Archives of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The Greek Orthodox Archbishop Who Walked with MLK in Selma - GreekReporter.com Alongside Martin Luther King in that pivotal moment for civil rights marched Greek Orthodox Archbishop of the Americas Iakovos.

Fr. Thomas “Tom” Fitzgerald was a great historian of the church who not only wrote history, but made it.

A faithful Greek Orthodox priest of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, spiritual father and mentor, scholar, and pastor, he is perhaps best known as the longest serving Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he also served for nine years as Dean of the theological school. Fr. Tom began teaching in 1974 and was elected professor emeritus in 2022 upon his retirement.

A native of Cambridge, MA, he held degrees from Suffolk University, Holy Cross, Boston University, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he received his doctorate in Theology with highest honors.

Over the course of his long service to the church, Fr. Thomas frequently represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at theological conferences and ecumenical consultations. He was the Orthodox Executive Secretary of the Orthodox–Roman Catholic Bilateral Theological Consultation in North America, a consultant for the Committee on Ecumenical Relations and the Committee on Theological Education of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, and represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the executive staff of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland from 1994 to 2000. In this position, he met with church leaders in over twenty countries.

He authored many books and articles, including: The Orthodox Church in America (1995), The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Christian Unity (1997, 2009), and The Ecumenical Movement (2004). He has edited: Servant of the Gospel: Studies in Honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (2011), Restoring the Unity of Faith: The Orthodox-Oriental Orthodox Theological Dialogue (2007) and Turn to God: Rejoice in Hope: Orthodox Reflections on the Way to Harare (1998). With his wife, Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, they have written Living the Beatitudes: Perspectives from Orthodox Spirituality (2000, 2006).

May God grant him rest among the righteous 🕊️

39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter’s administration was marked by strong ties to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and a close personal friendship with Archbishop Iakovos. This selection of photographs held in the US Presidential collection of the Archdiocesan Archives depicts a few moments shared between the Carter administration and the Archdiocese of America.

A Boy Named Panayótis (1974) Directed and produced by Tony Frangakis, "A Boy Named Panayótis" documents the true story of a young boy who was one of 250,000 victims of the invasion and i...

From the Orthodox Observer website: Lost Film on Cypriot Plight Resurfaces: Professors Efforts Unveil Powerful Narrative

Lost Film on Cypriot Plight Resurfaces: Professor's Efforts Unveil Powerful Narrative - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America NEW YORK--Thought to have been lost, a powerful film that brought awareness to the American public of the plight of the Cypriot refugees following the 1974 invasion of their home. The film's reemergence is credited to the relentless determination of Professor Fevronia Soumakis and Bishop Spyridon of...

Thought to have been lost, this powerful film brought awareness to the American public of the plight of the refugees following the invasion and illegal occupation of Cyprus that began 50 years ago and continues today. It was discovered yesterday in California thanks to Professor Fevronia Soumakis and Bishop Spyridon of Amastris (née Fr. Spencer Kezios) after months of searching.

Directed and produced by Tony Frangakis and set against the backdrop of post-invasion Cyprus, "A Boy Named Panayótis" documents the true story of a young boy who was one of 250,000 victims of Turkey's invasion. This compelling docudrama rawly portrays those displaced from their homes in the occupied North. No actors or sets were used in its making. Every scene features real encampments and Cypriot refugees and captures the haunting reality of individuals violently uprooted by Turkish military forces and forbidden from returning to their homes.

Commissioned by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America, this film emerged amidst a pivotal mobilization of the Greek-American community following the Turkish invasion. Under the guidance of Archbishop Iakovos of North & South America, the initiative sent Fr. Spencer Kezios (now Bishop Spyridon of Amastris) and a dedicated team to Cyprus to create a powerful film and a captivating folkloric performance that later toured the United States, rallying support and shedding light on the refugees' plight.

Through the organizing efforts of the Archdiocese, the Greek-American community ultimately succeeded in persuading Congress to impose an embargo on arms sales to Turkey, despite vigorous opposition from Henry Kissinger. This extraordinary event stands as a rare testament to the influence of an American ethnic group in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

A Boy Named Panayótis (1974) Directed and produced by Tony Frangakis, "A Boy Named Panayótis" documents the true story of a young boy who was one of 250,000 victims of the invasion and i...

History is perpetually in motion, which means that the work of the Archives can never be complete. Nonetheless, we are delighted to share a glimpse into what we've been working on over the last year. We extend heartfelt thanks to all who have engaged our work and contributed objects to expanding our collection!

The extinction of Orthodox Christians

Will Erdoğan's Islamization of Turkey End Greek Orthodoxy There? The Greek Orthodox minority in Turkey is on the brink of extinction, with the community's population dwindling to just 1,500 people, primarily comprising elderly individuals. This stark decline contrasts sharply with a century ago when the community