ONE COMMUNITY ONE CARD !

 In today's email from the parish council.....
"As the Parish Council has repeatedly stated, the two cards are being used for one purpose and one purpose only: to understand which church (or churches) members of the combined parish will choose to identify with in the event that two separate parishes are ultimately established. "

What is it that the hand picked parish council can not understand?

• That we will not and do not want to split?

• That 87% said no to split in 2007?

• We choose BOTH churches!

• That united we stand?

One card for BOTH churches!

PEOPLE DO NOT PLEDGE TO COLOR CARDS!
PURE WHITE IS THE COLOR!

Yannis Armaou

NEITHER BLUE, NOR YELLOW! (There is ONLY ONE COMMUNITY !!!)

Dear Friends,

I have reread the rejection letter (of my stewardship) mailed to me on February 9, 2011.  I agree with the provisions of the 1974 Amended Articles of Incorporation.  The Bylaws bear my signature since, at the time, I happened to be the secretary of the State-chartered Corporation.  My stewardship cheque written on January 23, 2011, was made payable to the order of:  Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake. 

After it was deposited into the rightful account and cashed, the Parish Council returned to me a cashier’s cheque, payable by Zions Bank,;  the remitter is shown on the cashier’s cheque (No.: 1395473) as “Greek Orthodox Church of GSL.”

The accompanying rejection letter states that it (the cheque) is being returned to me because it does not conform to the “form” as designed by the Parish Council.  It certainly is not either my fault, or any other parishioner’s fault to whom his/her stewardship was returned, if the Parish Council cannot design the proper form.

Let’s look at the facts:

• The only existing and validly subsisting corporation is the entity known as The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake, the GOCGSL.  That is the only corporation which can accept money from the stewards of the Corporation.  It is the only corporate entity that can accept tax deductible offerings. 

• The pledge forms referenced in and authorized by ARTICLE VI-PARISHIONERS, By-laws 3, sub section b, direct that payment must be made “… to cover the needs of the Church … ;” payments must be made to the State of Utah chartered corporation, i.e., GOCGSL It is the only entity which HAS ADOPTED AND IS GOVERNED BY THESE BY-LAWS.  

• The Parish Council cannot subvert the By-laws by substituting the names of each of the two churches as the payees;  the pledged money belongs NOT TO THE METROPOLITAN; NOT TO THE CLERGY;  NOT TO THE ARCHBISHOP; NOT TO THE PARISH COUNCIL.  IT ONLY BELONGS TO THE GOCGSLC AND NO ONE ELSE. And most importantly it is the only organization that has enjoyed the status of an IRS approved section 501 (c)(3), and where we the parishioners can make our tax deductible contributions. 

• Neither the Holy Trinity Cathedral nor the Prophet Elias Church are legal entities cognizable at law, and neither is capable of accepting tax deductible funds.  Are the promoters of this silly idea (Blue/Yellow fiasco) trying to make us break the IRS law???

• The state chartered corporation, the GOCGSL, DOES NOT AUTHORIZE PLEDGES TO BE MADE TO EITHER THE “Holy Trinity Cathedral” or the Prophet Elias Church.  NEITHER OF THESE TWO entities are authorized to, NOR are capable of, receiving tax deductible pledged funds.

Dear Parishioners: no one can make you use the Blue/Yellow forms.  Stick to your guns.  Whatever you wish to donate, donate to the GOCGSL, and make your stewardship pledge payable to the GOCGSL.   

Think about it:  What is the motivation of those who try to divert your money to another entity???

Any party who is assisting with or conspiring to divert the pledged funds from its rightful owner the GOCGSL, to the individual churches shall be held accountable.

TO ALL PARISHIONERS:  PLEASE DO NOT SIGN ANY PLEDGE FORMS WHICH DIVERT FUNDS FROM THE Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake.  Please do not get in the trap; you should not recognize nor legitimize the Blue/Yellow forms.

Best regards,

/s/

Nick J. Colessides
Attorney at law
466 South 400 East, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111-3325

Voice:  801/521-4441
Fax:      801/521-4452
Email:  nick@nickjcolessides.com

The Community of Lynn, Massachusetts Makes History

Note: translated from the Greek (see previous blog) - an extraordinary analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos, National Herald - Feb 18, 2011

The events that took place of late in the community of St. George of Lynn, Massachusetts regarding the disputed subject of its annual contribution to the Archdiocese, undoubtedly exposes conditions and/or situations that are truly revealing.

There are certainly circumstances that are occurring and that are scarring our ecclesiastical life, not anymore in a local, consequently limited setting, but in a broader dimension, the results of which are becoming more evident with the passage of time. It could be said without any hesitation that Lynn, Massachusetts is making history, and, at the same time, history is writing itself.

The climax of this situation was the special general assembly that took place the evening of February 16th, and about which The National Herald wrote in detail in yesterday’s edition.

In other words, the point in question is what many parishes, priests and Parish Councils are experiencing and discussing throughout America, and, of course, in the New England states, which is the burdensome pressure of the continual increase of their annual contribution to the Archdiocese. As such, the community of Lynn decided to resist by setting a limit and an end to the constant demands of its own Metropolis, which was and is using scare tactics, such as the salvific sacraments of the Church, in contradiction to the Church’s own nature and mission.

The stated and heard arguments from last Wednesday evening in Lynn, which disseminated like lightning to all communities across America, ought to have made all those responsible for our ecclesiastical life not simply to be uneasy, since all potential consequences of a threatened breach were included, but to have relented decently and quietly.

The message of the divine and honorable people of Lynn is clearly that the spending of our offering in order to provide excessive resource in the name of Protestant-style “ministries” has ended, as if the parishioners do not see that they derive a small-to-none benefit from the notorious "ministries". The essential message is that the more money the various communities send to the Archdiocese, the more is returned to local metropolises. The rest is simply empty rhetoric.

The mention of the regulations (UPRs) and Clergy-Laity decisions offers the impression of idle talk, because all clergy and laity know well the methodologies, processes and fabrications that the delegates are prevailed upon to ratify by voice.

Lynn’s case is representative of the silence in the face of the continuous oppression that has existed, a situation that has prevailed along with anxiety among many communities throughout the country, and whose members have now begun breathing again and are starting to see things differently.

The conclusion to be drawn from Lynn’s Special General Assembly is that its blessed people of God, realizing that they could not turn to any other avenue or hope for solution, have resorted to their own strength and will. In their free expression of opinion and volition, they have ignored the hierarchical structure of the Church, since they realized that such a structure did not work paternally and with total and full love on their behalf. To the contrary, the church has sought to impose its feudalistic and mandatory fee upon them, and did not hesitate to exploit even its sacraments that are considered the ways and means of divine grace to salvation.

The meaning and concept of the church does not exist anymore. The growing distinction of what the church is, from what it is not, has begun to gain ground. Even those who were in “deep sleep” until yesterday, for reasons such as having shown respect to clergy, or because of public reverence, have awakened recently, and now they say “enough is enough, up to this point and no further.” No church member ever refused to give generously to the church on a local or national level. The problem begins when the pride and intelligence of the people have been insulted. Even those unfamiliar regarding clergymen’s lives understand that all clergy, regardless of rank are “servants” of the people that pay them handsomely in order to pray for them, and not to oppress them.

The times are now roaring and what ought to prevail are efforts to settle everything down and not to try to lash out, as would a cornered, terrified lion.

February 18, 2011

Η κοινότητα του Λιν γράφει ιστορία

Note: for our Greek readers - an extraordinary analysis by Theodore Kalmoukos, National Herald - Feb 18, 2011

Aνάλυση του Θεόδωρου Καλμούκου

Τα όσα διαμείβονται τον τελευταίο καιρό στην κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου του Λιν της Μασαχουσέτης, με επίμαχο θέμα την ετήσια συνεισφορά της κοινότητας προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή, είναι αναμφίβολα ενδιαφέροντα και αποκαλυπτικά πολλών πραγμάτων και καταστάσεων.

Είναι σίγουρα πράγματα πρωτόγνωρα τα όσα συμβαίνουν τα οποία σημαδεύουν τον εκκλησιαστικό μας βίο όχι πλέον σε τοπικό και άρα περιορισμένο και περιοριστικό επίπεδο, αλλά σε ευρύτερη διάσταση, τα αποτελέσματα των οποίων θα καταστούν φανερά με την πάροδο του χρόνου. Θα μπορούσε κάποιος αβασάνιστα να πει ότι το Λιν της Μασαχουσέτης γράφει ιστορία και συνάμα το γράφει η ιστορία.

Αποκορύφωμα ήταν η γενική συνέλευση το βράδυ της Τετάρτης 16 Φεβρουαρίου για την οποία ο «Εθνικός Κήρυξ» έγραψε λεπτομερώς στη χτεσινή του έκδοση.

Μ’ άλλα λόγια, γι’ αυτό που πλείστες όσες κοινότητες, ιερείς και κοινοτικά συμβούλια βιώνουν και συζητούν ανά την Αμερική και σίγουρα στη Νέα Αγγλία, δηλαδή τη φορτική πίεση της διαρκούς αύξησης της ετήσιας συνεισφοράς τους προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή, η κοινότητα του Λιν αποφάσισε να αντισταθεί θέτοντας ένα μέτρο κι ένα όριο στη διαρκή επαιτεία από μέρους της Μητρόπολης, χρησιμοποιώντας ως μοχλό πίεσης ακόμα και τα σωστικά μυστήρια της Εκκλησίας, γεγονός αναιρετικό της ίδιας της φύσης και της αποστολής της Εκκλησίας.

Τα όσα ελέχθησαν και ακούσθηκαν στο Λιν και διαδόθηκαν αστραπιαίως στις κοινότητες ανά την Αμερική, όφειλαν να είχαν κάνει τους υπεύθυνους του εκκλησιαστικού μας βίου όχι απλώς να ανησυχήσουν αφού συναθροίζονται όλα τα στοιχεία και οι δυναμικές ενός επαπειλούμενου χάσματος, αλλά να είχαν απέλθει ευσχημόνως προς εφησυχασμό.

Το μήνυμα του ένθεου και φιλότιμου ομογενειακού μας λαού του Λιν, είναι ευκρινές πέρα για πέρα πως μέχρι εδώ ήταν η άντληση του οβολού μας προς πορισμό και τρυφηλή ζωή εν ονόματι του μύθου των λεγόμενων «διακονιών» ή ministries επί το Προτεσταντικότερο, λες και οι άνθρωποι δεν βλέπουν ότι ελάχιστη έως μηδενική ευεργεσία αποκομίζει η τοπική τους εκκλησία, η κοινότητα δηλαδή, από αυτές τις διαβόητες διακονίες. Το ουσιαστικό μυστικό είναι πως όσα πιο πολλά χρήματα στέλνουν οι κοινότητες στην Αρχιεπισκοπή, τόσο περισσότερα επιστρέφουν στην τοπική Μητρόπολη, τα υπόλοιπα είναι απλά κενές ρητορείες.
Η δε επίκληση των κανονισμών και αποφάσεων των Κληρικολαϊκών Συνελεύσεων, φαντάζει ωσεί λήρος διότι κληρικοί και λαϊκοί γνωρίζουν καλώς τις μεθοδείες και τα προκατασκευάσματά τους που απλώς καλούνται οι σύνεδροι να επικυρώσουν δια βοής.
Η περίπτωση του Λιν είναι αντιπροσωπευτική της σιωπηρής, λόγω καταπίεσης, κατάστασης και αγωνίας που επικρατεί σε πλείστες όσες κοινότητες, οι οποίες τώρα ανάσαναν και άρχισαν να βλέπουν τα πράγματα με άλλο μάτι και προσέγγιση.

Το συμπέρασμα που βγαίνει από τη γενική συνέλευση του Λιν είναι ότι οι άνθρωποι, ο λαός του Θεού ο ευλογημένος, αφού συνειδητοποίησε πως δεν είχε πουθενά και σε κανέναν να στραφεί και να ελπίσει, κατάφυγε στη δική του δύναμη και δυναμική. Στην ελεύθερη έκφραση της γνώμης και θέλησής του, αγνοώντας την ιεραρχική δομή της Εκκλησίας επειδή κατάλαβε ότι δεν λειτουργούσε ως πατρότητα και αγαπητικότητα, αλλά ως ένα καταναγκαστικό φέουδο που δεν δίστασε να εκμεταλλευτεί ακόμα και τα μυστήρια που είναι τα μέσα και οι αγωγοί της Θείας Χάριτος προς σωτηρία.

Η έννοια της Εκκλησίας εξέλιπε. Η υποψία γι’ αυτό που είναι Εκκλησία, από αυτό που δεν είναι αρχίζει να κερδίζει έδαφος, αφού κάποτε ξυπνούν και οι μέχρι χτες «υπνώττοντες» είτε λόγω σεβασμού σε σχήματα και προσχήματα, είτε λόγω έμφυτης λαϊκής ευσέβειας εγκυστωμένης στα τρίσβαθα της ψυχής τους και τώρα λένε μέχρι εδώ και μη παρέκει. Ουδείς ομογενής αρνήθηκε ποτέ να συνδράμει στην Εκκλησία σε τοπικό ή εθνικό επίπεδο. Εκεί που αρχίζει το πρόβλημα είναι όταν προσβάλλεται το φιλότιμο των ανθρώπων και η νοημοσύνη τους, διότι και οι πλέον αδαείς περί τον εκκλησιαστικό βίο κατανοούν ότι οι κληρικοί κάθε βαθμού είναι «υπάλληλοι» του λαού, ο οποίος τους πληρώνει και μάλιστα αδρά για να προσεύχονται, κι όχι να τον δυναστεύουν.

Οι καιροί μας βοούν, κι αυτό που προέχει είναι η καταλλαγή πάντων, κι όχι η επίδειξη ενός τρομαγμένου λεονταρισμού.

Φεβρουάριος 18, 2011

OF MEN, NOT MICE (ΠΕΡΙ ANTPEΣ, ΚΑΙ ΟΧΙ ΠΟΝΤΙΚΙΑ)

Below is a letter sent out by the Proistamenos and Parish Council in Lynn, Massachusetts to the parishioners of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. It is highly instructive as to what kind of fortitude a flock should expect from its shepherd, and from those chosen to represent the parish. AXIOI!

Παρακατω ειναι γραμμα που εστελε o Προισταμενος, μαζι με το συμβουλειο της κοινοτητας του Λυνν, ΜΑ. Ειναι υπεροχο παραδειγμα το πως πρεπει να φερθει ενας παππας και ενα Κοινοτικο Συμβουλειο απεναντι στους ενοριτες τους. ΑΞΙΟΙ!

*** A follow-up on these ongoing events is provided at the end of this blog article***

========================================================================

January 31, 2011

Dear Parishioners:

Your beloved St. George Church is in a crisis situation and needs your help! All members of the St. George community should plan on attending a Special General Assembly that could ultimately determine our future direction on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., Snow Day Thursday, February, 17, 2011.

As you may know the Archdiocese has demanded an assessment against our church that your parish council has determined is unreasonable, unfair & unaffordable. Over the past two years the amount demanded from St. George has increased by 27%. In these difficult economic times and faced with diminishing revenues, the parish council is trying to balance the needs of the community with its obligations to the Archdiocese. In a unanimous decision held with a quorum, your parish council voted that the community needs outweigh the needs of the Archdiocese. However it is ultimately the St. George community itself that needs to voice their opinions so we can stand united.

The issues are as follows: The Metropolis is demanding $20,000 in past due 2010 payments and an additional $88,000 in 2011. They base their assessment on a percentage of parish expenses applied against overall Archdiocese expenses. We feel the formula is a flawed methodology that unfairly penalizes our parish. Our failure to meet their demands to-date has resulted in punitive measures that the Metropolis has taken against us, our priest and our Church. Your parish council has remained firm that our annual commitment will not exceed our budgeted $68,000.

The agenda at the Special General Assembly and the choices we need to make are straightforward. Do you agree with us that our assessment as we have budgeted is sufficient or not? The agenda items you need to consider are:

1.) I agree that a $68,000 budgeted assessment is sufficient, and do not authorize any additional payments to the Metropolis.

Consequence: Further punitive measures, possible removal of all parish council members, possible replacement of priest by Metropolis, Sacraments (weddings, baptisms) may not be performed.

2.) I disagree, and feel we should pay the entire amount the Metropolis is seeking.

Consequence: Immediate across the board increase in all minimum stewardship commitments to twice their current levels, elimination of certain Church programs, failure to meet approved 2011 budget, possible temporary closure of Church to save funds.

The issues are critical and the future of your Church is at stake. Further details will be provided at the General Assembly. Your attendance is mandatory if you want to save our Church. Reminder- you must be a member in Good Standing for 2010 to vote. Please send in your stewardship today!

Sincerely,

Rev. Fr. George D. Tsoukalas, Protopresbyter

John Meklis, Parish Council President

==============================================================

Ιανουαριου 31, 2011

Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες:

Η εκκλησία μας του Αγίου Γεωργίου βρίσκεται σε μία κρίσιμη κατάσταση και χρειάζεται την βοήθειά σας. Ολα τα μέλη της κοινότητας πρέπει να παρευρεθούν στην ΄Εκτακτη Γενική Συνέλευση που θα γίνει την Τετάρτη, 16 Φεβρουαρίου στις 7 μ.μ., εαν χιονίσει η Συνέλευση θα γινει την Πέμπτη, 17 Φεβρουαρίου, απο την έκβαση της οποίας θα εξαρτηθεί το μέλλον της κοινότητας.

Οπως ίσως ήδη γνωρίζετε, η Αρχιεπισκοπή απαιτεί ένα καθορισμένο ποσόν από την κοινότητά μας που το Συμβούλιο θεωρεί ότι είναι παράλογο, άδικο και μη εφικτό. Για τα δύο τελευταία χρόνια, το ποσόν που απαιτείται από την κοινότητα, έχει αυξηθεί κατά 27%. Σε αυτές τις δύσκολες οικονομικές καταστάσεις και αντιμέτωποι με μειωμένες εισπραξεις, τα μέλη του Συμβουλιου προσπαθούν να ισορροπήσουν τις ανάγκες της κοινότητας με τις υποχρεώσεις προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή. Το Συμβούλιο, με μία ομόφωνη απόφαση η οποία ελήφθη με απαρτία των μελών, ψήφισε ότι οι ανάγκες της κοινότητας υπερτερούν της υποχρέωσης προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή. Αλλά πρέπει όλα τα μέλη να εκφράσουν την γνώμη τους ούτως ώστε να παρουσιαστούμε ενωμένοι.

Τα θέματα είναι ως ακολούθως: Η Μητρόπολη απαιτεί $20,000 για καθυστερημένη εισφορά για το 2010 και επί πλέον $88,000 για το 2011. Βασίζουν την οικονομική εκτίμησή τους σε ένα ποσοστό των εξόδων της κοινότητας συγκρινόμενη με τα γενικά έξοδα της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Αισθανόμαστε ότι αυτό το σχέδιο είναι μία εσφαλμένη μεθολογία που τιμωρεί την κοινότητά μας. Αποτέλεσμα μη ανταπόκρισής μας προς τις απαιτήσεις τους είναι κυρώσεις εναντίον της κοινότητας, του ιερέα μας και της εκκλησίας μας. Το Συμβούλιο παραμένει σταθερό στην απόφαση ότι η ετήσια εισφορά μας στην Αρχιεπεισκοπή δεν θα υπερβεί τις $68,000 του προυπολογισμού.

Τα θέματα που θα συζητηθούν στην ΄Εκτακτη Γενική Συνέλευση και οι επιλογές που θα κάνουμε είναι απλά: Συμφωνείτε ότι το εκτιμητέο ποσόν όπως το έχουμε προυπολογίσει είναι ικανοποιητικό ή όχι. Πρέπει να λάβετε υπ’όψην τα εξής:

1) Συμφωνώ ότι το ποσόν είναι ικανοποιητικό και δεν εξουσιοδοτώ επιπλέον εισφορά στην Αρχιεπισκοπή.
Επιπτώσεις: Περισσότερα μέτρα τιμωρίας, πιθανή απομάκρυνση όλων των μελών του Συμβουλίου, πιθανή αντικατάσταση του ιερέα από την Μητρόπολη και μη τέλεση Μυστηρίων (Γάμοι, Βαπτίσεις)

2) Δεν συμφωνώ και νομίζω ότι πρέπει να πληρώσουμε όλο το ποσόν που ζητά η Μητρόπολη.
Επιπτώσεις: Αύξηση στο διπλάσιο της ελάχιστης ετήσιας συνδρομής, κατάργηση ορισμένων προγραμμάτων της εκκλησίας, πρόβλημα να ανταποκρισθούμε στον οικονομικό προυπολογισμό για το 2011 και πιθανόν προσωρινό κλείσιμο της εκκλησίας για να εξοικονομηθούν κεφάλαια.

Η κατάσταση είναι κρίσιμη και το μέλλον της εκκλησίας μας απειλείται. Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες θα αναφερθούν στην Γενική Συνέλευση. Η παρουσία σας επιβάλλεται εάν θέλετε να σωθεί η εκκλησία μας. Υπενθύμιση: Πρέπει να είστε οικονομικώς εντάξει για το 2010 για να ψηφίσετε. Παρακαλούμε στείλετε την ετήσια συνδρομή σας σήμερα.

Ειλικρινα,

Πατηρ Γεώργιος Τσουκαλάς, Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμενος
Ιωάννης Μεκλής, Προεδρος της Ενορίας

========================================================================
NOTE - For a follow-up on this developing situation; please see the links we've added. 

The National Herald report on the Special General Assembly vote at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (Feb 17, 2011).

The response from the Metropolis of Boston.
========================================================================

ΕΥΛΟΓΕΣ ΕΡΩΤΗΣΕΙΣ

Why did the Salt Lake County Fire Department and the Questar Gas Company emergency crews show up,

after business hours, at 5:45 o’clock pm, at the PE church offices  ??????

Is there a secret room where computer and communications equipment is stored ???  

Where is the secret room ??? Who has access to the room ???  What is the reason for the secret room ???

Was there any community activity taking place at the time, which needed to be evacuated

because of the extreme danger of a blow up ???  Any youngsters around ?????

Why was there someone surreptitiously drilling the walls at the Prophet Elias Church offices

attempting to install computer and communications’ equipment ????  Was the person licensed, bonded, and/or otherwise qualified ??????

Whose permission did “this someone” have to drill ??????

Was it performed in secret because someone directed that it would be done thusly ?????

Who directed that it should be done in secret ????

Why was the natural gas line punctured when the drilling occurred ????

Is there any nefarious activity taking place without the knowledge of the Parish Council,

or the parishioners at large ??????

Do we have a rogue among us ??????

Did the Parish Council know of the installation ??? OR things are back to normal ????  No-one asks, no-one tells, everybody pays the damage !!!

Did the Parish Council authorize the scope of the work or any activity related thereto ????

Is the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake covered by any insurance,

when somebody drills in the  Church’s office walls ????

Who is going to pay for any damages ????????

Did any such person who actually drilled (and whoever else may have directed him to so do),

have any insurance in place protecting the Corporation ????

Just wondering !!!

Nick J. Colessides

1999 to 2011 - Complaints to Reality

In 1999 a report was written and presented to the Ecumenical Patriarch by four of our current metropolitans. At the time, these metropolitans believed the church to be in disarray and voiced their displeasure in written form to their superior. The following sampling of transgressions against the then regime smacks of irony considering the actions of these same metropolitans today.

“The Archdiocese is presently suffocating in an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, insecurity, lack of trust and vindictiveness.”

“It is surrounded by persons whose main attribute is the fabled “blind obedience” and the so-called “loyalty.”

“The impression is given that the present leadership of the Archdiocese is far more concerned with taking vengeance on its “enemies” than for the progress and increase of the Church.”

If we apply the above accusations from 1999 to our community today we can clearly see the similarities. Our community suffers from an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, insecurity, lack of trust and vindictiveness through the actions of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only, his hand-selected parish council (the fabled blindly obedient and so called loyalty folk) and the local metropolitan. Certainly if these aforementioned individuals were concerned with the progress and increase of the Church, instead of taking vengeance on their enemies, we would not be experiencing the disarray we see today.

The very complaints of 1999 are occurring today at the hands of the then-complainant. He has employed the assistance of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only to distort the truth for their mutual personal agendas and not the betterment of the Laos to which they are entrusted. 

The metropolitans complain in their report that, at the time they were wanting to become metropolitans, they were accused of being "ambitious, lovers of prominence, and seekers of power."  Fast forward 12 years and we see the power they wield, and they do so without regard for the Laos they are in theory shepherding.  As we look at our community and all that has transpired at the hand of the proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only and his minions, it is clear he wields his power in the same manner.  The accusations that were offensive 12 years ago, still exist today, and still have been shown to be legitimate concerns that have proven true.  In the case of our community, they extend to the proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only, along with other clergy in the community.

St. Ignatios said that where the bishop is the church is also.  Invariably, St. Ignatios understood that without the Laos the church would not exist.  The time has come for the Laos to take back their role in the conciliar operation of their church.  The idea of the Laos playing an important role in the life of the church only when it benefits the clerics is a foreign concept.  It is now time for the Laos to vocally express their collective displeasure with the state of affairs and take back their active role in the daily function of their church.  Our resolve must be strong and message clear:  absolute authority belongs not to the proistameno-of-Prophet-Elias-only or the current local metropolitan, but to God alone.

PROFILES IN COURAGE - the Priest and Parish Council we WISH we had in SLC

We are not alone in our struggles. Throughout this country the hierarchy of our beloved Church is seeking to utterly dominate and threaten the laity. To read about the plight of the Greek Orthodox parish in Lynn, Massachusetts, click here.
More information.

http://orthodoxbeacon.com/nation/outrage-at-a-new-england-parish-over-actions-of-metropolitan-methodios/

A WORD TO THE WISE

For those who complain and throw tantrums because they get “no respect” due to their status in life or due to their profession, please note:

Respect is earned; it cannot be imposed.

And, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

T. P. M. G.

Best regards,

Nick Colessides

Accidentally, on Purpose

From his bully pulpit Father Kouremetis once again holds forth. He castigates those who are irritated by the recent listing of youth basketball teams from this community as “throwing Prophet Elias ‘under the bus’ “ for what is claimed to be an honest error.

The “accidental” listing of our community’s teams as being SOLELY “Prophet Elias, HOLLADAY, Utah”, rather than as Holy Trinity / Prophet Elias, or Prophet Elias / Holy Trinity (depending on whether or not one lists alphabetically), at the recent Metropolis GOYA Basketball tournament is but one in a series of “accidents”. (Note: It is interesting that in recent memory this recurring “mistake”, “oversight,” “honest omission” has NEVER occurred where Holy Trinity, Salt Lake City, Utah is listed and Prophet Elias is not.)

• First, this “accident” did not occur at last year’s tournament where the community’s teams were listed and/or announced as Holy Trinity / Prophet Elias. Was it so difficult to copy over that name to this year’s application and acknowledge youth who attend at one church, the other or both?

• Second, the recent honor accorded to Dr. Charles Beck , who has been invested as an archon, lists his home parish as Prophet Elias, Holladay, Utah.

• Third, when Nick Varanakis and Fr. Kouremetis attended the Metropolis Clergy Laity Congress in Dallas, May 2009, they were listed on the agenda as representatives from Prophet Elias, Holladay, Utah.

The Proistomenos-of-PE-only doth protest too much! He is fully aware of what he and/or his minions are doing, as are we – he and they fool no one. He has instructed administrators of these programs HOW to register. At best, he has failed to instruct them in how NOT to do so.

This is DELIBERATE. Just as it was DELIBERATE to deride Holy Trinity to the Holy Eparchial Synod as being near a “needle park”. Just as it has been DELIBERATE to defer and delay needed repairs at Holy Trinity. Just as it has been DELIBERATE to suspend fundraising efforts through the HCF in order to fulfill the Skedros’ family dream of building the Anthony G. Skedros Memorial Gymnasium, along with needed upgrades to Sunday School facilities, at Holy Trinity. Just as it has been DELIBERATE to build pavilions and gardens, or upgrade office facilities, at Prophet Elias that were NOT approved by any General Assembly. There is NO “accident” here. This is ALL deliberate so that the Proistamenos-of-Prophet-Elias-only and his lackeys can claim that Holy Trinity is little-used, outdated, dilapidated and moribund.

These statements and actions are continually taken to escalate frayed tempers and to further the dissension he has sown since his arrival. If we protest, the claim goes forth that the atmosphere has become aggravated and that Prophet Elias is being "dissed". If we don’t, Fr. Kouremetis has pulled off a fait accompli – the done deal. Heads he wins; tails our community LOSES!

Oversight? Omission? Accident? Please.

A follow-up postscript: TOCB has been informed that our youth, when registering for this year's tournament, were asked by the registrars in Oklahoma City to indicate whether they were with HT or PE.  WHO told the OKC registrars to ask THIS question? We're fairly confident they would NOT have asked this on their own.  Yet another "accident"? Or just another divisive ploy using our youth as pawns! Appalling is the ONLY word that comes to mind.

Metropolis Basketball: Only "Holladay" Is Represented! Holladay?

Why the deception? Who is responsible for submitting the information? Do we have only one church in SLC ?   What about all the kids who attend church at Holy Trinity?  Is the proistameno from Prophet Elias only, trying to paint a picture that does not exist?  Did the proistameno of Prophet Elias only, purposely submit inaccurate information ? - An expert on the fifth amendment! Participating Teams
	Junior Girls
Annunciation W—Houston	Holy Trinity‐Dallas
Annunciation B—Houston	St. George‐Albuquerque
Annunciation‐Kansas City	St. John the Baptist –Euless / St. Demetrios‐Fort
Assumption Gray‐Denver	Worth
Assumption Silver‐Denver
	Junior Boys
Annunciation W—Houston	Prophet Elias—Salt Lake City
Annunciation B—Houston	St. Basil—Houston
Assumption W—Denver	St. Catherine—Greenwood Village
Assumption B—Denver	St. George—Albuquerque
Holy Trinity W—Dallas	St. George—Oklahoma City / Holy Trinity—Tulsa
Holy Trinity B—Dallas	Annunciation—Kansas City
	Senior Girls
Annunciation W—Houston	Holy Trinity B—Dallas
Annunciation B—Houston	St. Basil—Houston
Annunciation Blue—Kansas City	Prophet Elias—Salt Lake City / St. George‐
Annunciation White—Kansas City	Albuquerque
Annunciation—Little Rock	St. Catherine—Greenwood Village
Assumption W—Denver	St. Sophia—San Antonio / Holy Trinity—Tulsa
Assumption B—Denver	Transfiguration—Austin
Holy Trinity W—Dallas	St. Sophia—San Antonio
	Senior Boys
Annunciation W—Houston	Prophet Elias—Salt Lake City
Annunciation B—Houston	St. Basil—Houston
Annunciation —Kansas City	St. Catherine—Greenwood Village
Annunciation—Little Rock	St. George‐Albuquerque
Assumption Blue—Denver	St. George—Oklahoma City / Holy Trinity—Tulsa
Assumption White—Denver	St. John the Baptist—Euless
Holy Trinity W—Dallas	Transfiguration—Austin

Yannis Armaou

A Tale of Two Meetings

On October 24, 2010 nearly 350 parishioners gathered at the Sheraton Hotel to have their voices heard regarding the proposed forced split of our community.  The organizers of this gathering mailed some 1200 letters inviting anyone interested to attend.  Those in attendance discussed issues related to the WHOLE community.  Everyone was encouraged to voice their opinion and many opinions were heard.  The proistameno of Prophet Elias was quick to denounce the gathering as "non church sanctioned."

On January 9, 2011 at the Cottonwood Country Club, another gathering was held.  It has been referred to as a "private party" consisting of "like minded" concerned members of Prophet Elias who wish to see Prophet Elias succeed.  Allegedly, no church business was discussed, no votes were taken and no clergy attended.  An effort was made though to gather supporters to assist with the financial solvency of Prophet Elias only. 

Unlike the first gathering, there has been deafening silence from proistameno of Prophet Elias only.  We would be happy to contact the newspapers for him (just in case he didn't know about the "private party") and give him the opportunity to show his love and concern for ALL members of our community. 

The alleged purpose of the "private party" was to find ways to raise funds for Prophet Elias ONLY.  The exclusivity and secrecy of this event is in stark contrast to the first gathering.  It is ironic though that in addition to being allergic to the truth, exclusivity and secrecy have been trademarks of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only since his arrival.  

The Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod in his letter of October 28, 2010 writes:  "All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever related to issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod."  Both priests of our community received this letter.  The "private party"  is yet another instance where the directive of the Holy Eparchial Synod has been ignored.  If we recall, color coded stewardship materials were mailed to the community after the above directive.  It seems that the proistameno of Prophet Elias only adheres to the directives when they suit his needs.  He and his hand picked board have told us many times they are following the directives of the Metropolitan.  Apparently, when the Holy Eparchial Synod issues a directive the proistameno of Prophet Elias only and his board can ignore it. Sad indeed.

Πατερ Μιχαηλ:  Καθε θαυμα τρεις μερες,το μεγαλο τεσσερεις.
                          Η αληθεια ειναι μια και τα ψεματα πολλα.

Impulsive (adj) : Acting or done without forethought

"All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever rela1ed to the issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod."

This was the directive from the Holy Synod to our community on October 28 2010.
For the umpteenth time the proistameno of Prophet Elias only managed to prove us (unfortunately) right.
Complete disregard of his superiors, The Holy Synod.
His agenda is above and beyond anything and anyone.
Fr Michael, you sent out a divided stewardship packet, why and with whose permission?
Who are you to decide about this community?

You are just a passer-by.
The tables below are also included in the 2011 stewardship power point.  You and the parish council should read them carefully. http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/stewardship

- Yannis Armaou

Greek Americans Should Take Back Their Churches - The National Herald

November 28, 2010

by Steve Frangos It is time for the local efforts of the historical preservation movement underway among Greek communities around the country to first receive the recognition they deserve and the direct aid they have been denied for so long. It is also time to realize that the churches cannot be a setting simply for the clergy to manage financially or in anyway outside of their religious duties. Churches are the cultural centers of Greek America. Whatever was changed at the bureaucratic level giving the clergy economic and legal status over the physical and financial core of the Greek Orthodox Church in North America needs to be reversed. The congregation needs to be in control of its own destiny and purpose with the clergy only serving in a spiritual capacity. This topic relates to the maintenance and when not already present establishment of the historical and cultural records of all local Greek collectivities in the nation. If this means that the Metropolitans cannot build or sell property as they elect, they should not have ever been given the legal authority to begin with. It is neither a part of our faith nor our long historic tradition that mandates or elevates the clergy over the laity. Please I don’t want anyone to write me about the Turkokratia or the Byzantine Age because we no longer live under those historical, cultural or legal conditions. The clergy are the honored guests in the houses that the congregation has labored to build. There is no problem with this issue in the nation state of Greece. NO one is called a janissaros in a neighborhood church in Athens re if they do not want to do what the priest wishes. NO one there is told they cannot attend the church their family helped to establish or they will be arrested because the new priest says so. NO one is thrown off the board because the bishop says so. We have a documented historical existence here in North America. With the Greeks in North America the original state issued documents documenting who established and paid for these structures and land that are readily available and often hang framed in the church office, as does a long line of other personal and public historical records. If the priest and bishops cannot serve us on an equal footing then they cannot. If they need then to return to Greece, let them leave, in peace. But if they remain then they must do so as our brothers, colleagues and fellow-Christians not as our unquestioned masters. (emphasis added) NO PROFESSORS PLEASE With the churches once again a part of direct community life and control then a second step of offering assistance to the individual communities who wish to maintain their historical and cultural records can begin. In an advisory capacity any number of Greek Americans can be contacted to serve as advisors to the local communities. This advisory group can well serve to inform the local community on which historic, archival and other existing public facilities can help guide and even serve this Hellenic group. This advisory group can easily be drawn from an existing cadre of state historical commissioners, former state folklorists, school superintendents, archivists, librarians, lawyers, genealogists, museum personal, computer specialists as well as those who served as readers for grant applications on the city, state and federal levels. Greek Americans have and continue to occupy all those positions in the daily life of America. Historical records and documents never have to leave the local community. This advisory group can meet with the local collective and through open discussion determine the wants, needs and capacity of each locale. Simply sharing information on legal forms and formalities that every new American cultural/historical organization must adhere to would be a great service. Educating and alerting the local organizations concerning the public responsibilities of local libraries, historical societies and other existing services would be of great and lasting benefit. Academics need not be involved in this process. Like the priests the tendency to yield to their supposed knowledge or authority causes many on the local level to remain quiet when they know the basic history and cultural conditions far better than anyone from the outside can ever learn. The process of saving historical and cultural documents is more a technical and mechanical issue. Certainly many academics will disagree citing one theoretical study after another. But theory or the notion that thoughts can have a real impact on the world is a fine parlor game for aficionados. But social science theories are not the stuff of science they are just generally agreed upon beliefs. Do not take my word for it. Go to any local historical society or genealogical organization. How many individuals are archivists or record keepers of one sort or another and how many professors in history? This is not a question of exclusion as much as one of basic utility, the primary goal is record keeping. Now once again my brothers, sisters and distant Greek-born cousins at the university will say, no, these documents must be collected in such a way so that future historians can make sense of them. I am not advising that we preserve Greek America to give future teachers jobs. I am advocating that we systematically preserve Greek-American history for Greeks living in North America. So that someone with a question about their ancestors can go to the local church library and look it up just as one would do at a neighborhood public library. In the assessment process each community will have to undergo it may prove to be the case that funds and other resources do not exist within the community itself to preserve or house these material. Other possibilities exist. Examples of alternate possibilities exist all cross Greek America. In Pueblo, Colorado the genealogy collection of a local library now houses more than 200 photographs and other historical materials. In Dayton, Ohio through the offices and skills of a local Greek librarian the community’s records and photographs were placed in the main public library. The Greeks of Lowell Massachusetts have an Internet website with their history and images displayed. Any Greek American community can do the very same. We have to pull together. We have to preserve our own history. We have to stop fighting over who has their name on the top of official stationery. We have run out of time for such petty vulgarities. Originally published on November 19, 2010

REFRAIN: verb - to abstain from an impulse to say or do something

All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever related to the issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod.

 - from the October 28, 2010 letter to N. Colessides by Archimandrite Skordallos, Chief Secretary for the Holy Eparchial Synod  

What part of this instruction is unclear? We are about to receive a highly hedged letter asking for stewardship pledges while we still do not know the decision of the Holy Synod. 


For a group of people who represent those highly anxious to eliminate Greek from services, one would think instructions in English would be comprehended. And, for a group that professes such deep adherence to the wishes of the clergy, one would imagine that the precise instructions given by the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod would be followed TO THE LETTER!


- The Moderators

The National Herald

Δευτέρα, Νοέμβριος 29, 2010 Τελευταία Ενημέρωση: 2:30 μμ

Αντίθετοι στην ελληνικότητα οι υποστηρικτές της διάσπασης στη Γιούτα

Του Θεόδωρου Καλμούκου

ΒΟΣΤΩΝΗ. Ο κ. Γιάννης Αρμάου, μέλος επί μακρά σειρά ετών της κοινότητας του Καθεδρικού Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδας στην πόλη Σολτ Λέικ Σίτι της Γιούτα, μιλά για τα αίτια της κρίσης που έχει ξεσπάσει στην κοινότητα. Οπως έγραψε ο «Ε.Κ.» στις 11 Νοεμβρίου, ο Μητροπολίτης Ντένβερ Ησαϊας προέβη σε απόπειρα διάσπασης της κοινότητας στα δύο, προκειμένου να δημιουργήσει δύο κοινότητες, αγνοώντας την επιθυμία της συντριπτικής πλειοψηφίας των ενοριτών-μελών της, οι οποίοι επιθυμούν να παραμείνει η κοινότητα ενωμένη. Η κοινότητα ιδρύθηκε από Ελληνες πρωτοπόρους μετανάστες το έτος 1905. Σήμερα αποτελείται από 1.300 οικογένειες. Για την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση των ενοριτών, η κοινότητα έχτισε το 1969 κι ένα δεύτερο ναό επ’ ονόματι του Προφήτη Ηλία στην περιοχή Holladay.
Μιλώντας στον «Ε.Κ.» ο κ. Αρμάου είπε ότι «υπάρχει μία μικρή ομάδα που θέλουν να διασπαστούν διότι βασικά δεν θέλουν την ελληνικότητα στην εκκλησία. Αυτή τη στιγμή στον Προφήτη Ηλία είναι τουλάχιστον 90 αν όχι 95% στα αγγλικά. Εν τω μεταξύ, το 80 με 85% των μελών του Προφήτη Ηλία δεν θέλουν τη διάσπαση».
Κατά τον κ. Αρμάου «οι δύο ναοί απέχουν δέκα πέντε λεπτά ο ένας από τον άλλον», ενώ ο ίδιος εκκλησιάζεται και στους δύο ναούς, «αλλά περισσότερο στην Αγία Τριάδα επειδή είναι πιο κοντά στο σπίτι μου», είπε.
Οπως ανέφερε, «χτίσαμε το 1969 τον δεύτερο ναό του Προφήτη Ηλία για να εξυπηρετούμαστε καλύτερα και δεν είχαμε κανένα πρόβλημα. Πριν δύο χρόνια μας έστειλε ο Μητροπολίτης Ησαϊας γράμμα λέγοντας να κάνετε δημοσκόπηση πόσοι θέλουν και πόσοι όχι το διαχωρισμό και θα σεβαστώ το αποτέλεσμα. Η δημοσκόπηση έδειξε ότι το 87% των ενοριτών δεν ήθελε το διαχωρισμό και 13% τον ήθελε».
Το έτος 2002 που ο κ. Αρμάου ήταν μέλος του κοινοτικού συμβουλίου, ο Μητροπολίτης Ησαϊας μαζί με άλλα επτά μέλη τους απέπεμψε από το κοινοτικό συμβούλιο, διότι θέλησαν να θέσουν θέμα οικονομικής φύσεως αναφορικά με κάποιο μέλος του κλήρου που υπηρετούσε τότε στην κοινότητά τους. «Αν και αργότερα ο Ησαϊας είπε ότι ήταν λάθος αυτό που έκανε, εν τούτοις μέχρι σήμερα μας φέρνουν εμπόδια οι παπάδες και δεν μας αφήνουν να θέσουμε υποψηφιότητα για το κοινοτικό συμβούλιο με διάφορες δικαιολογίες, λέγοντας είτε ότι δεν εκκλησιαζόμαστε τακτικά, είτε ότι δεν είμαστε σεβαστικοί προς αυτούς, δηλαδή στον Κουρεμέτη και στον Γκίλμπερτ και μάλιστα έχουμε και τα γράμματά τους», πρόσθεσε.
Επεσήμανε ακόμα, πως «από τα 15 μέλη που υπάρχουν σήμερα στο κοινοτικό συμβούλιο τα 5 είναι εκλεγμένα και τα 10 διορισμένα από τον π. Κουρεμέτη διότι δεν επιτρέπει σε κανένα να θέσει υποψηφιότητα».
Ο κ. Αρμάου γεννήθηκε στο Αργος και μεγάλωσε στην Κόρινθο. Στην πόλη Σολτ Λέικ της Γιούτα διαμένει επί τριάντα πέντε έτη και είναι επιχειρηματίας ιδιοκτήτης εστιατορίου. Στην αρχή που ήλθε από την Ελλάδα πήγε στο πανεπιστήμιο «Μπρίγχαμ Γιανγκ» για λίγο καιρό και κατόπιν στο πανεπιστήμιο της Γιούτα όπου ήθελε να σπουδάσει οικονομικά, αλλά έμεινε από χρήματα και δεν μπόρεσε να πραγματοποιήσει το όραμά του.
Ο κ. Αρμάου ανέφερε ότι «πήγαν τρία άτομα και έκαναν ξεχωριστό θρησκευτικό οργανισμό corporation το ναό του Προφήτη Ηλία χωρίς να υπάρχει έγκριση από τη γενική συνέλευση και χωρίς να ξέρει κανείς τίποτε και πριν ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος τους δώσει το Καταστατικό για την να χωρίσουν την κοινότητα, εγώ το βρήκα πριν τρεις εβδομάδες».
Σημειώνεται ότι το Μάρτιο του 2010 ο Μητροπολίτης Ησαϊας ζήτησε από την Αρχιεπισκοπή να αναγνωριστεί ο ναός του Προφήτου Ηλία ως ξεχωριστή κοινότητα και να της χορηγηθεί το επίσημο καταστατικό της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής.
Στις 12 Απριλίου 2010, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος έστειλε γράμμα στον Μητροπολίτη Ησαϊα στο οποίο ανάμεσα στα άλλα του έγραψε ότι «λάβαμε το γράμμα σας με το οποίο ζητάτε τη χορήγηση του επίσημου καταστατικού της Αρχιεπισκοπής για την Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη εκκλησία του Προφήτη Ηλία στο Holladay της Γιούτα, η οποία τυγχάνει κοινότητα της Αρχιεπισκοπής και συγκεκριμένα της Μητρόπολης Ντένβερ. Με μεγάλη χαρά σας παραχωρούμε το Επίσημο Καταστατικό στην Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Προφήτη Ηλία, το οποίο ισχύει αμέσως». Εν τω μεταξύ, υπήρξε έφεση προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή.
Ο κ. Αρμάου πιστεύει ότι «ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος δεν γνώριζε τι γινόταν εδώ γι’ αυτό και έδωσε την άδεια».
Στην ερώτηση για το συμβάν της εκροής λαδιού από την εικόνα του Χριστού στο ναό του Προφήτη Ηλία, για το οποίο ο Μητροπολίτης Ησαϊας αποφάνθηκε ότι πρόκειται για «θαύμα», ο κ. Αρμάου είπε «θα σας πω κάποια στιγμή στο μέλλον λεπτομέρειες γι’ αυτό το θαύμα».

The PC's Delusions of Victimhood

A while back, John Saltas wrote an article in his City Weekly newspaper on the subject of the “miracle” at Prophet Elias. The commentaries that the article engendered caused quite a stir. One in particular caught my interest. Presumably written by an elected, though anonymous parish council member (when we actually were allowed to have REAL elections) he or she contends that the Parish Council has been “forced” to divide our community. Further there is the contention that this person just happened to be in office at a time when “the entire community put ourselves in a position to allow this to happen to us.” (When speaking of “us”, is the presumed parish council member speaking of the community, thus blaming the true victim? Or is “us” the parish council, the supposed “victim”?)

The presumed council member says there is a “vocal minority” decrying their efforts. Contrary to his or her assertions, the notion of what is within the Metropolitan’s power is subject to debate, regardless of ongoing theocracy ruses. We, this community as a whole, own our community’s assets. The assertion that, after having snuck around like thieves in the night and appointing three unauthorized persons to effect in secret a coup d’etat (or rather a coup d’eglise) to acquire, illegally, half this community’s assets on behalf of a demonstrably TINY minority, and then claiming to be equitable and humble when dividing OUR PROPERTY without OUR CONSENT is simply nauseating. To utter that this outrage was “forced” upon the Parish Council is ludicrous at best, utterly cowardly and hypocritical at worst.

If in fact the Parish Council harbors such delusions of “victimhood” and of being “forced and coerced” by the Metropolitan, there is and has always been a simple, honorable solution. Acquire some self-respect and intestinal fortitude and do what your forefathers would have done: resign.

Resign, then resist.

Μολὼν λαβέ!

- Barbara Billinis Colessides

The National Herald

Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver Divides Holy Trinity Cathedral

Theodore Kalmoukos

TNH File Photo
Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver’s division of the Greek Orthodox parish of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City in Utah into two separate parishes, disregarding the wish of the majority of the membership of the parish who oppose the move, is being contested. Among the opponents are great benefactors of the parish, Archons, as well as members of the Leadership 100.

BOSTON - Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver’s division of the Greek Orthodox parish of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City in Utah into two separate parishes, disregarding the wish of the majority of the membership of the parish who oppose the move, is being contested. Among the opponents are great benefactors of the parish, Archons, as well as members of the Leadership 100. The National Herald has learned that the issue might end up in court if Archbishop Demetrios of America doesn’t intervene and the issue has reached the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. It was also discussed at the recent meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese after attorney Nicholas Colessides, a member of the parish and former president of its parish council sent an appeal to Archbishop Demetrios.
The Holy Trinity Parish was established by Greek pioneer immigrants in 1905 and now has 1,300 families. To better serve its members, the parish in 1969 built a nave (church) in the name of Prophet Elias in the area of Holladay, the same instance as with Cathedral parish of St. Demetrios in Astoria, N.Y., which has two naves, St. Demetrios and St. Catherine. The parish has two priests, the initial chief priest Rev. Michael Kouremetis, and Fr. Matthew Gilbert. Now with the split of the parish Metropolitan Isaiah has already assigned Fr. Gilbert as chief priest at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Fr. Kouremetis to Prophet Elias. Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver did not return phone calls left in his personal voice box at the Denver Metropolis. In a telephone conversation with Fr. Kouremetis on to the question of why Metropolitan Isaiah wants to split the parish, he said: “Forty years have passed this way and basically we are two parishes, two ministries.” He added, “When they built Prophet Elias in 1964 they wanted two parishes.” As to why most parishioners oppose the division and noting that the St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria has also two naves, he said: “I do not feel good at this moment, I am ill for three and one half weeks now, talk to Metropolitan Isaiah.” Two telephone messages to Parish Council President Nicholas Milonakis went unanswered.
Of the 15 members of the parish council only five were elected by the parish members and the rest were appointed by the priest. Fr. Gilbert did not return telephone calls either. In March, Prophet Elias was organized as a separate religious corporation and registered in Utah without informing the membership of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also in March, Metropolitan Isaiah requested the Archdiocese recognize Prophet Elias as a separate parish and to be granted the official Charter of the Archdiocese. Archbishop Demetrios in a letter to Metropolitan Isaiah dated April 12, wrote that, “We have received your letter requesting the granting of the Official Charter of the Archdiocese to the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Holladay, Utah, a community of the Archdiocese and specifically of the Holy Metropolis of Denver. It gives me great joy to grant the Official Charter to Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, effective immediately.”
The Archbishop also wrote that, “The Charter certificate itself will be forthcoming as final preparations are being completed for its production. This letter is a certification with the official Seal of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America attests to the granting of official status of the community.” In a letter to the Holy trinity Cathedral dated Oct. 6, Metropolitan Isaiah announced the split of the parish into two parishes. He wrote that, “I confess to you that I have held back the contents of this letter (the Archbishop’s letter) all this time, because in making my evaluation I wanted I wanted to be absolutely convinced that the church-going members indeed wanted to see two separate parishes, each with its own parish council, its own income and its own property.” Isaiah, in his six-page letter, gave directives on how to finalize the split organizing two separate parish councils, two philoptochos societies, schools, youths, etc.
On Oct. 24 a special meeting took place attended by 450 people, 97% of who voted against the split and decided on a Call to Action. On Oct. 30, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod Archimandrite Sevastianos Skordallos sent a letter to Collasides stating: “I am writing to you on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Your appeal dated September 13, 2010 was received and discussed by the Holy Eparchial Synod on October 27, 2010. At the request of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and in accordance with the Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a Synodal Committee has been formed to review the issues you have raised. The Committee, which includes His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, of Boston, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, and Legal Counsel, will contact you, in the very near future, to schedule a meeting to discuss your case …
All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever rela1ed to the issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod. On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod, I kindly ask for your patience as we diligently work to resolve the concerns you have raised in a manner that will establish peace and promote spiritual growth among the faithful people of Salt Lake City.”
The Synodal Committee was scheduled to be in Utah on Nov. 12 and 13 but TNH has learned that the visit was postponed and that on Nov. 16 Metropolitan Isaiah and Fathers Kouremetis and Gilbert reportedly will be traveling to New York to meet with Archbishop Demetrios, who as the only ruling hierarch of the Archdiocese has the final on issues such as the division. The current hierarchs in the Metropolises is a combination of Auxiliary Bishops and Titular Metropolitans, and only Archbishop Demetrios is the Archpastor or ruling hierarch per se.
An icon of Christ said to exude oil on Oct. 17, 2010 during the Divine Liturgy, which Metropolitan Isaiah declared a miracle. In a letter to Fr. Kouremetis dated Oct. 20, he wrote the following: “The Lord has answered our prayers asking Him to resolve confusing situation in the Salt Lake City area regarding the two parishes.
When icons exude tears, like many of the Ever-Virgin Mary have, it is a sign of caution and problems. But, when an icon exudes oil, this is a sign of healing and blessings. When I was informed that the icon of Christ the Archpriest was exuding oil during the Divine liturgy on Sunday, October 17, 2010, when we celebrated the Holy Fathers of the Seventh and final Ecumenical Council in Nicea, I realized that a miracle had occurred. It is not usual for an icon of Christ the Lord to exude oil or even tears. I truly believe that our Lord heard our prayers to make His presence known and to resolve the situation of the two parishes. Now there can be no question in the minds of any of His people. Our Lord recognizes His parishes as monogamous and independent, each with a Proistamenos representing Him through the local bishop. Both parishes can now proceed to grow and to develop for His greater glory and the salvation of His people. The Lord Jesus Christ has spoken with this miracle, and His people will be faithful to His divine will.”

November 12, 2010

 

A Follow-Up from Michali Zervos

Moderator's Note: this article is printed with the author's permission.

I appreciate your questions. As I have put my reputation on the line, it would be helpful to address this response to a person. However, if you wish to continue to hide behind a mask and fear that your reputation might be in danger. That is okay with me. Here is my response.

Yes, His Grace, Metropolitan Isaiah may sound harsh but he is a good man. Let me explain:

1. A group of our parishioners were called “robbers” and threatened to be excommunicated by His Grace. Let us dig a little deeper to understand “maybe” why these harsh words and threats were used. The church board requests advise from His Grace when an alarming large sum of money is transferred out of a church account into a non-church account. The church board requires that when you desire to transfer a large sum of money (over $800K, or small amount of money) that this action should require approval from the current church body of parish members at a general assembly. Actually it is against church policy to transfer money outside of a church account. In other words, a process should be followed with the proper groups – church board, Prostamino (President if you will) and church members in good standing. A parish council member can not, on his own decide to spend church money. Yes, the correct signatures on the signing cards allowed the money to flow from the church account to a non-church account but the process was not followed. On the table, the president of the parish resigned, “may” or “may not” by his own will. This is a debate among parishioners, but it was an outcome of only two people – former president and His Grace. For what ever reason, the parish president did it for the betterment of himself and us (my opinion). Small note: I was a church treasurer before. This is a touchy way to do business, when you deal with money and the “my way” mentality. HCF own up to your part in this matter. This is a two way street.

Note that while a general assemble can vote to apply church monies to specific projects, it can not vote to transfer church monies to another, secular non-profit entity. Give away church money?

The current problems occurred when the request by the church board to change the signers on the church owned account holding the rest of the funds donated to the church through the HHCC ($1.2MM) was not accepted by the High Tower Corporate Compliance department. There was confusion with the High Tower staff and their expectations and the expectations of the Metropolis of Denver, so the remaining funds in the church owned account (over $1.2MM) is frozen. This means that the church board does not have access to the money (nor does the Hellenic Community Foundation – HCF board have access to the money). Like it or not this is a tough situation for any executive.

Note here that the “robber” name calling letter was distributed only to the HCF board before High Tower Corporate compliance had refused the signature change. This comment by His Grace was in response to the transfer of funds and HCF decision to not give the money back to the church.

After His Grace reviewed the detail documented sequence of events provided by the church board, I can understand that His Grace was “ticked off” and very upset. I am sure that in the business world these prominent business men have been called worse names than “robber” when a “deal” or “major project” or “a new business transaction” goes sour.

Also, have these humiliating names been used by the HCF board in their business experience? Let these men (maybe with women’s help) take a big deep breath and answer the question: Am I a robber? If the answer is “NO” and I (or we the community) do not believe that you are robbers then “MOVE ON”. I agree that I am not in your shoes and this is very difficult. On the table, His Grace (Chief Executive Officer if you will) called you a name. Yes, he rattled your chain. Oh, but a hierarch should be infallible. He should be the example. Yes, His Grace is a real man just like you and I. I can not explain why he did not give you the political correct red carpet service. In my opinion, The HCF board should be thanking His Grace for persecution. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:10). Accept this as a great opportunity to exercise humility. Maybe this chance is given to you to see how you will react. The bright side is that your example will be rewarded with justice after your death. No one escapes death.

Let us be careful when using the words:

1. “honest difference of opinion” or “go back on their word”. Does this imply that the Metropolitan or priest is not honest? Maybe both sides are so busy looking through their perspective that they can’t see the other viewpoint. Maybe you all just do not like each other. Try using empathy and humility. It works. Hierarchs and lay people change their minds at times. All of us will stand before +Christ before the Judgment. The people that bad mouth +His Grace have not seen the many great things that he does. He does not brag and boast about his accomplishments. Examine his entire life. It sounds like you do not know him as you know your personal family. You may not like his style but he may not like yours. I personally think that His Grace is tired of the “dependant” church situation over several years. With all the current disunity, it is time to cut the cords. Research what other priests think. You have misused John Kaloudis’ opinion.

2. “most all of us” or “TINY minority” or “NEVER have a significant number of true believers”. These commenta used throughout emails and the website. This does NOT imply a majority. To me it sounds like that you are speaking about your own business or your personal family. How can one of you speak for the entire church parish? The 87% (or some say more like 95%) people that feel dependant churches is the preferred way. This statistic does not take into account the growth of the parishes over 4 years. The stat does not reflect the spirit of the community – only the disenfranchised spokesman. Over 500 people signed on the website. This is under 250 families if you take into account only church stewards. Many signatures from one family. Signatures of names under 18 years old. Please do not assume that everyone else is on the “dependant” church side. Rather speak for yourself. Again the silent majority are not as vocal as you.

3. “condone conspiracy”. The independent church situation has been in the oven for many years and previously discussed with the Synod of Bishops in previous years. It has been talked about for a long time. The closed door non-sense theory is NOT valid. Two parishes, one community is a night mare for any priest. Go on a personal mission and ask the previous priest and other priests. I asked several my self. Get them to sign your document. At some point it will help us all to forgive His Grace and Father Michael. You can still find ways for checks and balance.

4. “actions on part of a few”. Voting is not the answer in this matter – independent churches. The fact is that ORTHODOXY is not DEMOCRACY. A tough concept to swallow. Like it or not. The community is finally figuring that out after 100 years of existence. If you believe that majority rules then a protestant church may be a better fit for your spiritual life. Many saints were very un-popular and their spiritual guidance was NOT voted on. However, their blood or holy lives reveals the truth. Saint Nektarios was exiled and mocked for his spiritual guidance. Not the most popular person. But his relics exude a sweet smelling fragrance. Many books are written about the many miracles attributed to his life. Please review what issues that he was faced during his time.

5. “an administrative action”. Look at it this way, if you all attend Holy Trinity per your comment then that is a blessing. The Holy Trinity church body will make progress. The Prophet Elias church body will make progress. This will be good for all of us. The brilliant doctors, lawyers, teachers, professors, builders, business owners and accountants at Holy Trinity will figure out ways to build schools, build hospitals, social halls and gyms under the new administrative structure (two independent churches). The good news is that it will be easier for Holy Trinity to succeed without having to focus on Prophet Elias as a money pit. Centralized systems sound easy. They are very expensive, require highly skilled PAID professionals (include paying health care benefits) to make them work and require sophisticated computer systems (infrastructure, infrastructure and infrastructure costs). If you argue that this is not true, then why has a centralized system never worked over the past several years? Excuses are nice but the jobs are not getting done. You get what you pay for. We can not even agree on which account to put our money in.

In the past, this community proves that it can not work together to form STANDARD PROCEDURES. Our churches are NOT profit sharing BURGER KINGS. They are more complicated. Can be simple but somehow we complicate them. Our churches are non-profit entities whose ultimate goal is to help us attain salvation. The people running multiple businesses are making lots of money and that is why they bust their chops. If spending your time managing multiple businesses works then just flat out cut a check to the church without telling everyone. This gift will be well received by all parishioners. Be sure to glorify +Christ. He is the one who will give you credit. Currently, I feel no benefit from the wealth of Holy Trinity. I am not sure that the earth quake proof structure will survive an earth quake without +God’s help. I look up at Prophet Elias and I see an empty dome with no icon of +Christ.

Let us set the record straight for the miraculous icon. Bobby Markolous made a mistake when he mentioned that he might have spilled oil on the icon. I heard the comment first hand. I am not sure why he mentioned this. The icon was NOT by an “oil filled Kandili” at the time of exuding oil. Bobby was no where near the icon. Father George Polities is a very humble witness who you are all laughing at. Look Saints Raphael (priest - executed), Nicholas (deacon executed) and Irene (young teenage mayor’s daughter – boiled in front of her parents) were saints in the 15th century. However, their existing relics and volumes of miracles documented that are attributed to these saints discovered in the early 1900’s. You may choose to believe in their relics or NOT believe in their relics. You may choose to believe in the saints or not believe in the saints. Many false stories and rumors take place. As many false stories and accusations were against Saint Nektarios. Quit slandering the icon of +Christ. It is exuding oil again and more witnesses come forward. If you feel the clergy are liars then go join a NON-ORTHODOX church. Then your mind will be at ease and you will be able to stand in church comfortably. Some people are so focused on discrediting Father Michael that it is now an obsession that these people can not see straight. Go watch a football game, you will be better off.

Mr. Unknown Christian, I am not laughing at you, I am not calling you a looser, I am not calling you the evil one and I am not calling you a robber and no current excommunications are scheduled. I am crying that we seem to be acting like the rest of the world. When I use the word evil one, it is because you may or may not believe in a spiritual world. But if you do, the evil one wants to keep us from communion with +God. This is a theme in Orthodoxy. Go read the life of Saint John the Baptist. His message was all about repentance. Let us examine ourselves and find ways to improve one another and quit the mud flinging. There has to be a better way. I am not interested in excuses like the priest or the bishop need to set a better example. Set your own example for your family and myself. Clergy are men like us. Keep the focus on yourself. +God will reward you in the next life - assuming that you believe what the Orthodox Church teaches. Find a way to get the JOB done.

Mr. Unknown Christian, the Synod of Bishops will address your appeal to reverse the current situation. I can live with that reversal, I can move on and I can accept that. My question to you, can you bury the hatchets, move on, and accept the outcome if the appeal fails?

PS If you feel that there has been no justice during these last few months then maybe you are right. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly then maybe you are right. Trust in our + Lord and the truth will reveal itself at some point. Unfortunately, you will get your just reward after your death. That may be a long time.

Sincerely, Mihali Zervos

What’s the “Big Deal”?

We thank Mr. Zervos for his thoughts. Yet there are still some interesting questions that come to mind.

We are informed that our hierarch, while he may be “harsh”, is a good man and this is just "an administrative action". Question: do good men, good leaders, especially good spiritual leaders, lead by imposing excommunication, or threatening it, when their flock has an honest difference of opinion? Do these leaders accuse without proof? Do good leaders go back on their word? Do good spiritual leaders condone slander? Do good spiritual leaders encourage actions on the part of the few to besmirch a faithful steward’s reputation in both church and business, and threaten his family’s livelihood? Do good spiritual leaders engage in, and condone conspiracy, lasting MONTHS, designed to deprive the vast majority of this community’s members of one of their church properties? This, on behalf of the very few who have an insular vision for Prophet Elias, against the expressed wishes of that same overwhelming majority?

Mr. Zervos speaks of “love”. Is it love to designate those who have serious doubts about a purported miracle (when eye witnesses gave out the actual course of events) as being in league with the evil one? When someone does not agree with us is he or she automatically in league with the adversary? As for the miracle, if those who doubt it are wrong, they will be held to account for their incredulity. If, however, those who have reported and embraced this “miracle” are wrong, then the hypocrisy and fraud of those who reported such an action is indeed grievous and best left to the judgment of a higher power. In either case, it is NOT a sign of the Lord’s favor for separation. (He may well be WEEPING over the abominable nature and deception involved in the attempted split of His Church and His Community!)

In a final stretch of the imagination, Mr. Zervos contends that the Audit Report and the sloppy accounting is directly resultant from having a unified community! Huh? It is a dictum in discourse that he who asserts must PROVE. Nowhere has Mr. Zervos explained how or why this is so; he just says it is. By this same logic, no business entity could have more than one headquarters, several branches, etc. This is nonsense. Many of the parish council members run multiple businesses. One has a hard time understanding how they seem to function outside of the church realm, yet have somehow checked their intelligence, and their moral and ethical compass, at the door when engaging in the governance of the community.

It is a big deal, Mr. Zervos! Imagine if you will the following scenario:

Nearly all who have signed the "Call to Action" have said that if the split, as it has been conceived and demanded of us, does indeed stand, they will all attend Holy Trinity. It will be a truly absurd day when Holy Trinity needs to build another church – oh wait, we have one! The one our forefathers gave to us. The one where if there is to be a split, there is a specific protocol to be followed. Why should the MAJORITY have to give up their church because of the real or perceived needs of a very few who cannot even muster any SIGNIFICANT minority? And especially when that TINY minority has engaged in deceitful behavior because they knew they would NEVER have a significant number of “true believers”.

We’ve said it before; we’ll say it again. Go with the blessings of our Lord and build your own church!