932 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

Even as I am pleased to be here, I am more pleased to see so many
of the Greek Orthodox Church's young leaders here tonight. In an
era when America's youth is characterized as being long on hair but
lean on faith, it is reassuring to see so many determined to make
their faith a vital force. With so much attention focused upon a
minority of alienated young people, it is gratifying to realize that
involved youth remain the majority. With all the notoriety given
to those "dropping out" of society, we can solemnly thank God that
many more are equally dedicated to changing society by "dropping
in. "

You are to be commended for your concern and for your common
sense. "Dropping out" doesn't prove a thing; it's a futile form of
protest. The "Mainstream" of American society still moves on, its
course ever guided by the so-called "Establishment" — the civic, eco-
nomic and political power structure. The "Mainstream" and the
"Establishment" will always exist within any society. They are known
and necessary quantities. The only variable is quality and this de-
pends on who is in the "Mainstream" and whom the "Mainstream"
allows or elects or tolerates to be its leaders in the "Establishment. "
Therefore, to change society, one must literally get in the swim.
Meaningful change can only come from within the "Mainstream"
and within the "Establishment. " Nothing can be gained from with-
out.

As the Greek Orthodox Youth of America, perhaps more than any
other Church-oriented youth group, you have before you a constant
example of the power of faith to change the world. I am speaking of
this group's patron saint, Saint Paul. A person who changed the
course of continents was Saint Paul, whose fierce personal faith con-
verted nations.

The theme of this Conference is "Go Forth, " a truly Pauline spirit.
If ever there was a time for our nation to go forth; if ever there was
a need for an army of apostles armed with the faith and fortitude
of Saint Paul — the time and the need are now.

Today our nation faces a genuine moral crisis. And while this is
primarily a concern of United States citizens, the other great democ-
racies of North America are involved more deeply than they may
realize — for what we face today may challenge them tomorrow.

Great nations collapse only when their foundations decay. Today
the footings of America are rotting while most of us stand fretfully
by, watching with morbid curiosity. The disease of our times is an