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Published
by the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, June 15, 2004
21st
Oratorical Festival Hosted by Metropolis of
Detroit
By
Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos
The Metropolis of
Detroit hosted the eighteen Metropolis Finalists
of the national Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical
Festival during the weekend of June 4th-5th. The
host committee, lead by Rev. Philemon Karamanos
and Mrs. Helen Gikas of St. George Greek Orthodox
Church in Southgate, Michigan planned a very
successful weekend!
Completing its 21st year, the St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival is a program of the Department
of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, under the direction of
Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, providing teenagers the
opportunity to examine their faith and the
platform from which to share their good news.
Since 1985, Rev. John Orfanakos and Presvytera
Margaret Orfanakos have served as Archdiocese
Co-Chairmen.
The weekend began when the members of the host
committee greeted the finalists and their families
at the airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, they
were again welcomed and presented with a canvas
gift bag filled with memorabilia of Detroit.
The official gathering began with a Paraklesis
Service at the St. George Church in Southgate. His
Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
officiated and joined the finalists and their
families for the entire weekend. Following the
welcome dinner and icebreaker by Ms. Eva Kokinos,
Youth Director of the Metropolis of Detroit, His
Eminence met with all the finalists in a
"fire-side" chat.
The sun shone brightly Saturday morning as
everyone assembled in the church to hear the
speeches. Following the opening prayer by
Metropolitan Nicholas, a welcome by Fr. Philemon
Karamanos, and greetings by Fr. Frank Marangos,
previous Oratorical Festival finalists took turns
introducing each speaker. Each speaker
subsequently took his/her turn at the podium
delivering a powerful speech on his/her selected
topic. The theme for the 2004 Oratorical Festival
was the Pentecostarion. Some of the topics
addressed in the Junior Division were: In Acts 6:
8-7:60, we read about the martyrdom of Saint
Stephen. While we may not be called to suffer
martyrdom, how can we imitate his life? and In the
icon of the Resurrection, Christ is portrayed as
pulling up Adam and Eve. Explain the meaning of
this portrayal. The Senior Division finalists
spoke on such topics as: Jesus replied to Thomas,
"Blessed are those who have seen and yet believe."
John 20:29. Explain what this means to you as an
Orthodox Christian. and "Christ is Risen from the
dead, by death He conquered death and bestowed
life to those in the tombs." Discuss the meaning
of the phrase, "by death, He conquered death."
The presentation of awards was made immediately
following an elegant luncheon at the St. George
Community Center. In the Senior Division, Mary
Royal, (Denver Metropolis, Holy Trinity Cathedral,
Salt Lake City, UT) was awarded first place and a
$2,000 college scholarship, second place and a
$1,500 college scholarship went to Lia Eliades
(San Francisco Metropolis, Nativity of Christ
Church, Novato, CA) and Daphne Pagonis (Atlanta
Metropolis, Annunciation Church, Pensacola, FL)
received third place recognition and a $1,000
college scholarship. Receiving Honorable Mention
accolades and $500 US Savings Bonds were Andrew
Pastrikos (Archdiocesan District, Kimisis tis
Theotokou Church, Poughkeepsie, NY), Vanessa
Theoharis, (Boston Metropolis, St. Demetrios
Church, Weston, MA), Angela Koulouris (Chicago
Metropolis, St. Demetrios Church, Chicago, IL),
Theresa Mellas (Detroit Metropolis, Annunciation
Church, Buffalo, NY), Larissa Newman (New Jersey
Metropolis, SS Peter & Paul Church, Frederick,
MD), Peter Dikos (Pittsburgh Metropolis, Holy
Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, PA).
In the Junior Division, Amanda Efthimiou,
(Archdiocesan District, St. Paul Cathedral,
Hempstead, NY) was awarded first place and a
$2,000 college scholarship, second place and a
$1,500 college scholarship went to George Platis
(San Francisco Metropolis, St. Spyridon Church,
San Diego, CA), and Maria Mavroudis (Pittsburgh
Metropolis, Archangel Michael Church, Campbell,
OH) earned third place honors and a $1,000 college
scholarship. Receiving Honorable Mention and $500
US Savings Bonds were Sophia Kazakos, (Atlanta
Metropolis, Annunciation Church, Winston-Salem,
NC), Rhiana Litchfield, (Boston Metropolis, St.
Demetrios Church, Weston, MA), Katherine Damisch,
(Chicago Metropolis, SS Peter & Paul Church,
Glenview, IL), Dallas Holbeck, (Denver Metropolis,
Prophet Elias Church, Holladay, UT), Philip
Tangalos (Detroit Metropolis, St. John Church,
Sterling Heights, MI), and Niko Moustakis (New
Jersey Metropolis, St. George Church, Clifton,
NJ).
All participants received a plaque honoring their
achievements and a certificate personally signed
by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. The
Metropolis of Detroit also presented Fr. Frank
Marangos with a donation of $5,200 for the
Oratorical Festival Scholarship Foundation.
The excitement and enthusiasm of the day continued
well into the evening. The next event planned by
the host committee was a delightful Detroit River
boat cruise. Following the cruise, a gathering was
held in the spacious pavilion on the picnic
grounds of the St. George Church where all enjoyed
a delicious barbeque. Joining hands in Greek dance
ended an exciting and outstanding day.
On Sunday morning, the finalists and their
families attended a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at
the Church of St. George and listened to an
inspiring homily given by His Eminence
Metropolitan Nicholas. Before departing for home,
everyone was once again treated to a delicious
farewell luncheon, where final goodbyes were
exchanged. The host committee was recognized for
their tireless efforts in helping to make the
Oratorical Festival weekend a most cherished
memory.
Since it's never too early to begin thinking about
the next Oratorical Festival, the 2005 Topics will
be posted by the Department of Religious Education
on its website by September. Be sure to check them
out at:
www.religioused.goarch.org.
Contact: Rev. Dr.
Frank Marangos
Tel: (617) 850-1218; Fax: (617) 850-1489
E-mail:
frfrank@goarch.org
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