ARCHBISHOP SHARES FAITH (
Cont'd )
Mr. Ganos has served the church for many years, offering his leadership on the Parish Council, and also his professional architectural skills to many projects in the Diocese. Miss Maniatis has spent several years ministering to the elderly, shut-ins and those who are ill or alone. She spends countless hours each day unselfishly assisting parishioners in any way necessary.
A brunch in honor of the Archbishop’s first trip to Phoenix, and first-ever trip to Arizona was held immediately following Divine Liturgy. Over 600 people attended this event which was totally coordinated by volunteers at the parish - cooks, servers, dishwashers and entertainment - were all provided by parishioners who generously put forth their time for this historic occasion.
During the brunch, several presentations were made to the Archbishop. Mary Louise Theodoropoulos, president of the Holy Trinity Philoptochos, presented the Archbishop with a signed lithograph of the Grand Canyon to which he responded, "How did you know I have a big, empty space on one of the walls in my office?" Other presentations were made by his former students, Fr. Phil Armstrong (St. Katherine - Chandler, AZ), Fr. Michael Pallad (St. Haralambos - Peoria, AZ), and Fr. Andrew Barakos (Assumption - Scottsdale, AZ). The Archbishop referred to the younger clergy present as "an elite group of students, all of them". Holy Trinity Cathedral’s parish council president Chris Ganos presented the Archbishop with a handmade sterling silver and turquoise Navajo pectoral cross as a symbol of the southwest and Native American cultures which are so prominent in Arizona.
The final presentation for the day came from Rev. Theo Anastas. The parish, recognizing the tremendous needs of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, planned a more aggressive fundraising approach instead of just passing a special collection on the Sunday following the feast day of the Holy Cross, which just happened to coincide with the visit of the Archbishop. On behalf of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Father Theo presented His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios with a check for $30,000 for the Seminary. Father Theo addressed the Archbishop saying, "Thank you for your love and faith that permeates the room. Thank you so much for bringing peace to the church. The church was not what it should have been when you took the helm. We pray that God will continue to bless you." The crowd cheered enthusiastically, obviously echoing the sentiments of Father Theo.
When it was finally time for the Archbishop to speak, the crowd applauded with enthusiasm before he had even uttered any words. They knew already, having heard him preach during the Divine Liturgy, and after hearing the accolades of others, that he is truly an inspired and humble leader. The Archbishop, noticeably overwhelmed by the generosity of the people offered his thanks several times and stated, "I must tell you, it’s something overwhelming - this type of community, this type of reception. This whole Phoenix visit has been a most remarkable thing." The Archbishop was extremely grateful to each parish and individual who presented him with gifts, but was most touched by the generous contribution Holy Trinity Cathedral announced for the Seminary. "The Grand Canyon is the magnificence of nature, and this is the magnificence of heart for a sacred cause", said the Archbishop referring to the $30,000 check he had just received.
Following the brunch, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios traveled through the desert to St. Anthony Monastery in Florence where he visited with the more than 20 resident monastics, and also met more Orthodox faithful from the Phoenix area as well as nearby Tucson. This monastery, the largest and most developed complex in the United States, has become a beacon of Orthodoxy for all in the area. Upon his arrival at the monastery, the Archbishop was greeted by the Elder Ephraim and Father Paisios, abbot of the monastery. His visit included a short prayer service in the chapel of St. Anthony, as well as a visit to the smaller chapel of St. Demetrios where he venerated the relic of his patron saint. He toured the entire complex and also ate dinner with the monastics and guests. The Archbishop was presented with several gifts from the monastery, including an icon of Panagia Arizonitissa.
The theme for the Archbishop’s visit to Phoenix was "Rising to New Hope with Faith and Love". This theme was selected in conjunction with the feast day of St. Sophia and her three daughters: Faith, Hope and Love. It was also selected because it most appropriately defines the feelings of Orthodox Christians throughout this country that, thanks to the prayerful and humble leadership of Archbishop Demetrios, the Orthodox Church is rising to new hope, with faith and love. May God grant our Archbishop many more years serving His Holy Orthodox Church.
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