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Metropolitan Methodios (Tournas) of Boston
Encyclopedia
Metropolitan
Methodios (Tournas) of Boston (born George Tournas on November 19, 1946) is the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston which includes all of Massachusetts
, Maine
, New Hampshire
, Rhode Island
and Vermont
and the Connecticut
towns of Danielson
, Enfield
, New London
and Norwich
. The Metropolis, whose offices are located in Brookline, Massachusetts
, consists of 63 parishes which minister to the needs of approximately 200,000 Greek Orthodox faithful.
Methodios was enthroned as Bishop of Boston on April 8, 1984 and was elevated to a Metropolitan in 1997. During his tenure, he founded the Philoxenia House and also oversaw the purchase and building of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
in Contoocook, New Hampshire
.
, New York
, and was the third child of Stavroula and Vasilios Tournas. He graduated from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral Parochial School in New York City and the McBurney School in Manhattan
. Methodios received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Hellenic College
in Brookline
in 1968 and the Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1971. In 1972 he earned the Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University and in 1975 the University of Thessaloniki
, awarded him Theological Accreditation upon completion of further studies there. Boston University awarded Methodios the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in May 1985. In June 1995 the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts
, awarded Methodios the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters. His Alma Mater, Hellenic College-Holy Cross, awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree on May 19, 2001.
in 1981, and, in the fall of 1982 he was a member of a three-man religious delegation that visited the Soviet Union
. A second visit to the Soviet Union was made in September 1984. Metropolitan Methodios is a member of the Holy Synod
of the Greek Orthodox Church
in the United States
, served on the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches
and is a member of the Massachusetts Commission on Christian Unity and the New England Consultation of Church Leaders. He is listed in Who is Who in Religion, is a member of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and serves on various other religious boards and organizations.
Methodios was enthroned as the Bishop of Boston on April 8, 1984, following his election to that post by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Constantinople
, Turkey
. In July 1989 Bishop Methodios assumed the Presidency of Hellenic College
and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts and held that position until 1995. In November 1997, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elevated Bishop Methodios to the office of Metropolitan along with the other bishops of the Archdiocese of America. However, his see remained a diocese until December 2002.
A Hierarch of vision, Metropolitan Methodios inspired the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston to support him in the construction of a magnificent Center located at 162 Goddard Avenue in Brookline. Groundbreaking for this edifice took place on September 14, 1985. It was completed a year later, on September 14, 1986. From this Center, the focal point of the Metropolis in New England, many programs emanate which serve and enlighten the faithful and share Orthodoxy
with the public-at-large.
These programs include the Marriage Preparation Seminars, instituted by Metropolitan Methodios in 1987, for all couples who are getting married in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
. It is a most successful program which is being adapted nationally.
In 1986 Metropolitan Methodios established the Philoxenia House which offers hospitality to patients and those who accompany them who come to Boston for medical reasons and cannot afford to stay in hotels. Guests to the Philoxenia House have come from Greece
, Cyprus
, South America
, South Africa
, Egypt
, Russia
, Yugoslavia
, Bulgaria
and from throughout the United States
. Metropolitan Methodios is assisted by the Philoptochos Women and the faithful throughout the Metropolis in this ministry.
In the summer of 1998, the Diocese of Boston acquired Camp Merrimac
in Contoocook, New Hampshire
, a large, picturesque piece of property which became the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
, offering programs for all.
The Bishop, who walks at the annual Walk for Hunger
sponsored by Project Bread, Inc., is a frequent visitor to area soup kitchens where he serves food to those who are in need. For his "unique contribution in the crusade against hunger and homelessness," Metropolitan Methodios has been honored by the Quincy Community Action Organization Inc, in Quincy, Massachusetts
. He has also been awarded the "Good Neighbor" Award by the Brotherhood Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill.
Metropolitan bishop
In Christian churches with episcopal polity, the rank of metropolitan bishop, or simply metropolitan, pertains to the diocesan bishop or archbishop of a metropolis; that is, the chief city of a historical Roman province, ecclesiastical province, or regional capital.Before the establishment of...
Methodios (Tournas) of Boston (born George Tournas on November 19, 1946) is the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston which includes all of Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
and Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
and the Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
towns of Danielson
Danielson, Connecticut
Danielson is a borough in the town of Killingly in Windham County, Connecticut. The population was 4,265 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , of which is land and is water....
, Enfield
Enfield, Connecticut
Enfield is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 45,212 at the 2000 census. It sits on the border with Longmeadow, Massachusetts and East Longmeadow, Massachusetts to the north, Somers to the east, East Windsor and Ellington to the south, and the...
, New London
New London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
and Norwich
Norwich, Connecticut
Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 20th century. During the Civil War, Norwich once again rallied and saw the growth of its textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing...
. The Metropolis, whose offices are located in Brookline, Massachusetts
Brookline, Massachusetts
Brookline is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States, which borders on the cities of Boston and Newton. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 58,732.-Etymology:...
, consists of 63 parishes which minister to the needs of approximately 200,000 Greek Orthodox faithful.
Methodios was enthroned as Bishop of Boston on April 8, 1984 and was elevated to a Metropolitan in 1997. During his tenure, he founded the Philoxenia House and also oversaw the purchase and building of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
The St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center is a camp run by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston and located in Contoocook, a village of Hopkinton, New Hampshire.-Programs and uses:...
in Contoocook, New Hampshire
Contoocook, New Hampshire
Contoocook is a village and census-designated place within the town of Hopkinton in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,444 at the 2010 census.-History:...
.
Early life and education
Metropolitan Methodios was born George Tournas on November 19, 1946 in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, and was the third child of Stavroula and Vasilios Tournas. He graduated from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral Parochial School in New York City and the McBurney School in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
. Methodios received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Hellenic College
Hellenic College
The Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology are an Orthodox Christian liberal arts college and seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts.-History:...
in Brookline
Brookline, Massachusetts
Brookline is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States, which borders on the cities of Boston and Newton. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 58,732.-Etymology:...
in 1968 and the Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1971. In 1972 he earned the Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University and in 1975 the University of Thessaloniki
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest Greek university, and the largest university in the Balkans. It was named after the philosopher Aristotle, who was born in Stageira, Chalcidice, about 55 km east of Thessaloniki, in Central Macedonia...
, awarded him Theological Accreditation upon completion of further studies there. Boston University awarded Methodios the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in May 1985. In June 1995 the American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, awarded Methodios the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters. His Alma Mater, Hellenic College-Holy Cross, awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree on May 19, 2001.
Episcopacy
Metropolitan Methodios served as a member of the National Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultations Board. As a member of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an Organization devoted to the cause of worldwide religious freedom for all denominations, Metropolitan Methodios traveled to HungaryHungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
in 1981, and, in the fall of 1982 he was a member of a three-man religious delegation that visited the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. A second visit to the Soviet Union was made in September 1984. Metropolitan Methodios is a member of the Holy Synod
Holy Synod
In several of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches and Eastern Catholic Churches, the patriarch or head bishop is elected by a group of bishops called the Holy Synod...
of the Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, served on the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches
National Council of Churches
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA is an ecumenical partnership of 37 Christian faith groups in the United States. Its member denominations, churches, conventions, and archdioceses include Mainline Protestant, Orthodox, African American, Evangelical, and historic peace...
and is a member of the Massachusetts Commission on Christian Unity and the New England Consultation of Church Leaders. He is listed in Who is Who in Religion, is a member of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and serves on various other religious boards and organizations.
Methodios was enthroned as the Bishop of Boston on April 8, 1984, following his election to that post by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
. In July 1989 Bishop Methodios assumed the Presidency of Hellenic College
Hellenic College
The Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology are an Orthodox Christian liberal arts college and seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts.-History:...
and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts and held that position until 1995. In November 1997, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elevated Bishop Methodios to the office of Metropolitan along with the other bishops of the Archdiocese of America. However, his see remained a diocese until December 2002.
A Hierarch of vision, Metropolitan Methodios inspired the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston to support him in the construction of a magnificent Center located at 162 Goddard Avenue in Brookline. Groundbreaking for this edifice took place on September 14, 1985. It was completed a year later, on September 14, 1986. From this Center, the focal point of the Metropolis in New England, many programs emanate which serve and enlighten the faithful and share Orthodoxy
Orthodoxy
The word orthodox, from Greek orthos + doxa , is generally used to mean the adherence to accepted norms, more specifically to creeds, especially in religion...
with the public-at-large.
These programs include the Marriage Preparation Seminars, instituted by Metropolitan Methodios in 1987, for all couples who are getting married in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is an ecclesiastical territory or metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in the New England region of the United States. It is led by a metropolitan bishop and is part of the Archdiocese of America which itself is under the control of the Ecumenical...
. It is a most successful program which is being adapted nationally.
In 1986 Metropolitan Methodios established the Philoxenia House which offers hospitality to patients and those who accompany them who come to Boston for medical reasons and cannot afford to stay in hotels. Guests to the Philoxenia House have come from Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
, Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
and from throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Metropolitan Methodios is assisted by the Philoptochos Women and the faithful throughout the Metropolis in this ministry.
In the summer of 1998, the Diocese of Boston acquired Camp Merrimac
Camp Merrimac
Camp Merrimac was a mostly Jewish boys and later coed camp located in Contoocook, New Hampshire in the United States.In 1919, the patriarchs of the Clough family, Joseph and Sylvia Clough, died. That year the property known as "Cloughville" -- it had been a small town in the 19th century—was sold...
in Contoocook, New Hampshire
Contoocook, New Hampshire
Contoocook is a village and census-designated place within the town of Hopkinton in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,444 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, a large, picturesque piece of property which became the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center
The St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center is a camp run by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston and located in Contoocook, a village of Hopkinton, New Hampshire.-Programs and uses:...
, offering programs for all.
The Bishop, who walks at the annual Walk for Hunger
Walk for Hunger
Project Bread's Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the United States and the largest annual one-day fundraiser to alleviate local hunger in Massachusetts.-Project Bread - The Walk for Hunger:...
sponsored by Project Bread, Inc., is a frequent visitor to area soup kitchens where he serves food to those who are in need. For his "unique contribution in the crusade against hunger and homelessness," Metropolitan Methodios has been honored by the Quincy Community Action Organization Inc, in Quincy, Massachusetts
Quincy, Massachusetts
Quincy is a city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Its nicknames are "City of Presidents", "City of Legends", and "Birthplace of the American Dream". As a major part of Metropolitan Boston, Quincy is a member of Boston's Inner Core Committee for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council...
. He has also been awarded the "Good Neighbor" Award by the Brotherhood Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill.
See also
- Greek Orthodox Metropolis of BostonGreek Orthodox Metropolis of BostonThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is an ecclesiastical territory or metropolis of the Greek Orthodox Church in the New England region of the United States. It is led by a metropolitan bishop and is part of the Archdiocese of America which itself is under the control of the Ecumenical...
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of AmericaGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of AmericaThe Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, headquartered in New York City, is an eparchy of the Church of Constantinople. Its current primate is Archbishop Demetrios of America.-About the Archdiocese:...
- Ecumenical Patriarchate of ConstantinopleEcumenical Patriarchate of ConstantinopleThe Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople , part of the wider Orthodox Church, is one of the fourteen autocephalous churches within the communion of Orthodox Christianity...