Fifty Years of Priesthood Name of Article VOLUME 54 NO

Volume 54 No. 6 Name JUNE of article 2010

Bishop ANTOUN Fifty Years of Priesthood Name of article VOLUME 54 NO. 6 JUNE 2010

contents COVER: BISHOP ANTOUN

3 EDITORIAL by Rt. Rev. John Abdalah

5 SEEKING THE PEACE FROM ABOVE by Fr. John Mefrige

13 THE TRANSFIGURATION ON TABOR: A VISION OF A VISION by Bogdan Gabriel Bucur

16 ST. STEPHEN’S COURSE OF STUDIES

17 THE ARCHDIOCESE BOOK LIST The Most Reverend AND ORDER FORM Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. Primate 25 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE The Right Reverend Bishop ANTOUN 28 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION The Right Reverend Bishop JOSEPH The Right Reverend 34 MISSIONS INSTITUTE ESTABLISHED Bishop BASIL AT HELLENIC COLLEGE/HOLY CROSS The Right Reverend by Fr. Luke A. Veronis Bishop THOMAS The Right Reverend 35 THE ORTHODOX WORLD Bishop MARK The Right Reverend 39 THE PEOPLE SPEAK … Bishop ALEXANDER Founded in Arabic as Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) Founded in English as The WORD in 1957 by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min. Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full name and Ronald Nicola parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by the local Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All submissions, in The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. Design Director Donna Griffi n Albert Member ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: The Associated Church Press U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Conciliar Press Foreign Countries, $26.00 Ecumenical News International Single Copies, $3.00 Orthodox Press Service The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Editorial Offi ce: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain The WORD Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631- 635 Miranda Drive 5238 and at additional mailing offi ces. Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Postmaster send address changes to: The WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box e-mail: [email protected] 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 FAX: 1-412-831-5554 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. Subscription Offi ce: 358 Mountain Road Canada Post Publications Agreement No. 40691029 PO Box 5238 Return Canada address to: Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 AIM, 7289 Torbram Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8, Canada. Name of article editor’s letter Bishop ANTOUN Fifty Years of Priesthood I have fond memories from my My next memories of Fr. Antoun came from my seminary days when youth of Fr. Antoun, the priest who Father came to the seminary to teach Antiochian Liturgical Prac- traveled with the Metropolitan. tices and take care of the seminarians. He was very interested in Fr. Antoun had a special smile, and knowing who missed Arabic class with Bishop Elia and who missed music with Dr. like most of us children, seemed Kazan. He was very practical in his instruction and shared a lot of parish wisdom. He showed us to have a hard time sitting still. He how to be a priest and modeled problem-solving skills. The non-Antiochian seminarians were seemed to love to interact with us, drawn to him and came to know him as a kind, gentle and patient man. They often took advan- tell us stories, and ask us tage of his presence there as he walked around the campus and shared himself. At that time he questions. We knew he cared about seemed to hold the Archdiocese together. He was in the midst of everything and never had a us. He was fun to have visit. I minute to sit still. Fr. Antoun was installed as Dean of St. Nicho- wondered what his life must have las Cathedral on the day that I was ordained to been like, visiting from parish to the diaconate. He lovingly and gently guided me around the altar, and showed great compas- parish, listening to everybody’s sion and patience for me as a new deacon. This warmth and gentleness was not unusual for this problems and never getting to complex man of God who often was called to problem-solve the most diffi cult cases. On the sleep in his own bed. He told us day of his own installation as Dean, he held everything together for everyone. Like every other stories of lousy pillows in day, he didn’t have even a minute to sit nice hotels. He got still. Bishop us to sing jingles ANTOUN was born and songs. Antoun Yssa Khouri on January 17, 1931,

The Word 3 Editorial

mmade an Archimandrite by Metropolitan PHILIP ((S(Saliba) on August 3, 1969. Bishop ANTOUN was consecrated to the holy in Damascus, Syria. At the age of fourteen he episcopacy on January 9, 1983, at the Cathedral entered Minor Seminary at Balamand Monastery of St. Nicholas in Brooklyn, where he served in Lebanon, where he met and befriended Philip as pastor. His consecrating bishops included Saliba, the future Metropolitan of North America. Metropolitan PHILIP. He became a diocesan bish- He received his diploma in theology from the op on October 9, 2003, and currently bears the Balamand Seminary. title Bishop of Miami and Assistant to the Metro- Bishop ANTOUN has served as a beloved pas- politan. tor and educator in many settings, including St. We celebrate ﬁ fty years of Bishop ANTOUN’s Vladimir Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, New priesthood, or rather Christ’s priesthood lived in York; St. George Church in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- Bishop ANTOUN. He helped so many gain insights vania; St. George Church in Toronto, Ontario; St. into the service of the Church in North America. George Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and He is a teacher among the teachers. He has been St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. a priest to the priests, and a friend, mentor or On October 28, 1951, Antoun was ordained a father to almost everyone who has served in our deacon by Patriarch ALEXANDER III at the Pa- Archdiocese over the past ﬁ fty years. I thank God triarchal Cathedral of the Dormition of the The- for the life and ministry of Bishop ANTOUN. He otokos in Damascus. Upon graduation from As- has always been so alive in Christ that he has siyat Orthodox College in 1957, he was assigned never been able to sit still. He works seemingly to the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Brazil. tirelessly and with the fervor of the Holy Spirit. In 1959 he came to the United States to pursue a Join me in asking for God’s blessings upon this Master of Divinity degree at St. Vladimir Ortho- beloved hierarch of the Church. dox Seminary, from which he graduated in 1962. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1960, by Metropolitan Antony BASHIR, and was Archimandrite John Abdalah

4 The Word Peacemakers Iconographer Linda Haddad is a member of St. Luke mission in Abilene, TX. Her website is: www.byzantineicons-lindahaddad.com Seeking the Peace from Above Peacemaking and Confl ict-Resolution in the Church The very words of Christ Himself proclaim, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God,” but all too often we see the very children of the Church embroiled in destructive confl ict and controversy. Who has not been to a Parish Council meeting or an Annual Parish Assembly where there has been confl ict or controversy? Who has not experienced strong differences of opinions within families or with siblings? Who cannot say that they know people who have gone through messy divorces in their Church communities? As a matter of fact, a cottage industry has emerged on the Internet now populated with numerous websites and blogs specifi - cally dedicated to exploring the question of just how we are dealing

The Word 5 Peacemakers

with confl ict in the Church. Perhaps one might strate forgiveness and encourage a reason- conclude generally that confl ict is “normal” to able solution to this confl ict? the human condition, and, by extension, to the Church, and we just have to do our best to survive Furthermore, Christ provides us with clear it. But the reality is that, all too often, confl ict guidance on this issue. During His earthly minis- leaves in its wake a myriad of severed relation- try, a young man approached Him and asked Him ships and broken ties that ultimately do harm to to settle a confl ict with his brother, a legitimate the very members of the Church that produce it. concern of inheritance governed by the tradition The truth is that, as a result of most confl ict, the of sibling position at that time. Instead of enter- members of that body are left reeling, wounded ing into negotiations and rendering a decision as and scarred on the fl oor of the arena of differing would a judge, however, our Lord points to what opinions. seems to be the underlying issue: he warns the Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could sim- young man, “Take heed and beware of all covet- ply decide to respond to confl ict in a gracious and ousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the constructive way? Wouldn’t it be magnifi cent if, abundance of his possessions.” Christ then goes … confl ict is not something to be every time there was a difference of opinion in the on to illustrate this truth in the parable of the rich avoided or Church or in any of our relationships, it could be fool (Luke 12:13–21). suppressed, but worked out in a way that builds the relationship, Often, when faced with confl ict, we focus on … an opportunity rather than tearing it down? What I would like to what the other person has done wrong or should for ministry suggest in this article is that confl ict is not some- do to make things right. In contrast, Scripture thing to be avoided or suppressed, but that it is and the tradition of the Church call us to focus an opportunity for ministry. Yes! Let me say that primarily on what is going on in our hearts when again – confl ict can be an opportunity to minister we are at odds with another. Just as we say in to each other and, through that ministry, glorify the Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, we God in the process. We have the opportunity to ask that we may fi rst “see our own sins and not harness the transformative power of confl ict for to judge my brother.” Why? Because according growth and healthy change. This is no easy task, to Scripture our heart is the wellspring of con- however, as evidenced by the many missed op- fl icts. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, portunities within our church families. To break murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, free from a pattern of destructive behavior, we false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). The need to understand the way we react to confl ict heart’s central role in confl ict is vividly described and the dynamics it produces, and get to the bot- in the epistle of James. If we can understand this, tom of the issue that fuels the fi re of destructive we will have found a key to preventing and resolv- confl ict. ing confl ict in most of our relationships. What In his book The Peacemaker: A Biblical causes wars, and what causes fi ghts among Guide to Resolving Personal Confl ict, Ken you? Is it not your passions that are at war in Sande summarizes what God teaches about re- your members? [or your bodily parts]. You de- solving confl ict in four principles, which he refers sire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet to as “The Four G’s”: and cannot obtain; so you fi ght and wage war (James 4:1). • Glorify God – How can I honor God in this This passage hints at the underlying cause situation, and how can I witness to what he of destructive confl ict: confl icts arise from un- has done? met desires within what the patristic or Neptic • Get the log out of your eye – How have Fathers of the Church call the heart. When Holy I contributed to this confl ict and what do I Scripture and the Fathers speak of the heart, they need to do to resolve it? mean both the spiritual and the physical heart • Gently restore – How can I help others to (Vlachos, Hierotheos, Orthodox Psychotherapy, understand how they have contributed to this tr. Williams, Birth of the Theotokos Monastery, confl ict? Greece, 1994). This is the place reserved for the • Go and be reconciled – How can I demon- contemplation of God, the center of our being

6 The Word where we have communion and union with God. When something earthly replaces that desire for God we have what we know to be simply idolatry. When we feel we cannot be satisfi ed unless we have something we want or think we need, the desire then turns into a demand, and an idol always demands sacrifi ce. If someone fails to meet that desire, we judge him or her in our hearts and a fi ght ensues to get our way. In short, confl ict arises when desires grow into demands and we judge and punish those who oppose our view. Let us look at this process one step at a time. The Four Stages of Idolatry Stage 1: “I Desire”

Confl ict always begins with some kind of desire. Stage 2: “I Demand” Some desires are categorically evil, according to Scripture, such as sinful desires like vengeance, Unmet desires have the potential to work lust, or greed. Many desires, of course, are not deeper and deeper into our hearts. This is espe- wrong in and of themselves. For example, there cially true when we come to see the object of our is nothing essentially wrong about desiring things desire as something we need, or even deserve, like peace and quiet, or a clean home, an intimate and therefore must have, in order to be happy or relationship with your spouse, or children who fulfi lled. There are many ways we justify and le- are respectful and well-behaved. If a good and gitimize a desire. For example: holy desire, such as wanting an intimate relationship with your spouse, is not being met, it is per- • “I work hard all week. Don’t I deserve a little fectly legitimate to talk about it with your spouse. peace and quiet when I come home?” As you talk, you may discover mutually benefi cial • “I worked two jobs to put you through school; ways that each of you can serve the other. If not, I deserve your respect and attention.” it may be appropriate to seek professional help • “I spend hours managing the family budget; from a licensed marital therapist, who can help I deserve a new car.” you understand your differences and strengthen • “My family has been in this Church for gen- your marriage. What if your spouse persistently erations and we deserve to be recognized.” fails to meet a particular desire and is unwilling • “I have given a lot of money to this church, to discuss it further with you or anyone else? This so you better listen to what I have to say.” is where the rubber meets the road. It is here that • “Scripture says a husband and wife should confl ict, if understood correctly and not avoided, be one fl esh. I need to have more intimacy can be an opening for growth and change. You can with you.” trust that there is something deeper that you need • “I only want what God commands: children to address within yourself, and you can continue who respect and honor their parents.” to love your spouse and pray for God to work in his or her life. Alternatively, you can dwell on your There is an element of truth in each of these disappointment and allow it to control your life. statements. The trouble is that, if our desires are At the very least, this will mean self-pity and bit- not met, these attitudes can quickly lead to a de- terness toward your spouse. At the worst, it can structive sense of entitlement. The more we want destroy your marriage. Let us look at how this something, the more we think of it as something downward spiral evolves. we need and deserve. And the more we think we are entitled to it, the more convinced we are that we cannot be happy or secure without it; this is the

The Word 7 3:19). The reality is that every sincere Christian must struggle with idolatry. We may believe in God and profess the Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan Creed, but at times we allow other infl uences to rule us and direct our lives. In this sense we are no different from the ancient Israelites: “So these nations feared the LORD, and also served their idols; their children likewise, and their children’s children – as their fathers did, so they do to this day” (2 Kings 17:41). Idols can arise from good desires as well as evil desires. It is often not what we want that is the problem, but that we want it too much. For example, it is not unreasonable for a man to want a passionate relationship with his wife, or for a wife to want open and honest communication with her husband, or for either of them to want fi nancial stability. These are good desires, but if they turn into demands that must be met in order for either spouse to be satisfi ed and fulfi lled, they produce bitterness, resentment and self-pity that can destroy a marriage. The question then arises, how can you discern when a good desire might be turning into a sinful demand? You can begin by looking inward in self-refl ection and asking yourself these questions that reveal the true condition of your heart:

• What am I preoccupied with? What is the

Iconographer Linda Haddad is a member of St. Luke mission in Abilene, TX. Her website is: www.byzantineicons-lindahaddad.com fi rst thing on my mind in the morning and “The Lord is normal progression of idolatry. When we see our the last thing on my mind at night? compassionate and object of desire as essential to our fulfi llment and • How would I complete this statement: “If I gracious, slow to well-being, it grows from a desire into a demand. only had ______, then I would be happy.” anger, abounding “I wish I could have this” becomes “I must have • What do I want to preserve or avoid? • Where do I put my trust and what do I fear? in steadfast love” this!” This is where confl icts arise. Even if the • When a certain desire is not met, do I feel (Psalm 103:8) initial desire was not inherently wrong, it grows so strong that it begins to control our thoughts frustration, anxiety, resentment, bitterness, and affect our behavior. In scriptural terms, it has anger, or depression? become an “idol.” Most of us think of an idol as • Is there something I desire so much that I a statue of wood, stone, or metal, worshiped by am willing to disappoint or hurt others in or- pagans of old, but the concept is much greater der to have it? and far more personal. An idol is anything apart from God that we depend on to be happy, fulfi lled, As we search our heart for idols, we often en- or secure. According to Scripture, it is something counter multiple layers of concealment, confu- other than God that we set our heart on (Luke sion, and justifi cation. As mentioned earlier, one 12:29), that motivates us (1 Corinthians 4:5), of the most subtle mistakes is to argue that we that rules us (Psalm 119:133; Ephesians 5:5), or want things that are in themselves good and holy. that we trust, fear, or serve (Isaiah 42:17; Mat- For example, a mother may desire that her chil- thew 6:24; Luke 12:4–5). In short, it is something dren be respectful and obedient to her and kind we love and pursue in place of God (Philippians to one another. But when they do not fulfi ll these

8 The Word Peacemakers goals, even after her repeated encouragement he who is able to save and to destroy. But who or correction, she may feel frustrated, angry, or are you that you judge your neighbor?” (James resentful. She needs to ask herself, “Why am I 4:12). In this sense we commit the sin of Luci- feeling this way? Is it a righteous anger that fer; we covet the throne of God. In judging we act or is it a selfi sh anger?” In most cases, it will like the Adversary who seeks to usurp God’s com- be a mixture of both. Part of her truly wants to mand and who acts as the accuser. When people see her children grow in the image of God, but fi ght, their minds become fi lled with accusations: another part of her is motivated by a desire for the wrongs committed and the rights neglected. her own comfort and convenience. The question When we fi ght we play the self-righteous judge in then becomes, which desire is really controlling the mini-kingdoms we establish, whether in our her heart? families, our workplace or in our churches. When If the God-centered desire is dominating the we judge others and condemn them in our hearts mother’s heart, her response to disobedient chil- for not meeting our desires, we are imitating the dren would be similar to God’s discipline of us. Devil rather than imitating Christ. In actuality we “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow have doubled our idolatry problem: not only have to anger, abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm we let an idolatrous desire rule our hearts, but we Another sign of 103:8). As she imitates God’s love for us, her re- have also set ourselves up as demi-gods; this is idolatry is the in- sponse will line up with Galatians 6:1: “If some- the formula for destructive confl ict. clination to judge. one is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual This is not to say that it is inherently wrong to When people should restore him gently. But watch yourself, evaluate or even judge others within certain lim- fail to satisfy our desires and live or you also may be tempted.” In other words, its. Scripture teaches that we should observe and up to our expec- although her discipline may be direct and fi rm, it evaluate others’ behavior so that we can respond tations, we tend will be wrapped in gentleness and love, and leave and minister to them in appropriate ways, which to criticize and no residue of resentment. may even involve gentle confrontation (see Mat- condemn them in On the other hand, if her desire for comfort thew 7:1-5; 18:15; Galatians 6:1). But we cross our hearts, if not with our words. and convenience has become an idol, her reaction the line, when we begin to judge others, which to her children will be much different. It will be is generally characterized by a feeling of superi- characterized by harsh anger as well as unnec- ority, indignation, condemnation, bitterness, or essarily hurtful words or discipline. She may feel resentment. Sinful judging often involves specu- bitterness or resentment that her desires have lating on others’ motives. Most of all, it reveals a been frustrated. And even after disciplining her self-centered love for ourselves and the absence children, she may maintain a lingering coolness of a genuine love and concern toward others. or a distance toward them that extends their pun- When these attitudes are present, our judging ishment and warns them not to cross her again. has crossed the line and we are playing God. To If this latter group of attitudes and actions fre- make things worse, the closer we are to others, quently characterizes her response, it is a sign the more we expect of them and the more likely that her desire for godly children has probably we are to judge them when they fail to meet our evolved into an idolatrous demand. expectations. For example, we may look at our spouse and think, “If you really love me, you Stage 3: “I Judge” above all people will help meet this need.” Or we look to our children and say, “After all I’ve Another sign of idolatry is the inclination to done for you, you owe this to me.” We can place judge. When people fail to satisfy our desires and similar expectations on relatives, close friends, or live up to our expectations, we tend to criticize members of our church. Expectations are not in- and condemn them in our hearts, if not with our herently bad. It is good to hope for the best in oth- words. The truth is that, when we judge others – ers and reasonable to anticipate receiving under- criticize, nit-pick, nag, attack, condemn – we are standing and support from those who are closest literally acting like God, we are sitting in the judg- to us. But if we are not careful, these expectations ment seat reserved only for Him. Scripture tells can become conditions and standards that we use us clearly that “there is one lawgiver and judge, to judge others. Instead of giving people room for

The Word 9 Peacemakers

independence, disagreement, or failure, we rig- what I want, or you will suffer.” In reality, such idly impose our expectations on them. In effect, behavior is an act of unbelief: instead of relying we expect them to give allegiance to our idols. on God, people depend on themselves. Infl icting When they refuse to do so, we condemn them in pain on others is one of the surest signs that an our hearts and with our words, and our confl icts idol is ruling our hearts (see James 4:1-3). When with them take on a heightened intensity. we catch ourselves punishing others in any way, whether deliberately and overtly or unconsciously Stage 4: “I Punish” and subtly, it is a warning that something other than God rules our hearts, for as we hear in the Idols always demand sacrifi ces. When oth- Psalms, “thou hast no delight in sacrifi ce; were ers fail to satisfy our demands and expectations, I to give a burnt offering, thou wouldst not be our idols demand that they should pay for their pleased. The sacrifi ce acceptable to God is a disobedience on their altar. Whether deliberately broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O or unconsciously, we fi nd ways to hurt or pun- God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 50:16). ish people who refuse to gratify our desires. This punishment can take many forms. Sometimes we The Cure for an Idolatrous Heart react in aggressive, overt anger, lashing out with hurtful words to infl ict pain on those who fail to As we have seen, an idol is any desire that has meet our expectations. When we do so, we essen- grown into a demand; it is something we think tially place others on the altar and sacrifi ce them, we must have to be happy, fulfi lled, or secure. not with a pagan knife, but with our very words. To put it another way, it is something we love, Only if they give in to our desire and give us fear, or have faith in. Love, fear, faith – aren’t what we demand will we stop infl icting pain upon these the words of worship? In the Divine Litur- them. People punish those who don’t bow to their gy we recall the words, “with fear of God, faith, idols in numerous other ways as well. Our chil- and love, draw near,” at the very moment we dren may use pouting, stomping, or dirty looks to are to receive the very Body and Blood of our hurt us for not meeting their desires. Adults and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Holy Scripture children alike may impose guilt or shame on oth- we are commanded to love God, fear God, and ers by walking around with pained looks on their have faith in God (Matthew 22:37; Luke 12:4–5; faces. We often withhold our stewardship from John 14:1). So, any time we long for something the Church to punish and impose our desire on other than God, fear something more than God, the community. Some people even resort to physi- or trust in something other than God to make us cal violence or sexual abuse to punish and control happy, fulfi lled, or secure, we are actually engag- others. ing in the worship of false gods. As a result of As we grow in the awareness of our sin, most our idolatry, like most of humanity we actually of us recognize and reject overt and obviously sin- merit the judgment and wrath of the true God. ful means of punishing others. But our idols do There is a way, however, out of this bondage and not give up their infl uence easily, and they often judgment: it is to look to God Himself, who loves lead us to develop more subtle means of punish- and delivers His people from their idols. God has ing those who do not serve them. Withdrawal provided the cure for our idolatry by sending His from a relationship is a common way to hurt oth- Son to free mankind from the bondage of sin and ers. This may include a giving someone the cold death. Through Christ we fi nd freedom from sin shoulder or withholding affection or physical con- and from idolatry as St Paul tells us, “There is tact, refusing to look someone in the eyes, ignor- therefore now no condemnation for those who ing phone calls, or even abandoning the relation- are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit ship altogether. Sending subtle, unpleasant cues of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the over a long period of time is an age-old method law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). of infl icting punishment. Often our Churches and Not only have we been freed from sin and our family relationships are fi lled with such be- death, as we recently proclaimed Christ, tram- havior; the attitude is “Either get in line with pling down Death by [His] Death, but we have

10 The Word also been freed from the specifi c, day-to-day idols that consume us, control us, and cause confl ict with those around us. Our deliverance, however, is not experienced once and for all time, with all our idols being swept away in one great spiritual experience. Instead, we are called to identify and confess our idols one by one. Essentially this is at the heart of the Sacrament of Confession. To receive forgiveness from God and freedom from sin, we must acknowledge our sins and repent (see Acts 3:19). When we do, we are no longer under God’s judgment. Instead, we are by adop- tion his children and heirs of the Kingdom (Gala- tians 4:4–7). This is the good news of the Gospel – forgiveness and eternal life through our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ! In the Sacrament of Confession we are called to the self-examination of our very heart before the Icon of Christ on the iconostasis in a regular ascetical practice of clearing out the idols within our hearts. Once they are clearly identifi ed with the help of the priest, we are called to lay them before the Lord and to cooperate with Him as He removes them from our hearts. It is through the ministry given by Christ to the apostles in the au- thority to loose sins that we fi nd the real freedom from our many idols. In preparation for the Sacrament of Confession it is advisable to engage in some form of self-ex- Iconographer Linda Haddad is a member of St. Luke mission in Abilene, TX. Her website is: www.byzantineicons-lindahaddad.com amination to prime the discovery of idols that rule • If you are dealing with an idol that is par- “There is therefore your heart. This process involves a few key steps. ticular diffi cult to identify or conquer, do not now no condem- hesitate to seek specifi c treatment from a nation for those • Prayerfully ask yourself the questions listed licensed professional or appropriate Group who are in Christ previously, which will help you discern the (AA, SA, NA etc.) for assistance. Jesus. For the law desires that have come to rule your heart. of the Spirit of life If someone told you that you had a deadly can- • Keep track of your discoveries in a journal in Christ Jesus has cer that would take your life if you did not get so that you can identify patterns and steadily set me free from treatment, you would probably spare no effort go after specifi c idols. the law of sin and or expense in pursuing the most rigorous treat- • Describe your idols in detail to your Spiritual death” (Romans ment available. Well, as human beings living in Father, to your spouse or to an accountabil- 8:1-2). ity partner, and ask them to pray for you and this fallen world, we do have a cancer, a cancer of confront you when they see signs that the the soul. It is called sin and idolatry. But there is idol is still controlling you. a cure. And it has been given to us freely on the • Realize that idols are masters of change and Cross of Christ. This cure is administered through disguise. As soon as you gain a victory over the Word, the Spirit, and the Church. The more a particular sinful desire, your idol is likely rigorously you avail yourself of these means of to reappear in a related form, with a redi- grace, the greater the effect they will have in de- rected desire and more subtle means of at- livering you from the idols that plague your soul. tracting your attention.

The Word 11 Peacemakers

Replace Idol Worship with Worship • Love God. Desire the One who forgives us of the True God instead of looking to other things that cannot save. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your Ultimately, idolatry is what we do when we are God with all your heart and with all your not fully satisfi ed in God. In other words, if we soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew are not fulfi lled and secure in God, we will inevita- 22:37). “Seek fi rst His kingdom and His bly seek other sources of happiness and security. righteousness, and all these things will be Therefore, if we want to eliminate the idols from given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). our heart and leave no room for them to return, • Have Faith in God. “It is better to take we must make it a top priority to pursue aggres- refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” sively an all-consuming worship of the living God. (Psalm 118:8). “Trust in the LORD with all Ask Him to teach you how to love, fear, and have your heart and lean not on your own un- faith in Him more than anything else in this fallen derstanding” (Proverbs 3:5). world. Replacing idol worship with worship of the true God involves several steps: As these passages indicate, God has designed a wonderful cycle for those who want to worship • Repent before God. When we repent and Him above all things. As you love, praise, give confess our sins before God and the Priest thanks, and delight in God, you will feel less need we confess our faith in Christ. Repentance to fi nd happiness, fulfi llment, and security in the and confession of our faith in the true God things of this world. By God’s grace, the infl u- is true worship (1 John 1:8–10). “The sac- ence of idolatry and confl ict in your family can be rifi ces of God are a broken spirit; a bro- steadily diminished, and you and your family can ken and contrite heart, O God, you will enjoy the intimacy and security that come from not despise” (Psalm 50:17; see also Isaiah worshiping the one true God. 66:2b). • Fear God. Stand in awe of the true God Fr. John Mefrige when you are tempted to fear others or are Fr. John Mefrige has both theological and psychologi- afraid of losing something precious. “The cal training, holding a Master of Divinity degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and a Master fear of the LORD is the beginning of [all of Science degree in Marital and Family Therapy (MS MFT) wisdom]” (Proverbs 1:7). “Do not be afraid from Fuller Theological Seminary. Presently he is also pursuing his Doctorate in Ethics and Christian Peacemaking. of those who kill the body but cannot kill He is the founding priest and Proistamenos at St. Ephraim the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who the Syrian Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Antonio, Texas (www.saintephraim.com), he serves as chaplain to can destroy both soul and body in hell” the San Antonio Police department, and he is the Founder (Matthew 10:28). of the Coalition of Orthodox Peacemakers.

Visit www.antiochian.org/conventions to register for the 2010 Diocesan Parish Life Conferences Name of article

The Transﬁ guration on Tabor: A Vision of a Vision

The Transﬁ guration is at the very heart of Chris- tian theology, irresistibly commanding the gaze of the iconographer, the ready pen of the hym- nographer, the amazing tales of the hagiogra- pher, and constituting, one can say, the focal point of the Orthodox Church’s “mystical theology.” Much of early Christian exegesis uses the Transﬁ guration account as a springboard for spiritual rumination.

Thus the glory of the Transfi guration discloses Christ’s divine identity, so that even when we behold the Crucifi ed One we should not forget that He is the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8); moreover, as its hymnographic and iconographic Moses with the the luminous vestments of the Lord represent the Lord on Tabor, at reception attests, this interpretation enjoyed un- many layers of his divine and human reality, as the Transfi guration. surpassed popularity during the fi rst Christian Icon by Theophanes disclosed to us in the many layers of the Scrip- millennium. the Greek, late 14th tures; the blinding appearance of the Transfi g- century; Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. ured One sets before us the image of our glorifi ed The Vision on Tabor and the Vision state in the age to come; the Taboric light is the on Sinai deifying divine energy, that is, God-as-He-mani- fests-Himself. This approach, exemplifi ed by Ori- The connection between Tabor and Sinai is fi rst gen, St. Maximus the Confessor, or St. Gregory and foremost suggested by the very readings as- Palamas, is generally well-known. Indeed, many signed for the Vespers of the Transfi guration. To scholars (and many Orthodox theologians among understand Christ’s appearance on Tabor, we read them) have discussed the rich “reception history” from Exodus 24 (the appearance of the Lord to the that the Transfi guration account has had in patris- seventy elders on Sinai), Exodus 33 (of which more tic literature, East and West. presently), and 3 Kingdoms/ 1 Kings 19 (Prophet In what follows I will point to another strand Elijah’s vision on the Mountain of the Law). of interpretation, which is much less explored In Exodus 33, in response to Moses’ request in scholarship and somewhat muted in Church to see the divine glory more intimately, God states preaching. According to St. Irenaeus of Lyon, that He will indeed manifest Himself to his proph- Tertullian, St. Anastasius the Sinaite, and the Byz- et by parading in his glory, by proclaiming the di- antine hymnographic tradition, the Transfi gura- vine name, and by showing Moses His back parts. tion account set forth in the Gospel of Matthew But God insists on the impossibility of a more is not only a “vision” (Matthew 17:9) that the dis- complete revelation: “You shall not be able to see ciples have of Christ, but, so to speak, a vision of my Face, for no man shall see my Face and live …. a vision: a vision granted to Moses and Elijah, wit- You shall see my hind parts; but my Face will not nessed by the disciples. This interpretation is an- appear to you (Exodus 33:20, 23). Some early cient, going back to at least the second century; Christians interpreted this to mean that the vision

The Word 13 The Transﬁ guration

face to face, refused Now I have seen You, The-One-Who-Truly-Is to Moses, was being …. You that said on the mountain, “I am He- postponed for a later Who-Is” [Exodus 3:14] .… I have seen You, time. The great theo- whom of old I desired to see, saying, “show logian of the second Yourself clearly to me” …. I have seen You, no century, for instance, longer as you revealed Your back and turned St. Irenaeus of Lyon, me away on the rock of Sinai, but as made writes in his treatise visible to me clearly on the rock of Tabor. Against Heresies 4.20.9: The same view is echoed by St. John of Damas- cus, whose compositions remain, to this day, part [The passage in Exo- of the offi cial Transfi guration hymnography of the dus 33] signifi es two Orthodox Church: things, namely that it is impossible for man He who once spoke through symbols to Mo- to see God, and that ses on Mount Sinai, saying, “I am He-who-is” Moses with the Lord on Sinai, receiving man will see Him in the latter times on the [Exodus 3:14] was transfi gured today upon the Law. Winchester summit of the rock, thanks to God’s Wisdom: Mount Tabor before the disciples . . . (Great Bible folio 5r, 12th century; Photo by Dr. that is in His coming as man. And it is for Vespers of Transfi guration, Apostichon); John Crook, Win- this reason that he conferred with him face to chester Cathedral. face on the top of the mountain [at Transfi gu- You were seen by Moses on the mountain of ration], while Elijah was also present (as the the Law and again on Tabor; formerly in the Gospel relates), thus fulfi lling in the end the darkness but now in the unapproachable light ancient promise. of Godhead (Second Canon of Transfi guration: Ode 1, Sticheron 3). For Tertullian also (Against Praxeas 14.7), who writes a few decades later, a more perfect vision The Vision of “He-Who-Is” of the Face of God – that is, of the Son – than was It is quite obvious, from the texts surveyed available on Sinai was reserved for Moses’ vision so far, that an important segment of patristic on Tabor: and Byzantine exegesis regards the Transfi guration not only as a vision that the disciples have He reserves to some future time his presence of Christ, but, so to speak, as a vision of a vi- and speech face to face with Moses – for this sion: a vision that the disciples have of Moses and was afterwards fulfi lled in the retirement of Elijah gazing on the transfi gured Jesus, because the mount [of Transfi guration], as we read they have gazed upon the same “Lord” before, on in the Gospel, “Moses appeared, talking with Sinai. This manner of reading the divine manifes- him.” tation at Sinai was absorbed into Byzantine festal hymnography, thus becoming widespread and This type of exegetical linking of Sinai and Ta- theologically normative. For instance, the hym- bor carries on in later orations and hymns of nography of the Meeting (or Presentation) of the the Transfi guration. St. Anastasius of Sinai, the Lord, which we celebrate on February 2, is replete seventh-century holy abbot of Saint Catherine’s with statements about how the very Lawgiver, the Monastery on Sinai, exploits the occurrence of One who thundered on Sinai, is now brought to “vision” in the Transfi guration account (Matthew the Temple: 17:9) and “great vision” at the burning bush (Exo- dus 3:3), and then very explicitly identifi es Christ Today Simeon takes in his arms the Lord of as the subject of both the revelation at Sinai and Glory whom Moses saw of old in the dark- of that at Tabor: ness, when on Mount Sinai he received the tables of the Law (Presentation of the Lord: Sticheron at the Litya);

14 The Word Name of article

Receive, O Simeon, Him whom Moses once of the baby in the arms of the Theotokos, or the beheld in darkness, granting the Law on Si- Lord as Teacher, or the Crucifi ed, Risen, or Trans- nai, and who has now become a baby sub- fi gured One. “He-Who-Is” (or, in a less felicitous ject to the Law; yet this is the One who spoke rendering, “The Existing One”), Christ our Lord,” through the law! (Great Vespers of the Pre- is precisely what we hear the priest proclaim at sentation: Sticheron at Lord I have cried); the closing of Vespers. It is this identifi cation, after all, that lends weight to the earliest Christo- The Ancient of Days, who in times past gave logical proclamation: Jesus is “Lord”! Moses the Law on Sinai, appears this day as a baby. As Maker of the Law, He fulfi lls the Hymns Are Theology Law, and according to the Law He is brought The hymns of the Church anchor all of us in into the temple (Great Vespers of the Presen- the living experience of Israel’s walk with the tation: Sticheron at the Litya). God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Lawgiver and “God of our fathers” – the same one whom We see the same perspective in the hymns cel- the hymns proclaim as Jesus Christ, the Lord. ebrating the Jordan Baptism. The Baptist is petri- There is no need to argue for the importance of fi ed with fear, because it is no less than the “Lord” the hymns in Christian devotion – this is quite revealed to Moses on Sinai who now condescends self-evident. But it is worth repeating that, in the to be baptized: Orthodox Church, hymnography can never be iso- lated from doctrinal inquiry: hymns are theology, Moses, when he came upon You, displayed the and they ought to be taken seriously by all who holy reverence that he felt: perceiving that it wish to acquire the mind of the Church. They are was Your voice that spoke from the bush, he bearers of an elaborate Christology, which essen- forthwith turned away his gaze [Exodus 3:6]. tially proclaims the same mystery of Christ that How then shall I behold You openly? How the ecumenical councils sought to defend, yet in shall I lay my hand upon You? (First Canon of a language very different from that of conciliar Theophany: Ode 4 Sticheron); defi nitions. Learning theology from the hymns not only If I baptize You, I shall have as my accusers teaches us but also shapes our religious aware- the mountain that smoked with fi re [Exodus ness. The Troparion of the Transfi guration – “ You 19:18], the sea which fl ed on either side, and were transfi gured on the mountain, O Christ God, this same Jordan which turned back [Psalm revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as 113/114:5] (First Canon of Theophany: Ode they could bear it. Let Your everlasting Light also 4 Sticheron). shine upon us sinners …” – is not about some

past event, but about the “body of the Lord” that This is surely not a marginal strand of interpreta- we must learn to discern (1 Corinthians 11:17) tion: none of the Fathers has been read so exten- when called to approach the chalice “with fear of sively as these hymns have been (and continue God, faith, and love.” We are called to draw near to be) chanted, listened to, and called to mind by the Lord, the very Lord who spoke on Sinai, so believers from almost all times and places, and that we may partake of the same vision as Moses, with such unconditional acceptance. What is the Apostles, and all the saints, and join in their more, the witness of the hymns is conﬁ rmed by confession: we have seen the true light, we have that of the icons, which often depict Moses on received the heavenly Kingdom! Sinai receiving the Law from the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ! Bogdan Gabriel Bucur is a member of the community In short, the message seems to be the same at St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh. He is also an assistant professor of Theology at Duquesne University, as that of the hymns: Moses appears with Jesus where he teaches Bible and Patristics. on Tabor because He-Who-Is revealed Himself on Sinai! “He-Who-Is,” the self-designation of God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14), is precisely the “deﬁ nition” given of Christ in all icons – be it

The Word 15 The Study of Byzantine Interested in Studying Orthodox Theology? Music, Part of the Unable To Attend a Seminary Or Theological School? St. Stephen’s Course The St. Stephen’s of Studies Course of Studies The “Byzantine Musicology Concentration” and its components, part of the St. Stephen’s Di- in Orthodox Theology ploma Program, are designed to afford the stu- Is Your Answer. dent an understanding of the many factors that contributed to the development of Byzantine music/hymnography, and of the theological/liturgi- Besides our theological program, we now cal implications of the evolution of this art form. offer three new specialization tracks: Students are also instructed in the art or craft of Youth Ministry, Musicology and Iconology Psaltic performance, using liturgical resources These tracks are offered in a distinct available in English and preparing them for the Orthodox and Byzantine setting. practical application of these studies in their roles St. Stephen’s Course, a three-year, as chanters and as teachers of the Psaltic Art. directed-reading program under the auspices To achieve these instructional goals, students of the Antiochian House of Studies, will complete guided readings and participate in is open to both men and women. integrated listening, web-based audio/visual con- ferencing (including podcast lessons) and inten- For information and catalogue, sive music instruction in Psaltic performance, contact The St. Stephen’s Course of Studies during the residency programs, reading periods 385 Ivy Lane, Bergenfi eld, NJ 07621 and service projects. E-Mail: [email protected] Upon successful completion of the program Telephone: 201-569-0095 the graduate will receive a diploma. Following this, the student may wish to pursue the Master Please send me further information and of Arts Program in Applied Orthodox Theology, application forms for which adds a research component to the work al- The St. Stephen’s Course of Studies in ready done for the diploma. This component is Orthodox Theology the composition of a fi fty-page thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Masters degrees are awarded through the Saint John of Damascus School of Theology of Balamand University, Leb- anon, which is under the auspices of the Greek (Please print) Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. This degree program is accredited through the Department of Education of the Republic of Lebanon. Name:______The next reading session begins October 1. Address:______Anyone interested can write for a complete cata- log by contacting City:______State:____Zip:___ The St. Stephen’s Course of Studies E-mail:______Antiochian House of Studies Attention: Registrar Telephone:______385 Ivy Lane Bergenfi eld, NJ 07621-4598 Telephone: 201-569-0095

16 The Word

THE SELF-RULED ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESEName of article PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT 358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 Phone: 201-871-1355 Fax: 201-871-1709 Book List & Order Form 2010-2011 JUNE 2010 ORDER FORM JUNE 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: CHURCH SCHOOL MATERIALS PRESCHOOL The Wonder of it All (Student) $ 7.50 The Wonder of it All (Teacher) 8.50 God, My Friends, and Me (Student) 7.00 God, My Friends, and Me (Teacher) 11.95 KINDERGARTEN Together with God (Student) 10.00 Together with God (Teacher) 12.00 Birth of Jesus (Picto-graph) 11.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE ONE God Loves Us (Student) 8.95 God Loves Us (Teacher) 13.95 Lenten Lotto 3.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Packages, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE TWO New Life in Jesus (Student) 8.95 New Life in Jesus (Teacher) 15.95 Making Things Right (Student) 5.95 Making Things Right (Activity Packet) 3.95 Making Things Right (Teacher) 10.95 God is With Us (Teacher/Parent) 8.00 We Return to God (Teacher/Parent) 2.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE THREE New Life in the Church (Student) 8.00 New Life in the Church (Teacher) 9.95 We Worship God in Church (Student) 7.50 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE We Worship God in Church (Teacher) 8.00 The Icon Book (Student) 8.00 Forty Saints Text Book (Teacher Manual) 4.00 Forty Saints Coloring Book (Student) 4.00 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE FOUR Jesus, The Promise of God (Student) 10.00 Jesus, The Promise of God (Teacher) 11.00 Icon Cards: Miracles of Christ (Student) 5.00 Icon Cards: Life of Jesus (Student) 5.00 Finding Your Way Through the Bible (Student) 6.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE FIVE Our Life in the Church (Student) 7.00 Our Life in the Church (Teacher) 9.95 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE SIX In the Beginning (Student) 9.00 In the Beginning (Teacher) 9.50 Exploring How the Bible Came to Be 7.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00

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JUNEName of2010 article ORDER FORM JUNE 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: CHURCH SCHOOL MATERIALS: GRADE SEVEN The Young Church (Student) $ 7.00 The Young Church (Teacher) 8.50 Biblical and Liturgical Charts 3.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE EIGHT Heroes for Truth (Student) 7.50 Heroes for Truth (Teacher) 8.00 Heroes Worksheets (Student) 2.50 Teaching Pictures (1 Packages, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE NINE New Frontiers (Student) 7.50 New Frontiers (Teacher) 8.00 Frontiers Worksheets (Student) 2.50 Teaching Pictures (1 Package/4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE TEN Celebration: Feasts and Holy Days (Student) 8.75 Celebration: Feasts and Holy Days (Teacher) 10.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package/4 Sets) 35.00 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL The Way, The Truth, The Life (Student) 15.95 The Way, The Truth, The Life (Teacher) 19.95 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR GRADES 1—8 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Lenten Lotto 3.00 Teaching the Parables of Jesus 6.00 My Lenten Journey 7.00 The Icon Book (Student) 8.00 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Set of Two Books 10.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Text Book 7.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Activity Book 7.00 Birth of Jesus (Picto-graph) 11.00 Come Bless the Lord Icon Packet (Teacher) 26.00 Byzantine Coloring Books: *Volume 1 – Sunday Gospels 5.00 *Volume 2 – Liturgical 5.00 *Volume 3 – Feast Days 5.00 *Volume 4 – Parables 5.00 “Crayon” Icon Coloring Books: * The Miracles 5.00 * Special Edition 5.00 * The Old Testament 5.00 * Journey to Pascha 5.00 * The Nativity 5.00 Scope and Sequence Chart 2.00 Total Parish Education 6.00 Build Your Own Church (Exterior) 9.00 Build Your Own Iconostasis and Altar 9.00 Build Your Own Bishop, Priest and Deacon 9.00 Orthodox Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary (Wybrew) 15.00 The Parables (Archbishop Dmitri) 15.00 Iconostasis (Pavel Florensky) 16.00 Bible for Today’s Family 10.95 The Children of Promise (Western Rite Catechism Book) 9.95 Praise the Lord: A Christmas Workbook 3.00 The Lenten Workbook 3.00 Biblical and Liturgical Charts (Student) 3.00

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything 7.00 To Teach All Nations 7.00 What Would You Do? Ethics Unit of 14 Lessons 7.00 The Earth is the Lord’s 7.00 God is Calling You 7.00 The First 800 Years 7.00 My Body, My Spirit 7.00 The Work of Salvation 7.00 SUB-TOTAL B

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JUNE 2010 ORDER FORM NameJUNE of article 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL Getting Along With Parents $ 7.00 International Orthodoxy 7.00 What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything 7.00 God is Calling You 7.00 The Earth is the Lord’s 7.00 Reaching Out: Our Call to Minister 7.00 MATERIALS FOR YOUTH WORK Lifestyle Discipleship 12.00 Holy Cross Society 5.00 Reruns, Reruns 6.00 Second Helpings 1 5.00 Second Helpings 2 5.00 Retreat & Study Guide 6.00 Focus on You (6 Programs, 30 Sessions) 40.00 Film and Values (Supplemental program to Focus on You) 10.00 Him Again (Supplemental program to Focus on You) 12.00 Youth Dynamics Cassette Leadership Training 25.00 Sourcebook for Youth Work 7.00 Challenge Questions on Orthodoxy A to Z for Students 11.95 Sacred Symbols that Speak: A Study of the Major Symbols of the Orthodox Church ~ Volume 1 14.95 ~ Volume 2 14.95 The Story of Icons (Hallick) 14.95 Bible for Little Hearts 9.99 Child’s Garden of Bible Stories (Groll) 13.95 My Bible Story Book (Fletcher) 10.99 One Hundred Bible Stories (Hardcover) 12.99 ADULT STUDY TEXTS Second Time Around 6.00 The Doctrine of Sanctification 8.00 Christian Community 4.00 Liturgy and Life (Schmemann) 7.00 Inner Way (Allen) 14.95 Pillars of the Church 6.00 New Apostles of Christ 6.00 MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS Teaching Dynamics Cassette Teacher Training 25.00 Teaching Dynamics Workbook 2.00 Playing it up for Christmas (6 Christmas Plays) 9.00 Children’s Literature 6.00 Foundations for Christian Education 12.95 Foundations for Christian Education (Cassettes) 7.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Reading and Parish Library Guide 3.50 Intentional Parenting (Cassettes ~ By Dalack) 24.95 The Growing Child in the Christian Home (Cassette) 7.00 YOUNG CHILDREN’S BOOKS Christina Goes to Church 8.50 You Are Special: An Alphabet Book for Children 8.50 My Orthodox Counting Book 8.50 Christina Learns the Sacraments 10.00 Byzantine Coloring Books: * Volume 1 – Sunday Gospels 5.00 * Volume 2 – Liturgical 5.00 * Volume 3 – Feast Days 5.00 * Volume 4 – Parables 5.00 “Crayon” Icon Coloring Books: * The Miracles 5.00 * Special Edition 5.00 * The Old Testament 5.00 * Journey to Pascha 5.00 * The Nativity 5.00 The Book of Jonah 18.00 Celebrate the Earth, Psalm 104 18.00 North Star, St. Herman of Alaska 18.00 The Praises: Psalm 148 18.00 Prepare O Bethlehem, The Feast of the Nativity 18.00

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*Volume 2 14.95 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Symbols of Church Seasons and Days - John Bradner 7.95 Mom’s Devotional Bible 24.95 Our Church and Our Children (Koulomzin) 16.00 CATECHISM MATERIALS Faith and Science (George Koulomzin) 5.95 The Faith – Understanding Orthodox Christianity: 22.95 An Orthodox Catechism (Carlton) The Way – What Every Protestant Should Know About the 22.95 Orthodox Faith (Carlton) The Truth – What Every Roman Catholic Should Know About the 22.95 Orthodox Church (Carlton) The Life – The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation, An Orthodox 22.95 Catechism (Carlton) In Peace, Let Us Pray to the Lord. An Orthodox Interpretation of 22.95 the Gifts of the Spirit (Trader) Homeland of Your Heart’s Desire – The Orthodox Teachings on 9.95 How to be Saved (Carlton) Orthodox Christians in America (Erickson) 28.00 The Treasured Traditions and Customs of the Orthodox 14.95 Churches (Hallick) The Orthodox Faith (Hopko): * Volume 1 – Doctrine 9.00 * Volume 2 – Worship 9.00 * Volume 3 – Bible and Church History 9.00 * Volume 4 – Spirituality 9.00 * Complete Set (Volumes 1-4) 33.00 Baptism (Lazor) 3.00 The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (Meyendorff) 2.00 Holy Wednesday & Holy Thursday (VHS Tape) 29.95 Great Friday & Resurrection (VHS Tape) 29.95 ** Set of Both VHS Tapes 50.00 Holy Matrimony (VHS Tape) 29.95 Baptism & Chrismation (VHS Tape) 29.95 An Orthodox Catechism of the Antiochian Archdiocese 4.00 A Way of Life (Family Centered Activities) 16.00 Studies in the Greek Church (Metropolitan Antony Bashir) 7.00 Renovation of the Heart (Dallas Willard) 24.99 The Gospel for Real Life (Jerry Bridges) 19.00 The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges) 11.00 The Pursuit of Holiness ~ Bible Study 6.00 The Orthodox Companion (Abramtsov) 9.00 Meeting the Orthodox (Hopko) 2.00

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20 The Word

JUNE 2010 ORDER FORM NameJUNE of article 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CATECHISM MATERIALS Orthodox Catholic Instruction Books: * Book 1: Beginners’ Course $ 4.00 * Book 2: Primary Course 4.00 * Book 3: Junior Course 4.00 * Book 4: Intermediate Course 4.00 * Set of 4 Books 12.00 Orthodox Christian Catechism 12.00 The Orthodox Church (Ware) 16.00 The Orthodox Way (Ware) 15.00 Orthodox Study Bible – The New Testament & Psalms: * Hardbound 30.95 * Softbound 24.95 * Bonded Leather Edition 39.95 * Genuine Leather Edition 50.95 * Thumb-indexing per Bible, add extra 6.00 Orthodox Study Bible – Old and New Testaments: * Hardbound 49.95 * Leather Bound – Regular 70.00 * Leather Bound – Elegant 100.00 The Third Millennium Bible 36.00 Coming Home (Gillquist) 8.95 Becoming Orthodox (Gillquist) 14.95 Welcome Home, A Journey to Antioch (DVD) 13.95 Anglican/Orthodox Pilgrimage (Billerbeck) 4.50 One Lord, One Faith (Bakoyannis) 9.00 Suffering & Salvation (Bakoyannis) 6.00 Introducing the Orthodox Church (Coniaris) 16.95 Intentional Parenting (Cassettes—Dalack) 24.95

GENERAL SERVICE BOOKS The Divine & Holy Gospel Book 100.00 The Liturgikon: Book of Divine Services for the Priest & Deacon 50.00 Service Book of the Archdiocese 13.00 Divine Prayers and Services (Nassar) 30.00 Service Book of the Orthodox Church (Hapgood) 25.00 Western Rite Service Book 25.00 The Divine Liturgy for Clergy and Laity 10.00 The Funeral Service Book—Winfrey 9.00 The Pocket Prayer Book—Paperback 4.00 The Pocket Prayer Book—Red Vinyl ~ or ~ Black Vinyl 5.00 Antiochian Village Camp Music Service Book 12.00 Psalm Verses of the Orthodox Church 20.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Old & New Testament—Today’s English Version (TEV) 15.00

SPECIAL SERVICE BOOKS Evening Divine Liturgies—Phase I (10 Volumes) 35.00 Evening Divine Liturgies—Phase II (12 Volumes) 40.00 Individual Copies for Christmas 4.00 Individual Copies for Epiphany 4.00 The Office of the Typika 4.00 My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book 8.95 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael—Hardcover 15.00 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael—Softbound 12.00 Supplication Service to Our Father Among the Saints Raphael 5.00 The Complete Service of St. Raphael—Audio CD 15.00 Service of Chrismation of Converts into the Orthodox Faith 2.50

LENTEN SERVICE BOOKS The Service of Holy Unction – New Edition 4.00 The Little Compline & Akathist Hymn – Textbook Only 4.00 The Little Compline & Akathist Hymn – Text & Music 10.00 9TH Hour Typika and the Presanctified Liturgy—Music Book 12.00 Now the Powers of Heaven—CD of the Presanctified Liturgy 18.00 The Presanctified Liturgy of St. Gregory—Textbook Only 7.00 Liturgy of St. Basil the Great—Pastor’s Text 4.00 Liturgy of St. Basil the Great—Layman’s Text 3.00 Services of Great & Holy Week and Pascha—Winfrey 25.00 SUB-TOTAL E

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JUNE 2010 ORDER FORM JUNE 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE BILINGUAL SERVICE BOOKS (ENGLISH / ARABIC) The Divine Liturgy for the Pews – Rahal $10.00 The Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn – Rahal 9.00 The Great Compline Service – Rahal 9.00 The Funeral Service for Lay People – Rahal 9.00 The Funeral Service for a Bishop or Priest – Rahal 9.00 Sacrament of Holy Baptism – Romley 7.00 Sacrament of Holy Matrimony – Romley 7.00 New International Version: New Testament – English/Arabic 10.00 New International Version: Bible / Hardcover – English/Arabic 25.00 ARABIC SERVICE BOOKS The Arabic Service Book (Kassab) 50.00 The Small Arabic Service Book: Beirut Archdiocese 15.00 The Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Black Vinyl) 12.00 The Divine Liturgy in Arabic for Deacons & Priests (Hardcover) 20.00 The Great Euchologion (Hawaweeny—Arabic) 20.00 The Small Euchologion with the Service of Holy Unction 15.00 The Divine and Holy Gospel Book (Arabic—For Altar Use) 100.00 Services of Holy Week & Pascha (Beirut Archdiocese—Arabic) 25.00 The Gospels and Epistles—Arabic Orthodox Lectionary 15.00 The Service of Holy and Great Pascha (Arabic) 5.00 The Little Compline & Akathist Hymn (Arabic) 4.00 The Life Application Bible (Hardcover—Arabic Study Bible) 25.00 NIV Old & New Testament (Arabic Bible) 15.00

MUSIC BOOKS: PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE BYZANTINE MUSIC PROJECTS (BY BASIL KAZAN) Byzantine Project # 1: VESPERS 25.00 Byzantine Project # 2: MATINS 30.00 Byzantine Project # 3: HOLY WEEK (2 Volumes) 45.00 Byzantine Project # 4: PENTECOSTARION (3 Volumes) 60.00 Byzantine Project # 5: TRIODION (2 Volumes) 45.00

DIVINE LITURGY MUSIC BOOKS/SHEETS The Divine Liturgy for Clergy and Laity 10.00 Tchaikovsky Divine Liturgy (Meena) 5.00 Three Divine Liturgies (Hilko) 5.00 Hymns of Praise: Troparia & Kontakia (Meena) 5.00 Divine Liturgy (Abboud) 2.00

OTHER MUSIC BOOKS Hymns from the Festal Menaion, Karam-George 5.00 Orthodox Hymns in English 5.00 Great Friday Service of Lamentations (George) 5.00 The Resurrection Service (George) 5.00 The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (Meena) 3.00 Vespers (Abboud) 3.00

BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS The Date of Easter (Abboud) 1.00 A Brief History of the Patriarchate of Antioch 1.00 Guide to Monasteries of the Patriarchate of Antioch 1.00 A History of the Orthodox Church in America, 1917-1934 12.95 History & Rituals of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch 15.00 Dying in the Land of Promise (Donald Wagner) 16.95 Orthodox Lent, Holy Week & Easter (Hugh Wybrew) 12.00 Jerusalem Easy Walks (Aviva Baram) 22.95 The Priest’s Guide: Constitutions & Bylaws 6.00 Altar Boys’ Guide in Serving the Divine Liturgy 5.00 A Beginner’s Guide to Prayer (Keiser) 10.95 Beginning to Pray (Anthony Bloom) 9.95 The Art of Prayer (Arabic—Adnan Tarabulsi) 15.00 On Prayer (Archimandrite Sophrony) 16.00 If We Confess Our Sins (Hopko) 4.00 Confession – Met. Anthony Khrapovitsky 9.95

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22 The Word

JUNE 2010 ORDER FORM NameJUNE of article 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS Partakers of Divine Nature (Archimandrite Stavropoulos) $ 12.95 Let Us Commit Ourselves (Coniaris) 9.95 Liturgy and Life (Schmemann) 7.00 Of Water and the Spirit (Schmemann) 15.00 Understanding the Orthodox Liturgy (Najim) 14.00 Harvest of Antioch—Lives of Antiochian Saints 4.00 ANTIOCH: Incarnational Theology & Ministry (Allen/Najim) 12.00 St. John Chrysostom—On the Priesthood 15.00 St. John Chrysostom—On Wealth & Poverty 15.00 St. John Chrysostom—On Marriage & Family Life 13.00 St. John of Damascus—On the Divine Images 14.95 The Apostolic Fathers (Sparks) 14.95 Poets & Hymnographers of the Church 6.00 We Praise God (Tarasar) 2.00 Out of the Depths (Saliba/Allen) 10.95 Mystery of the Incarnation (Cardinal B. Hume) 13.95 Mystery of the Cross (Cardinal B. Hume) 12.95 Mystery of Fidelity (Allen) 6.95 Orthodox Synthesis (Allen) 16.00 The Church & Social Reform (Boojamra) 20.00 A Light from the East (Michael O’Carroll) 16.00 The Faith We Hold (Archbishop PAUL, Finland) 11.00 Feed My Sheep (Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba) 12.00 Inner Way (Allen) 14.95 The New Oxford Annotated RSV Bible with the Apocrypha 39.99 Metropolitan PHILIP: His Life & His Dreams (Softbound) 5.00 Metropolitan PHILIP: His Life & His Dreams (Hardbound) 10.00 Metropolitan PHILIP: And He Leads Them (Softbound) 20.00 Metropolitan PHILIP: Ordained for Men—40TH Anniversary Book 27.00 The First 100 Years—A Centennial Anthology 20.00 The Centennial Jewelry Box (1895-1995 AOCA) 25.00 Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre (Hawaweeny ~ Arabic) 6.95 Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre (Najim ~ English) 6.95 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael (Softbound) 12.00 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael (Hardbound) 15.00 The Ministry of the Church (Allen) 14.95 Twenty Parables of Our Lord 4.00 The Parables (Archbishop Dmitri) 15.00 The Miracles of Christ (Archbishop Dmitri) 16.00 Jesus, Politics and the Church (Tony Nassif) 13.00 Christmas Poems (John Hollander) 13.95 Emigration from Syria and Lebanon (Najib Saliba) 12.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE A New Era Begins: Proceedings of the 1994 SCOBA Meeting 7.95 PERIODICALS, CASSETTES, CD’s, & ICONS The Word Magazine (USA & Canada ~ Annually) 20.00 The Word Magazine (Overseas ~ Annually) 26.00 The Word Magazine (Individual Copies) 3.00 Joy of the Soul (Metropolitan PHILIP) Audio CD 10.00 Joy of the Soul (Metropolitan PHILIP) Audio Cassette 5.00 Bless the Lord O My Soul (English-2 Cassettes-Bitar) 18.00 The Eight Byzantine Tones: Simplified (Bitar ~ CD) 15.00 God is With Us (English-Cassette-Bitar) 10.00 Orthodox Byzantine Hymns (Arabic-Cassette-Bitar) 10.00 Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Bitar ~ CD) 15.00 Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Bitar ~ Cassette) 10.00 Christ is Born: Music for the Nativity of Christ (Cassette) 12.00 The Complete Service of St. Raphael – Audio CD 15.00 Now the Powers of Heaven—Presanctified Liturgy CD 18.00 Antiochian Village CD 10.00 Antiochian Village Cassette 10.00 It is Truly Meet: Byzantine Chant: Arabic & English CD 15.00 Chants from Balamand—Audio CD 17.00 Orthodox Male Choir of Beirut: Byzantine Chants in Arabic CD 15.00 Orthodox Male Choir of Beirut: Paschal Hymns in Arabic CD 15.00 First Fruits: Boston Byzantine Choir—English Audio CD 16.00 Thy Passion: Boston Byzantine Choir—English Audio CD 16.00 Thy Resurrection: Boston Byzantine Choir—English Audio CD 16.00 Mystical Supper: Boston Byzantine Choir—English Audio CD 16.00 SUB-TOTAL G

The Word 23

JUNEName of2010 article ORDER FORM JUNE 2011 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE PERIODICALS & AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIALS ICON: Synaxis of the Great Saints of Antioch (11.5” x 15.5”) 25.00 ICON: Life of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (7” x 9.75”) 15.00 ICON: Saint Raphael Bishop of Brooklyn/Bust—Small (4” x 6”) 8.00 ICON: Saint Raphael Bishop of Brooklyn/Bust—Large (8” x 12”) 20.00 ICON: Saint Raphael of Brooklyn/Standing—Small (4” x 5.25”) 7.00 ICON: Saint Raphael of Brooklyn/Standing—Large (8.75”x11.75”) 18.00 ICON: Saint Romanos the Melodist (Icon Card: 6” x 7”) 1.50 Intentional Parenting (Dalack Lectures / 5 Cassettes) 24.95 Divine Liturgy Video (Holy Trinity Cathedral, NY) 29.95 Centennial Musical Video (1895-1995 AOCA ~ VHS Tape) 30.00 The Great Bible Discovery: Discovering the Baby King (VHS) 12.99 The Savior is Born (VHS Tape) 12.99 Contemplating Icons (VHS Tape) 19.99 Holy Matrimony (VHS Tape) 29.95 Baptism & Chrismation (VHS Tape) 29.95 Holy Wednesday & Holy Thursday (VHS Tape) 29.95 Great Friday & Resurrection Service (VHS Tape) 29.95 *** Both Holy Week VHS Tapes 50.00 The Ancient Church—DVD or VHS Tape 15.00 The Bread of Life: Your Guide to Making Holy Bread (DVD) 15.00

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24 The Word Archdiocesan Ofﬁ ce Archdiocesan Ofﬁ ce

Ordinations MIKHAIL, Deacon John, was ordained to the holy The St. Thekla priesthood, by Bishop MARK on September 27, 2009, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Pilgrimage West St. Paul, Minnesota. “Come, let us go up the mountain of the Lord, that Elevations he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his MOUBAYED, Deacon George, was elevated to paths” (Micah 4.2). Even the dignity of Protodeacon, by Bishop JOSEPH as Summer approaches and on April 25, 2010, at St. Mark Orthodox Church, we get in gear for fun in the Irvine, California. sun and vacations, it is not too early to plan for the Fall. DRESDOW, Father Athanasius, was elevated to September 1 is the beginning the rank of Archpriest, by Bishop MARK on No- of our Liturgical Year and a good vember 22, 2009, at Saint Barnabas the Apostle time to get our spiritual houses in Orthodox Church, Sunbury (Columbus), Ohio. good order. Why not ascend the mountain of the Lord? The Convent of St. Thekla invites GEEVARGHESE, Father George (Kunnathu), the faithful to the St. Thekla Pilgrim- was elevated to the rank of Archpriest, by Bish- age from September 24–26, 2010, for op MARK on December 27, 2009, at St. Michael a weekend of prayer, workshops and the Archangel Orthodox Church, Louisville, Ken- fellowship at the Antiochian Village. tucky. This year’s theme is “Ascending the Mountain: It’s a Family Road Trip.” Our HAGAN, Father Mark, was elevated to the rank of Presiding Hierarch, Bishop THOMAS, Archpriest, by Bishop MARK on October 4, 2009, of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Iron Mountain, and the Mid-Atlantic will present a Michigan. reﬂ ection on our theme after Great Vespers on Saturday. Mother Alexandra, Donations to The WORD Abbess of the Convent of St. Thekla, April 2010 will offer two talks on the theme on Saturday. The workshops will include David C. Saliba $100.00 “Confession: Setting and Resetting the Dr. and Mrs. George Farha $500.00 Course,” “The Eucharist: What’s in Your Lunchbox?” “Holy Unction: First Aid Miram Boeid $50.00 and Urgent Care,” and a book discus- For the good health of Elsie and sion. By popular demand, there will George Nassor also be a question-and-answer session Mr. Jack Chami $30.00 with Bishop THOMAS and Mother Alexandra, discussion groups, and time to enjoy the grounds of the Antiochian Village. See the Web site or contact the of- ﬁ ce at the Antiochian Village (724-238- 3677) for more information.

The Word 25 V. REV. GEORGE ALBERTS DAILY DEVOTIONS

JULY 2010 AUGUST 2010

1. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:18-23; MATTHEW 13:36-43 1. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16; MATTHEW 17:14-33 2. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5-8; MATTHEW 13:44-54 (FAST) (FAST) 3. ROMANS 9:1-5; MATTHEW 9:18-26 2. 2 CORINTHIANS 2:4-15; MATTHEW 23:13-22 4. ROMANS 12:6-14; MATTHEW 9:1-8 (FAST) 5. 1 CORINTHIANS 5:9-6:11; MATTHEW 13:54-58 3. 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-3:3; MATTHEW 23:23-28 6. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:20-7:12; MATTHEW 14:1-13 (FAST) 7. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:12-24; MATTHEW 14:35-15:11 4. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:4-11; MATTHEW 23:28-39 (FAST) (FAST) 8. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:24-35; MATTHEW 15:12-21 9. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:35-8:7; MATTHEW 15:29-31 5. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-6; MATTHEW 24:13-28 (FAST) (FAST) 6. 2 PETER 1:10-19; MATTHEW 17:1-9 (FAST) 10. ROMANS 12:1-3; MATTHEW 10:37-11:1 7. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9; MATTHEW 19:3-12 (FAST) 11. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-10; MATTHEW 9:27-35 8. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:2-12; MATTHEW 18:23-25 12. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:13-18; MATTHEW 16:1-6 (FAST) 13. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:5-12; MATTHEW 16:6-12 9. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:10-15; MARK 1:9-15 (FAST) 14. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:12-22; MATTHEW 16:20-24 10. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:15-21; MARK 1:16-22 (FAST) (FAST) 11. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:11-16; MARK 1:23-28 15. GALATIANS 1:11-19; JOHN 10:1-9 (FAST) 16. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:8-22; MATTHEW 17:10-18 12. 2 CORINTHIANS 7:1-10; MARK 1:29-35 (FAST) (FAST) 13. 2 CORINTHIANS 7:10-16; MARK 2:18-22 (FAST) 17. ROMANS 13:1-10; MATTHEW 12:30-37 14. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-29; MATTHEW 20:29-34 18. TITUS 3:8-15; MATTHEW 5:14-19 (FAST) 19. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:31-12:6; MATTHEW 18:1-11 15. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11; LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 20. JAMES 5:10-20; LUKE 4:22-30 21. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-14:5; MATTHEW 20:1-16 16. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7-15; MARK 3:6-12 (FAST) 17. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:16-9:5; MARK 3:13-19 22. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-19; MATTHEW 20:17-28 18. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:12-10:7; MARK 3:20-27 (FAST) 23. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26-40; MATTHEW 21:12-14, 19. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:7-18; MARK 3:28-35 17-20 (FAST) 20. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:5-21; MARK 4:1-9 (FAST) 24. ROMANS 14:6-9; MATTHEW 15:32-39 21. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-9; MATTHEW 22:15-22 25. GALATIANS 4:22-27; MATTHEW 14:22-34 22. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-24; MATTHEW 21:33-42 26. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-19; MATTHEW 21:18-22 23. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10-19; MARK 4:10-23 27. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-10; JOHN 15:17-16:2 24. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:20-13:2; MARK 4:24-34 28. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:4-12; MATTHEW 21:28-32 25. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:3-13; MARK 4:35-41 (FAST) (FAST) 26. GALATIANS 1:1-10, 20-2:5; MARK 5:1-20 29. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-7; MATTHEW 21:43-46 27. GALATIANS 2:6-10; MARK 5:22-24, 36-6:1 (FAST) 30. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:12-20; MATTHEW 22:23-33 (FAST) 28. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5; MATTHEW 23:1-12 31. ROMANS 15:30-33; MATTHEW 17:24-18:4 29. ACTS 13:25-32; MARK 6:14-30 (STRICT FAST) 30. GALATIANS 2:11-16; MARK 5:24-34 31. GALATIANS 2:21-3:7; MARK 6:1-7

26 The Word V. REV. GEORGE ALBERTS SAINT GEORGE DAILY DEVOTIONS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH ALLENTOWN, PA

SEPTEMBER 2010 2010 Eastern Dioceses’ 59th Annual 1. GALATIANS 3:15-22; MARK 6:7-13 (FAST) Parish Life Conference 2. GALATIANS 3:23-4:5; MARK 6:30-45 3. GALATIANS 4:8-21; MARK 6:45-53 (FAST) 4. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:17-5:5; MARK 24:1-13 June 30 to July 4, 2010 5. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-15; MATTHEW 22:35-46 www.stgeorgeplc2010.com 6. GALATIANS 4:28-5:10; MARK 6:54-7:8 7. GALATIANS 5:11-21; MARK 7:5-16 8. PHILIPPIANS 21:5-11; LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 (FAST) BIRTH OF THE THEOTOKOS 9. EPHESIANS 1:1-9; MARK 7:24-30 10. EPHESIANS 1:7-17; MARK 8:1-10 (FAST) 11. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-9; MATTHEW 10:37-11:1 12. GALATIANS 6:11-18; JOHN 3:13-17 13. EPHESIANS 1:22-2:3; MARK 10:46-52 14. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-24; JOHN 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-35 (STRICT FAST) ELEVATION OF THE CROSS 15. EPHESIANS 3:8-21; MARK 11:23-26 (FAST) 16. EPHESIANS 4:14-19; MARK 11:27-33 17. EPHESIANS 4:17-25; MARK 12:1-12 (FAST) 18. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-29; JOHN 8:21-30 19. GALATIANS 2:16-20; MARK 8:34-9:1 20. EPHESIANS 4:25-32; LUKE 3:19-22 21. EPHESIANS 5:20-26; LUKE 3:23-4:1 22. EPHESIANS 5:25-33; LUKE 4:1-15 (FAST) 23. EPHESIANS 5:33-6:9; LUKE 4:16-22 24. EPHESIANS 6:18-24; LUKE 4:22-30 (FAST) 25. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:39-45; LUKE 4:31-36 26. 1 JOHN 4:12-19; JOHN 21:15-25 27. PHILIPPIANS 1:1-7; LUKE 4:37-44 28. PHILIPPIANS 1:8-14; LUKE 5:12-16 29. PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20; LUKE 5:33-39 (FAST) 30. PHILIPPIANS 1:20-27; LUKE 6:12-19

The Word 27 Above Left: This Roman Catholic outdoor church on Communities in Action the mountaintop is pastored by Father Louis Marie. Flip-Flops for Haiti fl ops, the only shoes that would Americans have no idea how Above Right: fi t Josie’s swollen feet. So, when such a little thing like a pair of Bishop THOMAS “Flip-Flops for Haiti”? That’s a she and her friend returned to fl ip-fl ops can bring joy to these in West Virginia at the Hermitage of popular phrase at St. Matthew’s Chicago, inspiration struck and people who have nothing. the Holy Cross of North Royalton and all around Josie said, “Hey, I have an idea. Thoughtful and very appre- Cleveland, since one of our pa- Let’s do ‘fl ip-fl ops for Haiti.’” ciative are two expressions rishioners, Josephine Katzbach, Thus was born a new philan- Josie uses again and again to ventured on a four-day trip thropic idea for Josie. describe the people she met to Haiti in early March with a Josie is no stranger to help- in Haiti. One little girl, Maria, friend of hers, to help build a ing others. She takes food and moved her greatly. Josie gave clinic for the mountain people. water to the homeless in Cleve- Maria a piece of gum, and in- The ladies made the trip to work land twice a month with parish- stead of consuming it herself, with a nun and a priest affi liated ioners from St. Matthew’s or she shared that one stick of gum with a church in Chicago called St. George of Cleveland. She with her sisters. Fraternité Notre Dame. Josie also helps people professionally Josie is hoping to collect a returned from Haiti with an through her job providing spe- variety of sizes of fl ip-fl ops for ambitious goal of raising 2,000 cial home healthcare. men, women and children – the fl ip-fl ops for the 1,500 or so im- A “life-changing experience” more the better. So far, “Flip- poverished inhabitants who live – that’s how Josie describes her fl ops for Haiti” has gathered around a primitive camp at the trip to Haiti. Although the city’s 700 fl ip-fl ops locally, while an- top of a mountain near Port-au- poverty and devastation are other 400 have been collected Prince. She and her friend plan great, poverty is even more ex- elsewhere. to return sometime in July to treme in the mountains. “They Anyone interested in par- distribute the fl ip-fl ops to the are the poorest of the poor,” ticipating in this project with a people there. says Katzbach. The earthquake donation of fl ip-fl ops or with a An experience in Haiti was did not have as much of an ef- monetary donation can reach the source for Josie’s ambition. fect on them; instead, poverty is Josephine Katzbach at josiea- The ladies had to escort an ill a way of life for them. [email protected] woman from a clinic in town “They have shoes, if you want back up the mountain. Struck to call them that. They are hand- Camille Patrick by her lack of material posses- me-downs. None of them are St. Matthew the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church, sions, Josie literally gave the new. I saw a guy wearing wom- North Royalton (Cleveland), Ohio woman the clothes off her back en’s shoes. A lot of the little kids – with the exception of her fl ip- are barefoot,” notes Katzbach.

28 The Word Bishop THOMAS in The parish utilized this chapel ship. This meant that fi nding West Virginia for the next three years. space for the church school and In 2001, in order to encour- a social hall had to be delayed, On April 17–18, 2010, Bishop age the parish to move ahead and only a small, multi-purpose THOMAS made his annual pas- with planning and free up ad- hall could be included. In 2005, toral visit to Holy Spirit Church ditional funds for construction, Bishop THOMAS consecrated in Huntington, West Virginia. parishioner Richard Dixon was the church and returned the holy Since his consecration in 2004, ordained to the Holy Priest- relics to the altar. Although many this was Sayidna THOMAS’s hood, taking the name of John. wanted to construct the social fi rst visit to Huntington that did He would continue his secular hall and church school addition, not involve discussions of build- employment until the parish it appeared that the next phase ing planning and construction. could once again afford a full- would be many years in the fu- In 1999 our parish made time priest. On August 1 of that ture. A parish tragedy, however, the decision to sell our church year, he was assigned as pastor created an impetus to continue. building, which had been our of Holy Spirit. That same month, In 2008, Sarah Saad, daugh- home since the early 1970’s, parish Deacon Mark Hagan was ter of Julian and Jihad Saad, fell and move to a new location. ordained to the priesthood and asleep in the Lord after a coura- As a community of fewer than assigned as pastor of St. Mary geous fi ght with cancer. Sarah a hundred members, this was Antiochian Orthodox Church of had coordinated several of the a huge challenge. The exist- Iron Mountain, Michigan. Paschal feasts in our cramped ing property, however, needed In May 2002, the parish pur- social hall and one of her great signifi cant renovations and chased two tracts of property, desires was to see a more spa- concern was raised about the totaling 2.4 acres and located at cious hall constructed. In her decline of the surrounding Woodhaven Drive and 5th Street honor, several parishioners be- residential neighborhood. The Road. In the Spring of 2003, gan raising enough funds to church property was placed on Bishop DEMETRI blessed the begin construction. In 2009, a the market for sale and a com- property and construction com- social hall accommodating 240 mittee was established to raise menced in May. The building was people was completed, with ex- funds and search for a suitable completed by Christmas and the isting space converted for use location. In a surprising move, a parish family moved into their as the church school, an offi ce, buyer was found for the current new home. After serving almost and a library. church building before a new four years as part-time priest, Fr. After these busy years, in location could be agreed upon. John was able to resign from his which we were focused on con- In the Spring of 2000, the par- secular employment and become struction and keeping the parish ish voted to accept an offer and the full-time priest in May, 2005. united, Bishop THOMAS’ visit moved into temporary quarters Our goal in constructing the this year had a very different that were graciously provided church was to return to a fully character. Since completing our by Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. functioning church for wor- construction projects, parish-

The Word 29 Communities In Action

ioners have expressed a desire to move beyond the walls of the church, particularly in obeying Christ’s command to serve the “least of the brethren.” Sayidna joined us on Saturday at the Huntington City Mission where parishioners provide lunch on the third Saturday of the month. Holy Spirit parish is also a member of Christian Associ- ates, which operates a down- tion that was sent from the Ca- town food and clothing pantry. St. George Cathedral thedral to the Archdiocese. Fr. John has served as president Church School While the amount of their of Christian Associates for the Worcester, MA donation was impressive, their past two years. Additionally, the example inspired our parishio- parish has a longstanding com- In the poem “On Giving,” ners. These young people em- mitment to the organization Kahlil Gibran begins by saying, phatically reminded us of the Information and Referral Ser- “You give but little when you words of the Prophet Isaiah, vices, providing funds for utility give of your possessions. It is who tells us that “a little child payments for low-income resi- when you give of yourself that shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). dents. Sayidna encouraged us to you truly give.” In the days that Everything that they gave, they continue these outreach efforts followed the tragic earthquake gave of themselves and follow- and even suggested that we or- in Haiti, the second of these ing the example of the Scrip- ganize a walk-a-thon to support sentences described the actions tures. In the same poem, Kahlil additional outreach activities. of a young lady from our Church Gibran tells us that all who give Following the Sunday Hierar- School. Jenna Husson (7 years old) contacted our Parish Coun- also receive. He states, “And chical Divine Liturgy, Sayidna you receivers … and you are visited with Bishop GEORGE cil with the desire to do something for the people of Haiti. all receivers … rise together and the brethren of the Her- with the giver on his gifts as mitage of the Holy Cross (Rus- Her idea was to create an arts on wings.” May our children al- sian Orthodox Church Abroad) and craft project that she called ways serve as an example to us in Wayne, West Virginia. Since “Sticks of Hope,” and make the and may we rise together “as on moving to the Huntington area crafts available to the parishio- wings.” in 2000, the monks have be- ners for a voluntary donation come an invaluable part of the during the coffee hour after Di- Orthodox community. Vladyda vine Liturgy. Her “small” project GEORGE was consecrated Aux- proved to be a huge success! iliary Bishop in 2009 and lives Jenna so inspired our young at the monastery. This was the people that four more parish- fi rst time the two hierarchs ioners, Samuel Abusamra (12), have had a chance to meet, and Maryrose Abusamra (11), Naya everyone was edifi ed by their Burshan (8) and Jameel Gam- warm exchange. mal (11), asked if they could Sayidna’s visit was a grace- have a Bake Sale during the fi lled weekend. We hope to fulfi ll following Sunday’s coffee hour. his parting admonition to “con- Once again, the event was suc- tinue to reach out to the people of cessful and these young people Huntington with prayerful faith- made a substantial contribution fulness and neighborly love.” toward the Haitian relief collec-

30 The Word St. George, Niagara George Aswad, Pastor Emeri- burgh also know, many locals Falls, New York tus, spoke eloquently about the begrudgingly venture out of movement of the Holy Spirit their respective neighborhoods, The faithful parishioners of within our St. George Parish. and happily retreat back into St. George Antiochian Orthodox Then the newly ordained Fr. them, in their daily routines. Church of Niagara Falls, New Raphael addressed His Grace For many Pittsburghers a “long York, participated in a weekend ALEXANDER and the assembly journey” involves crossing one of “joy beyond words!” of family and friends, express- of the city’s three rivers! During the weekend of April ing his gratitude. In a way, this “neighborhood 11th, His Grace Bishop ALEX- One of our longstanding mentality” of Pittsburgh is simi- ANDER met with various parish members rejoiced that the lar to the mentality of Orthodox groups for worship, fellowship, weekend with Bishop ALEX- Christians in the United States refreshments and conversation. ANDER was “by far” the best today. We do not know our Or- Highlights included the eleva- planned and carried-out week- thodox neighbors and prefer to tion to the Archpriesthood of end ever! Thanks be to God! stay comfortably tucked away the Very Rev. Fr. Paul R. Solberg, Our joy was beyond words! in our parish neighborhoods. To the ordination to the Priesthood get acquainted with its Orthodox of the Rev. Fr. Raphael K. Bar- Celebrating neighbors, St. George Cathedral berg, and the tonsuring of Kevin Oneness as the Body in Pittsburgh recently organized Boddecker as Reader. His Grace of Christ: Won’t You and participated in a Progres- also blessed all the new festal Be My Neighbor? sive Dinner and Church Tour icons written by the Rev. Fr. with three sister churches in the Theodore Koufos which grace The city of Pittsburgh is city’s Oakland and South Side the interior walls of the nave. known for many things. Less neighborhoods. What better At the Celebration Banquet, well-known, perhaps, than way for Orthodox to celebrate the Diocesan clergy presented the world-champion Steelers, their oneness as the Body of Fr. Paul with the prototype of but I dare say almost equally Christ on Bright Saturday than an icon of St. George and St. beloved, is the children’s by eating their way through a Paul which will be written by public television program “Mr. four-course meal? Kh. Donna Smith and present- Roger’s Neighborhood,” with Beginning in the South Side ed at a later date. Sub-deacons its catchy tune, “Won’t You Be neighborhood, the Orthodox Thomas Slaiman and Justin My Neighbor?” Those familiar neighbors ﬁ rst met one another Mokhiber presented the newly with Pittsburgh know that the at Holy Assumption of the Virgin ordained priest with a congrat- city does, in fact, have many Mary Church (Orthodox Church ulatory card that included ﬁ - neighborhoods that were in America). After a brief talk nancial gifts graciously contrib- settled by immigrant popula- by the priest, the group enjoyed uted to purchase vestments for tions at the turn of the century. savory appetizers that were, in Fr. Raphael. The Very Rev. Fr. As those familiar with Pitts- true Orthodox form, more like

The Word 31 Communities In Action

a meal than an opener. Next, the group processed together – well, we walked a few blocks, but since we were an Orthodox group, “processed” just seems more appropriate – to St. Vladi- mir’s Church (Ukrainian) for a lesson on that community’s history, followed by an elegant salad course. At this point, the group cara- Bishop THOMAS at evening came The Lamenta- vanned – over a river – into the St. George, Oakland tions at the Tomb, and an all- neighborhood of Oakland where (Pittsburgh) night Vigil. Teen SOYO members St. Nicholas Cathedral (Greek) read the Gospels throughout is located. After hearing the The faithful of St. George An- the entire night, and greeted history of this community, the tiochian Cathedral (Oakland, Bp. THOMAS for the celebra- group progressed to St. George PA) gathered around his grace, tion of the Vesperal Liturgy on Cathedral (Antiochian) to enjoy Bishop THOMAS, for Holy Holy Saturday morning. As we a meat-laden main course. The Thursday through Agape Ves- celebrated Christ’s triumphal event then culminated with the pers of Great and Holy Pascha. decent into Hades, we looked celebration of Vespers at St. On Thursday evening, Sayidna forward with great anticipation George and closed with delec- performed the service of the to Rush Service and Celebration table desserts prepared by the Washing of the Feet that com- of Pascha. ladies of St. Nicholas. Quite memorates Christ’s washing The Paschal celebration truly miraculously, the event stayed the feet of the Disciples before proclaimed the resurrection of close to on-time – no small feat his life-giving death and resur- Christ. The faithful gathered for Orthodox! rection. Those present were around their Bishop stood as From this event, we gained reminded of the great example witnesses to each other, the city, several things. First, we learned of our Savior, encouraging us to and, indeed, all the world, that about our strangely similar his- be humble servants and to know Christ is risen from the dead, tory as Orthodox working to that the great among us are the trampling down death by death, build up His Vineyard in Pitts- servants among us. Sayidna and upon those in the tombs burgh for over a century. Sec- then led us in the reading of the bestowing life. With fervor Bp. ond, we were reminded of our Twelve Passion Gospels. After THOMAS again and again an- common Faith – not Antiochian, the Royal Hours of Holy Friday, nounced that “Christ is risen!” not Greek, not Russian, and not he spoke about the importance “Indeed He is risen!” we shouted Ukrainian – in His One, Holy, of the cross and our need to in response. We then broke the Catholic, Apostolic, Orthodox take up our cross on the way to fast with dinner provided by the Church. And ﬁ nally, through salvation. Fellowship of St. John the Di- this common Faith, we shared At the conclusion of the Ves- vine. in the joy of being not only Or- pers service that evening he re- We were especially blessed thodox neighbors, but also sis- minded us of the importance of during Holy Week to receive ter churches who are one in the silence in contemplating God, a beautiful Icon of the Myrrh- Body of Christ. the cross, and the resurrection, Bearing Women. Iconographer as we live the spiritual life. He Erin Kimmett wrote the icon at Alexis Cross, wife of Deacon called us always, especially dur- the request of the Antiochian Andrew Cross and mother of three, is Women and Cathedral Com- a member of St. George Antiochian ing Holy Week, to keep before Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland us the cross, the grave, and the munity in remembrance of the (Pittsburgh). third-day resurrection. community’s beloved Khouria With Holy and Great Friday Joanne Abdalah, wife of Archi-

32 The Word mandrite John Abdalah, who fell asleep in the Lord in May of Book Review 2008. The Cathedral of St. George in Oakland continues to share in the priesthood and ministry Review of The Heavenly Banquet: of Christ. For Bright Saturday Understanding the Divine Liturgy the Cathedral organized and by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis (Orthodox participated in a pan-Orthodox Witness, ISBN # 978-0-9778970-1-8, Progressive Dinner, which was 420 pages, $40.00). sponsored by The Fellowship Every Sunday and every feastday, of St. John the Divine. It be- Orthodox Christians celebrate the Di- gan at Holy Assumption of the vine Liturgy which, over the past 2,000 Virgin Mary (Orthodox Church years, has developed into the form that in America), proceeded to St. we use today. A solid understanding, not Vladimir’s (Ukrainian Orthodox only of the theology, but also of the his- Church), then on to St. Nicholas tory of the Divine Liturgy, is not easily Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and found in just one source. Treatments are culminated at St. George An- either simple commentaries or more in- tiochian Cathedral for Vespers, depth academic treatises. In his book, after which we enjoyed the de- The Heavenly Banquet: Understand- licious dessert provided by St. ing the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Emmanuel Nicholas. This successful event Hatzidakis, a Greek Orthodox priest and president of Orthodox brought Orthodox faithful from Witness, has given us a worthwhile study of our liturgy written various jurisdictions together to for the laity. see one another’s churches and Fr. Emmanuel looks at the Divine Liturgy line by line, petition learn of their histories, and to by petition, and provides the reader with a study that is based affi rm their oneness as the Body on Scripture, the Fathers, and Orthodox scholarship. The book of Christ. is well-researched and draws extensively from the 305 primary Other activities at St. George and secondary sources listed in the bibliography. The book has have included the Antiochian 1,281 footnotes! In addition to the main text, the book also con- Women’s recent Calendar Party tains 80 excurses that take the reader even further into some of to benefi t the new Convent of the concepts discussed in the book. St. Thekla. Bible Studies and Don’t let the length of the book or the scholarship that went theological discussions/lectures into it scare you away. At fi rst glance, the book looks something continue to be held Wednesday like a college textbook (and it could be used as such). The read- evenings following Vespers, er, however, will fi nd the language inviting and the text under- and new members continue to standable. trickle into the community. We This book is perfect for catechists who want an in-depth look continue to thrive, by God’s at our liturgy or for those Orthodox who want a greater knowl- will, and we are thankful for our edge and appreciation of what has been handed down to us over Father and Metroplitan PHILIP, the centuries. Handsomely arranged and beautifully bound, the our Bishop THOMAS, our Priest book would be a great addition to any church or home library. Fr. John Abdalah, our Deacons, The book is easily obtained from Orthodox Witness (www.ortho- those who serve and those who doxwitness.org) at a lower price than online booksellers. sing, and all the people of our Cathedral community. Fr. Steven C. Salaris All Saints of North America Maryland Heights, Missouri Deacon James Purdie St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland (Pittsburgh)

The Word 33 Missions Institute Established at Hellenic College/Holy Cross

“The Missions Institute of Orthodox Christian- The Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfi eld,Chancellor of ity” was established on April 29, 2010, at Hellenic St. Vladimir’s Seminary and a member of the new College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School board, highlighted the role the Missions Institute of Theology with an initial endowment of one mil- can play at all Orthodox seminaries in the United lion dollars from EFOM (the Endowment Fund for States. “The fi rst program of this new Institute will Orthodox Missions). EFOM, a charity connected be to offer a three-credit class and practicum for with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of students from Holy Cross and SVS this summer, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was created in 1981 to taking them to Albania to witness one of the most honor the missions-minded ministry of the Rever- vibrant missions in the Orthodox world. What an end Alexander and Presbytera Pearl Veronis. exciting program!” The endowment was presented to the Rever- The Reverend Luke A. Veronis, himself a mis- end Nicholas Triantafi lou, President of HC/HC, by sionary with more than 12 years of experience in EFOM’s Board President, Mrs. Helen Nicozisis. Albania and Africa, was named Executive Direc- On presenting the check to the school, Mrs. Nico- tor of the Institute. Fr. Luke recently published zisis noted that this gift came not from one major the book Go Forth: Stories of Mission and Res- benefactor, but from many people who gave both urrection in Albania, his third book related to small and large donations over many years. “All Orthodox Christian missions. He teaches courses of these people,” she emphasized, “believe in the in world missions and evangelism at Holy Cross essential importance of cultivating the spirit of and has taught at St. Vladimir’s Theological Semi- missions, especially among our seminarians and nary. He expressed the hope that “through the future clergy.” programs and courses that this Missions Institute Father Alexander addressed the entire HC/ will offer, no students will graduate from our Or- HC community after Great Vespers in Holy Cross thodox seminaries without having some knowl- Chapel. He called the inauguration of the Missions edge of a missions-minded ministry.” “Any form Institute the fulfi llment of a fi fty-year-old dream, of parochialism, or of limiting our faith in any beginning with the establishment of a Mission- way, is a distortion of the Gospel, which is Good ary Society at Holy Cross when he was a student News for all people everywhere – locally, nation- there. Following Vespers, a special reception was ally and globally. Our future clergy and leaders of held for the school’s faculty and student body. the Church need to capture this universal vision Archbishop DEMETRIOS and Fr. Triantafi lou of God’s love.” hosted a dinner that evening at the Cathedral Cen- In addition to endowing the Institute, EFOM ter in Brookline to celebrate the event for the new sponsors an Annual Missions Lecture at Holy Missions Institute Board members, along with the Cross, grants annual scholarships to mission- EFOM Board and several donors and friends. The minded seminarians, and fi nancially underwrites Archbishop told the gathering: “Missions are not noteworthy mission projects. simply important. They are vital, an indispensable component of our existence as Orthodox Chris- tians …. As this new Missions Institute cultivates Fr. Luke A. Veronis, Executive Director The Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity a deeper consciousness and awareness of the mis- Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox sionary dimension of the Church, it will provide something absolutely central to the life of the Church.”

34 The Word Orthodox World

crucial. The participation and Above: His Eminence, General Secretary of Antiochian Faithful Metropolitan PHILIP the ACT Alliance Visits input of IOCC’s Executive Di- Support Haiti Relief (center) presents a rector in ACT’s fi nance commit- check for $150,000 to IOCC Efforts of IOCC IOCC Executive Direc- tee has been crucial as it looked tor Constantine M. Tri- into fi nancial accountability and antafi lou. Also present John Nduna, the General Sec- fi scal responsibility of the ACT The faithful of the Antiochian were His Grace Bishop retary of the ACT Alliance, was Orthodox Christian Archdiocese ANTOUN, Chair of the secretariat.” Order of St Ignatius received by International Ortho- Nduna recently returned of North America gave a boost of Antioch, Dan Abra- dox Christian Charities (IOCC) to International Orthodox Chris- ham, and IOCC board from Haiti, where IOCC and members the Very Executive Director Constantine other partners in the ACT Alli- tian Charities’ ongoing relief Rev. Michael Ellias and Triantafi lou at the IOCC head- efforts in Haiti. His Eminence, Anne Glynn Mackoul. ance are providing assistance to (Photo courtesy of the quarters in Baltimore, Maryland the survivors of the January 12 Metropolitan PHILIP (Saliba) Antiochian Orthodox on April 8, 2010. IOCC joined earthquake. presented a check for $150,000 Christian Archdiocese) the new ACT Alliance (www.act- With more than 100 mem- to IOCC Executive Director and alliance.org), one of the world’s bers globally, the ACT Alliance CEO Constantine M. Triantafi lou largest humanitarian bodies, works in 125 countries with a on April 14 at Antiochian head- which offi cially launched on combined operating budget of quarters in Englewood, N.J. Also March 24. approximately $1.5 billion. present were His Grace, Bishop “I express my great satisfac- ANTOUN, the Chair of the Or- tion with IOCC’s commitment der of St Ignatius of Antioch, to the new ACT Alliance and Dan Abraham, and IOCC board the fruitful discussions we have members the Very Rev. Michael with IOCC that strengthen the Ellias and Anne Glynn Mack- cooperation between IOCC and oul. The gift brought the total the Alliance,” said Nduna during raised by IOCC in response to the visit. “As an Orthodox mem- the earthquake in Haiti to over ber of the Alliance, IOCC’s con- one million dollars. tributions and participation are “When the earth shook in

The Word 35 Orthodox World

Haiti, it also shook our hearts including thousands of hygiene Worshiping and and our souls. The faithful of kits that were assembled or col- Serving in Afghanistan the Antiochian Archdiocese lected by Orthodox Christians. responded generously to my IOCC made an appeal for the This month has been unusual appeal and I am pleased to kits following the January 12 for me here in Afghanistan. As I present this check to IOCC,” earthquake. These kits were am an Orthodox priest and it is said His Eminence, Metropoli- used to help Haiti’s survivors the Paschal season, I have been tan PHILIP. “We are blessed to and will also be available for doing some especially interest- have IOCC as the humanitarian use in response to disasters and ing travel; I have Orthodox peo- arm of the Orthodox Church in situations of need throughout ple from nine different countries North America, representing us the world. to support here – Romania, Bul- for such emergencies through- IOCC is the offi cial humani- garia, Albania, Canada, Russia, out the world.” tarian aid agency of the Stand- America, Georgia, Macedonia, “We are grateful to His Emi- ing Conference of Canonical Or- and the Netherlands! nence and the Antiochian faith- thodox Bishops in the Americas First of all, there is an actual ful who generously provided this (SCOBA) and a member of the Orthodox Church in Afghani- support from churches through- ACT Alliance, a global coalition stan. Let me say that again. out the U.S.,” said IOCC Board of churches and agencies en- There is a Church – not just a Chairman Alex Machaskee. gaged in development, humani- chapel – here in Afghanistan, “The generosity of Orthodox tarian assistance and advocacy. which is to our knowledge the Christians has been tremendous You can help the victims of only free-standing, permanent in supporting our efforts to help disasters around the world, like Church structure of any kind in those affected by this tragedy.” the Haiti Earthquake, by mak- the entire country. According From the fi rst days of this ing a fi nancial gift to the IOCC to the CIA World Factbook, Af- tragedy, IOCC has worked on International Emergency Re- ghanistan is thought to be 80% behalf of the Standing Confer- sponse Fund, which will provide Sunni Muslim, 19% Shi’a Mus- ence of Canonical Orthodox immediate relief as well as long- lim, and 1% “other” (and this Bishops in the Americas (SCO- term support through emergen- one percent is mostly made up BA) with its Orthodox Chris- cy aid, recovery assistance and of small breakaway sects of Is- tian and ecumenical partners other support for those in need. lam). Christianity is almost non- to provide immediate food, To make a gift, please visit www. existent, and Afghani Christians shelter and other necessities to iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877- would be ostracized in every the suffering people of Haiti. 803-IOCC (4622), or mail a community that we know of. IOCC has delivered more than check or money order payable But there is still one Church in $2.7 million in immediate relief to IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Bal- the country! to Haitians since the middle of timore, Md. 21263-0225. Back in 2001, the Romanian January. Medicines, medical Army sent an infantry battal- equipment, water purifi cation ion to Kandahar, joining with and sanitation equipment, tents, the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain hygiene kits, shelter materials, Division and nine other NATO fuel, food, blankets, jerry cans countries to provide a military for water and mattresses have and diplomatic response to been shipped and distributed the attacks of September 11th. throughout Haiti in cooperation Each NATO force built its own with Orthodox Christian part- compound, and the Romanians ners, ACT Alliance members were not going to be without and other partners. a Church in theirs. They had IOCC has received sup- loved ones back home send pic- port for Haiti from Orthodox tures of a particularly beautiful churches throughout the U.S.,

36 The Word Orthodox World

monastery chapel in Transylva- I marveled more and more at tian Marines from my battalion nia (the central region of Ro- its size and beauty, but noth- had traveled with me, to help me mania), and with the help of an ing could have prepared me for with services, and the two of us ethnically Romanian U.S. Army what I felt walking inside. After took a few minutes to stop and Engineer, they drew blueprints holding services every week in pray, asking for God’s blessing and built a replica of this chapel tents, with makeshift altars and on us and thanking him for this in Kandahar, made entirely out some small portable religious true spiritual oasis in a war-torn of wood. The results are abso- items, I entered a Church lined and weary land. lutely stunning. with beautiful frescoes and icons During the Easter season I fi rst saw the Church from (some three feet high), plants we held fi ve services, including over a mile away, its tower and fl owers lining the center Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sun- climbing up out of the base’s aisle, and even a little bell- day. We had an incredible time landscape almost 4 stories high. house outside, for letting the with all those who came to wor- I had come to Kandahar to visit community know when Church ship, who hailed from America, some Marines from my battalion is being held. Entering the altar Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, who were temporarily working I found all of the implements Russia, and Canada. The Ro- at the airfi eld, and I had agreed and accoutrements I would fi nd manians were incredibly hospi- to provide services for Ortho- in any Church, and a picture of table, and I developed a love for dox members of the American a Romania bishop blessing and them as a people in those short military serving there, and also consecrating the Church several fi ve days that will last for the for those of other countries. As years earlier. rest of my life, I am sure. In be- I walked toward the Church, One of the Orthodox Chris- tween services I remained in the

The Word 37 Orthodox World

Church, and had the opportu- about 30 soldiers from the Re- my faith sustains me. And, you nity to talk to dozens of people public of Georgia into the small know, your faith as a Church who had just seen the Church tent we were using. He was smil- sustains me – us – also. That’s and decided to stop in – Chris- ing triumphantly, and it was in- what it means to be a spiritual tians of all kinds, and some of deed a triumphant moment, but, family. St. Anthony’s was here in no faith background. wow – were we crowded in our Afghanistan this year, and Scott RP3 [a Religion Program spe- little chapel tent! To top every- and I both knew it. It was more cialist] and I returned to Camp thing off, two Indian Christians than their icons and breads Leatherneck on the Monday be- entered in the back and stood and cards, of course, although fore Easter, where as a Chaplain in the doorway – it was a very those things made our celebra- team we normally spend about NATO celebration. tion special. I believe that we two-thirds of our time. Easter I will never forget the joy are also carried along by their came at a good time this year, of that service. I nearly broke prayers at Church and at home. because there was a fairly large down in tears while reading the I send all of you at St. An- turnover in the various Marine sermon of St. John Chrysostom, thony’s love from my family. units across the country. As the and again while giving com- Little Eve turned one the day af- Marine Headquarters for Af- munion to a newly chrismated ter Pascha! I also send you love ghanistan, Camp Leatherneck member of my battalion for from Scott, who is now back in also serves as a sort of transit the fi rst time. After the service the battle in Northeastern Hel- station for departing and arriv- ended, the joy continued – we mand Province. Do not miss a ing Marines, and so several Ma- ate sweet breads sent to us from day of praying for him, if you rines just coming into country our St. Anthony’s family, and can remember. And please pray or just preparing to leave were sang “Christ is Risen!” at the top also for me. able to make services; other- of our lungs. I also gave away Fr. David Alexander wise they would have been in almost all of the beautiful little some remote location and un- icons that parishioners sent, able to attend. In addition, Scott as a Church, along with bottles Hakim was able to be present of holy water. Scott called the because he was still recovering distribution of these items “the from injuries he received in bat- Great Church Giveaway.” Af- tle at one of our regional surgi- terwards most of us broke our cal hospitals located at a British Lenten fast at “mid-rats,” short airfi eld adjacent to Camp Leath- for “midnight rations,” the erneck. It fi lled me with joy to fourth meal of the day provided have him with us, and was just for those working odd hours, and one of many ways that my home lasting from 0000-0300. A burg- parish, St. Anthony’s, was in my er hit the spot just fi ne for me. heart this Pascha. Those are just a couple of At 2330, or 11:30 p.m. on stories out of many during the Saturday night, our service be- month of April. In these months gan, and it took us right into away from my family, there is Easter morning. We had about a big hole at my center. I have 15 Orthodox Marines and Sail- never gotten used to being away ors present (quite a good size from my wife and daughter, and for a military chapel during de- I never will – they are a part of ployment), and we were light- me, and I refuse to ignore or ing candles for everyone to hold eliminate my longing for them. I when John, a friend of mine and choose to live with longing, be- Marine infantry Captain from cause that is what it means to be Tarpon Springs, Florida, led truly human. During these times

38 The Word 25TH Annual The People Speak … Sacredmusic April 20, 2010 institute His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Antiochian Orthodox Christian “Let our Mouths be Filled Archdiocese of North America With Th y Praise, O Lord!” 358 Mountain Road Englewood, NJ 07631 Featured Your Eminence: Presentations Wednesday, Christ is Risen! July 28th THE HISTORY OF Thank you for receiving us last week THE SACRED MUSIC INSTITUTE to at the chancery and for your continued INTRODUCTION TO BYZANTINE CHANT Sunday, ADVANCED CHANTING support for the ministry of IOCC and our BYZANTINE NOTATION August 1st, 2010 work to respond to the needs of Haitians CHANTING THE ISON CONDUCTING who have suffered so greatly as a result of REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES the January 12 earthquake. We are truly VOCAL TECHNIQUES MUSIC FOR MISSIONS AND NOVICE CHOIRS blessed by the generosity of the Antiochian HYMNOLOGY faithful who have poured out their hearts to CHILDREN’S MUSIC PROGRAM PITCH GIVING assist and we appreciate this opportunity TEMPO AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICE to be your hand of compassion for those COMPUTERIZING MUSIC who survived this terrible tragedy. CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

IOCC gratefully acknowledges receipt of AND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND... Antiochian Village $150,000 designated for use in our ongo- 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT FEATURING: 40 Church Camp Trail Bolivar, PA 15923 ing efforts to provide relief and develop- THE SACRED MUSIC CHAMBER CHOIR ment assistance in Haiti. Your Eminence’s Arch-pastoral blessings For more information please contact and the gracious and ongoing support of PAUL JABARA AT [email protected] the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Arch- diocese of North America for the ministry of IOCC is a beacon of hope that extends Christ’s love to people who have suffered. We look forward to our continued cooperation in service to God’s people in need. Asking for your Archpastoral blessings and praying that our Lord grants Your Emi- nence many years, I remain,

Yours in Christ, Constantine M. Triantaﬁ lou Executive Director and CEO THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at PO Box 5238 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

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