Hellenic Leaders. The National Herald. December 2012 Issue 4. Anthony J. Limberakis

Transcription

1 Hellenic Leaders Series The National Herald cv December 2012 Issue 4 Anthony J. Limberakis National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew/Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Zealously Committed to Religious Freedom for the Mother Church of Constantinople An extraordinary example of Christian Stewardship Tireless in his Efforts on Behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

2 2 HELLENIC LEADERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 Anthony J. Limberakis Steadfast Crusader for the Ecumenical Patriarch By Sophia Stratakis Huling TNH Staff Writer Archon (noun): 1. A chief magistrate in ancient Athens. 2. A presiding officer(merriam- Webster). As Merriam-Webster suggests, archons were known in ancient Athens as men who played significant leadership roles in the society. When the Roman Empire became a Christian empire, the emperor began conferring the title of archon upon those who served as leaders in the Christian community. Even the word archon comes from a root that means to offikion, or title of archon on 30 laymen as an honor for their past service to the church. And the Order of St. Andrew, the U.S. version of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was born. For the next 30 years, the title of archon was considered an honorific title, earned by Orthodox Christian laymen for past work well done, reminiscent of an honorary knighthood bestowed by a monarch. Not a knight of medieval times, who actually had to wield a sword in battle to protect his sovereign, but a modern-day knight, of whom less was expected after he earned the title than before. and things began to change, gradually but irrevocably. Before the tenure of Dr. Limberakis, the offikion was given by the Mother Church as an award for outstanding service to the church by a prominent layman, said Dr. Nicholas Loutsion of Pennsylvania, an archon since 2003 and chairman of the Archon Regional Commanders Liaison Committee. This new generation of archons is indoctrinated with the premise that becoming an archon is not only an honor, but a call to arms. As members of the Order, we are asked to use our time, our talent, and our trea- John Limberakis as a graduating seminarian with Archbishop Iakovos, about Rev. John Limberakis serving in the altar at the Church of the Annunciation in Providence, R.I. with his sons Anthony, right, and Cary, about lead. Fast-forward to March 1966 in the U.S.A., and Archbishop Iakovos, on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople, bestowed the But in 1998, Spyridon, Archbishop of America and Exarch (representative) of the Ecumenical Patriarch appointed a new Archon National Commander named Anthony J. Limberakis, Photos by Niko Manginas, Dimitrios Panagos, J. Mindala submitted by Archon office sure to actively pursue the task of ensuring religious freedom for the Mother Church. I am convinced that no one other than Dr. Limberakis could have succeeded in leading this organization to this level of professionalism, achievement, and success. He is a man on a mission! The mission being not only the preservation of our Mother Church which Sir Steven Runciman called the Church in Captivity, but to ensure that the Ecumenical Patriarchate thrives. He is a true Defender of the Faith in every sense of the phrase. Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, the Order s spiritual adviser, said Limberakis, whom he has known since 1987, eats, breathes, and sleeps Ecumenical Patriarchate. It used to be the Order would have We re all dedicated to the Mother Church, but it wasn t an aggressive posture, noted Karloutsos. But Anthony makes it not only an honor, but a challenge call, a clarion call for these archons to champion the cause of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They really become soldiers in the spiritual army of the Mother Church, and that is a different mentality. They are strong advocates, they re messengers, they re apostles of the ministry of Constantinople which did not occur before. And he s taken it to the halls of Congress, to the White House, to the European Court of Human Rights, to the European Union; he s taken it to the capitals throughout the world. He leaves his business, his responsibilities in Philadelphia, and abandons them and goes and carries on courageously and without any compensation. He doesn t make any money for this, he actually loses money, so it s something to admire, and his wife supports him totally. It s just something to be appreciated and acknowledged in my opinion. John Halecky of New Jersey, an archon since 1982 and member of the Carpatho-Russian Diocese, which is also under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, has served as secretary of the Order since 1998, the same year Limberakis was appointed National Commander. When he became National Commander, he said that an archon was being nominated to become a soldier for the Patriarch, Halecky said. I think the best way I could say it is my time on the National Council was like going to boot camp when you go into the service. We finished boot camp and now we were going to be defenders of the faith. Champion. Defender. Soldiers. Call to arms. The knighthood imagery is unmistakable. For Limberakis, though, the owner of a full-service outpatient radiology practice in Philadelphia, it s a sacred duty to which he has devoted his life, and not without sacrifice. The son of a dedicated priest whose Continued on page 4 Congratulations, Dr. Limberakis! Thank you for your strong leadership, many accomplishments, and global efforts to protect and defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We are deeply grateful. Ambassador George L. Argyros

3 THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 HELLENIC LEADERS 3 Commander Dr. Limberakis in your constant and continued effort to achieve the Beautiful, the Mighty and the True you have lead the order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to its highest level of accomblishment. In the strugle to bring religious freedom to all and especially to our captive Ecumenical Patriarchate, you showed us by your example that we need faith, prayer and hard work. And you did it so humbly and yet with such Αρχοντιά! We thank you! AΞΙΟΣ Stephen Cherpelis Archon Dikaiophylax

4 4 HELLENIC LEADERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 Anthony J. Limberakis Steadfast Crusader for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Continued from page 2 family was evicted from Smyrna, Asia Minor about , he was inspired not only by his family s connection to religious persecution and suffering, but by the example of the early church martyrs. We do nothing compared to the martyrs of the church. Look how these martyrs suffered, he said, recalling some detailed accounts of Christians in the early church being put to death for their faith. You think, My God, these people gave up their lives to maintain their Christian belief Anthony and Maria Limberakis. and their belief in Jesus Christ as their God. And when you compare the little things we do today, there s just no comparison. That just reinforces what we as archons are doing, and why we re doing it: because we re protecting and defending the true faith, the Orthodox faith. EARLY LIFE Limberakis was born in 1952 when his father, Rev. John Limberakis, was at his first parish assignment as pastor of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresco, Ca. The elder Limberakis grew up in Boston, Mass., enrolled in Holy Cross School of Theology (then in Pomfret, Conn.) at 16, and graduated in After a few years in Fresno, Rev. John was transferred to the Church of the Annunciation in Providence, R.I., where his two sons, Cary and Anthony, born 13 months apart, grew up. The Limberakis family at the wedding of son Anthony and Kathryn at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Elkins Park, Pa. From left: Son John, grandson Dakota, John s wife Starla, mother and Presvytera Elizabeth, new daughter-in-law Kathryn, son Anthony, mother-in-law Mrs. Lillian Borden, wife Maria, daughter Elizabeth, grandson Anthony, and Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis. Although he set his sights on a medical career from an early age, his first visit to Washington, D.C. proved momentous for Limberakis. As he watched the high-school-aged pages sitting in the rostrum of the Senate, the young boy was fascinated. When he reached his sophomore year in high school, he took a chance and, with his parents encouragement, applied to the Senate page program. To his surprise, he was accepted. So at 16 the same age his father was when he entered seminary Limberakis left home for the first time to take on his new challenge, a paid full-time job as a United States Senate page, which he kept for his remaining two years of high school. Work began sometimes at 9:30 a.m., sometimes earlier, depending on when the Senate sessions began. That meant classes had to start at 6 a.m. at the special school he attended for congressional and Supreme Court pages. If there was a test that morning, he rose at 4 a.m. to prepare. That taught me a work ethic that has kept me in good stead since then, he said. That experience really set up my daily routine. From then on I was an early riser to accomplish what needed to be done.. And that was good in college, it was good in medical school, and has served me well throughout the years. He kept up the driving pace through college at the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in political science, finished his pre-med requirements and completed a master s degree in political science, all within four years. College for Limberakis was year round; he didn t take summers off. A lot of people say they had a blast in college; I would not characterize my years in college Anthony and Maria Limberakis with their grandsons, Dakota (left) and Anthony (Antonaki). as having a blast. It was a very serious commitment to academics, he said. And my dad would encourage us to study. We had these vinyl study chairs, my brother and I. And my dad, sometimes half-kidding, would say, Don t get up from that chair until your rear end sweats. MARRIAGE AND AN ARCHON BEGINNING Along the way, Limberakis did manage to meet, court and marry Maria Borden, the daughter of Dr. Anthony Borden, who was parish council president at the Annunciation Church of Elkins Park, Pa., where Rev. John Limberakis was transferred in Since the parish house was not yet ready when the Limberakis family arrived, they stayed with the Bordens for a while. The priest s son and the parish council president s daughter soon began going steady when they were seniors in high school, meeting on weekends when Limberakis came home from his Senate page job in Washington. At the time, Borden was Archon National Commander a post in which his future son-in-law would eventually succeed him. We were very much thrown together, though I prefer to think of it as Divine Providence, said Maria. With my dad s involvement with the Ar- Continued on page 6 ANTHONY J. LIMBERAKIS M.D. man for all seasons. We hold Dr. Anthony Limberakis in High Esteem and honor. As a servant of our church and community, A true visionary A superior leader Inexhaustably energetic Formidable accomplishments Protector of the Mother Church extraordinaire Axios, Axios! as well as as a physician. As a leader of the Order of St Andrews the Apostle / Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His devotion and Leadership as well as the personal and Family Sacrifices he has made with the full support of his wife Dr. Maria Limberakis have been unprecedented. With the highest regards, George and Demetra Safiol and admiration, Dr James Kallins Dr. George Kallins

5 THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 HELLENIC LEADERS 5 ΝΙCHOLAS J. BOURAS 25 DeForest Avenue, Summit, N.J CONGRATULATIONS Dr. ANTONY LIMBERAKIS! We are all very grateful for your effective leadership on behalf of the Diaspora. Your extraordinary record of accomplishments has made us very proud. Wishing you health and continued success always.

6 6 HELLENIC LEADERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 Anthony J. Limberakis Steadfast Crusader for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Continued from page 4 On September 23, 2011 Archbishop Demetrios of America met with Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (center) to discuss matters regarding religious freedom and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Accompanying the Archbishop chons and in his parish locally, it was quite something to meet the new priest for our parish and meet his family. Limberakis and Maria both attended the University of Pennsylvania, marrying after graduation, and he continued on to Duke University Medical School, graduating in His fatherin-law, a radiologist who had founded Bustleton Radiology in Philadelphia, recruited Limberakis for the practice in 1983, and he s been there ever since. Although he was always close to his father and served in the church in different capacities from a young age, Limberakis never felt any pressure from his father to join the priesthood. He did, however, organize a project in the mid-1980s titled A Tribute to Our Clergy, a multimedia presentation featuring the clergy of 14 parishes in the Delaware Valley. It was presented at a high-profile event in Philadelphia with hundreds of people in attendance, including Metropolitan Silas of New Jersey. Shortly afterward, the Metropolitan recommended Limberakis to receive the archon offikion which naturally thrilled his father-in-law. Sometimes the Archbishop teases him and calls him a parttime radiologist and a full-time archon and that s not far from the truth, Maria said with a smile. I don t think if Anthony were employed by a corporation or was not basically his own boss that he would be able to do it. But the work of the archons it s his ministry, and he believes in it as a ministry. So it is something that he feels it is his duty to do to the best of his ability as an Orthodox Christian. He truly believes in this mission so we as a family, then, have adopted this as our mission. She admitted that her husband s commitments have often left her to deal with a lot of issues on the home front, especially when their three children were younger. For his part, Limberakis declared he simply could not do the work has done without the steadfast and continuous love of his family. Of paramount importance has been the extraordinary support of my beloved wife of 37 years, Maria, and of our children John, Anthony and Elizabeth, he said. I thank God every single day for blessing me with Maria, our children and now our grandchildren Dakota and Anthony and daughters in law, Starla and Kathryn. ARCHONS FOCUS ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Over the decades since its formation, the focus of the Order had always been to enhance the sacred bond with the Mother Church in Constantinople, which had been oppressed by Turkey for generations. In 1971, the Turkish government forcibly closed the centuries-old Theological School on the island of Halki, and that became the Greek Orthodox community s main concern. But the full scope of the injustice was vague and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew displays the deed to the Patriarchal Orphanage on Prinkipos Island, restored to the Patriarchate in 2010 by a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights not clearly articulated. Limberakis cited a combination of factors that helped the Order comprehend the problems and begin to confront them. First, he said, Archbishop Demetrios election in 1999 brought unity, peace, and calm to the church in America. Archbishop Demetrios has provided and continues to provide extraordinary inspiration, guidance and motivation to me personally and to the entire Order as we pursue our sacred ministry to defend the Mother Church," Limberakis said. Next, the team of archons began to delve deeply and identify that the problems were matters of religious freedom and basic human rights. They coupled that with Turkey s desire to join the European Union, which gave them a strong leverage point with European nations. Finally, said Limberakis, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke before the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson in 2000, and displayed tremendous courage when he declared, We feel like second-class citizens. In 2002, Limberakis began assembling teams of archons to visit the Turkish Foreign Ministry in Ankara. We felt that we made an impact in bringing the objection of American Orthodox Christians to Ankara, Turkey, objecting to religious freedom violations because the violations against our Ecumenical Patriarchate are violations to us as American citizens, because we are under their jurisdiction and we are connected, he said. So that s the statement we were making: Look, you re violating our religious freedom as Americans when you violate the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and our spiritual father. He s our spiritual father how dare you do that to him, because if you do that to him, you do that to all Orthodox Christians around the world. When asked why these problems had not been clearly addressed before, Limberakis said the answer was Three words: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He had the courage to say, in front of the world, that in our own country of Turkey -- and the Orthodox were there before there was a country of Turkey, of course -- in Turkey we are treated as second-class citizens. He s the one who s inspired everyone around him. PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE Once they had identified the problems and spelled out the Five Issues threatening the Ecumenical Patriarchate -- Turkey s veto power over Patriarchal elections; forbidding the use of the word Ecumenical ; no legal identity for the Patriarchate as an institution; closing off Halki and any means of training new clergy; and confiscation of properties then they were able to increase awareness not only among Turkish, American, and European officials, but among Orthodox Christians in the U.S. Even our own laymen and clergy don t know what s going on in the Mother Church, the persecution at the hands of the government of Turkey, said were (from left) Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Dennis Mehiel, member of the Religious Freedom Committee, Michael Jaharis, Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council, Dr. Limberakis, and Religious Freedom Chairman John Catsimatidis. Limberakis. The approach has been multi-faceted. A religious freedom team visits Turkey every year to meet with as many ministers as possible. Another trip is made annually to the European Union and the Commission on EU Enlargement. Yet another goal is to constantly communicate with the U.S. State Department, senators and members of the House of Representatives, and the President himself. Limberakis recruits archons who are experts in these fields to lead the charge, such as Andrew Manatos, Archon Regional Commander in Washington and a lobbyist with 40 years of experience campaigning on Capitol Hill for justice for Greek- American causes. I had been encouraging the Order to utilize Turkey's desire to join the EU as a strong leverage point to press Turkey on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Anthony had been urging the Order to go in that direction, said Manatos. He added a chilling point: According to America's best expert on Turkey, granting religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate was the last of Turkey's wrongdoing that it would correct. It was said that they would withdraw from Cyprus and stop overflying Greece long before they would ever grant any religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A senior State Department official said that Turkey had a policy goal of eliminating the Ecumenical Patriarchate through John Halecky, Secretary of the Order since 1998, at a presentation given by the Order at Holy Cross School of Theology attrition of Ecumenical Patriarchs. So, Turkey's reversal on these matters is an important comment on what a difficult goal this was for Anthony and the Order to begin to achieve. Halecky has traveled to Europe and Turkey repeatedly with the team, and has watched the campaign from the beginning. He remembers the team being picketed during one visit to Ankara. On another visit, the then-prime minister forbade any Continued on page 8 Since taking the helm of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, our indefatigable National Commander, Dr. Anthony Limberakis, has redefined the mission of the Archons as true "Defenders of the Faith". He has raised the bar in his effort to pioneer new strategies in promoting religious freedom for our Mother Church and has succeeded in taking this sacred message to the State, the National, and the International level. AXIOS, AXIOS, AXIOS! Dr. Nicholas G. Loutsion Archon Aktouarios Archon National Council Congratulations Anthony Limberakis Thank you for all you have done for the Order of Saint Andrew in defense of the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Your focus on and passion for our faith are inspirational. Axios! Andy Manatos and Mike Manatos

7 THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 HELLENIC LEADERS 7 On Friday, October 26, 2012, HANAC (Hellenic-American Neighborhood Action Committee) honored Dr. Limberakis as their "Man of the Year" and the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle with the "Humanitarian Award." From right, Dr. Limberakis receives the award from John Catsimatidis and HANAC Chairman and co-founder Evangeline Douris. Archon and HANAC President Nikitas Drakotos stands at far left. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios surprise Dr. Limberakis by honoring him with the Athenagoras Human Rights Award on Oct. 31, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew cuts the cake at a tribute dinner to honor the 20th anniversary of his election and enthronement, held on Friday, October 21, 2011, at the Four Seasons Bosphorous in Istanbul, and hosted by the Order of Saint Andrew and Leadership 100. Nearly 400 people attended, including heads of churches and hierarchs from around the world, diplomats and ambassadors representing various countries. On Friday, October 26, 2012, HANAC (Hellenic-American Neighborhood Action Committee) honored Dr. Limberakis as their "Man of the Year" and the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle with the "Humanitarian Award." From left, Dr. Cary Limberakis (brother of Anthony) and his wife, Alexis, Presvytera Elizabeth Limberakis (mother of Cary and Anthony), Maria and Anthony Limberakis. HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. ANTHONY J. LIMBERAKIS for his and his family s persistent efforts and sacrifice to defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate against persecution in Turkey His unwavering love and loyalty to the Church for many years is an inspiration to Orthodox Christians everywhere ΚΑΙ ΕΙΣ ΑΝΩΤΕΡΑ! With deep respect and gratitude, DR. AMALIA KAI SPIROS SPIREAS SigmaPharm Laboratories Innovative Pharmaceutical Formulations, Maximizing Drug Therapy Sigmapharm Laboratories, LLC 3375 Progress Drive, Bensalem - PA Tel.: (215) Fax: (215)

8 8 HELLENIC LEADERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 An archon Delegation traveled to Berlin, Germany to begin detailed advance work for the second International Archon Religious Freedom Conference, scheduled for late From left: Religious Freedom Conference Chairman George Rockas, Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Dr. Limberakis, and Archon Patriarchal Properties Committee Chairman Judge Theodore Bozonelis. Continued from page 6 government officials from accepting an invitation to a reception sent by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch because of the word ecumenical. We got kicked around, we got insulted by these people that we used to meet with, and we just kept on coming back in their face. And now they recognize us, Halecky said. When you work with Dr. Limberakis you become very inspired. And when you see the things that have been happening over the last years, you see what dedication is, and you want to become part of that dedication. And you want the Patriarch to have religious freedom, because he is our spiritual father. In front of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. From left: Roger Kiska, an attorney from the European Centre of Law and Justice, Limberakis, Rev. Karloutsos, Archon Legal Counsel Christopher Stratakis, and George Rockas. Anthony J. Limberakis Steadfast Crusader for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Τοp: Limberakis met with the President of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate, Professor Mehmet Gormez, Turkey's top Muslim cleric during an archon pilgrimage in September Right: Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, standing, makes a point at an archon gathering in New York, N.Y. STATE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS In 2006, Limberakis and the archon team launched the 50- State Legislative Religious Freedom Resolution Initiative, and appointed Stephen Georgeson of Atlanta, Ga., an archon since 2003 and attorney specializing in legislative work, as chairman. The goal is to persuade every state legislature in the U.S. to pass a Religious Freedom Resolution, advocating religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In the six years he has chaired the effort, 42 states have passed such resolutions, representing 90 percent of the U.S. population. And the resolutions do not mince words. They categorically state some of the actions the Turkish government has taken against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including confiscating its properties, refusing to allow it to train its clergy, and forbidding any non-turkish citizens from serving as clergy. The process requires Georgeson to find someone in each state, whether clergy, archon, laity- Orthodox, or not, who will take the time to find a legislative sponsor, a member of the state legislature who is willing to introduce the bill to the state house or senate. Those contacts are crucial, Georgeson said; they must be not only willing, but also familiar with the legislative process and have a good relationship with their local legislator. I will tell you point-blank that under Dr. Limberakis leadership, the Order has been transformed, Georgeson said. It has been transformed from what was an honorific organization to one that is very much an activist organization in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. And I just can t say enough about how important he has been to all of the work. The purpose of the state resolutions is twofold, Georgeson said. First they highlight the Patriarchate s problems to many Orthodox Christians; and second, they educate state legislators who may one day be elected to the U.S. Congress. According to Manatos, about half the members of Congress are former state legislators. But the way is getting bumpier, and Georgeson said they have faced more active opposition in recent years from the Turkish-American community in Colorado, Texas, and Washington State, and from the Turkish government itself. It s the same reason why they vigorously opposed resolutions in Congress condemning the Armenian genocide, said Georgeson. These resolutions are official actions. LEGAL REMEDIES In 2005, Limberakis appointed a Legal Committee Thank you for your Service to the Church Mr. Constantine G. Caras and Dr. Maria Michell Caras chaired by the Order's Legal Counselor Christopher Stratakis to investigate how to seek recourse from the European Court of Human Rights for some of the Turkey s religious freedom violations, in light of Turkey s pending application to join the European Union. The Ecumenical Patriarchate brought the Turkish government before the court in 2007, specifically charging that the government illegally confiscated the magnificent Patriarchal Orphanage on Prinkipos Island, built in The court ruled unanimously (all seven judges) in favor of the Patriarchate in The government returned the deed on November 29, 2010, one day before the feast day of the Apostle Andrew, the founder of the church in Constantinople and patron saint of the Order. Limberakis called it a huge step in the right direction. New Jersey State Superior Court Judge Theodore Bozonelis, an archon since 2007 and New Jersey Regional Commander, has been active in this effort as the chairman of the Patriarchal Properties Committee. I can tell you that there is a big, big difference from when Dr. Limberakis and the delegation first went to Istanbul to meet with the various government officials in Turkey; they did not get the kind of reception that they get now, said Bozonelis. When I think of an Archon and what an Archon should be, I think of what he s done over that year period. In August 2011, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan decreed that religious minority foundations whose properties were confiscated by the government would be permitted to apply to regain them. Since religious minorities have never had any legal status in Turkey, they cannot own any property; the government permits foundations to control the properties for those minorities (including Orthodox Christians, Armenians, and Jews). Erdogan s government adopted regulations the foundations must adhere to, in order to apply to regain their properties. Of the 163 minority foundations in Turkey, between are Greek Orthodox. The committee s aims, Bozonelis said, are to assist the Ecumenical Patriarchate with its applications and to work toward achieving a legal status for the Patriarchate, so it can own its own property and conduct its own business without governmental interference. INTERNATIONAL ARCHON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CONFERENCE Limberakis and the National Council introduced a new project in 2010, an international conference focusing on religious freedom in Turkey, and including all the religious minorities that have been affected there. The first International Religious Freedom Conference was held at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, in November Titled Religious Freedom: Turkey s Bridge to the European Union, it assembled more than 30 scholars, human rights advocates, religious leaders, and Turkish politicians to discuss ways of ameliorating the religious freedom crisis in Turkey, particularly in light of its new constitution. It addressed the concerns not only of Orthodox Christians, but also of Alevi Muslims, Armenians, Jews, Syriacs, Catholics and Protestants. The Order raised $500,000 to fund the conference, and 200 participants from the U.S., Turkey and Europe attended. George Rockas (a Massachusetts attorney and archon) chaired that, and he did a superlative job, Limberakis said. The conference was so successful, a second one is planned for December 2013 in Berlin, titled Tearing Down Walls: Achieving Religious Equality in Turkey. Limberakis and an archon delegation have found local journalists with a special interest in religious freedom to promote and cover the event. It is significant that the conference is being held in Germany, which has a Turkish population of about 4 million, the largest community outside Turkey. As he reflected on the challenges he has faced, Limberakis emphasized the vital importance of staying persistent and relentless in what he calls a ministry. The Lord has placed the archons and each individual archon on this earth at this time in the history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to fulfill this ministry, and that is to serve the needs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate so that it could freely exercise its worldwide ministry, he said. We believe that the Holy Spirit inspires the Holy Synod to vote for the Ecumenical Patriarch; he s elected based on their vote. For the Turks to interpose themselves in that process is not only an administrative violation; it s a violation of our own belief system: we believe the Holy Spirit inspires the Synod to vote, they vote and they elect. For them to interfere in that process is a canonical interference, it s a religious interference. It s not just administra- Continued on page 9

9 THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 HELLENIC LEADERS 9 From left, Stephen Georgeson, John Halecky, Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, and James Fountas visited an Orthodox church during a pilgrimage to Constantinople in April Anthony J. Limberakis - Steadfast Crusader for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Continued from page 8 tive interference. One of the highlights of his life as an Archon, he said, was when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invited him to be a member of the Patriarchal entourage accompanying him to the Vatican for the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in June "It was a great honor, an extraordinary experience, Limberakis said. That's when the request was made to return the relics of St. Gregory the Theologian, who finalized the Nicene Creed, and St. John Chrysostom, and a few months later we accompanied the Patriarch again when he went to Rome to receive the relics." As the archons spiritual director, Karloutsos praised their work, but said their wives deserve even more recognition, and singled out Maria Limberakis for special mention. I commend The National Herald for doing this story, and I really want it to be also about Maria, he said. Although the wives are not honored with a title, he said, they too are honoring the Church with their service. And they stand by their spouses as their husbands go on to champion the cause of the Mother Church. Without their wives, in my opinion, these men would not be as effective. And it is their wives who deserve much tribute and thanks. Stratakis remembered attending a luncheon Ecumenical Pilgrims visit the Patriarchal Orphanage on Prinkipos Island in Patriarch Bartholomew hosted for the leadership of the Order during their visit to Constantinople around As is his custom, Limberakis toasted the health of the Patriarch. After the toast, I heard the Patriarch whisper in Greek to the hierarchs sitting on either side of him, The present leadership of the Archons in America is the best we ever had, said Stratakis. "In a period of 12 years, Dr. Limberakis has elevated the Order to an internationally recognized level as the true Defenders of the Faith, and specifically to the defense of religious freedom as it relates to the free exercise of the Patriarchate's ministry on a global level. In the process, he has effectively brought to the table and made known internationally the egregious violations to the Patriarchate's ministries. As a result of all these efforts, I firmly believe that some of the improvements made by the Turkish government toward allowing the Patriarchate's free exercise of its missions would not otherwise have taken place (for example, authorizing the return of the confiscated properties and not objecting to the Patriarch's initiative of appointing non-turkish citizens to the Holy Synod)." The Five Issues Threatening the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey 1. Government Interference in Patriarchal Elections The Turkish government imposes restrictions on the election of the Ecumenical Patriarch and Hierarchs who vote for him by requiring that they must be Turkish citizens. In fact, the government arbitrarily can veto any candidate for the position of Ecumenical Patriarch. With the dwindling population of Hierarchs and Orthodox Christians in Turkey, we may not be able to elect an Ecumenical Patriarch in the not too distant future. This is tantamount to the asphyxiation of the leadership of the Holy Mother Church and a clear illustration of the direct intervention of the Turkish government in ecclesiastical matters. 2. Non-Recognition of "Ecumenical" Status The Turkish government does not recognize the "Ecumenical" status of the Patriarch and Patriarchate. Turkish authorities do not allow the use of the term or title of "Ecumenical" for any religious activity whatsoever, despite the fact that it has been used since the 6th century A.D. and recognized throughout the world. Turkey regards the Patriarchate as an institution whose leader is seen as the spiritual head of Orthodox Christians in Turkey alone, rather than the leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. 3. No Legal Identity The Ecumenical Patriarchate has no legal identity or bona fide legal personality in Turkey. The lack of a legal identity is a major source of problems for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including non-recognition of its ownership rights and the nonissuance of residence and work permits for "foreign" (i.e., non- Turkish citizen) priests who are essential to the continuity and functioning of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Turkish authorities do not allow the Ecumenical Patriarchate to own any property - not even its churches! The Patriarchal house itself is not recognized as the Patriarchate's property and even the Girls and Boys Orphanage Foundation on the Island of Buyukada (Prinkipos) for which the Patriarchate has held a deed since 1902 is not legally recognized by the Turkish government.* The inability to secure work permits by "foreigners" who work at the Ecumenical Patriarchate results in these individuals having to leave the country every three months to renew tourist visas which disrupts the operation and productivity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and discourages staffing from abroad. 4. Closing of Seminary and Inability to Train New Clergy The Ecumenical Patriarchate is unable to train new clergy in Turkey, and its theological school was forcibly closed down by the Turkish Government. The Theological School of Halki was forcibly closed by Turkish authorities in Since its closure, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has had to send the young men from its community desiring to enter the priesthood to one of the theological schools in Greece. In many instances, they do not return given the onerous restrictions in getting work permits and the general climate of intimidation. Despite promises by the Turkish government to re-open our theological school, there has been no progress. Left unresolved, the administrative functioning and future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is imperiled. 5. Confiscation of Property The Turkish Government has confiscated thousands of properties from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Through various methods, the Turkish authorities have confiscated thousands of properties from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community over the years, including our monasteries, church buildings, an orphanage, private homes, apartment buildings, schools and land. Left unchecked, the remaining Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) - the cultural heirs of the Byzantine Empire - will be threatened and ultimately be no more. * By unanimous judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on July 7, 2008, the Patriarchal Orphanage on Prinκipos Island (Büyükada Island, the largest of the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul) was returned to the Ecumenical Patriarchate on November 29, The Patriarchate has announced that the Orphanage will be transformed into a Global Center for Peace and the Environment, a project supported by the Brookings Institution and its Managing Director Archon William Antholis. On Aug. 27, 2011, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a decree that will allow religious minority foundations to apply to regain religious properties confiscated by the Turkish government since Mr. Nicholas Bouras on Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis I honestly believe that Dr. Anthony Limberakis as National Commander has taken the Archons in America to a higher level. His administrative skills, attention to detail and the ability to see the possible in the impossible have made him one of the great servant/leaders of our Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He has put the Order in order by implementing new initiatives with transparency and recruiting the best talent from members of Saint Andrew the Apostle. Its mission is no longer simply to honor laymen for their service to the church, but to make them outstanding and Nicholas Bouras dedicated champions for religious freedom of the Mother Church of Constantinople. As Anthony likes to exclaim, Axios! Axios! Axios! to Dr. Limberakis. Nicholas Bouras received the title of Archon Depoutatos from Archbishop Iakovos in He has served as Vice Commander of the Order of St. Andrew since In addition to his many contributions to his local church, the Archdiocese, and the Order, he annually underwrites the cost of the Archon Grand Banquet, a highlight fundraising event at which the Order presents the Athenagoras Human Rights Award, named for Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras (+1972), to a deserving individual who has worked for religious freedom and human rights. Bouras himself received the award in DR. ANTHONY LIMBERAKIS CONGRATULATIONS FROM A FRIEND AND COLLABORATOR

10 10 HELLENIC LEADERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, DECEMBER 29-30, 2012 There Is Nothing Permanent Except Change Heraclitus EXTENDING SAVINGS OFFER INTO THE NEW YEAR! 50 % OFF FOR 6 MONTHS Plus unlimited online access to our digital edition Stay current with the news and upcoming events of the Greek-American Community. Tell your friends and family to also take advantage of this savings offer. ACT NOW! SAVE NOW! SUBSCRIBE NOW!* *For new subscribers only Rates vary per region Offer expires: January 31, 2013 The National Herald th Street, Long Island City, NY Tel: (718) Fax: (718) subscriptions@ekirikas.com -