REMARKS

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Meeting and Lunch with the Metropolis of Detroit Staff

Troy, Michigan

April 11, 2022

Your Eminence and much beloved brother in Christ, Metropolitan Nicholas,

Dear and esteemed staff members of the Holy Metropolis of Detroit,

It is a real joy for me to tour the Metropolis Headquarters today and to break bread with you as a community. Of particular pleasure is the opportunity to honor a special member of this Metropolis of Detroit staff, the deeply beloved Κυρία Ἄννα.

Κυρία Ἄννα has served the Metropolis for five decades – giving her love and support to all who minister to the flock of Christ. She has been your Martha and your Mary. And I must say, that she serves up the most delicious food, which is in fact famous throughout the Archdiocese. She has been a positive, loving presence at the Metropolis through all the years of change, while serving two Ruling Hierarchs, all the clergy, the staff, and the members and guests of the Metropolis. It truly is a remarkable record of dedication and devotion that is worthy of recognition and abiding gratitude.

 Κυρία Ἄννα, our thanks to you cannot be exhausted. You have made the ministries of this Metropolis indescribably more beneficial than they would ever have been without you. Πολλὰ τὰ Ἕτη σου!

And as for all of you, who serve the faithful of the Metropolis – you have my abiding gratitude. For the work of the institutional Church can often seem tedious and be unappreciated by those we strive to serve. But this work is vital to providing the opportunities for personal and communal transformation that is the essence of our spiritual labors.

We have not been placed by God’s grace in our positions of responsibility in order to merely maintain an institution. Rather, we are here – sometimes even doing the simplest of tasks – to serve our fellow Christians.

Think of the administrative structure of the Metropolis as the skeleton upon which the Body of Believers depends to hold the vital functions of the Church in place. There are over two hundred bones in the human body, but only one heart and only two lungs. But the heart and lungs and the entire functioning of the body would be impossible without the skeletal frame.

As Saint Paul says:

For just as in our individual bodies we have many limbs – and all the limbs do not have the same function, so also are we, who are many persons, One Body in Christ, and each one member of each other. And our diverse spiritual gifts are owing to the grace that is bestowed on us, whether it is prophecy – in proportion to faith, or administration – by our service, or teaching – by our instruction, or encouragement – by our acts of consoling, sharing – by our generosity, leadership – by the effort we make and the pains we take, mercy – by our cheerfulness.[*]

Isn’t it wonderful how the Apostle Paul includes “administration” among the diverse spiritual gifts that God has bestowed in the Church through divine grace?

Therefore, my dear co-workers in Christ, stay strong in the Lord Who grants to us the great mercy and privilege to minister to His Body – His Holy Church – as both Marthas and Marys.

And may we always be found worthy – just like our beloved Κυρία Ἄννα – to serve nobly, ably and, above all, lovingly all the years of our ministry.

Amen.

Registration Open for St. Nicholas Summer Camp 2022

Camper Registration is open for the Metropolis of Detroit's St. Nicholas Summer Camp 2022! Early Bird Discount is valid until April 30th. We are also accepting Staff Applications. Visit our official website for more information here: https://stnicholascamp.org/

Session 2 of WebinarTransformative Christianity Out March 2

On March 2nd, Fr. Anthony Cook will explore the topic of gluttony in "Fetch Me My Meal," the second session of the Metropolis of Detroit's webinar series Transformative Christianity.

Transformative Christianity is a 10-art webinar series exploring what Orthodoxy can offer us and the world. Save the date for session 2! See the flyer or visit www.discoverorthodoxy.org for more information.

Registration Open for Upstate NY Youth Lenten Retreat

Registration Open for 2022 Michigan Area GOYA Lenten Retreat

Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit Celebrates Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and area priests gathered at Holy Cross in Farmington Hills, Michigan to celebrate with the faithful.

Metropolitan Nicholas Ordains Father Nicholas Lionas

Father Nicholas Lionas was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, July 17, 2021 by His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit. He and his wife, Presbytera Amanda and their children Scotty and Eleni are looking forward to serving the community of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan starting August 15th, 2021. 

Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp Finishes Week Zero

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp (MDSC) has concluded its teen week, called Week Zero! Now, they start their first regular camp program week. Visit this site for pictures from the program!

To honor the bicentennial of Greek Independence, Mayor Ethan Baker of Troy, Michigan, with its name tied to an ancient city with Hellenic roots, presented His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, Fr. Paul Patitsas, and Fr. Michael Manos of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, Michigan with a declaration in commemoration and acknowledgment of this important event that impacts the entire world to this day. We thank Craig Theros for his work in honoring this day.

Ypsilanti, Michigan Commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution

Yesterday, March 21, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, together with Fr. Nick Kotsis and the Greek community surrounding the town of Ypsilanti, Michigan commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The town is proudly named after Greek revolutionary, Demetrios Ypsilantis.

Metropolis of Detroit Virtual Summer Camp Reunion 

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit summer camps continue to create virtual ministry opportunities for their campers and staff to connect in faith and fellowship, despite the closure of camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The St. Nicholas Summer Camp (SNC), one of three summer camp programs in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, recently hosted a Virtual Reunion – assembling current and past campers and staff to celebrate 20 years of the program. The SNC Virtual Reunion began with a touching photo slide show, followed by a beautiful reflection from His Eminence Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Detroit, and then breakout group discussions in cabin (age) groups. Eva Konstantakos, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Metropolis of Detroit and Camp Director of SNC, shares the motivation for offering a Virtual Reunion this summer. “There is no doubt that our youth and staff are all deeply affected and pained that they cannot be together at our Orthodox Christian camps this summer. Therefore, it is imperative that we create ways for them to reconnect with one another and to Christ through the technology that is available. It is truly beautiful to see 20 years of campers and staff coming together to celebrate their camp family – a family connected in and through Christ. It is yet another testament to the long-lasting impact that our Orthodox Christian summer camps have on the lives of all who experience them.”

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp 2020

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit summer camps are taking advantage of technology, reaching out to campers to raise their spirits and to bring camp into their homes, despite the closure of camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MDSC (Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp), one of three summer camp programs in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, assembled its core program staff to assemble a touching video for all of its campers - expressing what summer camp means to each of them. They are also hosting weekly evening prayer gatherings on Mondays to promote faith and fellowship during this time.

Eva Konstantakos, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Metropolis of Detroit, shares the motivation behind this video. “Orthodox Christian summer camps, in our Metropolis and throughout the Archdiocese, are undeniably transformative ministries in the lives of the campers and the staff. The staff of MDSC is showing great strength and resilience by moving forward and offering hope through this video. It is a testament that our camp programs will still serve the people, just in a different and unique way.”

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The 100th anniversary celebration of Holy Trinity Cathedral, “Honor the Past – Embrace the Future,” culminated June 26-28 in a series of weekend events that began with a family picnic and reunion on Friday evening, June 26.

On Saturday, June 27, the parish welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit who celebrated a Vespers service with Fr. Larry Legakis, Holy Trinity’s proistamenos, and the Very Rev. Fr. Chris W. Hadgigeorge (retired) pastor emeritus.

Other clergy from the Metropolis of Detroit assisting with vespers were Frs. Nicolaos Kotsis of St. Nicholas, Ann Arbor, Mich., Teodor Petrutiu of Sts. Constantine & Helen, Westland, Mich., and Anthony Cook of St. George, Southgate, Mich., Hieromonk Fr. Seraphim Dedes of St. Nektarios, Charlotte N.C., a Toledo-Holy Trinity son, along with Dr. Tom Papademetriou of Boston.

They led the psaltai and congregation in responses.

Torrential rains and 40 mph wind gusts failed to dampen the spirit and well-wishes of the 400 parishioners and guests attending and, afterward, “grazing” at a dinner reception in the community center donated by 19 restauranteurs and parishioners.

A Memory Room outfitted with parishioners’ vintage family photographs and narratives, along with parish archival documents was a featured attraction. Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson presented the parish with a proclamation from the city and offered Archbishop Demetrios a key to the City of Toledo.

A Centennial History In Music was presented by Jo-Anne Chrysochoos and Evangelia Leontis with a historical narration by Chris Zervos.

National Philoptochos Board member, Anita Kartolopoulos recognized 20 Philoptochos members with 50 years of service.

Metropolitan Nicholas presented the parish with the historical documents that elevated the parish to a cathedral in 1987 largely through the efforts of then–parish council President Don E. Stathulis.

Archbishop Demetrios spoke on the uniqueness of the evening’s events and the relativity of time in our lives. Tony Geftos, local ABC anchor, was master of ceremonies.

Each guest was given a symbolic mortgage note collected in trays and burned by the Archbishop, with assistance from parish council President George Sares and Treasurer Dennis Lawrence.

Archbishop Demetrios, assisted by Metropolitan Nicholas and the parish’s clergy, celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 28. A 22-voice choir sang the Zervos I bilingual liturgical choral setting.

Archbishop Demetrios conferred the title of Economos on Fr. Larry Legakis, cathedral dean, to a resounding “Axios!” before joining parish youth at a post liturgy breakfast.

The weekend’s events were chaired by Kathy and Bryan Chaka and Karen and Michael George, capping off a year-long celebration begun in July, 2014.

The City of Toledo is at the mouth of the Maumee River at the western end of Lake Erie. Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio lies at the northern threshold to the city’s central business district in the Vistula Historic District.

The parish, formed in 1914 and formally incorporated by the State of Ohio in 1915, has met the spiritual and communal needs of Orthodox Christians in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

The parish ministers to approximately 350 families.

Fr. Larry Legakis, was assisted by Fr. Chris W. Hadgigeorge (retired) and a parish council of 12. The parish’s archons are Paul G. Sieben and Jerry Bernacki.

The parish is a “full service” parish with a Church School, Greek language program, choir and psaltai. Youth programs include HOPE and JOY, GOYA and Summer of the Arts.

A flourishing Greek folk dance program, Hellenic Dance Company, attracts children and young adults in four age groups (5 yrs to 26 yrs.) which perform at parish and civic events across the Midwest.

The parish is further supported by an active Philoptochos which meets all of its national outreach ministries and supports diocesan and local ministries as well.

A seniors’ group, known as Young-At-Heart, ministers to parishioners who are 55+. Fraternal organizations, such as AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope and Maids of Athena remain active and vital. The parish interacts with other Orthodox jurisdictions in the Inter-Orthodox Council of Greater Toledo, mostly during Great Lent and at feastdays.

The parish is involved with the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and has hosted four of its conventions.

Holy Trinity Cathedral began hosting an out-door festival in 1971 which has been voted by Toledoans as the “best” ethnic festival based on its food and friendly service.

Annually, the Greek festival occurs the weekend after Labor Day, and requires the work of 500 volunteers to execute.

(Also see parish profile, November 2009 Orthodox Observer archives online, page 15).

DETROIT – The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches of Metropolitan Detroit (COCC) will sponsor its annual “Spring Celebration” dinner dance to benefit retired Orthodox priests and priests’ widows on Sunday, April 26 at the banquet hall of St. Michael the Archangel Church, 26375 W. Chicago Road, Redford, Mich.

The event will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6 p.m.

Tickets including dinner and refreshments are $40 per person, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. Each COCC member parish is eligible to receive two complimentary tickets for its clergy.

To order tickets or obtain further information, contact Mihaela Charlier at (313) 595-7640 or [email protected], or Richard Shebib at (248) 345-9346 or [email protected].

The COCC is a 57-year-old clergy and lay association that represents various canonical Orthodox churches in metro Detroit. Its mission is to promote Orthodox Christianity throughout the area through worship, fellowship, and charitable, educational and outreach programs. For more information, visit www.coccdetroit.com/.

TROY, Mich. – The Foundation for Modern Greek Studies of Michigan is very proud of its on-going collaboration with the C.P. Cavafy Chair and the Modern Greek Program at the University of Michigan (one of the best 16 universities in the world according to the London Times). Every year this close collaboration bears fruit in many important areas - teaching of new courses, scholarships for students, open and free cultural events, an outreach program, an ever-expanding web site, and the certification of Greek language proficiency. In 1999, the University of Michigan received accreditation from the Ministry of Education, European Union and the Center for the Greek Language as an examination center for administering the exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek.

The exams, established in 1994, are conducted in Greek by the Greek Language Center of the University of Thessaloniki.

They are sanctioned by the Greek Ministry of Education for Certification of Proficiency in Greek. Participants are examined in all four skills: writing, reading, speaking and listening. Successful candidates receive a Certificate of Attainment in Greek or Ellinomatheia Certificate. Students who obtain certification are recognized worldwide for their language qualifications, enabling them to study in universities in Greece and in Europe or for professional reasons.

The Greek Language and Culture Committee of the Metropolis of Detroit, established in 1999 by Metropolitan Nicholas, developed a curriculum (K-8) that unifies the course of instruction taught in the Metropolis afternoon Greek schools. Students successfully completing the six years of study and are age 12 or older are prepared by their teachers to take the A1–level exam. “We are proud of our Greek Teachers for the quality of education they are delivering and with many of our third generation students that prefer to learn Greek instead of another second language” said George Regains, chair for Greek Language and Culture Committee of the Metropolis.

This year, Certificates of Ellinomatheia were awarded to 22 students who passed the exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language at the University of Michigan last May.

Presentations were made at St. Nicholas Church Greek Cultural Center in Troy by Metropolitan Nicholas, Professors Vassilios Lambropoulos and Artemis Leontis of the University of Michigan and Metropolis Greek school teachers.

Following the presentation an outreach talk was given by Dr. Leontis on “Greek in America Now,” an illustrated lecture on the presence of Greek words, ideas, myths, styles, and things in American culture today. Dr. Leontis took us on a journey that captivated our enthusiasm and showed us why knowing Greek is an advantage in today’s world.

The 22 successful participants in this years’ examination were:

Matteo Stavros Papadopoulos, Lea Angelica Tsalis, Marina Gkovatsosm, Donald Mc Leod Isenhath, Evangelos Kostoulakis, Georgios Aristidis Thanasas, Maria Thanasas, Katerina Maria Bastounis, Mary Vasilia Costa, Alexander Georgios Demetriou, Alyssa Elaine Erickson, Simone Glavas, Elpida Alexandria Katakis, Gregory Kostakis, Christos Clement Levy, Theodora Zoe Liasi, John Nicholaos Petousis, Demitra Polyxeni Loucopoulos, Ria Garifalia Nickollau, Christina Theodoropoulos, Fotini Demetriou and Michael Demetriou.