The Archdiocesan Clergy Lay Congregation and the Archdiocesan Pyroptochos Congregation were held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Holy Resurrection Church in Brookville, New York. Archbishop Elpidophoros of the United States greeted all 300 clergy-laity delegates and representatives of the Women's Philoptochos Association, representing dioceses in the continental United States. In his address, the Archbishop said: “The truth of the resurrection is the truth of our existence. There are many different events taking place in our parishes, and we must all set aside time for prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. We will all travel this Lenten path together and all the service and good works of our community will rejoice in the resurrection! , may you be an example of Christ to all people!”
The Archdiocesan Provincial Father Elias Willis welcomed all the delegates and guests and thanked the organizers, Holy Resurrection Parish, Father Prostamenos. We would like to thank Panteleimon Papadopoulos and the lay leaders for their gracious hospitality. Father Elias also welcomed Bishop-elect Nektarios Papazafilopoulos and congratulated him on his recent election as Bishop of Diocleia.
Father Elias gave special recognition to Corona Church of the Holy Transfiguration, which recently launched a new Spanish-speaking Orthodox mission aimed at providing support to the local Hispanic community. He expressed his gratitude to various missionary leaders and representatives in the district.
Bishop Andonios of Fasian presented a report and update on St. Michael's Home currently under construction in Uniondale, New York, drawing special attention to recent construction progress. The Board of Directors invited the faithful of our district to visit the site, see recent construction accomplishments, and provide continued financial support to this remarkable and important project and service.
The guest speaker at the plenary session was psychologist Dr. Nicholas Caldalas, LCSW-R, who spoke about practical and spiritual approaches to counteracting the negative effects of social media. Dr. Caldaras highlighted the rapidly changing use of technology, devices, and social media and our understanding of how these devices impact young people and teens. As clergy, lay leaders, and parents, we have a responsibility to care for our youth and address issues of addiction, depression, and other negative effects of “screen time.” His Holiness also pointed out that all tools can be used in dangerous ways, but as clergy, lay leaders, and parents, we have ways to address these issues while arousing the emotions of young people and leading them to Christ. I reminded attendees that they can be found.
The General Assembly welcomed Dr. Bruce Beck, director of admissions and new testaments at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary, and celebrated the recent appointment of Dr. Demetrios Katos, a native of Astoria, New York, as its new president. Dr. Beck highlighted the increased enrollment of new students and the academic options for the Faith Semester. He also talked about the many new opportunities for continuing education and online learning.
New elements of the lay ministry included breakout sessions and presentations. Clergy and lay leaders gave presentations and led discussions on youth and adult ministry, marriage ministry journeys, and religious education. All of these presentations were made with an emphasis on the need to continue moving all ministries forward to meet the needs of the faithful.
An update on the archdiocese's clerical syndesmos was also provided. Presbyterian Sisters. Religious Education; Greek Education; Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Youth Safety; Fellowship of St. Anastasia. Byzantine School of Music; Speech Festival and Choral Federation.
The archdiocese's 2025 operating budget was also submitted and passed unanimously. The meeting ended with thanksgiving and prayer by the priest. Elias Willis, I wish you all a blessed Holy Week and Pasha.
Photo: GOARCH/D. Panagos
