Eparchy of Our Lady of of Los Angeles

First Pastoral Letter To the Clergy, Religious and Faithful of the Eparchy

The Eparchy: Past, Present, and Future

Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan

Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

Eparchial Pastoral Center November 1, 2019 All Saints Day

I. INTRODUCTION A. THANKSGIVING TO GOD The Holy Scriptures tell us, '''Ten [lepers] were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, 'Stand up and go; your faith has saved you' (Luke 17:11-19). Therefore, I must begin by thanking our merciful and loving God for His abundant graces and blessings. I thank Him for all those entrusted to my care, the clergy and faithful, as well as for the various gifts including the continued growth of our Eparchy, the abundance of activities in our parishes for all age groups, for the involvement and commitment of our parishioners across the 34 states that make up our Eparchy in the United States. I thank all of you for your continued faith, love, and support as we journey together through the years.

I take this opportunity to apologize for any shortcoming or hurt caused by me personally, by my brother priests or the Eparchy at large. We all have the best intentions to serve you well; we renew our commitment to minister to every one of you with the help of God.

It is my privilege to have served as your Bishop for the past six years. I visited all of you and got to know you on a personal level. I have enjoyed meeting each of you, listening to you, sharing in your difficulties, challenges of life, and most especially praying with you. I want to assure you that the future of our Eparchy looks bright.

B. MY PERSONAL JOURNEY IN THE EPARCHY This past September marked my 31st anniversary serving in the United States. Arriving in 1988, my journey took me to different assignments including Assistant Rector at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn for eighteen months, then Pastor of St. George Church in San Antonio, Texas for four and one-half years, and with a missionary spirit, I helped to establish our parishes in Houston (Our Lady of the Cedars) and in Dallas (Our Lady of Lebanon). Personally, during my years as a priest, I came to appreciate the role and importance of the Church in the life of our people. As a member of the Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries, I was motivated to bring the joy of the Gospel to all people I encounter.

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With the creation of our Eparchy, I was appointed Rector of Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon-St. Peter Cathedral in Los Angeles by Bishop John Chedid serving for nineteen years before I was appointed Bishop of the Eparchy. I have learned much during my different assignments; in particular, I came to understand that each parish is unique; each has its own character, yet each with one common denominator: the love and devotion of the people for their Church.

As the Cathedral Rector, I became more and more involved in the life of the Eparchy. I was privileged to serve on different committees and boards at the Eparchial level. All this helped me to understand the mission of the Eparchy in today's world; I worked closely with my two predecessors: Bishop John Chedid and Bishop Robert Shaheen. They loved the Eparchy. They cared for and made every effort to build up the Eparchy through the years. They diligently worked to make the Eparchy better. So with the Apostle Paul, I can say: “… neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth…. and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3: 7-8, 10b-11)

Now, as Bishop, I strive to live up to my Episcopal motto: "Thy will be done." I pray that God's will be done and that I, myself, may be receptive to the Lord’s message.

However, I can attest that I have received much more than I have given. God has been abundant in His generosity. People have been kind, generous, supportive, and collaborative. It is truly my privilege and honor to serve as your shepherd.

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II. OUR MARONITE IDENTITY I often wonder: "Why do our people come to Church? Is that just for the ethnicity, for the culture of the faith? It is about our identity that keeps us anchored in our Churches. Our Maronite Patriarchal Synod (2003-2006) beautifully outlined the characteristics of our identity as Antiochian, Chalcedonian, Patriarchal, Syriac, Catholic, Monastic, and Marian.

A. ANTIOCH AND SYRIAC Beginning with the Antiochian roots of our Maronite identity, the first place where the followers of Christ became known as Christians (Acts 11:26), from there, we have received much of our liturgical traditions, spirituality, and theology. St. Peter established the See of Antioch, before establishing the see of Rome; our Patriarchs are the successors of St. Peter and always take the name “Peter” as part of their name. Our is of Apostolic origin, built on the faith of the Apostles. The Maronite Patriarchal Synod mentioned that “The Christian Antiochian heritage is still considered one of the richest and most profound in the world” (Text 2, # 8).

The liturgical language and the ancient source of our spirituality and theology are closely connected to the Syriac Language. Syriac is a dialect of ancient , the language used by Jesus and his Apostles – the language used to announce the Gospel for the first time. We retain to this very day hymns and prayers in the Syriac Language. For example, the “Trisagion” qadeshat, the words of the Eucharistic Institution, “This is my body and this is my blood,” along with many other hymns familiar to us all. The Maronite Patriarchal Synod (2003-2006) reminded us, “Syriac is the language of the Liturgy and a fundamental element that needs to be preserved as much as possible” (Text 4, N.28).

B. CHALCEDONIAN We are a Chalcedonian Church, referring to the Council of Chalcedon held in 451 A.D., which is when Jesus Christ was defined as one Person in two Natures: Divine and

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Human. The Maronite Synod tells us that “By declaring that our Church is Chalcedonian, we mean that she perseveres in being faithful to ‘the mystery of the plan of salvation,’ as it was professed and witnessed to by the monks of Saint ’s monastery.” (Text 2, N. 14). Our Church adheres to the true teachings of the . Followers of St. Maron, Beit Maroun (Family of Maron), suffered persecution for their witness to this truth about the natures and person of the Lord. As a result of persecution, “The family of Maron” sought refuge in the Mountains of Lebanon, the source of the often used term “Faith of the Mountains.”

C. PATRIARCHAL AND MONASTIC ROOTS The Patriarch is our Head and Father. The Maronite Church has its roots and headquarters in Lebanon, and we are one of the branches. Lebanon is the spiritual home for the Maronite people. We pledge our love, respect, and obedience to our Patriarch, whom we mention by name in our Divine Liturgy daily. Each year, I participate in the Synod of Bishops. Our Patriarch, His Eminence and Beatitude Bechara Peter Cardinal Rai is the 77th Patriarch in the line of Patriarchs of our Maronite Church.

Our Monastic roots begin with St. Maron, who was a monk and a hermit who lived in Cyrrhus near Antioch in Greater Syria and died in 410 AD. As a monk, St. Maron dedicated his life to the Lord. He was not fleeing from the world and his duties, but rather, he was running towards God by living a life of simplicity and of asceticism, a life dedicated to God. St. Maron would receive people, counsel them, and teach them. He was a Physician of the Body and of the Soul as he tended to the flock. His example eventually motivated people to follow his way. They gathered around him and became known as “Beit Maroun,” the family of Maron. “No doubt…this monastic origin of the Maronite Patriarchate turned the Maronite Church…into a big monastic community, it is the ‘Patriarch’s Parish'" (Text 2, N. 26).

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The monastic aspect also impacted our liturgy in maintaining a simple liturgy for everyone to participate in and pray together. The monastic spirit highlights the importance of the community, living a disciplined life, in austerity, and dedication for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

D. CATHOLIC The Maronite Church, while an Eastern Church, is also in full communion with and united to the Holy Father, the Pope of Rome, this aspect of our identity “represents an essential and deep-rooted element of the identity, mission, and vocation of our Maronite Church” (Text 2, N. 29). We are part of the universal Catholic Church. While our experience of the Maronite Church may be very local, we are Catholic, which means universal. The Church by nature is open to all, and we welcome all who seek the Truth and would like to follow the way of the Lord. Therefore, no restrictions can be based on ethnicity or language, race, or place of birth. As a Church, we need to share the Gospel message and be more open to all who wish to be part of our Church. Our mission, as Christians, is evangelization and to sincerely welcome everyone and bring them closer to Jesus Christ. His Holiness Pope Francis has repeatedly reminded us to get out of our comfort zone and reach out to the people living in the outskirts of society, bringing them the joy and love of the Lord.

E. MARIAN The Maronite Church also has a special connection to the Blessed Mother. We are “A Church with a Marian dimension,” notes the Maronite Synod. The Blessed Mother has always been an important part in the lives of the Maronite people throughout history. We often call on her intercession. All of our Patriarchal Sees have been under Mary’s protection. The hymn "O Mother of God" (Ya Omma Allah) is the national anthem of the Maronite faith. She is present in our liturgy, devotions, and daily life, and she is the Patroness of our Eparchy, under the title of “Our Lady of Lebanon.” As she is the closest person to her son, Jesus,

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may we be inspired by her example to come closer to Jesus in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

III. OUR PAST Each person has his or her own past. Each country, each Church has its own history. Most importantly, that we will not just pass through history, but we are called to make history, to impact the world throughout our life.

A. IMPORTANT DATES The history of the Maronite Church is rich beginning with its foundation in the Middle- East till today. Some important dates include: • 410: Death of St. Maron, father of the Maronite Church • 517: Martyrdom of 350 monks, disciples of St. Maron • 685: First Patriarch: St. and the official beginning of the Maronite Church as a structure with a hierarchy. Followers of St. Maron moved from the plains of Syria to the Mountains of Lebanon in search of refuge and freedom of worship. • 1584: The Maronite College is founded in Rome for the formation of seminarians, the future priests. • 1736: The Synod of Lebanon takes place and organizes the Maronite Church into distinct Eparchies. • 17th Century through the beginning of the 18th Century: The establishment of many Maronite Religious Orders. • 1920: Formation of the State of through the efforts of the late Venerable Patriarch Elias Hoyek. • 20th Century to Early 21st Century: Canonization of Maronite Saints: St. Sharbel in 1977, St. Rafka in 2001, St. Hardini in 2004. In our lifetime, our Church has been blessed with the canonization of numerous Maronite saints; Estephen Nehme, and Yaccoub Haddad are already beatified, and two patriarchs are being considered for canonization, Patriarchs Doueihi, and Hoyek. Other religious and lay people are also being considered.

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• 2003-2006: the last Maronite Patriarchal Synod with the objective to renew our Church.

By the End of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, the Maronite community began its expansion worldwide. Due to persecution, famine, and the need to look for new opportunities, left their home countries in the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt) and expanded to all corners of the globe. Today, there are more Maronites who live outside of the Middle East than currently live there.

B. MARONITES IN THE UNITED STATES In looking at the history of our Maronite people and our Church in the United States, we see how many people left the Middle East due to difficult conditions under Ottoman rule. These first pioneers came to this country with little in the way of material goods but rich in their faith and strong determination to provide a better life and future for their children. They were adventurous, they held to their faith in God, and worked hard not only for their families but also to establish Churches under the jurisdiction of the Latin bishops. The Maronite Seminary for the formation of priests to serve in the United States was established in 1961.

In the United States, parishes were established to help our people remain connected to their roots, heritage, and faith. In 1966, the first Maronite Bishop, Archbishop Francis Zayek, was appointed to the newly created Exarchate of St. Maron in Detroit, Michigan. Then he became the Eparch in 1971.

Afterward, there was a second great migration of Maronites due to the (1975-1990). More parishes were established with the increase of people moving to the United States, and our Eparchy grew out of that movement in 1994. In fact, by a decree from the late Pope St. John Paul II, our Eparchy was established and placed under the patroness of Our Lady of Lebanon with the See of the bishop in Los Angeles.

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C. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EPARCHY Most Reverend John Chedid was the first Bishop of The Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. He served as an Auxiliary Bishop to Archbishop Zayek for thirteen years prior to assuming the position as the Bishop of the new Eparchy. He was known for his wisdom and prudence and set a solid foundation for our future growth.

Our second Bishop was Most Reverend Robert Shaheen, who was the first priest to graduate from the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. He was born in the United States and brought new energy to our Eparchy to keep it growing and expanding. He emphasized the importance of our Liturgy while he shepherded our people.

In terms of our Missions and forward growth, a third of the parishes of our Eparchy were established during the last twenty-five years, especially in the western part of the United States. This is a great sign of growth, and many of our parishes were also strengthened and renewed. We have seen the rise of new buildings, movement to new locations, and renovations of existing facilities. In all of our 25 years, we have not closed any Church.

IV. THE PRESENT A. OUR MISSION The mission of the Church is Evangelization. In 1990 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops addressed the mission of Evangelization: “The simplest way to say what evangelization means is to follow Pope Paul VI, whose message Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization in the Modern World) has inspired so much recent thought and activity in the Church. We can rephrase his words to say that evangelizing means bringing the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the Gospel itself. At its essence are the proclamation of salvation in Jesus Christ and the response of a person in faith, which are both works of the Spirit of God" (Go and Make Disciples, #10).

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Evangelization requires all of us to reach out to others. Christ commissioned us to evangelize, to baptize, and share our faith with others. Just before his Ascension, he said to his disciples “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19). We take the Lord’s command seriously, so we need to pass on our faith and traditions to future generations. As we provide food, shelter, and education to our children so we must pass on our faith as well. This work on behalf of future generations, will benefit our people and ourselves as well. If we feel unprepared or ill-equipped to do this, remember that Jesus follows up that last command with this statement: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

It is important for us to be joyful in our approach to others as well. In one of Pope Francis’ first trips abroad he spoke of Evangelization noting that we should “be guided by the humble yet joyful certainty of those who have been found, touched and transformed by the Truth who is Christ, ever to be proclaimed” (Homily, World Youth Day, July 27, 2013). In 1999, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote the Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America, “The Church in America.” He notes, "it is more necessary than ever for all the faithful to move from a faith of habit, sustained perhaps by social context alone, to a faith which is conscious and personally lived" (Ecclesia in America 72). Thus, we must take the Lord’s command to evangelize and the Church’s guidance seriously.

B. PRESENT SITUATION OF OUR EPARCHY We must always remember the vastness of our Eparchy. We cover 34 states with 42 parishes and missions. We have a wonderful Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. We have orders of consecrated life: the Antonine Sisters

EPARCHIAL MAP AND PROTOPRESBYTERAL REGIONS in Ohio who do wonderful work for the elderly and assist in the pastoral work in the

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parishes around them; the Sisters of the Holy Family, currently working in parish ministry in California. We have an American congregation of monks – the Maronite Monks of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who will be establishing their monastery in the State of Washington. The Maronite Lebanese Missionaries staff numerous parishes throughout our Eparchy and an Antonine monk staffs our parish in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Monks of the Blessed Virgin Mary have a monastery in Michigan and often assist our Maronite parishes in the area.

Like all eparchies and dioceses, we have various offices dealing with Vocations to the Priesthood, Vocations to serve as subdeacons and deacons in our parishes, offices for Religious Education/Catechesis, Family Life, Youth, Young Adults, and many other offices that deal with administration and services to our parishes.

C. FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY Another way we will continue towards our vision for the Eparchy is to have transparency in our financial practices. To support that aim, we established new financial policies in 2015, which requires transparency in handling the temporal goods of the Church, especially at the parish level and the Eparchy level. The implementation of sound financial practices will help develop a high level of trust and confidence at all levels of church administration.

Adherence to our financial policies is also a way to ensure proper accountability. To help us with this aim, the Eparchy now has electronic access to all the accounts of the parishes. Our financial team can monitor and audit each parish on a regular basis. We are transitioning into this process, but we are moving forward.

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D. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS I also must address the issue of the protection of minors and vulnerable adults that has so dominated our thoughts and the media. I restate, as I have previously said that it is the policy of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles that Clergy, Church Personnel, and Volunteers must maintain high standards of ethical conduct and personal integrity in their ministry as it relates to conduct and professional interactions with those who are entrusted to their pastoral care. Furthermore, it is the Eparchy’s policy that Clergy, Church Personnel, and Volunteers must abide by the teachings of the Catholic Church, lead an ethical life that reflects the precepts of the Gospel and avoid scandals. I am committed to enforcing this policy. There is no place for error or lack of enforcing this policy. We want our children to grow in a safe and loving environment.

V. FUTURE OF THE MARONITE CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES To ensure the survival of our Church and continued growth, the key ingredients are involvement and commitment. The more people participate and commit, the better we can achieve our mission. Parish volunteers have my utmost respect as they give of their time to meet the needs of the parishes. There are a variety of gifts we can give, and we complement each other.

A. MISSION OF THE CHURCH We need to learn from the early Christians who were "the people who loved each another." That should be our mark as Christians: to love and care for one another. Love is not an emotional ability or an intellectual faculty only, but it is a decision we make; it is lived out in word and deed. Whatever differences of opinion there may be between us, the spirit of love for God and each other unites us together and binds us to one another.

My most sincere respect and appreciation goes to our dedicated clergy and lay faithful. It is important that we continue our education and formation for the future of our

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ministry. As the world advances, we should adapt as well so that we can continue to connect with others. However, we need to balance our lives by remaining close to Jesus, setting a special time on a daily and weekly basis. As the Gospel of Matthew says, "What does it help if we gained the world and lost our souls" (16:26).

In terms of our differences in Maronite backgrounds or political affiliations, it is important to keep these out of the Church. We need to integrate and unite our different communities, whether American-born or foreign-born. We are all Maronite, and most non-American-born Maronites have assumed American citizenship. We need to be sensitive to each other and our language differences so that our Maronite communities are one. There should be no classes of Maronites, first or second class, based on language, ethnicity, race, or place of birth, but we are one community brought together for the glory of God. That is the only way we will keep our children invested in their faith. As St. Paul tells us: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Regarding language, the Maronite Patriarchal Synod held in Lebanon from 2003 to 2006 noted the following: “As for [in the Liturgy], it is no more than a local language that must inevitably be replaced outside the boundaries of the Patriarchal Domain by the language that worshippers are using.” (Text 4, N.28)

It is important to remember our origins; however, our present and future spiritual journey are what is vital. We are called to journey towards the Father's home. It is not simply where I am from or where I was born, but more, where I am going. We are not alone as we walk within the Church. The journey may be challenging, but God will never leave us alone. God said, "Do not be afraid" (John 6:20), so let us take those words to heart.

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B. NEED FOR OUTREACH Along the years, we have lost many members for one reason or another. This tells us that we have a great need for outreach to our Maronite people. We can’t afford to lose anyone, and we should care for everyone. Therefore, we need to keep dear what we have, welcome new members, and reach out to those whom we lost. I call on every parish to establish a program of outreach, a spirit of evangelization. The church is not a club, and there are no borders or limits. Everyone, regardless of background, is welcome to join with us. We must also ensure that all our people’s needs are addressed; we often refer to this as care ministry attending to the needs of the faithful, whether corporal or spiritual works of mercy. We are called to share with others.

Once again, I remind all the faithful that our Maronite identity, our place of birth, is not an obstacle or handicap in joining the Maronite Church. As we learn to participate fully into American society, and new generations are born in the United States, we need to fully engage in the culture and share our spiritual heritage. We can do this by opening our arms to others and leading the way by example. It is the Lord’s Church, and it is up to each of us to continue the journey forward.

C. CALL FOR COMMITMENT Our Maronite and Eastern roots are especially important. We must commit to Church life by attending Sunday Divine Liturgy and thus encountering the Lord in the Eucharist. It is important to cherish and embrace our liturgical traditions and not just engage with our faith in a quick and disrespectful manner. By not engaging with our spiritual roots, we are bringing God to our level instead of aspiring and rising to the level of God.

As a Maronite Church, we have experienced great successes in many areas. However, faithfulness and vigilance are essential. We must continue to expand and open new Churches to meet the needs of our people across this vast country. It is important to

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remember, our faith is not an “island.” We are part of the Universal Church, and thus, part of the universal task of bringing the Gospel to all people. Therefore, our Church doors, and most importantly, our hearts are always welcome everyone who wishes to join us and become part of our community.

D. VARIOUS GROUPS IN OUR PARISHES There are ways that we can help to ensure the future of our Maronite faith. The key to our success is by beginning with our youngest members, our children. Religious education begins in the home with parents as the first teachers. To help with our children’s faith formation, we are revising the Faith of the Mountain catechetical series used in our parish religious education programs to make it more appealing and relevant to our children and youth. We need to lead by example and set the foundation for future generations. As our children grow, they need to engage in the life of their parishes and communities to feel truly connected.

Our Maronite Youth Organization is of critical importance at the local parish level, and it is up to parents to ensure the participation of their children. If our children begin their involvement with the Church at a young age, they will reap the benefits down the line. What does the Bible tell us about this? “Train the young in the way they should go, and even when old, they will not swerve from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Keep in mind that the youth bring excitement and energy to the Church, and they are the future stewards of our faith.

For our Young Adults, it is a time to start making life-changing choices like attending college, choosing a profession, starting a family. The Church needs to be a part of these vital life choices. We

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want to listen to our young adults and accompany them, support them in their life decisions, and have a place for them in our ministry. To the Young Adults, I call on you: do not be afraid to do your part as well. You must respond to the Grace that the Lord gives to you.

To our adults, you are the mainstay of the Church. Your help and stewardship of giving your Time, Talent, and Treasure keep our Churches open. We are grateful for your involvement. To aid our people more fully, our Family Life Ministry Office is revamping itself in order to be of better service to you and to address your needs. Again, it is your role, as the primary educators of your children, to pass on our faith and heritage to future generations. That makes each family a “Domestic Church.” As the family goes, so goes our Church. The family forms beautiful bonds of love that reflect the love of the Holy Family. Make time for each other and for God.

Our seniors are of key importance as well. We are deeply grateful for all of your hard work, dedication, and assistance throughout the years. You preserved a great legacy for us all to inherit. We always depend on your experience; we benefit from your knowledge and cherish your participation. We will keep praying for you. Your presence in our communities sets a great example for all of our age groups.

E. PRIESTLY, RELIGIOUS, LAY VOCATIONS To better aid our Church, we all need to think of the different ways God calls us to serve in the Church and His people. In terms of marriage and family formation, the family has been threatened and challenged because of divorces and separations for various reasons. Since the family unit is the domestic Church, we need to prepare engaged couples well so that they enter the sacrament as a reflection of the love of Christ for his Church. Couples need to communicate and grow in their understanding of sacrificial love. They need to pray together and connect with God. The Irish Catholic priest, Father Patrick Peyton

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(“The Rosary Priest”) promoted the saying: “The family that prays together, stays together.” For our priestly vocations, our Eparchy is blessed by the dedication, devotion, and ministry of our priests. Our sincere appreciation and gratitude goes to our priests for their ministry to our people. We are also making progress on the recruitment of seminarians. God is calling, and more are answering His call. The future is bright, but we need to have more patience. Please pray for vocations. We need your support in various ways. The Order of St. Sharbel has been a blessing in its financial and spiritual support for the formation of seminarians and the retirement of our senior priests. We have also accepted a few married men to the program of formation that is now in place to help with their vocations. Moreover, our Eparchy is blessed by the dedication of many Subdeacons and Deacons who lend a great hand of support to the ministerial endeavors.

The consecrated life is a special pearl in the life of each Eparchy. Men and women want to respond to God’s call and leave everything behind to follow Him, just as some of our Maronite saints did. Our Eparchy has two women’s religious groups: the Antonine Sisters in Ohio and the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family in California. I call on our young women to consider God’s call and join our sisters. Our Maronite Monks of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Castle Rock, Washington and native to our country, is a contemplative order. Other religious organizations in our Eparchy include the Congregation of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries, the Antonine Monks, and the Maronite Monks of the Blessed Virgin. The vineyard is wide open, and the invitation is extended to consider serving God and His Church.

To better serve our people across the country, we need to have the staff to help our Churches and Missions. We need to be just and proper to all of our paid employees as well as to have capable and qualified people who contribute their service. Our goal is to

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continue the preparation and formation of men and women for the benefit of our community at all levels.

F. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN To better secure the financial future of our Eparchy and to meet our people’s various needs, we embarked on our first Capital Campaign after a feasibility study. Its theme, "Vision for the Future, Mission for Today," sets the stage and its emphasis on Missions, Ministries, and Ministers round the boundaries. Our goals and objectives include funding seminarian education, providing more resources for our parishes and missions in need, the expansion of our Eparchial ministries, taking care of our retiring priests, and other programs of charitable outreach. Our Campaign has entered into the public phase, and it needs the participation of each and every one of us. The Church asks for “equal sacrifices, not equal gifts.”

For our people, we want each person to excel so they can leave a legacy behind. When the Church has good servants, it achieves its objects. As a Church, we also want to do the same and leave this legacy for future generations. We need to strive to fulfill our obligations, and I am personally committed to doing my best. I am here to serve each and every one of you to the best of my abilities.

G. ROOTS AND BRANCHES The Vision for the future of our Eparchy and for the Maronite Church in the United States depends on our continued attachment to our faith and heritage. We need to find ways to remain faithful to our Maronite identity and build a special place in the world.

Our Maronite Church in the United States has a special bond and a respectful relationship with our Father, Head, and Shepherd, the Maronite Patriarch. The Maronite Church in every part of the world is united to our Patriarch, and we recognize the role that the country of Lebanon has played in the history of our Church. We support the freedom,

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independence, and religious toleration for which Lebanon is known and justice throughout the Middle East, but we will always be faithful citizens of the United States, this beautiful and blessed land of opportunities.

H. OUR CALL TO HOLINESS

Regardless of our background, age, and profession, we are all called to be saints. We are called to enter the school of holiness, to walk the journey. The Second Vatican Council proclaimed this over 50 years ago reminding us: “...all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity [love]; ...They must follow in His footsteps and conform themselves to His image seeking the will of the Father in all things. They must devote themselves with all their being to the glory of God and the service of their neighbor" (Lumen Gentium 40). We are called to holiness each day of our lives. Unfortunately, very few think about holiness or contemplate becoming saints one day. This is our common vocation. We all admire the saints; we must make the effort to become one. I appeal to all of you: Let God be first in your lives. Trust me; you will reap great benefits.

Sometimes we want to succeed and excel to inherit everlasting life with the least effort. While it is true that salvation is a gift from God, we still need to cooperate with the grace of God: we need to believe, to hope, and to love.

So what is our Mission for today? The Church is a place of encounter between heaven and earth, between humanity and God, and between people of different backgrounds. God’s home is open to all. May we all come together as one to pray and worship our merciful and loving God.

Despite our best efforts, our world offers many challenges we must overcome. Our people live some distance away from their nearest Maronite Church, so it takes effort and 19 time to come to Church for Liturgy. In our modern society, we are also extremely busy during the week with work, school, commuting, and other commitments. When not busy with weekly commitments, we like to take time for leisure, trips, vacations, sports, among many other activities. The commitments overwhelm many people, and instead of making the effort to go to their Maronite church, they go to a Church nearby or to the church where their child attends school. I understand your situation, but I assure you that your absence is felt, and your presence always increases our joy.

VI. CONCLUSION

One special wish I have for all of our faithful is to make the local Maronite Church your home. Our Church is where you can raise your children, and as they say, "There is no place like home."

As we know, Christ did not promise his disciples an easy life. He was honest about the crosses and burdens of life. Even so, the Lord invites us: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He invites us to lay down our worries, our hopes, our dreams, and place them into his hands. He promised us, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Christ assured us of eternal life.

On that hope, and in that spirit, we go on with our lives striving to do His will. Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lebanon, and our Patron Saints, may our Loving God bless us and accompany us on our journey.

With best wishes and prayers, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+A. Elias Zaidan Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

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