Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Encyclopedia
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, headquartered in New York City, is an eparchy
of the Church of Constantinople. Its current primate is Archbishop Demetrios of America.
Episcopal Details include:
The Greek Orthodox Church in America sanctifies the faithful through divine worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments, building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons of the Ecumenical and local Councils, the canons of the Holy Apostles and the Fathers of the Church and of all other Councils recognized by the Orthodox Church.
The Archdiocese serves as a beacon, carrier, and witness of the message of Christ to all persons who live in the United States of America, through divine worship, preaching, teaching, and living of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
by a small colony of Greek merchants. History also records that on June 26, 1768, the first Greek colonists landed at St. Augustine, Florida
, the oldest city in America. . The first permanent community was founded in New York City in 1892, today’s Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the See of the Archbishop of America. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was incorporated in 1921 and officially recognized by the State of New York in 1922.
In 1908, the Church of Greece
received authority over the Greek Orthodox congregation of America but in 1922, Patriarch Meletius IV of Constantinople
transferred the archdiocese back to the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the one Archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, dividing the administration of the two continents into four parts (America, Canada, Central America, and South America) and leaving only the territory of the United States for the Archdiocese of America.
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Chicago
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Boston
His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Denver
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Atlanta
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Detroit and Locum Tenens of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
Hierarch of the Metropolis of San Francisco
His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey
Hierarch of the Metropolis of New Jersey
es (formerly diocese
s): New Jersey, Chicago
, Atlanta, Detroit, San Francisco
, Pittsburgh, Boston
and Denver. It is governed by the Archbishop and the Eparchial Synod of Metropolitans. The Synod is headed by the Archbishop (as the first among equals) and comprises the Metropolitans who oversee the ministry and operations of their respective metropolises. It has all the authority and responsibility which the Church canons provide for a provincial synod.
There are more than 500 parish
es, 800 priest
s and approximately 440,000 to 2 million faithful
in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, depending on the source of reports and the counting method being used. The number of parishes in the Greek Archdiocese rose by about 9% in the decade from 1990 to 2000, and membership growth has largely been in terms of existing members having children. Membership is concentrated in the Northeastern United States. The states with the highest rates of adherence are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York. However, there are also large numbers of members in Florida and California.
The Archdiocese receives within its ranks and under its spiritual aegis and pastoral care Orthodox Christians, who either as individuals or as organized groups in the Metropolises and Parishes have voluntarily come to it and which acknowledge the ecclesiastical and canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Archdiocese also includes 21 monastic
communities, 17 of which were founded by Elder Ephraim (former abbot of Philotheou Monastery (Athos)). The largest of these is St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery (Florence, Arizona).
Additionally, one seminary
is operated by the Greek Archdiocese, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, which educates not only Greek Archdiocese seminarians but also those from other jurisdiction
s, as well.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is also a member of SCOBA and its successor organization, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America
.
(this is the actual hierarchical seniority order and formal listing of the bishops)
As of 2006, the annual Stewardship Program materials of the Archdiocese are created and distributed through the Office of Parish Development.
Information about different institutions throughout the United States which are part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Eparchy
Eparchy is an anglicized Greek word , authentically Latinized as eparchia and loosely translating as 'rule over something,' like province, prefecture, or territory, to have the jurisdiction over, it has specific meanings both in politics, history and in the hierarchy of the Eastern Christian...
of the Church of Constantinople. Its current primate is Archbishop Demetrios of America.
About the Archdiocese
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with its headquarters located in the City of New York, is an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.The Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church today, numbering over 250 million worldwide, is a communion of self governing churches, each administratively independent of the other, but united by a common faith and spirituality. Their underlying unity is based on identity of doctrines, sacramental life and worship, which distinguishes Orthodox Christianity.Current Archbishop
The current Archbishop serving the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. He serves as:- Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America
- Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
- President of the Holy Eparchial Synod
- Convener and Chairman of the Episcopal Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs in North and Central America
- Chairman of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas
Episcopal Details include:
- Consecrated as Bishop September 17, 1967
- Elected as Archbishop of America August 19, 1999
- Enthroned as Archbishop of America September 18, 1999
Mission
The mission of the Archdiocese is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian Faith, to energize, cultivate, and guide the life of the Church in the United States of America according to the Orthodox Christian Faith and Tradition.The Greek Orthodox Church in America sanctifies the faithful through divine worship, especially the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments, building the spiritual and ethical life of the faithful in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, Sacred Tradition, the doctrines and canons of the Ecumenical and local Councils, the canons of the Holy Apostles and the Fathers of the Church and of all other Councils recognized by the Orthodox Church.
The Archdiocese serves as a beacon, carrier, and witness of the message of Christ to all persons who live in the United States of America, through divine worship, preaching, teaching, and living of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
History
Before the establishment of a Greek Archdiocese in the Western Hemisphere there were numerous communities of Greek Orthodox Christians. The first Greek Orthodox community in the Americas was founded in 1864, in New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
by a small colony of Greek merchants. History also records that on June 26, 1768, the first Greek colonists landed at St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a city in the northeast section of Florida and the county seat of St. Johns County, Florida, United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city and port in the continental United...
, the oldest city in America. . The first permanent community was founded in New York City in 1892, today’s Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the See of the Archbishop of America. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was incorporated in 1921 and officially recognized by the State of New York in 1922.
In 1908, the Church of Greece
Church of Greece
The Church of Greece , part of the wider Greek Orthodox Church, is one of the autocephalous churches which make up the communion of Orthodox Christianity...
received authority over the Greek Orthodox congregation of America but in 1922, Patriarch Meletius IV of Constantinople
Patriarch Meletius IV of Constantinople
Meletius IV was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1921 to 1923. He also served as Greek Patriarch of Alexandria under the episcopal name Meletius II from 1926 to 1935...
transferred the archdiocese back to the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople. In 1996, the one Archdiocese was split by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, dividing the administration of the two continents into four parts (America, Canada, Central America, and South America) and leaving only the territory of the United States for the Archdiocese of America.
President
His Eminence Archbishop DemetriosPrimate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Members
His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of ChicagoHierarch of the Metropolis of Chicago
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Boston
His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Denver
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Atlanta
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Hierarch of the Metropolis of Detroit and Locum Tenens of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
Hierarch of the Metropolis of San Francisco
His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey
Hierarch of the Metropolis of New Jersey
Organization
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is composed of an Archdiocesan District (New York City) and eight metropolisMetropolis
A metropolis is a very large city or urban area which is a significant economic, political and cultural center for a country or region, and an important hub for regional or international connections and communications...
es (formerly diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
s): New Jersey, Chicago
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is an ecclesiastical territory or metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Chicago region of the United States. It is part of the Archdiocese of America and is led by a metropolitan who serves as the priest of the mother church, Annunciation Cathedral...
, Atlanta, Detroit, San Francisco
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is an ecclesiastical territory or metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Pacific region of the United States, encompassing the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington...
, Pittsburgh, Boston
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is an ecclesiastical territory or metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in the New England region of the United States. It is led by a metropolitan bishop and is part of the Archdiocese of America which itself is under the control of the Ecumenical...
and Denver. It is governed by the Archbishop and the Eparchial Synod of Metropolitans. The Synod is headed by the Archbishop (as the first among equals) and comprises the Metropolitans who oversee the ministry and operations of their respective metropolises. It has all the authority and responsibility which the Church canons provide for a provincial synod.
There are more than 500 parish
Parish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
es, 800 priest
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
s and approximately 440,000 to 2 million faithful
Faithful
Faithful may refer to:* Faithfulness* Faithful , a baptised Catholic* Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season, a book about the Boston Red Sox...
in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, depending on the source of reports and the counting method being used. The number of parishes in the Greek Archdiocese rose by about 9% in the decade from 1990 to 2000, and membership growth has largely been in terms of existing members having children. Membership is concentrated in the Northeastern United States. The states with the highest rates of adherence are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York. However, there are also large numbers of members in Florida and California.
The Archdiocese receives within its ranks and under its spiritual aegis and pastoral care Orthodox Christians, who either as individuals or as organized groups in the Metropolises and Parishes have voluntarily come to it and which acknowledge the ecclesiastical and canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Archdiocese also includes 21 monastic
Monasticism
Monasticism is a religious way of life characterized by the practice of renouncing worldly pursuits to fully devote one's self to spiritual work...
communities, 17 of which were founded by Elder Ephraim (former abbot of Philotheou Monastery (Athos)). The largest of these is St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery (Florence, Arizona).
Additionally, one seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
is operated by the Greek Archdiocese, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, which educates not only Greek Archdiocese seminarians but also those from other jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility...
s, as well.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is also a member of SCOBA and its successor organization, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America
Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America is an Eastern Orthodox organization of church Hierarchs in North and Central America....
.
Parishes
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese comprises some 546 parishes and chapels across the United States of America.Diocesan bishops
- Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) of America
- Metropolitan Iakovos (Garmatis) of Chicago
- Metropolitan Methodios (Tournas) of Boston
- Metropolitan Isaiah (Chronopoulos) of Denver
- Metropolitan Alexios (Panagiotopoulos) of Atlanta
- Metropolitan Nicholas (Pissare) of Detroit
- Metropolitan Gerasimos (Michaleas) of San FranciscoGerasimos (Michaleas) of San FranciscoMetropolitan Gerasamos of San Francisco is the Metropolitan Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, a metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the spiritual authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople...
- Metropolitan Savas (Zembillas) of Pittsburgh (elected November 2, 2011; enthronement December 8, 2011)
- Metropolitan Evangelos (Kourounis) of New Jersey
(this is the actual hierarchical seniority order and formal listing of the bishops)
Auxiliary bishops
- Bishop Andonios (Paropoulos) of Phasiane - Chancellor of the Archdiocese of America (and by extension also of the Direct Archdiocesan District)
- Bishop Demetrios (Kantzavelos) of Mokissos - assigned to the Metropolis of Chicago
Retired Bishops
- Metropolitan Maximos (Aghiorgoussis) of Pittsburgh
- Bishop Iakovos (Pililis) of Catania
- Bishop John (Kallos) of Amorion
- Bishop Philotheos (Karamitsos) of Meloa - assigned to the Archdiocese
- Bishop Anthimos (Draconakis) of Olympos - assigned to the Metropolis of San Francisco
- Bishop Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthos - assigned to the Archdiocese
Former Archbishops of America
- Alexander (Demoglou), 1922–30
- Athenagoras (Spyrou)Patriarch Athenagoras I of ConstantinopleEcumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I , born Aristocles Spyrou was the 268th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1948 to 1972.-Life:...
, 1931–48 - Michael (Konstantinides), 1948–58
- Iakovos (Coucouzis), 1959–96
- Spyridon (Papageorge)Archbishop Spyridon of AmericaArchbishop Spyridon of America is a retired Greek Orthodox bishop of the Ecumenical Patriarchate who was the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America from July 1996 to August 1999...
, 1996–99
Deceased hierarchs
- Archbishop Athenagoras (Cavadas) of Thyateira and Great Britain (formerly of Boston)
- Archbishop Athenagoras (Kokkinakis) of Thyateira and Great Britain
- Metropolitan Anthony (Gergiannakis) of San Francisco
- Metropolitan Germanos (Polyzoides) of Hierapolis
- Metropolitan Joachim (Alexopoulos) of Demetrias (formerly of Boston)
- Metropolitan Philaretos (Johannides) of Syros (formerly of Chicago)
- Metropolitan Silas (Koskinas) of Saranta Ekklesia
- Bishop Aimilianos (Laloussis) of Harioupolis
- Bishop Eirinaios (Tsourounakis) of San Francisco
- Bishop George (Papaioannou) of New Jersey
- Bishop Gerasimos (Papadopoulos) of Abydos
- Bishop Germanos (Liamadis) of Constantia
- Bishop Germanos (Psallidakis) of Synadon
- Bishop Kallistos (Papageorgapoulos) of San Francisco
- Bishop Meletios (Diacandrew) of Aristeas
- Bishop Meletios (Tripodakis) of Christianopoulis
- Bishop Paul (deBallester) of Nazianzos
- Bishop Philip (Koufos) of Atlanta
- Bishop Theodosius (Sideris) of Ancona
- Bishop Timothy (Haloftis) of Detroit
Office of the Archbishop
The Office of the Archbishop responds to the demands associated with the overall duties of the Archbishop. Tasks include: scheduling of His Eminence's pastoral visitations, official and unofficial meetings with Clergy and Laity, public and official appearances, audiences, conferences and travels. In addition, this Office processes all forms of communication addressed to the Archbishop.Office of the Chancellor
The Office of the Chancellor is concerned with the well-being of the clergy, their ongoing assignments and reassignments, their continuing education, and the benefits provided to them by the Church.Office of Administration
The Office of Administration has a responsibility for the administrative, financial and developmental functions of the Archdiocese. This Office manages the human resources and operations of the Archdiocesan headquarters in New York. Additionally, the Office acts as the coordinator and liaison for the Clergy-Laity Congress, the Archdiocesan Council and the various Archdiocesan Institutions.Archdiocesan Council
The Archdiocesan Council is the advisory and consultative body to the Archbishop. It interprets and implements the decision of the Clergy-Laity Congress and the Regulations of the Archdiocese, administers the temporal and financial affairs of the Archdiocese, and possesses interim legislative authority between Clergy-Laity Congresses.Archives
Since the establishment of the first Greek Orthodox Church in 1864, the evolution of the Greek-American community has been a primary concern of the leadership of the Church. This department works to maintain the historical documents of the Greek Orthodox Church and of Hellenism in the Americas.Benefits Committee
The Archdiocese Benefits Committee is the legal body of the Church in America to address the temporal needs of our clergy and lay employees of the Archdiocese.Communications
The Department of Communications facilitates communication throughout the Church in America and communicates the scope of the ministry and activity of Archdiocese in the larger contexts of America and the world. The Department assists the Hierarchs, Clergy, Parishes, Departments, Organizations, Institutions, and Programs in receiving and communicating information.Education Office / Direct Archdiocesan District
The Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education serves the District's parochial day schools and the afternoon Greek language schools by providing professional training for all teachers (Greek and English curricula); appropriate materials for teaching Greek as a second language; and The Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek for the evaluation of student learning.Finance
The Department of Finance maintains the material well-being of the Archdiocese of America. It is responsible for the oversight of all financial matters of the Archdiocese.GOTelecom
The mission of GOTelecom is to serve the needs of the Church by producing and disseminating religious, cultural and educational mass media materials pertaining to Orthodox Christianity and Hellenic Culture.Greek Education
The purpose of the Greek Education and Culture program of the Archdiocese is to instill in youth the spiritual, moral and cultural values of Greek Orthodox heritage.Information Technology
The IT Department sets the overall strategic technology vision for the Archdiocese, technology standards, and all computer operations and systems at the Archdiocese. Overseeing and coordinating technology efforts in the various Archdiocesan departments, organizations, and institutions is also a focal point for the IT Department in order to improve the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of information shared and disseminated.Inter-Orthodox Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
The Ecumenical Office has as its main function the task of providing information, stimulating interest and coordinating ecumenical activities on the archdiocesan, metropolitan and parish levels. It adheres to the principle that Orthodoxy and Orthodox ecumenism must always speak the truth, never compromising the integrity and purity of Orthodox teachings, but always respecting the sincerity of the religious convictions and spiritual sensitivities of others.Internet Ministries
The Department of Internet Ministries is responsible for identifying, leveraging, and developing technologies appropriate for Orthodox Christian digital ministry. In this capacity, the Department is charged with the development and expansion of the Archdiocese’s presence on the Internet and the World Wide Web. The Department is also responsible for creating and coordinating all digital applications and services provided by the Archdiocese; overseeing and managing all multimedia programs and their development; creating new programs and services through iPods, cell phones, and any other emerging technologies.Marriage and Family
This department has been established to deal with marriage and family—fundamental institutions of vital importance for the Church and Society. A significant part of the work of the department is the issue of inter-Christian marriages.Orthodox Observer
The Orthodox Observer is a monthly publication of the Archdiocese for the purpose of serving as a direct link between the leadership of the Church and each individual reader. It communicates the message of the Gospel and provides news of local, national and international interest about the Church.Outreach and Evangelism
The Department of Outreach & Evangelism has been established to reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians and to the unchurched, meet the needs of those inquiring about the Orthodox faith, and offer each community the tools for parish renewal and for the establishment of new parishes.Parish Development
In 2004, the Archdiocese created the Office of Parish Development as a resource for various aspects of parish development, including raising funds for expansion projects and renovations, stewardship, grant opportunities, endowments, and more. The Office of Parish Development aims to assist parishes to work according to an effective strategy that is rooted in sound fundraising principles.As of 2006, the annual Stewardship Program materials of the Archdiocese are created and distributed through the Office of Parish Development.
Philanthropy
The task of this department is to develop further and to coordinate the philanthropic work of the Archdiocese. Working closely with various community organizations, most especially the Ladies Philoptochos Society, this Department will coordinate on a national level the philanthropic work of the Church wherever the need may arise.Press Office, News and Media Relations
This office is responsible for the coordination of the English and Greek Press Offices, Radio and Television Office (GOTelecom) and Archdiocese involvement in matters of public and political affairs in the United States and relations with the White House, Congress, academic leaders, local and state officials. Further the department is responsible for the implementation of programming for public events involving the Archdiocese, and the Clergy-Laity Congresses.Public Affairs
The Department of Public Affairs assists the Office of the Archbishop in coordinating the Archdiocese involvement in matters of public and political affairs in the United States, the White House, Congress, academic leaders and local and state officials. This office also implements programming for public events related to public affairs.Registry
This department keeps the vital records of the Greek Orthodox Faithful, including marriages, divorces, baptisms, and funerals. It compiles annual vital statistics in cooperation with diocesan registrars, and maintains the canonical files.Religious Education
This department serves the parishes and metropolises by providing materials and services that will advance their programs of religious education. The department also serves individuals, organizations, military bases, ecumenical groups, and overseas parishes with catechetical resources.Stewardship Program
The Stewardship Program is a ministry resource to help guide parish stewardship campaigns. Materials are created around a central theme, which changes annually, and include posters, brochures, sample communication documents, month to month operation guidelines, and other resources for priests and lay leadership. The stewardship materials are mailed to all parishes in the fall of each year and are also available online at goarch.org. The Office of Parish Development, which oversees the Stewardship Program, is also available to provide additional assistance to parishes regarding their individual stewardship programs.Youth and Young Adult Ministries
The mission of the department is to minister to youth workers, young people and their families, enabling them to fully experience the Orthodox Faith; to assist the local parish and metropolis in creating and sustaining youth and young adult ministries; and to create resources, which are disseminated throughout our Archdiocese.Archdiocesan Institutions
InstitutionsInformation about different institutions throughout the United States which are part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Archdiocesan Cathedral of Holy Trinity
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity provides regular divine worship, counseling, Christian education, human services and cultural programs for people in the New York City area.Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology
Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology together constitute a Greek Orthodox Christian institution of higher learning providing undergraduate and graduate education. Located on a 52-acre campus in Brookline, Massachusetts, Hellenic College and Holy Cross seek to educate leaders, priests, lay persons, men and women.Saint Basil Academy
Saint Basil Academy is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home away from home for children in need. Serving as a philanthropic center of the Church, the purpose of the Academy is to provide a loving Christian environment, where resident children are nurtured into adulthood. Although children are brought to the Academy for various reasons, the common thread of all the resident children is the inability of a parent of guardian to sufficiently care for them.St. Michael's Home
Saint Michael's Home is a New York State-Department of Social Services certified residential adult care facility of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The programs and services of St. Michael's Home are specifically designed for senior individuals who seek assisted living in a Greek Orthodox environment.St. Photios National Shrine
The St. Photios National Shrine is the only Greek Orthodox National Shrine in the country. It is primarily a religious institution and is located in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. The purpose of the Shrine is two-fold. First, it honors the memory of the first colony of Greeks in the New World and the succeeding generations of Greek immigrants (protopori). Secondly, it serves to preserve, enhance and promote the ethnic and cultural traditions of Greek heritage and the teachings of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Over 100,000 people visit the Shrine each year.Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC)
The Archdiocesan Presbyters Council seeks to support, enhance, and promote the brotherhood of our priests on all levels of their diakonia, spiritual growth, and personal needs. Established in 1970 as the National Presbyters Council with the expressed purpose of receiving counsel from and offering counsel to the Archbishop concerning priestly issues, the current APC continues to work closely with His Eminence and the Chancellor of the Archdiocese in addressing the concerns of clergy.Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle are laymen of the Archdiocese who have been honored for their outstanding service to the Church by having a Patriarchal title, or “offikion,” bestowed upon them by His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Those upon whom this title of the Byzantine Church has been conferred are known as “Archons of the Great Church of Christ,” and the titles are personally conferred by the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Americas, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios.Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy & Hellenism
This is a separate endowment fund that exists for the purpose of assisting the National Ministries and institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Contributions to the Endowment remain permanently restricted and inviolate in accordance with the purpose of the Endowment fund. Financial support for the Archdiocese Ministries and Institutions comes from the growth of the Endowment's investments.Hellenic Cultural Center
The Hellenic Cultural Center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was established in 1986 with the goal of cultivating the rich Orthodox heritage and the Hellenic customs, culture and traditions within the Greek-American community.Leadership 100
Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund Incorporated is a separate endowment fund corporation that exists for the purpose of seeding and nurturing the ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese that advance Orthodoxy and Hellenism. Members commit $100,000, which is paid over a period of 10 years or less. The contributions to the Fund remain permanently restricted and inviolate. Only assets in excess of that amount are used for the distribution of grants in accordance with the purpose of the Fund.National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians is the Archdiocesan ministry responsible for liturgical music activities and the development, support, and recognition of church musicians. Chartered in 1976 as an auxiliary of the Archdiocese, the National Forum serves as the liaison among local church musicians, metropolitan church music federations, and the Archdiocese. It also serves as the gathering place for church musicians to discuss issues related to liturgical music and to formulate needed responses.National Sisterhood of Presvyteres (NSP)
The National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, formally established in 1982, consists of all Presvyteres of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The purpose of the Sisterhood is to promote the spirit of Christian love among the Presvyteres by giving them opportunities to get acquainted with one another. This is accomplished with retreats, meetings, social gatherings and newsletters which help the Presvyteres develop a unique bond. The Sisterhood National Board meets annually, whereas, the general membership convenes every two years at the Clergy-Laity Congress.Ladies Philoptochos Society
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, the official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The members of the National Board of Philoptochos are dedicated church women who offer countless hours to the philanthropic, humanitarian, and Christian mission of the Church. There are 475 Philoptochos chapters in the United States. The structure of the Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolitan Boards, and Chapters in every parish of the Archdiocese.Orthodox Chaplains
The Greek Orthodox chaplain is a priest who provides the Holy Mysteries to Orthodox Christians and who additionally provides pastoral ministry to people in all walks of life. Some priests serve full-time as chaplains in the armed forces, whereas other parish priests have assumed additional responsibilities as chaplains at Veteran’s Administration hospitals, with local police forces, at prisons, and in hospitals. One of the most significant features of chaplaincy activity is ministry to individuals other than Orthodox Christians, and the witness of Orthodox faith among all Americans.Retired Clergy Association
The Retired Clergy Association (RCA) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was founded and established by the late Fr. John Zanetos on April 26, 1988 to continue and promote the fellowship of the retired priests; to encourage the utilization of the retired priests’ expertise as a resource; to guide and help those who are about to retire plan for their retirement; to help the retired priest readjust to his new status as a retired clergyman; to promote the improvement of benefits to the retired clergy and help them manage in their retirement years; to provide support and guidance for clergy who may be facing emotional, personal, family or financial problems; and to communicate news of interest to the retired clergy.See also
- Archbishop of AmericaArchbishop of AmericaThe Archdiocese of America, better known as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is a jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox Church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It was formally constituted in 1922 and has had seven incumbents...
- Greek Orthodox ChurchGreek Orthodox ChurchThe Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
- Greek AmericanGreek AmericanGreek Americans are Americans of Greek descent also described as Hellenic descent. According to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimation, there were 1,380,088 people of Greek ancestry in the United States, while the State Department mentions that around 3,000,000 Americans claim to be of Greek descent...
- Greek Canadian
External links
- Official Website of the Archdiocese
- Official Facebook Page of the Archdiocese
- Official Twitter Feed of the Archdiocese
- Official Website of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople
- Commentary on the charter dispute by the 2004 Vice-President of the Archdiocesan Council
- Profile of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the Association of Religion Data Archives website