ΙΕΡΑ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ

His Eminence Metropolitan EVANGELOS of New Jersey convened and presided over the highly successful 2006 Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, held, at “The Venetian” in Garfield, NJ, on May 7-9, 2006. The event was well attended by delegates from Parishes and Philoptochos Chapters from throughout the Metropolis of New Jersey. This year’s Clergy Laity Assembly Theme was “For we are fellow workers for God; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

Following the Great Vespers Sunday evening held at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tenafly, NJ the Delegates enjoyed a DVD presentation on the recent Patriarchal visit of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Epiphany City, Tarpon Springs, FL, this past January.

The proceedings of the 2006 Clergy Laity officially opened Monday morning with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the moving and inspirational Archpastoral Exhortation offered by His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey to the Delegates and the Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. His Eminence outlined his vision and goals for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, focusing on this year’s Clergy Laity Assembly Theme of service to the Metropolis and local Parish Community. This same theme was further explored during the very productive Philoptochos Convention held in conjunction with the Clergy Laity.

His Eminence spoke at length regarding the sanctity of offering one’s Diakonia to the Church saying, “As we offer our service to God and genuinely become servants of God, we become mystically united one to another, for we all share a common purpose, which is divine, for we are working together to build our Master’s House, God’s Building, God’s Church. As such, our unity and our vision must be shared and embraced completely, for as our Patron Saint, St. John Chrysostom, reminds us, ‘The building does not belong to the workman but to the master. If you are a building, you must not be split in two, since then the building will collapse. If you are a farm, you must not be divided but rather surrounded with a single fence, the fence of unanimity.’” (Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 8.6)

Furthermore, Metropolitan Evangelos, visibly buoyed by the enthusiastic atmosphere, noted some of the accomplishments that had been realized during this past year, including the ever-developing and popular GOMNJ Web Page, the formation of yet another new Parish in Williamsburg, VA, and the recent well-attended concerts of the newly formed GOMNJ Byzantine Choir. His Eminence concluded by expressing his gratitude to his dedicated Staff, Metropolis Council, Philoptochos, and all Delegates present, and all Orthodox Christians who continue to support the ministries and vision of His Eminence with much faith and determination.

The Assembly was chaired by Vice President of the Metropolitan Council, Dr. George Kaludis of Bethesda, MD and several reports of interest were presented some of which included Administration, Stewardship and Total Commitment, Youth, GOMNJ Finances and the GOA finance report by Mr. Jerry Demetriou, Executive Director of Administration of our Archdiocese. Furthermore, Workshops were held throughout the duration of the Clergy Laity on the following subjects: Religious Education, Parish Development, Stewardship, Youth, Greek Education, Parish Administration, Parish Finances and Liturgical Music. The results and constructive suggestions that arose from the workshop discussions will be presented to His Eminence for further study and subsequent implementation where appropriate for the continued improvement of the Metropolis ministries.

A special presentation was offered by Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Archon Commander of the Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Dr. Limberakis gave a stirring and poignant factual presentation on the crisis facing our Mother Church as the Government of Turkey continues to interfere and suppress the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Delegates boldly responded by unanimously passing a resolution condemning the actions of the Turkish Government while simultaneously reinforcing their support and alliance to His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The highlight of this year’s Clergy Laity was undoubtedly the Grand Banquet, attended by more than four hundred persons and which also included the 1^st Annual Awards Ceremony honoring the unsung heroes and volunteers of the Communities and the Metropolis. It was truly a most memorable evening as those present were honored by His Eminence, who presented each Honoree an icon of St. John Chrysostom, Patron Saint of the Holy Metropolis of NJ, thanking them for their labor of love and devotion in nobly serving Christ’s Church. The majestic evening’s atmosphere was further electrified with the rousing Greek Folk dances performed by our young Greek Orthodox Christians of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ, the beautiful sounds of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians and a beautiful video presentation highlighting Metropolis events during this past year.

The tone of the Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Convention was exceptionally upbeat this year as evidenced by the visible smiles and outbursts of laughter among the Delegates. It was a most enjoyable yet productive three days spent, with the common thread among all present being their genuine desire to serve Christ our God and His vineyard, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and their local Parish Communities. Indeed, Delegates returned to their local Parishes from the 2006 Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention with renewed spiritual vigor and commitment to the Church and her vital ministries and outreach.

© 2008 Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. Terms of Use.