JANUARY 2003 VOLUME 47 NO. 1 CONTENTS
3 EDITORIAL by Very Rev. John Abdalah The Most Reverend 5 ARCHBISHOP MICHAEL: Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. BISHOP OF THE PEOPLE, MAN OF PEACE Primate by Fred Shaheen The Right Reverend Bishop Antoun, Auxiliary 7 SAINT MARY OF LIVONIA The Right Reverend PROCLAIMED A BASILICA Bishop Joseph, Auxiliary by Steven T. Khalil The Right Reverend Bishop Basil, Auxiliary 8 MAN AS CURSE OR BLESSING The Right Reverend by Metropolitan Nicholas Bishop Demetri, Auxiliary Founded in Arabic as 11 A FOUNTAIN OF MERCY, Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael Hawaweeny MINISTRY AND HOPE Founded in English as by Bishop Joseph The Word in 1957 by Metropolitan Antony Bashir 13 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE Editor in Chief The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min. 15 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL Assistant Editor Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRIES Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. 22 MIRACLE ON PALERMO AVENUE: Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. CONSECRATION OF The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL, CORAL GABLES Linda Hopkins by Gustovo Alfonso Anne Glynn Mackoul, J.D. Ronald Nicola 25 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. 31 ORTHODOX WORLD Design Director Donna Griffin Albert 35 THE PEOPLE SPEAK Member The Associated Church Press Conciliar Press Ecumenical News International Orthodox Press Service Editorial Office: The Word 1777 Quigg Dr. COVER Pittsburgh, PA 15241-2071 NEWLY CONSECRATED BASILICA OF ST. MARY, e-mail: [email protected] Livonia, MI FAX: 1-412-831-5554 Subscription Office: 358 Mountain Road Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full PO Box 5238 name and parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All submissions, in hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Foreign Countries, $26.00 Single Copies, $3.00 THE WORD (USPS626-260), published monthly except July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at addi- tional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: THE WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 VOLUME 47 NO. 1 JANUARY 2003 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org.
2 The Word EDITORIAL CommitmentTHE GIFT OF
S WE BEGIN THE NEW YEAR, AN ISSUE describe. Because as humans we instinctively A weighing heavily on my heart is the fre- interpret our feelings, we sometimes assume that quency and ease with which people walk major shifts of feeling must be in some way a away from commitments. People make light of all response to our spouses. Yet the psychologists tell kinds of commitments, from ordering pizzas that us that feelings fluctuate with body chemistry, hor- they don’t pick up to life-long or eternal sacramen- monal releases, sugar levels, stressors and econom- tal commitments of monastic vows or marriage. It ic pressures. Sometimes feelings originate in our used to be that one would keep his word and the autonomic nervous system, and are not promises he makes, or at least that a conscious response to an event would be St. James’ ideal: “let or bodily function. While feel- your yes be yes and your no ings do tell us some things, be no, that you may not and even signal us that fall under condemnation” something may be wrong, (5:12). If one agrees to do they are not always reliable something, it should be and don’t always reflect their cause. So, considered done, and if while feelings are important, we must be one makes a commitment, it careful in examining and interpreting them. must be for keeps. A dear friend I recommend that when we feel intense feel- suggested to me that when people did- ings, we pay more attention to those people who n’t live as long, it was easier to keep life-long com- are most intimate and close to us, while being mitments; now, with the prospect of living longer, careful not to change our relationships and being it is more difficult to keep a commitment. careful to remain open, loyal and committed. Whatever the cause of our current difficulty with God offers us examples of being patient, long- commitment, I will take a look at a few of the suffering and loyal. He is committed to being our issues and offer a response. God and having us be His people, and this com- While I am concerned about every commit- mitment extends from generation to generation. ment, the frequency and devastating conse- He never deserts us, always keeping His word to quences of broken families is what is most unset- be by our side. We would not expect that God tling to me. Concerning marriage, I speak of com- would walk away from His covenant with us mitment because I believe that commitment is the because we were going to live longer than previous gift from God that will preserve marriages in this generations or because we require more work age. Commitment is a gift given by His example; it than our ancestors did. is the grace which sustains a marriage. Too often I hear of people wanting to leave a Commitment is a type of love, a love that we ask marriage because they don’t feel “in love” any God to “send from above” in the marriage ceremo- more. Modern anthropologists say that this feeling ny. It is this commitment that will get us through of being “in love” is merely nature’s trick to get times of change, temptation, and busyness, and people to procreate and not enough to sustain a times that we feel neglected or unappreciated by marriage. Some pastoral therapists suggest that our spouse. This is not to say that we should rely this “in-love” feeling is God’s gift to start, not sus- solely on the gift of commitment to replace the tain a marriage. Researchers of human behavior hard work of continuing to build our marriages. report that, for a percentage of the population, This “work” includes rediscovering each other this “in-love” feeling doesn’t last past the honey- regularly if not daily, and understanding that love moon, and very few people report that they always and faithfulness, not feelings, will get us through feel “in love” with their spouse. The experience of the day. being “in love” needs to mature to a love of com- Often, we experience feelings that are hard to mitment and partnership, one which deepens with
January 2003 3 EDITORIAL every year of marriage. This commitment includes security. With commitment comes the security deeper self-disclosure, respect, romance, toler- one needs to be able to accommodate his or her ance, mercy and appreciation. Marriage is a gift, spouse so they can each reveal themselves and after all, which allows us to love another as God, accept the other in every era of the life cycle. who is love, is loving. This means that we must North Americans have seen a sharp increase in stretch past ourselves to our spouses. divorces among people in their forties, fifties and People in marriages should expect difficult sixties. This suggests to me that we can no longer times. Every marriage is challenged to stretch and take commitment for granted. grow as children come, mature, and leave. For some, feelings have replaced commitment. Marriages evolve as we grow from our twenties to People rely on their moods and seek happiness as our thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and a feeling, instead of seeking happiness seventies. They change as our respec- from God. My prayer for this year is tive careers or businesses and jobs EDITORIAL that people will get back on the right change, develop and grow. Marriages BY track, not be fooled by expectations of that succeed are those in which the Very Rev. John P. happiness as a feeling, and come back commitment allows for change and Abdalah to truth and commitment. growth. Change requires flexibility and
4 The Word Archbishop Michael (1924-1992)
BISHOP OF THE PEOPLE, MAN OF PEACE
CTOBER 24, 2002 MARKED in Indianapolis, Canton and Patriarch Theodosius and the Holy O the ten-year anniversary of Montreal. In Montreal, the Univ- Synod of Antioch. the falling asleep in the ersity of St. Andrew in England His Eminence served as Metro- Lord of His Eminence Archbishop awarded him an honorary Doctor of politan Archbishop of the Toledo Michael Shaheen. In honor of this Divinity degree. On February 11, Archdiocese until the summer of anniversary, several churches in the 1962, Archbishop Michael became 1975, when he and Metropolitan Archdiocese, including St. George Philip of the Archdiocese of New in Canton, OH, St. George in York put into effect a union of the Toledo, OH, and St. George in two North American Archdio- Montreal, QUE have held special ceses. The official Praxis that Memorial Services. canonically ratified this union Michael George Shaheen was named Metropolitan Philip born in Canton, OH on April 27, “Primate” and Archbishop Michael 1924. He was the first son of the “Auxiliary” of the one united Reverend George H. and Mary Archdiocese of North America. Shaheen. In October 1929, his On October 24, 1992, when father died suddenly, leaving his Archbishop Michael died sudden- mother to raise her eldest son ly in his sleep of an apparent and his three younger siblings. heart attack, he left behind him a Michael attended elementary legacy of humility, gracious hospi- classes at Summit School until tality, Christian charity and, per- 1935, when the family moved to haps most important of all for the Katana, Syria. There, he attended Church, a legacy of peace. schools in Damascus and the As the first American-born hier- American University of Beirut, arch consecrated in the studying French and Arabic. He Antiochian Archdiocese, Arch- received early training for the bishop Michael was truly a “bish- priesthood under the guidance of op of the people.” Those who his grandfather, the late Very knew him well remember him as Reverend George Corey. Between unusually personable and friendly 1945 and 1947 he served in the for a man of such high rank in the US Army, from which he was Church. On feast days as well as honorably discharged. Archbishop Michael throughout the year, Archbishop Returning to the United States, 1924-1992 Michael’s home was always open he attended Kent State University to anyone who wanted to come in Ohio and Butler University in the first American-born to be over and visit. Being fluent in both Indianapolis, where he majored in consecrated a Bishop by the Arabic and French, his commitment Religion. Metropolitan Archbishops Antiochian Orthodox Church when, to worshippers being able to pray in Samuel David and Antony Bashir on a trip to Damascus, he was a language they understand prompt- ordained him a deacon on August consecrated Bishop of Toledo by the ed the publication of the Divine 18, 1951, and a priest the following Patriarch of Antioch, Theodosius VI, Liturgy in French and Arabic parallel day, at the Archdiocese Convention and eleven Metropolitan Arch- texts, and also of the Hierarchical in Indianapolis. On July 4, 1954, Fr. bishops of the Holy Synod. On July Divine Liturgy in English. Michael was elevated to the rank of 22, 1962, while again in Damascus Throughout his life, Archbishop Right Reverend Archimandrite by on a pilgrimage, Archbishop Michael Michael involved himself in many the Patriarch of Antioch, His was given the title, “Metropolitan worthy civic and humanitarian Beatitude Alexandros III. As a priest, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of affairs. He was decorated by the Archbishop Michael served parishes Toledo, Ohio and Dependencies,” by Syrian Arab Republic for his out-
January 2003 5 ARCHBISHOP MICHAEL SHAHEEN standing humanitarian efforts, peace and unity of the Archdiocese, gospel is apparent in his willingness which included the establishment of “more precious than gold and silver; to sacrifice the prestige of a title for programs to give much needed assis- and more precious than all the the greater good of Christ’s Church. tance to the orphans of Saydnaya buildings of this world and all the Archbishop Michael’s humility, char- and St. Panteleimon, and to the property therein.” In the New ity, and love of peace bore good fruit monastic community of Ma’aloula. Testament, the Apostle Paul teaches when his efforts toward the estab- Works of Christian mercy initiated us what it means to have the mind lishment of one united Antiochian by Archbishop Michael continue of Christ: “Let nothing be done flock in North America became a even today. In recognition of his ser- through selfish ambition or conceit, reality in 1975. This is the most vice on behalf of orphanages within but in lowliness of mind let each important legacy he leaves us, and it the Patriarchate of Antioch, esteem others better than himself. is indeed priceless. May his memory Archbishop Michael was inducted Let each of you look out not only for be eternal! into the Order of Mount Sinai. his own interests, but also for the Eulogizing the late Archbishop, interests of others” (Philippians 2:3- Contributed by Fred Mark His Eminence Metropolitan Philip 4). Ultimately, Archbishop Michael’s Shaheen (with thanks to Archpriest called this man’s contribution to the commitment to the message of the Joseph Cervo)
SAINT MARY OF LIVONIA
6 The Word SAINT MARY OF LIVONIA
SAINT MARY OF LIVONIA PROCLAIMED A BASILICA
N SEPTEMBER 7, 2002, ONE Basilica’s construction. “Our goal growing up in Hama, he learned O day before its consecration, was to bring the Holy Land to the about building at the feet of his His Eminence Metropolitan Heartland of America.” father, the late Georgi Shalhoub, a Philip officially proclaimed the new Syria is considered by most schol- renowned builder who constructed Saint Mary Church of Livonia, MI a ars to be the birthplace of churches, buildings, and bridges all basilica. “Good people accomplish Christianity. “Jesus’ disciples were over the Middle East. As a boy, good things,” conveyed the Bishop first called ‘Christians’ in Antioch, Father Shalhoub believed he was to a group of over 700 destined to be a builder gathered in the parish’s like his father, but it Cultural Center, “and seems his parents had great people accomplish other plans for him. At great things. Congratu- the age of twelve, Father lations on a truly great Shalhoub was put on a accomplishment.” train and sent to the Saint Mary qualified as seminary in Lebanon. a basilica because of its Saint Mary parish- historically accurate ioners understand the structural elements as role Father Shalhoub has well as its magnitude. played in the growth of The $12 million, 40,000- their parish. Blessed square-foot structure with a large Middle comes complete with a Eastern population in 110-foot bell tower, an the Detroit area, Father eight-story copper dome, Shalhoub has been suc- and an altar made cessful in uniting many entirely of handcrafted different groups of peo- stone imported from ple, a task easier said Syria. The church itself than done. “He has can accommodate over joined the hands of peo- 2,000 people. It also has ple who might otherwise a lower level that not speak to one anoth- includes Sunday school er. He is a Christian in classrooms, kitchen both word and deed,” facilities, and a 500-seat shares Samier Khalil, activities center dedicat- one of the parish’s origi- ed to the parish’s youth. nal founders. The Basilica of Saint Basilicas became the Mary was modeled after most common architec- a Syro-Byzantine-era tural form in Syria dur- relic in Northern Syria ing the middle of the 4th called St. Symeon the century AD. As Stylite, built at the end of the fifth which, at the time, was the Capital Christianity spread, the much-larger century AD in the town of Qual’at of Syria,” says Father George basilicas were necessary to accom- Sim’an. “Incorporating the heritage Shalhoub of his homeland. “By emu- modate the growing number of wor- of our ancestors was an important lating their architecture, we are shippers, a story similar to that of part of the church’s design,” says honoring our forefathers and their Father Shalhoub’s congregation. Jack Ghannam, who served as early contributions to Orthodoxy.” Saint Mary of Livonia is the first Parish Council Chairman for four Construction sites are nothing Orthodox basilica in North America. consecutive terms during the new to Father Shalhoub. While
January 2003 7 MAN AS CURSE OR BLESSING
ARCHPASTORAL PRESENTATION ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGICAL CONFERENCE Man as Curse or Blessing
PRESENTED BY HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN NICHOLAS OF JOHNSTOWN, PA ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE, JUNE 15, 2002
Y BROTHER HIERARCHS, God’s Creation, where man is set M Reverend Fathers and with a profound, symbiotic relation- Clergy gathered here, ship, and a definite, holy purpose? along with all the beloved Faithful Of course, the question begs who are with us this day: Glory preference for the latter. It be to Jesus Christ! should be obvious from Holy Whenever we give consider- Tradition that the environ- ation to the issue of the envi- ment is better understood ronment, we end up dealing as creation, and that man with the area of ecological is not a separate entity, ethics. We do not discuss independent of the rest environmental issues like of nature. All this, to be zoology and climatology as sure, should be obvious. much as we discuss the But society, along with issue of how man deals many Christians, seems with the environment, and to have turned aside how he uses the elements from the obvious testi- of the environment. monies of Christian doc- At the outset, we should trine, and has adopted state clearly that there cer- instead other beliefs. tainly is an Orthodox Christian Take, for example, this ecological ethic. It is an ethic statement: “the environment that is not an option for Orthodox is created by God.” While you faithful. It is not a mere theological and I accept this as commonplace, “specialty,” that is, a subject area of this statement is certainly not interest only to those who have aca- the accepted by most in the present-day demic and professional reasons to context of ecological dialogue. But we in the be interested. The Orthodox ecolog- the Church. Here is where the main Orthodox Church see Creation as ical ethic proceeds directly from our distinctions exist between our eccle- the foundational concept by which doctrine. St. Cyril of Jerusalem said sial ethic, and the ecological ethics we understand all environmental that, “the method of godliness con- we find especially in secular society. issues. It is the fact that a creature sists of two things — pious doctrines We focus today on an issue in eco- is created that gives that creature and virtuous practice.” Without any logical ethics that sets these differ- meaning, and value, and purpose. doubt, virtuous practice demands ences in sharp distinction. This This is true whether that creature is right attitude and action toward the issue pertains to how the environ- a human person, an animal, an environment, for our Holy Tradition ment is viewed: is it a great reservoir insect, a plant, a tree, a geological demands nothing less. of untapped riches, waiting to be formation or an astronomical body. As such, the Orthodox Christian exploited for profit? Or is it an It is impossible to exaggerate the ecological ethic is ecclesial: it pro- untouchable sanctuary, where noth- importance of creation as a founda- ceeds from our life in the Church, ing should be used? Should we view tional concept. It means primarily the Body of Christ … and it is ulti- the environment as a living, almost that we must accept the reality of mately comprehensible only within divine being? Or is the environment every creature as essentially mean-
8 The Word MAN AS CURSE OR BLESSING
ingful. Nothing exists as a result of stand, and to defeat. Aside from the “dominion” in Holy Tradition is chance encounter. Truly, for every- obvious fact that it is supremely clear: man was given primacy in thing, each creature was fully meant materialistic and secular, it is a Creation, to be sure; but he was to be. Each creature is created by point that has garnered a lot of given primacy with the responsibili- God — fully intended by God to Christian sympathy, especially in ty of stewardship. A good steward exist, conceptualized from eternity the West. To this end, a passage uses the resources of his Master, but and realized in time. God alone from Genesis is often quoted: “Be he does not merely “consume.” A gives meaning to His Creation. In fruitful and multiply and fill the good steward is careful to protect our Orthodox ecological ethic, we earth and subdue it; and have the things of his Master’s house: he insist that man adopt a humbler, dominion over the fish of the sea protects against destruction and more honest and scientific outlook, and over the birds of the air and decay. He would never permit pollu- in which he seeks to discern mean- over every living thing that moves tion, rainforest burning, extinction ing in Creation — a meaning, or upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). of entire species. He would be logos, that already exists. alarmed by global warming, ozone The proper apprehension of a depletion, and loss of wetlands. creature’s logos must begin with We say this while believ- the simple affirmation that it ing firmly in the primacy exists by God’s fiat. This is a of man in God’s creation. profound recognition that a We cannot agree with creature is most essentially radical environmental- and basically a “creature,” in ists who oppose human the fullest sense of the word. dominion … some of It does not appear by its own them even go so far as determination. It does not to oppose any human exist in and of itself. Its life, place within the envi- or reality, is the result of ronment. The God’s decision and continued Orthodox Christian provision. ecological ethic would Obviously, this is not the never countenance the case in other ecological beliefs. theories of Malthus and In these other perspectives, the Sanger, who believed that meaning of creation is usually limit- the main ecological problem is ed to theories on “how it all came to “human over-population.” be,” and “how it continues to run.” Mankind was given, undeniably, Outside academia, most ecological dominion over the world. He has beliefs are “anthropocentric,” or Many peo- been given the resources and the “man-centered.” In these perspec- ple have taken this verse, along with cunning to take things from Creation tives, nature is practically meaning- other passages, to fashion a suppos- for his own benefit. He can hunt and less until it enters a relationship edly Christian ecological ethic of kill animals for meat and skins. He with man. Then, man invests it with “dominion.” They understand these can harvest plants for food and meaning. That meaning may be reli- passages to mean that God has given resources. He can fell trees for shel- gious, as is true of primitive soci- man the entire stuff of Creation en ter and fire. He can dig holes to mine eties and some of the modern neo- masse to do with as he sees fit. the earth. All this we do not deny in pagan cults. But more often than But it should be self-evident that the Orthodox Church: truly man has not, that meaning is usually eco- such an ethic is utterly foreign to been given this right by God. nomic. In our technological age, Christian piety. Christians, by their But man must use the things of nature is seen as a reservoir of very nature, should recoil from such Creation while fully acknowledging potential economic value, as some- a wanton manifestation of the pas- that these things are created. It is thing to be mined, or harvested, or sions of pride, avarice and gluttony. impossible to make such a full drilled, or developed. A forest, for Unfortunately, we have become so acknowledgment and to exploit the example, is meaningful in terms of familiarized and habituated to this environment at the same time: one board-feet that can be produced. A ethic that we no longer recoil. We no cannot be, simultaneously, a mere river is meaningful in terms of how longer find it foreign. Why is it that consumer and a Christian steward, a many kilowatts can be generated by we are not insulted, as we should be, steward who uses and enjoys the a dam. In our technocratic culture, when we are called — everyday — things of God’s creation responsibly, nature is meaningful insofar as it is “consumers”? and with great care. useful. The Orthodox Christian ecological But the Orthodox ecological ethic This is an interesting point. It is ethic is one that protests against the goes beyond responsible steward- also a crucial one for us to under- consumerist ethic. The truth of ship. “Stewardship” is an ethical
January 2003 9 MAN AS CURSE OR BLESSING
concept that is readily accessible to the world of the soul with the world source of Divine Grace. “Creation all, even to those outside the of the body and of matter. This task waits with eager longing for the sons Church. Its themes of responsibility, is the task of blessing. It is a task of God,” St. Paul wrote in his Epistle balance, and prudence are amenable that is comprised of the right use of to the Romans (8:19). Creation waits to common sense. Aristotle and the world. But it is a task that also for man to take his rightful role in Plato have articulated ethics that calls for man to be transformed. the natural scheme of things. For too cohere with this concept. For that Here we do not expect long, man has been a “curse” to matter, the best of the secular ecolo- secular ecol- Creation. It began with Adam and gists also reflect the ideal of steward- ogists to Eve’s destructive declaration of ship in their statements. follow; autonomy at The Fall, and the curse Anyone who is fair- but the continued through aeons of minded, whether Ortho- warfare, pollution and unbri- Christian or not, dox eco- dled waste. is able to con- logical But the Orthodox demn the wan- ethic calls ecological ton misuse of for nothing ethic testi- nature. less than for fies that The ideal of the ecologist the long stewardship is not himself to pursue the legacy of enough. The Orthodox spiritual life. the eco- ecological ethic is also This should not logical ecclesial — and it is this be surprising. The curse can particular dimension of our ethic man or woman who be stopped that is especially by the moral needed today. freedom of each What is enters a life of person. It can be especially repentance, stopped, and ecclesial in seeking things can the Ortho- spiritual be put to dox ecological purifica- right ethic is the revelation that man is a tion, will win again, source of blessing for the entire nat- freedom from the when a ural world. Mankind has a priestly passions that in- Christian role, a eucharistic vocation, in medi- flame consumerism, thanks God for ating God’s grace to Creation. and other forms of environmental every gift, and This emphasis is reflected time exploitation. The one who continues prays so that its use may be true to and again throughout the year in in the spiritual life, who seeks illu- grace. Orthodox ecclesial life. The eucholo- mination, will discern in each crea- In this way, and this way alone, gion frequently calls for man’s inter- ture its logos. He will discern the man can be a blessing, and not a action with the things of Creation in meaning and purpose that creature curse. the Holy Mysteries. Palms and wil- has received from God, and he will low branches are blessed on Palm seek to fulfill this purpose. Sunday. Flowers and herbs are Finally, the one who seeks first blessed on Dormition. Fruit is the Kingdom of God and its right- blessed on Transfiguration. Basil and eousness will acquire the Holy flowers are blessed at Holy Cross. Spirit. He will thus become a con- There are prayers of blessing for duit for the very presence of grace new fields to be planted, wells to be and God’s Uncreated Energies. The dug, beehives and orchards and gar- unifying and restorative energies of dens to yield great bounty and har- God Himself will flow through his vest. And through all this blessing, life, and will accomplish much salva- there is the constant theme of man tion for the created world. Have we gathering God’s creatures, and not seen this in the life of St. Sergius bringing them into higher participa- of Radonezh? Or in the life of St. tion in Grace. Seraphim of Sarov? Man is the only creature in It is the Saint, and nothing less, Creation that is a person, that is that is the image of the Orthodox both body and soul. Thus, man has ecological ethic, for the environment the task of harmonizing and uniting needs now, more than ever, such a
10 The Word A FOUNTAIN OF MERCY … A Fountain of Mercy, Ministry, and Hope
THE REMARKS OF HIS GRACE BISHOP JOSEPH TO THE WESTERN REGION ORDER OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH JULY 6, 2002 “The fortune of this Archdiocese is not the money but you.”
ONEY IS SPIRITUAL. ans in their education and many, M Many of us think of our many others not only possible, but SHOWING MERCY money as a worldly and effective. carnal thing, and handle our However, much can be lost if we n all of our prayers, we always finances, our incomes and our finan- think of this extremely important Ipetition the Lord, saying, “Lord, cial obligations as though they are role you play only in mundane and have mercy!” In our petitions for completely without spiritual signifi- carnal terms. That is why I want to the “servants of God … all Orthodox cance. How often do any of us pray remind you that you are not Christians,” we begin by asking that about how we use our money? involved in giving money as much as they may have mercy. Mercy is a big Moreover, it is only concerning you are in showing mercy; that you deal! Showing mercy is one of the money that Jesus said, “You cannot are not involved in raising funds as spiritual gifts which the Apostles list serve God and Mammon.” He much as you are in spiritual min- in the Bible! Perhaps no one word repeatedly taught that it is impossi- istry; and that you are not as more summarizes the “every good ble to serve God and your own involved in distributing funds asygift and every perfect gift” that financial self-interest at the same much as you are in bringing hope.r comes down from the Father (James time. Nevertheless, because of the t 1:17) than mercy. There is no other society we live in and its materialis-M s way than with our time, our talents, tic, self-centered, radically individu- i and our money that we can show alistic culture, it is very difficult for mercy. Certainly, money is often the many of us to understand that what e n most lastinge and most substantial we do with our money is really a r i way we have to show mercy! spiritual matter. c pRather than thinking of your As members of the Order of St. y oannual contribution of $500 or Ignatius of Antioch, you, along with $1,000 simply as paying a bill or ful- over 2,600 others throughout this filling an obligation, think of it as God-protected Archdiocese, are H joining with brothers and sisters in the philanthropic arm of this M Christ to build up a store of great Archdiocese. The Order is that mercy. This is truly what you are “crown-jewel” among the doing. Many who have faced the organizations of this distress of need and uncertainty Archdiocese, primarily and have prayed, “Lord, have responsible for raising the mercy,” have seen that prayer funds to enable her to con- answered through a gift from tinue the good works of the Order of St. Ignatius of God which she has Antioch. Truly, giving to the undertaken. Your annual Order is showing mercy. budget of more than a million dollars makes SPIRITUAL MINISTRY ministry to our clergy in their retirement t is often difficult for us to housing, our children Ithink of fund-raising as in the summer camp- truly spiritual ministry. ing and Christian edu- However, we often need to cation, our seminari- remind ourselves of how
January 2003 11 A FOUNTAIN OF MERCY …
much Jesus taught about our use of Learning Center needs a new piece ing to do God’s will. Giving is a money. When we take the time to of office equipment to fulfill its goals matter of obeying God and His read His teaching about money, we and the Order distributes its funds teaching. will discover that He is teaching so that this need can be fulfilled, it 4. Whenever we give, we educate about a spiritual issue. The two brings hope. The Order gives to people that they, too, have things that most clearly indicate the men, women and children who, something to give; maybe not spiritual aspect of our lives are the until given hope by the Order of St. money, but they can give of way we spend our time and the way Ignatius of Antioch, only had a their time, their energies, their we use our money. While Jesus dream or a vision. abilities. taught that we are to love people Money can be good and it can be 5. Whenever we give, we demon- and use money, many of us use peo- evil. How we use our money can be strate that stinginess is evil, ple and love money. What can be a destructive as well as constructive. but by giving we take the high more spiritual issue than that? Is When we give, using our money moral ground. not the decision to give our money constructively, we secure a good 6. Whenever we give, we reveal away sacrificially in service to those future for the generations to come. our morality: to give and to in need a spiritual decision? Of Therefore it is good for us to consid- support the Archdiocese is part course it is! The three spiritual dis- er how and why we are to give: of our morality. It is what we ciplines we are called to practice 1. Whenever we give to anyone, believe is right and to be done. during Lent are prayer, fasting and we treat them as dignified So then, my brothers and sisters alms-giving. The giving of alms to humankind, created by God in in Christ, let us strive even more to the poor has always been viewed as the image of God; therefore, become a generous and giving peo- a fundamental and effective spiritual giving glorifies God. ple. Your generous annual gift to the ministry by the Church. To what 2. Whenever we give, let us give Order is but one of the five ways of other part of our lives have we con- from our hearts. When we give giving that our Archdiocese has nected the statement, “but inas- from our hearts, we reveal the opened to all of us. The first and much as you’ve done it unto the love of God. most fundamental is the tithe. After least of these you’ve done it unto 3. Whenever we give, God works that comes the annual pledge, then me,” than to our giving? through us and He is teaching the occasional donation such as the us. When we give we are learn- Lenten gift to the Food for Hungry BRINGING HOPE People program. The three annual collection inally, when the trays are yet another FOrder of St. opportunity we have to Ignatius of Antioch dis- show our generosity. In tributes its funds, you all these things, we are are doing far more trying to help people, than “giving money.” to minister to the You are bringing hope. needs of people. But let In Romans 8:24, St. us do it cheerfully. I Paul writes, “but hope will close with the that is seen is not Apostle Paul’s exhorta- hope.” Hope describes tion: “Every man the yearning for, the according as he pur- realization of, the visi- poses in his heart, so bility of something for let him give; not grudg- which, until that time ingly, or of necessity: one has only been able for God loves a cheer- to hope. Very often the ful giver (2 Corinthians Order makes possible 9:7). Remember the the realization of a words of the Lord vision or of a holy Jesus, who said, it is dream, thus bringing more blessed to give hope. than to receive (Acts For example, when 20:35). the Heritage and
12 The Word THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
AWARDED “I am pleased to hear of the impact that we are having in Antonian Silver Medal to CHURCH, IOCC LEADERS VENISE Jerusalem,” His Eminence said. I on November 30, 2002 at DISCUSS NEEDS IN KOUSAIE would like to see IOCC doing more St. George Church of Richmond HOLY LAND and being more visible.” Hill, Ontario. etropolitan Philip Saliba, the Metropolitan Philip called on all M spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christians to get behind DONATIONS TO THE WORD Antiochian Orthodox Christian IOCC and its work in the Holy Land. Archdiocese, expressed his continu- He also said that the Archdiocese’s Henry and Kay Stockwell $ 30.00 ing support for the humanitarian Children’s Relief Fund, a program to David Tax 500.00 response by International Orthodox help children in Lebanon, should Abraham and Annie Christian Charities (IOCC) to the expand its reach into the West Bank. Astphan 25.00 human suffering in the Holy Land. “The needs here are not ordinary Viola Kazan 25.00 His Eminence Metropolitan Philip because the situation is man-made,” Charles and Dolores Mansor 50.00 welcomed Nora Kort, head of IOCC’s Ms. Kort said. “As Orthodox Nicholas and Louise Molouf office in Jerusalem, to the Arch- Christians, we are called to serve For the health of diocesan headquarters on Sunday, the vulnerable, the needy, and show Rev. Cassian Newton 20.00 November 17, the last day of her them our solidarity — spiritual, Laurice Sadey 20.00 seven-day speaking tour across the financial, and humanitarian.” Emile El Tawil 30.00 United States. Metropolitan Philip also praised Edward and JoAnn “Nora brings with her the suffering Ms. Kort and other IOCC staff mem- Oppermann 50.00 of the Palestinian people, and we bers who “put their lives on the Lillian Malouf 35.00 share in their suffering,” Metropoli- line” every day to serve others. He George and Mabel Moses 25.00 tan Philip said. “When we see inno- likened the work of IOCC to the Brad and Jane Cohlmia 250.00 cent children being killed, our hearts actions of the Good Samaritan, an George and Terry Nimmer 50.00 are shattered. When olive trees are outsider who offered life-saving Leslie Yurkovac uprooted, we are uprooted.” assistance to someone in need. In memory of her Ms. Kort, a native of Jerusalem, Before returning to Jerusalem, Ms. great-aunt Sarah 25.00 directs IOCC’s humanitarian initia- Kort thanked the parishes and com- Fr. David and Julie Thomas tives in the Holy Land, including a munities that hosted her talks, In memory of our daughter $2.6 million rural development pro- including St. Michael Antiochian Nadine, Dn. Joseph Thomas, ject in the West Bank. From Novem- Orthodox Church in Van Nuys, CA; William Thomas, ber 10-17, she visited Orthodox St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Nadine Thomas, parishes in the United States to raise Church in Livonia, MI; Holy Trinity Josephine Carwile, awareness and support for IOCC’s Greek Orthodox Church in Margaret Devlin and work in the Holy Land. Westfield, NJ; Sts. Peter & Paul Anne Jacob 100.00 Her audience with Metropolitan Antiochian Orthodox Church in Anne Glynn Mackoul 500.00 Philip capped a series of stops in Los Potomac, MD; and the Greek Dn. Mark and Barbara Spero 20.00 Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore, Orthodox Cathedral of the An- Mansour O. Rayan 500.00 Washington, DC and Westfield, NJ. nunciation in Baltimore, MD. Evelyn and Selma Abdo 100.00 Ms. Kort spoke with Metropolitan Edna Kay Hart Philip about IOCC’s efforts since In memory of Jimmy Farris 1997 to alleviate suffering and cre- and Eli Doued 50.00 ate opportunity for Palestinians liv- Lamis and Jamal Mansour 30.00 ing in rural, isolated areas in the John Kohl 20.00 West Bank. She was accompanied F.C. Nackel 100.00 by IOCC Board Member Anne Gaby Mouacdie 100.00 Glynn Mackoul and former IOCC Philip Haddad 500.00 Board Chairman Charles R. Ajalat, James Rihbany 50.00 as well as IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou.
January 2003 13 THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
2003 SACRED MUSIC INSTITUTE in the Arabic Language TWO LOCATIONS Theme: Outreach through Music Santa Barbara, California La Casa de Maria Retreat Center June 26-29, 2003 Keynote Speaker To Be Announced Ligonier, Pennsylvania Antiochian Village July 30-Aug. 3, 2003 Keynote Speaker V. Rev. Sergei Glagolev
Presenting Sessions on: Newly Composed Music for the Divine Liturgy Compiled and arranged by New Feast Day Music the Right Reverend Archimandrite Ananias Kassab Children’s Music Vocal Training $40.00 per copy Conducting Classes Byzantine chanting SEND ORDERS TO: AND MORE!!! Antiochian Archdiocese MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!!!!! of North America More Details in 2003 358 MOUNTAIN ROAD Englewood, New Jersey 07631
Please send me ____ copy(s) of “The Arabic Orthodox Prayer Book” at a cost of $40.00 per copy. For orders within the US please include 10% for postage. For orders in Canada and Overseas please include 20% for postage. I have enclosed US $ ______. Please send to:
Name:______Address: ______
14 The Word ORATORICAL FESTIVAL JUDGES’ CHOICE: Joseph Moussa EASTERN REGION
OUR EMINENCE METRO- maker went to bed. That night, he hallway, that was our Lord that I Y politan Philip, Honorable had a second dream and the Lord talked about, and that was our Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, appeared to him once again. “Why Savior that I punched. Oh, I got Distinguished Guests, Brothers and didn’t you come and visit me like detention for that one, by the way. Sisters in Christ: you promised?” asked the shoemak- Christ does come to us many times A very humble shoemaker had a er. The Lord replied, “What are you throughout our lives disguised in dream in which Jesus Christ told him talking about? I did visit you. As a countless images. to prepare himself because He would matter of fact, I came to you three This fall will be my junior year in pay him a visit the next day. When times today, and you took me into high school. Regardless of the he awoke, the shoemaker quickly your home. You fed me, gave me numerous years that have passed cleaned his house and set himself for clothing, shelter, something to by, I vividly remember an incident work while he anxiously awaited the drink, and you visited with me.” The that happened in the fifth grade. arrival of his Lord. Later that morn- Lord concluded by saying, “Well This unpleasant memory haunts me ing a very rugged-looking old man, done good and faithful servant, until this very day, especially with who shoveled snow for a living, came enter into the joy of your Lord” this year’s conference theme in to his door and asked for a cup of tea (Matthew 25:21). mind. On this particular day, I was to warm his aching stomach. The Do you think the Lord actually offered to sit with the “cool kids” shoemaker obliged by making him visited the shoemaker? Was the during lunch. Before I could take my some tea and allowing the old man to rugged old man the Lord? Was the seat, however, I had to go through warm himself by the fire, though all widow the Lord? Or was the orphan an initiation to join that group of the shoemaker could think about was the Lord? Or were all three the Lord goons. I had to throw something at the arrival of the Lord. at different times with different the biggest nerd in school, That same afternoon, a shivering faces? Some might believe it really “Kathryn.” There she was, sitting on young widow with her whining child was the Lord; others really beg to the radiator in the cafeteria, and I came to his door asking if he had differ! Many more might think it’s pegged her in the head with a box of any spare food to satisfy their only a dream or a tale told by an Willy Wonka’s Nerds, because we hunger. Again, the humble shoemak- idiot! I dare not believe that the deemed her as such. Old cafeteria er brought the strangers into his Lord will tell a lie. I believe that His patrol lady Mrs. B caught me! My home, fed them, clothed them, and word is true because He is the Truth punishment was to sit out during gave them shoes to wear. As daylight and the Way, “The Alpha and the recess, and yes, it was kickball day. slowly became darkness, the shoe- Omega, the Beginning and the End, Now, had I recalled our Christian maker wondered if the Lord was the First and the Last” (Revelation belief that Christ is in every one of going to keep His promise. 22:13). He is true yesterday, today, us, I most certainly would not have Later that evening, while the shoe- and forever. done such an awful thing to Kathryn. maker was preparing for bed, he This year’s conference theme This just goes to show how ignorant heard a knock on the door. With great summarizes how to live and practice and forgetful humanity can be some- excitement, he ran to the door our Christian faith. “Inasmuch as times. I would have picked to sit expecting the Lord. He opened the you did it to one of the least of these with Jesus on the radiator over the door and before he could finish say- my brethren, you did it to Me” “cool kids” any day. Due to the fact ing, “Welcome,” he sighed because it (Matthew 25:40). This is an excel- that He was disguised, I ended up was not the Lord. Instead, it was a lent standard to live by in these hurting Him instead of helping Him. young orphaned girl, who was con- modern times. Look back at the past One of the main reasons for us to fused and lost, and who happened to and try to recall the way that you’ve be on this earth is to make some- stumble upon his door. Once again, treated other people. Ask yourself, one’s life a little easier. Charles the shoemaker welcomed her into his “Have I treated people as if they Dickens once told us, “No one is house and tended to her every need. were our Lord and Savior Jesus useless in this world who lightens Finally, after a long day of antici- Christ?” Now that I think about it, the burden of another.” This is what pation, the very disappointed shoe- that was Jesus who I tripped in the we as Christians should strive to do.
January 2003 15 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
No matter who we are, we will his book O The Places You’ll Go, Dr. always come across the Lord in our Seuss tells us about the terrible lives, whom we must remember to place where you’ll never want to Antiochian Orthodox take in like the humble shoemaker. find yourself. It’s called the Waiting Christian Archdiocese I remember Christ’s words in a Place. Publications Department beautiful Bible song that you might “It’s where people are just waiting, 358 Mountain Road have learned back in your Sunday For a train to go, Englewood, New Jersey 07631 School days. In John 13:34, Christ Or the bus to come, Phone (201) 871-1355 Fax (201) 871-7954 tells us, “This is my commandment, Or a place to go, that you love one another as I have Or the mail to come, loved you.” Or the phone to ring, God loved us so much that He Or the snow to snow, BIBLESBIBLES gave us His only begotten Son. He Or waiting around for a yes or no, The New Oxford Annotated adopted us and took on our human Or waiting for their hair to grow, Bible with the Apocrypha nature and as a matter of fact, “He Everyone is just waiting. Revised Standard Version predestined us to be conformed to Waiting for the fish to bite, $39.99 ea. ______the image of His Son that He might Or waiting for wind to fly a kite, Orthodox Study Bible — be the firstborn among many Or waiting around for a Friday New Testament and Psalms brethren” (Romans 8:29). night, $27.95 ea. ______The weekend of January 18-21, Or waiting perhaps for their Uncle (Hardcover) $21.95 ea. ______2002 was my first time at the Jake, (Softcover) Antiochian Village, for Winter Or a pot to boil, $49.95 ea. ______Camp. The thoughts I have about Or a better break, (Genuine Leather) that amazing experience will forever Or a string of pearls, $39.95 ea. ______remain in my mind and heart. In my Or a pair of pants, (Bonded Leather) first Christian Education class we Or a wig with curls, Bible for Today’s Family — learned that in the Gospel of Or another chance, New Testament $10.95 ea. ______Matthew 5:13, the Lord tells us that, Everyone is just waiting.” “You are the salt of the Earth.” Salt Listen and do not wait or hesitate Good News Bible — is a preserver and gives flavor, so we to serve Christ our God through the Today’s English Version $15.00 ea. ______as the salt of the Earth are called to least of our brethren. The Judgment give proper flavor to our society. Day is coming and the day of reck- Mom’s Devotional Bible — We who stand before the Altar of oning is at hand. It is St. John New International Version $24.95 ea. ______God and pledge to give proper sea- Chrysostom who said, “If you soning to our society, entreat the approach now you will receive both Holy Bible — Lord to have mercy upon us and grace and mercy, for your approach New International Reader’s Version save us. How could we neglect to is ‘in due season,’ but if you ap- A Bible for Kids have mercy upon the least of our proach then, at the Day of $8.50 ea. ______brethren? In our Divine Liturgy, we Judgment, no longer will you receive ask God to grant us mercy over sixty it. For then the approach is unsea- Women of the Bible — times within the one-hour service. If sonable.” A One Year Devotional Study you do the math, that’s at least one The criteria of God’s judgments of Women in Scripture “Lord Have Mercy” per minute. At are based on our merciful deeds, $20.00 ea. ______one point in the Great Compline, we which are our path to the Kingdom beseech God’s mercy forty times, of God, and their omission is our Use this form to order. Please one after another, asking Him over condemnation to hell. God does not include 10% (minimum $2) postage and handling for orders shipped and over again to grant us His tell us to be the “players of pranks” within the US or 20% (minimum $4) mercy. Yet He has told us in James or the “throwers of candy at nerds.” for orders shipped to Canada and 2:13: “For Judgment is without God tells us in the Gospel of Overseas. mercy to the one who has shown no Matthew that we are the “Salt of the I have enclosed US mercy.” How many times do we Earth, Light of the World,” and “His $ ______. show mercy during the week for the faithful stewards.” If it is not us, least of our brethren? In order to then who? If it is not now, then NAME ______receive mercy, we must render when? ADDRESS ______mercy. Thank you. Accomplish this task and you’ll ______find that you’ll become a happier Joseph Moussa, 16, is a member of individual because of it. Beware not St. George Church, Allentown, PA. to get caught in the Waiting Place. In
16 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY
TEEN SOYO IN ACTION Teen SOYO One hundred and five Teen SOYO Members, as part Developing Leaders for Today of their Orthodox Youth Outreach (OYO) effort, visited and Tomorrow a Home for senior citizens during the Fall Eastern Region Teen SOYO Delegates Meeting in Allentown PA. Teen SOYO (the youth movement of the Antiochian The photos to follow show our teens in action. Archdiocese of North America) founded by His To understand the immense impact that Teen SOYO Eminence Metropolitan Philip in 1968, as a regional has on the life of this Archdiocese one only has to read and in 1969 as an Archdiocesan Youth Movement, has the comments of some present and past Teen SOYO developed many leaders across the Antiochian members: Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. For decades Teen SOYO has inspired youth to love Christ and His Church, and to seek His Truth and Life. Teens can be found across the Antiochian Archdiocese seek- ing to live a righteous life, seeking to discover that which God has graven in their hearts and minds. Teens can be seen serving those in the Church, as well as their neighbors both near and far that are in need of Christ’s love and mercy. Metropolitan Philip recently wrote concerning Teen SOYO: “Starting Teen SOYO was one of the first and most important things I did after becoming Metropolitan. The importance of providing programs for our youth and keeping them close to the Church is essential. This is especially true in this modern era. What started as a small movement has grown into an Archdiocese-wide “With Teen SOYO members you share the same force, providing humanitarian services to the poor and faith, beliefs, and you are not afraid to express it. I needy as well as bringing the youth of our parishes learned that being an Orthodox Christian is more than together on the local, regional, and archdiocesan levels. just a Sunday event, that it requires being an Orthodox May God continue to bless our youth and may we Christian throughout the week. Christianity is Life!” always encourage them to do what is good and pleasing Dolly Bahbah, St. George in Houston, TX, to God.” Teen SOYO member for the past 6 years Metropolitan Philip Parish Teen SOYO Historian and Recording Secretary Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Regional Treasurer and President of Archdiocese of North America Southwest Region Teen SOYO Founder of Teen SOYO North American Council (NAC) Teen SOYO Secretary
January 2003 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY
WESTERN REGION TEENS IN ACTION Thirty teens, as part of their Orthodox Youth Outreach (OYO) effort, visited The Raphael House in San Francisco to better understand the needs of home- less families. The Raphael House is staffed by Orthodox Christians. The Raphael House provides temporary living and teaches life skills to families in need. The photos below show the Western Region Teens at the Raphael House.
“Without the influence of SOYO in my life, I would not be as active as I am today in the Church and in the community. SOYO strengthens the foundation of a Christian and it shows us how to be Christ-like people. If a young person has a chance to join SOYO, they should not pass it up. What they will learn and what they will get from it will last a lifetime.” Michael Haddad, St. George, Phoenix, AZ President and Treasurer of Parish Teen SOYO Chapter Western Region Teen SOYO Treasurer and Vice-President Currently a member of the Fellowship of St John the Divine “SOYO has not only changed my life religiously but on the parish and regional levels, it also helps me make decisions in how to conduct my Parish Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Chanter, and life. Most people go out on Friday nights and hang with Teen SOYO Advisor their friends, but my place to be is with my SOYO hav- ing just as much fun. I am now fifteen and in these past 3 years I feel I have grown closer to God and have learned so much about the Orthodox faith. I love going to church, summer camp and being in SOYO and I can truly say if I never was in SOYO or never went to church I would be a completely different person and just to think about that just doesn’t seem right to me so I can truly say that SOYO has changed my life and I would never change what it has done for me, ever.” Amanda Haddad, St. George, Phoenix, AZ Parish Teen SOYO Secretary and Historian Western Region Teen SOYO Treasurer Representative to NAC Teen SOYO “Teen SOYO has introduced me to people, people from my parish and from other parishes throughout the “I have had so many opportunities to grow spiritual- region. It is nice to partake of the fellowship that Teen ly with Teen SOYO. I have prayed, played and learned SOYO allows us to enjoy. Most of the people that I know so much about my faith and my role as a Christian in are part of my spiritual family. During a recent illness today’s society. Teen SOYO was where I really opened my feelings were lifted by calls from my spiritual family up and got comfortable with myself and speaking. I was which I met beginning with Teen SOYO. You never so shy and reserved until I was given a chance in Teen know how and when Teen SOYO will benefit you.” SOYO and from then on it has allowed me to be the Charles A Girardi, St. George, Lawrence, MA young adult I am today.” Past Parish Teen SOYO Member, Fellowship of St John Nadia Lawand, St. Nicholas, Montreal, QUE the Divine President, Parish Council Member, Treasurer, Parish Teen SOYO Secretary, Vice-President, President and Membership Secretary, and Vice-President Teen SOYO Advisor Currently, Church Usher, Mareeda duties, Collection Can-AM Region: Secretary and President trays, etc. NAC Teen SOYO President Currently Choir Member, Parish Council Member, Antiochian Women Member, Fellowship Member, Choir Member, Church School Teacher and NAC Teen SOYO Presidential Advisor
18 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY
“I never truly realized the benefits of being an active Teen SOYO member until a few years ago when I recommitted myself to God and His church. I did what so many 20-somethings do and stray away from church and inevitably God. I thought that what was important to me was the money I was making and my ‘status’ at work. I one day realized that this was totally wrong and I was nothing without Christ and His teachings. I re- evaluated my life and thought back to when I was in Teen SOYO. I had great friends and role models to look up to. We always had great times, shared our love for Christ and the church with each other. I feel that I stayed away from many disastrous mistakes because of the involvement with the others in our group. We never “My involvement with Teen SOYO led to several had to prove anything to each other. Never worried friendships which I still have to this day. This involve- about what we wore or gossiped about each other. You ment led me to get involved in Western Region SOYO could always find us at Divine Liturgy, special services (now the Fellowship of St. John). I have never forgotten and at the many fellowship gatherings that the church my fond memories of Teen SOYO and especially my sponsored. Now that we are thirty-something, our friendships that I made as a teen.” friendships have grown through Christ throughout Michael C. Srour, St Michael, Van Nuys, CA these years. I am eternally thankful for Teen SOYO and Past NAC Teen SOYO Special Olympics Coach my wonderful friends.” Western Region Teen SOYO Vice-President and Treasurer Todd J. Mokhiber, St. George, Niagara Falls, NY Currently NAC Fellowship of St. John the Divine Treasurer, Past Parish Teen SOYO President Life Member of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Currently Parish Fellowship of St John the Divine Corresponding Secretary, Can-AM Region Fellowship of St John the Divine Vice- President Parish Youth Leader
“Teen SOYO was such an integral part of my church and spiritual life. Through Teen SOYO I met my best friends. It was a great way to get involved in my church and work with people from all of the country. Teen SOYO helped me become a leader and helped me become the person I am today. Teen SOYO kept me involved in the church and taught me to have a great appreciation for my faith. I stayed involved in the church because of Teen SOYO and the experience that I had while I was a member.” “Teen SOYO played a pivotal role in my spiritual Kristen Abraham, St. Nicholas, Grand Rapids, MI life. As a teenager, I was searching for deeper truths Past Parish level held all Teen SOYO offices and a better understanding of life and faith. For a short Midwest Regional: President, Vice-President, and Secretary time I thought I might find the answers in some friends’ Currently Fellowship of St John the Divine Member church, even though it wasn’t Orthodox, but that Chair of the Department of College Ministry — search soon became obviously pointless. When I got Antiochian Archdiocese back involved in my home parish, it was through Teen SOYO that I made the friendships that kept me “My experience in Teen SOYO has shaped my life in involved in the Church. Through retreats and other many ways. I was active in my local Teen SOYO chap- activities, and through my participation at the NAC ter, in Eastern Region and as part of NAC Teen SOYO. Teen SOYO Special Olympics Sports Camp, I found the At each level I held the offices of President and answers I was looking for, and finally felt at home in the Treasurer. As an officer I learned many life skills Church. I’ll never forget all that Teen SOYO gave me at regarding leadership and financial responsibility. It such a critical time in my life.” opened a world of travel, meeting new people and visit- Fr. Michael Nasser, Antiochian Village Camp, Bolivar, PA ing other Antiochian Orthodox parishes around the Teen SOYO President, St. Luke, Garden Grove, Archdiocese. The spiritual life of Orthodoxy was Western Region and NAC revealed to me through participation in Teen SOYO Currently, Orthodox Christian Priest, Antiochian Village retreats and as a counselor at the Antiochian Village. I Camp Director, Director of the Department of Campus Ministry understood the call to witness and service through my
January 2003 19 THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY
involvement as a co-founder of the Special Olympics Camp. These various experiences moved me to commit my entire life to God by attending St. Vladimir’s Sem- inary and eventually being ordained as a priest in the Orthodox Church. I’ve been blessed to come full circle back to Teen SOYO as the Midwest Region Spiritual Advisor for the past 12 years and now as the priest-in- charge of the Teen SOYO’s Special Olympics camp. V. Rev. Fr. Anthony Yazge Midwest Teens Spiritual Advisor NAC Teen SOYO Special Olympics Spiritual Advisor Pastor, St. George, Terre Haute, IN
Many past Teen SOYO members are now serving the Orthodox Church as Priests, Deacons, Khouriyehs, Youth Workers, Church School Teachers, Choir Members, Parish Council Members, Archdiocese Board Members and Members of the Order of St Ignatius. Across this continent we see our young people serv- ing their church, their neighbors and those less fortu- nate than they. Our young people have been inspired to serve. They have been taught in very real and concrete ways that it is better to give than receive — and they have done so through: • Special Olympics • Project Mexico • their local communities • homeless shelters • orphanages • the new Orthodox Youth Outreach Programs (OYO) • and countless other ways Teen SOYO is a Ministry that is responsive to the needs of our young people and one that has allowed them “to plunge into the depths of the Orthodox Faith.” During his consecration to the Holy Episcopacy, Metropolitan Philip stated that “the faithful youth are the heartbeat of the Church” as he promised the Antiochian Orthodox Patriarch that he would see to the needs of the youth in North America, which he has so faithfully done through Teen SOYO. If you are interested in starting or enhancing your Parish Teen SOYO Movement contact your regional Teen SOYO President, Youth Director or Spiritual Director. You may also find resources for Youth Ministry on the Archdiocese website at www.antiochi- an.org/youth. You may also contact the Archdiocese Department of Youth Ministry. Department of Youth Ministry PO Box 389 Westwood, MA 02090-0389 Tel. 1-781-461-1757 FAX: 1-781-634-0213 [email protected]
20 The Word MIDWINTER MEETINGS MIDWINTER MEETINGS FEBRUARY 7-9, 2003 Please mail or fax completed form by Jan. 25, ’03 to SAVE $25! PRINT: Name______Address ______City______State ______ZIP______Telephone ______E-mail ______IMPORTANT! Arrival Date ______Expected Arrival Time at Village ______I WILL ATTEND: _____ FOSJTD _____ SOYO _____ AOCWNA _____ CAMPUS MINISTRY _____ VILLAGE COUNCIL _____ AS A GUEST
If flying into Pittsburgh International Airport, arrange your own ground transportation. 1) Call Majesty Transportation: 888-546-6048 for shared ground transport. Tell them you are with Antiochian Village Group & they will group you together to share expenses. -OR- 2) There is also a discount Antiochian Plan through Enterprise Rent-A-Car you may use. Reference #40A4839 for special rates & pick-up & delivery options. If flying into Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Latrobe, PA the Village will arrange pick up. Indicate: Airline Flight # ______Arrival Date ______Arrival Time ______Departure Date ______Departure Time ______
Please select choice and submit payment with form by Jan. 25. 3 Nights & 8 meals: 2 nights & 5 meals: ___ Single: $330 per person ___ Single: $226 per person ___ Double: $243 per person ___ Double: $168 per person ___ Triple: $213 per person ___ Triple: $149 per person ___ Quad: $201 per person ___ quad: $140 per person Save $25 off above fees for “early bird” registration if your registration and payment are received by Jan. 25, 2003. Any additional meals are $12.00 each. _____ Check is enclosed made payable to Antiochian Village. _____ Charge my _____ VISA _____ Master Card _____ Discover Account #______Expires ______Name shown on card ______Department or Group is paying my fees. Please contact your department or group leader regarding any roommate preferences. If no preferences are made, your group will assign you a roommate when they prepare the lodging list unless you have registered and paid for single occupancy. REGISTER BY MAIL OR FAX ONLY Mail: RR 1, Box 307 Bolivar, PA 15923 Fax: 724-238-2102 www.antiochian village.org for more information
January 2003 21 MIRACLE miracle on palermo avenue
CONSECRATION OF ST. GEORGE CATHEDRAL, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
BY GUSTAVO ALFONSO
N NOVEMBER 10, 2002, felt His presence so much closer in austere Lutheran church, a tempo- O heaven and earth came the Byzantine rite; in the simplest of rary, but very welcoming home together on a brisk and terms I just consider it the most away from home. Something that bright Florida morning — but this appropriate way to address Him. As struck me was how the richness and miracle happens every time we I explored the ancient faith in my splendor of the Orthodox Liturgy Orthodox gather to celebrate the past I always wished I could worship was so evident, even when set in Divine Liturgy. However, we rarely like “them.” We will never under- such humble surroundings. From have the opportunity to witness a stand God’s mysteries; He has a way the first Sunday I stood among these magnificent structure of concrete, of manifesting Himself even through Christians I stopped wishing and steel, wood and marble come alive. unspeakable tragedy. When the actually began to participate in the This was the joyous gift God gave us Twin Towers toppled I felt my “old millenary, but always fresh and con- on that sunny and solemn morning. self” crumble as well, and I felt a temporary, worship of the Church. I This experience exceeded was Chrismated. Now I refer to every expectation this convert the Orthodox as “we” instead of ever imagined when my spiritu- “them.” al path led me to the St. George As it turned out, the St. community. A new faith, a new George community had been church family, a renewed rela- engaged in earnest in the actual tionship with God, a new life in building process for several Christ, and now a new, beautiful years. The execution of the con- Cathedral. struction project itself was As a resident of Coral Gables placed in the able hands of an since my childhood, I had always experienced church builder, been familiar with the small Very Reverend Father Elia Orthodox Church downtown. Shalhoub, Dean of St. George This is logically so, since the Cathedral. It seems this has parish’s presence in town pre- been Fr. Elia’s destiny; he over- dates me by several years. saw the construction of the two Though this Antiochian Ortho- previous churches to which he dox community had existed in had been assigned as pastor. South Florida since 1949, it was The architectural firm of in 1968 when the parish con- Hersh, Vitalini and Corazzini verted a former synagogue into was commissioned to design the the beloved church that served new edifice. Approvals were it well. But the dream of build- granted and permits were pulled ing a proper cathedral conform- from the City of Coral Gables, ing to traditional Orthodox quite possibly known as having church architecture persisted The “old” St. George Cathedral (1968-2000) the strictest municipal code in among the faithful and the year the known universe. The new, 2000 saw the groundbreaking of this very real calling to a life of repen- gold-domed, Byzantine-style St. dream become a reality. tance from Him who knew me from George would soon take its place The fact that the old church build- my mother’s womb. Instinctively, I among other landmarks as the only ing was literally being torn down sought out my nearest Orthodox house of worship within city limits and rebuilt was news to me, and I church. It was quite a surprise when to be designated a cathedral. abruptly found out the Sunday after I found a construction site with the So the first steps had been taken. the tragic events of 9/11 last year. empty shell of a building. The funding was available to begin God had always “spoken” to me in Well, I eventually found “them” — construction, bank loans were the language of the Christian East. I huddled and worshipping in a small, secured, the initial contributions
22 The Word MIRACLE
and pledges were made. And most this event was when Sayedna made roundings of our new cathedral, the importantly, the will of the parish to a heart-felt appeal to raise funds and intrinsic humbleness of our worship glorify God was there. It was now generous contributors pledged more is so evident. only a matter of time — two and a than $260,000. Anticipation for the First of all, the act of gathering half years to be exact. The new morning was mounting. together for worship is truly a family cathedral was built. Those of us who trickled in early affair. When His Eminence The weekend of the consecration Sunday were greeted by the same Metropolitan Philip stands among started out at a hectic pace. The faces of the cleaning crew we had his flock, one quickly realizes that Archdiocese Board of Trustees, the said goodbye to the day before as we the name “our father in Christ” is Governing Council of the Order of left to get ready for the dinner. Had not a mere title, but a true defini- St. Ignatius and the Antiochian they spent the night working? But tion. One particularly endearing dis- Village Council all met from the foreman had been right; they play of familiarity that evoked Thursday to Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. finished their job by the time matins chuckles was during the “baptism” George Zaczac, owners of the began at 9 a.m. And then everything of the altar, when Sayedna turned Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel and stood still. The moment for which around, faced the choir smiling and members of the Cathedral, gracious- we had so long awaited arrived. with a wave of his arm said: “Please, ly hosted lunch. Many of the faithful had been await- sing something!” As the morning hours of Saturday ing decades, some had awaited but Secondly, it becomes clear when passed, scores of volunteers also were now present in spirit. I had one puts things into context, that all of came to the Cathedral to help get been waiting for only a year, but the the beauty present — the marble from things ready. No one said anything, most defining year of my life at that. Lebanon, the gold and crystal chande- but everyone knew what liers from Italy, the hand- everyone else was think- carved iconostasis from ing. This was still a Greece, the mosaics, the construction site. How in iconography, the oak pews, the world would this be the stained glass, the impos- ready in less than twenty- ing forty-five foot dome, the four hours? soul-stirring chants, the fra- With a sense of urgency grance of incense, the vest- we tried to find anything ments — in one word, the to do to help. The con- splendor of our cathedral struction supervisor kept and our worship is but a his composure, gently humble attempt of us admonished us and humans to glorify Him to confidently said everything whom all Glory is due, the was “under control.” We created praising the Creator could help by getting out with our own humble of their way. The last thing creations as magnificent as he said as he disappeared they might appear on a into the cloud of dust was: human scale. “DON’T PANIC!” Finally, but most impor- The first official, public tantly, our Lord Jesus event of the consecration Christ makes Himself pre- weekend was Saturday sent among us in bread night’s banquet. The social and wine, the simplest and interaction among the five most elemental form of hundred people present, human nourishment, so the great food, and the wonderful Each and every single event, that the assembly of individuals who music in the company of His thought or action of the past that led partake of His body and blood Eminence Metropolitan Philip, His up to this moment came together in become one in Him. What is there Grace Bishop Antoun, and many this one joyous moment. It all came not to understand about this; how distinguished guests was a welcome together that consecration Sunday much humbler can it get? relief from the earlier chaos. Among when His Eminence Metropolitan It was during the processions that the surprises of the evening was an Philip entered the nave of the new we were able to see the extent of the official presentation of a Miami- cathedral and blessed us. participants behind the iconostasis as Dade County Proclamation recog- Something that struck me now as they all came into full view: Metro- nizing “St. George Antiochian the consecration service and Divine politan Philip, Bishop Antoun, our Orthodox Cathedral Consecration Liturgy progressed was that in all parish clergy — Pastor Emeritus Fr. Weekend.” However, the highlight of the splendor and magnificent sur- Michael, Fr. Elia, Fr. Antoun, Deacon
January 2003 23 MIRACLE
David, Subdeacons Michael and events. The possibility of having never end, for WE are the church. Hannah — more than a dozen invit- more guests than could be accom- The same way that the old building ed clergy and about the same num- modated inside the hall had been was torn down and rebuilt, so must ber of altar servers. One very special foreseen, so our prophetic brunch we tear down our sins and renew moment during the consecration ser- organizers had requested permission ourselves continually in the love of vice occurred when our Metropolitan from the City to close the street in Christ, both individually and as a ordained our new Subdeacon Rami order to set up tables and chairs church community. I am convinced Sanjar, a dedicated and beloved son under a tent. Of course, more peo- that it was not a coincidence that of St. George. Axios! Another was at ple than expected came and only the Gospel reading that Sunday was the end of the Divine Liturgy, when about half were able to sit inside, the parable of the Good Samaritan, seventeen people were inducted to but thank God, it was a crisp where our Lord Jesus Christ teaches the Order of St. Ignatius. autumn morning in Miami. Though us the meaning of love and compas- Our ushers were busy handling it was a multitude that descended sion. Let us heed the Word of God. the standing-room only crowd. upon the food line, like the miracle We witnessed a miracle on consecra- Indeed, our head usher Joe was of the loaves and fishes, everyone tion Sunday when a magnificent beaming. But they managed to keep had their fill. structure of concrete, steel, wood things orderly, and after the Divine Thus consecration weekend came and marble came alive. WE, the Liturgy they guided us to our new to a close, and with it the hard task Body of Christ filled with the Holy 300-seat capacity parish hall for the of many years to rebuild our cathe- Spirit, are its life. post-consecration celebration dral was consummated. However, brunch — the last of the weekend our work to rebuild the church will
Over 1500 faithful attended Divine Liturgy and the consecration of the Basilica of St. Mary.
24 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
information is available on Friday, September 6, attended the Consecration ST. NICHOLAS, from St. Nicholas Church with “A Moment to Grand Banquet held in St. TAMPA BAY at 727-397-4585 or at Honor.” A special recep- Mary’s Cultural Center. It www.stnicholasaoc.com. tion attended by over 450 was at this affair that friends and parishioners Metropolitan Philip pro- aint Nicholas Church, was held in St. Mary’s claimed St. Mary’s a S Tampa Bay, FL will ST. MARY Cultural Center in honor “Basilica.” celebrate its groundbreak- OF LIVONIA of the original founders of On Sunday, September ing, the fiftieth birthday of St. Mary Church. 8, over 1500 people her Pastor, Fr. Thomas Saturday began with a attended the Hierarchical Joseph, and the ordination CONSECRATED Children’s breakfast with Divine Liturgy and the offi- of David Talhouk to the Sayedna Philip, during cial consecration cere- sub-diaconate. These onsecration cere- which the children of St. mony, presided over by events will occur the week- monies for the Mary presented a musical Metropolitan Philip. His end of March 7, 2003 and BasilicaC of St. Mary includ- performance and breakfast Eminence also inducted 25 will be presided over by ed a weekend of celebra- for His Eminence. That of St. Mary’s parishioners Bishop Antoun. More tions. The festivities began evening, over 700 people into the Order of St.
Children of St. Mary, Livonia gather with Metropolitan Philip and Fr. George Shalhoub.
January 2003 25 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Ignatius. Afterward, atten- and began — with a single morality versus immorali- room of Leo Snage’s bar- dees enjoyed a catered pic- step — an uncharted jour- ty; of justice versus injus- bershop, and there began nic on the adjacent basili- ney of a thousand miles. It tice; of good versus evil. the conception of all that ca grounds. was a journey predicated Over the years, the victo- surrounds you. on the belief that ries have been divided. It In order to secure the The following speech Orthodox Christianity rep- has not always been good- bank loan to build the first was given on Friday, resents the moral way for a ness that has triumphed. church, our five original September 6, 2002, the first human being to live his But I’m proud to report Founding Founders volun- night of consecration cere- life, and a heartfelt desire that this time, in no uncer- tarily signed personal guar- monies. It was written and to preserve the values and tain terms, the good guys antees on behalf of their delivered by parishioner culture that they or their have won. newly-founded parish. It Steven T. Khalil, the son of parents brought with them Founders, you have should be noted that all Samier and Lillie Khalil, from the “old country” given us a wonderful gift, a were young men who were two of the parish’s original years before. gift that will serve for raising young families. founders. On their doorstep landed many years to come as a They were not men of a 20-year-old boy from sanctuary in which to great means, but rather, A TRIBUTE TO Hama, Syria; an undistin- church and baptize our men of great integrity and OUR FOUNDERS guished boy of humble children, join hands in outstanding character. I means who would soon holy matrimony, pray to a would like to recognize prove to be a great man, a just and loving God. It is a them now and the ages our Eminence, Father great priest, a great leader, gift where the heritage and that they were when they Y George, Reverend and a great visionary; a culture of your parents will signed on behalf of all of Clergy, Ladies and Gentle- boy who brought with him be preserved and safe- us: Mr. George Ansara, 47, men: thank you for being an unbending faith, a guarded forever. Mr. Donald Kallil, 47, Mr. here tonight for such a dynamic spirit and a tire- It should be noted that Samier Khalil, 37, Mr. sacred and momentous less energy. I speak, of our founders did not begin George Khamis, 44, and occasion. Being able to course, of our Founders’ their journey with any cer- Mr. Leo Snage, 42. Thank speak to you on the topic of Founder, the Very Rever- tainty of succeeding, and you, gentlemen. our founding Fathers and end Father George that they started with so As you complete the Mothers is an incredible Shalhoub. very little. There was no thousandth mile of your honor, and it’s one that I will Today, on the same Cultural Center, there was journey, and pass certainly cherish forever. grounds where our no East Room, there was Orthodoxy’s torch on to There’s a famous Founders’ shovels first virtually nothing. Bake your children, it’s impor- proverb that says, “A soci- entered the Earth and sales, Bingos, haflees, and tant that we take a ety grows great when men where Sunday School was fish fries were our sources moment to look back to plant trees whose shade once taught in Father of revenue. In our family’s see how we got here, and they know they shall George’s garage, now home, whenever our moth- to acknowledge who led never sit in.” And before I stands a grand and mighty er baked something it was the way. We need to begin the tribute to the structure, modeled after customary to ask whether understand what it is you Founders who were able to the first churches of our it was for us or for the have accomplished and join us this evening, I ancestors, and, I would Ladies Society. That is what it is you have left us. would like to take a add, one of the most beau- how all of this began. Founders, you have moment to pay tribute to tiful symbols of Orthodox There are literally too provided us with a road the founders who helped Christianity the world has many Founders for me to map that leads us to a plant the seed, but did not ever seen. name, but you know who place where morality is the live to see the mighty oak The British Statesman you are. And as I look rule; where positive values it would become: Hanna Edmund Burke once around the room tonight, I are not ridiculed, but Ajluni, Alice Bashara, wrote, “All that is neces- see so many of the same rather, celebrated. You Michele Dumani, Fred sary for the triumph of faces that I saw as a child, have left us an effective Ghannam, Gilbert Haddad, evil is for good men to do and I stand in awe of your system for teaching our Donald Kallil, Jack nothing.” Thirty years ago, dedication and commitment. children right from wrong, Mansour, Elia Snage, our Founders had the will There are five individu- and a way to help them Victoria Snage, and the and courage to defend als, however, whose names discover and develop their late Archbishop Michael their values and to fight I believe need to be men- own conscience. Shaheen. Memory eternal! evil by doing good. They tioned. Without their early And Founders, if you Nearly 30 years ago, a chose to carry the torch of dedication, none of what wonder for one minute small band of dedicated, Jesus Christ in a battle you see today would be why your children and determined people stepped that has raged on for thou- here. Their first meetings grandchildren can now boldly onto rusty shovels sands of years: a battle of began humbly in the back reach the stars, let me
26 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION assure you that it’s your values and beliefs; On Saturday, Sayedna launched All Saints’ expan- because their feet are and for not being over- met with the children of sion project, blessing the planted firmly upon your come with evil, but over- All Saints for a luncheon ground where the new shoulders. Our new coming evil with good. hot dog roast and an infor- temple will be built. All church and the success of On behalf of the friends mal question-and-answer Saints began the first this parish did not come and members of St. Mary’s session. The children phase of its expansion ear- into being by accident. Orthodox Church — and attended this event in lier this year with the con- The concrete foundation the heirs to your legacy — record numbers and truly struction of a new parking you have provided for all I say thank you and may enjoyed the opportunity to facility. Phase II will of us has allowed our God bless all of you. Thank spend time with their include the construction of entire community to live, you very much. Bishop. Over the past few the new temple and Phase to work, and to produce months the children III will see the renovation miracle after miracle. worked hard at organizing of the existing building for Your accomplishments ALL SAINTS CHURCH a Children’s Choir, under classrooms and an expand- have and will change the IN RALEIGH, NC, the direction of parish- ed parish hall. lives of many, many peo- ioners Mary Elizabeth Bas- Following the ground ple; your success is a sett and Krysta Sorensen. blessing, parishioners and dream come true. By CELEBRATES ITS After the luncheon, they their guests were invited to example, you have provid- TENTH ANNIVERSARY serenaded His Grace with attend a fund-raising kick- ed your fellow man with an AND THE ELEVATION several songs. To every- off presentation for the inspiring way in which a OF ITS PASTOR one’s great delight, Bishop Phase II building fund. human life can be lived, a Antoun returned the favor This presentation was put model of life as it could be by singing “You Are My together and hosted by Dr. or ought to be. You have ll Saints Church Sunshine” to the children. Bill Wynne, Chairman of successfully transformed (www.allsaintsnc. On Saturday afternoon, All Saints’ Expansion the abstract into the per- org)A in Raleigh, NC, cele- Bishop Antoun officially Finance Committee, and ceptual; the theoretical brated its 10th anniversary into the operative; and you and the elevation of its have made a religious ideal pastor, Rev. Fr. Nicholas a way of life for everyone R.A. Sorensen, to the dig- around you. nity of Archpriest during All of human history the weekend of October consists of a cycle of prin- 11-13, 2002. The festivities ciples first being discov- were scheduled to coincide ered and practiced, then with the archpastoral visit abandoned and forgotten. of His Grace, the Rt. Rev. This cycle has seen man- Antoun, Auxiliary Bishop kind go from darkness to of the Antiochian Ortho- enlightenment to darkness dox Christian Archdiocese over and over again. of North America. Thanks to your efforts, you The weekend’s activities have assured that the prin- began on Friday evening at ciples of Orthodox a banquet where members Christianity shall never be of All Saints’ Parish Coun- abandoned or forgotten; cil and their spouses wel- and that the values handed comed His Grace Bishop down to you by your par- Antoun to Raleigh. At the ents shall never perish banquet, an artist’s render- from the face of the Earth. ing of the new temple All As our Founders, your Saints plans to construct names will forever be was unveiled. Bishop etched into the history of Antoun congratulated the this parish. You should be Parish Council and Fr. commended for giving so Nicholas on the plans for much when you had so lit- the future of All Saints and tle to give; for believing in on the tremendous growth yourselves when others and maturity the parish doubted you; for valiantly has achieved over the past fighting and living for ten years.
January 2003 27 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
featured an inspiring retro- ty of Archpriest. Fr. spective of All Saints’ hum- Nicholas’ elevation had ble roots, its plans for the been kept secret by mem- future, and the hard work bers of the Parish Council it has taken to get from and His Grace for more there to here. than a year and His Grace Great Vespers on Satur- was quite pleased at Fr. day evening was a joyous Nicholas’ astonishment. Fr. service! Concelebrating Nicholas’ gold pectoral with All Saints’ pastor, cross, symbol of his eleva- Priest Nicholas Sorensen, tion, was presented on was Archpriest Gordon behalf of the parishioners Walker, Priest Gregory of All Saints by David MacGregor, and Deacon Keim, Chairman of All Edward Martin in the pres- Saints’ Parish Council, and ence of His Grace Bishop Dawn Evancho, President Antoun, who presided from of All Saints’ St. Thekla’s the throne. The nave was Ladies Organization filled almost to capacity (AOCWNA). with current and former All After the Divine Liturgy, Saints’ parishioners, as well all were invited to a cele- as many out-of-town guests. bratory grand banquet at a Following Great Vespers, local hotel. At the banquet, all were invited to the Fr. Nicholas and Khourieh parish hall for a gala recep- Barbara were presented Elevated to the rank of tion for Bishop Antoun and with beautiful handpainted PASTOR OF ST. MARY Archpriest in 1966, Father all the visiting clergy. The icons of Christ and the ORTHODOX CHURCH, Schneirla is Ecumenical ladies of All Saints outdid Theotokos as a token of Officer of the Antiochian themselves with a very ele- the parishioners’ love and Orthodox Archdiocese in gant and awe-inspiring appreciation for all of their BAY RIDGE, NY America and Vicar General array of foods and treats hard work during the past RETIRES FROM of the Western Rite of the and the celebration con- ten years. PARISH ASSIGNMENT Archdiocese. He has twice tinued for several hours. The events of the anni- AFTER 51 YEARS served as editor of The At the end of Orthros on versary weekend were WORD magazine, and auth- Sunday morning, Bishop planned and coordinated ored numerous publications Antoun tonsured All by All Saints’ 10th Anni- ather Paul Schneirla on scripture, ecumenism, Saints’ parishioner David versary Committee, has been parish and Eastern Orthodox Young as a new Reader for chaired by Sue Azrak. All priestF at St. Mary Antioch- history. He is secretary of the parish. of the parishioners of All ian Orthodox Church at the Archdiocese. Following Orthros, His Saints worked very hard to 8001 Ridge Boulevard in A member of the orga- Grace celebrated the make this weekend memo- Brooklyn, New York since nizing committee that Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, rable and their efforts were its founding in 1951. He drew up the constitution of with concelebrants Frs. rewarded with a very has served as a pastor The Standing Conference Gordon Walker, Nicholas successful celebration. longer than any other of Canonical Orthodox Sorensen, and Gregory priest in the history of the Bishops (SCOBA) under MacGregor, and Deacon Antiochian Orthodox Archbishop Iakovos, Edward Martin. All Saints’ Christian Archdiocese. Father Schneirla was Subdeacon Theodore Professor of Old Testa- General Secretary of Roberson and Reader ment at St. Vladimir’s SCOBA for ten years and Andrew Damick assisted Theological Seminary, is on its Study and Plan- the clergy and Subdeacon Crestwood, NY for twenty- ning Commission. David Ward directed the five years, he has been a He has been a member choir. The crowds present member of the faculty of the General Board of the overwhelmed the nave and since 1953 and has served National Council of spilled out into the narthex. as faculty secretary. He Churches since that body At the end of the Divine was a charter member and was founded, and was a Liturgy, Bishop Antoun past president of the representative of his surprised Fr. Nicholas by Orthodox Theological Archdiocese to the Federal elevating him to the digni- Society in America. Council of Churches, the
28 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
body that developed in the tain, MI in conjunction National Council. He is a with St. Simon in Iron- member of the national wood, MI, then followed by Orthodox/Roman Catholic St. George in Allentown, and Orthodox/Anglican PA. In 1951 he was ecumenical dialogues. appointed the first pastor Often spokesperson for of St. Mary Church in Bay the Eastern Orthodox, Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. Father Schneirla has Father Schneirla re- appeared on numerous ceived a B.A. from the Uni- television programs on the versity of Western Ontario Church, including inter- in 1937, a Master of views he conducted with Divinity from St. Vladi- other theologians and reli- mir’s Seminary, Yonkers, gious leaders. In February NY, and did graduate work 2000, he gave the Father at Union Theological Alexander Schmemann Seminary and Columbia Memorial Lecture at St. University, both in New Vladimir’s Seminary on York City. the history of the Church On June 12, 1942, he Clergy shown (left to right) with the speaker at the two-day retreat since the Russian married Shirley Dillon are Dn. Mark Becker, St. Spiridon O.C.A. Cathedral, Seattle; Fr. Revolution and its evolu- Warriner Page from New David Hovik, St. Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church, Arlington, WA; Dn. Philip Jenson, St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, tion and development in York City, and Far Hills, Brier, WA; Dn. James Bryant, St. Paul Church; Fr. Mel Gimmaka, North America. Other NJ. They had three chil- St. Innocent Antiochian Orthodox Church, Everson, WA. (rear); Fr. activities and accomplish- dren, Dorothy Page John Angelis, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Seattle; Fr. ments to the side, Father Schneirla Orril, William James Bernstein, St. Paul Church; Host pastor Fr. Dean Kouldukis, Schneirla is first and fore- Sutfin Schneirla, Jr., and Church of the Assumption; and Dn. Perry Angelos, St. Demetrios most a parish priest who Peter Christian Schneirla. Church. told the audience of semi- Father Paul will move narians at his St. from St. Mary’s parish rec- Vladimir’s talk that, for tory in Bay Ridge to his Some 150 Orthodox faith- anniversary of our parish him, there was nothing home in central New Jersey. ful from throughout the according to the date on else worth doing than serv- He has been succeeded as Puget Sound area attend- the antimension, St. ing his parishioners. pastor of St. Mary by the ed. The wife of an Ortho- Mary’s has tried to have a Born William Sutfin Very Reverend Michael dox priest in Maryland, speaker who would say Schneirla to Jacob Walter Ellias, who was transferred Mathewes-Green has writ- things that not only taught Schneirla and Iva Mildred from St. George’s parish in ten several books on the the faith but refreshed a Sutfin on April 11, 1916 in Boston, MA. faith and appears regularly mission community with Ophir, Alaska, he began on NPR’s “Morning Edi- new vigor. God has blessed life in a gold mining camp tion.” She spoke in Seattle us to have a whole range of owned and operated by his FREDERICA on the topic, “The Illu- wonderful speakers, but family. His father’s family MATHEWES-GREEN mined Heart,” the title of this particular weekend we came to the United States one of her recent books. were even more excited from a south German prin- than normal. Was it cipality in 1848, and his SPEAKS AT SEATTLE because we were having mother’s family came to ADVENT RETREAT ST. MARY, our first anniversary week- North America from the TOPEKA, KS end in our new building Netherlands in 1676. which we had worked very Born into a Lutheran eattle — Noted hard to change from a family, an interest in his- S Orthodox author and ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY charismatic Mennonite tory led him to the study commentator Frederica AND MODERN LIFE Church to an Orthodox of the Orthodox Church. Mathewes-Green was the Church? Was it because In October 1943, William main speaker at the annu- Frederica Mathewes-Green Schneirla was ordained to al Pre-Christmas Lenten n the weekend before had been on our books for the priesthood by Arch- Retreat sponsored by the the Nativity fast the over one year? Was it bishop Antony Bashir and Washington Orthodox missionO of St. Mary’s was because Frederica and our given the clerical name Clergy Association at very busy and very excit- Pastor, Father Antony Bell, “Paul.” Father Paul served Seattle’s Greek Orthodox ed. Every year around were old friends, beginning at St. Mary in Iron Moun- Church of the Assumption. November 10, which is the with their days as Episco-
January 2003 29 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION palians in MD and lasting which had the general title Her words explaining the many people came to hear until the present? Was it of “Ancient Christianity Orthodox point of view in Frederica, to see our because the lay leader of and Modern Life.” Speci- an area of radical church and to be fed, but our congregation had been fically, she began with her Protestants, of the many the estimates are between an evangelical before his personal journey, which heresies, particularly con- sixty and seventy-five peo- conversion to Orthodoxy, moved her through the cerning the nature of God ple. We fed our guests and was very excited to many religious and radical and the whole understand- lunch and Frederica left to lead our congregation in movements of the 60’s into ing of an angry God and fly back to the beautiful doing something of an liturgical Protestantism the atonement, were beau- land of Maryland. evangelical nature? Was it and then to Holy Ortho- tifully spoken. It was an exciting week- because we had received a doxy. Saturday morning After a short intermis- end that fulfilled so many very unexpected and for us we fed our guests a conti- sion, Frederica spoke in of our expectations. People large check just at the very nental breakfast, after her third talk about the had come from all over time we were talking about which she gave two medicine from the hospital Northern Indiana to listen what kind of advertising addresses, the first on (the Church), which is to Frederica, to talk to we could afford? “What is the Church?” prayer, fasting and the giv- Orthodox Christians, to All of these various She likened it to a hospi- ing of alms. After her talk, ask questions. When all thoughts and prayers and tal, a hospital for sinners, between the talks earlier was said and done, the movement of people’s deep not a court where we pay in the day, and on Friday weary members of St. love for the Holy Trinity our legal fees to God. She evening, Father Antony Mary’s Mission gave thanks and for our Church came so clearly and eloquently stayed in the church to to God for the many bless- together on Friday eve- spoke to the people assem- pray with people and to be ings that happened over ning, November 8. We had bled about the fact that open to anyone who was this weekend. Like patient Vespers, and then we fed Orthodoxy is “The really interested in becom- farmers, we will wait for our guests a fasting meal. Church” that all who were ing Orthodox or learning the seeds which have been That night, Frederica present knew that the more about Orthodoxy. We planted to grow in the rich began her series of talks truth is in Holy Orthodoxy. are not exactly sure how soil of Holy Orthodoxy.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
FEBRUARY, 2003
1. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14-23; LUKE 16:10-15 15. 2 TIMOTHY 2:11-19; LUKE 18:2-8 2. HEBREWS 7:7-17; LUKE 2:22-40 16. 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-15; LUKE 18:10-14 MEETING OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE 17. 2 PETER 1:20-2:9; MARK 13:9-13 3. JAMES 2:14-26; MARK 10:46-52 18. 2 PETER 2:9-22; MARK 13:14-23 4. JAMES 3:1-10; MARK 11:11-23 19. 2 PETER 3:1-18; MARK 13:24-31 (NO FAST) 5. JAMES 3:11-4:6 (FAST) 20. 1 JOHN 1:8-2:6; MARK 13:31-14:2 6. JAMES 4:7-5:9; MARK 11:27-33 21. 1 JOHN 2:7-17; MARK 14:3-9 (NO FAST) 7. 1 PETER 1:1-2, 10-12; MARK 12:1-12 (FAST) 22. 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-9; LUKE 20:46-21:4 8. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14-23; LUKE 17:3-10 23. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12-20; LUKE 15:11-32 9. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16-7:1; MATTHEW 15:21-28 24. 1 JOHN 2:18-3:10; MARK 11:1-11 10. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-10; JOHN 15:17-16:2 11. 1 PETER 3:10-22; MARK 12:18-27 25. 1 JOHN 3:11-20; MARK 14:10-42 12. 1 PETER 4:1-11; MARK 12:28-37 (FAST) 26. 1 JOHN 3:21-4:6; MARK 14:43-15:1 (FAST) 13. 1 PETER 4:12-5:5; MARK 12:38-44 27. 1 JOHN 4:20-5:21; MARK 15:1-15 14. 2 PETER 1:1-10; MARK 13:1-8 (FAST) 28. 2 JOHN 1:1-13; MARK 15:22-25, 34-41 (FAST) by Very Rev. George Alberts
30 The Word THE ORTHODOX WORLD
THE ORTHODOX WORLD
western states. Holy Dor- faith ministry to abuse and trips will last from one to TENTH ANNIVERSARY mition Monastery in Rives trauma survivors three weeks and will take OF ORTHODOX Junction, MI became a sec- (www.centerpeacemin- place between mid-July WOMEN IN HEALING ond point of annual gath- istries.org). Our contact and early October. MINISTRIES ering for a conference. with Lavre Mambre, the Projects range from Today, two annual gather- Orthodox Monastery in building a church in n May of 1993, eight ings occur: a retreat for Guatemala, took place at Ghana, nurturing infants I Orthodox women clinicians at Holy Trans- Holy Transfiguration Mon- in Romania, caring for founded Orthodox Women figuration Monastery in the astery in Ellwood City, PA. orphaned children in in Healing Ministries fall and a conference at Several women from Guatemala and offering (OWHM) at St. Nersess Holy Dormition Monastery OWHM have ministered in medical assistance in Armenian Seminary in in the spring. In addition, a the context of the Orthodox Uganda. While all team New Rochelle, NY. This monthly meeting in Orphanage there. Some volunteers will be witness- interjurisdictional group Washington, DC offers lec- have adopted children. ing the faith, some teams came from Canada and tures and discussion. God has truly blessed will focus primarily on four northeastern states of Inquiries from women in this ministry with many teaching. Teaching teams the US, and represented England were the occasion fruits and caused them to to Alaska, India and Ghana various professions: pas- for two of us from the multiply. For this we give will offer catechism class- toral counselors, social United States to travel to thanks to God, for his mer- es, seminars, retreats and workers, professional England to lead a retreat for cies are everlasting. For bible studies and will visit counselors, teachers of the Orthodox women there. information about OWHM, remote villages. deaf, and psychothera- This retreat unfolded with you may contact us All short-term mission pists. Their vision was to the blessings of Bishop through the website, teams are made up of support each other in the Kallistos Ware and Bishop “Therapia Counseling” or Orthodox Christian volun- spiritual journey of theosis Basil Osborne, who are very www.centerpeacemin- teers, following in the foot- and to explore the exercise supportive of our ministry. istries.org. steps of the saints, who are of their professions as Other OWHM gatherings ready and willing to share Orthodox Women in have occurred in France their faith. They are teach- Healing Ministries. Bishops and Romania. In North THE MOST ers, clergy, seminarians, from the various jurisdic- America, there are three OCMC TEAMS EVER youth workers, contrac- tions gave their blessings Therapia Counseling tors, healthcare profes- for this work. Services: one in Canada, he Orthodox Christian sionals, students and any- The group met again in one in the Washington, DC T Mission Center an- one willing to offer their October, 1993 to make area and one in South nounces the largest num- skills and love to serve some fundamental deci- Carolina (website available ber of its scheduled short- God by serving on a sions in regard to its mis- under “Therapia Coun- term mission teams ever. Mission Team in 2003. sion. We opened OWHM to seling”). Other specifically Ten mission teams are The 2003 Mission Teams all women, based on the Orthodox Counseling planned for the summer of are: premise that all women Services exist in other areas 2003, which is a 25% • 4 teams to Alaska — could pray and that prayer of the country, including increase since last year. This was the first land in was indeed the basis of Pittsburgh, PA. The expan- In 2003 OCMC Mission North America to receive healing ministry. We sion of our ministry has Teams will teach, build, the fullness of the Gospel moved our annual retreat allowed us to network for baptize, nurture and heal in the Holy Orthodox to Holy Transfiguration the purposes of offering in local Orthodox commu- Faith. Today, however, the Monastery in Ellwood City, Orthodox assistance to peo- nities around the world. Alaskan Church and our PA, where our numbers ple throughout the United Groups of 2 to 24 volun- Native American brothers quickly surpassed the abil- States and Canada. Many of teers will donate their and sisters face many ity of the monastery to us have begun working time, money and energy to hardships. Three volunteer welcome us. At the same together to offer retreats witness the Orthodox teaching teams of 10 each time, OWHM had expand- and workshops. Four of us Christian faith through a will travel to remote vil- ed to the midwest and are involved in an inter- variety of activities. The lages in Alaska from 4 to
January 2003 31 THE ORTHODOX WORLD
14 August 2003. Teams teach the children by shar- tions and the nature of this tunity for creative explo- will focus on the Yukon, ing the richness of the trip, it is limited to mem- ration and practical appli- Kodiak Island, and Dillig- Holy Orthodox Faith. bers of the clergy who will cation of a sensitive and ham/Newhalen areas. • Romania — 8 volun- serve as teachers and cate- life-affecting area of Additionally, a teaching teers are needed to assist chists alongside local cler- service to our young team of six volunteers will long-term missionaries gy to provide the sacra- people.” go to Fairbanks, 13 to 21 Craig and Victoria Good- ments. The region of India “We Offer These Gifts” September 2003, to work win at the newly-estab- is Calcutta/Bengal, and the will establish for Hellenic with University students in lished Protection of the trip is from 8 September to College an Office for the area. Theotokos Infant and 1 October 2003. Vocations and Ministries to • 2 to Ghana — At the Maternal Center. The pur- For more information, provide high school and request of His Grace pose of this center is to contact The Orthodox college students with Bishop Panteleimon, at prevent child abandon- Christian Mission Center opportunities to discern least two teams will go to ment and to nurture the at [email protected] or their life’s vocations, Ghana to aid in the growth bond between mother and (904) 829-5132 or PO Box including the possibility of of the Church. This is a child (infants 0-24 4319, St. Augustine, FL, pursuing ordination in the wonderful opportunity to months), discouraging 32085. Team applications Orthodox Church. The help our brothers and sis- abortion and abandon- are online at www.ocmc. Office will create vocation- ters in Christ where the ment while increasing org/teams/index or upon al assessment programs for Orthodox Church is still in strong family ties for request by e-mail or regu- Hellenic College under- its early stages of growth. infants. This team will lar mail. Please indicate in graduates, a summer insti- There are two kinds of travel 7 to 21 August 2003. requests the preference to tute for high school stu- teams, evangelism and • Uganda — Healthcare receive the application by dents, and offer opportuni- construction, each com- professionals have always e-mail or regular mail. ties for faculty and admin- posed of 8-10 volunteers. been an integral part of the istration to reflect on and The evangelism team will holistic mission of the develop their vocations visit villages where Ortho- Orthodox Church. This HELLENIC COLLEGE through seminars and doxy has already been mission team will consist WINS $2 MILLION grants. “We Offer These established from 1 to 22 of physicians, physicians’ GRANT FROM Gifts” will also firmly August as well as areas assistants, and nurses (RN LILLY ENDOWMENT establish a national Office where the Faith has not and LPN). There is also TO ESTABLISH for Orthodox Christian yet taken hold. The evan- need for a surgeon and a CENTER FOR Fellowships (OCF), a gelism team will be com- dentist at the main hospi- THEOLOGICAL STUDY North American, inter- posed of 8 volunteers with tal, as well as a surgeon for OF VOCATION Orthodox effort to develop a firm grasp of the basic medicine in some of and coordinate campus Orthodox Faith but not the villages. A pharmacist ellenic College is one ministry programs. necessarily catechists. The would be useful for manag- Hof 39 colleges and The grant “will create a construction team consist- ing the medications. Vol- universities in the country here-to-fore non-existent ing of 10 volunteers will unteers will treat mostly to receive a $2 million program where Orthodox work closely with local vol- tropical diseases, e.g. grant from Lilly Endow- young adults will have the unteers in the construc- malaria, leprosy, TB, as ment, Inc. which begins or opportunity to consider tion of a church and assist well as secondary infec- enhances programs that their life goals and faith in local evangelistic efforts tions from AIDS, general help prepare a new genera- convictions within a theo- from 1-22 July 2003. aches, pains and infec- tion of leaders for church logically oriented conver- • Guatemala — The tions. Medical volunteers and society. This five-year sation,” according to His Hogar Rafael Ayau will work in pairs. Due to implementation grant will Eminence Archbishop Orphanage, the only the heavy schedules of initiate the College’s “We Demetrios. “Such conver- Orthodox orphanage in most healthcare profes- Offer These Gifts” project. sations will, I hope and Guatemala, welcomes sionals, a schedule will be “Our Hellenic College pray, lead these young orphans and lost, aban- developed to allow for and Holy Cross family, individuals along a path of doned and battered chil- rotating replacement dur- trustees, faculty, staff and service to their Church, dren from the streets of ing a six-week period from students, embrace with their community, and the Guatemala City. The mis- 13 July to 23 August 2003. respect and resolve this world.” sion team to Guatemala, • India — This unique visionary and generous Created in 1937, the consisting of 24 volun- team will travel to India in grant from the Lilly Endowment is a private teers, will take place from the footsteps of the Apostle Foundation,” said Presi- philanthropic foundation 12 July to 2 August 2003. Thomas, who first brought dent, Rev. Fr. Nicholas C. that supports the causes of Team members will assist the Gospel message to Triantafilou. “The founda- religion, education, and in classroom activities and India. Due to local condi- tion’s gift offers an oppor- community development,
32 The Word THE ORTHODOX WORLD as well as initiatives that plete with slides of bap- Mission Center has sent 3 Orthodox Church,” said benefit youth, foster tisms, newly built church- short-term mission teams Cassis, 68, of Houston, leadership education es, catechism classes and to Ghana since 1989 and is Texas. “It’s something that among nonprofit institu- medical outreach. His visit now recruiting people to we (as Orthodox Christ- tions, and promote the to the Mission Center in send 2 more teams in ians) should have been causes of philanthropy and Florida completed his 2003. A teaching team and doing long before this.” volunteerism. three-week speaking tour a construction team to “IOCC is an organization Founded in 1968, on the current state of Ghana will be two of of integrity and strength Hellenic College is the only Orthodoxy and missionary eleven OCMC short-term and a genuine catalyst for fully-accredited, four-year activity in his diocese in mission teams sent out a unified Orthodox philan- Orthodox Christian college West Africa, which next summer. thropy,” said Lickwar of in America. It offers a lib- includes Ghana, the Ivory For more information on Spring, Texas. eral arts education with Coast, Liberia, Guinea, how to become a long- Lickwar began painting concentrations in Classics, Sierra Leone, Guinea term missionary or a icons, the sacred art of the Elementary Education, Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, short-term mission team Orthodox Church, upon Human Development, Mali and Burkina Faso. member or on how to sup- completing seminary stud- Management & Leader- In 1982, after three years port the Orthodox Church ies in 1979. “I have always ship, Management Infor- of catechesis, the Orthodox in Ghana, contact the loved painting and draw- mation Systems and Re- Church in Ghana was born Orthodox Christian ing, and have felt drawn in ligious Studies. This award when 1,975 people desiring Mission Center by e-mail: by works of art, especially is the largest grant given to to enter canonical Ortho- [email protected], by the icon,” said Lickwar, Hellenic College and Holy doxy were baptized. In telephone: (904) 829- who studied iconography Cross Greek Orthodox January 2000, His Grace 5132, by fax: (904) 829- in Finland. School of Theology. Panteleimon, the first 1635 or by mail: OCMC, Most of Lickwar’s icons Bishop of Ghana, arrived in PO Box 4319, St. are commissioned by Ghana and began his mis- Augustine, FL 32085-4319. churches or individuals. BISHOP OF GHANA sionary work in West Africa. IOCC, the official humani- CALLS FOR HELP Today the Church has tarian aid agency of DURING OCMC VISIT grown to over 4,000 people, ICON PAINTERS Orthodox Christians, com- but there remains a great SUPPORT THE “ ART” missioned Lickwar to paint t. Augustine, FL — The shortage of priests. There OF ORTHODOX an icon of the Nativity for Sfirst and current bishop are only 17 active priests CHARITY its 1999 Christmas appeal. of Ghana, His Grace for over 50 communities, The icon, titled “The Panteleimon, visited the which is a ratio of at least 3 altimore (IOCC) — Nativity of Our Lord and Orthodox Christian Mission communities per priest. B John Lickwar and Savior Jesus Christ,” is on Center in St. Augustine, His Grace Panteleimon Diamantis Cassis are display at IOCC’s inter- Florida the week of spoke Christ’s words from artists with a heart for the national headquarters in October 28. While there he the Gospel of Matthew and humanitarian mission of Baltimore and is currently put out an invitation to all Luke when he said, “The International Orthodox available as part of an Orthodox Christians to harvest is plentiful but the Christian Charities IOCC Christmas card remember the struggling workers are few,” and “to (IOCC). pack. Orthodox Church in Ghana pray the Lord of the har- Icon painters by train- Cassis started painting and West Africa. vest to send out workers ing, they have provided icons in the mid-1960s, “Without the help of into His Harvest field.” He their artwork to IOCC for “when I began getting seri- funds from American made a plea for OCMC to use in past Christmas giv- ous about the faith,” he Orthodox people through send long-term missionar- ing appeals. Now their said. The former abstract OCMC and others, the ies and short-term teams icons, and two others from painter came to the United Orthodox Church in to continue to help build Kosovo and the Republic States from his native Ghana would almost have up the Orthodox Church of Georgia, are being fea- Greece in 1946, at the age to close its doors. I say in his diocese. In his pre- tured in IOCC’s 2002 of 11. almost, because we always sentation, the bishop ex- Christmas appeal — a “I developed a love for have faith in God, but we pressed a need for priests, “best of” collection that this art because it was so have no income and it is teachers, medical person- has received an enthusias- expressive and so sophisti- God working through the nel and anyone who loves tic response from Ortho- cated,” he said. “I, as an generosity of Orthodox the Lord to serve the grow- dox Christians across the artist, could see that it had Christians that makes our ing Orthodox Church in country. a lot more quality to it. I Church possible,” His Ghana and the other nine “IOCC is really a worthy couldn’t help but immerse Grace said in his presenta- countries in his diocese. organization and a great myself in it,” he said. tion to OCMC staff, com- The Orthodox Christian thing to have in the Cassis’ icon “Theotokos
January 2003 33 THE ORTHODOX WORLD
Glykofilousa” (Sweet-kiss- ing Mother of God) was ST. HERMAN’ S first featured in IOCC’s THEOLOGICAL 1998 Christmas appeal SEMINARY Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese and is also available in the Publications Department 2002 Christmas card pack. t. Herman’s Seminary, 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 Lickwar noted that there S Kodiak, Alaska is Phone (201) 871-1355 are similarities between announcing a new pro- Fax (201) 871-7954 the icon painter and the gram for the fourth-year work of IOCC. Both, in students. Designed to LITURGICAL MUSIC CASSETTES their own ways, express address the need for a the love of God — the more intense focus on the AVAILABLE FROM THE iconographer through art, growing problem of sub- ARCHDIOCESE BOOKSTORE: and IOCC through philan- stance abuse in Alaska, thropy, he said. this new adventure has the THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Both endeavors — seminarians in residence Chanted in Arabic by Fr. Elias Bitar and Mr. Sami iconography and philan- in Anchorage. This enables Khoury thropy — flow out of the a fuller participation in $9 ea. cassette. Please send me ____ copies. liturgical life of the Clinical Pastoral Education Orthodox Church, Lickwar units at area hospitals and JOY OF THE SOUL explained. “While the icon the prison. In addition, Byzantine hymns chanted in Arabic by His Eminence does not exist as an object special training in sub- Metropolitan Philip independently from its stance abuse problems is $7 ea. cassette ____ or $6 ea. LP ____ liturgical function,” he being offered, leading to said, “neither does philan- certification as counselors. ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CAMP thropy exist independently The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Liturgical favorites chanted by campers of the from the Gospel impera- Oleksa, dean of St. Inno- Antiochian Village tive, which is to see one- cent’s Cathedral, is also $15 ea. cassette ____ self in the neighbor.” overseeing classes com- Cassis’ and Lickwar’s bined with a full liturgical CHRIST IS BORN! IOCC icons are available schedule at the cathedral The choir of St. Philip’s Orthodox Church in in a package of 10 and area churches. Souderton, PA Christmas cards, featuring The seminary has the $12 ea. cassette ____ five different designs, for a largest number of students donation of $25. Order on- in many years. There are ORTHODOX BYZANTINE HYMNS line at www.iocc.org or call fourteen full-time seminar- Orthodox hymns for the Liturgical year toll-free 1-877-803-4622. ians in the four-year pro- $9 ea. cassette ____ IOCC is currently cele- gram. The Rev. Dr. Chad brating its 10th anniver- Hatfield has assumed the BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL sary. Since 1992, it has position of academic dean, Hymns of the Liturgical year chanted in English by Fr. delivered more than $140 coming to the Diocese of Elias Bitar million in humanitarian Alaska from the Antioch- $15 ea. double cassette ____ assistance in 21 countries. ian Archdiocese. The recently-consecrat- GOD IS WITH US ed All Saints of Alaska Orthodox hymns for Lent, Holy Week and Pascha in Chapel, a reproduction of English and Arabic the first church built in $9 ea. cassette ____ Kodiak in 1795, has new iconography from the Please include 10% (minimum $2) for postage and hand of Victor Kazanin. handling for orders shipped within the US or Donors for the completion 20% (minimum $4) for orders shipped to Canada of the icon project are and Overseas. I have enclosed US $______invited to contact the Dean of the Seminary, Name: ______Archimandrite Benjamin Petersen, at 414 Mission Address: ______Road, Kodiak, AK 99615.
34 The Word THE PEOPLE SPEAK … The People Speak …
Your Eminence Muslim propaganda, why matters of faith, doctrine parishioners or their family Dearest Sayedna Philip, can it not append the and practice, leaving the members contact us with Happy Feast Day! It is an account of the passion of a Op/Ed pieces for Al-Hayat, their addresses, so that we honour and it gives me great neo-martyr to each in- Al-Jezira and the like. may include them in our pleasure to extend to you stance as a way of remind- Gene Kauffman maillings. Please call St. the love and greetings from ing the reader of its St. Mary Orthodox Church George, Pittsburgh at (412) all the teens around this (admittedly? tenuous?) Chambersburg, PA 681-2988 and ask for God-protected Archdiocese. Orthodox association? To j Cheryl or Fr. John. Two thousand years ago, each piece of anti-Jewish Dear Ron [Nicola], We look forward to hear- our Master Christ became sniping, The WORD can Christ is in our midst! ing from you! like us so that He might also add an example of This is just a short note The 95th Anniversary redeem us. To this end, He anti-Jewish laws decreed to thank you for directing Committee ordained twelve Apostles, by Muslim authorities as a such a great Parish Coun- j one being Philip, our way of remembering why cil Symposium. The spiri- This is regarding The patron, whose feast it is. we are so anxious to prove tual uplifting that we WORD (Sept. 2002): These twelve continued our affections for the fol- receive by just being at the The recognition of your the Lord’s work in cultivat- lowers of a “forerunner of Village, along with the Archdiocese as “autono- ing the salvific message of the AntiChrist” (not my inspiring words of our pre- mous” by the Holy Synod the gospel throughout the words … can The WORD senters, made the weekend of Antioch is a great leap world with the gift of the trace the reference?) complete. I will make a forward toward our hoped- Holy Spirit. Faithfully, recommendation to you for autocephalous Ortho- Now, two thousand years Daniel S. Monroe and to the Archdiocese dox Catholic Church in later, the gospel has indeed Coos Bay, OR that these symposiums the Americas headed by spread throughout the j should be made manda- our own Patriarch … world, but more important- Since the recent Al- tory for each parish. In the Reference the editorial ly throughout the hearts of Hayat article was only near future I, along with article “Autonomy With thousands of the faithful. published in Arabic, I must Father Antony, hope to Unity” on page 3 … The We, the youth, stand as a remind you that a great implement some of the word “unity” bothers me witness to the fruits of many members of the solutions we discussed — I hope Fr. John means your labours and the Antiochian Orthodox with our parish council in “union” (we are “united” labours of all our Fathers Christian Church do not order to continue towards with the Roman and and Hierarchs. May your speak Arabic, or are even the future in a positive and Protestant Churches as comfort and joy be multi- of Arabic descent. As a sure-footed manner. Once Christians but not in plied on this your patronal result they do not always again thank you, and may “union” (communion) feast, and may God contin- share the typical view on the blessings of the Lord with them! … Thus, what ue to strengthen you in issues “documented” in be with you always. does your Archdiocese see your Apostolic mission. The WORD magazine. This In HIS service, for the future, sooner- With much love is especially true of many Rev. Dn. Michael Shaheen, than-later? ONE auto- and prayers, recent political statements Pastoral Assistant cephalous Church in the On behalf of NAC SOYO, made by our Church St. George Americas including the I remain yours in XC, Hierarchs concerning U.S. Montreal, QUE existing OCA and eventu- Alexa Younes Mid-East policies, the j ally the Greek Arch- (NAC SOYO President) Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Dear Editor, diocese, OR separate auto- and so forth. The one- On October 3,4 and 5, cephalous Churches in “Most blessed art thou, sided opinions and editori- 2003, St. George Antiochian “union” with each other O Christ our God, who als often put forth in The Orthodox Church of Pitts- but not canonically “unit- didst reveal the fishermen WORD magazine do not burgh, Pennsylvania will cel- ed”? It would be a canoni- as most wise … and lend credibility to the ebrate its 95th Anniversary. cal breach worse than through them, thou didst Church or its mission in The theme for this cele- what exists now in fish the universe, O Lover America. I am in full agree- bration is “Homecoming”, America if the latter of Mankind, glory to thee.” ment with Dr. Allen and we are inviting all form- evolves … God forbid! (Pentecost) Haggar’s remarks in the er parishioners to come Sincerely, j November 2002 issue (The home and join us for this Victor Chacho Dear Sir or Madam, People Speak …). weekend of activities and fel- St. Thomas Albanian When The WORD feels I would encourage you lowship with Sayedna Philip. Orthodox Church compelled to publish pro- to restrict future articles to We ask that all former Farmington Hills, MI
January 2003 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238
46th Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocesan Convention Hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral Coral Gables, Florida July 20-27, 2003
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