Volume 60 No. 10 December 2016 VOLUME 60 NO. 10 DECEMBER 2016 COVER: THE THEOTOKOS QUEEN OF ALL EDITORIAL Hand written icon by Khourieh Randa Al Khoury Azar contents using ancient technique with egg tempera http://www.traditionalorthodoxicons.info 3 EDITORIAL RE-GIFTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS? by Bishop JOHN 5 METROPOLITAN JOSEPH OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT AND SOLUTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS STRUGGLING IN THE HOLY LAND 8 THE CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF THE U.S. MEET IN DETROIT 10 IT’S A “GREAT SUPPER” AND YOU ARE INVITED by Archpriest Joseph Sakkab 12 THE PLACE OF MONASTICISM IN THE MODERN CHRISTIAN WORLD by Iakovos Menelaou 18 2016 WESTERN RITE VICARIATE CONFERENCE 20 FOCUS WEST CENTRAL PA MAKES FIRST BACKPACK DELIVERY My wife and I Christ gave 20 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE never seemed to Him self for us, God loves 21 THE DEPARTMENT OF be able to settle so somehow we us, so we CHRISTIAN EDUCATION the question, Is it should do the should give 25 CHRISTINE (ESAHAK) LYNCH — right to re-gift? My same. We should this love to A LEGACY OF FAITH AND SERVICE Him and love would shop give ourselves  rst by V. Rev. George Kevorkian others 26 MUSING ON 35 YEARS for days, seeking to God, by coop- by Fr. Joseph Allen, Th.D. the perfect gift to er ating with Him 28 THE LIGHT AND JOY OF THE LORD express her love in expressing His SHINING IN AND FROM THE HILL and care for the love for our loved by V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Jason DelVitto person for whom ones and the world. 32 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL by Katherine Knudtsen she was shopping. In addition to the 34 REMEMBRANCES OF I was never much symbols of our love ARCHBISHOP ABO-ASSALY of a shopper, and – gifts – we should by Matthew Namee re-gifting allowed me to recycle really nice items that I give ourselves to each other by paying attention to our Letters to the editor are welcome and should include didn’t need, or had no room to store. Surely one could spouses, children, siblings, friends, and all we meet. the author’s full name and parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by make the case that, when it comes to money, and perhaps For too long, as a society we have been looking the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes wine, everyone re-gifts. If we receive gifts of money, and inside. Cutting ourselves o from others, we have  lled of clarity and space. All submissions e-mailed and provided as a Microsoft Word text or editable we give gifts of money, we are sort of re-gifting. I could ourselves with sel sh thoughts and desires. We put PDF. Please do not embed artwork into the word even make the case that things, like money, convey the on earphones and block out the world. We shut our documents. All art work must be high resolution: at least 300dpi. transfer of value. curtains and cut ourselves o from the world. We sit in Christmas gifts are somehow related to remembering restaurants and play with our smart phones. Yet we are ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 the gift from God of His Son, or rather, the gift of Christ social creatures: if we put aside the games that we play by Foreign Countries, $26.00 Single Copies, $3.00 of Himself. is gift is o ered in full knowledge that, ourselves to interact with God and others, we can  nd with it, come su ering, humiliation and death. is gift deeper satisfactions. The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox is o ered so that we can be given real life, that is, the How can I tie my illustration of re-gifting to my Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 love and life of God within the life and love of the Holy Christmas message? God gave our life to us, so we should Mountain Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at Trinity. e gift is eternal, as we are joined to God, but re-gift that life to God and others. Or, perhaps, God loves additional mailing offi ces. this does not exempt us from su ering and death. In us, so we should give this love to Him and others. God is Postmaster send address changes to The WORD, truth, being Christian often causes us harm, or provokes love, and we are called by our nature to love. 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 others to cause us harm. In this context, our cheese and Christ gave Himself to us, so we need to give our- ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. wine baskets, our toys and electronics, and even our selves to each other and really love. Canada Post Publication Agreement No. 40043404 monetary gifts, pale. Christ Is Born! Return Canada address to American International Mail, STN A – BOX 697, Windsor ON N9A 6N4, Canada Bishop JOHN

2 JanuaryDecember 2016 2016 e Word 3 METROPOLITAN JOSEPH OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT AND SOLUTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS STRUGGLING IN THE HOLY LAND

The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH The Right Reverend Bishop ANTOUN lthough a shadow of death constantly hovers over e theme of this conference,“Forging a New Bond of The Right Reverend them as a religious minority in the Holy Land and Solidarity for Equality, Prosperity, and Peace,” shall Bishop BASIL A the Middle East, His Eminence Metropolitan be addressed by distinguished scholars and academic The Right Reverend JOSEPH shared a saying of Christians living there: “We speakers. I, however, as a religious leader, would like to Bishop THOMAS live in a land that has already experienced resurrection, make this presentation based on spirituality. The Right Reverend Bishop ALEXANDER so we always have hope.” During his recent visit to Jerusalem has a special place in my heart. Her suering The Right Reverend Washington, D.C., Sayidna JOSEPH accepted an award people are in my prayers, and I see part of my ministry Bishop JOHN for the Antiochian Archdiocese and gave the keynote as one of serving the Palestinian Christian community The Right Reverend I am Syrian Bishop ANTHONY address to the 18th International Conference of the wherever it may be. I venture to say that by birth, Lebanese by education, American by citizenship, The Right Reverend Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF). Bishop NICHOLAS On the evening of Friday, October 14, 2016, and Jerusalemite by devotion. e City of Jerusalem Founded in Arabic as His Eminence gratefully received the “Living Stones is the earthly font of Christianity, as well as the gathering Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) Solidarity Award” as HCEF honored the Archdiocese’s place of the three monotheistic religions. From all over Founded in English as long history of caring for Palestinian Christians seeking the world, faithful believers come together to make The WORD in 1957 by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) spiritual support in North America. “ is award is not pilgrimage, worship, and pray, in order to become Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. Bishop JOHN, D.Min. bestowed only upon me as a Metropolitan,” Sayidna said, spiritually uplifted. Christians make their pilgrimage Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. “but upon our Archdiocese, which encompasses faithful to the Holy Land, in order to imitate the ascension of Design Director Donna Griffin Albert believers from all cultures, nationalities, and races.” Christ to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. e next day, October 15, His Eminence identied Since Jerusalem is considered to be a place of de- Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. the historic and current problems confronting the vo tion and sanctity, those who make a pilgrimage The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. Ronald Nicola survival of Middle Eastern Christians and listed long- to Jerusalem experience the locations of miraculous events Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. term solutions to help them. Among these were that occurred in this holy place. According to us who are Member strength ening their identity by exploring culture Christians, the pilgrimage to Jerusalem celebrates the The Associated Church Press Ancient Faith Publishing and history; promoting leadership development and great Passover, when Christ passed from death to life. Ecumenical News International personality responsibility; and fullling their needs by e pilgrims dedicate themselves to remembering Christ Orthodox Press Service relieving hunger, destitution, and sickness. who gave His life up for all humanity. ey strive to Editorial Office: The WORD ADDRESS TO THE HOLY LAND CHRISTIAN ECUMENICAL ascend to the Holy City where the Logos of God came 2 Lydia’s Path and dwelt among us, so that they may live in peace. First Westborough, MA 01581-1841 FOUNDATION 18TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE e-mail: [email protected] and foremost, they are called to escape whatever enslaves Subscription Office: Keynote address given October 15th, 2016 by His them, to attain the freedom of a new life. 358 Mountain Road Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH is award is not bestowed only upon me PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 On behalf of my 270 parish communities of as a Metropolitan, but upon our Archdiocese, the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese in North which encompasses faithful believers from all cul- Amer ica, I thank you for your invitation to address tures, nationalities, and races. e Antiochian Arch- the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation diocese incorporates clergy and laity who came 18th International Conference. originally from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, I am grateful to the Board of Directors of the Foun- and Egypt as well as a large number of American converts da tion for bestowing upon me this special award, which of all dierent backgrounds who found their home in I accept on behalf of all Antiochian Orthodox Christians our Archdiocese and have adopted Eastern Orthodox in North America, who have supported, and will con- spirituality. In spite of this diversity, all the 270 com- tinue to support, their brethren in the Holy Land during mu nities in my Archdiocese worship and minister these dicult times. in North America in concord and harmony. e

4 December 2016 e Word 5 Words of Encouragement

towards all extending our kind ministry. For only in this the properties of their own churches have created certain faithful members persevering, strong and robust, way, can we anyhow become imitators, and in no other, a situation in which the fundamental interests while quietly bearing the yoke of subjugation. when we minister to others what comes from Him” of the Christian congregation in Jerusalem are Despite these obstacles, it is the grace of God that (Contra Arianos 3:19). being undermined, and their historic properties are preserves the people, through the ongoing presence For this reason, the people of faith, we imitators been conscated, sold, or leased against their wishes. If this of the churches, and their continuing work, and the of God, must become active participants in the creation trend continues, Christian communities will lose their ministry of all non-prot organizations such as yours. of a solid foundation for our brethren in the Holy Land, land and their historic sites. Losing the land means ese remain a sign of hope for a dierent type of so that they may continue to have a life based upon losing their hope. Losing the historic sites means losing resurrection that is yet to come. faith, peace, justice, and harmony. history and the original evidence of Christianity. In Ministry to Palestinian brethren is not an option - How can we foster ministry to the remaining Christians addition, there have been reports of churches that have al action, duty or moral stance in relation to the needy, in the Holy Land? In what way can we cooperate with been vandalized, such as the Monastery of the Cross; a but an indispensable expression of our faith. Solidarity Arch dio cese had made itself the means of combining the Christian churches and communities to bear witness Baptist church in central Jerusalem; and various other with the Palestinian people consists in assisting them to all members together. is produced one wonderful to Christ in his home? churches, monasteries, and convents. overcome their obstacles. It is by fullling our ministry re sult. Being their mediator, the Orthodox Faith In order to answer these questions, we have to review Fourth, there is the denial of freedom of worship in to them that we usually minister to our Master and God, brought them together, doing away with all that the challenges that are facing the Christian communities the main religious sites. e Church of the Holy Sepulcher the Lord of all. estranged them. in the Holy Land. ere has been a sequence of serious and other crucial religious sites are rendered “o limits” In reviewing the details of our ministry to For more than a century, the Antiochian Archdiocese has challenges to the historic presence of the Christian for Christians and non-Christians outside Jerusalem, them, attention should be turned to developing been ministering to the Palestinian communities in North churches, whose presence can be traced back to the America with open arms, embracing them with genuine time of Christ and His Apostles. Challenges to the love, as beloved children of the Orthodox Church. Since Christian presence in the Holy Land, as well as in the “WE LIVE IN A LAND THAT HAS ALREADY EXPERIENCED all my congregations are great supporters of the Palestinian Middle East, show that the Christian community is people, the Archdiocese did and will not hesitate to employ in crisis. Its position is being eroded on several fronts RESURRECTION, SO WE ALWAYS HAVE HOPE.” all means to defend them on all levels. with little human prospect of survival. e challenges e theme of this conference serves as a model of the are numerous, and clearly show how the highly charged, through a complex network of walls, checkpoints, and specic areas of pastoral care. Our solidarity should pastoral transformation towards diaconal ministry complex, and dangerous situation can be resolved with security apparatuses. Since East Jerusalem has been cut focus on the following aspects: for the living stones of Jerusalem, that is, the Arabic- world-wide Christian involvement in the area. from the rest of the territories, Christians have been • Strengthening their identity: exploring culture and speaking Christians in the Middle East, who inspire us Here are some of the challenges that face them. First, required to obtain special permission even to enter the history. and remind us of the need to revive Church ministry the most multifaceted Christian problems in the Middle city of Jerusalem. Christians have been prevented from • Promoting leadership development and personality and outreach. By the providence of God, we are planted East crisis emerged in part from demographic changes. entering their churches, monasteries and convents. responsibility. in this country to minister and take care of suering e numbers of Christians have fallen to unprecedented Fifth, there is the lack of pastoral and humanitarian • Fullling their needs: relieving hunger, destitution, brethren in the Holy Land, with a spirit of love and faith. low levels; this is believed to be the community’s worst care in certain Christian communities. e hu- and sickness. It is my hope that this conference and our continuing nightmare. Arabic-speaking Christians live as a minority man i tarian ministry is not something we do occa- • Involving the churches more deeply in developing eorts will encourage more and more churches and in a non-Christian culture. ere are also those people sionally to alleviate certain needs and suerings as programs for the community. religious communities to become interested in diaconal who desire to end those Christian features of the Middle they arise. Rather, it is an integral part of a living • Assisting the Holy Land churches in their eorts in ministry and transformation, in order to make God’s East symbolized by the Church. Christian community’s concern and pastoral care the eld of macro-diaconia, and promoting better teachings and dispensation come true among the people Second, Christians and non-Christians leave the Holy for every human being, and for all those who come forms of communication with a view to the of the Holy Land. Since the diaconal ministry is the Land because of poor economic conditions. ese within range of its loving care. discovery of better and new forms of diaconia. most important purpose of the faith community in conditions weaken the Church’s ability to maintain Saint Paul, however, said when sin increases, • Promoting religious tourism to put people in contact the Church, it is our duty to implore God, the benefactor her presence in the Holy Land, and to continue her grace abounds more. God does not leave anyone destitute with the Palestinian way of life. It is important to of our souls and bodies, to recompense the faithful be- ministries of pastoral care, education, welfare and health. of his providence, but it helps him to overcome all ensure that it can be carried out under the best lievers of the Holy Land for all their sacrices throughout Many churches and non-prot organizations provide challenges and atrocities. Jesus came to restore grace to possible conditions of freedom of movement and history, and to replenish their lives with every good thing humanitarian and philanthropic services to refugees and every marginalized person, in fact to make it increase, respect for human rights. Tourism to the Holy Land for His glory. those living in poverty. One example of the diculties that where sin has abounded, grace might more abound. should be conducive to intercultural encounters In his third book Contra Arianos, Saint Athana- faced are the tax claims which put the services of the Grace helps the oppressed to overcome the oense, and and dialogue, and to nourish and strengthen their sius wrote: “As children of God we become merciful, Church at great risk. e heads of Christian Churches gives new life. morale in socio-economic systems. not by being made equal to God, nor becoming in nature in Jerusalem are concerned over the taxation of church Having received this grace, the Christians in the Holy In solidarity with the living stones of Jerusalem and in and truth benefactors (for it is not our gift to benet buildings and properties. Land have a saying: “We live in a land that has already fraternal community with them, we pray that solidarity but belongs to God), but in order that what has accrued ird, there are the “scandals” over the sale or experienced resurrection, so we always have hope.” with the Christians of the Holy Land may be realized in to us from God Himself by grace, these things we may long-term lease of Church properties in the Holy Despite increasing restrictions on their communities deeds, as well as words. impart to others, without making distinctions, but largely Land. Many Arabic-speaking communities feel that and their freedom to worship, that hope lives among +Metropolitan JOSEPH

6 December 2016 e Word 7 THE CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF THE U.S. MEET IN DETROIT

THE CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONVENED THEIR 7TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN DETROIT ON OCTOBER 4, 2016, WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE DIVINE LITURGY AT THE ANTIOCHIAN BASILICA OF SAINT MARY IN LIVONIA, MICHIGAN. HERE IS THEIR MESSAGE.

ursday, October 6, 2016 Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch. To our beloved Orthodox Christians throughout the In the opening session, the Chairman, Archbishop United States of America: DEMETRIOS of America, delivered his address, raising Forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the a number of serious issues pertaining to the need to unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). cultivate unity in Christ. ( e full text of his remarks can Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, be read online.) Archbishop DEMETRIOS urged the We, the members of the Assembly of Canonical Assembly to remain committed to the original mandate Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, of the Mother Churches, that is, to work in a conciliar gathered in Detroit, Michigan, for our Seventh Annual manner toward canonical unity for the sake of our Assembly on October 4–6, 2016, greet you with love in faith ful, with which goal the Assembly concurred. e Christ as we oer glory and thanksgiving to Him. hierarchs also heard executive reports from the Assembly GREGORY, and Treasurer, Archbishop MICHAEL. where hostility and brutality are occurring among Forty-one hierarchs assembled in order to recognize ocers. e chairmen of the Assembly committees presented members of dierent religions, sometimes supposedly and reinforce our unity in the Orthodox faith. We After listening to ocial reports from representative their reports, followed by a review of their organizations, in the name of religion, and also Ukraine. We pray express our deep gratitude to all those who planned sta of the ocial Assembly agencies – including the with special attention focused on the presentation for a just and enduring peace in the Middle East, and prepared for this year’s Assembly, which ocially Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, the International by the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning. for the protection of Christian and other vulnerable opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Orthodox Christian Charities, the Orthodox Christian During the nal session, the Committee for Canonical communities against acts of genocide, in Syria, Iraq, Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia, Mission Center, the Orthodox Christian Network, and Regional Planning was authorized and endorsed to and Palestine, as well as for the cessation of terrorism Michigan. e hierarchs were welcomed by host Bishop the Orthodox Christian Fellowship – the hierarchs conduct a national study on the present state of inter- and persecution, intimidation and displacement, ANTHONY. considered ways of advancing these vital ministries. Orthodox cooperation at the local level. e Assembly racial discrimination and religious fanaticism. We remembered and prayed for our brother hierarchs A special informational forum was presented on also endorsed and approved requests made by the 3. Furthermore, we recognize and lament the crises kidnapped in Syria, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan religious liberty, and provoked an engaging discussion. Committee for Youth, and those submitted by two of in civil discourse, the polarization of society, the PAUL (Yazigi, brother of His Beatitude Patriarch Distinguished guests addressed the Assembly on the First its agencies, International Orthodox Christian Charities persistence of poverty, the challenges to religious JOHN X of Antioch) Amendment, how re- and Orthodox Christian Mission Center. liberty, the resurgence of racism, and the escalation and the Syriac Ortho- ligion is portrayed in We agreed on the following with regard to the society of violence in our communities. e Assembly will dox Archbishop the news media, and in which we exercise our archpastoral ministry: study these and other pressing issues in order to JOHN (Ibrahim). global perspectives on 1. We arm our full support for the preservation prepare appropriate responses and to advocate before In particular, we ex- religious freedom. of marriage as a life-long sacramental union of a government and civil leaders to resolve and alleviate pressed our whole - Particular grati- man and a woman. We stress the importance of these societal problems. hearted congratulatios tude was expressed to parenthood and family as unshakeable foundations of In conclusion, we continue to oer our paternal to His All-Holiness outgoing Secretary, every society. As family originates from our Heavenly prayers, interceding that the Lord our God will not let us Ecu menical Patriarch Bishop BASIL, and Father (Ephesians 3:15), it nds perfection in the grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if BARTHOLOMEW Treasurer, Metropol itan iconic likeness of the intercommunion of the Holy we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us on the blessed occasion ANTONY. e new and Life-creating Trinity. do good to all humankind (Galatians 6:9–10). of his 25th anniversary ocers elected to the 2. We unequivocally continue to denounce the violence May the abundant blessings of our all merciful God as Archbishop of Executive Com mittee and bloodshed in our country and throughout the in Trinity be with you all. Constantinople-New are Secretary, Bishop world, especially in the Middle East and Africa,

8 December 2016 e Word 9 really sad in the story is that everyone in the rst group is parable of the “Great supper” also reminds us IT’S A “GREAT SUPPER” to be invited found a shameful excuse not to attend. of the Last Supper, when “Jesus took bread, blessed and Who are these people? ey are the Jews at the time of broke it, and gave it to the disciples saying, ‘Take, eat; Jesus, who rejected their Savior, as we are told in the this is My body. en He took the cup, and gave thanks, AND YOU ARE INVITED! Gospel of John, “He came to His own, and His own did and gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it all of you, for “MASTER, IT IS DONE AS YOU COMMANDED, BUT STILL THERE IS ROOM.” not receive Him” (John 1:11). If anything, their attitude this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for revealed their spiritual blindness and the hardness of many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). – LUKE 14:22 their hearts. ey deprived themselves of God’s rich Beautiful words and most glorious memories that grace … they had “fallen from grace.” convey a redeeming love unprecedented in majesty and When the servant reports the rejection of the grandeur: “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken invitation by that group (the priests, the Pharisees, and for you for the remission of sins.” Holy Communion so forth, who considered themselves the elite of society) is just a taste of what that “Great Supper” will be, one he is sent out into the lanes and the streets of the same day. What an awesome God we have! e Creator of all city with another mission: to invite the poor, the lame, things wants to share, celebrate and have fellowship with wo weeks means, and how you the maimed and the blind. In other words, they were his own creation. before we t into the picture? to invite the meek, the simple, and the pure in heart, How does all that aect you? Dear reader, remember T celebrate If you haven’t, you those who are willing to listen and heed the message of that we are still living in the age of grace, also known as Christ- should, because salvation. is reminds us of what St. Paul wrote to the “the time of love.” God’s gracious invitation to His “Great mas, on the Sun- this parable is an Corinthians: “For you see your calling, brethren, that not Supper” is still valid. is is simply because “there is still day of the Holy excellent illustra- many wise according to the esh, not many mighty, not room” in Christ’s house. It shall, at last, be lled, and this Forefathers, the tion of the re- many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish will be when the number of the elect is completed. e par a ble of the spon sibility of things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God invitation is extended from a gracious God who is rich in “Great Supper” is man (you), his ac- has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame mercy and love, “longsuering toward us and not willing read, in preparation countability before the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26–27). that any should perish but rather that all should come to for the great com- God, and the riches Even with all of those who were invited, there was repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). ing feast. In this parable we read that Jesus was at a of the grace of God. room left, so the invitation went out, outside of the city “ e only way of salvation for any person,” declared Pharisee’s house one day, when one of those who sat at Let us begin by taking a look at who is this “man” who walls, to the highways and hedges, to compel people in. the Apostle Peter, “is through the grace of the Lord Jesus the table with Him said: “Blessed is he who shall eat gave the supper. St. John Chrysostom in his homilies In other words, the invitation went out to the Gentiles. Christ” (Acts 15:11). For we have to believe, as St. Paul bread in the kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15). To which on the Gospel of Luke explains that this man was God One day Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Many will come says in the book of Acts, that “through the grace of our Jesus replied, “A certain man gave a great supper and the Father. For, when expressing and emphasizing God’s from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved . . .” (Acts 15:11). invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to great love to mankind, He is referred to as “man.” e Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons e grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ is applied to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are “Great Supper” represents God’s great plan of salvation of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. human beings for their salvation by the Holy Spirit who now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make for man, beginning with the incarnation; hence, this is ere will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew is called “the Spirit of grace.” excuses. e rst said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of the Gospel read in preparation for Christmas. 8:11–12). What a shame! In this interesting and meaningful parable, we sense ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me In other words, the “Great Supper” is a reference to After His Resurrection and Ascension, Christ, on the the profound mercy of Him who is rich in mercy, and excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought ve yoke of the most glorious redeeming act of love for our salvation, day of Pentecost, baptized the disciples with the Holy the glory of His Grace which is the free and precious oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have unprecedented in majesty and grandeur. Here we see the Spirit. When they were full of the power of the Holy gift to the undeserved sinner. Let us heed St. Paul’s me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, appearance of the grace of God that brings salvation to Spirit, the message of the Gospel began to spread. When admonition against willful negligence: “How shall we and therefore I cannot come.’ So that servant came and all men, and sense the great love with which He loved Peter spoke in terms full of signicance about Christ’s escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the rst reported these things to his master. en the master us, and His richness of mercy shining in our hearts, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the people who began to be spoken by the Lord, and was conrmed to of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out to ll them with the assurance that “in Him we have heard the message asked the disciples what they should us by those who heard Him” (Hebrews 2:3). We also read quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring redemption though His blood, the forgiveness of sins do. In reply, Peter proclaimed the message of salvation: in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “How worse punishment, in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7). “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has blind.’ And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you Please note that it is a supper, a celebration towards the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins” (Acts trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood commanded, and still there is room.’ en the master end of the day, because Jesus came in the latter days: 2:47). As a result, approximately three thousand souls of the covenant by which he was sanctied a common said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent were baptized and “the Lord added to the church daily thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews10:29). hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house forth His Son, born of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4). those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). From that What a great thing, dear children, God inviting us to may be lled. For, I say to you that none of those men Who was the “servant” whom the man sent? It was glorious day (Pentecost) to the present day, and even a banquet. e creator of all wants to eat with you. e who were invited shall taste my supper.” none other than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who until the Second Coming, it will be growing in number invitation is extended; please remember to RSVP. Have you ever considered this parable: What it took the form of a servant and became man. What is until the master’s house will be “lled” with the elect. Archpriest Joseph Sakkab

e Word 11

10 December 2016 e Word 11 evil.9 From its very beginning, monasticism was the them. ey live the evangelical life with its particular Bibliography Bryer, A., and Cunningham, expression of a desire for a higher life, which could not be characteristics, which makes them di er from the rest M., Mount Athos and Byzantine The Place of Monasticism in Monasticism (Ashgate, 1998). ful lled in marriage. e foundation of monasteries and of Christians. In that way, they become an example for Climacus, Saint John,  e 23 Ladder of Divine Ascent (Boston, departure from the world to hermitages was the route to the whole Church. As a result, monasticism becomes a MA: Holy Trans guration draw near to God.10 According to Evagrius Ponticus, a sacrament of love, because the evangelical life preaches Mon astery Press, 1991). the Modern Christian World Dorotheos of Gaza, Doro- monk is separated from all and is in harmony with all. two great commandments:  rstly, to love the Lord and theos of Gaza: Discourses and 24 Sayings, Eric Wheeler (tr.) He is a man who considers himself one with all, because secondly, to love our neighbor as yourself. (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian 11 Publications, 1977). he constantly sees himself in every person. Monks do not live to gain people’s praise. In con- Haldon, J.,  e Palgrave trast, they live for the glori cation of God.25 ey are the Atlas of Byzantine History LIFE AT THE MONASTERY (London, 2010). sinners and the poor men, de ning themselves in terms Harmless, W. J., SJ., 26 “Monasticism,”  e Oxford e decision to join a monastic community could of their own neediness and dependence on God’s mercy. Handbook of Early Christian be seen as a  ight from the secularism and materialism ey spend their whole life hungry and thirsty, intending Studies (Oxford University Press, 2011). of modern society.12 e real motives for someone who the expectation of heavenly hope. ey do so because Morris, R., Monks 27 and Laymen in Byzantium becomes monk, however, should be seen more positively they confront themselves as the last of all people. (Cambridge, 1995). Mantzaridis, G. I., ‘ e and at a more profound level: a man becomes a monk e eschatological character of monasticism dis- Monastic Life: the Way of for the sake of eternity.13 A human being’s life on earth tinguishes monks and married Christians. As sacraments Perfection’, www.pemptousia. com. will come to an end. After death, it makes no di erence of love, marriage is the cataphatic way, and monasticism Provatakis, T. M., Meteora: 28 History of the Monasteries and if people were princes, professors or scientists. e only is the apophatic way. While in marriage, couples express Monasticism (Athens, 1991). Paisios, Elder of Mount thing that will matter is the human soul, and whether their love between each other, monks express their love Athos, “External Noise and it will be saved or not. So, on the one hand we have a directly to God.29 By renouncing marriage, monks live In ternal Peace,” Spiritual Counsels, Vol. I: With Pain and brief earthly life, and on the other hand we have the the next age and they become prophets of the second Love for Contemporary Man 14 30 ( essaloniki: Holy Mon astery everlasting heaven or hell. coming, through their very existence. “Evangelist John the eo- logian,” 2006). A man becomes a monk in order to live the new Monks ignore themselves and turn their whole Pennington, M. B.,  e life in the Church, which is o ered to him by Christ. attention to God, living in silence. ey truly die to Monks of Mount Athos: a Western Monk’s Extraordinary 31 In that way, he follows the route of repentance, leaving self and live to God. ey are to be free from any Spiritual Journey on Eastern Holy 15 32 Ground (Vermont, 2010). aside his own will, for that of God. Monks decide to earthly thought, giving themselves wholly to the Lord. Rubenson, S., “Asceticism follow the word of Christ faithfully and to do what God Yet monks should learn how to use their thoughts and and Monasticism I: Eastern,” Cambridge History of Chris- tianity, vol. II: Constantine to Iakovos Menelaou commands. eir former life has ended and has no real mental images so that their creative needs will not 16 c. 600, eds. A. Casiday and F. importance. Modern society is nothing other than be totally frustrated, but expressed in well-channeled Norris (Cambridge: Cambridge 33 University Press, 2007). an obstacle to drawing nearer to God; overcoming the activity. ey are supposed to proceed into the sterility Speake, G., Mount Athos: THE ORIGINS OF MONASTICISM ARE FOUND IN THIRD-CENTURY EGYPT AND FOURTH-CENTURY obstacle is an activity that shows Him their love. e of the desert, into the Emptiness that is Fullness, to the Renewal in Paradise (Yale, 2002). SYRIA AND PALESTINE.1 MONASTICISM SPREAD WIDELY UNTIL THE SIXTH CENTURY, AND DURING monks’  ight from this anthropocentric society denotes Nothing that is All, and to a Silence that is all Word.34 Vivian, Tim (tr.), Four 17 Desert Fathers: Pambo, Evagrius, THE NEXT CENTURIES, MONASTIC CENTRES FLOURISHED IN CONSTANTINOPLE, ASIA MINOR, their freedom and rebirth. Monks follow the route that Christ took on this Macarius of Egypt and Macarius Monks seek to have the Holy Spirit, which is the earth, in his battle against evil, death and sin.35 e y of Alexandria (Crestwood, NY: 2 Saint Vladimir Seminary Press, THE BALKANS, CAPPADOCIA AND PONTUS. SAINT ANTHONY THE GREAT, SAINT PACHOMIOS real aim of the Orthodox Church. According to St. John are the successors of the prophets, apostles and martyrs, 2004). Ware, K., “Silence in Prayer: (C. 290-346) AND SAINT MAKARIOS OF ALEXANDRIA (C. 394) REPRESENT THE THREE MAIN Climacus, a monk is a constant violation of nature and because they keep alive the saintly life and convey the e Meaning of Hesychia,” 18 36 One Yet Two: Monastic Tradition FORMS OF MONASTICISM IN THE CHRISTIAN EAST. ANTHONY REPRESENTS THE SOLITARY a guard upon the senses. Also, the heart in Orthodox real spirit of the Orthodox Church. ey choose to East and West, ed. M. Basil Pennington (Kalamazoo, MI: teaching is the centre of human life and the source of the live in virginity and become lovers of the heavenly Cistercian Publications, 1976). LIFE OF HERMITAGE, WHILE PACHOMIOS IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COINOBION. FINALLY, 37 active powers in the intellect and the will. Consequently, constitution. ey are soldiers of Christ, who have no Ware, K.,  e Power of the Name: the Jesus Prayer in MAKARIOS REPRESENTS A MIDDLE WAY; THAT OF THE SKETE OR LAVRA, WHERE MONKS LIVE monks should keep their mind apathetic and their heart earthly concerns, no permanent home and  ght against Orthodox Spirituality (Oxford, 19 38 1987). IN GROUPS OF MONASTIC COTTAGES.3 pure and “fervent.” e heart is the point from which their earthly thinking. ey totally forget the modern Ware, K., “‘Seek the First the spiritual life starts and its puri cation a goal of that material life, human passions and all their belongings. Kingdom’: Orthodox Monas- ticism and its Service to the ount Athos, which to our day remains one  rst great lavra. Later, the whole area was separated into life. As monks come closer to God, they become more ey devote their attention to the spiritual pursuit which World,”  eology Today 61 20 39 (2004). aware of their own ignorance and imperfection. is required by their new life. Γεωργίου, Αρχιμανδρίτου, of the most signi cant monastic centres, independent monasteries, under the stewardship of a Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός και originated in the Ninth Century.4 It provides central administration: the protaton.6 e life of a monk is a life of self-denial. It is considered e prominent ideal in monastic life is freedom, Άγιον Όρος (Mount Athos, M 1998). to be martyrdom in the world, if it is characterized by which implies liberation from any social and bodily living evidence of the original forms of e Greek word for monk, which is monachos, means Ιεροθέου, Μητροπολίτου, 21 monasticism, since it combines eremitic and coenobitic a solitary person.7 It denotes someone who is single- true humility and chastity. is is the life of the angels, concerns, in the pursuit of a new situation characterized Ο Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός 40 ως Προφητική, Αποστολική ways.5 ough until the Tenth Century, all monks minded and celibate.8 By choosing to live isolated in the since monks remain una ected by what they see and by peace. If a candidate wants to be monk and he does και Μαρτυρική Ζωή (Levadia, 22 2002). in Mount Athos used to live the solitary life of the countryside, monks dedicate themselves to the exercise by any dangerous human emotions. Monks not only not have the necessary psychological freedom, he will Ισαάκ, Ιερομόναχου, Βίος 41 Γέροντος Παϊσίου του Αγιο- hermitage, Saint Athanasios the Athonite founded the of spiritual and moral authority and struggle against take the Gospels seriously, but also live according to be sent back to his people. He will never be a proper

12 December 2016 e Word 13 ρείτου (Άγιον Όρος, 2009). monk, if he does not obtain the spiritual freedom that wholehearted prayer to God.61 Indigence has bodily and all mankind, since each person is created 20. bid., pp. 24–25. Μωυσέως, Αγιορείτου 21. Rosemary Morris, Monks Μοναχού, Ορθόδοξος Μονα- makes him a servant of Christ in complete servitude.42 intellectual meaning as well, since monks should ght in accordance to His divine image.87 us, and Laymen in Byzantium: χισμός: Συνοπτική Αναφορά 843–1118 (Cambridge, στην Ιστορία, την Αξία και την It is very important that monks be humble. Accord- their desire for material wealth, which could keep them real prayer denotes the rediscovery of bap- 1995), p. 94. Προσφορά του (Athens, 1995). 62 22. Ibid., p. 94. Μωυσέως, Αγιορείτου Μο- ing to Evagrius, humility directs the intellect into proper distant from God. ey have to be wholly free in order tismal grace. Praying is the passing to 23. Kallistos Ware, ‘“Seek First ναχού, Άγιον Όρος και Κοινω- knowledge, leading it upward.43 is is a virtue that is to join God and march with Him.63 inner perception, which makes the person the Kingdom,’” pp. 16, 17. νία (Athens, 2009). 24. Ibid., p. 17. Μέγεντορφ, Ι., Η Ορθόδο- also possessed by angels and laypeople with a pure heart.44 Also, monks should show obedience. is virtue is feel the activity of the Spirit directly and 25. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, ξη Εκκλησία, tr. Β. Πατρίκη 88 Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, (Athens, 2010). When someone is angry and insolent, he has to change signicant, because it helps monks to be absolved from immediately. e purpose of prayer for p. 23. Χριστοδούλου, Αρχιμαν- 64 26. Kallistos Ware, ‘“Seek First δρίτου Κουτλουμουσιανού, Η his attitude, adopting the virtue of humility. us, he the passion of personal aspirations. is is the passion the monk is to return to himself, discover the Kingdom,’” p. 18. Παρουσία του Μοναχισμού turns away from evil to good.45 Monks or laymen who which brought the fall to the earthly life. It was Adam who he is, and nally reach God’s message: 27. bid., p. 18. στον Σύγχρονο Κόσμο (Mount 28. Ibid., p. 18. Athos, 2011). acquire humility are also gentle, kind, calm, bright, who did not obey God’s commandments. e result of the person who prays would not seek Him, 29. Ibid., p. 19. 46 65 89 30. Ibid., p. 19. Footnotes vigilant and free from passions. his disobedience was death. e person who does not unless he has already found Him. 31. Pennington, e Monks of 1. John Haldon, e Palgrave Humility could be synonymous with light: where live in obedience and places his own will above that of By asking for mercy, monks lament Mount Athos, p. 93. Atlas of Byzantine History 32. Ibid., p. 265. (London, 2010), p. 51. there is no light, everything is dark; and where there is no God is an adulterer.66 Obedience denotes rebirth. is their own helplessness. ey conrm that 33. Ibid., p. 276. 2. bid., pp. 51, 90–91. 47 34. Ibid., p. 276. 3. Bishop Kallistos Ware, humility, there is corruption and everything is rotten. virtue helps someone to abandon his individualism and God in His glory accepts them, although 35. Μητροπολίτου “‘Seek First the Kingdom’: Ιεροθέου, Ο Ορθόδοξος Orthodox Monasticism and ose who follow the route of humility will also follow come closer to God. True monks should be characterized they are sinners. As a result, the Jesus Prayer Μοναχισμός, p. 23. its Service to the World,” the direction to salvation, because God is always just to by their obedience to the Church’s tradition, the Bishop, is not a prayer of repentance only, but also 36. Ibid., pp. 23–24. Princeton eological Review 37. Ibid., p. 370. 61 (2004): 15, p. 19. those who knock on His door.48 the Elder and brothers.67 of forgiveness and restoration.90 e worth 38. Ibid., p. 371. 4. Haldon, e Palgrave Atlas of 39. Ibid., p. 371. Byzantine History, p. 93. Monks should also be characterized by silence and Prayer has a prominent position in a monks’ life, since of prayer lies in these truths, which become 40. Rubenson, “Asceticism and 5. Anthony Bryer and Mary 68 Monasticism I: Eastern,” Cunningham, Mount Athos stillness, which are both supreme luxuries of life and, it is his main duty in the world. Monks love praying, apparent with all the fullness of a human p. 629. and Byzantine Monasticism again, important virtues in a monks’ life.49 e former because this is the food of their soul.69 Nonetheless, prayer being.91 41. Pennington, e Monks of (Ashgate, 1998), p. 171. Mount Athos, p. 195. 6. Ιωάννης Μέγεντορφ, Η is the very presence of God, which is hidden by activity, can only be pure, if it is accompanied by clarity, silence, e name of the Son of God is great, 42. Ibid., p. 196. Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, tr. Β. 70 43. Tim Vivian (tr.), Four Πατρίκη (Athens, 2010), p. while the latter is present throughout the route at every peace and insistence. Monks do not pray for themselves without boundaries, and protects the entire Desert Fathers: Pambo, 133. 50 Evagrius, Macarius of Egypt 7. J. William Harmless, SJ, point, but it is not evident to those who run. oughts only. ey pray for all people and their salvation. us, universe. is name is power, but the person and Macarius of Alexandria “Monasticism,” e Oxford are bodiless and invisible enemies which are practiced in the spiritual upward direction aects the whole world.71 needs to join God, through active faith and (Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, Handbook of Early Christian 2004), p. 87. 92 Studies (Oxford University warfare. As opposed to someone who is caught in such By praying in their cells or in temples, monks declare ascetic eort. Monks should look to the 44. Ibid., p. 87. Press, 2011), p. 1. 72 45. Dorotheos of Gaza, Dorot- 8. Samuel Rubenson, “Asceti- thoughts and is distant from God, monks should have a Christ’s will and become one with God’s gift. Lord Jesus, and to trust themselves to Him. heos of Gaza: Discourses and cism and Monasticism I: peaceful mind in order to be with Him.51 In addition, Prayer is not only the monks’ motive, but also their e grace of His name will make monks Sayings, Eric Wheeler (tr.) Eastern,” Cambridge History (Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian of Christianity, vol. II: Con- only through stillness can a soul nd tranquility, which is power in all their struggles in the spiritual life they chose.73 confront any thoughts, which they cannot Publications, 1977), p. 188. stantine to c. 600, eds. 52 46. St. John Climacus, e A. Casiday and F. Norris also a basic characteristic of monastic life. It is the only route for them to be united with God, since surpass by themselves. ey should focus Ladder of Divine Ascent (Cambridge: CUP, 2007), p. (Boston, MA: Holy Trans- 628. Also, silence protects monks from the enemy it presupposes a personal relationship between the two on how they can substitute good thoughts guration Monastery Press, 9. Haldon, e Palgrave Atlas of and is associated with nipsis, or spiritual sobriety and of them. Monks always see God before themselves, as for all evil ones.93 1991), p. 152. Byzantine History, p. 54. 47. Ibid., p. 153. 10. Μοναχού Μωυσέως vigilance.53 Silence means a physical condition, but also an expression of boundless love. is is why they begin e Jesus Prayer is a prayer in a few 48. Ibid., pp. 179.195. Αγιορείτου, Ορθόδοξος 54 74 49. Pennington, e Monks of Μοναχισμός: Συνοπτική a state of the soul. Before proceeding to the stage of their prayer with petitions. e petitionary prayer is heart. e Jesus Prayer is a spiritual, speechless activity, words, which reaches the living silence of Mount Athos, p. 40. Αναφορά στην Ιστορία, 80 50. Ibid., p. 43. την Αξία και την προσφορά true stillness, monks have to complete the stage of silence the preparation for the true spiritual prayer and implies superior to any rhetorical speech. First, however, the Eternal. It is a way to come to direct communion 51. Ibid., Hesychius of Jeru- του (Athens, 1995), p. 13. successfully.55 Silence signies the transition from the a progress towards God. When a monk ceases to ask, but monks should nd tranquility and simplicity. en with God and have His assistance.94 Monks think only salem, p. 49. 11. M. Basil Pennington, e 52. Elder Paisios of Mt. Athos, Monks of Mount Athos: prayer of the faithful to the prayer of God; from laborious he fully trusts the will of God, this is the stage of pure they have to be aware of God’s mercy and the fact that about Jesus and focus only on Him. ey draw their “External Noise and In- a Western’s Monk’s Ex- 56 75 ternal Peace,” Spiritual traordinary Spiritual Journey prayer to the self-impelled prayer. It implies an external prayer. prayer is rest. ey also have to free themselves from whole attention to the Saviour, in order to feel His Counsels , Vol. I: With Pain on Eastern Holy Ground 57 81 95 and Love for Contemporary (Vermont, 2010), p. 238. separation from the world and a ight into the desert. According to Archimandrite Aimiliano, inner prayer earthly responsibilities. When they pray, they should presence. e aim of the Jesus Prayer is to make all Man ( essaloniki: Holy 12. Graham Speake, Mount Silence is the procedure of cleansing, extinguishing is the attribute of the angels. It is the unceasing activity of keep silence and let the prayer speak for them,82 because Christians join with Jesus and unite their breathing with Monastery “Evangelist John Athos: Renewal in Paradise the eologian,” 2006), p. 83 96 (Yale, 2002), p. 206. passions and purifying the heart. Additionally, it keeps the angelic hosts. It is their bread and life, and their way prayer is God who works all things in all men. e Jesus the Divine One, who holds the universe. 202. 13. Ibid., p. 206. 76 84 53. Kallistos Ware, “Silence 14. Ibid., p. 206. the mind unaected by sinful thoughts, which feed the to express their love to God. Similarly to the angels, Prayer is nothing else than a summary of the Gospels. Apparently, spiritual ascesis remains very prominent in Prayer: the Meaning of 15. Αρχιμανδρίτου Γεωργίου, 58 ascesis Hesychia,” One Yet Two: Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός passions. Someone who lives in silence can realize the monks live the angelic life in the esh and arm their Prayer is an attitude of alertness, vigilance, but, above role in the monks’ life. eir in silence, in Monastic Tradition East και Άγιον Όρος (Mount worth of each thing, because he sees each in God and love to God, through the same unceasing prayer.77 For all, listening. Monks should listen to the voice of prayer, combination with their prayer, leads them to holy and West, ed. M. Basil Athos, 1998), p. 14. Pennington (Kalamazoo, 59 85 16. Μητροπολίτου Ιεροθέου, Ο God in each. Athanasios the Athonite, the mission of monks does not in order to listen to the voice of God speaking to them. isolation in their cells. is is the route to uproot bodily MI: Cistercian Publications, Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός ως 97 1976), p. 24. Προφητική, Αποστολική Yet, virginity (or chastity) and indigence should dier from that of the angels. ey have to praise and In prayer, the person stands before God and knows at passions, since ascesis eliminates sinful thoughts. It is 54. Ibid., p. 26. και Μαρτυρική Ζωή be important characteristics of monastic life. Virginity glorify God, which is their primary work.78 every level that people are in God and God is in them.86 the only direction to spiritual beauty; by ascesis monks 55. Ibid., p. 28. (Levadia, 2002), p. 25. 56. Ibid., p. 32. 17. Ibid., p. 25. for monks does not mean, just the avoidance from any Monks spend their free time in their cells, praying the According to St. Gregory of Sinai, prayer is God at avoid any earthly pleasures and glory.98 57. Ibid., p. 37. 18. eocharis M. Provatakis, 79 58. Pennington, e Monks of Meteora: History of the bodily passions. It helps monks to keep themselves away Jesus Prayer. is prayer should not be confused with work. It is not something that a monk initiates or he After three years of a test period, a monk nally joins Mount Athos, p. 140. Monasteries and Monasticism 60 59. Kallistos Ware, “Silence in (Athens, 1991), p. 24. from sinful thoughts. Virginity denotes protection any other thoughts and imagination. It is a short prayer does, but something that God is doing to him. Prayer the monastic community. He then cannot abrogate the Prayer,” p. 45. 19. Ibid., p. 24. from bodily and spiritual sensuality, and requires that starts from the mouth and continues in mind and is the manifestation of Baptism. God is present within terms of his oath.99 He has to dress in his black robe, 60. Μητροπολίτου Ιεροθέου,

14 December 2016 e Word 15 Ο Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, monastic philosophy aims to cure these behaviors, which for faithful Christianity, leading people’s minds to the 112. Ibid., pp. 10–11. p. 35. 113. Ibid., p. 12. 61. Ibid., p. 35. is why monasticism is always well-timed.112 glory of heaven. us they are the messengers of the 114. Ιερομόναχου Ισαάκ, 62. Ibid., p. 36. Βίος Γερόντος Παϊσίου 63. Ibid., p. 36. Monasticism is associated with the cleansing of the coming of God’s kingdom, calling all people to repent του Αγιορείτου (Mount 64. Ibid., p. 36. 123 Athos, 2009), p. 331. 65. Ibid., p. 36. heart and with holiness. Although a monk decides to live and believe in God. 115. Αρχιμανδρίτου 66. Ibid., p. 81. in isolation, he remains a friend of life and society. So he Visiting monastic estates is certainly benecial Χριστοδούλου, 67. Ibid., p. 109. Η Παρουσία του 68. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, maintains the same attitude, which is real friendship with for laypeople. Many young people visit Mount Athos Μοναχισμού, pp. 15–16. Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, 116. Μοναχού Μωυσέως p. 104. people and nature. A monk is the instantiation of God’s because they are attracted to the stability which char- Αγιορείτου, Άγιον Όρος 69. Ibid., p. 102. 113 και Κοινωνία (Athens, 70. Ibid., p. 102. presence on earth. For instance, Elder Paisios not only acterizes this holy place, in contrast to the instability 2009), p. 66. 71. Ibid., p. 104. attracted many people to his cell, but he also advised of the modern world. Young people enjoy their stay in 117. Αρχιμανδρίτου 72. bid., p. 104. Χριστοδούλου, 73. Provatakis, Meteora, p. 25. them how to overcome their problems. Young people, such a peaceful and joyful place. Visitors receive love and Η Παρουσία του 74. Ibid., p. 25. 124 125 Μοναχισμού, pp. 18–19, 75. Ibid., p. 25. seekers of repentance, visited his cell to nd their route in kindness there. Laypeople need freedom and silence. 20. 76. Speake, Mount Athos, p. 207. life. ey were asking him about marriage, sickness, and Additionally, Mount Athos attracts people with artistic 118. Ibid., pp. 24–25. 77. Ibid., p. 207. 119. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, 78. Bryer and Cunningham, everything that young people need to know.114 talent, or interests in history or architecture, or even Άγιον Όρος και Mount Athos and Byzantine 126 Κοινωνία, pp. 128–129. Monasticism, p. 7. Monastic life expresses its opposition to modern environmentalists. 120. Ibid., p. 133. 79. Pennington, e Monks of 121. Ibid., pp. 176, 523. Mount Athos, p. 18. believing, by ignoring or disputing the opinions of the Today, people want to solve their internal or 122. Ibid., p. 181. 80. Μητροπολίτου Ιεροθέου, earthly life. It criticizes the values of each society and psychological problems. ey try to explain life and 123. Αρχιμανδρίτου Ο Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, Γεωργίου, Ορθόδοξος p. 110. reminds us of the truths of the Church’s tradition. It does death, and give meaning to life when they live in despair. Μοναχισμός και Άγιον 81. Pennington, e Monks of Όρος, pp. 24, 26, 27. Mount Athos, p. 52. not bear in mind modern social standards, which may Again, monasteries welcome them and monks guide and 124. Pennington, e Monks of 82. Colliander in Ibid., p. 71. 127 Mount Athos, p. 63. 83. Ibid., Saint Gregory of Sinai, characterize people’s lives. So, monasticism appears to be help them to nd the answers they are looking for. 125. Μητροπολίτου p. 71. a kind of anarchy.115 In fact, monks represent light for Monasticism evolved in order to keep all people close to Ιεροθέου, Ο Ορθόδοξος 84. Ibid., p. 78. Μοναχισμός, p. 71. 85. Bishop Kallistos Ware of laypeople.116 the Church. Monasteries are like oases, which keep the 126. Speake, Mount Athos, p. Diokleia, e Power of the 128 234. Name: the Jesus Prayer in which is a symbol of his dedication to God and reects which monks perform in the monastery. First there is Modern people are trapped in roles that are set by truth of life and remain the hope for future. 127. Μητροπολίτου Orthodox Spirituality (Ox- the holy conditions of the angelic system in which he diakonima, which is individual service. ese assignments society, and make them forget the pursuit of truth. By Ιεροθέου, Ο Ορθόδοξος ford, 1987), p. 1. CONCLUSION Μοναχισμός, p. 72. 86. Ibid., p. 1. decided to serve.100 are given at the beginning of each year, during a meeting overthrowing the modern lifestyle, monks have only 128. Ibid., p. 73–74. 87. Ibid., p. 2. 129. Georgios I. Mantzaridis, 88. Ibid., p. 3. e abbot’s has an important place in the monastery. of the community. e work assignments for the monks one concern: the Kingdom of God. us, monasticism Monastic life is a continual spiritual progress. “ e Monastic Life: 89. Ibid., p. 3. the Way of Perfection” 90. Ibid., p. 9. He is its leader and in his life he ought to be an depend on the total number of the brotherhood. So, if the becomes a message of freedom, making people nd their Monastics direct their hearts away from worldly concerns (November 6, 2011), 91. Ibid., p. 9. 101 real selves. e monks’ presence represents love and real to care about the God’s kingdom, which is the goal of www.pemptousia.com. 92. Ibid., p. 11. example of simplicity. e abbot should be the one number of diakonimata exceeds the number of monks, 130. Ιερομόναχου Ισαάκ, Βίος 93. Ibid., p. 11. who represents the spirit of the Church’s tradition. He then some have to take on more than one assignment. socialization.117 e monastic community is an example the Church.129 Monastic life is the perfect one, since it Γέροντος Παισίου του 94. Ibid., p. 15. Αγιορείτου, pp. 534, 691. 95. Ibid., p. 15. has to respect his bishop, since the latter is superior to ese extra services may have to do with the Church or of real society, characterized by morals. Monasticism is the perpetual glorication of God. Monks follow this 131. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, 96. Ibid., p. 17. 102 109 Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, 97. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, him. On the other hand, monks should obey their with manuscripts. teaches that the meaning of life appears not in the spiritual life, intending to cleanse their hearts and help pp. 53, 110. Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, temporary earthly life, but in eternity.118 people.130 132. Αρχιμανδρίτου pp. 79,81. abbot; and this obedience should be connected with e second type of service is that which is allocated Γεωργίου, Ορθόδοξος 98. Ibid., pp. 83–84. love and freedom.103 e monastery is an environment each day by the abbot. Monks report to the abbot on the Nowadays, people are desperate and lack humility, Monasticism is associated with the holiness of the Μοναχισμός και Άγιον 99. Ibid., p. 59. Όρος, p. 111. 100. Ibid., p. 59. where every thing is shared. Monks eat and pray together, completion of their daily assignments. An assignment which is a prominent characteristic of Christian life in Orthodox Church. It is the perfect fulllment of the 133. Μητροπολίτου 101. Bryer and Cunningham, Gospels, since monks work hard for their salvation. Ιεροθέου, Ο Ορθόδοξος Mount Athos and Byzantine because they are one heart in the coinobion. Strict poverty might to carry a load of beeswax, or help another monk general. ey adopt a sinful way of life, which directs Μοναχισμός, p. 175, 435. Monasticism, p. 10. them to evil. Monasticism’s purpose is to substitute ey pray for everyone and keep alive the meaning of 134. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, Μητροπολίτου should not be an individual characteristic of each monk, with his task. Finally, the third type of service is work in Άγιον Όρος και 102. 131 Ιεροθέου, Ο Ορθόδοξος but a basic element of the whole community.104 common. e abbot rings the bell and the monks are virtues for passions and sins. Love for God eliminates Orthodox teaching, through their life. According to Κοινωνία, p. 705. Μοναχισμός, p. 165. 103. Ibid., p. 165. Monks do a wide range of work in the monastery, like ready to follow his instructions, for work such as the every sin. Monasticism preaches that repentance is the Saint Symeon, monks win the battle against passions and 104. Bryer and Cunningham, 110 119 evil. ey adopt a kind of life in the attempt to change Mount Athos and Byzantine cooking, cleaning, baking, secretarial work, icon painting construction of buildings. duty for all Christians. Monasticism, p. 8. and study.105 e monastery welcomes people of dierent Monasticism’s contribution to modern society is very their earthly constitution to a heavenly one. Monks aim 105. Pennington, e Monks of MONASTICISM IN MODERN SOCIETY Mount Athos, p. 58. backgrounds. eologians, philosophers, doctors, or important, as it keeps the Church’s tradition alive. It to complete a holy mission: to help fulll the divine plan 106. Speake, Mount Athos, p. 132 197. people with studies in business administration can oer In truth, the world has never changed. ere are also exemplies proper morality, peace and freedom, in for people’s deication. 107. Ibid., p. 197. 106 accordance with Christian teaching.120 rough prayer, Monastic life is the Christian life in its fullness. It 108. Μωυσέως Αγιορείτου, their help in an intellectual community. Also, people always the same problems which hurt a man’s soul: Ορθόδοξος Μοναχισμός, with a talent in art or music contribute to the revival of passions, stress and the battle between darkness and light monks help each Christian separately, because they pray is the glory of the Church, since there are many monks p. 79. 109. Bryer and Cunningham, many traditional arts. People with knowledge in library which does not allow people to live in peace. e goal of for forgiveness of all people’s sins. eir prayer is valuable who are included in the Orthodox Saint’s calendar. Mount Athos and Byzantine 107 121 133 Monasticism, p. 85. science can easily be librarians in the brotherhood. life is nothing other than the alleviation of anxiety in the for laypeople and proceeds from the monks’ love. Monks constitute the holy army of God. ey seek 110. Ibid., p. 86. Monks show the beauty of the Orthodox religion, de- holiness, because this is the meaning, the substance, the 111. Αρχιμανδρίτου In the monastic life, works are included in the overall fulllment of personal aspirations. Overconsumption Χριστοδούλου climate of love. rough their work, monks help other be comes a permanent feature of one’s life, while rived from its teaching of love, humility and peace, and power and the blessing of the monastic life.134 Κουτλουμουσιανού, 122 Η Παρουσία του people and do not aim to increase their own wealth. money denes everything. us people become slaves they direct all the faithful to salvation. Iakovos Menelaou Μοναχισμού στον 108 111 Σύγχρονο Κόσμο (Mount Work for them is a holy mission. of a system. ey may create a family with nancial Monks become martyrs (witnesses) of God’s presence Athos, 2011), pp. 9–10. In general, there are three categories of service motives and cannot keep real relationships. In contrast, on earth. ey preach God’s righteousness and the need

16 December 2016 e Word 17 2016 WESTERN RITE VICARIATE CONFERENCE

Every two years, in addition to attending the Parish Matins, Lauds (Orthros), and Vespers, and to participate understood by “oering the Mass,” and then wove together Adam Roberts, from the Becoming Truly Human 1. Bp. JOHN 2. Fr. Michael Keiser Life Conferences, clergy and laity from the Western Rite in the Mass (Divine Liturgy). e Mass was conducted a clear and winsome view of standing before the Lord in Department, found a warm reception for this new 3. Singing during a meal parishes in the Archdiocese gather around Bishop JOHN, according both to the Rite of St. Gregory and the Rite of His heavenly Kingdom during the Divine Liturgy. e initiative. He stated that the Western Rite parishes have 4. Rev. Peter Kavanaugh 5. Fr. Theodore their local Bishop, for a four-day conference. ese St. Tikhon. Rev. Peter Kavanaugh, a recently ordained graduate of been quite receptive and open to reaching out in a new parishes, which live the Orthodox Faith according to the e theme of the conference was “Remember, O Holy Cross serving St. Benedict’s Church in Wichita Falls, way to the “nones” (those who identify themselves as Western liturgical expression, gather to worship together, Lord, … all here present, whose faith and devotion are Texas, reected on several of the thanksgiving prayers to having no church aliation). After a brief introduction, to encourage one another, and to discuss items of known and manifest unto thee: for whom we oer, or be prayed after Mass. e presentations concluded with Sbdn. Adam showed the rst twenty minutes of the rst particular interest to the Western expression of the Faith. who themselves oer to thee, this sacrice of praise” a moving and eloquent speech by the V. Rev. Edward Orthodox feature-length lm produced for “Becoming is year’s biennial meeting took place August 9–12 (from the Canon of the Rite of St. Gregory). Based on Hughes, Western Rite Vicar General. Fr. Hughes spoke Truly Human,” and then led a discussion that enthused in Bealeton, Virginia, hosted by St. Patrick Orthodox this theme, a number of presentations were oered. about the importance of both ascending Mount Tabor, as both clergy and laity for evangelism. Church. As members of the host parish, St. Patrick’s e V. Rev. John W. Fenton (Pastor of St. Michael’s we do during the Mass, and then descending to continue Conference attendees included not only priests, parishioners provided transportation for many of the Church in Whittier, California and Assistant to the Vicar our love and care for those around us. deacons, and laity from Western Rite Vicariate parishes, participants who came from all over the country. ey General for the Western Rite) gave a meditative look at In addition to the major presentations, Bishop but also Fr. eodore, Prior of Our Lady and St. Laurence also provided wonderful meals and a most hospital setting. the Mass preparation prayers required for all clergy and JOHN led the annual Vicariate meeting. His Grace both Benedictine monastery (the Western Rite monastery in eir sanctuary was used for the four daily liturgies, and commended to the laity. e V. Rev. Michael Keiser, answered questions, and addressed various concerns. the Archdiocese) and guests from Eastern Rite and non- for all the meetings. who has served Western Rite parishes and was recently Furthermore, His Grace urged all present to work dili- Orthodox groups. An additional bonus was hearing their choir (led retired as Chairman for the Department of Missions and gently for an increased presence of the Western Rite in is year’s conference was both edifying and re- by Khouria Kerrie Cardine) not only lead the liturgical Evangelism, gave an often witty and sometimes heart- the Archdiocese. Toward this end, His Grace announced laxing. It also continued to foster the unity and spirit services, but also sing both liturgical and secular songs for wrenching reection on the necessity of intercessions for that he would like to invite Metropolitan JOSEPH to the of camaraderie that is a hallmark of the Western Rite the attendees during the rst night’s banquet. others. Bishop JOHN, the Western Rite Bishop, began 2018 Western Rite Conference. Vicariate. Each day, 50 to 80 attendees were able to pray his presentation by asking the participants what they On the last evening of the conference, Sub-deacon 2

5 18 December 2016 1 3 4 FOCUS WEST CENTRAL PA SHARING THE FAITH

MAKES FIRST BACKPACK DELIVERY BELOVED BROTHERS AND Maria McLoota Himes SISTERS, Orthodox Baby Homecoming After twenty months of planning, with much is is essential if they are to become aware of further “is then, is our task: to educate mentoring by Fr. Paul Abernathy, Focus – West needs. e volunteers are the “salt” of the ministry. AODCE SOCIAL NETWORKING MINISTRY ourselves and our children in Central Pennsylvania (Beaver and Lawrence e Center also feeds forty to fty homeless and godliness.” St. John Chrysostom To nurture the children God has placed in our care! Counties) in Southwestern Pennsylvania deliv- hungry people on the third Saturday of each month Greetings to Teachers! e fall topic is “Saints of Recent ered it rst weekly backpack food for elementary in rotation with other ministries in Beaver Falls. Ten As the school year moves for- Decades.” For Parents, the topic is “Bedtime Rituals.” students in Beaver Falls on October 7. Fourteen volunteers and up to eight Geneva College students ward, I hope that the message volunteers from six Orthodox help. Emergency food is available for individuals and of getting the children to church At Facebook.com Orthodoxchristianparenting parishes in the two counties helped families with referral from pastors, school counselors, school is being heard. Whereas our main objective is Orthodoxchristiansundaychurchschoolteachers to unload the food from the and ministries in the two counties. Volunteers then that the children gain rm knowledge of the faith, and spiritual maturity, no progress can be made if the Orthodoxchristianchurchschooldirectors Greater Pittsburgh Community rotate during the ursday and Friday weekly operation children aren’t present! At WordPress.com Food Bank. e food was trans- to take calls, stock shelves, talk to those in need, and Orthodoxchristianparenting ere are a few new items to publicize. First, a new ported next door from the pack bags. One woman who lost her husband almost Orthodoxchristianchurchschoolteachers magazine for children is being launched! Entitled, “ e Center at St. John the Evangelist two years ago rst came to the Center while going www.pinterest.com/aodce Antiochian Church to the school. through cancer treatment. She used her food money New Martyr,” it is a “quarterly magazine for Orthodox kids to get them excited about their faith and to feel Kristina Wenger e food provides nutrition to to pay for her cancer treatment copays and to buy food united with other kids across the world.” e magazine Sta Assistant for Social Network “food insecure” students on week- for her dog while not eating herself. She refuses to lose will have comics, puzzles, stories, and icons. You can nd Ministry ends. In four years it is planned to her house. She takes o one day from driving a forklift out more at their Facebook page, New-Martyr-Magazine, expand the backpack program to in her job after her treatment. She was told in her rst or their website, www.newmartyrpublishing.com. other school districts. It is helpful visit she could come back as needed (the rst and only Second, the Faithtree Group, operating out of St. that there is at least one or more exception to the rules). After some months of treatment Michael’s Church in Van Nuys, California, has a REPORT ON THE PAN-ORTHODOX CONTINUING Orthodox church in those districts. her blood results for cancer were negative. She paid us recorded webinar and a publication available addressing EDUCATION CONFERENCES Parent permission slips in- with this: “I thank God for you.” the needs of exceptional children. “Removing Barriers” e Department of Christian Education expanded dicated seventeen parents wish Pray for this ministry as we are planning to go from is designed to “educate, equip, mentor and train training by taking “the show on the road” this year. to help with the food packing. 50 backpacks this year to over 2,000 in the future, as God Orthodox Christian clergy and churches to be eective Building on the success of “ e Orthodox Institute for is gives Focus volunteers an leads. We are grateful to Bishop THOMAS and all the and inclusive for all of God’s children, in all aspects of Continuing Education in the Faith,” the Department opportunity to build relationships clergy who have helped develop and sustain this ministry church life.” A welcome addition to their eld, these for- hosted three major events and several smaller training with people in the community. through their prayers, oerings, and encouragement. purchase resources are at www.faithtree.org. Finally, I was impressed with the sermon given by our parish deacon, Jerome Atherholt, a few Sundays ago. It has a unique message for the Nativity Feast, and it DIOCESAN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COORDINATORS ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE is included in this issue. I hope everyone enjoys and Eastern Dioceses appreciates their Nativity plays, and has a blessed holiday. Fr. George Alberts, 203.798.1771, [email protected] His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH would like to thank Archpriest by Bishop ANTHONY on October 23, 2016, In Christ, Toledo and the Midwest the faithful for their wishes and prayers on his birthday. at St. Ignatius Church, Madison, Wisconsin. Robert Snyder, 330.285-3688, [email protected] Carole A. Buleza, Director Ottawa, Eastern Canada, Upstate New York ORDAINED REPOSED Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall, 519.807.2986, [email protected] DANEVICIUS, Brandon Solomon (Isaac), to the MANN, Deacon Benjamin, 72, on October 23, 2016. DEPARTMENTAL NOTES Wichita and Mid-America diaconate by Bishop NICHOLAS on October 23, 2016, Dn. Benjamin was a founding member and deacon of Our new blog! Vasiliki Billie Oldziey, 512.694.7073, [email protected] at St. George Church, Little Falls, New Jersey. He is St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He Worcester and New England assigned as a seminarian deacon to that church. is survived by his wife Karen, son Sean and daughter ORTHODOX BABY HOMECOMING Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, 978.686.3274, [email protected] HONORE, Andrew, to the diaconate by Bishop Nicole, as well as two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Miami and the Southeast We’ve journeyed from conception through birth, and now Carole Buleza, 717.747.5221, [email protected] NICHOLAS on October 16, 2016, at St. Stephen the Sylvey Highland. the posts will discuss Holy Baptism. e blog will oer Los Angeles and the West and also Protomartyr Church, South Plainfield, New Jersey. RETIRED ideas, tips, and knowledge to help you raise your children Eagle River and the Northwest Carole Buleza, 717.747.5221, [email protected] ELEVATIONS RADOS, Archpriest George M., from Ss. Peter and Paul, in the faith through the early childhood years. Find us KOORY, Rev. Fr. Basil, to the rank and dignity of Potomac Maryland. at www.orthodoxbabyhomecoming.wordpress.com.

20 December 2016 e Word 21 Department of Christian Education

events during the course of the year, with the goal of Our Department Coordinators have also been busy Also, resources for these hymns, while not necessarily become part of us. With the people we remember, in making training and spiritual enrichment accessible to planning smaller, local events. In addition to the sessions scant, are not as accessible to the average Christian particular, there is a very real union. is is why it’s those who cannot travel to Antiochian Village. they hosted at each Parish Life Conference, there have as one might wish or, perhaps, are not as useful for so terribly heart-rending for someone who has a loved been training and information sessions in Milwaukee, personal prayer and devotions – at least until now. In one suering from the loss of their memory, such as an Wisconsin; Waterloo, Ontario; Oklahoma City, Okla- the recent publication, God Is Wondrous in His Saints, Alzheimer patient. You visit them and say, “Hi!” You see homa; San Jose, California; Littleton, Colorado; and from ree Hierarchs Publishing, one can nd no less the wheels turning, but in the end, they only manage a Niagara Falls, New York. than 30 Akathist hymns, including those for the recently blank stare. You come to realize, as you look into their For information on host- gloried Saint Paisios and Saint Porphyrios. eyes, that you are no longer there. You are gone . . . no ing a Regional Pan-Or tho- At rst, I thought delving into the hymns might be a bit longer a part of their life. at union has been broken. dox Christian Educa tion daunting, until I read the helpful and simple guide for And, oh, what you wouldn’t give to be able to restore Conference, please contact reading the Akathist hymn alone. In reciting the hymns, that memory – to get your place in their life back. the Department at aodce_ I found the poetic and inspiring words, as well as the Some speculate that human beings carry what’s called a [email protected]. pleasant cadence, made them a marvelous asset for silent “memory gene”: memories that are inherited, experiences Leslie Atherholt reection, veneration and prayer. of one’s ancestors embedded in one’s genetic makeup Sta Assistant for Special Resources such as this are a great gift to the life, prayers and personality. is is arguable, but we as Christians e rst of our Pan-Orthodox Continuing Education Projects and spiritual growth of the faithful. I am thankful for certainly believe that mankind does possess a collective, Conferences was hosted by St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox this thoughtful and inspirational volume. foundational memory. Since God breathed life into Cathedral, Ottawa, Ontario, on Friday evening and CREATIVE FESTIVALS Adam, humankind has passed along this precious gift Saturday, September 23–24. Matushka Jennifer Mosher, 2016 Deacon Jerome Atherholt serves at St. John Chrysostom from our Creator. a doctoral student in Christian education, spoke on Parish in York, Pennsylvania. He is also the podcaster for “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” It is, the memory we have of God . . . that dwells in the “Christian Education: Forming the Whole Person.” “Saint of the Day” on Ancient Faith Radio. (Mark 11:17) heart of man. We thank Fr. Ghattas Hajal, Pastor, and Kelly Hamwi, MEMORY Church School Director, for arranging this event with If you haven’t scheduled a time for the Creative Festivals, Unfortunately mankind, in the persons of Adam and A sermon by Deacon Jerome Atherholt Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall, Diocesan Coordinator. plan for them now. Ideas for implementing the festivals Eve, mishandled – abandoned – the memory of God, At this conference, 28 teachers completed Teacher can be found on the Creative Festivals website in the Anyone who knows me can tell you that I don’t possess which led to the Fall. And, in abandoning that memory, Training I, 4 individuals completed the Church School document, “Overview of the Creative Festivals,” at the best memory in the world. It’s a little . . . faulty, and the way in which human beings make decisions was Director courses and 8 completed Mat. Jenny’s theme wwwantiochian.org/ festivals/cf/overview. it appears to be getting worse with age. Someone will reordered. By that, I mean the direction and priorities of track. Participants came from the Greek, Romanian and Rosemary Shumski say to me, “Remember when we went to see so-and-so our lives were changed. Antiochian churches in the area. Departmental Administrator for the Creative Festivals and they said such-and-such?” And I’ll respond, “No…I Instead of the heart coordinating with the mind, which don’t …Was I there?” On October 8 Carole Buleza, Director, and Fr. Andrew in turn informs the brain, and the brain directing the GOD IS WONDROUS IN HIS SAINTS Stephen Damick traveled to Brier, Washington, north Or I’ll get a call: “Now, honey, you know you have to be body and its passions, the body and passions take the Book Review of Seattle, where St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church home from work by 4:00 tonight.” And I respond, “Oh, lead, and the heart ends up at the bottom of the order. hosted our second conference. Fr. Andrew lectured on By Deacon Jerome Atherholt okay, sure thing . . . uh . . . why?” At times, it pushes the is overturned, or backwards-wired, reality opened the his book, “Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy,” and signed “Be lled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms patience of my wife and family to the very brink. I can’t door to all sorts of darkness and sin. copies for participants. Carole instructed 12 teachers and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody blame them really. e memory of God, and how life should be ordered, in Teacher Training I. anks go to the Washington in your heart to the Lord.” On rare occasions it can be kind of funny, but for me became obscure, buried, and increasingly distant. Orthodox Clergy Association for their eorts to make (Ephesians 5:18, 19). it’s always frightening. I think this is so because I feel Forgotten, but not absent. St. Paul, in the Second Chapter this event a success, and to the hosts, Fr. James Bernstein, e life of the Church and its members stands in stark that a piece of my life has gone missing. Like a jump in of his Epistle to the Romans, talks about that distant Pastor, Anne Beach, Church School Director, and the contrast to that of the world. Not only because we a record or a chapter torn out of a book: it’s gone, blank. memory still having an inuence on mankind. He writes: hospitality committee. worship the One, True and Living God, but because But far more than just a piece of my life missing, I feel For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, by Our nal Pan-Orthodox Conference was hosted by St. of our union with Him and His Kingdom. us we as though part of myself is missing too. I believe that’s nature do the things in the law, these, although not John Chrysostom Church in York, Pennsylvania, on live simultaneously in two worlds, that of the living, because, for mankind, memories are an intimate part of having the law, are a law unto themselves, who October 14–15. Melissa Tsongranis, Associate Director and that of those who have gone before, with the latter who we are. show the work of the law written in their hearts, for the Center for Family Care (GOA) presented on including all of the Holy events we call Feast Days. And their conscience also bearing witness, and between e potential for memories is imbedded in us as rational “Living the Faith in an Orthodox Home.” Melissa gave this couldn’t be more beautifully reected in Orthodoxy themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing creatures made in the image of God. We not only have helpful tips and challenged participants to live the Faith than by the Akathist (Greek akathistos or “not sitting”) them . . . (Romans 2:13–15). with their families, including their church families. We hymns of the Church. brains, but also a reasoning mind. So a memory is not e modern notion of a moral code being in some way thank Fr. Peter Pier, Pastor, and Rebekah Yergo, Church merely data stored in the brain, but something that It is unfortunate that the modern world with its demands a product or invention brought forth by the evolution of School Director, for hosting, and Fr. George Alberts, dwells in the mind and is shared with our hearts, the does not allow the average Christian to attend more of mankind is absolute nonsense. It has always been with us Diocesan Coordinator. Our participants were from center of our self-awareness, and the eye of our souls. the services dedicated to the holy events or saints which – that still, small voice, our conscience. We have simply Greek, OCA and Antiochian parishes. We integrate memories into our personalities and they feature the Akathist hymns. forgotten where it originated.

22 December 2016 e Word 23 Department of Christian Education Christine (Esahak) Lynch God looking into our eyes after the Fall no longer saw experience. I got a lot out of it. I realized, however, that Himself, rst and foremost. He was, for all intents and while I was quiet, I wasn’t very silent. My brain was A Legacy of Faith and Service purposes, gone – no longer a part of our lives, because “noisy.” Physically, too, it was all I could do to be calm our priorities were upside down. e union was broken. and relaxed for ten minutes – no doubt because I was out must admit that when I was asked by the family to years; maybe you need another thirty to get it right!” or “I will sing unto the So, because He loves us, and beginning with Abraham, of practice, and instead well-trained in the art of feeding write this tribute to Christine (Esahak) Lynch for nally, “You had better pay full attention to me, or else!” LORD as long as I God reached out to mankind in order to set things right. myself on distractions, and giving myself over to them. e WORD magazine, I was challenged. How does Whatever the message, you worked really hard not to live: I will sing praise us, what we know as “Salvation History,” the “Divine I one do justice to the life of a person like Christine? experience “the Look” again. We also came to understand, to my God while I en on top of dealing with the disordered state of the Economia,” was set in motion and reached its zenith world, there is, the devil . . . like a lion, seeking whom en I realized that it was not my task to do justice to however, that her demand for discipline, excellence and have my being.” when He Himself entered His story. e Second Person he may devour. He waits for our times of distraction, her life – her life speaks powerfully on its own. My role is hard work did not come from any pride, or any hidden (Psalm 103:33) of the Trinity gave up the splendor of his godhead to live weakness, fatigue or failures (no matter how small) to to reect on the many ways that this wonderful woman agenda. It came from her passion for the music as a means with us as Jesus Christ, and to sacrice Himself at so great convince us that it is all in vain, meaningless. He even touched the lives of so many people. to glorify God, because she believed that God deserves a price in order that the memory of God could be restored uses our ascetic victories and convinces us that we have Christine fell asleep in the Lord on August 18, 2016, only our best. Perhaps the highlight of her musical impact to humankind. He showed us our His place again in our achieved something by our own cleverness or power. He at the age of 83. She was born on March 4, 1933, in was the national exposure that was given to the Orthodox lives, and more signicantly, oered us a place in His. gets us all pued up and proud of ourselves, as if we were Paterson, New Jersey, to Charles and Sarah (Mitchell) music of Holy Week on the CBS network show entitled, e memory being restored to us through Christ, we are “spiritual dynamos.” In doing so, he robs our success of Esahak, who were pious and dedicated members of St. “Lamp unto My Feet,” which was aired on Sunday once again, in communion with God. its value by making us into a “holier-than-thou” type, George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Paterson (now mornings between 1948 and 1979. Little Falls), New Jersey. She has two sisters, Elaine Her service to this Archdiocese, however, was not As we know, however, it doesn’t end there. ere remains after we strove hard simply to see ourselves again in Karram, who had previously fallen asleep in Christ, and limited to music alone. She served both SOYO and the a struggle, an ascetic struggle: not just “a monk thing,” God’s eyes, to know that our memory was still alive. Pearl Nahass, who continues to inspire us with her service Antiochian Women with zeal and distinction. Many of but the Christian way of life. In this struggle, this way In short . . . the Christian life isn’t easy. Certainly to the Church. Christine was no stranger to tragic events our priests have fond memories of being hosted during of life, we learn how to live more and more by the heart, without the grace of God it would be impossible, but in her life, having had to persevere through the passing their seminary years in the home of Bob and Christine, “from the inside out” rather than “the outside in.” we know it must be lived. Otherwise, we risk being of her father Charles, when Christine was only nine where the hospitality and generosity were always evident. Christians in name only, mere spectators sitting on the e struggle couldn’t be more dicult because, for one, years old, her mother Sarah, her husband Robert, her A tribute to Christine Lynch cannot be written sidelines, watching it all go by. We love, support and we have to wrestle with our sins and passions, the desires granddaughter Janna, her son Bobby and her sister Elaine. without emphasizing her deep and abiding faith in God. pray for one another knowing, that we struggle as one and appetites of the esh. In addition, we also have to Her grandson Ryan has always been, and continues to be Earlier we mentioned the falling asleep in Christ of her against the same enemy, the same pressures, and the deal with the demands, pressures and distractions of a a source of pride for the whole family. We will return to father Charles, when Christine was only nine years old, same circumstances, and we aim for the same prize. world with a 24/7 news and entertainment cycle, easily her family a little later. and the passing on of her mother Sarah, her husband available to us in any number of ways. Today we literally So we walk, day by day, dying to ourselves. We try to give It is no secret that her ministry of liturgical music is Robert, her granddaughter Janna, her son Bobby and can take all the news, entertainment and information in ourselves more and more to the “good ght,” the battle to her most important, and most revered accomplishment. her sister Elaine. For anyone else, this might have been the world everywhere we go, and we can access it any restore to ourselves the memory of God so that we might Under the tutelage of Professor Michael Hilko, a giant in enough to cause them to be angry with God, or to time of the day or night. We are, as writer, Neal Postman live “from the inside out,” from the heart, the center of the eld of Orthodox liturgical music, she trained and demand an explanation from God, asking the question, phrased it in the title of his 1985 work, “Amusing our self-awareness, and the place where we encounter took over the conducting of the Paterson choir while still “Why?” is was never the case with Christine. As a Ourselves to Death.” God. We look to the heart to coordinate with the mind, a teenager. I remember Christine telling me that she went matter of fact, I believe that her faith became stronger e pervasive news and entertainment culture is the mind to coordinate with the brain, and the brain to home and cried for a long time after she was told that with every tragic event in her life. Even when she suered persistent in its distraction and adept at capturing our give the right directions to the body and its passions. she was the new choir director. Her contributions to the pain personally, her faith never wavered. Her love for God interest. As a result, we absorb a way of seeing the world His great gift to each of us, restored by so great a price, Antiochian Archdiocese in the area of liturgical music and was so large and sincere that she knew that it was not her that glories the passions. We go back to living from can easily be obscured, neglected or forgotten. It can also choir direction were so signicant that she was awarded place to demand explanations from God, but to humbly the “outside in,” reversing the order of how we approach become clearer and brighter, so that, when this life is the Antonian Gold Medal by Metropolitan PHILIP of submit to His will, and to continue forward with her life. life that was restored to us through Christ. Subtly, the ended, we may be granted His eternal Kingdom, a portion thrice-blessed memory. It is safe to say that, if you grew In the homily which he delivered at Christine’s funeral, memory of God becomes diminished, or seemingly of His ineable and eternal blessing, and the enjoyment of up in this Archdiocese and you either sang in a choir or His Grace Bishop BASIL said, “As Christine endured disappears altogether. at’s why it is so important for His unending life – that our memory be eternal. directed a choir, your ministry was touched in a very these trials, she never separated herself from the Church, us regularly to step away from the busy-ness, noise and positive way by Christine. Her legacy of musical ministry nor would she accept excuses from anyone else for leaving Deacon Jerome Atherholt serves at St. John Chrysostom will continue to inuence us for many years to come. the Church.” distractions of this world, and to channel what is good Antiochian Orthodox Church. He lives in York, Pennsylvania and life-giving into our Heart. Although we had known Christine before 1987 in a We will certainly miss Christine until we are reunited with his wife Leslie and three grown children. He is also the regional context, we really began to know her well when with her some day. e most important thing that we Last weekend St. John’s hosted the “Living the Faith in podcaster for “Saint of the Day” on Ancient Faith Radio. my wife Hend and I became members of St. George in can do to honor her legacy is to emulate her faith and her the Orthodox Home” Conference. e keynote speaker, 1987, and joined the choir. Anyone who had sung in a spirit of service to the Church. Perhaps we will not achieve Melissa Tsongranis, led us in an exercise that required choir under Christine’s direction at some point would the same level as she did, but at least her example gives us us to spend ten minutes in silence. For ve minutes have experienced “the Look” from Christine. When a goal toward which we can strive. We have no doubt that we quietly contemplated an icon and for another ve you experienced it, you quickly learned that it could be Christine was greeted by the Lord with the exclamation, we quietly read and contemplated a couple of related translated into several possible messages. It could have “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Very Rev. George Kevorkian quotes from the Church Fathers. It was really a good Pastor – St. Ignatius meant, “Now, exactly what is it that you are singing?” or May the Lord grant rest with the saints to his hand- Antiochian Orthodox Church perhaps, “We have only been singing this piece for thirty maiden Christine, and may her memory be eternal! Florida, New York

24 December 2016 e Word 25 As I pass out of the student-lled lobby, I remember are from the various North American Orthodox how many times I told myself, “Okay. Now that’s it. ere jurisdictions. ey come from South Africa, Alexandria, can’t be too many more persons interested in studying South America, Australia, Ireland, England, Cyprus, theology this way.” Yet each year it seemed a miracle: New Zealand, and so forth. Some are in the Basic seventy to eighty new student applications would arrive. eology track; some in the Masters Degree track; some How often I would ask the Registrar, Deacon Peter, as in the Doctor of Ministry track; some in Youth Ministry, the applications were coming in, “Where are they all Musicology, Iconology; still others in the Western Rite coming from?” Still, they came, and are still coming. track, or the Pastoral Counseling track; and some in the Truth be told, we got in on the bottom oor of newest Ph.D. program. “electronic education,” when distance education was Some students are born into an Orthodox family barely thought of. e computer changed it all in the (Greek, Slavic, Middle Eastern, Romanian), while many last few years, but, thinking back on it now, it seems like others have come from non-Orthodox churches into the we knew it was coming. I can say that, because, though Faith and have found themselves thirsty to know it in we depend on the computer so greatly today, that was depth. To learn about it in depth means understanding not the case thirty-ve years ago. It was rather the pure all aspects of theology: the liturgical, historical, and desire to learn that which could be learned in no other pastoral. In particular, they study Scripture, Patristics, way; this was possible only because of the dedication of doctrine, music, worship, evangelism, and so forth. the students and the appropriate response of a group of As I approach my room, with the murmur of the professors. students in the lobby in the background, I realize that Reaching my room, I ask myself, “But how can this all takes place with a sense of timing and substance: I explain what the AHOS turned out to be?” e three years, staying in one’s present home or location, students, are reading over 13,000 pages (over three with wide reading, writing and lectures. Yet nothing takes years) in the various areas of Orthodox eology; they away the wonder of how thirteen students, (wherever are undertaking various projects, one each year in an they are today), could have grown to thousands over 35 ecclesiastical setting; they are attending three Residency years, willing to enter this “school without walls.” is Programs at the Antiochian Village. We have seen can only be, I say to myself, the work of God’s grace MUSING ON 35 YEARS thirty-ve years of this; through them we have reached through the Holy Spirit. thousands of people throughout the world, all for the I enter my room, wash my hands and face, and get ready sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. for dinner – a delicious meal – which is also a wonder!

Some students have been clergy in non-Orthodox Fr. Joseph Allen, Th.D. I’m walking down the hall, past the bookstore, incense . . . .” communions. Some have related professions. Some Director, Antiochian House of Studies noticing through the glass panel so many beautiful items It all started 35 years ago. irteen students – – icons, incense, book covers, and so forth. I have just thirteen! – made up the rst class. I never thought left a meeting in the library of the Antiochian House of it would be more than that. Who except those few Studies (AHOS). We were discussing some of the new would be interested in Orthodox, or Eastern Christian, and critical theological education programs. Who will eology, and for various reasons did not, and now teach what? Where will it t in our curriculum? Will it could not, attend a seminary? ey had various careers: be as eective in such a “school without walls”? some were physicians, some CEOs of companies, some It gets one thinking, pondering: How did all this educators, some business owners, and so on. ey were happen? How did we get to this position, in which only thirteen. ey didn’t know each other, but what we are able to oer the various “tracks” in the AHOS they shared was a condition that prevented them to this curriculum? point from studying Orthodox eology in a serious and As I walk into the main lobby, with its oces on integrated way. How could they leave their jobs for three one side, and coee shop on the other, I run into a full years to attend seminary? How could they leave their crowd of about fty students on a break between classes. families, their children, their home responsibilities? All ere are another fty students still in class at the Ajar thirteen shared this dilemma. Auditorium; “break” is still to come. Tonight at Vespers, ese students, however, were insistent, and they however, all one hundred, and then some, along with reached out: Would we be willing to teach in a dierent about fteen faculty members, will stand together in the way? Would we be willing to take the time and expend Chapel: “Let my prayer arise, Oh Lord, in thy sight as the energy to engage in “long-distance pedagogy”?

26 December 2016 e Word 27 publicly to Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina, oering his South Canaan, Pennsylvania. He is also a Veteran of personal and paternal expressions of love and guidance the Armed Forces who honorably served his country. to them, and prayed that God would continue to Khouria Kristina holds a Bachelor or Sciences Degree in strengthen and guide them throughout their lives as Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh servants of God. e Very Rev. Fr. John Finley, Director and a Master’s of Science Degree in Community Leader- of the Department of Missions and Evangelism, shared ship from Duquesne University. a personal testimonial in honor of Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina Elias grew up as a member of St. Michael Kristina, which proved to be very moving and telling as Antiochian Orthodox Church, Greensburg, Pennsylva- to the respect and love that Fr. John has for these two nia, and in this church she and Paul were married. Now servants of the Lord. Fr. Paul and Kristina serve as a team; Fr. Paul the Director e next day, Sunday, August 28, Fr. Paul celebrated of FOCUS, and Kristina the Clinic Administrator of the his rst divine liturgy at the FOCUS Pittsburgh Center FOCUS Pittsburgh Free Health Center. located at 2228 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, with His I vividly recall the day that Paul asked for a meeting Grace Bishop THOMAS presiding, and with Fr. John with me, as he had set himself on a path to learn more Finley and me serving as well. Among the faithful about the Orthodox Church. I was greatly impressed gathered for the liturgy were Fr. Paul’s family and friends, by Paul’s theological knowledge, which he had gained members and catechumens of St. Moses Mission, Mr. through his own studies and which quickly became Paul Finley, Director of FOCUS Cleveland, Ohio, and apparent at this initial meeting. More importantly, I was other faithful believers in the Pittsburgh area. deeply moved by his reverence and commitment to Our I would like to share with you a brief reection, along Lord and His mission, and his desire to seek avenues with some of the context in which Our Lord has been in which he could nurture and bring to fruition those working through Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina, their sta desires. After that initial encounter, Paul began a more and volunteers. Countless people have been blessed, and formal study of the tenets of the Orthodox faith, and to are being blessed, to be served though their self-sacricial engage in the personal and the corporate prayer life of e Light and Joy of the Lord love and spiritual leadership. ey have great expertise the Church. After his completion of the catechumenate, and talents, gained in part through their academic he was received into the Orthodox Christian Church Shining in and from the Hill pursuits, but the most important and profound reality through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation on January is how they are oering 20, 2002, at St. George HIS GRACE BISHOP THOMAS ORDAINED DEACON PAUL ABERNATHY TO THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD their abilities, talents and Church. His beloved ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2016, AT ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, BRIDGEVILLE, expertise to the Glory uncle, Mr. Michael Cross of God and in service to of blessed memory, an PENNSYLVANIA, WITH THE BLESSING OF HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN JOSEPH. their fellow humans. As we extraordinarily faithful

V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Jason DelVitto know, academic excellence mem ber of our parish, is to be cherished and stood as the sponsor for e weekend of the ordination of Deacon Paul Aber- including priests, deacons and sub-deacons, celebrated honored, and even more so Paul. Mr. Cross encouraged nathy to the Holy Priesthood could be described as one the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with an over-owing when it is oered in prayer Paul in his pilgrimage of “joy, thanksgiving, peace and gladness in the Lord” for crowd of faithful parishioners of the communities of and service to God and his to the Orthodox Faith, our entire Archdiocese, but particularly for the members St. George and St. Moses Mission, along with Fr. Paul’s people. already in progress for of St. George Church and of St. Moses the Black Mission, and Khouria Kristina’s family members, friends and co- Fr. Paul holds a Bach- quite some time. located in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. By the grace of workers of the FOCUS Center in Pittsburgh, and mem- elor of Arts Degree in In- e people of St. the Holy Spirit and with blessing of our father in Christ, bers of other organizations. e divine liturgy radiated a ter national Studies from George began to cherish His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH, and through the paschal sense of joy, as all of the faithful of God gathered Wheeling University, Paul’s presence within the hands of His Grace Bishop THOMAS, Bishop of the to worship, graced with the light and love which comes Wheel ing, West Virginia, community, as he exhibited Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and Mid-Atlantic, this from Our Risen Lord. May God be praised for this a Master of Public and a tremendous spirit of most faithful and dedicated parishioner of St. George liturgy and every liturgy! International Aairs, the love and dedication to Church was ordained a priest during the Hierarchical e celebrative joy continued following the ordina- University of Pittsburgh, a his fellow parishioners of Liturgy on Saturday, August 27, at St. George Church. tion, as over 150 guests joined together for a luncheon in Master of Divinity Degree, all ages, stages in life and e V. Rev. Joshua Makoul of St. George Cathedral in honor of Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina at the social hall with distinction, from backgrounds. It quickly Oakland and I served as Fr. Paul’s sponsors. of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon. St. Tikhon’s Orthodox became apparent among Sixteen clergy, from various Orthodox jurisdictions, At the reception, His Grace Bishop THOMAS spoke eological Seminary, the faithful that this was a

28 December 2016 e Word 29 Light On The Hill

man of deep conviction, integrity, dedication, hard work of FOCUS North America. Bishop THOMAS not only Orthodox Christian Health Center in the United States. expression of their care and, most of all, a man who radiated a sincere and abiding encouraged Paul to undertake this missionary vision of e Health Center oers free primary and behavioral for those entrusted to love for God and all whom God had placed in his path. service in the Hill, but on many occasions throughout the health care, along with dental care. In addition, a Trauma- them stands out to me. As a dedicated layman, Paul developed and main- years His Grace visited the people in the Hill, speaking Informed Community Strategy has been implemented For the past several years, tained multiple leadership roles at St. George Church, with them, blessing them and oering encouragement to raise awareness of the pain that residents in the Hill Fr. Paul and Khouria including membership on the Parish Council and the and hope, as well as participating in various celebrations have experienced for generations. rough this strategic Kristina, as well as fellow Building Committee (which was commissioned with related to FOCUS and the St. Moses Mission. program, work is being done to establish healthy, healing parishioners, would building a new Church complex currently near comple- It was in January, 2011, that the ministry of micro-communities throughout the Hill and beyond. travel to the residences of tion); leading and teaching among the parishes singers FOCUS (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United rough the grace of God, another wonderful min- people in the Hill to pick and chanters; educating through St. George’s Parish to Serve, or Food, Occupation, Clothing, Under- istry has emerged. At the initiative of Steven and Shadia them up and transport Educational Program; leading and caring for the youth standing and Shelter, began, and Fr. Paul was ap- DelVitto, and with assistance of Gregory and Daniel them to St. George for of the parish; and serving as the coordinator of the parish pointed Director of FOCUS Pittsburgh. It is a thriv- DelVitto and the parishioners of St. George Church, worship on Sundays and feast days. ey did this all Ministry to the Poor, among other things In light of ing center of prayer, evangelism and outreach. the “Backpack Feeding Program” was established. year long and through all types of Pittsburgh weather. his dedicated service, on October 16, 2006, Paul was Fr. Paul’s ministry continued to expand within his home is program provides nutritious backpacks of food From this nurturing act of love, seven catechumens were ordained a Sub-deacon by His Grace Bishop THOMAS parish and among the residents of the Hill District for children in need over the weekends, as many of baptized at St. George Church, nding their home in at St. George Church. As his ministry ourished, Sub- of Pittsburgh. “ e Hill,” as the people of Pittsburgh these children do not receive the food they need for the Orthodox Faith. Our parishioners of St. George have deacon Paul was ordained to the Holy Diaconate, serving commonly call it, is today a predominately African- maintaining their health and growth. For a variety of truly been blessed to gather in prayer and fellowship over his home parish of St. George until the time of his American community which, over the years, has seen reasons, children need food on the weekends. e rst the years with these wonderful and faithful people. ey ordination to the priesthood almost one year after being a decline in living standards, high unemployment and backpack feeding program was held in the parish hall of have been graced to learn much from them, through St. George and continued for several months. is saw their love, trials and tribulations, and the baptized have a number of volunteers gather each week to prepare and been truly transformed by and for the Glory of God. pack 50 backpacks of food, which were then distributed Yet a new phase in the lives of those faithful to the children in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. According members and many others has emerged. His Eminence to Steven DelVitto, Manager of the FOCUS Backpack Metropolitan JOSEPH gave his blessing for Fr. Paul to Feeding Program, to date the weekly distribution now serve as the priest and spiritual father of the members of exceeds 2,500 backpacks a week. ese backpacks are the St. Moses Mission at the FOCUS Center, until such a distributed through twenty six schools in the Pittsburgh time as the Mission is able to acquire a permanent home area. In addition, a hot meal is served from the FOCUS for worship in the Hill. Now, with great thanksgiving and Center every Wednesday from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., and joy, Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina will be worshipping clothing and other basic items are distributed. Hundreds with their ock in the Hill, celebrating the divine liturgy of people are fed each week with both physical and every Sunday and feast days in the continuous oering spiritual nourishment. is includes a lunch distribution of prayer to God and oering His comfort and healing program sponsored by the Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood for all of God’s people. of Greater Pittsburgh and many other benefactors. To conclude on a personal note: Khouria Anna, our At the FOCUS Center via the Mission, Fr. Paul and children Gregory, Steven, daughter-in-law Shadia, our Khouria Kristina continue to organize and lead daily grandson Jason and Daniel, are all extremely thankful to prayer and weekly Scripture studies. ese are available Fr. Paul and Kristina for their continued gracious love. to anyone who wants to come, and many people have We are especially thankful to Fr. Paul’s mother, Denise availed themselves of these opportunities to grow and be Abernathy, and his all of his family members, along with nurtured in Our Lord and His Church. Multitudes of Kristina’s parents, David and Marilyn Elias, for their ordained a Deacon by His Grace Bishop THOMAS. an increased crime rate, food insecurity and poorly those aicted with suering and pain on various levels oering of their beloved children in service to God. Prior to his ordination to the Holy Orders, and at performing schools, and many other challenges. Rising nd love, comfort and care that is graced by Our Lord I humbly ask that you continue to remember the caring and fatherly encouragement and advice of His to meet those challenges, Fr. Paul, Kristina and an Himself. our beloved Hierarchs, His Eminence Metropolitan Grace Bishop THOMAS, Fr. Paul accepted His Grace’s army of volunteers from various church, volunteer and JOSEPH, His Grace Bishop THOMAS, Fr. Paul, THE NURTURING OF ST. MOSES MISSION challenge to put the training that Paul had received into university communities, as well as professional sports Khouria Kristina, their family members and the faithful practice as a seminarian and graduate of St. Tikhon’s teams, are making a truly miraculous impact in the In tandem with the work accomplished through FO- members and catechumens of St. Moses Mission, the Orthodox eological Seminary. His Grace introduced lives of those in need. Hundreds of thousands of dollars CUS, Fr. Paul and Khouria Kristina continued to nurture sta and volunteers of FOCUS Pittsburgh, and the Paul to a number of Orthodox Christians in the have been collected in an ongoing eort to implement a the catechumens of the Mission with the assistance parishioners of St. George in your prayers.

Pittsburgh area who, at that time, were contemplating variety of programs. ese include the establishment of and dedication of the parishioners of St. George and V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Jason DelVitto supporting a local outreach program under the umbrella a Free Health Center, which is the rst comprehensive many other Orthodox communities in the area. One Pastor, St. George Church, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

30 December 2016 e Word 31 is that morning prayers are still necessary whether or not the day goes as planned. ORATORICAL FESTIVAL I mentioned earlier that I serve the Lord out of love. I SERVE THE LORD For me, this love is gratitude for the fact that I am alive As for me and my house we will serve The Lord OUT OF LOVE. and a member of the Body of Christ. I try to show my FOR ME, THIS Joshua 24:15 love for God by remembering I belong to Christ and that LOVE IS GRATITUDE He is within me. One way that I remember every day is by using my phone as a tool. I have reminders on my phone FOR THE FACT THAT I AM ALIVE JUDGES CHOICE FOR THE ORATORICAL CONTEST IN THE DIOCESE OF WICHITA AND ID-AMERICA set throughout the day, reminding me to make the sign of the cross. ese simple reminders help me remember AND A MEMBER God. ey help me focus on what is truly important. OF THE BODY OF After a failed attempt to escape from Sunday School, CHRIST I have come a long way. rough writing this speech o begin, I will tell you the story of how I we have been given Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes to my faith has been strengthened, because I have been got here. One Sunday, I heard a rumor that the faithful of Ephesus, and to me, “Blessed be the God forced to think about what my faith means to me. e Sunday School that day would be focused and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed verse from Joshua, “As for me and my house we will on preparing entries for the creative arts us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places serve the Lord,” includes everything that I value about T festival at the Parish Life Conference. in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). I have within me “every my faith: individual service to the Lord, being apart of Immediately, I resolved that I would not be going to spiritual blessing,” therefore much is required of me. a community, and love. St. Herman of Alaska says, “Let Sunday School. Instead, I made plans to go to Starbucks. is requirement causes me to want to serve the Lord. us promise ourselves that from this very minute we will As I was leaving the church building with my friends, However, this is not me making a fair deal with God. try to love God more than anything and fulll His Holy we were stopped by a stern adult and marched back I am not serving God because God has given me so and the whole airport was shut down. Everything was Will” (Orthodox Church Quotes). Love is the glue that to Sunday School. To my horror, the whole room was much, and I need to give back to him so that I will not closed and my sister and I were stuck at the airport for holds the Body of Christ together. We must love one lled with art supplies, and everyone was told to make be indebted to him. I serve him out of love. I will talk twelve hours. Our ight was canceled and the earliest another to be a community that serves the Lord. For me, something for the Parish Life Conference. A canvas about what this love is later. Initially, I did not make reschedule was in three days. Our immediate family was serving the Lord is synonymous with loving the Lord. was placed before me and I began to panic. I don’t like the decision to serve God; my parents and godparents in the mountains. e hotels around the airport were As St. Paul writes to the faithful of Corinth, “And now creating art because I get upset if the art does not give a made the decision for me. At every convert baptism booked. e shuttles weren’t running. In those moments abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of perfect representation of a tangible object. I am scared or chrismation, I feel jealous of the converts who can all my sister and I wanted to do was to get out of the these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). that I will make something that I won’t like, that it will consciously make the decision to serve the Lord. en I airport. Luckily, a family in our church lives ve miles from the airport. When we told them our situation they Katherine Knudtsen, 16 years be submitted to the creative arts festival, that everyone remember, however, that I have been given parents and St. Luke, Erie, Colorado will see it, and I will be embarrassed. When I was given godparents who made the commitment for me, and I jumped in their car and came to the airport to pick us a canvas, I stubbornly refused and said, “I am not going am grateful for them. I am also thankful for the converts, up. We were so thankful for their support. In our time to submit any art.” en I was told that I have to submit because they challenge me to receive what I was given of need, with no family to help us, our church family My Prayer of Hope something, so I said that I would submit a written piece. in my baptism. If I am not serving the Lord personally, helped us and we are still grateful. In the next few days, I realized that I really didn’t want to then I cannot be an active member serving the Lord in Earlier, I stated that the important question for me Though precious life is lost in an act of hate, write, either, so I decided to participate in the Oratorical a community. is, “Why do I serve the Lord?” In my life of serving the There’s the promise of eternity in Christ to relate. Festival. As I was looking at the prompts that would help Serving the Lord in a community happens within a Lord I am still discovering why. e church, and my “Forgive your enemies” seems impossible to do; It is “a New Commandment that I give to you.” me understand the verse from Joshua – “As for me and family and within a church family. Serving the Lord is a family, have given me the tools to serve the Lord, but I In pursuit of freedom our great nation was conceived – nd that I often lack the motivation. I think that this is my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) – I saw personal decision for me, but a decision made through A guarantee without fear for ALL to believe. in one of the prompts, “How do you serve the Lord?” I the inuence of my family. Most kids go to church be- a common struggle for my peers. I like to see the fruit of America, beloved nation, home of the brave and the free thought, “What?! Isn’t the more important question for cause their parents take them there. My parents took me my labors. In school, if I study for a test, I will usually do HIS country, YOUR country, “MY country, ‘tis of thee”. me not how, but Why do I serve the Lord?” I also noticed to church, but I also had older siblings who made the well. I understand life as 1 + 2 = 3: very straight forward, Put away the weapons of war and greed and hate that Joshua says, “As for me and my house,” which shows choice to go to church. While growing up, I saw my adult with predictable results. e Orthodox faith, however, And heed His message before it’s too late. is a mystery! Frequently, I get frustrated because I don’t My voice cries out filled with pain and sorrow – the importance of serving the Lord as an individual, and siblings make the choice to serve the Lord. I wanted to A tearful prayer of hope for a better tomorrow. as a family member, whether one’s immediate family or be like them, so that I too could make the decision for understand. In my pride, I expect that if I do morning the parish family. my self instead of just going to church with my parents. prayers, I will have a good day. at expectation is false. Condolences to the family and friends of the murdered As an individual I feel pressure to serve the Lord. e attitude at my parish has also helped me cultivate a Perhaps, I don’t know what a good day is. e snowy parishioner of St. Anthony Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, In the Gospel of Luke, Christ says, “For everyone to life for service to the Lord. Last March when I had my day at the airport could have been a day of tears because Khalid Jabara. Memory eternal! whom much is given, from him much will be required” spring break from school, my sister and I were going to I wasn’t able to go to see my friends, but I saw beauty in Theodora Mae SKAFF-TORTOLANO (Luke 12:48). We all have been given so much, because see some friends. Unfortunately, a spring snowstorm hit being rescued by a church family! us, the conclusion St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church, Van Nuys, CA

32 December 2016 e Word 33 “My house shall be called a REMEMBRANCES OF house of prayer for all nations." ARCHBISHOP VICTOR ABO-ASSALY Mark 11:17 Matthew Namee comments on this topic From 1895 until his death e majority favored Antony Bashir, while a vocal minority The topic is from the Gospel of Mark, in in 1915, St. RAPHAEL (Ha- supported Samuel David. is led to a new schism, often which Jesus quotes both from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:8-11 speaking in terms of Join the competition in these age groups: waweeny) was the unquestioned referred to as the “New York-Toledo schism,” which wasn’t what is and is not to happen in God’s House NEW! leader of the Arab Orthodox in healed until the 1970s. – the temple – The Church. It begins with the Pre-teens: Ages 10-12 statement that rst and foremost it is a place Teens: Ages 13-19 * America. He was technically af- In any event, Archbishop VICTOR has been “lost in of prayer – a place to worship the Living God Adults: Ages 20+ and secondly it is for all nations – all people  liated with the Russian Arch- the shu e,” so to speak, overshadowed by the schisms who choose to serve the Living God. Once * The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West has two teen groups: 13-15 and 16-19 one chooses to serve God and to follow His “My house shall be diocese, although he also had of his day and the schisms that followed his death, as called a house of way – all who do so are welcomed. As the prayer for all nations” strong ties to the Patriarchate well as by his larger-than-life successors, Metropolitan Scripture says, “For as Many as were baptized MARK 11:17 All questions will come from into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is the Gospel of Mark as found of Antioch. When he died, his ANTONY Bashir and the recently reposed Metropolitan in the Orthodox Study Bible. neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs Available from Ancient Faith Publishing followers split into two fac- PHILIP Saliba. For almost anyone, even those of us paying and other ne bookstores. according to the promise” (Galatians 3: 27-29). Paul further writes, “but Christ tions. e Russy faction, which attention to such things, Victor is little more than a name is all and in all” (Colossians 3:9-1). Saint John Chrysostom in his homily on ultimately coalesced around on a list. is is a shame. Galatians 3:27-29 clearly shares that no matter where we came from, anyone Study Site and Practice Questions who has been baptized in Christ is no longer what he was by birth, “He that www.orthodoxyouth.org/Mark Bishop AFTIMIOS (O esh), I have long heard stories of Victor from my grand- was Greek, or Jew, or bond man yesterday, carries about with him the form, not of angel or archangel, but of the Lord of all, yes he displays in his own recognized the ultimate au- mother, Lorraine (Husson) Ferris. Victor is actually a rela- person the Christ.” (Saint John Chrysostom Commentary on Galatians) thority of the Russian Church. tive of ours, a cousin of some sort on my grandmother’s For more information and rules on the Oratorical and Bible Bowl Festival, eir rivals, the Antacky, ini- mother’s side. He came from one of our ancestral villages, visit www.antiochian.org/festivals The Bible Bowl is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries tially followed Metropolitan Aita El Foukhar, in the Bekaa Valley in what is today GER MANOS (Shehadi), a Lebanon. My grandmother is now in her nineties, and The Oratorical Festival is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries visit ing Antiochian bishop who it occurred to me that she may be one of the last living “went rogue” and set up an links back to Archbishop Victor. Recently, I sat down with his way out he put it under the doily, and left. Mother told me this. Archbishop VICTOR unauthorized jurisdiction in America – a jurisdiction that my grandmother and recorded some of her memories of e next thing I remember is when he got sick. He had cancer; Abo-Assaly. Photo from the collection of Sam had the sanction of neither the Russian Church nor the Victor. Here they are: I think it was of the esophagus or the throat. My mother asked him Namee Patriarchate of Antioch. He was a wonderful, wonderful man. He was almost a what he wanted for breakfast. He’d hit his teeth like this and said, In 1922, the Patriarchate of Antioch  nally decided saint. Very loving, very kind. He liked everybody – I don’t “Two.” He put his  ngers up for two. to do something about this mess. e Patriarch sent one care who they were or what they were. He loved them. Peo- When he died, everybody was devastated, because he was almost of his top metropolitans, Gerasmios Messara, to America. ple gathered around him because he was such a great person. like a saint. Metropolitan GERASIMOS was accompanied by Archi- He was very gentle. I think when you look at his picture, We can piece together Archbishop Victor’s biography from mandrite Victor Abo-Assaly and a young archdeacon, you can see that. You can see the kindness in his face. documents and so forth, but the essence of who he was, as a man, Antony Bashir. After getting the lay of the land, Gerasimos I was about… how old would I have been in the is quickly fading away. So I would like to appeal to our Antiochian organized the  rst o cially sanctioned Antiochian second grade? And I had my [school] reader, and he loved readers: Talk to the old people in your family and in your parish, and Archdiocese of North America and consecrated Victor to to speak English. So he’d sit in a chair like that, and I’d  nd out of they remember Archbishop VICTOR. If they do, record be its  rst primate. is happened in 1924. sit on the  oor with my book, and I’d read to him. is their stories and send them to me. If you’re in Worcester or Lowell, Archbishop VICTOR led the Antiochian Arch dio- is Archbishop Victor. And I would read my second grade Massachusetts, you may have particularly good luck in tracking cese from 1924 until his death from cancer in 1934. Un- book to him, so he could learn English. He loved it. down people who remember Victor, but do it quickly. Victor died fortunately, his arrival did not end the division among He adored my sister Beulah. And he was at my house, in 1934, which means that anyone who would remember him is the Arab Orthodox. A lot of the Antacky parishes under and it was when Franklin D. Roosevelt beat Hoover, that probably at least 85 or 90 years old now. We’ve no doubt lost more Metropolitan GERMANOS did migrate to Victor’s o cial night. And she was sick. And he’d run me up and down memories than we can save, but let’s get to work now and save what archdiocese, and ultimately, just before his death, the the stairs to see that she was OK. Or “take this to her,” “get we can while there is still time. Russy parishes were also transferred to Victor’s jurisdiction. this to her.” Of course, this appeal to record our elders’ memories doesn’t For a very brief moment in 1933–34, the Antiochians in Another thing I remember is, he would go to pray for apply only to Archbishop VICTOR: it’s some thing all of us who America were all at least nominally united under a single sick people. It was during the Depression when it was so care about the past, and care about our origins, should do. I want, archdiocese. bad, and nobody had any money. And he went to this however, to draw particular attention to Archbishop VICTOR, After Victor’s death, however, the Antiochians again lady’s house and prayed for her, and she said, “ is is all I because he was a great and even holy man, from what I’ve heard, split, this time over the issue of Victor’s rightful successor. have,” and she gave him  fty cents. And he took it, and on and he is at risk of being forgotten by his spiritual descendants.

34 December 2016 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” MARK 11:17 The 2017 Archdiocese Convention Committee at Saint George Cathedral, Coral Gables, Florida, salutes the great work of The Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch!

May God Grant Many Years to All Members of The Order!

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