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Dear Readers and Friends,
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
As the world awakens to the beauty of spring, may our hearts also be stirred with renewed hope, unity in Christ’s resurrection. In this season of joy and celebration, let us reflect on the importance of fostering connections not only within our Orthodox community but also with our brothers and sisters of different faiths.
Throughout history, our Orthodox tradition has taught us the value of dialogue, compassion, and cooperation. It is through these principles that we build bridges of understanding and mutual respect, enriching our own spiritual journey while embracing the diversity of humanity.
As we embark on this journey of inter-Orthodox, ecumenical, and interfaith relations, let us be guided by the spirit of love, humility, and openness. Let us seek common ground, celebrate our differences, and work together towards a world where peace and harmony prevail. As His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America stated in his Paschal Encyclical: “Our invitation to ‘the banquet of faith’ isn’t simply contingent upon the quality or quantity of the foodstuffs from which we partake or abstain. Instead, our participation in the Table as co-banqueters presupposes a high measure of philanthropy and compassion for our fellow neighbor.”
Wishing you all a blessed and joyous feast of Christ’s resurrection
Happy Readings!
Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, Ph.D.
Director, Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations
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GOA Girl Delegates at the UN – Meeting with the Archbishop, Missions, and participating in UN meetings
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GOA Girl Advocate Speaks at United Nations
The During the CSW68, the Girls Delegates met with H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Representatives of the Permanent Mission of Greece, Cyprus, Ireland, Holy See, and Sovereign Order of Malta. They also had the opportunity to meet women NGO Executives and learn a lot about advocacy. The girls had multiple chances to voice their opinions and thoughts on women’s issues.
An inspirational quote for all that week was: “Women’s rights are not a woman’s issue, but a human rights issue.”
Be on the lookout for our upcoming article in the Orthodox Observer! To watch the event, click here. |
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The visit of H.B. Archbishop Sviatoslav with his HE Archbishop Elpidophoros
On March 8th the Department facilitated the reception by H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America of H.B. Archbishop Sviatoslav, Primate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Click here to read the remarks of HE Archbishop Elpidophoros. |
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Synodality: Envisioning the Future of the Church
On March 28th Rev. Kazarian offered the closing remarks during the international conference on “Synodality: Envisioning the Future of the Church” organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross.
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Senior Class of Holy Cross School of Theology at Hellenic College visits GOA
On March 2, Father Nicolas had the pleasure to welcome the Senior Class of Holy Cross School of Theology at Hellenic College. He presented to them an overview of the Ecumenical Department’s vast activities. During that presentation, he mentioned that the scope of work of the Department is wider than the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, but it is a crucial instrument of relationship building and Orthodox witness in the country.
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Religions for Peace USA
On April 15th, Fr. Nicolas attended the RFPUSA Executive Council retreat at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center, NYC. They discussed the importance of interfaith relations and peace. They had the privilege to welcome Frederick Davie, Vice President of the US Commission on International Religious freedom in the world, for an important conversion on the state of religious freedom in the world.
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Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
On March 5, Rev. Kazarian started off the meeting of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches in Geneva.
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Greek Independence Day Parade
On April 14, Rev. Kazarian with St. Eleftherios Church and the Ecumenical Department of GOA took part at the Greek Independence Day marching at the parade.
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Orthodox Mission and Outreach
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The Black American Orthodox Experience
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Click here to watch episode one of the second season. |
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Click here to watch episode two of the second season. |
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Click here to watch episode three of the second season. |
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Click here to watch episode four of the second season. |
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Interfaith Breakfast
Rev. Kazarian joined the Interfaith Breakfast organized by New York Mayor Eric Adams where a large representation of religious leaders participated and they were dedicated to serve the city.
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The Outreach Liturgies at St. Eleftherios
V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostom Onyekakyeh, Project Coordinator for Mission Outreach Development continues his monthly celebrations and fellowship meetings at St. Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church.
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Faith in Leadership: A woman’s Perspective Panel
The panel “Faith in Leadership: A woman’s Perspective” aired on March 8th, intends to celebrate the limitless potential of Orthodox Women and their inspirational leadership skills on International Women’s Day. By showcasing Greek Orthodox women and their multifaceted stewardship, Ourania Markaki and Noelle Wright are creating space to explore the power of Orthodox women’s voices, the strength of their convictions, and the resilience of their spirit with amazing panelistst Mrs Allen, Dr. Prodromou, Presvytera Christy, Dr. Yallourakis, Mrs. George, and Mrs. Limberakis.
To watch the panel, click here. |
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Social Media Campaign: Women of the GOA and its Affiliated Institutions
Throughout the month of March, the Ecumenical and Communications Department of the GOA collaborated to showcase the exceptional women leaders across the GOA and its Affiliated Institutions. This initiative was a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of the women that have created history within GOA and have supported our community.
To view the History Month Highlight, click here. |
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Family matters Podcast
Fr. Alex speaks with Fr. Nicholas Anton and Presvytera Melanie DiStefano on the partnershp that is developing resources to serve the blind and deaf faithful in the parish communities.
To listen to the podcast, click here. |
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The Department at the United Nations
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World leader summit of love and peace for the celebration of International Day of Conscience
On April 4th, 2024 Rev. Nicolas Kazarian represented His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace ahead of the celebration of the International Day of Conscience at the United Nations. He shared His All-Holiness’s Message which stated: “The challenge for us as religious ministers is to keep our eyes constantly focused on the goodness of God, on the dignity of all human beings, and on care for all of creation in order to transform darkness into light, despair into hope, and suffering into reconciliation.”
To watch a recording of the service, click here. |
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Participation at CSocD62
During the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development, Ourania Markaki, Program Coordinator at the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations of the GOA of America, Niki Devaris Morgulis, Coordinator of the GOA Girl Delegates Program, and Girl Delegate J. Eva Raffaele attended multiple forums where they were able to speak up and voice their opinions.
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Representation at the International Day of Education
For the International Day of Education 01/24 we attended the UN Meeting “Learning for Lasting Peace” where among other things we indulged into conversations about the goals to deliver the Education 2030 commitments and to raise awareness for effective approaches to educations for peace and mobilize action for implementation.
To be part of this amazing day we spent in the UN Headquarters, feel free to watch the full event here. |
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Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops
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Homelessness Guidebook for Orthodox Parishes
On October 19th, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops released a resource for Orthodox parishes to better understand and respond to homelessness in their community. The guidebook offers educational materials, best practices from Orthodox Christian and interfaith communities, and practical steps to build or grow ministry in our local communities, to increase witness to our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness or who are home insecure.
Click here to access the guidebook. |
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Department Updates and Highlights
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New Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Program Coordinator
On January, we welcomed our Program Coordinator Ourania Markaki. Ourania graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a double degree in International Relations and Economics and a minor in Communications.
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Fordham and Leadership 100 Internships
During the summer, we will have two internships available through Fordham University and a Leadership 100 Grant. We cannot wait!
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2024 Clergy Laity Congress
In July, we will be participating in the Clergy Laity Congress contributing two events on:
- Ecumenical Families – A pastoral, Theological and Canonical Approach
- Orthodoxy in America – The Role of the Assembly of Bishops
More about the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress, click here. |
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Racial Reconciliation
The Archdiocese continually has statements and readings being published on the topic of racial reconciliation. Besides this, be aware of Rev. John Chryssavgis’s web series on racial reconciliation in which he moderates many conversations on this topic. Click here to explore further this topic! |
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Greening the Parish
Please always be aware of the many useful tools to aid in the greening of your parish! Below you will find links to the resource page on the website of the archdiocese, as well as an extensive YouTube series that offers tips and tricks from parishes across the country on how to Green your Parish- click here for more. |
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Orthodoxy and Judaism in Dialogue
Stay up to date with most recent news, developments and resources we’ve added to Orthodox Christianity’s relationship with Judaism. Click here to be directed to the many readings, interviews, and video materials! |
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Connect with us on social media
Connect with us on social media and stay up to date on the departments’ recent events and projects!
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