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Archbishop Demetrios
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ARCHBISHOP SHARES FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE WITH PHOENIX FAITHFUL
 came to see the accomplishments of others." This is how His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios responded to a television reporter upon arriving in Phoenix, Arizona on September 15. The reporter asked him what he hoped to accomplish during his visit to Phoenix and, in his loving and humble form, the Archbishop deflected the attention from himself and tried to cast the spotlight on the works of his flock.
It was a bright and sunny Friday afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona when America West Flight #2186 landed at Sky Harbor International Airport. The radiance of the sun was only enhanced by the glowing love which emanated from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios as he entered the terminal to a crowd of more than 70 people to greet him. For the past two months, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix planned for every detail of the Archbishop’s visit during the weekend of September 15 - 18, 2000. At the enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios in 1999, prominent Phoenix parishioner George Kokalis who, at the time was serving as national Leadership 100 chairman, extended an invitation and strongly encouraged the Archbishop to visit Holy Trinity Cathedral. This invitation became a reality in July when the Archbishop’s schedule was finalized and it included a three-day visit to Phoenix.
Upon arriving at JFK Airport in New York, the Archbishop was met by Captain Mike Dellas of America West Airlines, who happens to be a member of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Mike changed his flight schedule so that he might pilot the plane for the Archbishop’s journey to Phoenix. Captain Dellas brought the Archbishop into the cockpit, introduced the crew, and asked him to bless the plane. Once the plane arrived in Phoenix, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony from the Diocese of San Francisco led the delegation of clergy, children, and faithful Greek Orthodox Christians who were on hand to greet their spiritual leader. In addition to the priests serving the local communities, the Elder Ephraim and Father Paisios from St. Anthony Monastery in nearby Florence, AZ also greeted the Archbishop.
A private dinner was held that evening at the Paradise Valley Country Club, hosted by Milton and Harriet Sioles. Mr. Sioles is an Archon, member of Leadership 100, and also serves on the Archdiocesan Council. Earlier this year, Mr. Sioles made an additional contribution of $100,000 to Leadership 100 so that Archbishop Demetrios could be a fully paid member of this organization which provides millions of dollars in grants to national ministries each year. Fifteen people joined His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios including His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, and Holy Trinity Cathedral’s clergy Rev. Theo Anastas and Rev. Timothy Pavlatos, along with their Presvyteres Helen and Vicki, respectively.
Saturday’s journey began early in the day with a trip through northern Arizona. Beginning with the red rocks of Sedona, then traveling through the cool pines of Flagstaff, the Archbishop arrived at the majestic Grand Canyon where he enjoyed some quiet and reflective moments, admiring with all humility one of God’s noblest creations. Upon returning back to the warmth of the Valley, the Archbishop again enjoyed a private dinner at the Arizona Country Club, this one hosted by George and Stephanie Kokalis. The Archbishop took time to meet all 30 guests and spoke about the splendor of his day and beauty and diversity of the terrain throughout the state of Arizona. When describing his visit to northern Arizona the Archbishop said, "Think about the successive layers of the Grand Canyon, some of them 500 million years old. Thing about the vastness of time, think about the vastness of planet earth."
Sunday morning brought about the long-awaited opportunity for over 900 faithful to worship with their Archbishop during the Divine Liturgy. The day was described by the Archbishop as "a Sunday filled with sunshine and joy and peace and love because during this time that I am here I have been a constant recipient of wonderful things coming from you." In explaining the Gospel reading for the day which included Mark 8:34, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me", the Archbishop stated, "What is the way of Christ? It is a way of love. It is a way of offering. It’s a way of caring for people. It’s a way of truth. It’s a way of justice. It’s a way of purity. It’s a way of being changed according to the image and likeness of God for which we have been created."
Archbishop Demetrios also took time to honor two very dedicated parishioners of Holy Trinity Cathedral while in Phoenix. Parish Council President Chris Ganos, and dedicated parish volunteer Bette Maniatis were both awarded with the Medal of St. Paul in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
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