ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ
It will come from the grass roots and will be away from the Phanariots!!
By Nick Stamatakis
At the 21st anniversary of the repose of AB Iakovos, the TNH “theologian” found it appropriate to express his pride in the fact that the “newspaper,” acting more like an agent of others’ interests than a paper of record, was instrumental in stopping the “Panorthodox Unity” signed under Iakovos at the Ligonier Assembly of 1994: “…and thus the autocephaly effort was halted. Yes, The National Herald stopped it, and this is known better than anyone by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as by his locally appointed ‘spiritual son.’” (link here).
Who is the “spiritual son”? Kalmoukos is, of course, referring to Karloutsos—about whom (and his connection to the CIA and the State Department) his “newspaper” has written NOT ONE word of criticism in the last forty years!!
PHOTO: The Ligonier Assembly
What actually happened in Ligonier? It would be extremely useful for younger generations to know, as they attempt to revisit the issue. In November–December 1994, Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese convened the Ligonier Assembly, which brought together twenty-nine North American Orthodox hierarchs (SCOBA bishops) to chart a path toward administrative unity. The bishops issued joint statements calling the term “diaspora” “ecclesiastically problematic” and endorsing an American Orthodox synod under one unified structure. Contemporary press reported Iakovos declaring, “We are going to act as one united church,” and noted the unprecedented nature of the meeting. Please use the link here to access the historic documents signed at the Assembly, and use them appropriately, as the issue of Panorthodox Unity is bound to come to the forefront in the near future.
As for TNH and their destructive role regarding Panorthodox Unity, the Greek-American community has already sentenced them to a life term of disgrace and does not pay attention to their opinions on ecclesiastical or political matters (the latter tied to their more-than-personal connection to the most corrupt Greek political family of all, the Mitsotakis “family”).
The real way to remember the greatest leader this community has ever had, AB Iakovos, is to make a practice of his central goal: Panorthodox Unity. Helleniscope was fortunate to have known personally many of those Greek-Americans who were the protagonists around Iakovos and Ligonier and who later, during AB Spyridon’s time, continued the valiant effort to bring “Panorthodox Unity” to life in America. Of all those, I will mention only the late George Carcazes, who spent many evenings in the latter years of his life explaining to me the history and parameters of their effort.
As I revisit the issue now, I would be remiss not to recall that, at about the same time in the early 1990s, Samuel Huntington had already developed his theory of the “Clash of Civilizations” in a series of articles and talks. By the time his book was published in 1996, this theory had already become gospel at the State Department. Stated the theory: conflicts are expected to occur along the “fault lines” between civilizations, such as the borders between Western Christianity, Islam, and Orthodox Christianity. You need only read pages 37–38 of the book to see how it predicts, with striking specificity, the war in Ukraine.
And so, over thirty years later, we can say with some confidence that the “administrative (deep) state,” at the time of the fall of communism, the early 1990s, had already devised a plan to use the corrupt Patriarch Bartholomew (whom Turkish and American intelligence agencies allegedly had many ways to blackmail due to his “blemished” character) as a tool against Russia. Their goal, then and now, was one and only one: to dismember Russia and seize its wealth.
But God had other plans and opposed them with a natural leader, Vladimir Putin, who led Russia back to its former glory, using a return to Orthodoxy as a foundation. If you know anything about Russian history, you understand that Russian identity cannot exist apart from its deep connection to Orthodoxy. Just the names Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, to mention only two of the long list, are enough…
PHOTO: From a recent article in the New York Times about Orthodox churches overflowing with converts…
The new road to Panorthodox Unity in America
But what will the new road to Panorthodox Unity in America be today? Starting again from geopolitics, we can say with some certainty that the West was defeated in its effort to dismember Russia, and therefore, the “outside pressure” to support the corrupt Phanar is on the way to extinction. We can already see it: the Archons and the Phanariots are moving from defeat to defeat, losing their grip on their goal of supremacy and being rejected by the faithful worldwide. The road is now open to try again to achieve Panorthodox Unity in America.
God shows us the way by providing so much help. What do I mean? The defeat of the Globalists and their “Clash of Civilizations” theory, along with the emergence of a “multipolar world,” is mirrored by analogous movements within America and other Western countries. Specifically, the “woke” revolution of the last few decades—beginning with the triumph of feminism in the 1970s and 1980s and evolving into a broader challenge to the nuclear family and the rise of LGBTQ gender ideologies – has run its course. People have tried it and seen its results: empty spirits, empty minds, and faithless lives, without the grace of God and the blessing of Christ. Those Christian denominations that embraced this direction are now selling their buildings and properties.
Meanwhile, the faithful are turning in large numbers to the Orthodox Faith. Hundreds of thousands are filling Orthodox churches, particularly in the South, Midwest, and West. The Northeast, dominated by figures such as Elpidophoros and other liberal “hierarchs,” remains resistant, still promoting Fordham-style thinking and LGBTQ ministries. But it is only a matter of time before even the Northeast awakens.
I would not speak so confidently about these developments if I had not observed trends over the past 2–3 years and discussed them extensively with younger generations. These trends are unmistakable and widely discussed in national media: young people are turning to Orthodoxy in significant numbers. They are seeking moral clarity, returning to the foundations of Christianity, and rediscovering the concept of the traditional family. Many are also deeply moved by Byzantine chant and its profound spiritual impact.
As these new converts become catechumens and active members of the Church, what does the GOA do?
- It devises plans to gain total control of parish properties.
- It invites Muslim Mamdani to co-celebrate Epitaphios on Good Friday.
- It promotes “ethnicity” by focusing on the revival of the Greek language.
(There are many more issues, but I will stop here.)
PHOTO: AB Makarios of Australia, whose first act as soon as he arrived down south was to have a visit with a known LGBTQ supporter in the Australian parliament, Senator Bragg… He followed the strict direction of Bartholomew and his faithless Patriarchate… As does Elpidophoros in America…
In a recent statement, Archbishop Makarios of Australia said that Orthodox services should be conducted in Greek to preserve national and spiritual identity, declaring: “If the Church loses its Greek identity, then we are in serious trouble. We stand firm!” (link here). It is clear that his goal is to preserve a narrow, ethnophyletic vision of Orthodoxy and the institutional structures tied to it.
If the issue is language, modern technology provides many ways to preserve Greek in services – primarily to maintain fidelity to the original Orthodox texts, which have often been distorted through translation.
If the goal is to preserve Greek identity, a far more effective approach would be to establish Hellenic Charter Schools with strong literary and STEAM programs. Helleniscope has already participated in such efforts, and I can report that existing schools are successful and that launching new ones is entirely feasible.
But we cannot ignore the historic opportunity God has placed before us – the massive wave of new converts to Orthodoxy – and instead return to debating language. This is precisely how AB Iakovos’ vision was undermined over thirty years ago. I know this firsthand, as our beloved friend Stelios Tatsis, who passed away last year, shared in depth with me his exchanges with Iakovos on this very issue. He later expressed regret for opposing Iakovos so strongly on the introduction of English.
Let us not confuse the issues. Let us open our arms to newcomers and honor the memory of AB Iakovos by renewing the effort toward Panorthodox Unity in America.
No, this will not happen under the current Phanariot leadership. The emerging Church is something entirely different. If the current “leadership” is smart, they will realize that the new “body” of the Church is totally foreign to them and doesn’t want anything to do with their “oriental” corruption, their backwardness, their immorality, and their “Turkishness”. Enough is enough. Pack your bags and go back to Istanbul. If you do it fast enough, you may hope to get some financial help from America – anyway, this is all you care about, money.
The rest of us—especially the youth—will open our arms to all Orthodox people in America and work to create ONE, NEW, ORTHODOX AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, restoring the spiritual meaning of Christianity and filling our lives with the blessings of Christ.
Amen.
April 19, 2026, n.stamatakis@aol.com www.helleniscope.com
DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.
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Nick, for once I agree with your basic thesis. Orthodox unity should be a primary goal of the church.Jesus in his hierarchical prayer in John 17 prayers for unity among Christians. It is God’s will that Orthodox Christians unite anf form one Body, one Church.
Nick, thank you so much. It’s a superb summary. I’m old enough to remember CEYOLA. I remember the excitement of Antiochian Village, 1994. It was my introduction to the destructive influence that the CIA had throughout the world, that was based on Khazarian principles. We have now come full circle.
I see, also, the Hand of God in our President. Not in the way that his supporters see him but as a caricature of everything hegemonic. Our children’s eyes have been opened and the future is bright indeed.
Why do Greek Orthodox ecumenists find it so easy to shower Roman Catholics with all kinds of praise and outrageous sweet nothings like “we are two lungs in the same body”? They will break canons in order to pray with Roman Catholics. They confuse the faithful by minimizing differences. But we have differences and
recent Popes have brought the Roman Catholics further away from the Patristic teachings
Yet, these ecumenists can’t seem to reconcile disagreements with other Orthodox jurisdictions with whom they share the same faith. There are no differences in belief. The Orthodox faithful are scandalized and saddened by these divisions in the Church. These are brothers and sisters who share the same chalice.
I say the solution is very obvious. Practice what you preach. You all tell us what a terrible sin pride is and how Christian life begins with humility, which leads to forgiveness-mutual forgiveness.
Every day in this paschal season, we are reminded by the Church hymn how we should behave:
“It is the day of Resurrection; let us be radiant for the festival and let us embrace one another. Let us say. O brethren, even to those who hate us: Let us forgive all things on the Resurrection;” Christ is Risen……..
Nick, thank you for a well-written common-sense analysis.
In recent articles, Kalmoukos appears to express a bit remorse, but he is too scared to say more. He cannot re-write his legacy. He cannot justify his own and his publisher’s willingness to be the useful idiots that they are to the Mitsotakis mafia, to AHEPA mischiefs, and even to the Fener mafia they pretend to criticize.
Here is additional proof that Diamataris is not a credible journalist: He just took down the online TNH article I wrote in 2024 about AHEPA’s shady adoption program. AHEPA was not pleased with my revelations, but they could not dispute the facts either. So, what do ethical men do? Silence the truth and spread lies! Diamataris is always eager to help them.
I remind you that, in an open letter to the the patriarch, AHEPA’s Tsivicos had accused Diamataris and Kalmoukos of having a financial interest in calling for Elpidophoros’ removal. They have since kissed and made up. What is a little spat among “financially conflicted” friends?
Our challenge here is more than saving our Orthodox Church from these vultures — which in itself is of utmost importance. We must also save our Greek community. Ironically, we always thought that the pan-Orthodox movement threatens our ethnic identity. It is time that we reconsider that view. The pan-Orthodox movement is the only way we can save both, our Church AND our ethnic identity!
As you know, Nick, I am American-born but I insist on speaking only in Greek — fluently — with my Greek friends. My conviction and commitment to holding on to our ethnic identity, culture, history, language and traditions is beyond reproach. But that conviction now mandates that i support a pan-Orthodox movement. It is the only way out of the rut that plagues both our Church and our ethnic community. It is the only way to take control of our own affairs, out of the hands of corrupt, conflicted criminals.
Leonidas,
Your stand up character and your actions in revealing corruption in this community speak louder than your words… As for the TNH “journalists” what else can I say? One can google their names and even search their database (Paid for by the Niarchos Foundation) to verify their true character…
Nick, Christ is Risen!
Excellent article. The huge number of young people, both single and whole families, coming into the Orthodox parishes of all jurisdictions, are the future of our churches, as well as our present challenge. We need to come together as One Orthodox Community in North America, coordinate all our efforts at mission and outreach, and bear witness that the Gospel and the Orthodox Church are for all people. We are being challenged by God to see how we step up to this great opportunity, which is the healing of our culture; or whether we will fail, distracted by personal petty agendas. Are we going to be the Orthodox Catholic Church or a bunch of failing ethnic sects?
Your Eminence, the newcomers present an opportunity and a challenge… The defining characteristic is that they made the choice themselves (one hopes under divine inspiration) and they were not “attracted” or “hooked” by some Orthodox “Jehovah’s Witnesses”. Therefore they will have to subject themselves to catehesis in an orderly manner with patience and no shortcuts and discounts… We on the other hand will have to put aside our “ethnic pride” and demolish the boundaries that keep the Orthodox away from each other…
Fervently, I pray every day, for the Unity of the Orthodox Church in Faith, and a proper pan-Orthodox Ecumenical Synod that will cleanse the Orthodox Church from scandal and corruption, and restore Her to the spiritual glory she once held. This was once prophesied by Elder Ephraim of Arizona before he slept in the Lord. Maybe what you propose will be the beginning of that… Maybe the recent attacks on the Orthodox Church by corrupt hierarchs, were designed to prevent just that… In the end, God’s will shall be done. Glory to Him!
I see Mr Stamatakis that your article is being praised also by people who support the State Department / Phanar coup d’ etat in Ukraine! How hypocritical… What kind panorthodox unity can we have, if we trespass into Moscow’s jurisdiction, undermining them and dividing the Orthodox world?
And these hypocrites that supposedly care about the unity of the Orthodox Churches, are the same ones ( AHEPA, Archons etc.) that organized trips to witness “history in the making”! And by that they meant the meetings of Bartholomew with the Pope. Shame on you hypocrites…
Despite the machinations of Bartholomew and Elpi, and probably much to their chagrin, the Orthodox Church in the United States is growing by leaps and bounds.
Im going to focus solely on GOARCH though, of which Im a member.
Our parish in Texas received 30+ catechumens with more coming in. This is the same in every parish in Texas, Florida and Georgia that Im familiar with. There’s a couple of GOA parishes here in TX that I’ve been told have brought 60+ people in over the past month.
From what I have heard from others (albeit anecdotal) is that this is the same out West and in parts of the Midwest outside of Chicago.
Why do I say this?
Converts tend to be very zealous for Orthodoxy. Converts tend to work more towards Orthodox unity. Converts tend to be very well versed in theology and defense of the Orthodox Faith.
I personally believe that God has allowed all of these converts to Orthodoxy in America, and specifically the GOA, to prevent the plans of Bart and Elpi from coming to pass.
Thats just my humble opinion and I could be wrong but I have also seen a change in some of the priests I know go from a passive defense of Orthodoxy to a very passionate defense of Orthodoxy with this large influx of converts.
The time to separate from the Turkish regime and influence of the fanar is NOW. if we wait and we lose everything all of us Americans and Orthodox have worked so hard for, then shame on us. We deserve them
Nick, this is a very good analysis.
A few points however:
1. Bishop Vsevolod of the Ukrainian exarchate (EP) also added fuel to the fire. I was told that after Ligonier, he went to Istanbul and told the newly-enthroned Bartholomew that “Abp Iakovos was trying to make himself Patriarch” (more or less). As such, he cannot escape his share of the blame.
2. Unity must come. However, at what cost? Under an “American” primate like the present primate of the GOA? Given his antics, I can think of nothing more destructive of authentic unity than that.
In any event, we should pray for unity, pray for our bishops, and –yes–pray for Abp Elpidophoros to repent and stop “seeking salutations in the marketplace.”
“In any event, we should pray for unity, pray for our bishops, and –yes–pray for Abp Elpidophoros to repent and stop “seeking salutations in the marketplace.” ”
–As the old adage says, “το σαπούνι σου χαλας”.
“Unity must come. However, at what cost? Under an “American” primate like the present primate of the GOA?”
–Behold, the wisdom of the REAL hierarchs of Christianity who set the Church up as a democratic amalgam of churches without amassing power into the hands of one “primate”.
Do you know Huntington and Brzezinski were close allies? They left Harvard together because f Kissinger’s appointment, but Huntington returned. Samuel P. Huntington served in the Carter administration as the White House Coordinator of Security Planning for the National Security Council (NSC) from 1977 to 1978. He was recruited for the role by his close friend and former Harvard colleague, Zbigniew Brzezinski, who was then serving as National Security Advisor. He grew up living in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City, Queens, in a residential hotel called the Sanborn Hotel. Huntington was immensely proud of his Anglo-Saxon Protestant heritage. His namesake and ancestor, Samuel Huntington (1731–1796), was a pivotal figure in early American history (Signer of the Declaration of Independence and President of the Continental Congress when the Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781. Because of this, some historians playfully refer to him as the “actual first president”)
As to Ligonier, you must remember Bart wanted Jake to go to Ligonier, but for the express purpose of bringing the other jurisdictions under Bart just as they are in Europe. When THEY instead chose independence, Bart exploded at Jake.
And he keeps dreaming the same delusional dream ever since… It’s only a matter of time before he wakes and realizes he is alone… The new Orthodox way of converters will NEVER accept Istanbul as the center of their faith. Period, end of story.
Agreed!