What Once Was – Reflections from a Graduate of the Holy Theological School of Halki

Reverand Father George C. Kaloudis was born and raised in Kambia, Chios. Kambia is a small village in the northern part of the island, at the foot of the Pelinneon Mountain. 1 Fr. George lived on the island with his family through high school. When he graduated in 1955, he went directly to the island of Halki to study theology in preparation for the priesthood at the Holy Theological School of Halki. There were only 22 other seminarians studying with him at the time.  

Rev. Fr. George C. Kaloudis receiving the honor of Protopresbyter from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew

The Holy Theological School is located on the island of Halki, at the top of a hill called the Hill of Hope. It is an hour boat ride from the shore of Constantinople, modern day Istanbul. The Monastery of Holy Trinity sits on the grounds of the School. It was founded during the Byzantine period. 2

According to the Patriarchate’s website, ‘The Holy Theological School of Halki was established in order to meet the educational needs of the Church of Constantinople and of Orthodoxy in general.’ Other reasons given were the need to confront western ideologies with an anti-Christian bias, such as materialism and socio-philosophical systems with rigorous argumentation as well as the need to confront the proselytization efforts being conducted by western Christian denominations.2

The school functioned as a monastic brotherhood, accepting only male laymen, clerics or monks. Students dressed in a short black cassock and were only allowed limited outings on designated days. Its location allowed it to be a place of the intense academic, ecclesiastical and theological study. On top of their regular studies, great weight was given to the teaching of Byzantine music.2

Fr. George recollects “I didn’t interact in the day to day life on the island of Halki because as students we were only allowed to stay within the school grounds. We would take leisurely walks around the school but never really experienced what daily life was like on the island. From what I can remember, there were a few Greek residents on Halki.”

He also remembers that the climate between the School and the Turkish government was a peaceful one. There was a lot of vandalism and threats were made towards Greek businesses in Constantinople. The threat was always there, Fr. George recalls, but the School was kept safe for the students who came from different parts of the world, including Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Africa.

The School attracted students from all the countries under the spiritual jurisdiction of Orthodox Patriarchates and Autocephalous Churches, as well as from friend heterodox churches.3

The Halki Theological School Graduates Association gives an in-depth description of what students gained in their years at the school, ‘A graduate of the School knows that Theology is not academic knowledge but existential experience, interpreted by Theology. He has discarded the blinkers of formalities and has learned to flee the trenches of prejudices and to converse in a spirit of love, humiliation and wisdom, with only one objective in mind, namely to contribute to the realization of the desire of the Lord for all to be one. The anguish of the Lord becomes his sensitive point with respect to the modern man and his problems.’3

After 127 years since its establishment in 1844 the Holy Theological School of Halki was closed in 1971.3 It was closed due to a law that was passed by the Turkish government prohibiting the operation of private institutions of higher education. The School remains closed today despite worldwide efforts to open its doors once again. Recently, under the initiative of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, international ecological conferences and seminars have been hosted at the School.2

Rev. Fr. George C. Kaloudis with family and friends in front of the Holy Theological School of Halki

Today Fr. George is the Presiding Priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. He moved to Chicago in 1964. The first Sunday services he presided over were held in a classroom. His parish had just 25 parishioners but together they slowly built Holy Trinity from the ground up. In 1967 Fr. George was able to perform Divine Liturgy in the Holy Trinity Church. He has a close-knit family consisting of his wife, Presvytera Stamatia, four children and six “beautiful” grandchildren.

Fr. George continues to study theological philosophy and when he has time, he gardens.
He shares that, “The closing of Halki is a huge loss for Orthodoxy,” and like so many of us he has faith that one day the doors will re-open and religious freedom will once again be possible in Turkey.

1 http://www.chiosonline.gr/kambia.asp
2 http://www.patriarchate.org/patriarchate/monasteries-churches/halki
3 http://www.estiahalkis.org/en/about.htm

                                                                                                                     -Vivian Siempos

 with input from John Mindala

The Road to Constantinople

This week our guest blogger is Judge Marina Corodemus, one of the Philoptochos pilgrims who went to Constantinople last week. As a first time visitor it was not just the sites that were truly awe-inspiring but the deeper thoughts they evoked.

     The road to Constantinople is lined with the souls of those who venerated Christ, preserving and protecting the faith through their devotion.  Their sacrifices are a living presence palpable for all Orthodox pilgrims to experience in today’s Constantinople.  Jesus’ presence is not confined to ancient testaments of devotion, as evidenced in the magnificent mosaic in Ayia Sophia church and the breathtaking frescoes in Chora.  Christ lives today in the Patriarchate, the Theological School at Halki and primary/secondary schools of modern Greek children living in Poli—reminders of a once flourishing Greek population.  Christ is the living being for pilgrims to experience and is ever-present.

    Istanbul is a city of contrasts.  It is a modern democratic secular society wrapped in the enigma of the Muslim faith.  Its youth rebels for true separation of religion and state and beckons for individual liberty in the face of governmental retaliation.  It is social chaos in an evolving, societal stream.  The cacophony of Taksim Square echoes to those who seek freedom. Yet Orthodoxy, a repressed religious minority, survives on the fringes. Battered but not beaten, censored but not suppressed. Liturgy continues to be celebrated, vespers are still chanted, and recitation of prayers continues to rise with requests to a living God.

The Philoptochos pilgrims in Taksim Square.

    In contrast to the transitory politics of modern day Turkey, Christ’s presence is constant and sustaining. Orthodoxy in Constantinople and its endurance among the faithful has been challenged by centuries of oppression, holocaust of the Hellenic Society, desecration of church, monasteries and, and humiliation of the clergy.  Despite all this, our faith persists.  Amidst the time-worn churches, transformed into mosques, transformed yet again into Turkish museums, the power of the biblical depictions of Christ, Panagia and the saints and their messages endure.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Orthodox Theological School of Halki.

     Entry to the modern Patriarchate reveals a modest series of edifices, adequate but far from opulent.  Here, His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew leads the worldwide Greek Orthodox Church within Muslim Turkey even as the blaring sounds from neighboring minarets announce a call to prayer. Absent are the vaulting ceilings of Ayia Sophia but silently, reverently one venerates the sacred relics of two renowned Archbishops of Constantinople who were solemnly restored to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, St. Gregory the Theologian (329–390) and St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407). 

Icon of the Marriage at Cana the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora.

     Being in the presence of His All Holiness, whether in liturgy or private audience, one is struck by calm solemnity of his voice, reaching into your heart for the peace and love of Christ.  His prayer is devotional, his words inspirational and his living example as the Head of the Church of Christ in Muslim Turkey is exemplary.  Prayer with His All Holiness is a true blessing.

    Certainly, “must sees”  while in Constantinople are the two “churches” of Chora and Ayia Sophia, the Patriarchate, and a day-trip – a 90 minute ferry ride-- to, Halki, the still-closed Theological School and alma mater of His All Holiness.  It is the emblem of religious repression of the Orthodox minority.  The goal of His All Holiness is to see the door of Halki open once more for the preparation of priests and to ensure future clergy and hierarchs for the great church of Christ.  The 90 minute ferry ride to Halki transports you past a skyline of Ayia Sophia and the Blue mosque onto the island where Halki stands at the top of the mountain. Halki today is under the care and leadership of the charismatic, progressive, Metropolitan Elipdophoros.

His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela welcoming all to Halki.

    One of the several places to visit is the monastery of Ayia Triada.  The chapel and its surrounding garden is a beautiful oasis of spiritual tranquility in the midst of cosmopolitan Istanbul.  The neighborhood of Baloukli which leads up to Ayia Triada is a living crypt of abandoned houses and stores from the once thriving community. The emptiness of this once thriving Greek society reminds you of how much so many have sacrificed.

    Again, the face of Christ appears before us. This time we see Him in the faces of the young children attending the three schools of the Zographeion, Zappeion and Megali Tou Genous Scholi.  Here, children, descendants of Greeks, who thrived in Constantinople, are educated with the watchful guidance and love of His All Holiness.  

    What lesson do I take from this ancient land?  It is the lesson of sacrifice and endurance as put so succinctly by His All Holiness, “This [Constantinople] is the continuation of Jerusalem and for us an equally holy and sacred land. We prefer to stay here, even crucified sometimes; we await the joy of the resurrection."

-Judge Marina Corodemus, (Ret.)

The Philoptochos pilgrims in front of the Orthodox Theological School of Halki.

Philoptochos Pilgrimage to Constantinople

 The Philoptochos pilgrims arrived Sunday in Constantinople amid a backdrop of thousands of demonstrators in Taksim Square, where we were originally scheduled to stay, concerned but not deterred.

The richness of our Orthodoxy and the strength of our faith guides our every step.  The National Philoptochos Society pilgrims, led by His Grace Bishop Sevastianos are enjoying a packed schedule including visits to Halki Theological School (by boat), The Zographeion School (where we had lunch with the students), Agia Sophia and the Phanar.

The audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the majestic Throne Room at the Ecumenical Patriarchate was a special blessing.  His All Holiness generously and graciously offered his wisdom, individually blessed each pilgrim, and warmly presented us with a superb, hand painted icon of Saint Bartholomew to be displayed at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy.

On the Feast Day of Saint Bartholomew the pilgrims attended the Divine Liturgy, ceremoniously rich and beautifully simple, at the Cathedral of Saint George.  A small group of young  boys and girls in school uniform recited the Pater Imon while Byzantine chanters melodiously filled the Cathedral.  Grateful to be present, we pilgrims joyfully exclaimed "Chronia Polla" to our Worldwide Spiritual Father.

Agape dominates this pilgrimage and is the bonding agent of the pilgrims who are having fun, sleeping little, and already planning the next one.

-Aphrodite Skeadas

A Different Approach to Autism Diagnosis

Breaking news that will affect how families are able to obtain services for their children.

Our guest blogger this week is National Philoptochos Society Autism Committee Member Barbara A. Orlando, who will explain the new developments on how Autism will be dealt with as of May 18, 2013:

On May 18, 2013, The American Psychiatric Association released the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or (DSM-1V). This manual serves as the official “Guide book” for clinicians, insurance companies and others. This new edition brings significant changes to the way Autism is diagnosed. For example, the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder” will now be used instead of the previous Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome-(A very high functioning form of autism) and PDDNOS-Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Described.

Diagnosticians are also expected to note the level of support and individual needs as a result of their diagnosis. These DSM 1V changes may temporarily and even permanently affect insurance billing and impact access to services for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

These changes will weigh heavy upon families of Autistic children and adults. They will now be faced with defending their child’s need for treatment that has already been an upward battle.
Some will have to seek possible re-diagnosis, visits to their pediatric neurologist and lengthy meetings with educators. We need to continue to lend our support and prayers to Autism. 

 -Barbara A. Orlando

Experts at Autism Speaks have put together answers to frequently asked questions to help better explain what the DSM-5 changes mean and how they might affect your loved one's diagnosis and access to services.

What is the DSM-5?
Published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used to diagnose mental and behavioral conditions.  The fifth edition, the DSM-5, will be released on May 18, 2013 and announced at the annual meeting of the APA.

Why did it change from the previous version?
The DSM is a living document that has changed several times over the last few decades to reflect new research and ongoing psychiatric practice. The criteria were changed to improve the accuracy of the diagnoses and to allow clinicians the ability to describe specific symptoms seen in individuals. 

Who revised the DSM definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and why?
The members of the APA’s Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work Group. Their names and affiliations can be found here. The American Psychiatric Association assembled this committee of experts to consider revisions to the current definitions of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders that reflect advances in research since the DSM-IV criteria were created. The committee solicited and integrated input from the community, including families and people on the spectrum, scientists and clinicians, and advocacy organization, including Autism Speaks. The goal was to overcome inconsistencies and improve reliability in how ASD is diagnosed.

What changes to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder did the APA approve?
The five major changes are:
1.    The new classification system eliminates the previously separate subcategories on the autism spectrum, including Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS, childhood disintegrative disorder and autistic disorder. These subcategories will be folded into the broad term autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
2.    Instead of three domains of autism symptoms (social impairment, language/communication impairment and repetitive/restricted behaviors), two categories will be used: social communication impairment and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors. Under the DSM-IV, a person qualified for an ASD diagnosis by exhibiting at least six of twelve deficits in social interaction, communication or repetitive behaviors. Under the DSM-5, diagnosis will require a person to exhibit three deficits in social communication and at least two symptoms in the category of restricted range of activities/repetitive behaviors. Within the second category, a new symptom will be included: hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment.
3.    Symptoms can currently be present, or reported in past history.
4.    In addition to the diagnosis, each person evaluated will also be described in terms of any known genetic cause (e.g. fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome), level of language and intellectual disability and presence of medical conditions such as seizures, anxiety, depression, and/or gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
5.    The work group added a new category called Social Communication Disorder (SCD). This will allow for a diagnosis of disabilities in social communication without the presence of repetitive behavior.

How will these changes affect my (or my child’s) diagnosis, treatment and support services?
First, all individuals who currently have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger syndrome or PDD-NOS, will not lose their ASD diagnosis. In other words, if you have a diagnosis for ASD, you have a diagnosis of ASD for your life and should be entitled to appropriate interventions for the rest of your life. Need for individualized services may change, and you or your child may need different levels of support or different interventions as you or your child age.
No one should be reevaluated or “lose” their diagnosis because of administrative reasons of the DSM-5.
Second, the revisions are intended to more reliably capture all those who would have legitimately received a diagnosis of ASD under DSM-IV. The intent is not to exclude or reduce the number of individuals being diagnosed. However, there is a need for ongoing monitoring of how the DSM-5 criteria affect diagnosis, especially those adults and very young children, two groups for whom we still have relatively little information. The committee has stressed that the new DSM-5 criteria represent a “living document,” in which changes can and likely will be made as new studies are conducted.

To read the rest of the “Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about DSM-5," please visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/dsm-5/faq

Access the Family Services Resource Guide – National Information here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide
 
To contact the Autism Response Team:
Phone: (888) 288-4762
Phone en Espanol: (888) 772-9050
Email: familyservices@autismspeaks.org

The National Philoptochos Society’s Autism Assistance Fund was established in July 2008 in response to the growing number of cases of people with autism. The fund was created with the objective to heighten awareness of autism and provide assistance and support to persons within the autism spectrum. 

 Only 29 states mandate that the costs associated with the treatment and therapy of autism spectrum disorders be covered by health care insurance, leaving families to individually address devastating financial burdens.  The National Philoptochos Society’s Autism Assistance Fund was founded with the growing needs of these families and individuals and the organizations that devote themselves to aiding children and adults with autism.

The combined total of disbursements through the Autism Assistance Fund in 2010 and 2011 was $38,600. In 2012, total disbursements have totaled $68,278. These grants go to organizations with programs that are in need of funding or individuals and families who are in need of assistance. 

The grants awarded during the National Philoptochos Convention last year are listed below.
 
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester
Rye Brook, New York
DIRECT ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT
$2,000
To purchase playground equipment to enhance their recreation program for children ages, 5 –14.

Elija School
Levittown, New York
DIRECT ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT
$5,000
This grant will go towards the purchase of iPads for use as educational tools.

Have Dreams: Helping Autistic Voices Emerge
Park Ridge, Illinois
METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO
$7.000
The Johnny Bach sports Education Program, age two to adulthood - to enable their staff to develop programs that encourage autistic children to keep their bodies in motion for overall health and wellness.

Margaret Murphy Center
For Children
Auburn, Massachusetts
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON
$2,000
To purchase commercial grade playground equipment plus installation; to help with developing muscle tone and promoting activity.

West Elementary School
Andover, Massachusetts
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON
$1,500
The grant will help the elementary school purchase iPads as motivational and educational tools for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Community Connection
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON
$1,500
Their focus is on adults with ASD over the age of 22 years old. To provide specialized staff training as well as purchasing electronic equipment and materials.

We are all about building independence for those we serve. Our clients are active community members who give back by volunteering with local charities, working in community establishments, participating in other social and athletic activities, as well as taking an active role in many of our fundraising events. This grant will further our abilities to offer the highest quality services and build opportunities for those we serve so that each one can live as independently as possible.
 
-Danielle Munafo Dona
 Communications Coordinator at
 Community Connections

North Shore Educational Consortium
Beverly, Massachusetts
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON
$2,000
For the purchase of 10 iPads which have proven to be a highly educational and effective communication device.

Child Study Center
Fort Worth, Texas
METROPOLIS OF DENVER
$2,000
Their program provides diagnosis and treatment services, treating children though applied Behavior Analysis Therapy with individualized instructors that provide skill building - targets children 3-8 years.

Avondale House
Houston, Texas
Metropolis of Denver
$5,000
Avondale House provides therapeutic horseback riding, which promotes motor skills in a child and strengthens them mentally and physically. To financially support ten students participation in this day school program.

Webb Street School
Part of Gastonia County Schools
Gastonia, North Carolina
METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA
$4,000
To purchase iPads for communication and educational tools for school children, middle school teens and adults.

Autism after 21
Boca Raton, Florida
METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA
$3,000
To support a Day Care program that offers life skills and independent living for older adults with ASD over the age of 21.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation
Ann Arbor, Michigan
METROPOLIS OF DETROIT
$7,000
The grant will go towards the purchase of iPads for communication and educational tools for children with ASD.

Contra - Conta ARC (ADS)
Advocacy and Research
Martinez, California
METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO
$7,000
To support Parent Scholarships to attend the Parent Conference on Autism for parents of children up to eight years of age. Goal of Conference is to provide parents with information, research and support.

New Horizons in Autism
Neptune, New Jersey
Metropolis of New Jersey
$1,000
The grant will provide funding for the purchase of five iPads, with two year service plans, training and supplies.

Cedar Lane Elementary School
Loudoun County Public Schools
Ashburn, Virginia
Metropolis of New Jersey
$2,000
The grant will support the purchase of iPads for communication and educational skills for children with ASD.

University of Medicine of New Jersey
New Brunswick, New Jersey
METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY
$1,000
For support of the Mom 2 Mom Helpline, this is a faith based project that allows callers to receive support from peer moms.

Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley 
Winchester, Virginia
METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY
$1,000
Specifically targets individuals with ASD and provides scholarships for services and activities that will enhance their quality of life.

Timothy School             
Berwyn, Pennsylvania
METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY
$2,000
The grant will support educational and enhancement programs that provide instructional technology, strengthening individual creativity and teaching community integration.  

Rich Center             
Youngstown, Ohio
METROPOLIS OF PITTSBURGH
$7,000
In support of early intervention and preschool programs that prepare students living with ASD for kindergarten and ultimately full integration into their school districts.

For more information about Autism, a comprehensive look at the changes as well as resources available, please visit: www.autismspeaks.org

The article “Opinion: Let’s talk about autism in public spaces” touches on why we should all be a little more sensitive to the needs of the parents of autistic children. Their jobs are challenging enough without them having to worry about the judgment or harsh words of others: http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/30/living/autism-in-public-spaces-salon/index.html

When articles are written about special needs it is rare to find any that focus on the siblings. In the article “Autism can have large effects, good and bad, on a disabled child’s siblings,” the author, Ranit Mishori, MD describes her struggles and the long-term benefits she experienced. To read more: http://www.philoptochos.org/assets/files/socialservices/autism/09-03-12Effects%20of%20Autism%20on%20Disabled%20Childs%20Siblings_WashingtonPost.pdf
 

-Vivian Siempos