Стаза Православља THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

VOLUME 46 JULY-AUGUST 2011 NO. 7-8

Bishop Longin Celebrates Pentecost Second Meeting of the Assembly of Orthodox at Chicago Cathedral Bishops of America His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Mid- From May 25-27, the second annual Assembly western America, new diocesan hierarch of Holy Resurrec- of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Cen- tion Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, was formally tral America gathered for its meeting at the Chicago welcomed on Sunday, June 12, 2011, as he led the liturgical O’Hare Hilton. There was a total of 45 bishops in at- celebration of the feast of Pentecost. tendance. In addition, nearly all of the members were In a sermon on the festal Gospel lesson, His Grace present at the Assembly: the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Bishop Longin said, “…On this day, the fi ftieth after Easter, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Ukrai- we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost when the fullness of the nian Orthodox Church, the American Carpatho-Rus- Holy Trinity was revealed through the coming of the Holy sian Diocese, and the Albanian Orthodox Diocese; the Spirit. Christ taught disciples humility and purity of heart, and Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese; the Patriarchate of then when they were ready, He sent down from His Father Moscow, including the Russian Orthodox Church in the Holy Spirit. This humility and purity of heart, crowned the USA and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside by the Holy Spirit, is the key to understanding, it is Wisdom. of Russia; the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Today we concelebrate the Feast with the Apostles and the Americas; the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church; Fathers, the Martyrs and the Confessors, of the past and the and the Orthodox Church in America. Not represented present age and of the age to come…” were the Georgian Orthodox Church, whose bishop Concelebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with resides in Georgia, and most of the bishops of Canada His Grace Bishop Longin were Protopresbyter-stavrophor and Mexico, as the Canadian bishops anticipate their Dennis Pavichevich, Presbyter Darko Spasojevic, Cathedral own assembly, as do those of Mexico and Central Dean, Presbyter Vasilije Vranic, and Deacon Dr. Damjan S. America who have requested to join the Assembly of Bozic. South America. The Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Following the Vespers service and prayers for the feast Church were detained by the business of their Synod day of Pentecost, Presbyter Darko Spasojevic, Cathedral dean in Belgrade, which was in session at the same time, of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago and by delays in travel caused by the volcanic ash over on behalf of the Cathedral clergy, Executive Board and pa- Europe, and so were not able to attend. rishioners offi cially welcomed the new diocesan bishop, His The meetings convened on Wednesday morning Grace Longin. Presbyter Darko said: “May the Holy Spirit with an opening prayer by His Eminence Archbishop come upon us and may the Lord grant us the spirit of wisdom, Demetrios [Greek Archdiocese-Ecumenical Patriarch- love and peace, so that we can work and prosper together ate], the chairman of the Assembly. He asked the Secre- at this church. The Holy Spirit makes the Son known in the His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Mid- tary, Bishop Basil, to read to the Assembly a letter from Church and the world. May he grant us knowledge that we western America celebrated the Great Feast of Pentecost at the Patriarch of Serbia, Irinej, extending his blessings, focus on Jesus Christ in all of our church activities. May the Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Chicago on June 15. This support, and fraternal best wishes for the work of the Holy Spirit grant us knowledge to recognizes that Bishops was his fi rst offi cial visit to the Cathedral as its Diocesan Assembly in North America and asking the Assembly’s represent Christ, according to the fathers of the Church. Bishop. Seen in this photo from the Liturgy that day are His understanding of his need to ask the Serbian bishops to Especially, as we welcome our new hierarch and diocesan Grace with Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dennis Pavichevich, remain in Belgrade for the work of their synod. continued on p. 5 retired dean of the Cathedral, and Fr. Vasilije Vranic. continued on p. 7

Bishop Sava remembered on the tenth anniversary of his passing Bishop Sava (Vukovic), late Bishop of Sumadija and for- many talents. His scholarly work in the areas of history of mer Bishop of Eastern America and Canada, was remembered the Serbian Church and in liturgics even today represents a by many on June 17, the tenth anniversary of his passing. priceless contribution to Christian scholarship.” In the Cathedral of the Dormition in Kragujevac, His Bishop Sava was also remembered in America. One Grace Bishop Jo- such event was a van of Sumadija parastos served along with cler- at Monastery gy and faithful Marcha, which of the Sumadija was founded Diocese held by Bishop Sava a parastos at near Cleveland. Bishop Sava’s The parastos resting place. In was served by his sermon at the Archimandrite parastos, Bishop Leontije of St. Jovan said in Mark Monas- part: “The times tery in Shef- in which Vladika field Lake and Sava lived and Fr. Aleksa Pavi- worked tell us chevich of St. best about his George Church life and work as i n L o r a i n . a tireless laborer Among those in Divac Basketball Academy held for the Lord. And attendance were the times which M o t h e r A n a at New Gracanica Monastery are coming for us and Sister An- will show even astasia of the From June 20th to June 24th, well-known former more what kind His Grace Bishop Jovan of Sumadija served a parastos for the repose of Marcha sister- NBA center and mega sports star Vlade Divac sponsored of hierarch we the soul of his predecessor, the late Bishop Sava, at his grave in the Kragujevac hood, Nicho- and ran a basketball camp at New Gracanica Monastery had. Bishop Sava Cathedral on the tenth anniversary of his passing, June 17. Bishop Sava served as las Borota, who for over 90 children with all proceeds benefi tting HOD was a man of the worked closely - Divac's Humanitarian Organization. Church, and he dedicated his whole life to the Church. He with Bishop Sava during his time in America, and a good Complete story and more photos on p. 5 bravely witnessed to Christ not only with words, but above number of the faithful. A memorial meal followed the ser- all with his deeds, and as such God rewarded him with vice. continued on p. 10

IN THIS ISSUE: • CHARITY- THE PATH TO GOD, P. 3 • PENTECOST IN MONTANA, P. 4 • OUR VIEW, PP. 8-9 • SERBIAN SECTION, PP. 12-16 • PAGE TWO THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011

THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

EEDITORIALDITORIAL SSTAFFTAFF Annual Assembly and Diocesan Days English Section Editors Serbian Editor V. Rev. Rade Merick, Senior Editor V. Rev. Nedeljko Lunich of the Western Diocese scheduled 530 North Fourth Street 300 Stryker Ave for September 2nd – September 4th, 2011 Steubenville, OH 43952 Joliet, IL 60437 email:[email protected] Fax: 815-741-1883 Following the ancient Tradition of the Church, in the spirit of Her conciliar nature, email: [email protected] and in accordance with Article 21 point 3 of the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Rev. Milovan Katanic Church in North and South America, His Grace Bishop Maxim summons the Annual 65 South Keel Ridge Road Contributing Editor Assembly of the Diocese of Western America to be held in conjunction with the 15th Hermitage, PA 16148 V. Rev. Thomas Kazich Annual Diocesan Days Gathering at Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Phone:724-342-1198 P.O. Box 371, nd th email: [email protected] Grayslake, IL 60030-0371 Alhambra, California from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4 , 2011. Phone: (847) 223-4300 The gathering will offer participation in the Liturgical services, fellowship, educa- V. Rev. Dr. Bratislav Krsic email: [email protected] tional opportunities and leisure time. 3025 Denver Street The Annual Clergy Symposium, Annual KSS Meeting, and Diocesan Council San Diego, CA 92117 Technical Editor Meeting, will be held on Friday, September 2, 2011, at the Cathedral. Phone: 619-276-5827 Vesna R. Meinert A special presentation on “The Holy Mountain” will also be given on Friday email: [email protected] email: [email protected] evening by the guest speaker, Archimandrite Vasileios (Gontikakis). The weekend’s th Business and Circulation Address festivities will conclude on Sunday, September 4 with the Hierarchical Divine Lit- The Path of Orthodoxy urgy followed by a Banquet and an afternoon of fellowship and music. P. O. Box 883 Please visit Western American Diocese website http://www.westsrbdio.org/ for Bridgeport, WV 26330 many other events that will be taking place throughout the weekend. email: [email protected]

The Path of Orthodoxy is a monthly publication with a double issue printed for the months of July and August. Subscriptions are $12.50 per year for U.S. residents and $15.00 per year (U.S. funds only) for Canadian subsribers. IOCC helps here and abroad Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. All letters and manuscripts sub- mitted for publication must be signed and contain the author's name and address. Please Southern Tornado Response Japan Tsunami Response send materials through email or MS Word format. What would you do if you only had a The people of Japan continue to rebuild few minutes warning before disaster struck? their lives three months after a devastating Gather your family? Grab your valuables? Or earthquake and tsunami left 500,000 Japa- just find a safe place to take shelter? Those nese homeless, and IOCC continues to help were the split second, life changing decisions in the recovery. Working with relief partner that faced the tornado victims in Joplin, Mis- DITORIAL Peace Boat, IOCC has provided the resources E souri, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Springfield, for 2,000 volunteers to assist with clearing Massachusetts. The Spring of 2011 will go debris, providing hot meals and meeting the down in US history as one of the most critical needs for food and non-food items to devastating tornado seasons ever, GRADUATIONS GIVE THOUGHTS FOR and a sobering reminder that we must be ever vigilant and ever prepared. PARISH EDUCATION IOCC has trained 60 Ortho- dox clergy and lay persons in the May and June mark that time of year when young men and women are step- U.S. in disaster preparedness and ping into a new phase of their lives. Many high school graduates are eagerly emergency management. They now awaiting the beginning of their college experience, while other high school, col- form the backbone of the Emer- lege and graduate school graduates ready themselves to enter the work force of gency Response Network and have their chosen profession. the concrete skills needed to deal For high school students going away to attend college usually means going with communities and parishioners away from their church as well. High school graduation for many is a beginning in times of crisis, such as the 2011 of new responsibility and tremendous pressure. One can only hope that parish tornadoes that have killed more than educational opportunities and family nurturing have offered a good foundation 500 people and left thousands more that will enable students to deal with these pressures in a manner befitting an homeless. Orthodox Christian. When tornadoes struck Alabama in April, Deacon Daniel Gray, a re- Being aware of these pressures faced by students, the Orthodox hierarchs in tired Naval Commander from Eagle America have established the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, a ministry to Or- River, Alaska, was immediately thodox college students at universities and colleges across North America. This dispatched there and began working ministry provides to students fellowship and liturgical participation; however, in with local Orthodox Christian par- many cities this ministry is still in infant stage. ishes to assess the damage and pro- All these thoughts prompt us to consider how our parish educational efforts vide pastoral care to survivors in the are being done. Do we see the classroom and Sunday School as the only legiti- rural towns of northeastern Alabama. mate places for educational activity, or do we put greater emphasis on Liturgical Marsha, a Tuscaloosa resident, had participation and the experience of church life, that is, on relational learning? never heard of the Orthodox Chris- tian church before the disaster but The case for further examination of our educational opportunities can cer- was thankful for all of the personal tainly be built. However, a new generation of college students has already been hygiene items, tents, air mattresses Thousands of health kits like these assembled sent off. The question remains, how many of them will attend and participate in and flashlights provided by IOCC as by volunteers at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox the church services during their college years? Or how many will find their way well as the pastoral support from our Church in Baltimore were sent to victims of the back to the Church after their graduation? But the ultimate question is, what frontliner. “Deacon Dan was like the tornadoes that swept through Southbridge, Mas- are we doing to reach out to them in order to minister and bring them closer to image of Christ’s love amidst all of sachusetts, and surrounding towns. (photo: Megan Christ? the wreckage,” she recalls. Carniewski, IOCC) Our Lord said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His residents in Ishino- blood, you have no life in you”. Who will invite our students to attend the Liturgy maki city of Miyagi and participate in the Sacramental life of the Church? Our bodies are built up Prefecture. from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so too in the spiri- Through your tual economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our quick and gener- spiritual life. ous support, IOCC Each one of us has an awesome freedom to choose, to make decisions that turned compassion will keep our life in balance. These little decisions shape our lives to a greater ex- into action with tent than we may think. They affect who we are, and they affect others; the effect $350,000 contrib- of each decision is contagious: the good begets good, evil begets evil. uted towards direct relief assistance and We all have been given much in life. The challenge to use wisely what we for the efforts to have been given is now ours, “for of him to whom much has been given, much provide housing for shall be required.” as many as 1,000 How we will conduct our educational efforts in our parishes and ministry to families. Additional our youth is totally up to us, but that it needs to be reevaluated is not be argued. assistance has been Protopresbyter Bratso Krsic provided directly through the Ortho- dox Church in Ja- pan. IOCC continues to work with partner agencies to clear away Southbridge Tor- the mountains of debris covering what were once homes and busi- nado Response nesses. (photo: Thomas Ahern, US NAVY) continued on p. 10 JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE THREE

Eastern Diocesan Day August 7 Why Not “Open” The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America will listening and dancing will go on into the evening. observe its annual Diocesan Day on Sunday, August 7, His Shadeland itself is a wonderful place to spend a summer Communion? Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan has announced. afternoon. Its 1300 acres of rolling hills include woodlands Each year the Eastern American Diocese holds a dioc- and fields, hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating and Fr. John Breck esan reunion which brings together clergy and faithful from much more. Of special interest to many will be the new camp This is the first in a series of three articles on the all over the Diocese for a facilities and other im- Eucharist by Fr. John Breck from his column “Life in day of prayer and fellow- provements being made Christ” on oca.org. The others will appear in future ship around their bishop to the property over the issues of the Path. and archpastor. Taking past several years. The place at the Most Holy most recent improve- Especially at the feast of Pascha (Easter) non- Mother of God Monas- ments have been the Orthodox Christians sometimes ask why they may tery and St. Sava Camp completion of a new not receive Holy Communion in Orthodox parishes. at Shadeland, Pennsyl- soccer field and reno- As painful as this refusal is, it is based on our vania, the event is a great vation of the storage understanding of the true meaning of the sacrament as opportunity to see old barn. This investment in revealed in Scripture and ecclesial experience. friends and make new Shadeland has made it a A few months ago someone sent me a posting ones, to enjoy the beauty year-round destination from an Internet site that spoke to the issue of of God’s creation, and to for church activities, communion among various Christian confessions. In thank Him for it. including retreats and answer to the question why a Protestant believer was The day will be- conferences. Parishes refused the sacrament at Easter in her boyfriend’s gin at 10:00 AM with are welcome to make Catholic parish, the writer declared that non-Catholics the Hierarchical Divine arrangements to use the do not believe in “the presence of God’s body in the Liturgy served by His Above: His Grace Bishop Mitrophan is pictured with His Grace Bishop facilities for their own transubstantiated host.” Therefore, “they cannot take Grace and most of the Di- Longin at the annual Diocesan Day celebration at Shadeland. groups as well. communion.” ocese’s clergy. Responses Below: The highlight of last year's celebration was the consecration of To allow as many Then the writer added: “There is just one will be sung by the campers the completed monastery church. of the clergy and faith- exception to this rule. Orthodox Christians (such as of St. Sava Camp Shadeland ful as possible to par- Greek Orthodox Christians) may take communion and the congregation. The ticipate in Diocesan Day, in all Roman Catholic Churches. The reason for this liturgy will take place in the most parish churches in the is that Orthodox Christianity also teaches the actual monastery church, which was diocese will be closed that presence of God in the host.” completed and consecrated at day. Parishes are encouraged This widespread understanding of the matter last year’s Diocese Day. to charter buses or make other is not accurate and needs to be corrected on several A traditional Serbian transportation arrangements counts, theological as well as pastoral. An entire tome picnic will follow the liturgy, to help as many faithful as could be written by way of explanation, but here are featuring barbequed lamb and possible to attend. a few of the most important elements. In the next two lots of great food from the Shadeland is located in columns we’ll explore some others. kitchen thanks to the efforts northwestern Pennsylvania In the first place, we need to acknowledge of the Diocesan Kolo sisters. on PA Route 18, south of Erie that many Protestant Christians (including many Picnickers may use the spa- and between Conneautville Anglicans) do believe that Holy Communion offers cious shelter or tents provided and Albion. It is an easy drive them a true participation in Christ’s Body and Blood. for the day, or just camp out from Northeast Ohio and They may not articulate that belief as Catholics or on the lawn. from the Pittsburgh and Buf- Orthodox would like; but their faith in Christ’s “real A program will include a short talk on a spiritual topic falo areas. Visit the Diocesan web site www.easterndiocese. presence in the Eucharist” is genuine and should not of interest and a performance by the St. Sava Camp Folklore org for directions and more information. be disparaged or denied. Group. Diocese Day is the culmination of Folklore Week at Please join His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan and our Then again, Orthodox Eucharistic theology the Camp, and the campers always put on an outstanding diocesan family for Eastern Diocesan Day at St. Sava Camp does not explain the change of bread and wine performance of Serbian song and dance. Serbian music for Shadeland August 7! into the Body and Blood of Christ as a result of “transubstantiation,” the teaching that the “accidents” (visible properties) of the elements remain unaltered, while their “substance” or inner essence becomes the actual Body and Blood. Orthodox tradition speaks of “change” or “transformation,” (metamorphôsis; in Charity – The Most Beautiful Path the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy metabalôn, “making the change”) but always with a concern to preserve to God the mystery from the probings of human reason. It Even in the Old offerings which could also speaks of the Body and Blood of the glorified Testament, when the neither essentially nor Christ, making the point that our communion is in the “Charity is greater than the forgiving of personal being of the Resurrected and Exalted Lord, mystery of the history of insults, for the forgiving of insults is the first half meaningfully satisfy salvation through God- them. The spiritual and not in the flesh and blood of the incarnate Jesus, Man has not been revealed of the road to God, but to perform works of mercy longing of man for the torn and shed on the Cross. The incarnate Jesus and to people in its fullness, is the second half of that road.” living God, whether the risen Christ are certainly one and the same Person the Lord was showing man (St. Nikolai of Zicha) it was before or after (“Jesus Christ is Lord,” the apostle Paul declares both what was profitable the time of Christ, was in Philippians 2:11). But our communion is in the for him and what was not and could not be radically transformed reality of the risen Christ, who expected of him. “For quenched neither with ascended into heaven and makes Himself accessible to I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of the sparks nor meteors that spark instantly and quickly go us through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Despite this, out, but with the light of the sun which always shines. This within the Church. burdened by the yoke of sin, the Old Testament man was more light is the Sun of Righteousness - Christ our God, of which Another point needs to be stressed. It is true that encumbered by the works of law – burnt offerings, than the the church poet sings in a Christmas Troparion. It is not Orthodox Christians are considered by some Catholic acts of love – charity. Therefore, he often questions himself: only the light of Christmas and the glow of Easter, but the priests to be eligible to receive communion in their “How shall I come to understand the Lord and devote myself effulgence of the never-ending day, as the church poet sings. parishes; but this practice is not formally sanctioned to the Most High God? Shall I reach Him with burnt offerings, This is the day that will dawn but will not have sunset, the by the Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of with year-old calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands day which will have morning, but will have no evening. It the Faith (the Holy Office or Magisterium). On the of rams? Or with a myriad of streams of oil? Should I give is the presence and incarnation of the unsetting and eternal other hand, the Orthodox Churches, united above my firstborn for my ungodliness, the fruit of my body for the divine light not just here and now, but both now and ever all by their Eucharistic faith and practice, accept to sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7) Although the Old Testament and throughout all the ages. This is that power and grace, communion only baptized Orthodox Christians, and sacrifices were numerous and constantly repeated, they could which always reminds us of the eschatological character and then, theoretically, only when they have prepared not deliver man from the bondage of sin, death and the devil. dimension of the Church of Christ. themselves by prayer, by appropriate fasting, and — in They did not have a redemptive character. In order to joyfully enter the never setting day of Easter most traditions — by confession of sins. In addition, Since the blood of the Old Testament sacrifices was and taste its graces, we need to hear and obey the words Orthodox bishops and other teachers make clear not able to wash away the stain of sin and fundamentally of Christ: “But go and learn what this means: I desire to their faithful that they can only properly receive change the lives of people, sacrifices and rituals associated mercy and not sacrifice” (Matt. 9:13). While the sacrifice communion from a canonically ordained priest or with them were nothing more than vicious cycles. Thus, in is something fruitless and stereotyped, charity, on the other bishop within the context of the traditional Orthodox such a sea of meaninglessness and despair, God used to send hand, is creative and productive. Through almsgiving man Divine Liturgy (which includes communion taken to his laborers, kings, judges and prophets, who were beacons becomes the coworker of God, an active participant in the the sick). and light in the darkness. One of them, the Psalmist David, continuation of the creation of the world. The sacrifice is It is hardly enough, though, simply to state exalts the prayer to the Lord in this manner: “Deliver me from the result of law and necessity, mercy is the fruit of love and that the Orthodox do not teach “transubstantiation” bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my freedom. God expects from us the works of love, not of law. (despite the term’s appearance in some of our tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. For thou desirest To give happily means more than to give plentifully, St. John liturgical books) and, if they are faithful to their not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt Chrysostom used to teach. St. Paul the Apostle writes, “And tradition, do not receive communion outside of their offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season own Church. There is also the crucial matter of and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have “ecclesial identity.” No Orthodox Christian receives 50:14, 16-17). Although they lived before the incarnation opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who Holy Communion in isolation. We are incorporated of Christ, they had New Testament eyes by which they are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9-10). into a universal community of persons, both living could see that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him For Saint Bishop Nikolai charity is an active, performing and departed, whose common faith and practice unite must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:24). Being inspired virtue. According to him, it creates new and great acts in the them in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. continued on p. 10 from above, they recognized the whole futility of sacrificial continued on p. 4 PAGE FOUR THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011

end. Remember the two brothers, Cain and Abel, both of whom offered sacrifices to God, but God accepted only the one that Charity – The Most Beautiful Path to God came from a pure heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit continued on p. 3 Inspired by this, he is called upon to perform the gate he heard an elderly voice, “Are you within me,” teaches David the Psalmist (Ps. world. As God is not waiting on people that the works of love to all people, even toward hungry, sir?” The beggar stopped, turned 50:10). “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they first do a good deed in order to reward his enemies (Luke 6:35). To feed the hungry, and replied, “I have been begging all day they shall see God,” says the Lord (Matt. them, so we do not have to expect someone’s give water to the thirsty, welcome the from house to house. Everyone gave me 5:8). A heart free from sin does works of benevolence in order to respond to it with stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and something, they offered what they could, but charity, and charity is truly the most beautiful our own acts of mercy. Charity is a virtue minister the prisoners are the duties which no one yet invited me to share a meal with path to God. that continually borrows and does not wait an Orthodox Christian cannot and must not them.” In the eyes of both, the elderly woman Much can be said and written about for the return. St. Maximus the Confessor overlook. Certainly, the Lord will not present and the beggar, you could see tears… The charity. Renowned people from various brilliantly concludes that God, having poured us with all these possibilities at the same lunch was modest, according to the day, for nations spoke and wrote about this subject. out his gifts to the world, “forgets” that those time. The Lord will lay on our backs no more it was Wednesday. A piece of bread and a Among the Serbs, the most beautiful and gifts belonged to Him. Thus, when a man meaningful sermons and writings about returns these gifts back to God in the Divine charity may be found in the works of our two Liturgy (Eucharist), the Lord accepts them great Saints, Nikolai of Zica and Justin of as if these gifts belonged to man and not to Celije. Thus, Saint Nikolai writes, “He who Himself. In the same spirit Saint Filaret of grasps that charity is an active virtue, not a Moscow writes, “The acts of charity, which passive one, and begins to fulfill it after this others did to you so always keep in mind and manner, will soon find that heaven and earth remember, but the good deeds you yourself reveal themselves to him in new colors.” For do immediately surrender to oblivion.” Saint Justin, charity is a sacred virtue that Referring to the Savior’s words that “it is brings us closer to God, that fulfills us with more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts the Divine. It is a virtue that leads us to divine 20:35), Chrysostom reminds us that making perfection. That is why our good has to be others satisfied and helping the miserable is divine good, it should be an evangelical good, the most pleasurable feeling of satisfaction, it needs to be Christ’s good, this wonderful especially when they are good and virtuous. and holy offspring of our people spoke. For Such a pleasure he compares to the pleasure us, Orthodox Christians of various nations, of paradise. You give alms to the pauper the common and unifying denominator is the and a beggar, but it is Christ Himself who Holy and Divine Liturgy. At the conclusion receives it, as this wonderful and great of this holy service of God, before we return advocate for social justice taught. Oh, how Teaching children to be charitable from a young age is a very important from heaven to earth, the Church reminds much particularly today, in a contemporary mission of Christ’s Church. us once again of Him who is the source and world and a time of great economic crises, embodiment of every charity. The Church we miss the voice of conscience of the of a laden than we are able to bear. Less than plate of beans. Even after lunch the stomach does it through the words of the prayer of Golden Trumpet of Orthodoxy. Even among that probably, certainly not more. That is why may have been empty, but the heart of both benediction, “For every good gift and every us, Orthodox Christians, there are many none of us has the right to seek an excuse for of the beggar and the old woman was full and perfect gift is from above, coming down from who have an appearance of prayerfulness, not doing good deeds toward our neighbor. satisfied. Full and satisfied with compassion, Thee, the Father of Lights.” It is therefore yet live in great luxury. Such are the lovers We cannot be called Christians by name, if love and thanksgiving. quite natural and logical that to this perfect of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, our deeds define us as the most primitive There are many examples of compassion prayer of thanksgiving the faithful people “lovers of pleasure headstrong and haughty, pagans, Saint Nikolai of Serbia used to say. and charity with which we encounter in the with one voice and one heart respond, rather than lovers of God, having a form of In this regard, Saint Gregory the Theologian Holy Bible, especially in the New Testament. “Amen. Blessed be the name of the Lord, godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:4- writes, “There is no man so poor who could Indeed, a sacrifice to God is a broken spirit henceforth and forevermore.” 5). Such, according to Chrysostom, forget the rightfully apologize that he is unable to fulfill and a humbled heart. Thus it was from the Prota Dobrivoje V. Milunovic fact that the way we treat our neighbors, God the duty of charity.” beginning, thus it will eventually be in the Schererville, Indiana will be toward us. In other words, without the About thirty years ago Southern Serbia acts of charity our prayers are fruitless. was struck by a flood. At the door of a Observing the people and nature around house in central Serbia knocked a beggar. him, a man should, every day and every The housewife opened the door and offered moment of his life, remember and be charity. The beggar thanked her, turned The Feast of Pentecost in Montana reminded of an abundant mercy of God. around and walked away. Having come to

Pentecost at Chicago Cathedral continued from p. 1 has been a welcome guest at our parish bishop, His Grace Kyr Longin, whom I on over the years and we have gotten to know behalf of theclergy, and the whole Cathedral and love him as our spiritual father. He has community welcome.” shown his support wholeheartedly especially Choir responses were beautifully sung over the past year. The Holy Resurrection by Cathedral choir, Serbian Singing Society Cathedral family welcomes His Grace and “Branko Radichevich” under the directorship we look forward to working with him and of Miss Jelena Stojakovic. collaborating towards a bright and successful Following the Liturgical celebration, a future for our Cathedral parish and Serbian welcome luncheon was held in the Cathe- Orthodox Church as a whole.” dral Hall in honor of the Cathedral’s new In response His Grace Bishop Longin hierarch. At the end of luncheon Presbyter said, “the Cathedral in Chicago has always Darko Spasojevic, Cathedral Dean, once been dear to me and here I feel as in my own again welcomed His Grace Bishop Longin. home. This parish with young clergy and He said: “His Grace Bishop Longin certainly executive board members who love their does not need introduction in this community. Church and are loyal to her will serve as an On Saturday evening, June 11, Holy early the next morning with the baptism of He is one of the most beloved hierarchs of example to our parishes in our God-protected Trinity Orthodox Church in Butte, Montana the child, Sophie, who was surrounded by the faithful. Once again we welcome you, diocese. You will bring a new energy to our filled with faithful for the service of Great her family and friends. The Hierarchical and thank you for your blessings and prayers diocese and only together, in the spirit of love Vespers. The parish was blessed that Liturgy began immediately after the on this feast of Pentecost.” Miss Jelena and truth, can we progress as a Church.” evening with the presence of His Grace, tonsuring of Daniel Kirk to serve Holy Stojakovic, Vice President of the Executive The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Bishop Maxim, of the Western American Trinity as a Reader. The Liturgy culminated Board, welcomed His Grace by saying: “... Serbian Orthodox Church at its meeting in Diocese. in the communion of the faithful, and was how genuinely pleased we are at Holy Resur- Belgrade added the widowed Metropolitanate The joy of the whole community was rection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral by the of Libertyville and Chicago to the Diocese shortly followed by the Kneeling Prayers especially visible as Vespers marked the of the Vespers of Pentecost. wisdom exhibited by the Synod of bishops of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, beginning of the Church’s 107th Slava at the Sabor in May to appoint His Grace with His Grace Bishop Longin as Archpastor Hosting the feast were much-beloved on the feast of Pentecost. His Grace and kumovi, Merlin Norbury and his wife Bishop Longin as the Canonical Diocesan of the united diocese. the parish warmly welcomed guests from Bishop of the Chicago Cathedral. His Grace Ellie, who have served the parish as long- across the state who had traveled to Butte time and committed members. The meal, for the celebration of the feast, including prepared by parish president Joe Vukovic, The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America a special guest from the Salt Lake area, Fr. was enjoyed by all. Fr. Russell then shared Makarios. At the conclusion of the service, a few short and beautiful stories from a Ecclesiastical Court, Alhambra, CA the faithful were edified as His Grace drew recent pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain everyone’s attention to the meaning of the and Constantinople. Local talent was also In the Ecclesiastical Court of this Diocese, divorce proceedings have been initiated by forthcoming feast and its significance in on display that afternoon as parishioners Aleksandra Totovic-Stankovich of San Diego against her estranged husband Stephen McKee, the life of the parish and the Body of Christ and guests sang favorite songs and played whose current address is unknown. as a whole. Montana tunes for His Grace and the guests. Whereas the wife’s whereabouts are unknown, and unless she responds to this public notice After the service all were treated to an His Grace brought the Slava to a close with within 14 days from the date of publication of this notice, the Court hereby appoints V. Rev. excellent wine-tasting and hors d’oeuvres Stavrophor Nikola Ceko, parish priest of St. Steven's Cathedral in Alhambra, CA, as proxy for the his own exceptional chanting. Afterward, defendant, in accordance with Article 56 of the Statutes for Ecclesiastical Courts, whereby this reception hosted by the parish community. the Radoicich family accompanied His case shall proceed and be concluded, the decision of which shall be binding upon both parties. Conversation and fellowship lasted late Grace to a local attraction known as the From the Office of the Ecclesiastical Court of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western into the evening before all retired to prepare “Ringing Rocks” in the mountains outside America in Alhambra, CA. (Ecc. 03/11). for Sunday’s celebration. Services began of Butte. JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE FIVE

Divac Basketball Academy held at New Consumerism Gracanica Monastery and the Negation of

The week of June 20th-24th saw over 90 Worship children ranging in age from 8-17 descend on New Gracanica Monastery for a basketball His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah camp. It was sponsored and run by the well- Acton University, Grand Rapids, MI known former NBA center and mega sports June 16, 2011 star Vlade Divac. All proceeds benefited HOD - Divac’s Humanitarian Organization. “...to be human in the fullest sense is impossible Children were housed in the Camp building apart from the worship of God.” and cared for with good nourishing meals by the Among other things, living our life in Christ Diocesan KSS, headed by Mira Andjelkovic. requires that we grasp the spiritual significance of Alex Stojanovich, head counselor of New two opposing forces with us: Gracanica’s camp for years, and Vera Mileusnic 1. The flesh vs. the body. were the liasons between the Academy and 2. The world vs. creation. KSS. Players attended Vespers each day, were In the current social context, and so for this exposed to Serbian culture and religion, and evening’s conversation, let me please add another set recited prayers before and after meals. All of of opposing movements in the human heart: this was done with the 1. Consumerism vs. worship. blessing and support Many wondered whether Vlade Divac would Following traditional Orthodox (and orthodox) of His Grace Bishop theology, the first of these terms -- the flesh, the Longin. show up at the camp or whether it would only promote his name. From start go, Vlade was world and consumerism -- refer to humanity in E v e r y d a y rebellion against God. Even when we refer to “the consisted of a very present each day. He spoke to the world” we are referring to how creation has become o r g a n i z e d a n d “I was lucky in disordered by human sinfulness. Because of Adam’s well-run program children, offering my life because I years of experience sin and mine, my body, the creation and the works conducted by a staff of my hands have all become estranged from God. of professionals hand lived during the time and wisdom. He told them repeatedly Not only that, they have also become sources for my picked by Divac. From of Patriarch Pavle. estrangement. As we have become estranged from 9 to 3 the basketball What impressed to respect their teammates, their God, oblivious to God, the body, created matter and court and parking lot me was his much- the works of our hands, have become idols. They were overflowing with c o a c h e s , a n d quoted statement: their parents. He become the means of endless distraction from the groups of players. The reality of God, of communion with one another, and ration of one coach per “We don’t have a emphasized that it wasn’t enough to from both life and death. ten campers allowed choice to be born, Thus the tragic paradox of the fall, the great for good interaction but we have a just play and enjoy the sport: “You tragedy of human sinfulness is this: the gifts of God a n d p e r s o n a l choice to be a real have become distorted. Rather than drawing us individual attention. have to work to do human being ....” good things in your closer to Him and to each other, we misuse the good Emphasis was placed things of God to our own harm, spiritually, morally, o n d e v e l o p i n g Vlade Divac community. Try to make every day psychologically, socially and physically. In the words fundamental skills of the Prophet David: at competitive group stations to a better day for everyone. That’s “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the improve each player’s game. The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they children worked hard and learned a how we can save the world.” do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; lot. The week climaxed with games They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there any and a trophy presentation session The final night a humanitarian breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like How did all this start? Vlade them; So is everyone who trusts in them” (Ps 135:15- explained that he had been doing lenten banquet, prepared by the 18). this since 1991 in the US but with The second of these terms -- the body, creation a mixed group of youth, including good Sisters, was h e l d a t w h i c h and worship -- are likewise richly anthropological. some Serbs. Last year he held the But here they refer to a way of life built on obedience first ever camp for just Serbian Vlade and his wife Ana spoke. They to God. If idolatry strikes man dumb and breathless, youth in Belgrade, and this is the obedience animates him and makes him sing out in second one, actually the first in showed a video that explained the work the praise of God. Again from the Prophet David: America, exclusively for Serbs. He “Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the says, “I’d like to start an exchange they were doing to help put some of LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His program to get kids from Serbia name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from to come here and kids from the refugees of the war back on their feet. The first step was to day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His here to go to Serbia. So that wonders among all peoples” (Ps 96:1-3). they can meet and get to know secure housing for families and that’s where the donations would help. People were very Just as our sin obscures our ability to perceive one another better.” the beauty of creation and our own humanity, our He went on to say, generous and contributed to HOD. If you are interested in helping this worthy project, obedience to God renews both and reveals their true “It’s important to teach kids beauty (see Romans 8:18-25). basketball skills. But I also check the web site www.divac.com At the end of camp, children were given In the theology of the Orthodox Church, want them to leave the camp obedience is our response to God. Broadly speaking, knowing something about Spalding basketballs, Academy T-Shirts and a team picture autographed. But the children’s this response has two foundations: holy baptism philanthropy. All of the (and really, all the sacraments) and metanoia, that proceeds of this camp will be enthusiasm showed that they carried much more home than material gifts. It was apparent change of heart by which we turn personally from going to help the refugees. The our sin and toward the Living God in “faith, hope camp can be fun, but that’s not that it was Vlade that went home with each of them through his words, his time, and his and love” (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). But repentance all it is. It can be a place where is more than turning away from sin. It is turning kids can learn how to help actions. He had set the tone. His manner and way ushered in this kind of response from to God, and allowing Him to renew and transform people. And I want to help kids our very consciousness. It is turning from self-will experience helping others.” them. He was a good coach, a caring father, and a new friend. To see the warmth that to obedience, from egocentric “dancing alone” to To a question about synergy. It is only through a life of obedience to God the behavior today of many embraced them all was a refreshing change from the negative news reports we get every that we can rightly exercise the gifts God has given professional athletes, us. Vlade commented, day about our youth. Lastly, Vlade shared Repentance renews our vision of creation, “Fair play is the most through our bringing our mind and heart into synergy important thing. You the impact that late Patriarch Pavle of blessed with God. Fundamental to this obedience is the have to ask yourself if stewardship of the material world, and its proper use you have a good feeling memory had on him. He says, “I was lucky in my to glorify God. Through repentance God enlightens after you win. If you’ve our hearts to see and know that the eucharistic played fair you do. life because I lived during the time of Patriarch Pavle. bread and wine become Christ’s body and blood; If you’ve cheated or baptismal water is filled with the Presence of the not been respectful to What impressed me was his much-quoted statement: Spirit and sanctifies us; the oil of Chrism is sanctified others, you won’t have and becomes the means of imparting the Gift of the that good feeling. How “We don’t have a choice to be born, but we have a Holy Spirit. These things, these material elements, can anyone feel good are revealed not as ends in themselves, bread simply if they win unfairly? I choice to be a real human being, a real man....” It’s to be eaten and wine to be drunk, but become the believe we should and means of communion with God. This sacramental we can have a clean obvious that this motto inspires Vlade everyday in vision ultimately extends to the entire creation, where sport where there is everything is a means of communion, everything and no cheating, no drugs, his goal to make each day a better day for someone. everyone is filled with grace. It is not the creation that and that lives up to the continued on p. 6 Olympic values.” Fr. Thomas Kazich P AGE SIX THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011

A Reflection on the Pope’s Recent Visit to Zagreb

s with all other visits of the first the central area of the Roman Empire We recall also the anthropological hierarch of the Roman Catholic and later Rumelia (translation: Roman formulation of the late Pope John Paul ChurchA and head of the Vatican, the land, Europe, the mainly Christian part II that there is no Europe without both smallest – but not the most insignificant of the Ottoman Empire), today known by lungs, of which one is called Orthodox – independent country of the world, the its Turkish name Balkans – somewhere or Eastern Christian, mostly Greek- two day pilgrimage of Pope Benedict XVI outside of Europe, nor to return to the Slavic... to Croatia, on May 4-5, 2011 was given beginning of the 16th century when his Alhough the expectations of many great media coverage worldwide. This predecessor Leo X labeled Croatia as the Roman Catholic faithful, mostly of visit was given no lesser attention in our antemurale christianitatis (“the bulwark of Croatia, that Aloysius Stepinac, the [Serbian] media with the motto, “Together Christianity”). It mustn’t be forgotten that Archishop of Zagreb during World War in Christ.” that “bulwark” in those times was guarded, II, would be canonized and recognized Many of the messages which the first besides by the Zrini and Frankopans, also as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church hierarch of Rome, as a prime theologian, by the many Serbs living on the frontiers. on this visit was not met, an added delivered in Zagreb are universal and Today, after five centuries of a historical controversy, and a painful dilemma in can apply to the entire Christian world presence there, they are suddenly no longer our midst, was caused by the Pope’s — such as, firstly, those messages which there, or [those who remain] endure as the words – also spoken en route to Zagreb encourage Christian families to resist the remnant of those people who were either – that Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac “was spirit of secularization and to nurture the slaughtered or banished. opposed to the Ustasha regime” and that holiness of life, marriage and family. Also From our side, we Balkanites, we he “defended the right of humanity to significant are the messages addressed to Serbs, do not see Europe in this narrow oppose that regime by defending Serbs, the youth who are at an age when they are horizon of East and Central Europe, nor Jews, Roma.” He repeated something Bishop Irinej of Backa seeking the meaning of life. in the wider span from the Atlantic to the similar in a homily delivered at the However, two messages delivered in Urals, but we see it as a continent with a cathedral in Zagreb, saying that Cardinal two days are remembered as controversial, civilization from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Stepinac “during the Nazi and Fascist Orthodox priests killed by the Ustashe), and not only among the Serbian public. from the Canaries to the Kuril Islands, for dictatorship became a defender of the while concealing or underestimating The Pope delivered the first such this is a single spiritual space, which has Jews, Orthodox and all those persecuted.” his ideological motivations and public message while still on the plane en route the same Christian roots and shares the Since Stepinac was a military vicar statements of animosity towards to Croatia in an informal conversation same valuable ideals. We who belong to of the “Independent State” of Croatia Orthodoxy, “Byzantium”, Judaism, with journalists. Namely, recalling the the Orthodox people of the Balkans love – or, according to others, he appointed Serbdom and others. earlier archbishops of Zagreb, he stated: not only our own fatherland, but the entire military vicars – and was a member of In the end we note with gratitude, “The late Cardinal Franjo Seper, the Balkans, our wider Byzantine-Slavic but the Parliament of the Independent State in spite of all of the above, the Pope’s late Cardinals Franjo Kuharic and Josip also Western Christian, as well as Muslim, of Croatia, while, bearing in mind the invitation to Roman Catholic bishops and Bozanic, would always say that Croatia is homeland – Romani, aware that it gave physical and spiritual genocide on Serbs, clergy to be continually committed to not in the Balkans but in Central Europe; Europe its two foundations of civilization, Jews and Gypsies known worldwide, we the reconciliation of divided Christians, therefore it would be logical, just and Hellenism and Christianity. We note that must point out that, in light of historical as well as reconciliation among necessary that Croatia enter the European classic Hellenistic culture, for centuries facts, this dimension of Stepinac’s Christians and Muslims. May the hands Union where it belongs historically and the greatest in Europe, is, by definition, personality is at the least one-sidedly of reconciliation always be extended, culturally.” Thinking about this statement, primarily a Balkan culture, just as are those exaggerated or, more likely, forcibly as in the act of creation, depicted by while not entering into the argument of oldest known cultures of Europe, of Lepen constructed, overemphasizing cases of his Michelangelo Buonarroti in the Sistine whether Croatia is in the Balkans or in and Vincan, and that young Christianity commitment to individual Serbs or Jews Chapel. God is the Reconciler of the past Central Europe, we wish to believe that in Europe also entered into the Balkans (among which, by some miracle, there is with the future. God is our East, and West, his distinguished declaration did not (specifically in Philippi, near modern day no mention of the names of three Orthodox and North, and South. God is our all. intend to place Southeast Europe – once Kavala in Greece). bishops and more than two hundred Bishop Irinej of Backa

Minister: Over 2 million Serbs in Balkans Consumerism and the Negation of Worship outside Serbia continued from p. 5 to the exact nature, context and form of gave them up to uncleanness through the Belgrade, (Tanjug)—Serbia’s min- is found wanting, but rather our hearts, our worship, if we are faithful to our respective lusts of their own hearts…” (Rom 1:20- ister for the diaspora, Srdjan Sreckovic, ability to perceive. traditions as Jews, Christians, and 24). has called on ethnic Serbs to declare This evening I want to speak with you Muslims, we know that our disagreements Man was created with an intuitive themselves as such in censuses due to about the second of the two foundations do not obscure, and more importantly must awareness of God and thankfulness be carried out in Hungary, Bulgaria, Al- of the obedient life: repentance. How is not be allowed to obscure, our fundamental to Him for the creation. In return, the bania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia it that, in response to divine grace, we agreement with the anthropological fact creation itself was made to be a means of and Herzegovina and Croatia, in order can come to live in obedience to God? that to be human in the fullest sense is communion and revelation of God to man. to establish the true number of Serbs in A second question, and one which I impossible apart from the worship of God. Man was thus created as a Eucharistic the region. think speaks broadly to the lectures and As an Orthodox Christian, I believe being, the priest of creation, to offer it “There is no reason for them to conversations that have occupied you this (and I suspect many of you here this in thanksgiving to God, and to use it as be afraid of doing so as these are all week, is this: What does this obedient evening would agree with me on this) that a means of living in communion, the democratic and civilized countries, are life mean for us who live in society that both “worship in general and the Christian knowledge and love of God. Man was EU member states or are on the way has become increasingly materialistic leitourgia in particular” presuppose “the created to worship. In our fallenness, to becoming so,” the minister said. and driven more and more by a desire to sacramental character of the world and turning from God to created things as Sreckovic said the ministry estimated consume rather than to sanctify creation of man’s place in the world.” Again, the ends in themselves, we lost the intuitive that about 2,120,000 Serbs now live eucharistically? particulars of that are a source of some knowledge of God and our essential outside Serbia in the region, Around The Orthodox liturgical theologian debate and even disagreement among attitude of thankfulness to Him. Secularism half this figure, about 1.1 million, live Fr Alexander Schmemann was an astute Christians much less across religious is rooted in this loss of divine awareness, in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s mainly social commentator. In one of his most traditions. We ought not to deny this. the darkening of our intuitive perception Serbian entity, Republika Srpska. well respected works, For the Life of the Nevertheless when we look at “the world, of the creation as the sacrament of God’s About 200,000 Serbs live in Croatia World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy, he … it in its totality as cosmos, or in its Presence. It is a denial of our essential and a similar amount live in Montene- points out that we live a “secular age.” By life and becoming as time and history” reality as human beings, and our reduction gro. But numbers of Serbs elsewhere are this he means not that we no longer believe the created order is “a means of [God’s] to purely material animals. Thus the less clear. Sreckovic said that members in God or that we reject “some kind of revelation, presence, and power.” To refusal to worship and give thanks, to offer of the Serbian minority in Albania, for transcendence and therefore some kind of put the matter somewhat differently, the the creation in thanksgiving back to God, example, had not been able to declare religion.” No, what contemporary society physical creation (and so humanity) “not is a denial of our very nature as humans. themselves as Serbs for over 50 years. rejects and negates is the worship of the only ‘posits’ the idea of God as a rationally What Schmemann is testifying to He hoped they would be able to God Who is the source, means and goal of acceptable cause of its existence” it also is that “worship is truly an essential act, do so in the next census. According to human life. Secularism, for Schmemann, “truly ‘speaks’ of Him and is in itself an and man an essentially worshipping some estimates, about 30,000 Serbs is “in theological terms … a heresy … essential means of knowledge of God and being.” It is “only in worship” that live in Albania. When it comes to other about man.” At its core this heresy is the communion with Him, and to be so is its I can find “knowledge of God and regional countries, statistics from 2003 2 negation of man as a worshiping being, as true nature and its ultimate destiny.” therefore knowledge of the world.” As show that about 36,000 Serbs lived in homo adorans: the one for whom worship As St Paul says, “For the invisible the etymology of the word ‘orthodoxy’ Macedonia. Their number is believed is the essential act which both “posits” his things of Him from the creation of the suggests, the true worship of God and to have increased by about 15,000, humanity and fulfills it. It is the rejection world are clearly seen, being understood the true knowledge of God converge and the minister said. Once the true demo- as ontologically and epistemologically by the things that are made, even His are together become the foundation of graphic strength of Serbs in the region “decisive,” of the words which “always, eternal power and Godhead; so that they obedience to Him. was established, it would be easier to everywhere and for all” were the true are without excuse: because that, when lobby for their national rights, the min- “epiphany” of man’s relation to God, to the they knew God, they glorified Him not as (Endnotes) ster observed. world and to himself: “It is meet and right God, neither were thankful; but became 1 1 Alexander Schmemann, For the Life “The position of the Serbian people to sing of Thee, to bless Thee, to praise vain in their imaginations, and their of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy. in regional countries is not even close to Thee, to give thanks to Thee, and worship foolish hearts were darkened. Professing (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary 1 what we would want it to be,” Sreckovic Thee in every place of Thy dominion…” themselves to be wise, they became fools, Press, 1973), p. 118. 2 said, adding that some certain progress While as religious believers we and changed the glory of the incorruptible Ibid., p. 120, emphasis added. has been made. may disagree among ourselves as the God into an image… Wherefore God also To be continued in the next issue JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE SEVEN

Second Meeting of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of America

continued from p. 1 necessary for their operation. They also created a diverse nizations, together with the liaison bishops for the various Both the agenda for this meeting and the minutes of list of consultants for each of the committees, made up of agencies, to allow the Assembly a more active participation in the last Assembly, held in May 2010, were unanimously professional and knowledgable men and women recom- and support of the various ministries under its oversight. approved. The Chairman then delivered his address to mended by their bishops. These consultants are available to Secondly, the Assembly agreed on the great importance the Assembly, in which he remembered the three member assist with their professional expertise the member bishops of the role of our military chaplains, who give spiritual sup- bishops who had fallen asleep in the Lord since the last As- of each committee. The Assembly expressed it’s unanimous port to our dedicated men and women who serve in the armed sembly: Metropolitan Christopher, Metropolitan Nicholas, support and appreciation for Bishop Basil and the staff of forces and are subject to the many hardships of deployment and Metropolitan Epiphanios. He welcomed also the new the Secretariat for its accomplishments. and combat. They decided upon the need to develop clear members: Bishop John of Caracas, who was appointed by The Assembly heard reports from each of its thirteen guidelines for Orthodox Christian chaplains, and to create ROCOR to oversee its Old Believer parishes in the USA, and committees. Nearly all of the committees had either met a single, unified endorsing agency for all military chaplains Bishop Matthias of the OCA, who was consecrated shortly prior to the Assembly meeting, or were able to meet while with the Department of Defense. In addition, it is a desired after Pascha of this year. He noted also the retirement of in Chicago. Unfortunately, the Secretariat’s Coordinator for goal of the Assembly to facilitate a gathering of all active Metropolitan John of Winnipeg, the head of the Ukrainian Committees, Bishop Maxim, who has worked so hard and Orthodox Christian military chaplains. Church in Canada and the election of his successor, Metro- efficiently for the creation and the guidance of the com- And thirdly, the Assembly stressed the great importance politan Yuri. mittees, and who was scheduled to give the reports, was of the Church’s ministry to the youth, and as a result, has At the conclusion of his address the Chairman invited not present, owing to the pressing business of the Serbian endorsed three projected conferences to bring together Or- the first Vice-Chairman, Metropolitan thodox youth workers from all over Philip [Antiochian Archdiocese], and North America. It is hoped that this the second Vice-Chairman, Archbish- will help to encourage them in their op Justinian [Moscow Patriarchal], to ministry, eliminate redundancy and address the Assembly. Both hierarchs divided resources among the various stressed the need for increased coop- churches, and create a common vision eration among all the bishops through for youth ministry in the Church in the agency of the Assembly. North America. The Treasurer of the Assembly, The Assembly decided that it was Archbishop Antony, presented a prudent for itself to be incorporated report to the bishops on the financial as a legal entity, as this would bring resources available to the Assembly. the Assembly a number of benefits Each of the churches contributed and would further its ability to act funds to the Assembly, for the work as a body. It therefore authorized the of its thirteen committees. The cost proper agents to move ahead with the of the Assembly meeting itself, it was work of incorporation. In addition, noted, was not funded from these con- the Assembly reaffirmed its petition tributions, but will be covered by the of last year to the mother churches, contributions of individual donors. for the partition of the Assembly, by This past year the work of the establishing Canada as a separate Assembly focused on the establishing region, and joining Mexico and Cen- of the Secretariat and the completing tral America to the region of South of its initial tasks. The Secretariat represents a cross-section Orthodox Church. The reports were instead presented on America. This represents also the desire of the Canadian, of the Church, including bishops, priests, deacons, laity and his behalf by the Secretary, Bishop Basil, and the respective Mexican and Central American bishops. Lastly, the Assembly monastics. Bishop Basil, the Secretary of the Assembly, committee chairmen. drafted and approved an official message to be issued in its presented a report on the work accomplished by the eleven- Three decisions by the Assembly stand out as particu- name to the all Orthodox Christian faithful living within the member Secretariat during the course of the past months. larly important. Firstly, the Assembly expressed its desire region (see elsewhere in this issue). This consisted primarily in: i) regular monthly meetings of to define more carefully its relationship to the agencies and All of the proceedings over the course of the two days the Secretariat; ii) regular communications to the member endorsed-organizations which it inherited from SCOBA. It were characterized by a strong fraternal spirit of charity bishops about the business of the Assembly; iii) the creation was felt that the bishops should do more to enable the success among the brother bishops. This was reflected nowhere more of a website to disseminate information about the purpose of these ministries in North America, and they agreed that clearly than in the fact that all decisions of the Assembly and work of the Assembly (www.assemblyofbishops.org), the guidelines previously used by SCOBA were not adequate were made with complete unanimity. and most importantly, iv) the creation of the thirteen com- for the Assembly. These guidelines will be revised by the mittees of the Assembly and the documents and guidelines Secretariat’s Coordinator for Agencies and Endorsed-Orga- Message of the Assembly of American Bishops

Friday, May 27, 2011 In accordance with our determination and decision dur- States, and throughout the region of our Assembly, where ing the 1st Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops (May epic catastrophe has struck numerous people with death, Christ is Risen! 26-28, 2010), we focused and acted upon our understand- devastation, and damage. May God grant rest to the souls “Glory to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving, and ing that we are successors of the Standing Conference of of the departed and may the gentle breeze of His Spirit grant Undivided Trinity.” Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), the victims the strength to rebuild their lives. We fervently By the grace of God, we forty-five Hierarchs gathered assuming its agencies and ministries. Therefore, among encourage our parishes to offer generous material, financial, in Chicago IL, on May 25-27, 2011, for the second meeting the items on the agenda was the work of the Assembly’s 13 and spiritual support. of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North committees, its Secretariat, and its 14 agencies and endorsed We cannot remain silent in the face of atrocities and and Central America. Several Hierarchs were prevented from organizations. persecutions committed against Christian minorities by attending due to personal illness, while our Serbian brothers, We offer thanks to God for the positive spirit of coopera- fundamentalists and extremists, in Palestine and Egypt, participating at a prolonged assembly of bishops meeting in tion that prevailed during the sessions of the Assembly. We especially against the Christians caught up in the upheaval Belgrade, were also unable to attend. All of us experienced are pleased to report to our faithful what the committees of of the Arab Spring, which has unleashed long-oppressed what the Psalmist joyfully declares, “how good and pleasant the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops reported to diverse sectarian animosities. In particular, the Christian it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 132.1) their brother Hierarchs. The work of these committees will communities in Palestine and the Middle East have been We draw inspiration from this resurrectional liturgi- constitute the principal service of the Assembly, meeting drastically reduced and compelled to emigrate as refugees. cal period, within which we have assembled, standing at frequently and regularly in order – with the participation We urge political leaders throughout the world to stop ig- the midpoint between the light of Pascha and the grace of also of lay members – to materialize the remarkable unity of noring the manifestations of intolerance, discrimination and Pentecost, the crossroad between the possibility of new life the Orthodox Churches in this region. In this regard, we are open persecution against all religious communities – Jews, and the reality of renewed communion, the merging of the inspired by the words of the Risen Lord: As the Father has Christians, and Muslims alike – living in contentious regions melody of unity and the beauty of diversity. sent me, I am sending you (John 20.21); and Truly, truly, I and countries of the world, notably in Northern Africa and We call to mind our brother Hierarchs who have say to you: he who believes in me will also do the works that the Middle East. fallen asleep in the Lord during the past year: Metropolitan I do; and greater works than these will he do. (John 14.12) In light of the designation of June as “internet safety Christopher of Libertyville and Chicago (Serbian Diocese), Thus, in addition to official reports by the Chairman, month,” we exhort our priests and parishioners to raise Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos (Carpatho-Russian Dio- the Vice-Chairmen, the Treasurer, and the Secretary, the awareness and secure appropriate protection for our chil- cese), and Metropolitan Epiphanios of Bryoula (Ecumenical responsibilities of the following committees were dis- dren and communities from the many and diverse prevalent Patriarchate). May their memory be eternal! cussed extensively: Canonical Affairs, Canonical Regional dangers, including pornography, cyberbullying, perils by In our deliberations as Orthodox Hierarchs, we mani- Planning, Church and Society, Clergy Affairs, Ecumenical predators, risks of geotagging, and in particular dissension fested a spirit of conciliarity, expressing our commitment Affairs, Financial Affairs, Legal Affairs, Liturgy, Military in the Church. Technology is not sinful; but the abuse of to proceed on all matters in collegial and collaborative Chaplaincy, Monastic Communities, Pastoral Practice, Theo- technology is a sin and a crime. We encourage our faithful manner reflective of the unity that characterizes the various logical Education, and Youth. Moreover, the coordinators of to disseminate relevant internet safety literature, organize jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church within our regional the various agencies and endorsed organizations, formerly internet safety classes, utilize parental controls, and take Assembly. In this respect, we once again affirm our desire under the aegis of SCOBA, will convene with respective rigorous advocacy measures to pressure wireless companies and willingness to work toward “the swift healing of every Hierarch liaisons in order to determine the criteria of their and carriers to mandate protective options. canonical anomaly that has arisen from historical circum- relationship and establish appropriate channels of commu- Finally, we are united in wholeheartedly acknowledg- stances and pastoral requirements” (2008 Message of the nication with the Assembly. ing and fervently blessing the tireless ministry of our par- Primates 13.1-2), following the decisions of the representa- In particular, the Assembly warmly received and unani- ish clergy and their families, the honorable presbyters and tives of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches regarding the mously encouraged the creation of a common ministry for deacons in the service of Christ, the brothers and sisters of “unswerving position and obligation to safeguard the unity our military chaplaincy and our youth. our monastic communities, and all those who do charitable of the Orthodox Church” (2009 Chambésy, Rules of Opera- Our prayers are offered to God at this time for those work, those who serve our holy houses of worship, those tion, Article 5.1a) and the promotion of “common action to who have suffered from the extreme weather conditions in who labor, teach, and chant, and all the people of God, who address the pastoral needs of Orthodox living in our region” the last weeks, especially and most recently the tornadoes await His great and rich mercy. (2009 Chambésy, Decision 2c). and flooding in Missouri and Oklahoma in the United Truly the Lord is Risen! PAGE EIGHT THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY AUGUST 2011

OUR VIEW OUR VIEW OUR VIEW OUR VIEW THE YOUTH PAGES OF THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY, JULY-AUGUST 2011

Feast of the Transfiguration Scriptural Quotations The Transfiguration of our Lord, one of the Twelve There is a link between the Transfiguration of the Lord Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, takes place on and the Jewish Holy Week of Sukkot. During Sukkot, one for This Month August 19th according to the Julian calendar. To transfig- belief is that God and His prophets dwell with the people ure means to alter appearance; to transform. Thus, the in the booths. In fact, during the holiday, some Jews recite “My son, give heed to my word and incline your Transfiguration of our Lord refers to the time when our Lord special prayers to welcome “exalted guests” into the Sukkot ear to my words, that your fountains may not and Savior Jesus Christ became radiant and allowed his tents, and Moses is one of those guests. During Christ’s fail you; Guard them in your heart; for they are disciples to see His energies and glory in a form of dazzling Transfiguration, He reveals His divine nature, as the Holy life to those who find them and healing for all light. Christ went with His Apostles Peter, James and John Spirit dwelled within Him. Thus, through the Transfiguration their flesh. Keep your heart with all watchful- to the top of a small mountain. Holy Tradition tells us that Christ makes our ultimate destiny known: to be transformed ness, for from these words are the issues of life. this mountain was Mt. Tabor, which is also known as the by God through theosis.Further more, Moses and Elijah Put away from yourself a crooked mouth and Mount of the Transfiguration. were the guests of Christ who remove unrighteous lips far from you. Let your This mount is located near the reveal that the everlasting King- Sea of Galilee in what is today dom of God that unites the living eyes look straight forward, and let your eye- Israel, an area familiar to Christ. and the dead. Moses represents lids assent to righteous things. At the time of the Transfigura- those who have fallen asleep in Make straight paths for tion of our Lord, the Jewish the Lord, as his death is recorded your feet and direct people were celebrating the in the Old Testament. Elijah, on your ways aright.” Holy Week of Sukkot. During the other hand, was taken to the (Proverbs 4:19- this week, people make small Kingdom of Heaven on a chariot 25) booths in which they eat all of and thus never experienced death. their meals, pray and spend Likewise, the Lord had come to time with their family. The tradi- save us from death and unite us all tion comes from an agricultural in the eternal and everlasting King- feast, but is tied in closely with dom of God. When we celebrate the time when the Jewish the Feast of the Transfiguration From people left Egypt and wondered of our Lord in Church, grapes and in the desert with Moses. Dur- other kinds of fresh fruit are often the Holy Fathers ing this time of wondering, they blessed. The fruit, brought into be- Seek out, with much care and thought, a constructed such booths as ing from nonexistence, reminds us shelter and, at the time of Christ that all things can be transformed teacher who will be a safe guide to you in your as well as today, the Jewish by Christ. Furthermore, we are manner of life; one who knows well how to lead people continue to make these reminded of the fruitfulness, or such as are journeys towards God; a teacher booths in remembrance. Once the abundance, of the Kingdom of who is rich in virtues…and wise in the Holy Christ and His three Apostles God, where all will be transfigured Scriptures” arrived at the top of Mt. Tabor, by Divine Glory. –St. Basil the Great Christ’s face became radiant Troparion, Tone 4 Today, there are two mon- and His clothes turned translu- Let us, O believers, come forth and welcome asteries on the top of Mt. Tabor: “Ignorance starves the soul, but knowledge cent, glowing white. He began the Transfiguration of Christ, one is Roman Catholic, and the nourishes and sustains it.” speaking with Moses and joyfully celebrating the Preparation of the other Orthodox. While the Roman –St. Clement Elijah, two prophets who fore- Feast and declaring aloud, Catholic Church is open for all shadowed the coming of the Verily the day of divine rejoicing has arrived visitors and usually bustling with Lord. A bright cloud appeared and shed forth the radiance of his God head. activity, the Orthodox monastery of over our Lord and Savior Jesus Saint Elijah remains a quite place ***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED*** Christ and the voice of God the of prayer and reflection. When Father said, “This is my beloved pilgrims approach the monastery, The editors of “Our View” are looking for volunteers to Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” This a nun comes to the gate and peers out. Pilgrims often say assist in contributing and editing articles and other materi- was an extraordinary, miraculous event and despite their “Orthodox!” and make the sign of the cross so that they als for publication. Are you interested in assisting in our trust in the Lord, the Apostles were shaken up and did not may be allowed to enter. The current monastery was built efforts? Please contact us a the address below. A member know how to respond. They fell to their knees, covering by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1862; however, St. of the staff will contact you with more information. Help us their heads in a combination of fear and awe. Christ told Helena constructed the original church in the 4th century. continue to offer this very important service to the youth of them not to be afraid and when they lifted their heads and During the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Or- the Serbian Orthodox Church! looked at the Lord, everything had returned to normal. The thodox pilgrims come from around the world to attend an Our View is the official organ of The Serbian Ortho- Transfiguration was brief, but powerful: Peter, James and all-night vigil at the monastery. dox Youth Ministry Committee and is a regular feature of John knew that they had seen the Lord. the Path of Orthodoxy. Comments can be directed to the committee via e-mail at: [email protected].

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, September 11th

St. John Baptist is called the Forerunner of Christ and was considered by many to be a prophet.Killing him since, as the last prophet, he proclaimed the coming of would only cause problems for Herod, and thus he toler- Christ. He was the son of St. Elizabeth, the cousin of the ated his existence. To celebrate his birthday, Herod threw a Theotokos. When the Theotokos and St. Elizabeth were huge party. His wife’s daughter, Salome, danced for Herod. both pregnant and saw each other, St. John leapt while in He was so thrilled with this gift that he told her that she her womb.This leaping is considered the very first prostra- could have anything she wanted. Salome’s mother told her tion (bowing) to Christ, a practice that we continue in the to ask for the head of St. John the Baptist on a plate. Since Church today (think of the prostrations we make before the this request was made in the presence of his guests, Herod tomb of Christ on Holy Friday). St. John spent much of his had to agree.Thus, St. John the Baptist was beheaded, life in the wilderness fasting and praying. Thus, St. John and his head was brought to Salome and her mother. is considered the very first monastic: before we even had The Church instructs us to fast in order to remember an understanding of theosis, St. John was attempting to the pious, austere life of St. John. Furthermore, by fasting acquire the energies of God.In addition, he baptized our we are contradicting the life of Herod that was filled with Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, marking the moment when parties and feasts. In many Orthodox traditions, we honor the Holy Spirit came down upon the Lord and made God’s St. John the Baptist by not using dishes on this day since will clear. On September 11th, we commemorate his death, his head was placed on a plate. Also, many Orthodox do which we read about in Matthew 14:1-12. King Herod held not use knives on September 11th in remembrance of the a grudge against St. John the Baptist. St. John publically cutting off of his head. Thus, there are three ways to honor reprimanded Herod for taking his brother’s wife, and thus he St. John the Baptist. By doing even one of the three, we was imprisoned for speaking against the King. Herod want- are acknowledging not only his gruesome death, but his ed John dead; however, St. John was a very public figure pious and holy life in service to God. JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE NINE

The Dormition of the Theotokos

he Dormition of the Theotokos, one of the Twelve human, she likely experienced the same desire to live that TGreat Feasts, is commemorated on August 28th we all do. Yet, death meant being reunited with her Son according to the Julian calendar Dormition means “fall- and her God. While she wanted to live, she also wanted to ing asleep,” a term often used by Orthodox Christians to fall asleep in the Lord. The Theotokos was living with the refer to death. We say falling asleep because we know that Apostle John in Jerusalem. On the day that the Theotokos death no longer exists: Christ conquered death with his fell asleep, most of the other Apostles were miraculously own death. Like every one of us, the Theotokos brought back to Jerusalem to be by her side. The only experienced bodily death. When she was in her early fif- exception is the Apostle Thomas, who arrived three days ties, an estimated five to ten years after the Resurrection after her death. Saddened that he could not be with her as of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Angel Gabriel she fell asleep in the Lord, he went to her tomb. When he appeared to her and told her that, in three days, she would arrived, he saw that her body was gone; a sweet fragrance die. While this sounds terrifying, remember that the same filled the tomb. On this third day after her death, Christ Angel appeared to Mary when she was a very young took her body to be reunited with her soul. When Christ woman to announce that she would be the Mother of God. comes again, our bodies and our souls will be reunited; Even though seeing angels is not an everyday occurrence, however, the Mother of God did not have to wait for the her faith made her receptive to such events. Furthermore, Second Coming of Christ. Pilgrims from all over the world the Theotokos raised the Son of God and stayed with visit the tomb of the Theotokos in Jerusalem. Like all major Him throughout His entire earthly ministry. She knew His Holy Sites, the Tomb is under governance of the Orthodox teachings and then she witnessed His Glorious Resurrec- Church. Pilgrims come and venerate the Tomb, but, since tion from the dead. She was thus approaching death with Christ resurrected the body of the Theotokos, there are no in remembrance of the Theotokos: as the Mother of God, complete faith in eternal life, but still, the announcement relics. For two weeks before the feast of the Dormition of we need to honor her life as well as the time when she fell of her earthly death must have been bitter sweet. As a the Theotokos, the Church instructs us to fast. We do this asleep in the Lord.

Church Etiquette Graduation from our the saints, we all have the ability to acquire this union through Entering the Church (Late) a synergy with God. This is not automatic, but the Church The time to arrive at church guides us on this spiritual path. Synergy means “cooperation” is before the service starts, Spiritual Lives? or “working together.” Since we have free will, God will not but for some unknown rea- force us to come to Him. Consequently, we must willfully make son, it has become the cus- June marks the end of the school year. For the seniors, it a sincere effort to draw closer to God. St. John Chrysostom tom - or rather the bad habit means graduation. Some graduates leave to study at a college teaches us that “man must first, of himself, desire and attempt - for some to come to church or university, some begin a fulltime job, while others take a bit to choose and obey God.” In some Christian traditions that late. If you arrive after the of time to find their way. At this point, the graduates are legal are popular in the US, coming closer to God is tied together Divine Liturgy begins, try to adults and become responsible for their own destiny. Regard- with Christian education (i.e. university degrees in theology, enter the church quietly - and less of what lies ahead, high school graduation marks the becoming a minister). In Orthodoxy this is only partially true. observe what is happening. If official end of childhood as well as of thirteen years of formal While it is absolutely vital for us to understand our faith, read the Epistle or Gospel is being education. In some churches, the Gospel, know the teachings read or the Little or Great Sunday school, youth group of the Church and lives of the Entrance is taking place, wait and Alter service also end with saints, we do not need formal until it is finished to quickly high school graduation. What degrees to acquire the likeness find a seat. If Father is giving does this mean for the spiritual of God. While all Orthodox the sermon, stay in the back life? In Orthodoxy, we believe Christians must be educated until he has concluded. If in that the ultimate goal of our in their faith, we remember that doubt, check with one of the lives is union with God, which some of our saints could neither ushers to see if it is a good is called theosis in Orthodox read nor write, but did follow the time to seat yourself. theology. Since our Lord and will of God. Likewise, we need a Try not to interrupt the Liturgy with your entrance. By Savior Jesus Christ unified sincere heart to approach God. the way, the best way to avoid this problem is to arrive the human and the divine, we We need to follow the teachings on time - then you don’t have to wonder if it’s okay to know that we too can come to of the Church, partake of the come in or not. People who come late to the Liturgy experience divine grace. We Holy Mysteries (Sacraments, should not partake of the Eucharist! can never become God, and e.g. Holy Communion), pray, thus we can never be united fast and be kind to others. We Crossing those Legs? with His essence, but we can must remember that one day In some Orthodox cultures, crossing one’s legs is be unified with His energies. For example, we can glorify God everything in this life will be nothing more than a memory, taboo and considered to be very disrespectful. In our through the saints because the saints obtained divine grace. but the Kingdom of God is everlasting. Theosis, then, is our North American culture, while there are no real taboos The saints are not God, but they are holy, meaning filled with ultimate goal, and this needs a lifetime of preparation.We do concerning crossing one’s legs, we tend to cross our the Holy Spirit. The saints did not obtain this grace when they not graduate from our spiritual lives, but rather must continue legs to get comfortable while sitting. Should we cross graduated from high school, nor did they reach the energies to learn, pray and love. our legs in church? No. Not because it is “wrong” to of God on the day when they became official adults. Just like ever cross legs, but rather because it is too casual - and too relaxed - for being in church. Just think about it, when you get settled in your favorite chair at home, you lean back, cross your legs, and then your mind can wan- Put Your Thinking Caps On! der anywhere it wants to. Remember that sitting in 1. What does “Jesus” mean? 4. Which of the 12 apostles were the church is a concession, not A. Christ sons of Zebedee? the normative way of prayer. B. God A. Andrew and Peter You surely don’t want to get C. Son of God B. John and Peter too relaxed and let your mind D. Savior C. James and John D. All of them wander off too much. In fact, 2. What does “Christ” mean? when you do sit in church, you A. Logos (Word) 5. Followers of Christ were first called should sit attentively - and not B. The Anointed or Messiah Christians in what city? too comfortably. When sitting C. Savior A. Antioch in church, keep those feet on D. Father B. Jerusalem the floor, ready to stand at C. Moscow attention (which is what “Let 3. Christ was born in what city? D. Constantinople us attend” means). Cross A. Bethlehem yourself with your fingers and B. Nazareth hand - but don’t cross your C. Jerusalem Answers: 1-d; 2-b; 3-a; 4-c; 5-a; legs! D. Belgrade

OOURUR V VIEWIEW OUR VIEW OUR VIEW Our View is the official publication of The Serbian Orthodox Youth Ministry Committee and is a regular feature of The Path of Orthodoxy. Comments can be directed to the committee via e-mail at: [email protected]. P AGE TEN THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011 Why Not “Open” Communion? continued from p. 3 acceptance of an ascetic discipline, Our existence in the Body of Christ, our which includes personal prayer, liturgical ecclesial identity as Orthodox Christians, celebration, fasting, confession of sins, is such that we represent the Church in all and acts of charity: the ingredients of that we are and do. If I defy the ordinances a life of repentance and of an ongoing of my ecclesial tradition and receive quest for holiness. And it requires that we communion in another Church, or as a honor our particular “ecclesial identity,” priest welcome a non-Orthodox believer together with submission to ecclesial to receive the Eucharist in my parish, I am authority represented above all by our acting in violation of my own tradition, bishops: persons canonically ordained to which I have committed myself before and established, who are called by their God. And because of my solidarity with all actions and teachings to preserve and other members of the Orthodox Church, I transmit the truth of the Orthodox faith am implicitly involving them in my act of while maintaining a bond of unity within disobedience. the Body of Christ. A unity grounded not in The real issue, however, is not one power but in mutual respect and fraternal of obedience or disobedience to rules and love, shared by all members of the Church. regulations. If the Orthodox preserve the From this perspective, “open sanctity of the Eucharist as a supreme communion” — the welcoming of non- obligation, it is because of the often Orthodox to share in the Eucharistic stated truth that communion in the Body celebration — is simply not possible and Blood of Christ is the very end or without undermining the very meaning of IOCC frontliner, Deacon Dan Gray, worked closely with local volunteers in Tus- fulfillment of Christian existence. It can the sacrament. This implies no particular caloosa, Alabama, to deliver relief supplies such as tents to thousands of people left not, for example, be reduced to a means by judgment on the Eucharistic services homeless by the tornadoes that leveled much of their town. (photo: Dan Gray, IOCC) which to achieve “Christian unity.” (In any of other Churches. It acknowledges case, Church history has made it clear that rather that for the Orthodox, the Divine sharing of Communion among Churches Liturgy is what the name implies. It is of conflicting theological teachings never both the means and the end of Christian IOCC helps here and abroad results in lasting unity.) existence, an existence which arises from continued from p. 2 scene. Father Preble, who is also a trained The Eucharist is life itself. It is the life Orthodox faith, ongoing repentance, After a series of seven tornadoes firefighter, provided spiritual comfort to of Christ that enables us to live our life in ascetic discipline, ecclesial identity and destroyed homes, bridges and businesses the tornado victims as he assessed the im- Christ. To participate in the Eucharist as works of love. To those who accept this over a 38-mile swath of towns in the area mediate needs of the survivors and assisted we are called to do requires our acceptance “Orthodox Way,” the Eucharist offers a of Springfield, Massachusetts, IOCC im- in the relief efforts. IOCC responded by of a doctrinal attitude and commitment true participation in the very Life of the mediately deployed Emergency Response delivering two 40-foot containers filled that is specifically “orthodox,” grounded risen and glorified Christ, just as it offers Network frontliner, Father Peter Preble of with 5,500 health kits, drinking water, in the Scriptures and transmitted through the forgiveness of sins, the healing of soul St. Michael Orthodox Church in South- sanitary wipes, personal hygiene supplies the ages under the guidance and inspiration and body, and a foretaste of the heavenly bridge, Massachusetts, to the disaster and hospital blankets. of the Holy Spirit. It requires as well Banquet in the eternal presence of God.

First Liturgy in Twelve Years at Destroyed Kosovo Monastery For the first time since 1999, the Divine Liturgy was served on the feast of Pentecost at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Suva Reka, Kosovo and Meto- hija. The monastery, dating from the 14th century, was destroyed by Albanian ex- tremists, along with many other Serbian Orthodox holy places in the region, fol- lowing the NATO bombing campaign and the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo. The entire Serbian population of the area was forced to flee, and their homes and villages as well as their holy places were destroyed. Over 100 people, mostly refugees from the area, attended the liturgy. It is hoped that conditions will eventually permit them to return to their ancestral homes.

Orthodox View of Same-Sex Unions Bishop Sava Remembered In light of the recent legalization of same-sex “marriage” in New York and certain other states, we bring you once continued from p. 1 again the very instructive statement issued already in 2003 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in Bishop Sava was born in 1930 and after studies at the the Americas (SCOBA), which was at the time the Pan-Orthodox representative body in the Americas. The same statement, Belgrade Theological Faculty and in Bern, Switzerland which follows, still stands today. received his doctorate in liturgics in 1961. Having become a monk in 1959, he was elected as vicar bishop to the SCOBA STATEMENT ON MORAL CRISIS IN OUR NATION Patriarch in 1961, and as bishop of Eastern America and August 13, 2003 Canada in 1967. During his time in America he did tre- As members of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), representing more mendous organizational and missionary work, establishing than 5 million Orthodox Christians in the United States, Canada and Mexico, we are deeply concerned about recent develop- 14 new parishes, especially in Canada. He also established ments regarding “same sex unions.” Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio, and moved the see The Orthodox Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality, firmly grounded in Holy Scripture, 2000 years of church of the Diocese from Cleveland to the Pittsburgh area. tradition, and canon law, holds that marriage consists in the conjugal union of a man and a woman, and that authentic marriage In 1977 Bishop Sava was elected bishop of the wid- is blessed by God as a sacrament of the Church. Neither Scripture nor Holy Tradition blesses or sanctions such a union between owed diocese of Sumadija. Again, his organizational and persons of the same sex. missionary work was outstanding, and the diocese grew Holy Scripture attests that God creates man and woman in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27-31), that those called tremendously during his tenure. He began the construction to do so might enjoy a conjugal union that ideally leads to procreation. While not every marriage is blessed with the birth of of over 100 new churches, and oversaw the renovation of a children, every such union exists to create of a man and a woman a new reality of “one flesh.” This can only involve a relation- number of monasteries. He constructed a diocesan center ship based on gender complementarity. “God made them male and female. So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark in Kragujevac and established a new seminary there. 10:6-8). Bishop Sava’s very fruitful work continued in The union between a man and a woman in the Sacrament of Marriage reflects the union between Christ and His Church academic pursuits as well. He published numerous books (Ephesians 5:21-33). As such, marriage is necessarily monogamous and heterosexual. Within this union, sexual relations be- and articles on Serbian Church history and on Liturgics, tween a husband and wife are to be cherished and protected as a sacred expression of their love that has been blessed by God. including a volume on the early history of the Serbian Such was God’s plan for His human creatures from the very beginning. Today, however, this divine purpose is increasingly Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada, which questioned, challenged or denied, even within some faith communities, as social and political pressures work to normalize, is available in both Serbian and English. Among the many legalize and even sanctify same-sex unions. publications which he established or edited over the course The Orthodox Church cannot and will not bless same-sex unions. Whereas marriage be-tween a man and a woman is a of his life is this newspaper, the Path of Orthodoxy, which sacred institution ordained by God, homosexual union is not. Like adultery and fornication, homosexual acts are condemned was established as a publication of the Eastern Diocese and by Scripture (Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:10; 1 Tim 1:10). This being said, however, we must stress that persons with a homosexual later became the official publication of the entire Serbian orientation are to be cared for with the same mercy and love that is bestowed by our Lord Jesus Christ upon all of humanity. All Orthodox Church in North and South America. persons are called by God to grow spiritually and morally toward holiness. May God grant rest and peace to His faithful ser- As heads of the Orthodox Churches in America and members of SCOBA, we speak with one voice in expressing our deep vant Bishop Sava, and may He make his memory to be concern over recent developments. And we pray fervently that the traditional form of marriage, as an enduring and committed eternal! union only between a man and a woman, will be honored. JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE ELEVEN

THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY Стаза Православља THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

ТОМ (ВАЉУМ) 46 ЈУЛ-АБГУСТ 2011 БР. 07-08 Епископ Лонгин служио на Духове у Саборном храму у Чикагу Његово Преосвештенство Епископ вешто предвођен диригенткињом Јеленом новограчанички-средњезападноамерички г. Стојаковић, и благопријатним појањем допринео Лонгин, нови епархијски архијереј Саборног лепоти празника Педесетнице. храма Васкрсења Христовог у Чикагу, Након литургијског славља приређен свечано је дочекан на празник Духова је ручак добродошлице у част Преосвећеног - Свете Тројице у недељу, 12. јуна, 2011. епископа Лонгина, и том приликом се јереј Дарко године. Спасојевић, још једном се обратио присутнима, У присуству великог броја верника, рекавши да у “овој заједници није потребно на Светој Архи-јерејској Литургији новом посебно представљати владику Лонгина јер је он епархијском архијереју саслуживали су свима добро познат, а особито поштован и вољен протојереј-ставрофор Драгољуб Павићевић, од многих. Још једном у име свих добро нам дошли јереј Дарко Спасојевић - старешина Саборног драги владико и хвала Вам за данашњи благослов храма, јереј Василије Вранић и ђакон др Дамјан и молитве на празник Свете Тројице.” С. Божић. Подпредседница Управног одбора, г-ца У надахнутој празничној беседи Владика Јелена Стојаковић пожелела је добродошлицу Лонгин је између осталог рекао: “На данашњи рекавши: “Сви ми, парохијани Саборног храма смо дан, педесети после Пасхе, прослављамо задовољни мудром одлуком Светог Архјеејског празник Педесетице када се пуноћа Свете Сабора којом су нам одредили Просвећеног Тројице пројавила кроз силазак Светог Духа. Епископа Лонгина за новог епархијског архијереја. Христос је учио апостоле смирењу и чистоти Његово Преосвештенство је одувек био драги гост срца и потом низпослао Духа Светога, који у нашој заједници. У име Управног одбора желим од Оца исходи. Смирење и чистота срца, Вам искрену добродошлицу.” крунисани Духом Светим, представљају Владика Лонгин је напоменуо: “Саборни храм истинску мудрост. Данас прослављамо овај у Чикагу ми је одувек био драг. Ова парохија са празник заједно са апостолима, светим оцима, младим свештенством и Управним одбором, који мученицима и исповедницима из прошлости су одани и с љубаваљу надграђују своју Цркву, и садашњости, молећи Бога да и нашим служиће као пример и осталим парохијама у Нашој слбостима подари исту мудрост.” у цркви и свету. Нека нам Господ подари знања и мудрости како епархији. Ви ћете унети једну нову снагу и само Након Свете литургије, вечерње службе и празничних бисмо препознали епископа као икону Христа, као што нас уче свети заједно у духу љубави и истине можемо ићи напред као Црква.” молитви, старешина Саборног храма, јереј Дарко Спасојевић оци, поготов данас кад дочекујемо свог новог епархијског архијереја, Свети архијерејски сабор Српске Православне Цркве на обратио се Епископу Лонгину у име свештенства, Управног одбора коме у име свештенства и свих верника изражавам најсрдачнију редовном заседању у период од 16. до 26. маја текуће године и парохијана и пожелео му добродошлицу рекавши: “Нека нам благи добродошлицу.” припојио је Саборни храм у Чикагу епархији новограчаничко- Господ подари дух мудрости, љубави и мира, како бисмо заједно Као и сваке недеље, учешћа у Светој Литургији узео је и хор средњезападноамеричкој, чиме је Митрополија либертивилско- и сложно радили у цркви Божијој. Свети Дух чини Христа знаним Саборног храма, Српско певачко друштво “Бранко Радичевић,” чикашка престала да постоји.

Прослављени 28. епархијски дани Канадске епархије

Милтон, Онтарио – У суботу 18. и Канадске епархије. На Литургији су били недељу, 19. јуна 2011. године било је присутни махом млади, који су дошли на веома свечано у манастиру Преображења трећи по реду Сабор српске омладине у Господњег у Милтону. Канадска епархија организацији Косовског завета, организацији прославила је своје 28. по реду, сада већ која окупља младе Србе Канаде око традиционалне Епархијске дане. Било је очувања националних, духовних и културних заиста дивно видети велики број верника, вредности српског народа. њих око 5000, који су дошли са свих крајева Трећи сабор омладине, по први пут ове Онтарија и шире, како се сабирају око свога године, одржан је у новосаграђеној згради Епископа и својих свештеника, најпре на библиотеке музеја Канадске епархије. Скуп светој Литургији а потом и на свим културним, је отворио и благословио епископ Г. Георгије уметничким, спортским и забавним да би потом кренула излагања. Најпре догађајима припремљеним за ову прилику. је говорио брат Милош о свакодневним Прослава је почела у суботу, 18. јуна проблемима на које наилазе млади људи светом архијерејском Литургијом коју је у овоме времену и о највећем проблему, служио Његово Преосвештенство епископ погубном смањењу наталитета у српском канадски Г. Георгије уз саслужење госта народу. Након њега своје предавање одржао Парохијани са владиком Максимом и протом Блашком у Аламоана парку из Чикага, протојереја-ставрофора проф. је председник организације Косовски завет Parishioners with Bishop Maxim and Fr. Blasko in Ala Moana Park др. Милоша Весина и пар свештеника continued on p. 16 Посета српској заједници Светог Цара Лазара на Хавајима Српска православна заједница, мисија Светога Лазара Косовскога на Хавајима, имала је о Спасовдану прилику да усрдније учествује у богослужењима која је служио Епископ Западноамерички Максим уз саслужење протојереја Блашка Параклиса, пароха из Оранџ Каунтија, који је дугогодишњи администратор ове заједнице. У суботу, 3. јуна света Литургија је служена у Руској парохији Мајке Божије Иверске, а у недељу, 4. јуна, у Грчкој парохији Светога Константина и Јелене у Хонолулу, уз саслужење месног свештеника. Свака посета српског епископа или свештеника права је радост за наше земљаке који, иако живе на прелепом природом и климом обдареним Хавајима, ипак осећају огромну удаљеност од роднога краја. Једино је Црква у стању да премости баријере, приближи им Царство Божије и тиме и мајку Србију, кроз молитве и поуке на свом матерњем језику. После свете Литургије, ручка и разговора у сали грчке парохије, српски парохијани су отишли до Аламоана парка на поподневни пикник уз српски роштиљ и српску музику. То је историјско место за хавајске Србе. Наиме, на том месту је основана парохија Светога цара Лазара, сада већ далеке 1990. године. Том приликом је свако од наших људи донео по једну икону које су постављене око великог дрвета како би дочарали српсо-православни амбијент. Тада се, после предавања Блашка Параклиса, представника епархије, прешло на дискусију о оснивању мисионарске парохије. У моменту када је Блашко упитао коме светитељу би желели да посвете своју заједницу, икона Светог цара Лазара се померила и пала на траву. Сви су схватили знак и лако одлучили коме да посвете своју литургијско- Света Литургија у манастиру Светог Преображења, Милтон, Канада молитвену заједницу. Holy Liturgy in the Transfiguration Monastery in Milton, Canada continued on p. 16 PAGE TWELVE THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011

Протојереј-ставрофор Саво Б. Јовић O значају поста за православне хришћане

Пост је чврст темељ нашег живота и спасења. Пост духовно Пост нас духовно уздиже, исцељујући нас од саможивог, лакомог и млитвом онда ће нам уздиже, исцељавајући нас од саможивог, лакомог и халапљивог халапљивог односа према свету и другим људима око себе. Стога бити јасно како треба односа према свету и другим људима око себе и зато православни православни хришћани не смеју уграђивати себе у Христову цркву правилно постити. хришћани не смеју уграђивати себе у Христовој цркви без поста. без поста, тог чврстог темеља нашег живота и спасења. Уздржање од одређене О посту као божанској установи, његовом значају и духовним Без поста се нико у историји Цркве није уздигао на духовне хране, у отачком поукама за Глас јавности говори протојереј-ставрофор Саво висине и приближио Богу лицем к лицу. Сви који су то хтели предању, је схваћено на Б. Јовић, главни секретар Светог архијерејског синода Српске и постигли, чинили су то на крилима поста и молитве, а не један уопштен начин, православне цркве. преједањем, опијањем и уживањем у варљивим задовољствима у смислу одбацивања -Шта је пост за нас, православне хришћане и зашто треба овога света. Дакле, пост за нас православне хришћане је, по плотског стања духа, и постити? речима Светог Јована Лествичника гашење телесног пламена, због тога је уздржавање -Пост за нас православне хришћане је спасоносно средство истребљење грешних пожуда, ослобађање од ружних снова, од одређене хране које нам помаже на путу ка спасењу. Господ наш Исус Христос чистота молитве, светост духа, храна разума, чишћење срца, ништа, ако не постимо својим Крсто-Васкрсом откупио нас је и ослободио робовања врата душевне сладости, радосно скрушавање, уздржавање свим чулима. Свети сатани, препоручивши пост као најбоље оружје у борби против од многоглагољивости (празнословља), стражар послушности, Атанасије Александријски у свом Празничком писму каже да треба нечастивих сила. Пост заједно са молитвом, према речима Светог здравље тела, врата раја и небеско наслађивање. Према томе, ако посветити пост, тј. не постити само телом, него и душом. Душа се Јована Златоустог, чини два крила душе човечије помоћу којих се разумемо да је пост установљен нас ради и ради нашег добра, да посвећује од тренутка кад напусти зла дела и храни се врлинама уздижемо Богу. би нас приближио Богу који ће нас уселити у вечно блаженство које јој користе.. Истински пост подразумева милостињу, јер пост Силазећи са Горе Таворске, где се преобразио, а после Царства свога, онда ћемо га радосно прихватити као дивно без милостиње распиње плот у истини али не обасјава душу описане немоћи његових ученика да излече болесног младића кога средство на путу спасења, средство, којим ћемо се, као ‘’духовном светлошћу милосрђа. Пост је неопходан да подржава молитвени је био запосео дух нечестиви, Господ је излечивши га, рекао: ‘’Овај терапијом’’, ослободити од превласти тела и излечити од смрти. живот хришћанина, јер пост није савршена врлина него основа се род (мислећи на нечестиве силе демонске) изгони само постом -Како правилно треба постити? других врлина. Пост није само телесна аскеза, јер претспоставља и молитвом’’. Док нам на другом месту Спаситељ поручује: ‘’Али -Ако знамо да је пост један благодаран начин заштите за обожење целог човека у Исусу Христу који је примио целокупну чувајте да како ваша срца не отежају ждерањем и пијанством’’. нов живот у Христу и да је нераздвојиво повезан са покајањем и људску природу, тело и душу. Хришћански пост је Божији дар човеку, да постигне помоћу Божије благодати, преображај целокупног бића. Ако знамо да пост није одвојен од целокупног духовног живота у Исусу Христу онад ће нам бити јасно да смо ми православни хришћани сатлно у духовном посту. Увек се морамо чувати греха без обзира на то да ли је био пост или не. Време поста нас само опомиње на то. И посна храна нам помаже да се Патријарх Павле: смиримо и да победимо своју гордост. Замислите да неко каже или помисли, како би било добро да украде и присвоји туђе добро, или Да не будемо робови греха! да учини прељубу, или било који други грех, али се уздржава од тога док не прође пост. То је погрешно и наопако схватање поста и Две су слободе, браћо и сестре, и два ропства. Једно је не само поста већ уопште нашег живота у Цркви. слобода ова светска, овога света, а друга је слобода греха. -У нашем народу се често чује, од оних што не посте, да Једно је, дакле, ропство у овом свету од људи злочинаца, и ‘’грех не улази на уста’’ – Како то коментаришете? уопште од оних силника овога света, а друго је ропство од -Много штошта се чује у нашем народу. Људи су увек спремни греха. да нађу изговор за неки свој поступак. Пијанац ће вам увек наћи Сигурно је да смо ми и тела, да смо и земаљски, и треба разлог због кога се опио. Међутим, није проблем што неки кажу да нам слобода у овоме свету. Колико је за наш народ и за друге грех не улази на уста, већ је проблем што вас ти исти убеђују да то правдољубиве и истинољубиве народе, потребна слобода! пише у Светом писму, односно у Јеванђељу, а знамо да не пише. Али ми смо и душе и за нас је потребна слобода од греха. Она Односно пише: ‘’Не погани човека што улази у уста него оно што прва слобода, као и живот, проћи ће и пролази. Али слобода излази из уста, оно погани човека’’. Затим, треба знати повод због од греха, слобода праведника никада, и она нас уједињује са чега је Христос ово рекао. Уопште није било говора о посту, већ свима светима у Царству Небеском. о прању руку. Дакле, фарисеји су критиковали ученике Христове, Водите рачуна дакле да не будемо робови греха. Ви знате што не перу руке пре једења хлеба, а сам их нису прали ради и по себи и по другима какво је то ропство. Најмање, да тако прања, већ да би формално испунили закон. И Христос осуђује ту кажем, страсти које добијемо- колико је то ропство! Узмите формалност. Дакле, није грех у храни, већ у непослушности. Јер, само пушача, пијаницу, да не говоримо о другим гресима, блуду верници постећи, учествују у Христовом посту – посту послушања и злочинима. Колико је то и какво робље! и одричу се, са Божјом помоћу – непослушности старог Адама. Патријарх српски Павле – Оно што је Адам изгубио једући, Христос је повратио постећи и ‘’Живот по Јеванђељу’’ Он је очувао у пустињи закон уздржања који је дат у рају. Пад Патријарх пешке по снегу на црквеном послу старог Адама, кроз његово непослушање, из једног природног continued on p. 16

Јереј Радован Јаковљевић учествовао на симпoзијуму ‘’Српска Храмовна слава Свети Ђорђе у Сан Дијегу, Ка. теологија данас’’ Парохија Свети Ђорђе у Сан Свештеник Радован Јаковљевић, парох Саборне цркве Дијегу прославила је храмовну Светог Васкрсења у Чикагу, учествовао је на трећем годишњем славу у недељу 1. маја 2011. симпосијуму ‘’Српска теологија данас’’, одржаном на Богословском године. Славска свечаност је факултету Универзитета у Београду, у периоду од 27. до 28. маја отпочела вечерњим богослужењем, 2011. године. у суботу, 30. априла и настављена О. Радован говорио је на тему: ‘’На раскрсници између светом архијерејском Литургијом човека и надчовека – критика трансхуманизма и идеје људског коју је служио надлежни архијереј савршенства без заједнице са Богом’’. Трансхуманизам као Г. Максим уз саслужење о. савремена философска идеологија промовише доктрину људске Братислава Кршића, месног пароха, перфекције ван божанског домостроја спасења. Пропоненти о. Велимира Петаковића, ранијег трансхуманистичке теорије, своје агументе о трансформацији свештеника храма Св. Ђорђа, човека ка суперчовеку и надчовеку (homo perfectus-u) базирају на а сада пензионера, о. Милана чињеници да су људска патња, бол, старење и смрт непотребни, Вуковића, пароха храма Св. Петке па према томе и безначајни. Према њиховој тврдњи, агонија у Сан Маркосу. При крају свете људског бола и смрти може, или боље речено треба да се умањи и Литургије обављена је славска избегне кроз експлоатацију и наметање савремених технолошких литија са заупопкојеном молитвом достигнућа. за све умрле парохијане храма. Међутим, остаје да се види да ли ће трансхуманистичка идеја Његово Преосвештенство Г. о савршеном и бесмртном друштву успети да помогне човечанству Максим одржао је поучну беседу на у избегавању смрти, или ће пак допринети убрзању процеса смрти дневни одељак светог јеванђеља, кроз своју комплексност? Циљ излагања је био представљање о неверном Томи, указавши да је Храмовна слава у Сан Дијегу, Church Slava in San Diego критичке анализе ‘’Трансхуманистичке Декларације’’ у оквирима ‘’неверство’’ Томино извесна залога Бурно су поздрављени од свих присутних. савремених биоетичких истраживања. истинитости Христовог Васкрсења, јер преко апостола Томе, (Извор - Епархија ЗА) О. Радован је магистар хришћанске Биоетике (Master of Arts – Господ нам је свима поручио да смо блажени јер не видесмо (Summary: St. George Church Slava in San Diego, California, Bioethics, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois) и магистар а верујемо. Христос је дошао да донесе мир међу људе. Цела was held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. It started with Vespers, on Sat- богословља – с концентрацијом на хришћанском образовању Његова наука прожета је поруком мира међу људима. Зато, urday, April 30, 2011. Holy Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday, May (Master of Arts – Christian Education, St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological када се јавио својим ученицима јавио се речима ‘’Мир вам’’. Тај 1, 2011 by His Grace Bishop Dr Maxim, assisted by Fr. Bratislav Seminary, Crestwood, NY). мир оставио је њима да и они шире мир међу људима. Krsich, local pastor, Fr. Velimir Petakovich, the priest emeritus, Fr. ( Извор - Саборна црква Васкрсења Христовог, Чикаго) После славске литије Његово Преосвештенство је Milan Vukovich of San Marcos, California. His Grace Bishop Maxim (Summary: Fr. Radovan Jakovljevich, from the Holy Resurrection благословио присутне учеснике овог црквеног и молитвеног delivered sermon on the subject of the Sunday Gospel reading… Cathedral in Chicago participated in the Symposium at the University of славља и поделио крстиће. После тога обављен је чин резања Procession was held with Memorial Services… Blessing of the fes- Beograd College of Theology, May 27. – 28. 2011. The symposium was славског колача у црквеној дворани. Кумови овогодишње tive Slava bread took place in the Church Hall. Program consisted on the theme “Serbian Theology Today”. The purpose of the presen- храмовне славе били су Никола и Нада Милићевић. of Junior Choir and Folklore Group performance. Kumovi for the tation was to combat the “Trans-humanistic Declaration”, which has У програму су учествовали дечји хор и фолклорна група. Church Slava were Nikola and Nada Milicevich). tendency to present a man as a superman, on the basis of a bioethics research…) JULY-AUGUST 2011 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY PAGE THIRTEEN

Одржана заједничка Видовданаска Академија свих српских школа Сиднеја, Волонгонга и Канбере У недељу, те нове 19. јуна 2011. Митрополије’’, године, у великом изјавио је епсикоп амфитеатру зграде Митрополије Сер Џон Кленси аустралијско- Универзитета новозеландске Г. Новог Јужног Иринеј. Велса, одржана је На крају друга Видовданска вечери сви академија коју учесници, заједно заједнички са публиком, организују све отпевали су наше школе химну Светом из Сиднеја, Сави. Волонгонга (Извор и Канбере. – Митрополија Учествовало је аустарлијско- скоро три стотине новозеландска) малишана из (Sum- тринаест школа. Омладина са епископом Г. Иринејем, The youth with His Grace Bishop Irinej mary: Vidovdan’s Вече је почело Видовданском беседом састављеном Мирјани Ђукић, уваженим гостима на челу са В.Д. генералним Academy was held in Australia under auspices of the Metro- из белешки чувеног проте Илије Булована, првог српског конзулом Р. Србије, г-ђом Јасмином Пекмезовић, наставницима, politanate of Australia-New Zealand. The Serbian schools пастира на овим просторима. Наставило се сјајним извођењима вероучитељима, родитељима и другима. Посебну захвалност from Sidney, Wollongong and Canberra took a part in this музичких, хорских, рецитаторских наступа који су се један за владика Иринеј упутио је учесницима, још једном понављајући second Vidovdan’s academy. His Grace Bishop Irinej, другим ређали пуна два сата. да ‘’ако нам наши најмлађи нису најважнија садашњост, онда who just returned from the Holy Bishops Assembly in Од најозбиљнијих порука попут ‘’Немањиног никада неће бити ни наша будућност’’. Belgrade, greeted all present. He thanked all who did the завештања језика’’ Милета Медића, преко богомољачких Преосвећени владика Иринеј, који се недавно вратио utmost to organize this year’s Vidovdan academy where стихова Светог владике Николаја Охридског и Жичког као са Светог архијерејског сабора на коме је потврђен нови Устав over three hundred children and youth participated. и српских народних песама и умотворина, па до сцена попут Митрополије аустралијско-новозеландске, нагласио је како је He also stated that this is the first academy in the чувених ‘’Десет љутих гусара’’ Љубивоја Ршумовића и ‘’Капетана ово прва званична приредба нове Митрополије. ‘’Ово је друга New Metropolitanate of Australia-New Zealand. The New Џона Пиплфокса’’ Душка Радовића. академија коју смо посветили Видовдану, али је историјска јер Constitution was approved by the Holy Bishops Assem- На крају програма учесницима и гостима обратио се и више нема ни једне ни друге Епархије већ је на њиховом месту bly, by which the old two Dioceses are restructured into Преосвећени владика аустралијско-новозеландски Г. Иринеј заблистала нова Митрополија аустралисјко-новозеландска new Metropolitanate. Thus administrative unity in Austra- захваљујући се организаторима, посебно Милици Козлини и Српске православне цркве и ово је прва званична приредба lia and New Zealand has been completed…)

Протојереј Томас Хопко О доласку Господњем јуче и данас

Православни хришћани верују да ће доћи. Апостол Павле је сматрао да ће се Христос Господ Исус Христос ‘’доћи са славом да суди у слави врло брзо вратити на земљу. У својој живима и мртвима и Његовом царству неће Првој Посланици апостол Петар нам говори бити краја’’. Ово исповедање вере, које је нешто друго. Када је постало јасно да ће Бог садржано у Никејском Символу вере, исповеда дозволити да прођу генерације како би они из се на крштењу. Изнова га потврђујемо на свакој каснијих времена пронашли живот, покајање и Божанственој Литургији. Надајући се, у свом вечно спасење кроз веру у Божије Јеванђеље животу га изговарамо и понављамо барем једном у Исусу Христу, апостол каже да се Божија у току дана. замисао тога шта значи ‘’ускоро’’ у основи Апокалиптичке одељке из Јеванђеља који разликује од наше. Велика милост Божија према се односе на последња времена је веома тешко нама је оно што чини да буде овако. разумети. Христос повезује своје распеће са Али ово једно немојте превиђати, љубљени, уништењем Јерусалима и крајем времена. Он да је један дан пред Господом као хиљада нам говори како не би требало да покушавамо година, и хиљада година као један дан. Не да сазнамо када ће доћи крај, већ да свагда доцни Господ с обећањем, као што неки мисле будемо спремни. Он каже да ‘’о дану томе и да доцни; него нас дуго трпи, јер неће да ико Помен српским жртвама у Јадовну, на Велебиту, Лика часу нико не зна, ни анђели небески, до Отац пропадне но да се сви покају. А доћи ће Дан Memorial Services for Serbian victims in Jadovno, Lika мој сам’’ (Мт. 24,36). Ово је сигурно упозорење Господњи као лопов ноћу, у који ће небеса с нама да будемо увек будни. ‘’Стражите, дакле’’, хуком проћи, а стихије ће се ужарене распасти каже Он, ‘’јер не знате дана ни часа у који ће Син и земља и дела што су на њој изгорјеће. Па кад Молитвено сећање на пострадале у Човјечји доћи’’ (Мт. 25,13). Јер Син Човјечји ће ће се све ово распасти, какви треба да будете доћи на облацима у великој слави, са свим својим ви у светом владању и побожности, очекујући и Јадовну, на Велебиту, Лика анђелима, да суди живима и мртвима (види Мт. желећи да скорије буде долазак Божијега Дана, 24, Лк. 22, и Откр. 1-3). од кога ће се небеса огњем запаљена распасти Под отвореним небом над Шарановом јамом Шаранова јама је само једна од 32 јаме на Путници и странци и стихије ужарене растопити. Нова пак небеса и у Јадовну, јуче је Његово Преосвештенство Велебиту у које су бацане жртве логора који Пошто је Исус Христос, Син Божији, распет нову земљу по обећању Његовом очекујемо, где епископ горњокарловачки Г. Герасим, уз је имао своје испоставе и у заливима Метајна на земљи и прослављен на небесима, крај правда обитава. (2. Петр. 3,8-13) саслужење свештенства и монаштва Епископије и Слана на острву Пагу, где су лешеви жена и времена нам се приближава. Седећи са десне Светост и благочешће горњокарловачке, началствовао светом деце бацани у море. Логор Јадовно основале су стране Оца, прослављени Господ нам шаље Следећи ово учење из апостолског писма архијерејском Литургијом, а потом и парастасом власти нацистичке творевине НДХ, на планини Духа Светога као залог и предукус долазећег и сећајући се стихова псалмопојца који кажу да свим убијеним православним Србима у јамама Велебиту, у Лици, убрзо по оснивању НДХ, 1941. Царства Божијег. Будући крштени у Христу у је ‘’хиљаду година’’ пред очима Господњим ‘’као Јадовна и на другим стратиштима у Хрватској. године. име Свете Тројице и запечаћени даром Духа дан јучерашњи, који прође, и (као) стража ноћи’’ Светој Литургији је присуствовао велики Јадовно је, уз Јасеновац, било највеће Светога, за ово доба смо са Христом умрли и већ (Пс. 89,4), можемо само са захвалношћу у срцу број верника који су пристигли из свих крајева усташко губилиште, у Другом светском рату. живимо у складу са Будућим Веком. Страдамо да посматрамо велику милост Божију и да се Хрватске, Србије и Републике Српске да одају Историчар др Ђуро Затезало из Карловца на земљи, као што је речено у Првој Посланици са великим напором трудимо да живимо живот почаст и да се помоле за душе невино убијених. прецизно је евидентирао, по имену и презимену, апостола Петра, попут путника и странаца. светости и благочешћа ишчекивајући Његов Многи, који су данас посетили логор Јадовно више од 10.000 убијених. Логор је, крајем августа Овде немамо постојана града, као што каже Долазак. овде су изгубили неког свог сродника. Међу 1941. затворила италијанска војска. Меморијални Посланица Јеврејима, него тражимо онај који ће Јер се јави благодат Божија спасоносна таквима је и Председник Републике Србије г. центар, подигнут десетак година после Другог доћи, који ће Господ изградити и уредити. То је свима људима, која нас учи да се одречемо Борис Тадић, који је са мајком посетио највеће светског рата на месту логора Јадовно, нови Јерусалим који долази са небеса, као што је безбожности и земаљских пожуда, и да стратиште Срба у Лици. девастиран је почетком деведесетих. посведочено у Књизи Откровења. поживимо разборито, праведно и побожно у Председник Тадић је рекао да је (Извор - Епархија горњокарловачка) Ми хришћани се сваког дана молимо за садашњем вијеку, очекујући блажену наду и почаствован што има прилику да први пут као (Summary: On Sunday, June 26, 2011 крај овог времена. Позивамо Христа да дође. јављање славе великаго Бога и Спаса нашега председник Србије ода почаст жртвама злочина, Memorial Services were held for the Serbs killed in Молимо за Дан када ће се Господ у свој сили Исуса Христа, који даје себе за нас да би нас који, како је рекао, никада нико не сме да Jadovno, Lika in 1941. by the Croatian Ustasi. His јавити. Молитва Господња коју је Христос дао искупио од свакога безакоња, и да очисти за заборави. ‘’На десетине хиљада људи убијено Grace Bishop Gerasim of Gornji Karlovac Serbian својим ученицима, јесте вапај да се ово догоди. себе народ изабрани који ревнује у добрим је овде само зато што су имали свој идентитет, Diocese, assisted with the clergy, officiated at the Она нам заповеда да следећим речима упутимо делима. (Тит 2, 11-14) име, уверење, веру. То никада нико не сме services. President of Serbia Boris Tadic attended молитву Богу: ‘’Оче наш који си на небесима, да Маран ата! Господе дођи! Да, дођи брзо! да заборави. Недужне жртве заслужују наше Memorial Services. Large crowd attended, from се свети име твоје, да дође Царство твоје, да Нека нас Господ наш затекне као достојне сећање, како данас тако и сваке следеће године, Croatia, Serbia and Srpska Republic. All who at- буде воља твоја и на земљи као и на небу’’. Ово слуге који чекају, страже и делају у складу са како овде тако и на Пагу и у Јасеновцу’’, рекао tended had someone killed in this camp of death, је непрекидна молитва у сваком времену и на Његовом Речју ‘’да се не постидимо пред њим о је Тадић. Jadovno… Bishop Gerasim and President Tadic сваком месту. ‘’Господе дођи! Да, дођи брзо!’’ (1 Доласку његовом’’ (1 Јн 2,28). Амин! У Јадовну је од маја до августа 1941. addressed those present. Croatian Government was Кор. 16, 22; Откр. 22, 20). Са енглеског превела Маријана Петровић године, за 132 дана постојања логора, убијено represented by Vesna Pusic…) Доћи ћу скоро (Извор, Православље, 1. мај 2011.) више од 40.000 људи, од којих су 38.000 Срби. Свето Писмо нам каже да ће Господ ускоро PAGE FOURTEEN THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011 Осврт на недавну посету папе римског Загребу

Дводневном походу папе Бенедикта Средњој Европи, па би било логично, је то јединствен духовни простор, XVI Хрватској, 4. и 5. маја ове године, праведно и потребно да Хрватска који има исте хришћанске корене као и свакој другој посети првојерарха уђе у Европску унију, где историјски и дели исте вредносне идеале. Ми Римокатоличке цркве и шефа Ватикана, и културно одувек припада.’’ пак који припадамо православним најмање – али не и најбезначајније Размишљајући о овом суду, притом народима Балкана, не љубимо само – независне државе на свету, светска без улажења у расправу о томе да ли своје отаџбине него и сав Балкан, јавност је посветила велику пажњу. Не је Хрватска на Балкану или у Средњој свој византијско-словенски, али мању пажњу ова посета, остварена под Европи, желимо да верујемо да његов и онај западнохришћански, као и геслом ‘’Заједно у Христу’’, изазвала је у угледни изрицатељ није имао намеру да муслимански, своју ширу – ромејску нашој јавности. Југоисточну Европу – некада средишњи – отаџбину, свесни да је она подарила Многе поруке које је римски простор Римског Царства, а потоњу Европи њена два цивилизацијска првосвештеник као врхунски теолог, Румелију (у преводу Римску земљу: темеља, јединство и хришћанство. упутио из Загреба, универзалне су европски, претежно хришћански део Напомињемо да класична јелинска и могу бити примењене у васцелом Отоманске Империје), данас познату култура, вековима највиша у Европи, хришћанском свету. То су, пре под турским називом Балкан – смести јесте, по дефиницији, превасходно свега, оне поруке које охрабрују некуд изван Европе, нити пак да се балканска култура, - као што су то и хришћанске породице да се одупру врати на почетак 16. столећа када најстарије познате културе Европе, духу секуларизације и негују светињу је његов претходник Лав X Хрватску лепенска и винчанска, - а да је младо живота, брака и породице. Исто тако, означио као antemurale christianitatis хришћанство на тло Европе ступило значајне су и поруке упућене младима (‘’предзиђе хришћанства’’). Не треба такође на Балкану (конкретно у који су у узрасту када траже смисао притом заборавити да су ‘’предзиђе’’ Филипима, близу данашње Кавале у живота. у та времена, поред Зринских и Грчкој). Ипак, две поруке изречене у Франкопана, чували и многобројни Срби Подсећамо и на антологијску Епископ бачки др Иринеј два дана остале су запамћене као граничари којих данас, после пет векова формулацију почившег папе Јована контраверзне, и то не само у српској историјског присуства, наједном онде Павла II да нема Европе без оба Циганима, морамо истаћи да је, у светлу јавности. више нема или опстају као остатак што плућна крила, од којих се једно зове историјских чињеница, ова димензија Прву је папа послао још на путу у покланог што протераног народа. парвославно или источнохришћанско, Степинчеве личности у најмању руку Хрватску, из авиона, у неформалном Са своје стране, ми Балканци, махом грчко-словенско... једнострано пренаглашена, или пре разговору са новинарима. Наиме, дакле и ми Срби, Европу не видимо Мада овом приликом нису испуњена ће бити, на силу исконструисана, и сећајући се ранијих загребачких у уском обзорју Западне и Средње очекивања многих римокатоличких то предимензионирањем случајева надбискупа, он је изјавио: ‘’Покојни Европе, па ни у ширем распону од верника, понајпре у Хрватској, да његовог заузимања за поједине кардинал Фрањо Шепер, покојни Атлантика до Урала, него је видимо ће Алојзије Степинац, загребачки Србе или Јевреје (међу којима неким кардинал Фрањо Кухарић, кардинал као цивилизацијски континент од надбискуп током Другог светског чудом, нема имена тројице мученички Јосип Бозанић увек су говорили да Атлантика до Пацифика, односно рата, бити канонизован, односно пострадалих православних епископа Хрватска није на Балкану него у Канарских до Курилских острва, јер признат за светитеља Римокатоличке и више од две стотине православних цркве, додатну контраверзу, у нашој свештеника побијених од усташа), а средини и болну недоумицу изазвале прећуткивањем или минимализовањем су папине речи – изговорене такође на његове идеолошки мотивисане и путу према Загребу – да је кардинал јавно исказане анимозности према Алојзије Степинац ‘’био против усташког Православљу, ‘’Бизанту’’, Јеврејству, Црква нас је сачувала режима’’ и да је ‘’бранио човечанство Српству и још понечем. против тог режима тиме што је бранио На крају, благодарно истичемо, Србе, Јевреје, Роме’’. Слично је поновио упркос свему претходном, папин у омилији у загребачкој катедрали позив римокатоличким бискупима и рекавши да је кардинал Степинац свештеницима да се трајно заузимају ‘’у време нацистичке и фашистичке за помирење међу подељеним диктатуре постао бранитељем Јевреја, хришћанима, као и међу хришћанима и православних и свих прогоњених’’. муслиманима. Руке помирења нека увек С обзиром на то да је Степинац био буду испружене, као у акту стварања, војни викар ‘’Независне Државе’’ како га је Микеланђело Буанороти Хрватске – или је, према другима, приказао у Сикстинској капели. Бог је поставио војног викара – и члан Помиритељ прошлог са будућим. Бог је парламента Ендехазије, а, са друге наш Исток, и Запад, и Север, и Југ. Бог стране, имајући у виду читавом свету је наше све. познати усташки физички и духовни Епископ бачки др Иринеј геноцид над Србима, Јеврејима и

Митрополит АМФИЛОХИЈЕ: Отац Живојин са супругом Ђурђицом, ћерком Мартом и сином Марком на додели докторске дипломе. (Fr. Zivojin is pictured with wife Djurdjica, daughter Marta and son Главари, не Marko on the occasion of receiving his Doctorate - PhD.) кројите Цркву Када намерник крене у саборни храм докторирао на одсеку славистике, крајем 2010. Светог Саве у Кливланду, осим лепог црквеног Ту је током студирања држао предавања из по краткој здања и прелепог иконостаса, уз лепо појање српског језика и руске културе, у чему је био Митрополит црногорско- хора ‘’Његош’’, упознаће и младог свештеника, посебно запажен. приморски Амфилохије поручио старешину храма, протојереја др Живојина Универзитет му је због тога доделио је да је посао ‘’главара’’ у Црној Јаковљевића, свештеника за којег се могу чути пуну стипендију за време студија, а поред Гори да се баве сиромаштвом, само речи хвале. Уз развијен осећај за људске новчане награде, отац Живојин се истакао и корпуцијом, криминалом и проблеме, отац Живојин изванредно комуницира као финалиста у програму ‘’Најбољи студент отимачином, а не уређењем са нашим народом, такође и са Американцима, а предавач’’ Државног универзитета Охајо 2000. Православне цркве која ту постоји његове беседе слушају се пажљиво. године (Distinguished Teaching Award). вековима. Након положеног матурског испита у Породица да се нада да су то и у Црној Гори ‘’пролазне Митрополит Амфилохије је, после Богословији у Београду, 1988. године, са Након завршених магистарских студија, болести’’. освештавања обновљене цркве Светог благословом епископа Саве, отац Живојин отац Живојин је 1994. године склопио брак са ‘’Црква Божија обједињује све и нема Николе, у селу Главати у Доњем Грбљу, казао је уписао студије теологије на Богословском Ђурђицом Јакшић. У овом браку рођени су ћерка нико право, да је кроји по своме безумљу да је то велико безумље, и да се тако нешто факултету Светог Саве у Либертивилу. Марта и син Марко. Године 1995. рукоположен је и својој краткој памети’’, поручио је никада није догодило у Црној Гори. -Захваљујући епископу др Сави (Вуковићу), и постао парох у цркви Светог Ђорђа у Лорену, Митрополит, пренела је црногорска новинска ‘’Један од наших главара Ранко владици шумадијском, дошао сам у Америку на Охајо. агенција МИНА. Кривокапић, јуче на Ловћену, код Петра студије. По завршеним магистарским студијама -Тренутно предајем историју Српске Митрополит Амфилохије је нагласио да Другог Петровића Његоша, рече – вратићемо желео сам да се вратим ког њега у Крагујевац, цркве као доцент на Богословском факултету у црква има своје законе и вековно устројство, ми имовину Митрополије и Манастир на али истовремено је говорио да уколико останем Либертивилу – каже о. Живојин. –Истовремено и да само она може мењати свој поредак Цетињу’’, рекао је Митрополит и запитао: у Америци, и то је у реду, ‘’јер ће имати где да сам остао у вези са професорима са државног и стварати своје нове епархије. Црква, ‘’Коме ће они то вратити?’’ дође’’. Мада ми је, ипак, оставио аманет да се универзитета Охаја у Колумбусу, како бих навео је он, има своја правила и своје Митрополит Амфилохије сматра да вратим у Србију. Он и мој стриц, протојереј- наставио да радим на истраживању са хиљадугодишње каноне којима се управља, и такве приче не би смеле да се чују у једној ставрофор Живорад Јаковљевић, тадашњи концентрацијом на наше средњевековне она је та која уређује свој унутрашњи живот, правној држави, из уста људи који су на челу свештеник у Лазаревцу, били су изузетно блиски, рукописе. Тренутно планирам да у једном од без обзира на историјска збивања и на највиших законодавних установа, и подсетио тако да истовремено морам да захвалим и стрицу научних часописа објавим резултате до којих промене граница, државних или других. да је Црква у Црној Гори одвојена од државе и на његовом труду и раду у Епархији шумадијској, сам дошао приликом рада на мојој дисертацији. Митрополит црногорско-приморски је држава од цркве. кога је владика Сава изузетно ценио – каже отац У вези сам са професорима на Богословском ово поручио после предлога председника ‘’Откуда и ко то сматра да има право да Живојин. факултету у Београду, са којима желим да црногорске Демократске партије социјалиста изнутра разара Цркву и да уређује поредак те Школовање је наставио на постдипломским одржим везу у духовном и научном погледу. (ДПС) Мила Ђукановића да се православни Цркве?’’, додао је он. Митрополит је казао да студијама у Лутеранској школи у Чикагу, -Зашто је по Вашем мишљењу Српска верници у Црној Гори обједине у једну цркву. се нико у Европи не бави таквим причама, и где је и магистрирао. Потом је на Државном православна црква толико угледна и моћна (Извор – Вести, 5/23/11) универзитету у Колумбусу магистрирао и continued on p. 16 THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY Извјештај са Првог собранија Сабора Крајишких Срба

У Милвокију, у парохијској сали храма Св. није заборављено није ни изгубљено. Била су поздравном говору истакао да је ово историјски могућност нечег новог, нову наду и на основу Саве, одржано је 18 јуна Прво собраније Сабора многа царства и биђе. датум у раду Сабора из више разлога: „Прво шта тога упутили нам честитке и поздраве са жељом Крајишких Срба. На овом Првом собранију СКС се ово наше Собраније, Промислом Божијим, да истрајемо. Хвала им“. Сабор Крајишких Срба је увезујућа, присуствовало је деведесет делегата са догодило управо на 280 година од велике Онда је поздравне честитке прочитао повезујућа (кровна) асоцијација крајишких простора читаве Америке, и седамдесетак Бенковачке скупштине, која је 16. јуна 1731 брат Милан Плавшић, благајник Сабора. удружења и појединаца. Проистекао је из гостију који су дошли да присуствују Собранију године, одржана под пуним легитимитетом Поздравних честитки је било неколико. Такође, жеље и договора, о заједничком раду на СКС. тадашњих млетачких власти. Била је то прва лично се обрати и поздравио Сабор брат његовању и унапређењу србско - крајишке Саборско собраније је почело молитвом јавна, званична скупштина код Срба послије Владо Бјелопетровић, члан ужег руководства баштине, удружења Крка из Милвокија и Његова преосвештенства Г. Владике Лонгина, Косовског Боја, чије су одлуке утицале на Србског културног сентра Свети Сава. Брат Крајишког братства из Рокфорда. Ова два Владо Бјелопетровић је и члан Савјета Сабора удружења била су језгро око којег се окупило Крајишких Срба. Прочитана је и поздравна још десетак крајишких удружења из Америке и честитка Генералног конзула Републике Србије, Европе. Како дјелује Сабор? Свако удружење господина Деска Никитовића, у којему се каже: делагира по два члана у Савјет Сабора, а за „У име Генералног конзулата Републике Србије, Годишњу скупштину предлаже четири члана као и своје лично име, желео бих да упутим који сачињавају Изборну листу са које се бирају: најсрдачније честитке и пожелим успјех у раду Предјсјдник, потпредсјединик, секретар и Сабора Крајишких Срба. Такође, дозволите ми благајник. Дакле, могли бисмо рећи да, Сабор да вам пренесем изразе искрене подршке и није нова организација већ организација која признања, како организаторима и руководству, жели да кроз саборно, то јесте обједињујуће тако и члановима и свим учесницима сабора на дјеловање ових удружења дјелује за општу ствар напорима које чините на плану организовања Крајишких Срба. Зашто крајишких? Сви остали срба пореклом из Крајине. Срби који долазе са простора бивше Југославије Уверени смо да је стварање овакве имају каве такве институције кроз које могу да организације у интересу свих Срба, ма где се дјелују. Рецимо, Срби у Босни и Херцеговини они налазили. Поред значаја које окупљање могу да дјелују кроз институције Републике Срба има за заједницу, Сабор представља Српске или Срби са Косова могу да дјелују такође и прилику да се на прави начин сагледају кроз званичне институције Републике Србије, наше богато културно и поносно наслеђе, те једино Срби на западним крајишким просторима очува културни идентитет унутар тако етнички немају никог него сами себе. А проблема је разнолике заједнице у којој се налазимо и много. Напоменимо, крађа историје..... потом од Управа Сабора Крајишких Срба (о. Н. Л. - гост) живимо“. 14,500.000 катастарских честица на просторима Потом су произношени реферати: Далмације, Лике, Кордуна, Баније и Славоније, под чијим је благословом Сабор Крајишких свеопшту послијескупштинску србску политику. Предсједника Савјета СКС Бранислава скоро једне трећине власници су Срби. Међутим, Срба. Потом је дјевојачка група Бијели анђео из Друго, ово наше Собраније одржава Кончаревића, брата Срђе Трифковића, брата званична власт у тим крајевима жели разним Рокфорда отпјевала химну Боже правде. Након се уочи Видовдана, србскога националног, Милана Плавшића и излагање Предсједника манипулација да разбаштини Србе. Ако останемо тога је поздравним говором Предсједник Савјета политичког и духовног међаша. Све се код Срба Сабора, брата Радомира Плавшића и његово без земље и историје остали смо без будућности. СКС, протонамјесник др Бранислав Кончаревић, важе пријевидовданском и поствидовданском виђење будућег ангажовања Сабора. Секретар Девиза Сабора Крајишких Срба је: Све што отворио Саборовање. Отац Бранислав је у свом светосавско-косовском мјером. Сабора Стеван Докић, прочитао је имена Треће, ово наше собраније одржава се чланова Савјета и одбора Сабора. управо кад дође, речено библијским језиком, Након реферата свој говор је одржао и гост политичка пуноћа времена. Та политичка Сабора Саво Штрбац, директор документационо- пуноћа времена је врије нашег сазријевања као информативног центра Веритас. Послије говора народа од Крајишког Изласка 1995 године до брата Саве услиједила су питања везано Духовска слава у Вест Вирџинији данас, када су нам се разбистрила и расчистила претежно за тематику чиме се бави Веритас. србска уздања и наде, што нам освијетљава још Прво Саборовање СКС почело је у 1130 а јаснији пут нашег Сабора. Зато су појединци, завршило у 15 часова. установе и друштва, прихватајући нашу У организацији Сабора Крајишких Срба, понуђену артикулацију и виђење већ виђеног у који је уједно и домаћин брату Сави Штрбцу, вези Крајишког Изласка препознали истинске организовано је неколико предавања по вриједности непролазног које се крију у дубини чикашким парохијским центрима. нашег србског собранија и јединства и осјетили Одбор за јавност СКС

Празник Св. Петке у Нешвилу, Тенеси

Фермонт, WV – Његово Преосвештенствио молитвеника и посетиоца. Посетиоци долазе из епископ др Митрофан служио је први пут свету разних крајева Пенсилваније, као и из Охаја и архијерејску Литургију у српској православној Вашингтона. Ове године један учесник на слави цркви у Вест Вирџинији, 15. априла 2000. године. био је из Филаделфије. Мала мисионарска парохија у Фермонту је расла Већина посетиоца су из предела Buckhan- и постала јача и снажнија. non, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont and French Капела је проширена и улепшана. Просечна Creek. Парохијски вебсајт заинтересовао је посета богослужењима која се одржавају многе, доста удаљене. Свештеници, црквене два пута месечно су повећана. Неколико организације и верни из Питсбуршког оснивача парохије упокојили су се у Господу. намесништва, -парохије Аликвипа, Кармајкл, Ипак је празнина попуњена млађим, новим Мекиспорт, Мидланд, Монровил, Питсбург парохијанима. Црква Свете Тројице је једина и Стубенвил,- пружили су помоћ и показали српска православна црква на територији интересовање за ову малу црквену мисију. Бог је Вест Вирџиније и једина православна црква у био добар овој црквеној заједници. Сваке године Фермонту. За сада црква је пространа за број приликом црквене славе захвалност се указује учесника на молитви. Вејн и Јојс Крби, власници Богу за Његову милост као и за помоћ верних. Fairmont Graphics велики су приложници од Протојереј-ставрофор радни Торбић оснивања до данас. (Слободан превод - Ур.) Парохијани са владиком Лонгином и свештеником Драганом у Нешвилу, Тенеси Црквена слава се прославља на Духовски The parishioners with Bishop Longin and Fr. Dragan in Nashville, Tennessee понедељак. Ове године, као и претходних, (Summary – Fairmont, WV – His Grace Dr. Његово Преосвештенство епископ Митрофан Bishop Mitrophan celebrated the first Hiearrachical У суботу, 23. октобра 2010. године сваке треће недеље са својим свештеником дошао је на прославу. Вечерње богослужење Liturgy at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Његово Преосвештенство епископ Лонгин Драганом Мићановићем. После свете Литургије је служено а после тога пресечен је славски in Fairmont, W.V. on April 15, 2000. This year His је по први пут посетио мисионарску парохију одслужен је парастос преминулим члановима. колач. Славски ручак одржан је у црквеним Grace celebrated Holy Liturgy on Pentecost Mon- Св. Петке у Нешвилу, Тенеси. Повод посете (Извор: ЕНГСЗА). просторијама. day,. June 13, 2011. Slava ritual was performed. Din- је била прослава славе заштитнице парохије. (Summary: His Grace Bishop Longin За време ручка Његово Преосвештенство ner followed in the facilities adjacent to the Chapel. Литургија је служена у грчкој цркви Св. Јована celebrated Holy Liturgy in Nashville, Tennessee поздравио је присутне, да би после њега There were visitors from the surrounding states… Златоустог која за сада такође функционише on Sunday, October 23, 2010. he was assisted by потпредседник Поверенства Мајкл Данко God has been good to this small church com- као мисионарска парохија под руководством Fr. Dragan Micanovic, the pastor of this missionary упутио поздрав присутнима. Шерон Парада је munity. This church is the only Serbian Orthodox свештеника Партенија Турнера. У грчком parish. Holy Liturgy was served in the St. John припремила а Марија Ђоновић организовала све Church in West Virginia and the only Orthodox храму Св. Јована српска заједница парохије Greek Church. Fr. Dragan holds services for the потербно за ручак, уз помоћ парохијана. Church in Fairmont, W.V. The parishioners extend Св. Петке служи литургију на српском језику Serbian faithful every third Sunday in a month). Парохија Свете Тројице упућује warm welcome to each visitor…) добродошлицу свима и усрдно поздравља сваког P AGE SIXTEEN THE PATH OF ORTHODOXY JULY-AUGUST 2011

Црква нас је сачувала

continued from p. 14 Живојин истиче да му је ипак жао да нису духовна институција у Америци, за разлику још више изложена српској средини, школи и од Срба верника који су у српској дијаспори окружењу као деца у Србији. прилично неорганизовани и нејединствени? -Зато гледамо да идемо редовно у посету -Српска црква је у Америци веома угледна, нашима у току летњег распуста. То је и за мене и то с правом. Ви знате да је за нас овде у и моју супругу Ђурђицу исто тако духовни и Америци црква све. Црква је место молитве, културни преображај који је нашим људима који учења, дружења, упознавања, фолклора, чувар живе у Америци исто тако неопходан. То често вере, идентитета, традиције, нације и језика, понављам у мојој парохији, али и на седницама у мери у којој је овде то могуће сачувати. одбора за културу и просвету – да се Србија не Такође, будући да сви који живимо на овим може упознати кроз видео, телевизију, слике; да просторима носимо у срцу љубав према отаџбини бисте Србију упознали – ви је морате доживети. и истовремено носталгију, црква нам је утеха и Докторат у Колумбусу уточиште. Наши Срби су саградили дивне цркве Студије на универзитету у Колумбусу Литија на прослави храмовне славе Св. Георгија у Оснабрику, Немачка у Америци и парохије које постоје овде већ преко крунисао је одбраном докторске дисертације под Procession at St. George Slava in Osnabrueck, Germany сто година. То су чинили јер су гајили љубав називом ‘’Лексичке анализе српских рукописа према Богу, своме роду и својим светим прецима. у 16. веку, у поређењу на руске оригинале’’, Светилиште на стратишту Долазили су у Америку без игде ичега, без пред комисијом коју су сачињавали позната знања језика, али су својим трудом, упорношћу и имена славистике. Истраживачки рад засновао У храму Светог Георгија у Оснабрику, на на коме ће спомен-храм бити саграђен. поштењем стекли и материјално и духовно, као је на изучавању средњевековних рукописа Марковдан, прослављена је храмовна слава Већи део свете архијерејске Литургије и углед пред другим народима овде у Америци. лингвистике и књижевности, укључујући Ђурђевдан, којом је свечано обележен велики директно је преносила немачка државна Дух Светога Саве је у њима увек био и остао историјат Српске цркве и српског анрода у јубилеј – седам деценија молитвеног живота телевизија YDF. Служба је делимично обављена присутан, и он у њима и сада живи. Неопходно периоду од 12. до 16. века. Срба и исто толико година тужних успомена на на немачком језику, а коментатор на немачком је да гајимо ту љубав једни перма другима, У свом истраживању отац Живојин много мученике који су током Другог светског рата језику, ипођакон Николај Тон, секретар перма својој вери, нацији и нашој Светој цркви. пажње посвећује и манастиру Хиландару у доба заробљени и депортовани у оснабрички логор Православне епископске конференције у Чувајући ту љубав и веру, уверен сам да ће оне турске владавине, као и везама Хиландара с OFLAG VI C. Немачкој, изванредно је објашњавао смисао и и убудуће чувати нас – каже на крају разговора Многи из њега нису изашли, а они који су то симболику православља. Русијом и њеним владарима. дочекали оставили су нам најлепши спомен свога -Оставили смо врло јасну, јединствену отац Живојин. (Извор – Вести, 6/20/2011.) постојања на овим просторима, прелепи храм и недвосмислену поруку (сви заједно – цела Отаџбину морате доживети П.С. И овом приликом Уредништво ‘’Стазе Светог Георгија, који је изграђен по угледу на парохија) једне радне, креативне, организоване, Иако његова деца, ћерка Марта (15) и син Православља’’ честита новом доктору наука цркву манастира Каленића. отворене и врло комуникативне заједнице Марко (12), добро говоре српски језик, отац протојереју о. Живојину Јаковљевићу. У ову светињу уградио је своју духовност – коментарисала је овогодишња кума Душица и дугогодишњи оснабрички парох Милан Крафт која је кумство предала породици Јовановић, који је организовао прву молитву Богољуба и Љубице Врачевић. и проповед за своје сапатнике, тачно на По лепом, сунчаном дану кретала се литија Ђурђевдан, 1941. године, под ведрим логорским око храма, а на крају опхода, пред храмом је O значају поста небом, само неколико дана после доласка одржан помен принцу Андреју (преминуо 7. маја continued from p. 12 траспорта од 4.000 наших заробљеника, официра 1990), оцу присутног принца Карађорђевића. и пили воду, а браћу оговарали, љутили се, и војника. Посебним свечаним чином владика Константин стања у једно неприродно стање показује ником не праштали, не волели, псовали, итд. Свој велики јубилеј парохијани су дочекали је и унапредио оснабричког пароха Синишу јасно чињеницу да кроз учешће у Христовом Уосталом, не могу исту храну узимати болесни окупљени на светој архијерејској Литургији коју Вујасиновића у чин протонамесника. послушању, верници поново долазе из и здрави, као и људи на тешким физичким је служио владика средњеевропски Константин Славски ручак у црквеном дому неприродног у периродно стање, тј. у стање пословима и они који раде у топлим и удобним заједно са бројним свештенством. Целивајуће Други део прославе се одвијао у пре пада. канцеларијама, затим у хемијској индустрији, иконе су окићене венчићима цвећа, а у њима је црквеном дому у коме је постављен славски -Ќоја је храна конкретно дозвољерна, а на грађевини... Према томе, ако схватимо ђурђевак симболизовао празник светитеља. На ручак, где се наздрављало у славу светитеља која није за време поста? пост као средство, а не циљ онда ће нам се дивно појање нашег свештенства одговарао је Георгија. Својим несебичним ангажовањем да Најкраће речено, то је она иста храна узимањем хране све бити јасно. руски хор који чине врсни певачи. живот у оснабричкој парохији увек заслужи -Пост свим чулима Парохијане су посебно обрадовали најбоље епитете доприноси дугогодишњи коју је Творац назначио у првим људима у рају својим доласком конзул из Хамбурга Војин председник црквене општине Новица Андрејић, рекавши: ‘’Ево, дао сам вам све биље што -Духовни карактер поста се не Драгишић, принц Владимир и принцеза Бригита носилац одликовања Светог Саве. Његова носи семе; то ће вам бити за храну’’. Дакле, ограничава само на просто уздржавање Карађорђевић, као што је то чинио њихов предак брига и дело густо су уткани и у прославу ово биље, семе и плодови његови, што је, од детаљно одређених врста хране. Пост краљ Петар II Карађорђевић, својим доласком и седамдесетогодишњег јубилеја. иначе, за нас најприродније и најбоља храна. храном не доноси ништа добро онима који покровитељством при освећењу земљишта (1964) (Вести, 5/14/11) Искуство је показало да ова храна најмање нису постили свим чулима. То исто наглашава распаљује крв, а најбоље отупљује страсти. и Свети Василије Велики: ‘’Уздржавање Чува чистоту и бодрост ума, и оспособљава искључиво од хране није довољно само по Посета српској заједници ... нас за духовне подвиге. Међутим, требало себи да се задобије похвалан пост, него би да знамо да прави хришћански пост не више морамо поштовати један пост који Бог continued from p. 11 services which were officiated by His Grace Bishop подразумева само уздржавање од мрсне хране жели и прихвата’’. Прави пост се састоји у Данас на Хавајима живи око 70 српских Maxim of Western Diocese, assisted by V. Rev. већ и од рђавих мисли, жеља и дела, као и ослобађању од зла, у контролисању језика, у душа, углавном породичних људи. Велику наду Blasko Paraklis from the Orange County parish умножавање љубави, молитве и доброчинства. победи над гневом, у удаљавању од жеља и даје податак да се у последњих неколико година and long time administrator of this community. On Само неједење хране животињског порекла, оговарања, лагања и осуђивања. Уздржавање родило доста деце који могу бити будућност и Saturday, June 4th the Divine Liturgy was served in без молитве, и свега реченог, није ниште друго од овога чини прави пост. Ово посту даје залог наше заједнице на прелепим Хавајима. the Russian Orthodox Church, and on Sunday, June до дијета тела. Што се недозвољене хране сву његову вредност. Упркос чињеници да (Извор – Епарија западноамеричка) th 5 in the Greek Orthodox Church. Luncheon was тиче, то је нешто лакше набројати. Месо, јаја, нас храна сама по себи не чини ни више (Summary: The Serbian Orthodox Community, served in the Greek Church Hall. Following luncheon млеко и млечни производи. Риба је дозвољена, праведнима нити више неправеднима the mission parish of St. Lazar of Kosovo in Hawaii, the parishioners held a picnic at Ala Moana Park, али опет не за време свих постова и не у све у односу према Богу она је видљива и during the days of the Lord’s Ascension, had the the place where the St. Lazar of Kosovo missionary дане. Наш народ зна коју храну и када може, а неопходан део који изражава духовни opportunity to partake more fervently in the divine Parish was organized in 1990… There are about 70 коју не може јести. Код нас се уобичајило да се карактер поста. Serbs in Hawaii. Few children were born recently and прва и последња седмица посте на води, али (Извор: Глас јавности – Х. П. there is a hope for the future of the Serbian religious нам ниште не значи ако би само јели сув хлеб Пашић) community…) Прослављени 28. епархијски дани... continued from p. 11 Следећег дана, у недељу, 19. јуна 2011. Играло се, певало и веселило до касно у г. Слободан Мишљеновић на тему Виртуелна поново је служена свечана и торжествена света ноћ а онда су сви отишли својим домовима чиме агресија на младе где је указао на проблем архијерејска Литургија којом је началствовао су завршени овогодишњи Епархијски дани. заокупљености младих компјутерима, видео Његово Преосвештенство епископ канадски (Извор – СПЦ у Северној и Јужној Америци)

игрицама и свакаквим телевизијским емисијама. Г. Георгије уз саслужење свих свештеника (Summary: The Diocesan days of the Canadian

Permit No. 12 No. Permit

Indiana, PA 15701 PA Indiana, U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Највећу пажњу ипак изазвало је предавање источно-канадског намесништва. На Литургији Diocese were held June 18 – 19, 2011 in the Mon- проф. др. о. Милоша Весина из Чикага који је је одговарао епархијски хор Кир Стефан Србин astery of Transfiguration in Milton, Ontario, Canada. говорио о Светој тајни брака и ‘’везама’’ младих из Торонта. Манастирски храм је био премали да His Grace Bishop Georgije served Holy Liturgy both данас у коме је изнео своја свештеничко- би у њега могли стати сви па су многи слушали days, Saturday and Sunday, assisted by the guest теолошка, психолошка али и лична искуства по свету Литургију изван и около храма и на from Chicago V. Rev. Dr. Milos Vesin and Diocesan овом питању. На самом крају сви су уживали степеницама. На Литургји се причестио велики clergy. On Saturday a symposium was held with the у наступу чувене музичке уметнице госпођице број присутне деце. О празнику Свих Светих lectures by V. Rev. Dr. Milos Vesin, and other two Мартине Говедник, мецо-сопрана из Монтреала беседио је о. Милош Пурић из Торонта. lecturers… која је извела пар старих српских песама из Након завршетка свете Литургије сви су On Sunday His Grace Bishop Georgije средњег века. изашли ван на манастирско имање да би на celebrated Holy Liturgy, assisted by all clergy from

Bridgeport, WV 26330 Упоредо са предавањима у просторијама свечаном павиљону пресекли и осветили славски Eastern Canadian Deanery. Homily was delivered манастирског конака одржано је такмичење колач и жито. Овогодишња кума била је г. by V. Rev. Milos Puric of Toronto. Following Holy из веронауке и Српског језика за ђаке Српских Милица Квајић из Монтреала а за следећу годину Liturgy a slava ritual took place, followed by a dinner. школа из околних градова. Њих око стотину јавили су се добри и честити људи г. Добро и Program was held afterwards with choirs and folklore такмичило се заједно са својим вероучитељима Зора Станишић из Нијагаре Фолса. groups participating… Entertainment continued to The Path of Orthodoxy и наставницима у знању свега онога што су По освећењу колача и жита послужен the late evening hours… The Diocesan days Address Service Requested учили претходне школске године. Као најбољи је свечани славски ручак чиме је започело were well attended. Kuma for this year was

Official Publication of the Serbian ове године показали су се ђаци Српске школе велико свенародно весеље. Сви присутни су Milica Kvajic from Montreal and for the next Orthodox Church in the and USA Canada из цркве Сабора свих српских светитеља из уживали у највећој смотри фолклорних група year honor will be bestowed upon Mr. and Мисисаге са својим вероучитељем г. Костом из свих околних градова, народној музици, Mrs. Dobro and Zora Stanisic from Niagara Дојићем. Тиме је завршен овогодишњи Сабор специјалитетима народне кухиње, ражња и

O. Box 883 P. Falls). српске омладине. роштиља.