Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-08-31

the clergy over parish issue,
of the Department of the Laity
Of the Greek Orthodox, Ar C h.
diocese Of the Americas.
Except on matters of doctrine
and the ministry, he said, cler-
gy and laymen have an equal
voice and vote.
This is a seldom recognized
aspect of Orthodoxy, who's e
theology is close to that Of Ro-
man Catholicism, but W hos e
church administrative structure
in many ways resembles that of
Professionalism.
At the same time, Mr.. Villas
said, there is a tremendous
humility and spiritual dis
cipline" among Orthodox be-
levers that unites them with
their priests and bishops as the
source Of religious guidance and
direction.
I'VE look on our spiritual
leaders as representatives of
Christ on EARTH" Mr.. villa S
added.
Holding Festival
Dramatizing both its CO.
hesiveness and zeal, Eastern
Orthodoxy today is holding a
huge religious-cultural festival
in Pittsburgh's Civic Arena,
with an attendance Of more than
10000 expected.
Sponsored by lay organiza-
tionS, the event is unprecedent-
ed. Never before have the lead
ers and members Of the seven
major branches Of Orthodoxy in
this country joined in a mass,
concerted demonstration Of their
faith. ;
ut is the first time in the
history of Orthodoxy for such
a broad expression Of its unity"
Mr.. Villas said. "Only in Amer
lea, with its tremendous cross
section of all Orthodox people,
could this development have
been possible.
Altogether, there are about six
million Orthodox members in
this country in 1,5OO parishes,
or congregations.
Parishes are administered by
lay councils or boards of trustees
elected by parish membership
meetings. They manage funds
and property, set up educational
and other committees and SUI
pervise their programs.
Pastors guide and nurture
the parish religious life.
Congress Sets Policy
In Greek Orthodoxy, largest
branch of the church in this
country, a representative Ma
tional Congress, compos e d
equally of lay and clergy dele
gates, determines administra-
tive policies, other than dOctri-
nal matters.
The church constitution is set
by the lay-clergy congress.
Functioning between congress
meetings is an interim policy
making National Archdiocesan
Council made up of elected
members, twO-thirds Of them
laymen.
Except for doctrine, which is
the purview of bishops and
pastors, 1.-THE administration Of
the church is shaped by demo-
cratic tradition-the majority
decides" said Archbishop Iako-
voS, head of Greek Orthodoxy
in the Americas.
Neither for the clergy or
laity, however, is it a matter
Of dominating or ruling, he said,
but "of serving, of serving
faithfully and most Loyalty the
church, its doctrine, canons,
tradition and discipline"
Each parish officer takes an
oath to do this.
Ruling Not the Word
ITO speak in terms of ruling
is to betray a very secular con-
cept Of the place of the laity
in the church," the Archbishop
said. "The first duty is to par
ticipate in the divine life Of the
community, and then to serve
it.
"The role Of the laity should
be inspired by its God-given
responsibility to share in the
royal priesthood. The laity not
only has a voice in the secular
affairs of the church, but pro-
vides its fullness in worship"
In Orthodoxy, the Eucharist,
or Lords Supper, cannot be
celebrated except with laymen
present, as sort Of cocelebrants
with the priest.
In this country, where Greek
Orthodoxy first took root