New York, NY – In the continuing effort of the Archdiocese to nurture her faithful and to increase her activity in the vital areas of love, care, charity, and philanthropy, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios announced the appointment of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Andonios Paropoulos as Director of the newly established Department of Philanthropy. The establishment of this new Department was discussed at the March meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and Father Andonios assumed his new duties on June 1, 2001. In addition to this new responsibility, Father Andonios will remain on as Director of St. Michael’s Home which is the Greek Orthodox adult home for the elderly under the aegis of the Archdiocese of America.

The objectives and tasks of the new Department, which is located within the Archdiocesan center in New York, will be multiple. First will be the task of encouraging and guiding the members of the Church in intensifying their philanthropic activity. As Archbishop Demetrios stated, “We are going to follow the apostolic directive to strive so that ‘our love may abound more and more with deep knowledge and all discernment’ (Philippians 1:9), so that we all become the carriers of a limitless love.”

Second will be the task of working closely with the ladies of the National Philoptochos Society in carrying out the work of their organization. In acknowledging the role of the Philoptochos, Father Andonios cited the enduring and impressive work which the ladies have accomplished over the past 75 years. He applauded their efforts in doing the philanthropic work of the Church, and added that philanthropy is the duty not only of the women but of all members of the Faith, men and women, young and old.

Third, the Department of Philanthropy will closely follow developments on the Federal and in all pertinent governmental levels, such as state and city, concerning faith-based funding of charitable programs, to see if and how the Archdiocese can conduct and/or participate in governmentally funded programs.

Fourth, the new philanthropic office will also strive to heighten sensitivity within parishes, Church-affiliated organizations, and the faithful of the Archdiocese so that they will be aware of people with special needs and will reach out and embrace them. Christ constantly offered works of charity and love and embraced those who for whatever reasons were either outside the community or had special needs (Luke 17:11-19, John 5:1-15, Luke 9:10-17). During the months ahead, this new Department of the Archdiocese will be conducting a survey of all the parishes of the Archdiocese to ascertain the number and variety of active philanthropic ministries.

In the aftermath of September 11th, the Department of Philanthropy acquires an additional, tremendous significance and has an awesomely enhanced mission. “We are sure,” said Archbishop Demetrios, “that Father Andonios, with the help of God and his excellent qualifications of dedication, faith, zeal, and administrative expertise, will lead the new Department in achievements reflective of God’s mercy and infinite love.”