten or put out of use. Many groups, especially youth-oriented organizations, come and utilize these beautiful facilities for their various retreats and gatherings. In the last calendar year, we have also had a number new groups – some very large – choose these community housing facilities as their accommodations. Some of the groups and organizations who utilize our cabins are listed below:

• ACYOA Youth Retreats

• Antiochian Youth of New England Retreats

• Greater Faith Worship Center Men’s and Women’s Retreats

• The OCA Youth Rally

• Scottish Highlanders

• HOBY: Hugh O’Brian Youth

• Holy Tabernacle Men’s and Youth Retreats

• National Conference of Fish and Game Officers

• Fiddleheads Music Camp

• The Mankind Project

In an effort to continually improve our service and hospitality to our visitors, the camp has put much energy and funds into our food service and dining facility management. The staff and director of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center have implemented the use of adult friendly foods which consist of a variety of options and choices. The new food programs have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from our retreatants. Some of the most popular meal choices have been our pork tenderloins, shrimp scampi and blue cheese and bacon steak tip dinners. Additionally, all our groups and visitors continually share with us their positivity and appreciation for our staff, who with extreme kindness seek to make each person’s retreat experience the greatest one possible.

The Retreat House itself is nearing completion, and the final touches are being placed around the building. Presbytera Claire Foustoukas and Mrs. Maria Behrakis have volunteered their time to put the final details on the building. Through their efforts, all the beds in each of the guest rooms have been finished with the addition of comforters, decorative pillows and bed skirts. The focus

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has shifted to placing artwork in the guest rooms, hallways and common spaces throughout the building. Lastly, the kitchen of the Retreat House has been outfitted with various serving ware as well as pots, pans and cooking essentials, making it possible for our guests to truly feel at home during their stay with us.

Last year, a chapel was set up in the lower level of the Retreat House for the ease and comfort of the various religious groups and retreatants. Recently, a generous donation was given to the camp to make this a permanent in-house chapel. It is the goal of the Metropolis to speedily outfit the chapel with the necessary items (icons, worship books, altar tools and liturgical texts) to make worship and prayer possible.

Overall, the Retreat House has greatly enhanced the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. The reviews from the visitors, retreatants and leadership from various organizations have been phenomenal. All have been extremely impressed with the building facilities and very thankful for the kind and attentive staff.

Future Needs

Room Donors: Although the building has been built and all of the guest rooms have been completed, donors are still needed for many of the rooms. The St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center continually operates through donations, and so even though the building has been completed, the financial obligations have not yet been met. The camp is currently seeking the help and support of the communities and parishioners of this Metropolis to ensure the continued success of the facility.

Additional Help: Over the course of the last nine months, the increase in the number of groups, visitors, tours and weekend conferences has greatly exposed the need for additional manpower. This need comes in the form of labor for various landscaping and cleaning tasks.Even more importantly, there is a need for a person who is fully dedicated to the planning, preparation and execution of the various retreats and events that are taking place at the Retreat House. There is also a need to promote and expose the Retreat House to new groups and organizations to ensure its continued success. This unique responsibility needs to be undertaken by a skillful and educated person who can highlight the Retreat House’s distinct yet adaptable characteristics to potential clientele and encourage them to make the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center the choice for their retreats.

Faith & Heritage Center Wish List

Industrial Washer and DryerTables – Dining and MeetingChairs – Meeting RoomsConference FurnitureConference PhonesDesksLCD Projector (3) – Conference Room, Audiovisual Room, and Small Portable12’ Screen with White Board Beneath8’ Screen with White Board BeneathPortable Screen for PresentationsPortable White BoardsComputers – Desktop and LaptopPatio Furniture


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SAINT METHODIOS FAITH & HERITAGE CENTER - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center are proud to announce that we are nearing completion of the new Angelo and Olga Basset Family Infirmary. As our camp grows, so does the need to continue to offer the safest camping experience possible, and the Bassett Family Infirmary provides an ideal way for this to be a reality for our program. The new building is centrally located across from the Condakes Dining Hall, making access to our medical staff during our camping programs very efficient. The building itself is equipped with male and female housing facilities, as well as an exam room, office, and nurses quarters. His Eminence Metroplitan Methodios plans to host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the site of the new infirmary to celebrate the opening of the facility during the upcoming summer program. Visit our website (www.mbcamp.org) for information and an invitation to the grand opening of the Bassett Family Infirmary.

After ten years of running a successful camping ministry and housing thousands of campers and retreat participants, our mattresses were in need of replacement. Through the generous stewardship of parishioners from St. Philip’s Church in Nashua, NH, the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center is pleased to announce that all the mattresses throughout the entire camp have been replaced. Our brand new five-inch mattresses are waterproof and washable. The mattresses have truly increased our ability to provide comfortable and safe housing accommodations for our campers and staff.

When you think of camp, a thought that comes shortly after is campfires. We have been blessed at the center with an increase in groups that have been using the facility as well as a growing camping program of the Metropolis. We found on many occasions that we have needed multiple campfire sites to acccomodate various ages and group sizes. As construction took place for the Bassett Family Infirmary, materials were also donated to renovate our main and central campfire pit. The campfire will be completed with new amphitheater-style seating before the start of our first camp session, Summer Family Camp, starting on June 29, 2011.

A fire hydrant has been completed near the Spliakos Waterfront to provide year round access to water and therefore increase our fire safety and building protection of our beautiful facilities and camp.

Two utility golf cars have recently been donated to the camp. This means that the camp now has two carts for transportation, a four- and six-seater, as well as two utility vehicles to aid in the landscaping, maintenance, and cleaning of the campsite. The advantage of golf carts over vehicles is that they are safer and greatly aid in the daily flow and operations of the center. However, as the camp is continually growing, the need for additional golf carts only increases.

Future Needs

Two New Cabins: The first two cabins, used since 1999, were structures built by Camp Merrimac in the 1940s. They were renovated by the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center over 12 years ago and have been used year-round since then. Due to the age of the structure, they are in need of replacement.

Staff Housing Facilities: With the increase in groups utilizing the facility, the need for staff to meet our growing needs has increased as well. We are in need of communal housing that is not based in the cabins and therefore will not interfere with our ability to maximize the number of campers we can house during a summer session.

Beds: After ten years of regular use, we are in need of replacing many of our cabin beds at the camp. Additionally, our camp program is growing and during some of our largest weeks many of our staff (who are also volunteering their time and talents) will give up their beds to campers, sleeping on the floor with a mattress, to make sure they don’t miss out on an opportunity to participate in our program. The directors of the camp work very hard to make sure that no camper is turned away from our camp, but in order to continue to strive for this goal we need to make sure that we have the proper facilities and tools to meet their physical needs.

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MINISTRY AWARDS DINNER

The 25th Annual Ministry Awards Dinner was held on June 12. Once again, a capacity crowd filled the newly renovated Grand Ball Room at Lombardo’s in Randolph, MA. Metropolitan Methodios presented the award to the dedicated men and women representing the parishes of the Metropolis. “We gather this evening at this banquet of achievement, this table of brotherhood for the 25th time as a family of parishes in this Metropolis to honor our clergy and laity who offer ministry to our communities and our Metropolis. We do so today as we celebrate the Great Feast of Pentecost, which is considered as the birthday of the Church. We thank each of these wonderful brethren for the love they manifest for their parishes and our Metropolis. These stewards are the great benefactors of Orthodoxy,” said Metropolitan Methodios. A special presentation on the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center and its Retreat House was enjoyed by all. The new Consul General of Greece in Boston and Mrs. Ilias Fotopoulos attended the event and were warmly welcomed.

METROPOLIS STEWARDSHIP COMMITTE

The Metropolis Stewardship Team continues to be active locally and nationally. Locally, through the Parish Ministry Development Seminars, our Metropolis Stewardship Travel Team has continued to offer small breakout sessions with the goal of providing guidance directly to the Stewardship Committees of local parishes. Parish committees have been encouraged and energized by the Metropolis’ and Archdioceses’ commitment to the subject. The group met with a record number of participants who came to network, share their ideas, resources and also to discuss the challenges they face. They were provided not only with guidance but with specific resources that are available to them through the Archdiocesan Office of Stewardship.

In October 2010, the second annual Stewardship Training Seminar was held in Somerville and was heavily attended by stewardship leaders from throughout the New England states. Bill Marianes presented his always entertaining and interactive program of “Stewardship 101, Reach Out” followed by George Matthews, who presented his dynamic “Stewardship 201, Engage” program. This highly-successful program has been rolled out to rave reviews at

parishes throughout the United States, including the Metropolis of Boston’s own districts of East Longmeadow last April and in Peabody last month. This valuable series has proven to substantially improve parishes’ stewardship results and should not be missed. These presentations were well received and well attended.

The Metropolis Stewardship committee is also actively involved with the National Stewardship Committee. The team again traveled to Chicago last September to meet and explore successful ideas and resources used in other parts of the country. The National Stewardship Committee again recently met in Boston where the nine subcommittees discussed the progress made on various initiatives. One of the more exciting developments has been the Parish Software initiative. This subcommittee spent the last two years evaluating various parish management software systems and chose to go forward with a company called Parish Data Systems. Parish Data Systems will create a semi-customized product to assist parishes in reporting, budgeting, and operations. The subcommittee is seeking a grant to fund the $300k of upfront costs to roll out the system.

LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES

Faith & Heritage Center Wish List

Field House/Athletic Complex/Playing Fields on Camp Computers - Desktop and LaptopOutdoor PavilionGarage/WorkshopRecycling CenterBunk Beds for CabinsDesks

Kitchen EquipmentGolf Carts – Utility and PassengerRiding Lawnmower - CommercialConveyer DishwasherTables – Dining and MeetingStaff Lounge for Recreational UseArts and Crafts CabinArts and Crafts SuppliesInflatable Tube for 10 Persons to Tow Behind Boat


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The Metropolis of Boston looks forward to continuing its regional Parish Ministry Team Development Program which has educated and enabled all those who labor in our local parishes to share their ideas, struggles and successes. The evening will commence with our new theme of “LEARNING TO LEAD – Creating a Parish Leadership Framework,” and will begin with an engaging presentation by Father Robert Archon. The lecture will discuss the various levels of

leadership within our parishes by first breaking it down into its basic components, including the purpose and vision we hold for our churches followed by the techniques taught in teaching, learning, and engaging new leaders. Participants will leave with the necessary materials that will enable them to follow-up and teach this process with their respective parishes.

As in the past, workshops will be then offered in Stewardship, Parish Council, Finance, Youth Ministry, Special Needs, OCF/Young Adults, Family Ministry, Internet Ministry, Communication/Marketing, Parish Nursing, the Saint Methodios Faith & Cultural Center and Philanthropic Ministry where they will have the opportunity to network with their surrounding parishes. The dates and venues of these seminars will be announced as they become available.

LEGACY GIVING

PARISH COUNCIL TRAINING SEMINARS

The Legacy & Planned Giving subcommittee recently met in Boston as part of the National Stewardship Meeting. In addition to refining the existing materials, the subcommittee continues to develop new literature and programs to help parishes improve their legacy giving program. Most recently we have outlined a new giving program at

the parish level. Parish members become part of this program once they have made the commitment and decision to remember the church in their will. We are calling it “The Eternal Light Society.” We think this could grow into another parish ministry with social gatherings and events.

Hundreds of present and potential Parish Council candidates from across the Metropolis gathered at various parishes to participate in the Parish Council Training Seminars during the months of November and December, 2010. The seminars, held in each of the districts of the Metropolis and hosted by the parishes of: Springfield, Webster, Andover, Lowell, Marlboro, Manchester, NH, and in Portland, ME, not only contained an overview of the Archdiocesan Regulations, but also gave insight and important information that parishes could utilize in their ongoing efforts in areas such as stewardship, capital campaigns, planned giving and strategic planning. The new curriculum of the Archdiocese on Parish Council Training was used

in this year’s seminars, to which all ongoing as well as future parish council members were urged to attend. The seminars had as a goal to educate and capture the essence of what it really means to become involved in your church as an active parish council member. Topics covered in these seminars discussed the hierarchy of our church, the values of servant leadership, and the importance of working together in Christ, as a parish, as a Metropolis and as an Archdiocese. Attendees also enjoyed fellowship with parish council members from neighboring parishes and were thus able to network together by sharing ideas, experiences, and creating avenues of cooperation for shared ministry.

DISTRICT PARISH LEADERSHIP SEMINARS

JUNE 2011

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FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Metropolis Finance Committee has recently had the pleasure of participating in the Parish Leadership Seminars throughout the various districts. As a result, they have had the opportunity of meeting with groups throughout the Metropolis to discuss questions and concerns that parishes may have. The parishes, for the second consecutive year, were able to achieve 100% of the assigned Greek Orthodox National Ministries Allocation. This tremendous achievement will enable the Metropolis to receive close to $100,000 which will enable them to support

their many ministries. The parishes should be commended for their magnificent efforts. Members of the Finance Committee traveled to Chicago and most recently to Boston to meet with the Archdiocesan Finance Committee to discuss ways in which they can better assist their parishes. The Metropolis Finance Committee is the parishes’ advocates specifically with the Archdiocesan Ministries Allocation and are always available to provide parish financial expertise as needed.

METROPOLIS CLERGY LAITY CONFERENCE

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, the entire Metropolis family was invited by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios to the beautiful grounds of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary for a day of education, ministry expansion and fellowship. The gymnasium quickly filled with more than 350 participants who traveled from throughout New England to hear speaker Bill Marianes’ powerful and energetic presentation on Stewardship. Participants also thoroughly enjoyed a short film delivered by Melissa Tsongranis detailing the Family Ministry and providing testimonials from children and adults alike who partake in this important ministry. Other keynote presentations were made in the areas of Internet Ministries as well as the Parish Council Ministry.

The crowd then had the opportunity to attend workshops offered by both local and national speakers that would assist ministry leaders in achieving the goals of their parishes. The day afforded a wonderful opportunity to those who were unable to attend the

National Clergy-Laity Conference to take part in many of the same or similar classes.

As in the previous year, the workshops presented included the entire scope of parish ministries – from the very young to the elderly including Stewardship 101 & 102, Practical Solutions, Practical Steps for Stewardship, Stewardship Outreach & Evangelism, The Character of the Christian Leader and the Authenticity of Leadership, Ministry-Oriented Leadership of the Parish Council, Interfaith Marriages, Internet Ministries, Religious Education, Ladies’ Philoptochos Society, the Nursing Ministry, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, The Saint Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, Finance, Greek Education, and the Metropolis of Boston Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians.

The next Metropolis Clergy Laity Conference is scheduled for October 1, 2011.

IS YOUR PARISH...Ready to expand parish participation? Seeking funds for a building project?

Wishing to promote planned giving?

Assistance is Available!Call 847.825.1432 to learn about Office of Parish Development assistance to parishes through:

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOPS for greater involvement in your parish

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PLANNING STUDIES for assessing your project’s fundraising potential

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT for planning and coaching from beginning to end

STEWARDSHIP ASSISTANCE for inspiring greater giving in your parish

PARISH PLANNED GIVING PROGRAMS for guidance in cultivating planned gifts

GRANT PROPOSAL RESEARCH & WRITING for help throughout the grant proposal process

Contact us to discuss your goals and needs, and allow us to explain how we might be of help.

Jerry Minetos, Development OfficerOffice of Parish Development, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Phone: (847) 825-1432 • Email: [email protected]


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PARISH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE INITIATIVE

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

In early 2010, Stewardship Ministries established a Subcommittee on Parish Management Software. Initial goals were to evaluate Parish Management Software programs currently available and to make recommendations to the parishes on the most suitable programs for their needs. This initiative is in coordination with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Departments of Administration, Finance and Information Technologies.

In April 2011, the Archdiocesan Finance Committee was presented with an update on the initiative along with the committee’s recommended selection of ACS Technologies Parish Data System™ (PDS). The Archdiocesan Finance Committee unanimously approved the decision, subject to final approval upon review of ACS Technologies Parish Data System™ (PDS) company financials. A subcommittee was directed to review ACS Technologies Parish Data System™ (PDS) company finances along with discussion with their CFO. Upon completion of the review process, the subcommittee submitted their report at the Archdiocesan Finance committee on May 5th. Approval was given by the committee.

A press release went out, announcing that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has chosen ACS Technologies Parish Data System™ (PDS) to provide software to parishes across the US as part of a Parish Management Software Initiative. The Archdiocese evaluation team, reviewed solutions from a total of five vendors interested in providing a solution. Parish Data Systems received the

highest overall scores in the evaluation process and also provided the most cost effective solution. The software piloting will begin with a select number of parishes. A phased rollout of the software to the parishes across each of the Metropolises and the Archdiocesan District will begin in September 2011. This partnership with PDS will bring standardized recording and reporting to the financial, stewardship, pastoral and day-to-day operations and management of the parish. Additional information will be provided in the future issues of the e-bulletin.

The lead on this joint effort among Administration, Finance, Stewardship and IT will now go to the Finance Committee. Depending on current requirements and functions of the subcommittee, the appropriate committee will assume the lead.

Questions may be directed to Nick Sialmas at [email protected].

ACS Technologies (www.acstechnologies.com) is the leading provider of information management solutions to nearly 50,000 faith-based organizations with focused development and service efforts in 6 key areas: mega churches, medium/large churches, and small churches, organizations, schools and the Catholic market. With leading brands ACS, PDS Membership Plus, and Headmaster, ACS Technologies enables churches to manage every vital area of their ministry from finances to relationships, from events and groups to giving and serving.

The Communications and Marketing Committee offers services provided by the Metropolis and the Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries to area parishes. The goal of the committee is to help parishes improve and enhance their lines of communication both internally and externally.

We have had a busy year helping to promote the Metropolis and assisting parishes in their promotion efforts. Some achievements include assisting parishes in setting up their church websites and offering tools to help promote their church festivals. In 2010, representatives from both the Metropolis and the Archdiocese met with parishes throughout New England as part of the Parish

Development Seminars hosted by the Metropolis.

Most importantly, we have successfully opened the lines of communication between the parishes, which has allowed for the sharing of best practices in marketing ministries. As a result, we have seen increased parish participation in joint marketing campaigns for festivals and other ministry events and a new sense of unity develop between parish leaders.

The Communications Committee encompasses eight key areas:

• Development of Brochures and Pamphlets

• Outreach

• Social Media

• Calendar of Events

• Public Relations

• Internet Ministries

• Marketing

• Newsletter

The Public Relations Team, led by Eleni Vidalis, manages the external communications of the Metropolis. Its goal is to create a strong public image and help the public to understand the background and mission of the Metropolis of Boston and the Greek Orthodox Church. In order to be successful in its duties, the Public Relations Group will need to be informed of the various activities of the Metropolis.

JUNE 2011

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FOS: FELLOWSHIP OF ORTHODOX STEWARDS

The stewardship outreach opportunity to directly support and underwrite the many ministries of our Metropolis which are presented in this report is known as the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (FOS) program of the Metropolis of Boston. Dedicated clergy and layman have lovingly and faithfully responded to the invitation of His Eminence to join the FOS program for over twenty years now, which has enabled our Metropolitan to establish and expand the programs and ministries which effect the lives of thousands yearly.

Among the many ministries directly supported by FOS donations are: Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, Catechetical and Greek Education Programs, Philanthropic Outreach, Spiritual-Life Retreats, and Social Issues and Community Outreach. Support

and participation in the FOS program affords the Metropolis the opportunity to further develop existing programs, as well as provide the resources for future endeavors that will enhance the spiritual growth and development of our faithful.

Throughout the year, a series of “home gatherings” are held across New England to offer our faithful the opportunity to learn more about the ministries of the Metropolis and to invite their support and participation.

FOS income to support the Metropolis Ministries: 2010: $85,250 2011 (thus far): $24,425

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Media spokesperson

• Press releases

• Content for print

• Media outreach

• Coordination of events in conjunction with other committees

• Respond to media requests

The Communications and Marketing Team, chaired by Ted Speros, exists to identify, anticipate and satisfy requirements profitably. This team works on creating programs that unite advertising/sponsorship opportunities with events/functions.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop ad campaigns

• Identify areas to increase public awareness

• Propose and coordinate new programs

• Solicit sponsorships

• Promote events and functions

• Develop strategic plan

The Internet Ministries Team is chaired by Andrew Constantinou, Senior Web & Graphic Designer at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

PARISH BYLAW COMMITTEE

This past January, the Metropolis Legal Committee began to undertake the task of reviewing the bylaws of each parish within the Metropolis. The purpose of this project is to (1) ascertain whether each parish’s bylaws are consistent with the Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR); (2) develop a set of Model Bylaws to serve as a guide for parishes in creating or amending their own parish bylaws; (3) identify any unique provisions of the parishes’ respective bylaws that would be useful to include in the Model Bylaws; and (4) ensure compliance of the bylaws with applicable state law.

Each parish within the Metropolis was asked to submit its bylaws for review; and approximately 60% of the parishes have done so

thus far. All but two states within the Metropolis (Rhode Island and Connecticut) are represented on the Metropolis Legal Committee; however, the Committee is reviewing the bylaws of the parishes of those two states as well.

The Legal Committee is in the process of completing its first draft of the Model Bylaws. That draft will be shared with the parish councils throughout the Metropolis so that they may have the opportunity to offer comment. Following the comment period, the Legal Committee will prepare a final draft to be presented at the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conference in October for approval by the Delegates.


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DOXA

GREEK EDUCATION

Members of the Metropolis Council are asked to assist the Doxa Board of our Metropolis by becoming motivators in their local parish to stimulate attendance of their Church School teachers at the various conferences held specifically to enrich our catechism programs in each of the local parishes. Twice yearly opportunities are provided (fall and spring) for the catechetical teachers of the Metropolis to gather for enrichment and fellowship.

On November 6, 2010, the conference was held on the campus of Hellenic College/Holy Cross providing the teachers the opportunity to visit the campus which most in attendance had never seen before. In that the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education is located on the campus, the participants were able to meet the staff and dialogue with them. Inspirational presentations were presented by two staff members of the department, Aimee Ehrs and Anesti Jordanoglou and by two Holy Cross students, Agape Whisenant & Matthew Swehla. Conference theme was “Keeping Connected: From Student to Teacher” in that each speaker reflected upon their youth and their experience in their home town parish and how it is now in their adult years they have chosen to come to Holy Cross and are teaching in the field Program of the school in parishes within the Metropolis of Boston. They outlined the approach they take in their classroom currently and shared sample lessons.

The most recent day conference was held on May 7, 2011, at the Sts Constantine & Helen Parish in Andover on the theme “What Do Kids Learn in Sunday School?” Guest speakers were Dr. Anton Vrame, Director of the Deptment of Religious Education for our Archdiocese, and Fr. Alex Chetsas, Assistant Priest at the St. Demetrios Church, Weston, MA. Review was made of techniques for planning and sequencing information that needs to be taught while also determining if the student has learned them. Commenting after the conference, Dr. Vrame stated that he “enjoyed the level of discussion and the interest in the issues surrounding how to create a scope and sequence. I think the participants went away with the understanding that to create a rich program is far more challenging than they thought. They also shared some wonderful ideas in their small groups. As we know, teachers want to share what works for them.”

At each of these conferences, only a limited number of teachers attended: 34 teachers at the November 6 conference and 49 at the May 7 conference. However, we know there to be more than 500 teachers in the various parishes of our Metropolis.

For the November conference, the following parishes sent teachers: Arlington, Boston Cathedral, Cambridge, Cohasset, Lexington, Mansfield, Peabody, Roslindale, Weston, Portland, ME, Manchester, NH (Assumption), Manchester, NH (St. George Cathedral), Cranston, RI and Newport, RI – 14 parishes. For the May 7 conference: Peabody, Andover, Boston Cathedral, Portland, ME, Cohasset, Lowell (Transfiguration), Newport, RI, Haverhill, Lowell (Holy Trinity), Lexington, Watertown, Cranston, RI, Woonsocket, RI (Ukrainian Orthodox), Arlington and Mansfield – 15 parishes.

The next Doxa Conference is set for Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Dormition Parish in Somerville, MA. Metropolis Council members are asked to facilitate the attendance of their parish teachers from this early point so that other activities will not conflict. For more information on Orthodox Christian Religious Education, please visit www.religioused.goarch.org.

The Greek Schools of the Metropolis of Boston concluded their current academic year with the customary graduation on Saturday, June 4, 2011. The graduation ceremony was organized by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, in collaboration with the educators.

This year, nine schools participated in the presentation ceremony: St. Athanasios of Arlington, St. Vasilios of Peabody, Greek-American Academy of Lowell, St. Nektarios of Roslindale, Cathedral of Boston, St. Spyridon of Worcester, St. Demetrios of Weston, Taxiarchae of Watertown, and the Annunciation of Brockton. The graduation program included poems, dances, songs and speeches by the graduating students.The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Ilias Fotopoulos, Consul General of Greece, who offered some greeting remarks.

The number of graduating students this year was 110. These students belong to St. Catherine Braintree, St. Constantine and Helen Cambridge, Annunciation Cranston RI, St. Nicholas Lexington, St Gregory Mansfield, Dormition of the Theotokos Pawtucket, RI, and St. George Centerville, in addition to the nine schools mentioned above.

Students where honored by His Eminence and received a cross and certificate of attendance for six years of attending Greek School.

The ceremony was attended by parents and relatives of the students. The Hall was full and every one reconvened afterwards in the Refectory of Hellenic College/Holy Cross where a reception, hosted by His Eminence, was given for all.

JUNE 2011

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SPIRITUAL/LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

CLERGY BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON SISTERHOOD OF PRESBYTERES

The Clergy Brotherhood meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Metropolis Center for worship, fellowship and a meeting with Metropolitan Methodios to discuss issues of pastoral care and concern as well as parish and priestly ministry. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and 50 clergy from throughout the Metropolis participated in the Clergy Lenten Retreat at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH, on Tuesday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 23. Clergy Wellness – Mind, Body, Soul was the theme of the two-day retreat which featured the Rev. Myles N. Sheehan, S.J., M.D., Provincial of the New England Province of Jesuits, as the guest speaker. Prior to Easter, in response to the situation at the Saint George Parish in Lynn, MA, the clergy wrote a pastoral letter to the priest and members of the Parish Council asking that peace and restoration come to fruition as soon as possible. We celebrated Pascha with a luncheon at the Metropolis on Thursday, April 28. On Tuesday, June 14, we celebrated the feast day of Saint Methodios, the patron Saint of our Metropolitan with a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Center followed by a reception and meeting. This summer, the clergy will be busy with the Metropolis Summer Camp Program, local Vacation Church School programs and many will take some vacation time with their families. On July 24, we will hold a clergy family picnic in Ipswich, MA.

Beginning in September, the Brotherhood will be providing a monthly message to the faithful of the Metropolis through parish publications and social media. We also plan to publish a Lenten Mediation Guide for the faithful during the Great Lenten season. On Behalf of the priests of the Metropolis, I would like to thank His Eminence for his support and guidance and to you the faithful of our parishes for your dedication to the ministries of our Church.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dean A. PanagosPresident of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew

Our Sisterhood of Presvyteres consists of all clergy wives (current, retired and widowed) within the Metropolis of Boston. The sisterhood promotes the spirit of Christian love among the Presvyteres and offers opportunities for mutual support, fellowship and outreach. We give support to the future Presvyteres who presently have husbands enrolled within the Seminary and wish to remember our Senior Presvyteres who are being cared for by family or in nursing facilities, with visitations and cards.

Our annual events include a seminarian wife welcome breakfast in September, a Fall Get-together and a Spring/ Lenten Retreat. This year we added a Mommy Night Out Dinner and were able to have a Memorial for our Clergy and Presvyteres who have fallen asleep.

Our newsletter is another avenue for connection and is sent out twice yearly (Fall and Spring editions). We have a new cookbook, Fasting, Feasting and Old Favorites, from the Kitchens and


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REGISTRY STATISTICS

The Department of Registry of the Metropolis of Boston maintains a variety of records pertaining to the life and activities of the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. These records are often used to issue transcripts for the faithful who have lost original certificates (which are now required for legal or ecclesiastical

purposes). The Office of the Registrar also issues ecclesiastical licenses to marry, divorce decrees (following a Spiritual Court hearing), baptismal and chrismation certificates (for use by the priests), and forms for reporting deaths and funerals.

Marriages Divorces

Year Baptisms ChrismationsBetween Orthodox

Inter-Christian

TotalBetween Orthodox

Inter-Christian

Total Funerals

1999 897 93 124 349 473 37 48 85 630

2000 826 116 88 286 374 30 34 64 678

2001 792 89 90 325 415 27 19 46 708

2002 866 124 116 268 384 11 28 39 606

2003 786 122 111 255 366 30 29 59 649

2004 784 80 98 241 339 23 26 49 699

2005 522 53 101 264 365 23 21 44 304

2006 790 114 86 257 343 12 15 27 672

2007 744 85 92 180 272 10 13 23 649

2008 721 93 84 179 263 15 13 28 673

2009 678 71 76 163 239 9 13 22 638

2010 697 73 76 173 249 12 22 34 615

Tables of Presvyteres of the Metropolis of Boston, edited by Presvytera Eleni Christakos, from which a donation will be given from the proceeds to the St. Methodios Retreat Center.

Our current Metropolis representatives are Presvytera Eleni Klostri and Presvytera Gloria Costarakis. The remainder of the Board includes our Treasurer Presvytera Marilou Cambas and our Senior advisor Presvytera Cynthia Paleologos. We appreciate the support we have been given and treasure the road that is God’s Will for us to travel, together.

RETIRED CLERGY

Having recently been apponted to the Board of the Retired Clergy Association of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the responsibilities have evolved in representing the retired clergy on the Metropolis being appointed Secretary and attending meetings of the Board. The issues that are covered deal with making the retirement years of the clergy and their presbyteres years of recollection of having served our Holy Orthodox Church honorably and with distinction. The

Retired Clergy Association provides an annual gift to those clergy who have need as well as providing scholarships for the children/grandchildren of clergy, children of widowed presbyteres, and a scholarship to a student of Holy Cross Theological School whose father or grandfather is/was a priest serving in the Archdiocese of America.

JUNE 2011

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SPECIAL SERVICES

RADIO MINISTRY

Every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m., a sermon on the day’s Gospel lesson is given by Fr. Kyriakos Saravelas or Fr. Konstantinos Manetas. The sermon is given in both Greek and English during the “Voice of Orthodoxy” program on the Greek Radio Station WNTN 1550 AM. In addition to the weekly commentary on the Holy Gospel, the

program also offers the interpretation of the Dogma and Traditions of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The “Voice of Orthodoxy Program” may also be heard by audio streaming on the web at www.grecianechoes.com.

ABOVE: His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Resurrection service at the Annunciation Cathedral on April 24. Also attending the service was Cardinal Sean O’Malley.

FAR LEFT: On Holy Wednesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios visited the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, MA, to officiate at the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

LEFT: On June 13, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated his Name Day with Vespers for the Feast Day of St. Methodios at the Cathedral Chapel.


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This past year, the Metropolis of Boston Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs continued its work of outreach to the various faith communities of Greater Boston and New England. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios has been an outspoken advocate of strong relationships both within the Christian community, as exemplified by his leadership role in the Massachusetts Council of Churches, and in the broader interfaith community.

With regard to the latter, this past year His Eminence began an initiative to help enhance Greek Orthodox-Jewish relations. In October of 2010, the Metropolis of Boston and the American Jewish

Committee (AJC) began the planning of a series of events to help develop mutual understanding and cooperation between the Greek Orthodox and Jewish communities throughout New England.

The first of these events took place on March 3, 2011, when over 150 people gathered at the Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College/Holy Cross in Brookline, MA for an event entitled “Passover & Pascha: How Greeks and Jews Shaped Each Other’s History, Culture, & Faith.” The primary goal of this event was to enhance the understanding and friendship between Greek and Jewish Americans.

The evening featured remarks by Metropolitan Methodios and Rabbi Dan Liben, President of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis. The program began with a panel presentation by Fr. George Dragas of Holy Cross and Professor Jonathan Klawans of Boston University which examined the ties between Passover and Pascha. Those attending the March event were also treated to performances by the Metropolis of Boston Greek Dancers, Israeli dancing, and a sampling of Mediterranean foods.

According to His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, “For thousands of years, the Greek and Jewish worlds have made an indelible impact on each other’s histories, cultures, and faiths.” The Metropolis of Boston/AJC effort is part of His Eminence’s ongoing effort of outreach to the surrounding faith communities throughout New England.

ECUMENICAL OFFICER

The responsibility of the Ecumenical Officer is to represent the Metropolis and His Eminence Methodios at such meetings and events where the voice of Greek Orthodoxy will be articulated and enunciated in a clear and concise manner. To this end, the scope of responsibilities is divided between Fr. John Maheras as Ecumenical Officer; Fr. Demetrios Tonias in contact with the Jewish community; and Fr. Gregory Christakos in contact with the non-Christian groups such as Muslims and other Eastern religions.

Amongst the duties of the Ecumenical Officer serving on the Board of the Massachusetts Council of Churches alongside the Rev. Fr. Luke Veronis is to attend such meetings of the Board and other agencies

of the Board. These bi-monthly meetings offer the opportunity for the voice of His Eminence and the Church to be heard, making the larger religious community of Massachusetts aware of the teachings, tenets, doctrines and positions on varied and sundry issues that come before the Board. The Ecumenical Officer also represents His Eminence and the Church to the Commission on Christian Unity along with the Rev. Fr. George Papademetriou.

His Eminence Methodios also hosts a meeting of the Massachusetts Council of Churches and the Commission on Christian Unity in May of each year at the Metropolis Center. The responsibilities are also shared with the Chancellor of the Metropolis.

ECUMENICAL RELATIONS

LEFT: AJC Boston Director Rob Leikind and His Eminence

Metropolitan Methodios of Boston

RIGHT: Panel participants: Rabbi Dan Liben,

Prof. Jonathan Klawans, and Fr. George Dragas

JUNE 2011

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METROPOLIS OF BOSTON FEDERATION OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH MUSICIANS

In 2010 the Metropolis of Boston Federation participated in the October 2nd annual Metropolis of Boston Clergy-Laity meeting, conducting two workshops and an open discussion for all church musicians. President Heidi Mason addressed the assembly on the work of the Federation during lunch.

The major event of the past Ecclesiastical year was the Annual three-day Federation Conference held at the St. Athanasius the Great Church in Arlington, MA, on the weekend of November 5-7, 2010. Church musicians gathered from parishes throughout the Metropolis for workshops, rehearsals and fellowship with the highlight being the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy sung by the choir comprised of over 75 voices under the direction of Mr. Gregory Condakes, Choir Director at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA. The choir sang the beautiful liturgical setting composed and arranged by Constantine Limberakis. There was also a 25-voice youth choir under the direction of Nicole Vankuilenburg, a young student from the St. Athanasius parish. CDs of the Liturgy will soon be available.

On December 12, 2010, members of the Federation joined for the first time with students of Hellenic College Holy Cross to present a Christmas Concert at the Maliotis Center. Professor Constantine Limberakis, who also conducted, was so moved by this joint endeavor that he wished for it to continue for many years to come. DVDs of the event will soon be available.

On January 16, 2011, the Annunciation Cathedral Choir of Boston, MA, invited the Annunciation Church Choir of Brockton, MA, to participate in the Divine Liturgy as a “thank you” for being invited to sing at the Consecration of the Brockton Church on October 10, 2010. The combined choir was very successful and received coverage in The Hellenic Voice. The Federation will encourage other such choir collaborations in the future.

The Annual Federation Church Music Institute (CMI) co-sponsored by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, was held on March 5, 2011, at the Metropolis Center in Brookline, MA. Guest speakers were: Ms. Penelope Bitzas, Professor, Boston University;

Mr. Gregory Condakes, Choir Director, St. Demetrios of Weston, MA and Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas, Professor Emeritus, Holy Cross School of Theology. The well-received workshops consisted of the topics: “Vocal Techniques”, “How to motivate your choir and choose appropriate music”, and “Salutations and the Akathist Hymn”. Prior to the workshops, President Heidi Mason was pleased to present His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios with a check for $500 for the Metropolis Retreat Center from proceeds of the Christmas Concert. The new Metropolis of Boston Youth Choir Curriculum was also introduced at the CMI. This curriculum will begin to be rolled-out in parishes starting in the fall.

Metropolis of Boston Federation members will represent the Metropolis at the annual meeting of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians in St. Louis, Missouri on July 6-10, 2011. Metropolis of Boston Federation members hold key positions on many National Forum standing committees. The main topic of discussion this year will be the report from the meeting of the National Forum with our Eparchical Synod this past March.

Upcoming events for the new Ecclesiastical year are:

• First annual Choir Director’s Meeting and Workshops – in

conjunction with the 2011 Metropolis Clergy-Laity meetings

– Date and location TBD

• Annual Federation Conference – November 4-6, 2011,

Annunciation Church, Dover, NH

• Awarding of Annual Federation Scholarship – At conclusion

of Annual Conference, November 6, 2011

• Years of Service Awards – Presented at Annual Conference,

November 4-6, 2011

• Annual Christmas Concert [Hellenic College/Holy Cross

School of Theology Chorale and the Metropolis of Boston

Federation Choir] – December 11, 2011, Maliotis Center,

Brookline, MA

• Annual Church Music Institute (early March, 2012) – Exact

date and location TBD

• Paschal Concert [Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of

Theology Chorale and the Metropolis of Boston Federation

Choir] – Date and location TBD


34

My name is Demetrios Kazakis. I recently graduated from Holy Cross

Greek Orthodox School of Theology with a Masters of Divinity.

As a senior in the school of Theology, we are asked to select a

“Parish Ministry” assignment to participate in throughout the year.

These assignments can range from shadowing a local parish priest

to extensive volunteering at a hospital, depending on our focus. I

was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to shadow Fr. Ted

Barbas, who is the Chancellor of the Boston Metropolis. There were

many reasons why I wanted to shadow Fr. Ted, but most especially

because I wanted to learn about the daily administrative tasks of a

Metropolis office as well as gain insight into the experience that Fr.

Ted has as a very knowledgeable priest. Father was gracious enough

to allow me to work at the Metropolis office and I learned more than

I ever expected. Fr. Ted alone was a tremendous resource as a priest

who is incredibly gracious with the people of the Metropolis. I was

able to observe him as a priest and administrator, and watching him

juggle the two responsibilities was inspiring.

My responsibilities within the office were vast but simple. As an

intern, I was given various tasks to accomplish around the office

on a daily basis as well as helping Fr. Ted with long-term projects.

The projects that I assisted with throughout the year were very

enjoyable, but I also learned many things about the responsibilities

of the Metropolis. I was surprised by how much work had to be done.

For example, one of my first projects was helping with the District

Leadership Development seminars that were held around the

Metropolis. These seminars were designed to introduce the many

programs that were offered throughout the Metropolis. I quickly

learned about the importance of an effective ministry and how it

really began at the Metropolis level.

My second project was helping with the Parish Council Candidate

Seminars during the end of the Fall Semester. This was a valuable

experience because it was the first time that I was exposed to the

Archdiocesan Regulations and to the Parish Council responsibilities

and the election procedure. I was able to assist Fr. Ted as well as

all the priests of the Metropolis throughout this process, and I was

truly grateful to take part.

My third project began in January. The Metropolis Legal Committee

is in the process of developing a uniform format for parish bylaws

and I was able to assist them during the early stages of the project.

I was responsible for collecting and documenting all bylaws that

were sent to the Metropolis. The bylaws were filed electronically

as well as hardcopy, and I also had to distribute them to the six

committee members.

Throughout the year I was in the office almost everyday for a few

hours. Simply being there was an enjoyable experience. I was able

to do jobs around the office, ran errands, as well as assisting with

various events within the Metropolis office. On Sundays and major

feast days or events, I was blessed and honored to accompany His

Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. I traveled with His Eminence

around the Metropolis to many parishes and assisted during Divine

Liturgy. This was a priceless opportunity to learn the order of the

Hierarchical services from the Metropolitan who is obviously very

knowledgeable. Most importantly, being in the presence of the

Metropolitan was a tremendous blessing in itself. I learned so much

by just observing him as a model of pastoral wisdom and Christ like

love. I thank His Eminence for this wonderful opportunity.

I will never forget all that I learned while working within the

Metropolis office. Besides learning the systems of a Metropolis

office and learning how to be more efficient in my responsibilities,

I grew in my spiritual life as well. Being surrounded by devout

Orthodox Christians while carrying out this internship has been a

valuable experience. This experience, culminated with my senior

year of seminary has been the best year of my life. I am grateful to

Metropolitan Methodios and Fr. Ted for giving me this opportunity.

Metropolis of Boston Internship Reflectionby Demetrios Kazakis

JUNE 2011

35

FR. METAXAS MEMORIAM

Father Emmanuel Metaxas, who served the Taxiarchae Community in Watertown, MA for fifty-eight years, fell asleep in the Lord on February 23, 2011.

He was married in 1949 to Penelope (Penny) Manekas of Lowell, Massachusetts. He was ordained Deacon on February 10, 1951 and on June 24 of the same year, he was ordained presbyter by the then Bishop of Boston Ezekiel Tsoukalas. A graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1951, Fr. Metaxas continued his studies at

Andover-Newton Theological School where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1953. His first assignment as a priest was to the Annunciation Church of Woburn, Massachusetts where he served for two years. Father Metaxas was then transferred to the Taxiarchae Church in Watertown, Massachusetts in September of 1953.

During his fifty-eight years at the Taxiarchae Church, Father Metaxas performed thousands of baptisms, marriages and funerals. From 1960-1965, he served as Chaplain for the Orthodox workers

at the United States Arsenal in Watertown. For ten years between 1965 and 1976, he served as Chaplain at Boston University for all the Orthodox students. He also served as assistant to the Orthodox Chaplain for the Brockton and Bedford Veterans Hospitals for over twenty years. Father Metaxas was the first in this area to encourage patients from Greece to seek treatment in Boston that was not available in Greece at that time. On May 7, 2009, Father Metaxas was

honored with the Community Spirit Award by the Town of Watertown Historical Commission in recognition of his years of service to the Watertown community.

Father Metaxas was involved in all aspects of parish life for fifty-eight years and his pastoral guidance and wisdom will be sorely missed. Father’s hands touched every corner of the Taxiarchae Church and the community will forever remember the profound impact he had on the lives of the faithful. May his memory be eternal!

METROPOLIS NEWS

Metropolis Celebrates Feast of Saint Methodios

The Feast of Saint Methodios was celebrated with Vespers on June 13 and Divine Liturgy on June 14 in the Cathedral Chapel in Brookline. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios presided at the Services which were attended by clergy and laity from throughout the Metropolis. The new Consul General of Greece to Boston and Mrs. Ilias Fotopoulos attended the Vespers and had the opportunity to meet the clergy and laity who attended. Following the Vespers, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board hosted a reception in the Metropolis Center. After the Divine Liturgy on June 14, the Philoptochos Board hosted a delicious brunch in the Metropolis Center. The New England Clergy Brotherhood held its monthly meeting after the brunch.

Holy Trinity Church in Concord, NH, Comes to the Aid of Local Soup Kitchen

On April 30, Concord NH’s only soup kitchen – the Friendly Kitchen – was completely destroyed in a devastating fire. The Friendly Kitchen, which serves almost 1,000 meals per week, needed a temporary location to serve the more than 100 people in the Concord area who rely on the soup kitchen on a daily basis. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located around the corner from the Friendly

Kitchen, came to their assistance, offering them the church hall and kitchen as a temporary location. The Very Rev. Fr. Agathonikos Wilson said, “we are always asked how the Gospel message, written some two thousand years ago, is relevant today; well, now we have a chance as a community to live the Gospel message in a very real and tangible way.”


36

Metropolitan Methodios and College Students Dialogue Following Great Compline

On April 11, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios presided at the Great Compline Service, held at the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston. More than 70 people were in attendance, including over 40 college students from colleges and universities in the greater Boston area; some students participated in the reading of Psalms. The students were most appreciative of His Eminence’s inspirational words and his interest in their activities. Following the Service, the Cathedral community served a delicious Lenten meal for all in attendance in the church hall. All OCF students were given tsourekia prepared by the Cathedral community. Fr. Cleopas Strongylis, the Dean of the Cathedral, assisted His Eminence. Also attending the event was the Director of Youth Ministries for the Metropolis, Dino Pappas.

Metropolitan Methodios Leads Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston

On April 8, the festivities marking Greek Independence Day began at the Boston State House and included a reception at the Greek Consulate. On April 9, the New England Federation of Greek Societies (Omospondeia) held a well–attended dinner. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston on Sunday morning; thereafter the streets of Boston were crowded with throngs of people to watch the parade, which included floats from almost every parish of the Metropolis as well as many organizations. Parade Grand Marshalls were Metropolitan Methodios, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and Vassilios Kaskarelis, Greece’s Ambassador to the United States.

Metropolitan Methodios and 50 Clergy Participate at Clergy Lenten Retreat

On March 22–23, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and 50 clergy from throughout the Metropolis participated in the 2011 Clergy Lenten Retreat at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH. The theme of the retreat was Clergy Wellness — Mind, Body, and Soul. The Rev. Myles N. Sheehan, S.J., M.D., Provincial of the New England Province of Jesuits, was the guest speaker for the two–day retreat. The retreat featured worship in the Chapel of St. George, workshops, and time for reflection and fellowship.

JUNE 2011

37

GOYA and Family Winter Camps Draw Praise from Delighted Participants

In February, the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH was buzzing with happy campers and delighted parents during two winter camps held over two weekends; both camps were oversubscribed. More than 135 GOYAns from throughout the Metropolis of Boston participated in the GOYA Winter Camp. With 40 well–trained staff members, the campers enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, tubing and various instructional spiritual and enlightening sessions. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, very pleased by the large number attending, had the opportunity to talk with the GOYAns and to listen to their comments.

Forty families participated in the Family Winter Camp, enjoying many age–appropriate sessions and fun activities designed and supervised by an enthusiastic staff. Dr. Ary Christofidis, the founder of the Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute in Park Ridge, IL, was the guest speaker.

New England Greek American Community Says Goodbye to Consul General Constantinos Orphanides

On December 16, 2010, the Greek American community of New England attended a Farewell Reception at the Maliotis Cultural Center honoring Constantinos Orphanides, Consul General of Greece in Boston. Sponsored by the Metropolis of Boston and the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, the event drew friends of the Consul General from the diplomatic community and from the community at large, as well as from the Greek American community that he had served for the past five years. Mr. Orphanides was praised and thanked by many for his service in Boston, where he built strong bonds and friendships with the people of New England, promoted the teaching of the Greek language in local schools, and worked for the strengthening of the relations between the academic communities of Greece and New England. Mr. Orphanides returned to Greece to assume new diplomatic responsibilities.

Metropolis Dance Troop Members Decorate Christmas Tree

In December 2010, members of the Metropolis of Boston Dance Troop visited the Metropolis Center, as they do every year. Dr. John Pappas, the Director of the Dance Troop, and many parents accompanied the youngsters, who sang the kalanda for His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and for the office staff. They then decorated the large Christmas tree in the Center’s foyer. His Eminence thanked Dr. Pappas and the parents, and he told the Dance Troop how proud he was of them; he receives many compliments from people across the United States and in Greece on the performances of the Metropolis of Boston Dance Troop. His Eminence gave each youngster a Christmas tree ornament, and they all enjoyed fellowship, Christmas cookies, and cider. After they decorated the tree, the Dance Troop gathered for their annual Christmas Party at the Cathedral Center, where they and their parents enjoyed fellowship and pizza!


38

Metropolis Celebrates Feast of Saint Andrew

On November 29, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios welcomed Cardinal Sean O’Malley and many clergy and laity to the Cathedral Chapel in Brookline, to celebrate the Feast of Saint Andrew Vesper Service. Prior to the Vespers, Metropolitan Methodios met with Cardinal Sean and presented him with a mosaic especially made for the Cardinal by iconographer George Papastamatiou. Following the Service, everyone enjoyed fellowship at a reception hosted in the Metropolis Center by the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board. The next day, most of the New England Clergy and area faithful gathered in the Cathedral Chapel for the Feast of Saint Andrew Divine Liturgy. After the Liturgy, the Clergy Brotherhood held its monthly meeting and enjoyed fellowship at a luncheon hosted by Metropolitan Methodios in the Cathedral Center.

Metropolis Philoptochos Board’s Charity Luncheon Enjoyed by All

On November 14, 2010, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board held a charity luncheon event at the Granite Links in Quincy, MA. The theme of this year’s charity luncheon was The Giving Feast, “a descriptive name which aptly characterizes the mission and work of our Philoptochos Women,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. The well–attended event featured executive chef James Botsacos of the Molyvos restaurant in New York City. Proceeds from the luncheon benefited the philanthropic ministries and projects supported by the Metropolis Philoptochos Board, including the Philoxenia House, the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, the Hellenic Nursing Home, the Pine Street Inn, Hope Found, and Project Bread’s the Walk for Hunger.

Fr. Christopher Moody Receives Blessings from Metropolitan Methodios Before Leaving for Afghanistan

The Rev. Fr. Christopher Moody of Clinton, ME, a Greek Orthodox Military Chaplain who left for Afghanistan in October 2010, stopped to get the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios prior to reporting to Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC, for training. A member of the National Guard, Fr. Moody is a 2010 graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Fr. Moody was ordained to the Diaconate in October 2009 in his home parish — the Holy Trinity Church in Lewiston, ME — and to the Holy Priesthood in January 2010, at the Sts. Constantine & Helen Church in Cambridge, MA. Prior to departing for South Carolina, Fr. Moody assisted Fr. Foustoukos for five months at the St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody, MA. Fr. Moody also served in Iraq for more than a year. He and his wife, Victoria Angela, are the parents of Hannah, Michael, Sarah and Mary. Fr. Moody’s tour of duty comes to an end this summer, at which time he will return to our Metropolis for a full-time assignment.

Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Benedict Welcome Pilgrimage Led by Metropolitan Methodios and Bishop McManus

On September 19, 2010, in the Patriarchate of Constantinople, His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and His Excellency the Most Reverend Robert McManus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester, MA, who led a Spiritual Pilgrimage of Orthodox and Catholic faithful to the Ancient Sees of Sts. Peter and Andrew. After Constantinople, the group traveled to Rome, where the pilgrims visited the Vatican, had an audience with Pope Benedict, and visited many sites. The pilgrims returned to Boston on September 25.

JUNE 2011

39

S A V E T H E D A T E

Monday, September 12, 2011INDIAN RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

Andover, Massachusetts

For additional information or advanced reservations, call Mike Sintros at 603-746-4400, or email him at [email protected].

ME T R O P O L I S O F B O S T O N

GO L F C L A S S I C

T H E E L E V E N T H A N N U A L

Fo r t h e C h i l d r e nFo r t he C h i l d r e n

S A V E T H E D A T E

SAVE THE DATE


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