Стаза Православља THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA

VOLUME 43 JULY - AUGUST 2008 NO. 7-8 Bishop Teodosije of Liplje visits Clergy Brotherhood meets Western Diocese,Vidovdan Banquet in New York City His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Liplje and abbot of Visoki Decani monastery The Serbian Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of in Kosovo visited the Western American North and South America convened for sit Annual Diocese from June 13 – 25, 2008. Assembly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral On the invitation of His Grace Bishop in New York City on Monday evening June 9 and Maxim, his guest Bishop Teodosije, in Tuesday, June 10, 2008. a short visit to the western states, was Brotherhood President and Dean of St Sava Ca- introduced to many growing parishes and thedral, Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic welcomed monasteries in the west. the brothers-in-Christ in attendance. The priests and The climax of Bishop Teodosije’s deacons came from far corners of the United States and visit was the Kosovo charity banquet included clergy with experience in South America. hosted by St. Sava in San Gabriel on Clergy were in attendance from the states of Cali- Saturday, June 21, 2008. fornia, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, The event began with Vespers and Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts prayer supplication for the suffering and Maine, coming from the Dioceses of Midwestern Serbian Orthodox faithful in Kosovo and America, Eastern America, Western America and New Metohija. Gracanica. The banquet was well attended by The business portion of the Brotherhood As- the faithful and the local clergy. The sembly was held on Monday evening. Prota Rastko hosting priest, Fr. Peter Jovanovic, elo- Trbuhovich was elected to preside at the Assembly. quently carried out the program for the Father Srdjan Veselinovich was elected to be Secretary evening together with Ms. Jelena Rajic. for the Assembly. Performers for the evening were: St. Sava President Prota Masjtorovic reported on the Church Choir, Miss Oksana and Miss work of the Brotherhood during past year. His report Kaija Germain, Mrs. Zeljka Gortinski, included emphasis on efforts made to involve all the “Kalemegdan” Folklore group, and Zoran clergy in the work of the Brotherhood as stewards and as brothers. Kazelich. (From left to right:) His Grace Bishop Maxim, His Grace Bishop Joseph of Los His Grace Bishop Maxim welcomed Angeles and the West, His Grace Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica Prota Majstorovic spoke of the Brotherhood’s the guest hierarchs and speakers: His Metropolitanate, and His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Liplje, concern for clergy widows, and for clergy experienc- Grace Antiochian Bishop Joseph of Los ing diffi culty getting the proper United States govern- Angeles and the West, His Grace Bishop Longin of the New of the Kosovo tragedy, reminding all the faithful to do as ment approvals necessary to work in the parish and to Gracanica Metropolitanate (a former administrator of the much as possible to aid our brothers and sisters in Kosovo care for their families. He spoke of the Brotherhood’s western diocese), His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Liplje, and and Metohija. concern shown to families of clergy departed this life. the political analyst and writer Dr. Srdja Trifkovic. In his speech his bishop Teodosije said: “The Kosovo Requests from clergy seeking fi nancial aid for stud- In their brief addresses, Bishops Joseph and Longin testament is a renewal of the evangelical covenant with Jesus continued on p. 3 underlined the importance of our perseverance in the midst continued on p. 10

SCOBA Hierarchs convene for Lenten Women’s Retreat in Jackson, CA Spring 2008 Session One of the most spiritually nourishing events every year New York, NY - The in the Western American Diocese is the Women’s Retreat. Spring Session of the Stand- Organized by the Diocesan Circle of Serbian Sisters and held ing Conference of the Ca- during the weekend of the 5th Sunday of Great Lent (St. Mary nonical Orthodox Bishops of Egypt) at the Saint Sava Mission and Retreat Center in in the Americas (SCOBA) Jackson, California, this retreat always attracts many faithful met on June 12, 2008 at the from throughout the Diocese. Headquarters of the Greek This year the retreat took place on April 11 and 12 and Orthodox Archdiocese of featured as guest speaker our own beloved Vladika, Bishop America here. In attendance Maxim, who came to speak on the topic of “The Orthodox were all the Hierachs of Marriage and Family.” As if to underscore the theme, His SCOBA. The meeting was Grace was accompanied by his parents, Proto Lazar and hosted by Archbishop Deme- Protinica Radmila (Vasiljevic) as well as his sister, the Nun trios, chairman. Also present Veronica. were the General Secretary The weekend offi cially began on Friday at 5 PM with and thirteen members of the the Akathist Service to the Mother of God. After dinner, the SCOBA Study and Planning evening was devoted to informal discussion. Saturday morn- Commission representing all ing began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy concelebrated the SCOBA member Church- by His Grace, his father Proto Lazar, Hieromonk Jovan, and es and three guest hierarchs Fr. Stephen Tumbas and Fr. Deacon Triva Paul of Jackson. Metropolitan Maximos of Responses throughout the weekend were sung by the com- Pittsburgh (Greek Orthodox bined choirs of St. Peter (Fresno) and St. Sava (Jackson). Archdiocese), Metropolitan Following breakfast, all gathered in the KSS hall to hear Methodios of Boston (Greek Member Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops His Grace give his talk, which was enhanced by power point Orthodox Archdiocese), and at their Spring meeting. Pictured third from the right is His Eminence continued on p. 3 Bishop Antoun of Miami Metropolitan Christopher of Midwestern America. (Antiochian Orthodox Arch- diocese). archate, through its Exarchate, had been one of the original N THIS ISSUE The Hierarchs held a fraternal and open discussion signers of the SCOBA Constitution. After the Archbishop’s I : related to SCOBA Agencies, dealing with communica- presentation of the matter, there was immediate unanimous WESTERN DIOCESE DAYS PP. 5 tions, education and mission. The formal request of the agreement, in a spirit of fraternal welcome, by all SCOBA Vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who is Hierarchs to welcome the Representation of the Moscow KOSOVO NEWS P. 6 also the Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchal parishes Patriarchate in the United States, in the person of Bishop SUCCESSFUL STEWARDSHIP PP. 7 in the USA (33 in number), Bishop Mercurius of Zaraisk Mercurius, to full membership in SCOBA. to be included on SCOBA was presented by the Chairman, In addition, both Archbishop Demetrios and Metro- OUR VIEW PP. 8-9 Archbishop Demetrios. He noted that the Moscow Patri- continued on p. 10 SERBIAN SECTION PP. 11-16 PAGE TWO THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY - AUGUST 2008

THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY The Official Publication of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States of America and Canada HOMILY

EDITORIAL STAFF English Section Editors Serbian Editor ON MARRIAGE Rev. Rade Merick, Senior Editor V. Rev. Nedeljko Lunich 530 North Fourth Street 300 Stryker Ave Steubenville, OH 43952 Joliet, IL 60437 by Saint John Chrysostom Fax: 740-282-0313 Fax: 815-741-1883 email:[email protected] email: [email protected] …let every one of you in particular so love Rev. Milovan Katanic Technical Editor his wife even as himself; and the wife that she 65 South Keel Ridge Road Vesna R. Meinert reverence her husband. (Eph. 5:33) Hermitage, PA 16148 Phone: 304-842-2927 Phone:724-342-1198 Fax: 304-842-9302 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] certain wise man, when enumerat- Rev. Bratislav Krsic Business and Circulation Address Aing which blessings are the most 3025 Denver Street The Path of Orthodoxy important included “a wife and husband San Deigo, CA 92117 P. O. Box 883 who live in harmony (Sir. 25:1). In another Phone: 619-276-5827 Bridgeport, WV 26330 Aplace he emphasized this: “A friend or a email: [email protected] companion never meets one amiss, but a wife with her husband is better than both.” The Path of Orthodoxy is available in PDF format on the official website of the SOC (Sir. 40:23). From the beginning God in in North and South America. Download or read online current and back issues at http:// His providence has planned this union of www.serborth.org/path.html. man and woman, and has spoken of the The Path is a monthly publication with a double issue printed for the months of July two as one: male and female He created and August. Subscriptions are $12.50 per year for U.S. residents and $15.00 per year (U.S. them (Gen. 1:27), and there is neither male funds only) for Canadian subsribers. nor female, for you are all one in Christ made the one man Adam to be the origin Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. All letters and manuscripts Jesus (Gal. 3:28). There is no relationship of all mankind, both male and female, and submitted for publication must be signed and contain the author's name and address. between human beings so close as that made it impossible for men and women to Please send materials through email or MS Word format. of husband and wife, if they are united as be self-sufficient. Later, He forbade men to they ought to be. When blessed David was marry their sisters or daughters, so that our mourning for Jonathan, who was of one love would not be limited to members of soul with him, what comparison did he use our families, and withdrawn from the rest to describe the loftiness of their love? Your of the human race. All of this is implied in love to me was wonderful, passing the love Christ’s words: He who made them from the beginning made them male and female EDITORIAL of women (II Sam. 1:26). The power of this love is truly stronger (Matt. 19:4). than any passion; other desires may be The love of husband and wife is the strong, but this one alone never fades. This force that welds society together. Men will love (eros) is deeply planted within our in- take up arms and even sacrifice their lives M ARRIAGE - most being. Unnoticed by us, it attracts the for the sake of this love. St. Paul would bodies of men and women to each other, not speak so earnestly about this subject because in the beginning woman came without serious reason; why else would he THIS WE HOLD SACRED forth from man, and from man and woman say, Wives, be subject to your husbands, other men and women proceed. Can you as to the Lord? Because when harmony prevails, the children are raised well, the For Orthodox Christians, marriage is a union of two baptized individu- see now how close this union is, and how God providentially created it from a single household is kept in order, and neighbors, als, a man and a woman living as one in the Church, particularly in their friends and relatives praise the result. Great local Orthodox community. Every local Orthodox parish is the extended fam- nature? He permitted Adam to marry Eve, who was more than sister or daughter; she benefits, both for families and states, are ily of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Hence, the marriage and family unit is a thus produced. When it is otherwise how- reality created by God. was his own flesh! God caused the entire human race to proceed from this one point ever, everything is thrown into confusion In our ever so complex society that keeps plunging into immorality, we of origin. He did not, on the one hand, and turned upside down. When the gener- seem to witness numerous harmful consequences associated with its disrespect fashion woman independently from man, als of an army are at peace with each other, for marriage and family. otherwise man would think of her as es- everything proceeds in an orderly fashion, The California Supreme Court ruled on May 15 that the state’s ban on sentially different from himself. Nor did and when they are not, everything is in same sex marriage violated its constitution. Thus, the ban on same sex mar- He enable woman to bear children without disarray. It is the same here. For the sake of riages has been lifted. This decision, as we have seen, opens the door for same man; if this were the case she would be harmony, then, he said, Wives, be subject sex couples to legalize their living together. self-sufficient. Instead, just as the branches to your husbands as to the Lord .... Undoubtedly, this act of the California Supreme Court is immoral and of a tree proceed from a single trunk, He continued on p. 6 sinful, as is living a homosexual life. Marriage and family life emanates from a divine origin. They have their foundation in the Holy Trinity. But, because of the improper volition of our forbearers, Adam and Eve, alienation between them was created as well as the rift between mankind and God. Of course through the work of Christ, the insti- tution of marriage and family is healed, i.e. it is brought back to its original primordial place in the created order through God’s Grace. IOCC Mobilizes First Responders to Flood- So when a man and a woman enter into the mystery or sacrament of Holy Matrimony, they do so freely in order to participate in the self-giving act of Stricken Midwest Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself on the cross. BALTIMORE, June 19—Large sections of the U.S. farm belt are under water after a Furthermore, the family becomes a living icon of the church. The husband week of torrential rains. The worst flooding to hit the Midwest in 15 years has claimed two and wife help each other on the way to salvation, having Christ as the center dozen lives and forced more than 40,000 to evacuate their homes. of their life; they participate in procreation; they responsibly raise their chil- This season’s corn and soybean crops are in danger, and Iowa’s agricultural losses alone dren in the spirit of Orthodox Christianity; they by the grace of God, strive to are estimated to exceed $2 billion. Other states of the upper Midwest including Illinois and exercise selfless love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Indiana have also been affected. St. John Chrysostom in his homily on marriage said: “If we seek the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is mobilizing its network of first re- things that are perfect, the secondary things will follow. The Lord says, Seek sponder Orthodox clergy to travel to Iowa to conduct a needs assessment and provide trauma ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall counseling. Help us speed relief to the U.S.’s devastated communities by making a donation be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). What sort of person do you think the children today. Call IOCC’s donation hotline toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, make a gift on-line at www. of such parents will be? What kind of person are all the others who associate iocc.org, or mail a check with them? Will they not eventually be the recipients of countless blessings as or money order payable well? For generally the children acquire the character of their parents, are to “IOCC” and write “US formed in the mold of their parents’ temperament, love the same things their Emergency Response” in parents love, talk in the same fashion, and work for the same ends. If we order the memo line to: IOCC, our lives in this way and diligently study the Scriptures, we will find lessons to P.O. Box 630225, Balti- guide us in everything we need!” more, Md. 21263-0225. IOCC, founded in We need to seek God’s Kingdom with our hearts, souls, minds, words and 1992 as the official hu- actions. Indeed, we must speak the truth with love, because we hold marriage manitarian aid agency sacred. of the Standing Con- Fr. Bratso Krsic ference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $275 million in relief and de- velopment programs in 33 countries around the world. JULY - AUGUST 2008 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE THREE

Clergy Brotherhood meets in New York City

continued from p. 1 extensive comments in addition to asking ies also received attention, as did attention questions. shown clergy at the time of ordination and In bringing the Assembly to a conclu- retirement. sion, the Brotherhood adopted a new budget Father Deacon Damjan Bozic presented and elected new officers for the forthcoming the financial report and calendar report. Dea- year. Discussion centered on the application con Bozic, Protopresbyter Djuro Krosnjar process for clergy seeking financial help and Father Darko Spasojevic are Editors to further their studies. Also, a portion of for the Calendar. Comments regarding the the discussion included concrete steps to 2008 Calendar were all very favorable and be taken to deal with the difficulties clergy the Editors were commended for their work. immigrating from abroad face in getting nec- Deacon Bozic reviewed the various steps essary United States government approvals. necessary to prepare the calendar for publica- Members of the Executive Board and Audit tion each year. Board serving during 2007-2008 were rec- The Audit report submitted indicated ognized and thanked for their contributions the Brotherhood financial records were in to the Brotherhood. proper order. The Executive Board elected to serve The Pension Plan report prepared by for 2008-2009 includes; President Protopres- Protopresbyter Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich byter Djokan Majstorovic; Vice President was distributed. Prota Malich was recognized Father Dragan Zaric. Treasurer Father Dea- for the hard work he puts into Brotherhood con Damjan Bozic; Secretary Father Nor- pension interests. man Kosanovich; Board Members: Abbot Father Vladislav Radujkovic, the new Gerasim, Protopresbyter Stavrophor Rastko second priest at St. Sava’s Cathedral in New Trbuhovich; Protopresbyter Dr. Rodney York, was introduced, as was Father Deacon Members of the Clergy Brotherhood at their annual meeting Torbic, Father Srdjan Veselinovich, Father Alex Pavichevich, a recent graduate of St. Ljubisa Brnjos, Father Darko Spasojevic. Vladimir’s Seminary who will be going to prepared and distributed through the efforts “Revitalizing Our Priestly Ministry in A Audit Board: Protopresbyter Aleksandar Serbia for additional studies this summer. of Father Milovan Katanic, Father Mile Sub- Post-Christian Culture.” Vlajkovic, Father Dragan Petrovich, Father Prota Aleksandar Vlajkovich was otic and Father Dragoljub Popovich. Father Father Hatfield spoke about the new Michael Boyle. chosen to chair a committee to produce Djokan Majstorovic indicated he would be curriculum at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and Father Deacon Aleksa Pavichevich was informational pamphlets of practical value willing to assume responsibility for printing the challenges of educating clergy. Bioethical asked to assist with the Clergy Brotherhood for parish use. The pamphlets will be made and distributing the Messenger as once was issues are an important concern. Technology website. readily available to Brotherhood clergy to done by Father Popovich, as he is no longer and its temptations are major issues. Chan- Brotherhood members in attendance assist in helping parishioners and prospective available. cellor Hatfield spoke about the ministry of were very well received at St. Sava Cathe- parishioners progress in Orthodox Christian On Tuesday, the Brotherhood assembled presence, of raising the Cross in times of dral. Brotherhood President Prota Djokan growth. for the Divine Liturgy and parastos for de- difficulty, of remembering wholeness and Majstorovic took steps to ensure the Broth- At the request of Prota Alexandar Buga- parted members of the Brotherhood. Abbot quiet, of holiness of life and Christ the Good erhood experienced fine hospitality in all rin of Kansas City, the Brotherhood decided Gerasim served with six additional priests Shepherd. aspects of the Assembly, from overnight ac- to include historical accounts about clergy and two deacons. Brother priests sang the Father Hatfield said beat-up wheat commodations to providing for three meals serving the Serbian Orthodox Church in responses. carries more protein than perfectly grown and meeting facilities. the geographic areas served by the Brother- The new Chancellor at St. Vladimir’s wheat. Difficult times can be times of greater This was a very serious gathering of the hood. Orthodox Theological Seminary, Very nourishment for the soul. People want to see Brotherhood intent on addressing issues fac- The usefulness of the Clergy Messen- Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield, was the des- God working in their priests. ing priests at present and in the future. ger, the newsletter of the Brotherhood, was ignated speaker for the second day of the The clergy in attendance applauded Father Rodney Torbic recognized. The Clergy Messenger has been Brotherhood’s Assembly. His topic was Chancellor Hatfield for his talk and made

Lenten Women’s Retreat in Jackson, CA

continued from p. 1 tured discussion groups, many retreat members held images including a selection of icons. their own personal conversations, which enhanced Offered in love and humility, Bishop the spiritual and sisterly nature of the retreat. Maxim’s presentation was profound, Participants also had a chance to shop at the complex, thought-provoking, and mov- tables set up by our Diocesan Bookstore and St. ing. (We can only present a few of his Paisius Bookstore. points in this article; you are urged to Seventy women joined us this year, represent- listen to or read his entire talk. See the ing the following parishes: St. Sava-Phoenix, Diocesan website: http://www.westsrb- St. Steven’s-Alhambra, St. Sava-San Gabriel, St. dio.org/Kolo_Srpskih_Sestara/KSSRe- Michael-Saratoga, Holy Assumption-Fair Oaks, treat_April_2008.html) St. Peter’s-Fresno, St. Sava-Jackson, St. John the One major theme of his presen- Baptist- Reno, and St. Nicholas (Greek Orthodox tation, which really is a goal of the Church)-San Jose. Orthodox life, is “Holiness through Many thanks to Roy Ratkovich, chef de cuisine, self-denial.” Marriage is a sacrament and members of the parish of St. Sava-Jackson, who and a mystery. It also is martyrdom: prepared the delicious Lenten meals for the weekend. without the process of the ‘catharsis’ of And a special thank-you to the Diocesan KSS for trials and sorrows, without the breaking organizing this wonderful retreat. of one’s own will, there is not a genuine Orthodox Marriage. Marriage as Transfiguration: Mar- riage is not a religious “addition” to the natural life of the individual, but a transforming experience, anticipating in the main hall. On one the Kingdom to come, for through marriage one enters into side, Protinica Rada eternal life. Furthermore, one finds one’s identity not through demonstrated how to self-affirmation but through the other. make the Slava kolach As regards the subject of children, although a childless as well as decorations marriage is considered negatively in the Old Testament, nei- such as roses, barrels, ther in the Gospel nor in St. Paul does one find the idea that grapes, and wheat. On childbirth “justifies” marriage. However, His Grace stressed the other side, Tanya that in “giving life to others, man imitates God’s creative Skundric showed us act. Childbirth is the natural, holy, and necessary element of how to make baklava. Christian marriage.” Indeed, he described a marriage in which Saturday concluded children are “unwelcome” as being a “defective, egotistic, with Vespers at 6 PM, and fleshly form of love.” dinner, and fellowship. Finally, His Grace emphasized that the closer we come Some women stayed to the Source of Peace —Jesus Christ — the more peace we over until Sunday to obtain within our souls. Reconciliation with God is a neces- attend Divine Liturgy sary pre-condition for reconciliation with any “other.” at St. Sava. After a short question and answer session, all proceeded Although there to lunch, after which two concurrent workshops were held were no further struc- PAGE FOUR THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY - AUGUST 2008

THROUGHOUT THE ORTHODOX WORLD OMILY ON ARRIAGE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH WELCOMES H M RULING TO ALLOW ICONS IN SCHOOLS Bucharest, Romania (AP) — The Romanian Or- continued from p. 2 day to your work and your friends, and the evening to your thodox Church is celebrating a ruling by the country’s et us assume, then, that the husband is to occupy wife; but she is still not satisfied, but is jealous for more of top court that allows religious icons to remain in the place of the head, and the wife that of the body, your time? Don’t be annoyed by her complaints; she loves schools. and listenL to what “headship” means: For the husband is the you, she is not behaving absurdly--her complaints come The Romanian Supreme Court overturned a 2007 head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: from her fervent affection for you, and from fear. Yes, she appeal court ruling that icons should be removed from and He is the Savior of the Body. There fore as the Church is afraid that her marriage bed will be stolen, that someone schools because they discriminated against atheists is subjectL unto Christ, so let wives be subject to their own will deprive her of her greatest blessing, that someone will and people of other religions. husbands in everything. Notice that after saying the husband take from her him who is her head. About 80 percent of Romanians are Orthodox is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church, A wife should never nag her husband: “You lazy coward, Chrisitans and icons are commonly seen in homes, he immediately says that the Church is His Body, and He is you have no ambition! Look at our relatives and neighbors; buildings and cars. The church has enjoyed a revival Himself its Savior. It is the head that upholds the well-being they have plenty of money. Their wives have far more than after communism. of the body. In his other epistles Paul has already laid the I do.” Let no wife say any such thing; she is her husband’s Orthodox Church spokesman Constantin Stoica foundations of marital love, and has assigned to husband and body, and it is not for her to dictate to her head, but to sub- said June 13 that the community, not state institutions, wife each his proper place: to the husband one of leader and mit and obey. “But why should she endure poverty?” some should decide what religious symbols are allowed in provider, and to the wife one of submission. Therefore as will ask. If she is poor, let her console herself by thinking public spaces. the Church is subject to Christ--and the Church, remember, of those who are much poorer still. If she really loved her consists of both husbands and wives---so let wives also be husband, she would never speak to him like that, but would ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH HAS A NEWS subject in everything to their husbands, as to God. value having him close to her more than all the gold in the AGENCY You have heard how important obedience is; you have world....Furnish your house neatly and soberly. If the bride- praised and marveled at Paul, how he welds our whole life groom shows his wife that he takes no pleasure in worldly Basilica News Agency was launched recently together, as we would expect from an admirable and spiri- excess, and will not stand for it, their marriage will remain with the blessing of His Beatitude Daniel, the Patri- tual man. You have done well. But now listen to what else free from the evil influences that are so popular these days. arch of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The agency he requires from you; he has not finished with his example. Let them shun the immodest music and dancing that are is part of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Basilica Press Husbands, he says, love your wives, as Christ loved the currently so fashionable. Center, along with Radio Trinitas, Trinitas television, Church. You have seen the amount of obedience necessary; I am aware that many people think me ridiculous for ‘Ziarul Lumina’ daily and the Press Office. Its task is now hear about the amount of love necessary. Do you want giving such advice; but if you listen to me, you will under- to present, in the form of news and press documen- your wife to be obedient to you, as the Church is to Christ? stand the advantages of a sober lifestyle more and more as taries, the institutions, activities and attitudes of the Then be responsible for the same providential care of her, as time goes on. You will no longer laugh at me, but will laugh Romanian Orthodox Church, as well as those of other Christ is for the Church. instead at the way people Churches, on various current issues. And even if it becomes live now like silly children The news and information are organized elec- necessary for you to give or drunken men. What is our tronically on thebasilica.ro website and include your life for her, yes, duty, then? Remove from information on Church life in Romania and abroad: and even to endure and your lives shameful, im- the activity of the Patriarch of the Romanian Ortho- undergo suffering of any modest, and satanic music, dox Church, the decisions of the Holy Synod, the kind, do not refuse. Even and don’t associate with activities of dioceses and parishes, those of theologi- though you undergo all people who enjoy such prof- cal schools and church associations, the Church’s this, you will never have ligate entertainment. When dialogue with civil society, as well as inter-faith and done anything equal to your bride sees your man- inter-religious dialogue. what Christ has done. ner of life, she will say to The information published on basilica.ro website You are sacrificing herself, “Wonderful! What contains Romanian, English, French and Russian yourself for someone to a wise man my husband is! versions and can be used freely by individuals and whom you are already He regards this passing life institutions, provided it is for professional purposes joined, but He offered as nothing; he bas married and cites the source. Himself up for one who me to be a good mother for turned her back on Him his children and a prudent PENTECOST CELEBRATED IN ORTHODOX CHURH and hated Him. In the manager of his household.” IN ANARTICA same way, then, as He Will this sort of life be dis- honored her by putting at tasteful for a young bride? The only Orthodox temple in Antarctica had His feet one who turned Only perhaps for the short- a Holy Trinity Day service on Sunday, June 18, a her back on Him, who est time and soon she will source at the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute hated, rejected, and dis- discover how delightful it of the Federal Hydro-Meteorological Service told dained Him as tie ac- is to live this way. She will Itar-Tass on Sunday. “Not only Russian polar explor- complished this not with retain her modesty if you ers but also their colleagues from other Antarctic threats, or violence, or retain yours. research stations attended the service,” he said. terror, or anything else Don’t engage in idle “The place for the Orthodox temple was selected like that, but through conversations; it never prof- so that it could be seen from afar. The Holy Trinity His untiring love; so its anyone to talk too much. Church is the first site tourists see on their way to also you should behave Whenever you give your Antarctica from Terra del Fuego,” the source said. toward your wife. Even wife advice, always begin The wood for the Antarctic temple was supplied from if you see her belittling by telling her how much you Altai in Russia, while Russian Palekh craftsmen did you, or despising and love her. Nothing will per- the iconostasis. mocking you, still you suade her so well to admit Source: http://spc.yu will be able to subject the wisdom of your words her to yourself, through as her assurance that you are RUSSIAN ORTHODOX AGAIN WALK OUT OF PAN- affection, kindness, and your great regard for her. There is speaking to her with sincere affection. Tell her that you are ORTHODOX MEETING no influence more powerful than the bond of love, especially convinced that money is not important, that only thieves’ Rhodes, Jun. 20 (CWNews.com) - A Russian for husband and wife. A servant can be taught submission thirst for it constantly, that you love her more than gold; and delegation has walked out of a meeting of Orthodox through fear; but even he, if provoked too much, will soon indeed an intelligent, discreet and pious young woman is prelates, convened by Patriarch Bartholomew of seek his escape. But one’s partner for life, the mother of worth more than all the money in the world. Show her that Constantinople. The top Russian delegate, Archbishop one’s children, the source of one’s every joy, should never you value her company, and prefer being at home to being Nikolai (Balashov), said that the Moscow patriarchate be fettered with fear and threats, but with love and patience. out. Esteem her in the presence of your friends and children. could not accept the seating of a delegation from the What kind of marriage can there be when the wife is afraid Pray together at home and go to Church; when you come back Estonian Orthodox Church. of her husband? What sort of satisfaction could a husband home, let each ask the other the meaning of the readings and The meeting of Orthodox hierarchs, taking place himself have, if he lives with his wife as if she were a slave the prayers. If you are overtaken by poverty, remember Peter at Rhodes, had been called by the Ecumenical Patri- and not with a woman by her own free will? Suffer anything and Paul, who were more honored than kings or rich men, arch as a forum for mutual discussions and prayer. All for her sake, but never disgrace her, for Christ never did this though they spent their lives in hunger and thirst. Remind one of the world’s autonomous Orthodox churches had with the Church. /.../ another that nothing in life is to be feared, except offending been asked to send representatives. Paul has precisely described for husband and wife what God. If your marriage is like this, your perfection will rival Last year the Russian Orthodox Church walked is fitting behavior for each: she should reverence him as the the holiest of monks. out of a meeting of a joint Catholic-Orthodox theolog- head and he should love her as his body. But how is this be- If we seek the things that are perfect, the secondary ical committee in Ravenna, Italy, for the same reason: havior achieved? That it must be is clear; now I will tell you things will follow. The Lord says, Seek ye first the kingdom the seating of an Estonian delegation. The Moscow how. It will be achieved if we are detached from money, if of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be patriarchate does not accept the independent Esto- we strive above everything for virtue, if we keep the fear of added unto you (Matt. 6:33). What sort of person do you think nian hierarchy, and has protested the decision by the God before our eyes. What Paul says to servants in the next the children of such parents will be? What kind of person are Patriarch of Constantinople in 1996 to grant canonical chapter applies to us as well, ...knowing that whatever good all the others who associate with them? Will they not even- recognition to the independent Estonian Church. anyone does, he will receive the same again from the Lord tually be the recipients of countless blessings as well? For In explaining his delegation’s protest, Arch- (Eph. 6:8). Love her not so much for her own sake, but for generally the children acquire the character of their parents, bishop Nikolai said that relations among the world’s Christ’s sake. That is why he says, be subject...as to the Lord. are formed in the mold .of their parents’ temperament, love Orthodox primates should be guided by the principle Do everything for the Lord’s sake, in a spirit of obedience to the same things their parents love, talk in the same fashion, that participation is limited to those Orthodox bodies Him. These words should be enough to convince us to avoid and work for the same ends. If we order our lives in this way recognized by all other Orthodox churches. The Pa- quarrels and disagreements. No husband should believe any and diligently study the Scriptures, we will find lessons to triarchate of Constantinople claims sole authority to accusation he hears from a third party about his wife, and vice guide us in everything we need! versa; nor should a wife unreasonably monitor her husband’s recognize local Churches as self-governing. Moscow A selection from On Marriage and Family Life by St. John rejects that claim. comings and going, provided that he has always shown himself to be above suspicion. And what if you devote the Chrysostom, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1986. JULY - AUGUST 2008 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE FIVE

IN MEMORIAM †Protonamesnik Milivoj Djordjevic 1936 – 2008

The faithful servant of the Lord, Pro- tonamesnik Milivoj Djordevic fell asleep in the Lord on the fi fth Saturday of Great Lent, April 12, 2008, in Lodi, California, following unexpected complications of his illness. The funeral service was held at the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos in Sacramento, California, on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Offi ciating at the funeral in addition to the local pastor Archpriest Dane Popovic were Protostavrophor Mila- din Garich of Sacramento, CA; Protostav- rophor Vasilije Cvijanovic of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church of Moraga, CA; Archpriest Lazar Kostur of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Merrillville, IN; and Priest Steven Tumbas of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, CA. †Fr. Milivoj was laid to rest at the Serbian Cemetery in Colma, California. Beloved son of Zivojin and Merinia Djordjevic, the late Fr. Milivoj was born on of all seminarians. “At Holy Trinity Semi- November 19, 1936, near Velika Plana in nary we experienced fi rst hand the spiritual the village of Trnovce. Separated by World depth of the Orthodox Church and were War II, he was fi nally reunited with his given the rare opportunity to gain a thor- father in 1963, in Ontario, Canada. In the ough foundation in and experience of the fall of 1965 he joined fellow Serbian semi- Orthodox liturgical life.” Fr. Lazar men- narians Lazar Kostur, Bogdan Zjalic, and tioned how Abbot and Dean of Holy Trin- George Ketchanin for study at Holy Trinity ity Monastery and Seminary, the beloved Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, New Metropolitan Laurus of blessed memory, York. Fr. Milivoj successfully graduated who preceded Fr. Milivoj in passing from from Holy Trinity Seminary in 1969, with this earthly life by just four weeks, always the degree of Bachelor of Theology issued remembered Fr. Milivoj fondly; he called by the University of the State of New York. him “Miliboj.” In 1971, he married Pava Brankovic at Fr. Lazar spoke about priestly duty St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in and how conscientiously and diligently Hamilton, Ontario. The same year Fr. Mili- the late Fr. Milivoj offered service to our voj was ordained at the hands of Bishop church under diffi cult and trying conditions Sava, Bishop of the Eastern American and in an era now often forgotten. With utmost Canadian Diocese of the Serbian Ortho- humility, †Fr. Milivoj was fully dedicated dox Church, fi rst to the Diaconate and to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. then shortly thereafter to the Priesthood, He put forth good works to the best of remembering the words of the Lord: “Ye his abilities with love and patience for his have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, fl ock, the church militant with hope of at- and ordained you…” (John 15:16). Im- tainment of the church triumphant. mediately thereafter he was appointed par- Fr. Dane Popovic likewise eulogized ish priest at the newly-organized Serbian the late Fr. Milivoj eloquently, focusing on Orthodox Church Parish dedicated to St. his years of service and sacrifi ce in north- Sava in London, Ontario. ern California. Fr. Milivoj and Popadija Pava worked Fr. Milivoj loved and cherished his tirelessly not only in this their fi rst par- homeland for which he raised heartfelt ish, but with equal diligence and spiritual prayer with tears. He was a great supporter zeal when appointed to serve Holy Trinity of HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II and Serbian Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, HRH Crown Princess Katherine, whom he California, in 1972. In 1973, they began knew personally. their fi rst of fourteen years of dedicated †Protonamesnik Milivoj Djordjevic and all encompassing parish service at St. was a faithful husband, a wonderful and Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Cuper- devoted father, a good friend and “… a tino, California. Hereupon, Fr. Milivoj priest for ever after the order of Melchize- moved his family, now including their dek.” wonderful and devoted children, son Petar We extend our heartfelt condolences to (1973) and daughter Danica (1979) to Popadija Pava, son Petar, daughter Danica Lodi, California, where he continued to and the entire Djordjevic and Brankovic serve in the Lord’s vineyard at the St. Sava families. Please accept our gratitude you Mission in Jackson and at Angels Camp. for your collective years of service and sac- In loving memory of the late Fr. Mili- rifi ce, known in totality only to Almighty Summer 2008 Conference voj, Fr. Lazar Kostur spoke at the funeral, God, Whom we beseech to grant you briefl y remembering their shared days at strength to endure your loss. on Orthodox Schools Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, where Fr. Milivoj was a good student who Archpriest Lazar Kostur Boston, MA readily adapted himself to the new and St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral August 1 and 2 stringent routine of monastery life required Merrillville, IN

The Orthodox Association is pleased to offer the opportuity for Orthodox edu- catiors to meet together at Hellenic College in Boston, MA, for the second annual conference on Orthodox schools. This year's conference will include several panels led by leading educators and other advocates of Orthodox schools. Speakers to SCOBA include Fr. Anthony Scott of Stewardship Advocates, Dr. James Skedros of Hellenic continued from p. 1 Members of the SCOBA are Archbishop College, Dr. Vigen Guroian of Loyola College, Andrew Kern of the Circe Institute, politan Philip shared with the other SCOBA Demetrios, Chairman (Greek Orthodox Fr. Dcn. James Huges of St. Michael's School, and Bryan Smith of the Orthodox Hierarchs the positive results of their indi- Archdiocese), Metropolitan Philip, Vice- School Association, among others. vidual meetings with Metropolitan Hilarion, Chairman (Antiochian Orthodox Archdio- The cost for attendance, meals, and professional development credit is $150. the newly enthroned (May 18, 2008) First cese), Metropolitan Christopher, Secretary Accomodations are offered at the nearby Hilton Hotel in Dedham. Space is limited, Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church (Serbian Orthodox Church), Metropolitan so participants are asked to register early. Outside Russia (ROCOR). Nicholas (Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Participants are also invited to enroll in one of three evening seminars. These The Co-Chair of the Orthodox-Roman Diocese), Metropolitan Herman (Orthodox in-depth seminars offer attendees the opportunity to read and discuss seminal texts Catholic Theological Consultation, Metro- Church in America), Metropolitan Joseph in the classical tradition. politan Maximos, gave a presentation on (Bulgarian Orthodox Church), Archbishop For additional information on the conference and the evening seminars, the status of the various Inter-Christian Dia- Nicolae (Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese), please visit www.orthodoxschools.org, you may also call the Orthodox Schools As- logues. The meeting closed with an open and Archbishop Antony (proxy, Ukrainian Or- sociation at 617-850-1315. fraternal discussion of ecclesiastical issues thodox Church) and Bishop Ilia (Albanian that need attention. Orthodox Diocese). P AGE SIX THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY - AUGUST 2008

IOCC expands economic development projects in Kosovo, announces matching grant

Belgrade, Serbia — International Ortho- Funds contributed to IOCC for dox Christian Charities (IOCC) announces Kosovo will go towards providing that The John G. Rangos Sr. Family Chari- immediate assistance to families who table Foundation will support IOCC’s expan- are living in isolated minority en- sion of aid projects for Kosovo by creating claves. IOCC will also expand efforts a matching gift program. The Foundation to provide sustainable agricultural will match every dollar contributed to IOCC training and other projects that provide Kosovo projects up to $50,000. The goal for employment and foster inter-ethnic IOCC’s Kosovo response is half a million cooperation. IOCC’s initiative will dollars and includes economic development also provide assistance to schools and projects for isolated rural communities in create educational and recreational Kosovo and aid to some of the approximately programs. IOCC, which has provided 225,000 people who have been displaced assistance in Kosovo for the past 15 from the region since 1999. years, will continue to work with lo- “We need to provide a sustainable cal community groups and the Serbian response that enables families to secure Orthodox Church, including the Visoki economic prosperity and a future for their Decani Monastery. children,” says Constantine Triantafilou, “Regardless of what has hap- IOCC’s executive director. “The important pened around them, the Brotherhood support of John G. Rangos, a founder of of the Visoki Decani Monastery has The most isolated enclaves of Kosovo recently received school repairs and new computers IOCC and past chairman of our board, will demonstrated true compassion for and books through IOCC. A new matching grant program through the John G. Rangos Sr. Family provide new opportunities to assist families their neighbors of all backgrounds and Charitable Foundation will allow IOCC to provide even more assistance to schools as well as in Kosovo and to avoid further displacement ethnicities,” says Triantafilou. “We economic development projects. (photo credit: N. Prelevic/IOCC Serbia) of people in the Balkans.” will continue to work closely with the “This is an exceptional opportunity for Monastery and local partners in the IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented people to have their contributions matched region toward an inclusive civil society that humanitarian aid agency of the Standing over $275 million in relief and development and make a lasting difference for families in will provide lasting solutions.” Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops programs in 33 countries around the world. Kosovo. We are thankful to Mr. Rangos for To help in providing as- his leadership in extending this challenge sistance to families in Koso- grant,” added Alex Machaskee current IOCC vo and the Balkans, visit board chairman. www.iocc.org call IOCC toll free at 1-877-803-4622, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Kosovo” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. UNMIK official Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225. attacked in Decani IOCC’s new ini- BELGRADE, June 13 (Tanjug)— tiative for Kosovo will Luis Perez, an official of the UNMIK provide sustainable ag- [United Nations Mission in Kosovo] ricultural training and office in Decani, was physically attacked other employment proj- in Decani, Serbian language media in ects. Since 1993, IOCC’s Kosovo reported today. Kosovo programs have Citing international sources in assisted isolated commu- Kosovo, they said that Perez was at- nities while encouraging tacked June 12 while entering the greater inter-ethnic coop- building where he lives in Decani in eration. (photo credit: N. Metohija. Prelevic/IOCC Serbia) Perez was attacked by three people who were hiding in the dark as he en- tered the building. They jumped him with the intent of beating him up. He reacted spontaneously and sustained a head injury defending himself from his attackers, said the media. This is the second instance of a seri- ous attack on UNMIK representatives in Kosovo Government to exclude international Decani since the publishing of a decision by UNMIK chief Joachim Ruecker ask- community from return process ing the municipality to return cadastral records to their state prior to the 1999 CAGLAVICA, June 19 (KIM Radio)— in Kosovo and Metohija. Sentic said that selection of programs. conflict, and to record property owned Srdjan Sentic, advisor to the UNMIK chief at a meeting last week the Kosovo Gov- Sentic believes that cooperation with the by Visoki Decani Monastery in the land for return of displaced persons to Kosovo, ernment rejected a Committee for Budget international community and local institu- register. The [Albanian dominated] said in a statement for KIM Radio that Authorization with ties to the Ministry for tions must not be broken off because, he said, Decani municipal assembly decided last UNMIK’s view is that the return process in Communities and Return. Only the Kosovo they are institutions that can help in realizing week not to implement this executive de- Kosovo and Metohija has stopped, as indi- Government’s Ministry for Communities and at least one of the interests of the Serb com- cision, and to break off contact with the cated by the facts on the ground. Return will decide on implementation and munity, and that is return to Kosovo. two UNMIK representatives working According to UNHCR data, during the in the Decani area. [The dispute regards past month not a single displaced person land the Monastery claims was illegally returned to the province. Sentic said that taken from it. UNMIK had agreed with the proclamation of independence and the the Monastery and ordered the land re- Kosovo Constitution have largely contrib- turned, but the local Albanian authorities uted to the halt in returns to Kosovo. “We Czech Kosovo documentary on YouTube refused to accept the decision.] have a lot of programs that have been wait- Kosovo media sources reported ing for years for funding because there is A Czech made for TV documentary on the history of the conflict in Kosovo and that the attack on Perez provoked grave no interest on the part of the international Metohija has been posted with English subtitles on the YouTube internet site, after concern among the Serbs in the region of community or local institutions to launch being banned on Czech television. Pec and Visoki Decani Monastery, who a process of returns. It is necessary to rein- The documentary was originally to have been aired on Czech television in March. are openly asking how they can expect force this process; it is especially necessary It’s showing was initially postponed, and appears to have been permanently cancelled to be protected when international rep- to encourage mass returns. We have more after the Czech government recognized Kosovo’s independence in May. The recog- resentatives are not. than 5000 Serbs living in collective centers nition of Kosovo caused public outrage in the Czech Republic, and unusual public Media in Kosovo reported that it is in Serbia and more than 2000 more of them disagreement by the Czech President with the decision. assumed that a group of KLA war vet- living in collective centers in Kosovo. The The documentary is narrated in Czech, with English subtitles. Interviews with Serbs erans [sic] led by Abdyl Mushkolaj are priority is to provide them with houses. I can be heard in the original Serbian. It is carried in ten parts on YouTube, with the behind the attack. Mushkolaj personally have yet to encounter honest dedication to first part at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rDr85g0upc threatened Patrick Buse, an UNMIK rep- this problem,” said Sentic. Links to the remaining parts will then appear on the YouTube site. resentative who left Decani municipality He added that as of Monday UNMIK The documentary is highly recommended. a few days ago. has agreed to a role of mere observer in the process of returns of displaced persons JULY - AUGUST 2008 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE SEVEN

Serbia hosts 100,000 UN observer recalls Knin carnage refugees ZAGREB, June 10 (B-92 Radio) — The artillery According to the Croatian Helsinki Committee, 677 Belgrade, June 20 (Balkan Insight) — Serbia is home onslaught of Knin [Dalmatia, Serbian Krajina] on August Serbs were killed during the operation, while Serb sources to some 100,000 registered refugees from neighboring 4 and 5, 1995, was unselective, says UN observer Peter put the figure at around 2,500. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, new data released Marti. Marti said that that in villages in and around Knin, today shows. Testifying at the trial of Croatian Army (HV) Gener- he had seen members of the HV who “looked more like The data, compiled by the UN’s refugee organization and als Ante Gotovina, Ivan Cermak and Mladen Markac at pirates” and less like real soldiers, as well as looters who Serbia’s Refugee Commission and published today to mark the Hague Tribunal, the UN observer said that there had had robbed everything they could lay their hands on. International Refugee Day, shows that some six thousand of been no military targets in Knin. Initially, they stole cars, TVs, washing machines, these refugees continue to live in collective centers in what The witness stated that he had seen destroyed civilian furniture, and later, windows, door frames and carpets, are often described as appalling conditions. In addition, vehicles and clothes littered around the area, suggesting so that by the end, said Marti, nothing was left. there are over 200,000 internally displaced people in Serbia that civilians had been targeted. The witness said that the he had warned Croatian from Kosovo. The Croatian government did not do enough to pro- authorities about the looting, but that they had only Serbia has 55 collective centers where some families tect civilians and their property after Operation Storm, pretended to be responsible for the former Republic of have been living, usually in one room, for over a decade. Marti said, adding that survivors had told UN peacekeep- Serb Krajina. Many complain that their return, particularly to Croatia, has ers that they were not safe, that no-one was protecting not been easy. them, and that they just wanted to leave in safety. [Operation Storm was the military offensive in Au- On Thursday, Croatian President Stjepan Mesic said According to certain sources, around 150,000 and gust 1995 by Croatian forces to conquer the Republic it was his country’s duty was to facilitate the return of all 200,000 Serbs fled Croatian forces in the direction of of Serbian Krajina, which Serbs living in the former refugees. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia. Yugoslav Republic of Croatia set up as a separate state Serbia’s President Boris Tadic has said that Belgrade, On August 7, 1995, EU Special Envoy for the Former following Croatia’s secession from Yugoslavia. The brutal Sarajevo and Zagreb should put additional efforts into solving Yugoslavia Carl Bildt described Storm as the “most ef- operation was given technical and advisory assistance their refugee problem. He has said that the European Union ficient ethnic cleansing ever seen in the Balkans.” by agents of the United States government. It resulted in membership for all Balkan countries would substantially Croatian forces also attacked Serb civilians and some 200,000 Serbs being driven from their homes into contribute to the best solution for those people. their property, and according to reports, a campaign of Serbia as refugees. Croatia has been slow in allowing Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the mass looting and destruction of Serb property was car- these refugees to return to their property, and many are Sarajevo declaration in 2005 obliging them to find solutions ried out. still living in refugee camps.] for the return and reintegration of all refugees left homeless in the 1991-1995 regional wars.

Successful Stewardship

OVERCOMING THE “DUES MENTALITY”

THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT WE REAP WHAT WE SOW (GALATIANS 6:7). FOR 100 YEARS WE HAVE SOWN “DUES” AND PREDICTABLY WE HAVE REAPED A “DUES MENTALITY.”

For the past several years I, like many, have been very We often have that same type of thinking in our Ser- person a member of the parish and can he vote at the annu- encouraged in witnessing a change that is occurring in bian churches in this country and yet our “dues,” besides al meeting? His response was a firm “no because he failed several of our church-school congregations. This change being spiritually opposed to Christian Stewardship, do not to complete an application and be voted upon!” So one can is from a “dues mentality” to Christian Stewardship. Our come close to paying the annual operating costs of our par- see that if you pay $200 in dues, fill out an application, hierarchsF and most of our clergy have been very support- ishes. I have personally heard Serbs say “I paid my dues, attend church two or three times a year, you are considered ive of this change. This is not to imply that change will be i.e. $150 and I do not have to give any more money.” Lord a member of the Church-School Congregation and can automatic or immediate. Sadly many of us often resist any have mercy on us! The Bible teaches that we reap what we vote on congregation policy, as opposed to the practicing change to the “status quo,” and will talk negatively about sow (Galatians 6:7). For 100 years we have sown “dues” Orthodox Christian steward who is an active part of the stewardship. and predictably we have reaped a “dues mentality.” parish but not allowed to vote at the Church-School Con- We need to be mindful that sometimes people speak gregation just described. I guess that I have to re-read the not simply from ignorance but also from a lack of Ortho- book of Acts because I do not remember reading about the dox Christian Spirituality. One could say that, unlike early Apostles requiring a “membership application and dues” Christians and many over the centuries, we have not suf- in the early church or the unhealthy dualism of “Church- ficiently understood that everything that we possess, our School Congregation” and local parish. lives, our families, our jobs, our special talents and, yes, Thank God this is not the case in every parish. In even our money, are gifts from God. Nor have we learned 1998, St. George Serbian Church in San Diego, Califor- that a portion of our money and talents (our first fruits) nia under the spiritual guidance of V. Rev. Stavrophor are to be used for helping our brothers and sisters and to Bozidar Draskovic terminated its dues system, switching proclaim the Gospel and God’s love to all. completely to a stewardship program under the leadership I have personally observed over the past many years of congregation board President Wayne Papic. I am happy that most of the Serbian churches in the United States to report that they went from 61 dues paying members to would be unable to financially support themselves if they having 228 stewards today generating more in donations did not have outside fund raising activities, i.e. “Las Vegas and gifts than ever before. nights”, “Days at the Races,” as well as raffles and bingo The faithful of St. George parish understand that Or- which thank God are being discontinued. One can not thodox Christians are called to be faithful stewards of what say that our churches are running deficits due to the “high God has entrusted to them and that they are to give sacrifi- salaries” that are paid to our clergy, because in fact they cially for the continuation of God’s work and ministries. are among the lowest paid of our brother Orthodox juris- May the seeds of “stewardship” that are being sown in dictions, not to mention other communities. Now I would San Diego (Ca), Fresno (Ca), Alhambra (Ca), Seattle (Wa), say that there are many reasons we experience financial Lake Forrest (IL) and in Lackawanna (NY) be examples problems at our parishes. for all of our Serbian parishes that our future in this coun- In my opinion the primary reason for our problems try depends upon teaching our leaders, the parents and is that we have had a “dues mentality” for as long as the grandparents, and especially our youth that God’s earthly church has been in this country. When someone joins a pri- kingdom does not run on a “dues system” but rather is vate club whether it is a golf club, a health club, etc., they based upon love – first God’s love toward us and in return are assessed monthly or annual dues. The management of Recently I had a discussion with a lay leader from one our love to Him, demonstrated through sacrificial giving those organizations develop an annual budget and divide of our larger parishes who stated “our parish will never of our time, our talent and our treasure back to Him for the that budget by the number of members and the resulting give up the dues system because it forces an individual to furtherance of His Kingdom on earth. number is the amount of “dues” that must be assessed to submit an application and to be voted upon by the board Brian Gerich each member in order to meet the annual budget. before being allowed to become a “member.” Brian Gerich is a parishioner of St. Steven’s Cathedral When the operating expense increase, the annual When I asked, “what about an individual who is Or- in Alhambra, CA, and is treasurer of the Central Church “dues” assessment increases. Members of those organiza- thodox, attends church every Sunday, goes to confession Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the US and tions have the right to expect that as long as they pay their and communion regularly, whose children are in church Canada as well as chairman of the Standing Committee on annual dues that they do not have to “pay” anything more. school and who pledges $1,000 a year as a steward. Is this Stewardship. P AGE EIGHT THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2008

OURUR VIEWIEW OUR VIEW OUR VIEW O V THE YOUTH PAGES OF THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY, JULY-AUGUST 2008

Third Annual Youth Conference Los Angeles, CA, August 6 - 10, 2008

With the Blessing of the Episcopal Council of the We hope that each parish in North and South Amer- ___Youth Conference Registration Form Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America, The ica will provide the financial means necessary to send ___Youth Conference Priest Recommendation Form Youth Ministry Committee is pleased to announce the Third representatives to the Youth retreat. Each teenager will ___Youth Conference Permission to Travel Form Annual Youth Conference to be held in Los Angeles, CA, be required to provide a $125 registration fee as well as ___Parent/Guardian Authorizations, Permissions, and from Wednesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 10, transportation to USC. Agreement 2008. The theme of this year’s conference is “Keyword The following pages contain the registration materials ___Conference Guidelines and Regulations God...R U Connected? Hollywood vs Holy Wood: The for the Youth retreat. Please submit one complete packet ___Health History Form (2 pages) Power of Image.” The conference is open to high school for each delegate you are sending to the retreat and return students 14-18 years of age. to the Youth Ministry Committee at the following address: ___$125 Registration Fee Check made out to “The The facility we have selected for this year’s conference Serbian Orthodox Church Youth Conference.” is The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Youth Ministry Committee Finally, we have included a frequently asked questions CA. The university is an excellent location that has all the c/o Chris Radanovic page to help you prepare for the conference. Please feel amenities that we need to have a successful conference 80 Church Rd free to contact Chris Radanovic if you have any questions full of spiritual and social activities. Etters, PA 17319 about the conference. His home telephone number is This Youth conference is an excellent opportunity for (717) 938-9829. parishes in North and South America to send teenagers for All registrations must be received no later than July 15, We are very excited to have this opportunity to facili- spiritual fulfillment and fellowship with like-minded youth. 2008. It is very important that your registration be submit- tate this event. We hope you will support the future of the The retreat will include presentations and discussions ted by this date so that the coordinators can prepare for church by sending one or more delegates to the confer- related to important topics that our youth face every day. the conference logistics. ence. Recreational and fellowship events will enable our youth When you return the completed registration packet, The National Youth Ministry Committee to interact with other high school students from throughout please make sure the following completed items are the United States and Canada. included:

Youth Conference Registration Form

The Youth Committee requires that the following be completed in its entirety Frequently Asked and returned with the registration packet. Delegate’s Name:______Questions Last First Middle Address:______Number/Street City State Zip 1. Where and when are we meeting for the For boys: pants and suitable shirts for conference? church services (jeans, t-shirts, and • Out of town delegates should fly into tennis shoes are not acceptable!) Parent’s Names:______Los Angeles International airport and For girls: skirt and blouse, or dress (dresses plan to arrive by 4:00pm local (Pacific) and blouses should have sleeves; Home Phone:______Work Phone:______time. Travel arrangements from LAX to skirts and dresses should be knee the University of Southern California will length. Nothing short) Emergency Contact:______be communicated prior to the confer- **Please do not send valuables --jewelry, ence. etc.-- with your child. We will not be Delegate’s Birthday:______Male ___ Female ___ Shirt Size:______• Local participants may be dropped off responsible for its security. at the University of Southern California **Remember that this is a spiritual retreat. by 7:00pm. All participants should plan Inappropriate clothing is a distraction Parish Name______City:______State:____ on being at the campus by 7:00pm so to the other participants and will not be that the evening activities can proceed allowed. Please indicated travel plans (cirlce one): Air (flight no., arrival, & airport) with all in attendance. No participants 5. What should the participant not bring to will be permitted to bring automobiles Automobile to the campus. All participants must be this retreat? If the delegate has/had dropped off on Wednesday August 6th • Automobiles – Out of town participants special medical or physical and must be picked up by 1:00pm on will meet at the USC campus. Local For Office Use Only Sunday August 10th at St. Steven’s Ser- participants must be dropped off and needs or is under a physi- picked at the campus. No personal Date:______Ck#:______Amount:$______bian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, cian's care for an ongoing participant cars will be permitted on or behavioral condition, CA, 1621 West Garvey Ave., Alhambra, Parish Priest Recommendation Form: Yes/No 91803, 626-284-9100. the campus. please check this box and Permission to Travel Form: Yes/No • Weapons explain on a separate sheet Parent/Guardian Authorizations, Permissions, and 2. Who is chaperoning the youth during this • Radios, Walkman, Tape Players, DVD of paper. Agreement: Yes/No event? The Youth Ministry Committee will players, video iPods, laptops Conference Guidelines and Regulations: Yes/No provide qualified chaperones. There will • Food – all food will be provided by the Health History and Examination: Yes/No be one chaperone for no more than eight retreat center youth attendees. • Linens: USC will provide two bath towels, face cloth, top and bottom Youth Conference Parish Priest Recommendation Form 3. What activities will take place at the bed sheets, pillow, pillow case, and conference? The conference will include blanket. several spiritual presentations and discus- 6. Where is the conference campus? The The Youth Committee requires that the following be completed by the delegate’s par- sions relevant to being an Orthodox teen- ish priest and returned with the registration packet. conference will be held at the University of ager. Recreational activities in the host city Southern California. USC website is:http:// will be organized. Participants will attend www.usc.edu/about/visit/upc/tommy_cam/ Parish Name:______City:______State:____ services and choir rehearsals. 7. How do I contact the conference adminis- Priest Name:______4. What should the participant bring to this trators in case of an emergency? retreat? The emergency contact for the confer- Please briefly explain the spiritual and leadership qualities and church commu- Clothes & Miscellaneous to pack: ence will be Chris Radanovic, the secretary nity activities of this delegate. Tolietries: comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sun screen, deodor- of the Youth Ministry Committee. In case of ______ant emergency please call Chris on his mobile Clothing: daily change of underwear, socks, phone at (717) 421-3078. Chris will be pres- ______other clothes (shorts, t-shirts, etc. for outdoor rec- ent throughout the entire retreat. reational activities), pajamas Signature and Seal of Parish Priest: I hereby affix my signature in approving this Swim Wear: Swimming suit and beach 8. What time should I schedule my travel youth’s Conference application, signifying his/her good standing in our parish. towel (one piece swimwear, bikinis arrangements for? will not be permitted), there will be a Flights arriving at LAX on 8/6 by 4:00pm ______planned swimming activity during the local (western) time and leaving LAX on 8/10 retreat Signature of Parish Priest no earlier than 3:00pm local (Pacific) time. JULY-AUGUST 2008 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE NINE

Health History Form Conference Guidelines and Regulations

Please note that this form must be read and signed by both the delegate and the parent. Del- The information on this form is not part of the conference acceptance process, but is gathered egates will not be permitted to attend the conference if this form is not signed and returned. Thank to assist us in identifying appropriate care. you for your cooperation. Delegate’s Name (Last, First, Middle):______1. The Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, tobacco products, fireworks, or weapons of any kind. If your child Name of Family Physician:______Phone:______is found having any of the above he/she will be sent home immediately.

Name of Family Dentist:______Phone:______2. Any inappropriate, violent/aggressive, or unchristian behavior may result in your child be- ing sent home immediately; these behaviors include, but are not limited to: Is the participant covered by family medical/hospital insurance (Yes/No):______• Attacking or hitting another delegate, chaperone, worker, or director. • Inappropriate "touching" or fondling of another conference delegate (male or female). Carrier or Plan Name:______• Disrespectful behavior (swearing, cursing, yelling in anger, etc.) shown toward delegates, chaperones, directors or workers. Group #:______I.D. #:______• Leaving the dormitory at night after "lights out". • Food, candy, or drink in the dormitories. Allergies (Describe reaction and management of reaction): • Radios, stereos, boom boxes, and walkman tape players are not allowed at the Medical Allergies:______conference. Use of cell phones and iPods during the conference will not be permitted. This will be strictly enforced. Food Allergies:______• Disrespect shown during the Church services including laughing, talking, or not partici- pating will necessitate one warning, then dismissal. Other Allergies (include insect stings, hay fever, asthma, animal dander, etc.): • Use of dormitory phones for social calls. ______• Theft of property. • Destruction of property will not be tolerated. If your child is involved in any of this you will Medications Currently Being Taken (meds brought to the conference must be in their original be held financially responsible. labeled pharmacy container): • Rooms should be kept neat and presentable by delegates. Please stress to your child to be respectful of others property. Med (#1):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____ • Any additional retreat center costs above and beyond the provided amenities will be the Reason for Taking:______financial responsibility of the parents/delegate. This includes telephone charges, food purchases, gift/other purchases, and any unforeseen purchases made by the delegate. Med (#2):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____ Reason for Taking:______We reserved the right to search luggage, lockers, and bed areas at any time. Med (#3):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____ Delegates please note, in signing below, you agree to adhere to the rules and guidelines of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada. Reason for Taking:______Delegates Signature:______

Attach additional pages for more medications. Delegates Printed Name:______

Date:______This health history is correct and complete as far as I know. The person herein named has permission to engage in all conference activities except as noted. Parents please note: in signing below you are agreeing that your child(ren) will adhere to the I hereby give permission to the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada to rules and guidelines of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada. Your en- provide, seek, and consent to routine health care, administration of prescribed medications, and dorsement is your consent for inspection of prohibited articles. Your signature also affirms that you over the counter medications, and emergency treatment for me/my child, as may be necessary, have gone over these items with your child. Your child will not be permitted to attend the conference including, but not limited to x-rays, routine tests and treatment, and/or hospitalization. I also give unless this form is signed and returned to us. permission for the conference to arrange related transportation. I agree to the release of any records necessary for treatment, referral, billing, or insurance purposes. Parent/Guardian Signature:______It is my intention that the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada be treat- Parents Printed Name:______ed as acting in loco parentis if the person herein named is a minor. Further, it is my protected Date:______health information pursuant to the privacy regulations promulgated pursuant to the Health Insur- ance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. I hereby agree (pursuant to 45 CFR 164.510 (b)) to the disclosure to conference representatives of the protected health information of the person herein described, as necessary: (i) to provide relevant information to the conference representa- tives related to the person’s ability to participate in conference activities; and (ii) in the case of Parent/Guardian Authorizations, Permissions, and Agreement minors, to provide relevant information to the conference representatives to keep me informed of my child’s health status. Youth Conference Delegate Name:______In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the camp to secure and administer treatment, including hospitalization, for the person Please read the paragraphs below and sign the consent and/or responsibility waiver. This is named above. This completed form may be photocopied for trips out of the conference. necessary not only for your child to attend the youth conference, but also for us to operate the conference. Signature of Parent/Guardian/Adult Conference Delegate: The person herein described has permission to engage in all conference activities except as noted. I hereby give permission to the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada ______to provide routine health care, administer over-the-counter medications, administer prescribed Printed Name:______medications, and seek emergency medical treatment including ordering x-rays or routine tests. I agree to the release of any records necessary for treatment, referral, billing, or insurance Date:______purposes. I give permission to the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada I also understand and agree to abide by any restrictions placed on my participation in conference to arrange necessary related transportation for my child. In the event I cannot be reached in an activities: emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada to secure and administer treatment, including hospitalization, for Signature of Minor Conference Delegate:______the person named above. I understand that my insurance coverage for my child will be used as Printed Name:______primary coverage in the event medical intervention is needed. I further understand that I will be responsible for expenses not covered by my insurance. Date:______I understand all reasonable safety precautions will be taken at all times by the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada and its agents during the conference. I understand the possibility of unforeseen hazards and know the inherent possibility of risk. I agree not to hold the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada, their clergy, its leaders, employees, and/or volunteers liable for damages, losses, disease, or injuries incurred by the subject of this Youth Conference Permission to Travel Form form. I hereby give my permission to take field trips while attending the conference. The Youth Committee requires that the following be completed by the delegate’s parents and I agree that my child will abide by all the rules and guidelines set forth by the Serbian Ortho- returned with the registration packet. If the delegate is traveling with someone other than a par- dox Church in the United States and Canada for the safety and good health of the conference ent/guardian a copy of this form should also be provided to the adult the delegate is traveling with. delegates. I also agree that if my child has to return home due to discipline violations, it will be at my own expense. I, (Parent/Guardian) ______, give my permission for (delegate) I agree to indemnify and hold harmless, the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and ______to attend the 2008 Youth Conference of the Serbian Orthodox Canada, their clergy, their leaders, employees, and/or volunteers from any expenses, losses, claims, Church in the USA and Canada to be held at the facilities of USC, Los Angeles, CA. or damages incurred as a result of the acts or omissions of the subject of this form. I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada, Parent/Guardian Name:______their clergy, officers, directors, employees, staff, and volunteers from any and all expenses, claims, Last First costs or attorney fees incurred as a result of claims, actions and/of suits brought by me, my child Address:______or on my behalf or on my child’s behalf or by anyone else as a result of any accident or injury oc- Number/Street City State Zip curring to me or my child. Home Phone:______Work Phone:______I give permission for my child to participate in all conference activities, except the following (please list reason for each activity denied): Name of Parish:______Activity and Reason for Denial of Permission: ______Name of Parish Priest:______Signature of Parent/Guardian:______Signature of Parent/Guardian Printed Name:______Date:______OOURUR V VIEWIEW OUR VIEW OUR VIEW Our View is the official publication of The Serbian Orthodox Youth Ministry Committee and is a regular feature of The Path of Orthodoxy. Comments can be directed to the committee via e-mail at: [email protected], or via regular mail at: The Serbian Orthodox Youth Ministry Committee, 260 Sue Drive, Hummelstown, PA 17036. P AGE TEN THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY - AUGUST 2008

Washington HIS GRACE BISHOP MITROPHAN Deanery INVITES THE FAITHFUL Meets on OF THE EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE Education in TO SHADELAND FOR ANNUAL DIOCESAN DAY CELEBRATION NYC The 21st Annual Wash- SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2008 ington Deanery Christian Education Meeting was held 10:00 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York City Noon Picnic with barbecued lamb and traditional foods on Bright Wednesday, April Music by Cleveland Serbs 30, 2008. 2:00 PM Folklore Program presented by Shadeland Campers His Grace Bishop Dr. Mi- Fr. Srboljub Jockovich and His Grace Bishop Mitrophan trophan designated Reverend More music and dancing to follow! Father Zoran Radovic of St. Marjanovic, and Reverend Father Aleksa George Serbian Orthodox Church, Elizabeth, Micich. Protopresbyter Stavrophor Predrag www.easterndioces.org New Jersey to be the featured speaker. Micich, Protopresbyter Dr. Rodney Torbic, His Grace officiated at the Paschal Hier- Father Vladislav Radujkovic and Father archical Divine Liturgy with attending clergy Deacon Alex Pavichevich also participated serving and singing responses. in the meeting. Following the Divine Liturgy, Cathedral The Washington Deanery consists of the A TALK ADDRESSED TO COLLEGE STUDENTS: Dean Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic ex- Pennsylvania parishes in Steelton, Lebanon pressed his pleasure in having His Grace and and Philadelphia; the New Jersey parishes in brothers in Christ present for the meeting. Paterson and Elizabeth; the New York City Protopresbyter Stavrophor Srboljub parish and parishes in Boston, Massachusetts; A Leap into the Unknown Jockovich, dean of the Deanery, gave wel- Portland, Maine and Washington D.C. His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan sched- coming remarks emphasizing Christian To begin to imagine what you think and knowledge go hand in hand. As you ules and actively participates in the Deanery education in the Deanery. and feel, what you expect as you prepare learn more our Orthodox Church on a level meetings, and His participation is the stron- Father Radovic’s well-prepared presen- to enter college or return for another year equal to your college studies your faith gest evidence of the importance of Christian tation stimulated discussion particularly of studies, I must search back into my will increase and you will come to under- education in the Diocese. regarding contemporary issues facing parents thoughts some ten years. It was then that I stand that the way shown to us by God is Deanery meetings have been held annu- and children. Challenges regarding use of left the nice comfortable security of family far superior to the philosophies of men. In ally since 1987 in the Eastern American Dio- the internet, television and reading practices life in a small town of South Carolina. your studies you will give Plato and Rous- cese. Clergy and teachers in each Deanery drew considerable attention. I became a freshman in a university in seau and Shakespeare and James Joyce a are always invited to attend and participate. Parish reports reviewing Christian edu- Chicago with a student population almost change. Give Christ a chance too. The meetings provide an opportunity to learn cation in each parish were presented by equal to that of the city I left. I remember Mother Maria, an Orthodox nun who from the speaker and for participants to share attending clergy, including in addition to my doubts, my fears. What the outcome of died in the gas chambers with the Jews and learn from each other. those already mentioned Protopresbyter this grave decision to go to college would during World War II, said that “If Christi- Father Rodney Torbic Stavrophor Toma Stojsich, Protopresbyter be was still uncertain. Nonetheless, the step anity is not fire, it is nothing.” All of you Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Protopresbyter Ivan was taken—actually, leap—a leap into the have proved your willingness to take a risk, unknown. by entering college. I invite you to take I can still picture myself clearly another—Jump into the fire—learn what walking up and down the shores of Lake it’s all about. ‘Oldest’ church found Michigan wondering, “What in the world For some a little knowledge leads Rihab, Jordan. Archiologists announced last week that they had discovered the am I doing here? Where in the world am I them to proclaim themselves God. Well, world’s oldest known Christian church, a cave in which the original disciples of Je- heading? Where in the world would I like the truth is that according to Orthodox the- sus hid after fleeing Jerusalem following the crucifixion. The 920-square foot cham- to get?” At that time my plans were to learn ology we are called to be gods. However, ber lies beneath the St. Georgeous Church, which was built around 230-290 AD. The a profession, get out in four years, and start not after the example of the false proph- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Amman called the find an “important milestone for making money. ets, the self-proclaimers, but in imitation Christians all around the world.” But some archeologists said there was not enough Education then is a risk; you never of Him who gave his life for us. Christ’s evidence that the site had actually been a church, rather than a storage cellar. Jerome know what’s going to happen. I congratu- challenge to us is to strive for perfection. Murphy-O’Conner of the French Biblical and Archeological School in Jerusalem late you for taking that risk. In my estima- It was not an empty challenge because said Jordan has been known to hype archeological finds to boost tourism. tion you have decided to take the most ex- he provided the example for us to follow. citing and important leap into the unknown “Behold The Man,” St. John exhorts us. In that you will ever take. You are entering him there is perfection, purity. the world of new ideas, new philosophies, Don’t set your sights lower. Don’t and new ways of life. What will happen to adopt as your way of life one proposed the old ways, the old ideas, when mom can by men. Rather remain steadfast in that Vidovdan Banquet no longer remind you to go for a haircut or way shown to us by the Creator of men. continued from p. 1 having her youths put in harm’s way for to Church? During your years in college attend Church Christ. Kosovo for us is a Christ-centric event nothing, in some arid, hostile faraway lands. Your Church is concerned about what regularly, receive spiritual nourishment in which our people, led by St. Tsar Lazar, Only by forging an ever-tighter political, will happen during these formative years. frequently. Just as the body needs food, chose a personal relationship with God. By economic, and eventually military alliance The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) so does the spirit. Don’t fall prey to the this choice they affirmed that they are people with Russia will Serbia avoid the clutches of is an expression of the concern of your destructive campus attitude that treats the of God…Being mindful of her role and a postmodern “American” empire devoid of Hierarchs for what will happen to you. We Church like a disease—something to avoid. meaning for the faithful, our Church today a single redeeming feature. God sometimes are concerned because we know that many Assert your Orthodox faith, learn in Kosovo and Metohija is making every acts in mysterious ways, and as we near the think religion is nothing but a bunch of more about it, live it. If there are enough effort to rebuild her holy shrines. In doing 619th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo, do’s and don’ts—with the don’ts seeming Orthodox students at the college you attend so, the Church also rebuilds the lives of her we should ask for His mercy and thank Him to be a lot more appealing, a lot more ex- start an Orthodox Campus Fellowship with people, for where there are people there also for His blessings. Kosovo had remained citing than the do’s. You will be tempted by a program that will assist you to do just is the Church, and there is God’s Kingdom Serbian during those five long centuries of talk of new moralities, of situational ethics. that. Our Hierarchs feel that Orthodoxy and there is our homeland. In a spiritual Ottoman darkness, to be liberated in 1912. Archbishop Iakovos once said that immo- in America is in dire need of an Orthodox sense, no leaders of this world are able to It is no less Serbian now, the ugly farce in rality no longer exists because immorality intelligentsia. For that reason, the Campus take away our holy Kosovo and Metohija, Pristina notwithstanding. It will be tangibly presupposes a morality. And that which Commission was created to begin making for it is a symbol of our covenant with Christ. Serbian again when the current experiment characterizes our society is amorality—no available some resource material that will However, each one of us can contribute to the in Benevolent Global Hegemony collapses morals at all. Beware, then, of so-called make Orthodoxy meaningful to college loss of Kosovo, i.e. we can take it away from and when the very names of Messrs, Bush, “new moralities.” Be prepared to hear from students. ourselves and lose it if we separate ourselves Clinton and their cohorts are deservedly learned professors whom you will admire This modern world, my fellow young from Christ. We can lose it if we look at consigned to the dust-heap of history.” that they are atheists. people, is now our job. If we don’t like its Kosovo and Metohija only as the territory The banquet truly was an indication I could probably come up with a list of direction, we must change it. If we don’t without the people, as a political symbol, as that in the midst of this darkest period for at least 10 BEWARES for college students, like war, poverty, disease, injustice, cor- a godless symbol of nationalism, instead as Serbian Orthodox people there indeed is a and some of you might question, well, if ruption, prejudice, the hypocrisy of older the symbol of renewal of our covenant with light of hope. Our true hope is in our Triune there is so much wrong, maybe I shouldn’t generations—then we must do something Christ through the holy Lazar-Kosovo suffer- God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The battle go to college. No, that’s not what I mean to about it. May I be so bold as to suggest that ing and our resurrection in Christ.” for Kosovo has just begun. It is up to each get across. St Paul says, “try all and keep what you, I, all of us should do about it is The political analyst Dr. Srdja Trifkovic one of us to fight this battle on the grounds what is good.” You will hear much and begin to live our Orthodox faith. A simple in his speech also foresaw the self-destruc- of our hearts, primarily, and then on a wider learn much in college. Keep what is good. answer—not a simple way, not the way the tion of the US international policy particu- political arena. As you listen and learn and become world is today. larly in Kosovo and Medohija: “The U.S.-led Collectively and individually we must proficient in your chosen area of study, de- Take charge of the world,--change its Kosovo policy in the end will prove to be a remain faithful to Christ. We must remain vote some time also to learning about your direction. blessing in disguise for Serbia. Only by not faithful to the Kosovo covenant. We must be, Orthodox faith. Religion, you know, is not James Couchell (Bishop Demetrios) joining the European Union will she preserve as His Holiness Patriarch Pavle said: “Let us just an area of study; it is a way of life. It Former Executive Secretary of the Ortho- her identity, her traditions, and her faith. be people” – people of God” is to be lived whether you become a doc- dox Campus Commission Only by not joining the U.S. – hegemonized Protopresbyter Bratso Krsic tor, a lawyer, a teacher or a ditch digger. Upbeat system of military alliances will she avoid To live it, you must know about it. Faith v.1, n.5, 1968