NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regularly scheduled fall meetings Oct. 17-18, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel.
On Oct. 17, twelve ministry Committees of the Council deliberated separately on the work and progress of their ministry and compiled their reports and proposals to the full body.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided at the Archdiocesan Council meeting, with the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, which had just concluded its meetings, in attendance.
Following the opening prayer service, Archbishop Demetrios presented a general report to the Council. His Eminence said the work of the Archdiocesan Council is the work of those serving the community and the Church as it is outlined in the third chapter of the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, and said that we are all building on the foundation laid by Jesus Christ and we should therefore choose carefully the materials we use as ‘they will be tested by fire’ and the work of each one will be measured and rewarded accordingly. The Archbishop also said that because the work of the Archdiocesan Council is so important in that sense, we should be building ‘with gold, silver and precious stones,’ as St. Paul suggests, and not with perishable materials.
Mr. Michael Jaharis, the Vice-Chairman of the Council in his remarks, outlined the need for deepening of the cooperation and efficiency at all levels and in all the inner working of the Archdiocese and expressed his enthusiasm for the rebuilding process of the St. Nicholas Church in the World Trade Center.
The reports presented included: Communications, Religious Education, Finance, Strategic Planning and Stewardship Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Ionian Village, Technology, Administration, Greek Education, Family Ministry, Clergy and Family and Outreach and Evangelism. The Metropolitan of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the other members of the Council, presented their comments and questions following each report. The Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations also presented a report. A special report on the progress and planning for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center was also presented to the members by Archbishop Demetrios and Jerry Dimitriou, Executive Director of Administration.
