Young orators inspire archbishop, others

Philoxenia is Greek for "hospitality to strangers," and it was on display last weekend at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Eighteen young people, their family and friends from throughout the United States converged for the 30th annual finals of the Archdiocese St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

St. John Chrysostom ("Golden Mouth") was known for his speaking ability. He had the innate quality of winning the hearts of his audience, even though he would often chastise them for their own eternal good.

Our young orators won the hearts of their audience here last weekend. Representing the 525-plus parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, each orator had already participated at the local parish level and the Metropolis (equivalent of Diocese) level, as well as in most cases a conference or district level before the national event.

The 18 finalists who came to Memphis were separated into two divisions: Junior (seventh-ninth grades) and Senior (10th-12th). Each student selected from one of five topics for each division, researched it, and then presented.

Each speech, written out and registered at the parish level, must be theologically sound, factually accurate and in conformity with the topic. Orators were not allowed to change the substance, only to improve on their style of presentation.

An example of a topic (Senior Division): "In 313 AD, St. Constantine the Great proclaimed the Edict of Milan, which allowed Christians to practice their faith freely. What did religious freedom mean then, and what does it mean for people of faith today in countries where violent religious persecution occurs?" This was the topic selected and presented by the first-place speaker, Anastasia Zavitsanos of Houston, Texas.

The Junior Division recipient of the $2,000 first-place scholarship was Nicholas Tassopoulos of Marietta, Ga., who spoke on the subject, "In the Resurrection Service, the priest proclaims, Come receive the light. Discuss the place of light in the Orthodox tradition."

Awards were presented after a Saturday luncheon held in the newly renovated Cotros Hall. Later that evening, all were fed at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous followed by a riverboat ride on the Mississippi.

On Sunday morning, in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, the first- place honorees gave their speeches at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

By the end of the weekend, the family and friends who accompanied the speakers were no longer strangers, for the Annunciation Church had been reminded of how "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Rev. James Berends is senior pastor of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis.