Initially Barred, then Allowed to Participate

Published by The National Herald

NEW YORK – "An opportunity for direct contact with the Omogeneia" is how His Beatitude Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens referred to his recent visit to the United States in order to attend the funeral and burial services for the late Archbishop Iakovos, formerly of North & South America.

Archbishop Christodoulos presided over the service of Akathist Hymn on Friday evening, April 15 at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, commemorating the Theotokos’ role in humanity’s salvation. Participating in the service were also Archbishop Demetrios of America and Rev. Dr. Robert Stephanopoulos, Dean of the Cathedral. The second stage of the hymn was recited by Athens Archdiocese Chancellor Archimandrite Thomas Synodinos, who escorted Archbishop Christodoulos on his stateside visit.

Archbishop Christodoulos, who presides over the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, was not permitted to participate liturgically during Iakovos’ funeral and burial on April 14 and 15, respectively, but he expressed satisfaction and joy at presiding over the Akathist Hymn, which is performed in its the entirety each year on the fifth Friday of Great Lent.

At the beginning of the Akathist Hymn, Christodoulos noted the "sad duty" of honoring Archbishop Iakovos, whom he called a "father" to the Greek American community and a "national personality." He then proceeded to center his sermon on the Virgin Mary, saying, "We Greeks love Panagia because we feel that we belong to her, and that she belongs to us. She is our Spiritual Mother, to whom we confess our troubles."

Archbishop Christodoulos added that the service of the Akathist Hymn presents three major themes to Orthodox Christian faithful.

"First of all, the people believe in Panagia and consequently fill our Churches; that is a encouraging sign. If people didn’t believe in God, they would be capable of committing all evils. A man’s conscience is his faith in God. Man fears God and therefore respects his fellow man. Man has not abandoned God, Who has His chosen ones everywhere," he said.

Secondly, he explained, the Akathist Hymn demonstrates the fact that "people have problems, and that is why they go to Church. Life is an adventure and there are all kinds of problems and everyday struggles. Modern cities are crowded with people who are, unfortunately, strangers to each other. That is why man finds shelter under God (to escape isolation and alienation)."

Third, he added, there is a tremendous need among the faithful for God’s help, and for the Theotokos’ intercession on humanity’s behalf: "Where we can not intervene, God does. Our problems are answered by the Panagia," he said, concluding his remarks with a wish for all Orthodox Christians to be "unbeaten by evil and sin during this upcoming Pascha, through the hope they draw from their faith."

Archbishop Christodoulos, who himself recited and chanted the fourth and final stage of the Akathist Hymn, was introduced at the service by Archbishop Demetrios.

The decision to finally allow Christodoulos to participate liturgically met with satisfaction among the faithful, a number of whom were confused and complained vigorously about the fact that he was not permitted to do so during Archbishop Iakovos’ funeral the day before.

"He is a wonderful minister and a wonderful Greek," Artemis Trispagonas, a member of the Cathedral’s congregation, told the National Herald after the service. "I was very moved tonight. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He is the best," she added.

"He is a good Archbishop, and I enjoyed his sermon. I wish he had visited the United States under more joyous circumstances," said Takis Tsevros, another member of the congregation.

Christodoulos proved to be a draw for some to attend the Akathist Hymn. His unexpected participation was not well publicized, however, and the Cathedral was only modestly full that evening.

I loved the hymns and prayers he chanted tonight," said Nicholas Adamis, who attended the service with his family. "We were here mostly in order to see Christodoulos. He is the sole powerful leader in our Church today. We love him and want to see him again."

Attorney Christ Stratakis said the Archbishop of Athens is a "giant of Orthodoxy and a charismatic orator. I hope we will get to see him more in the future."

New York realtor Efstathios Valiotis said, "He is lovable and full of kindness. His eulogy for Archbishop Iakovos was absolutely splendid. The Omogeneia adores Archbishop Christodoulos, but his arrival here was suppressed. Otherwise, we would have had a pilgrimage (in his honor)."



Volume 7 Number 17 - Tuesday, April 26th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY