THE December 2019 Volume 63 No.WORD 10 EDITORIAL Volume 63 No.10 December 2019

COVER: ICON OF ST. JOHN DAMASCUS WRITTEN BY RANDA AZUR. HIS FEAST THE DAY IS DECEMBER 4. CHRISTMAS,

WORD 3 EDITORIAL by Bishop JOHN AN OPPORTUNITY 5 THE BIRTH OF CHRIST AND THE EMBRACING OF DEATH by Reader Daniel Manzuk CONTENTS 7 FROM THESE STONES — TO SHARE SALVATION IS NOT COMFORTABLE by Fr. Joseph Huneycutt 9 STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE HOLY SYNOD OF ANTIOCH GOD’S GREAT NEWS 12 REFLECTIONS ON THE HOLY SYNOD ON FAMILY: FACING “HUGE AND MULTIFACETED CHALLENGES” by Fr. Theodore Pulcini 14 FALL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 16 LIVING THE LITURGY — A PRACTICAL REFLECTION by Gregory Abdalah 18 HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF WHILE CAREGIVING Q&A with Bishop JOHN Abdalah 21 THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 25 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE 26 SALVATION IN THE INCARNATE CHRIST THROUGH FAITH AND WORKS by Christopher Holwey 28 DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH THROUGH THE LENS OF ST. IGNATIUS’ EPISTLES by Nicholas A. Pappas 29 THROUGH CHRIST I CAN DO ALL THINGS by Maria Abou Nehme 32 FULFILLING THE VISION OF METROPOLITAN JOSEPH: ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN PROJECT by Sheryl VanderWagen 33 FIRST ANNUAL PACIFIC NORTHWEST DEANERY RETREAT by Deacon James Hefner 34 THE HAND OF GOD by Gail Malaniak

Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full name and parish. Submissions for “Commu- nities in Action” must be approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All ­submissions e-mailed and provided as a Microsoft Word ow do we proclaim the birth of the Savior text or editable PDF. Please do not embed artwork into the word documents. All art work must be high resolution: at to people who may think that they can save least 300dpi. themselves, or that they don’t need or want salvation, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $40.00 Foreign Countries, $50.00 or who simply aren’t interested? Single Copies, $3.00 Not caring and not interested is indeed the culture The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian and climate of our time. This is the mission field Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at additional mailing offices. of our graduating seminarians and the Orthodox

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2 JanuaryDecember 2016 2019 The Word 3 ­Nevertheless, we are sent forth from the liturgy to bring the good news to all nations. We are to baptize all in the Name of the Father, Son and The Birth of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Even when we are all “charged up,” however, our audience is Embracing of Death too busy with their own self-centered universe to even notice our pres- Reader Daniel Manzuk The Most Reverend ence. How can you engage someone so preoccupied with his personal de- Metropolitan JOSEPH The Right Reverend vice, or his own self-constructed and self-limiting world, that he can’t hear Bishop BASIL IT MIGHT SEEM ODD TO TALK ABOUT DEATH WHILE WE ARE PREPARING TO you call his name? The Right Reverend CELEBRATE CHRIST’S BIRTH; BUT NOT IF WE REMEMBER THAT CHRIST – ALONE Bishop THOMAS Christmas time may offer us an infrequent opportunity. Perhaps in all AMONG ALL PEOPLE – WAS BORN TO DIE. THIS WASN’T A DECISION THE FATHER MADE The Right Reverend Bishop ALEXANDER the noise and images of the holiday season that bombard us we can find DURING CHRIST’S EARTHLY MINISTRY. THIS WAS THE PLAN FROM THE BEGINNING. The Right Reverend Bishop JOHN a little common ground, a common memory, of the infant Jesus with a The Right Reverend Bishop ANTHONY glow from his stable. Perhaps in the eggnog or the mulled cider is a posi- The Right Reverend Bishop NICHOLAS tive remembrance of gifts, loved ones, and church. Perhaps in this whis- Founded in Arabic as per of a nostalgic thought is a recollection of Christ in the life of our “And what shall I say? The Church bears this Al Kalimat in 1905 ‘Father, save me from out in the hymnogra- by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) Founded in English as loved ones, or an encounter of God from our youth. Let’s build on that this hour’? No, for this phy – l­yrics and melo- The WORD in 1957 purpose I have come to dies – and imagery of by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) memory to initiate an encounter that may call someone home to Christ, this hour” (John 12:27; the Feast; the Compline Bishop JOHN Editor in Chief His Church and life itself. cf. Mark10:45 and Luke Canons for the Forefeast Christopher Humphrey Assistant Editor 18:31–33). God created of the Nativity are inten- Donna Griffin Albert Let us seize the moment to share and connect with those both inside Design Director us to be body and soul tionally almost identical Editorial Board Fr. Michel Najim and outside the Church, to see how our common bond is God Himself. Fr. Patrick O’Grady together; thus their sep- to those of the Matins/ Fr. Thomas Zain Fr. Andrew Damick Let us take the moment to invite each other to reexamine worship or aration through death is Orthros services of Holy Fr. Nicholas Belcher a travesty and tragedy. Week. The Paschal and Fr. John Oliver prayer. Let us recognize the embers of God’s Spirit warming our hearts. Fr. Chad Hatfield We were not intended Nativity Canons (both Kh. Erin Kimmet These embers need to be fanned into flame. With a little help, perhaps for death but for life; we written by St. John of Peter Samore die because we habitually Damascus) closely par- Ann Bezzerides our friends, colleagues and family can be reminded of the God who has Editorial Office: sin – any violation of the allel each other: Christ is The WORD been calling them from their youth. “Golden Rule” (Luke 6:31) and the “first and great- born in a cave and buried in a cave; Herod tries to 2 Lydia’s Path Westborough, MA 01581-1841 Let this Christmas time be one of hope. God is working as hard as ever est commandment” (Matthew 22:37–39) – “For the kill Him, Pilate does it; and the Wise Men bring wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). gold, frankincense and myrrh “as though He had e-mail: [email protected] to call us home. Let us invite each other and encourage each other as we Christ, on the other hand, was born specifically been dead three days” (Nativity Aposticha), prefig- Subscription Office: 358 Mountain Road worship the Savior born in a cave, buried in a cave, and who, out of the to die. The very Epistle read on His Nativity says so: uring the Myrrh-bearers. Even the image of Christ PO Box 5238 “But when the fullness of the time had come, God in swaddling clothes evokes the image of Him in Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 cave, is able to save. [email protected] sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under grave clothes; compare Christ in swaddling clothes Christ Is Born! the law, to redeem those who were under the law, to Lazarus in his grave clothes. (I have never seen that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians an epitaphios/plaschinitsa depicting Him thoroughly Bishop JOHN 4:4–5). This is reiterated in the Epistle read on the wrapped.) Second Day of the Nativity (Synaxis of the Theoto- Before His Incarnation, God the Son knew kos): “Inasmuch then as the children have par­taken when, where and how He would die; and the “how” of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in was one of the most gruesome ways imaginable: the same, that through death He might destroy slow asphyxiation hanging from the cross, with the him who had the power of Death, that is, the Devil, nails scraping His bare nerves and a stab wound in and release those who through fear of death were His side. Many of those who suffered this would subject to lifelong bondage” (Hebrews 2:14–15). have considered His three to six hours on the Cross

4 December 2019 The Word 5 “Without the cross, there is no resurrection”

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

to be a gift. (Mark has the crucifixion beginning at which will accompany it. One of the prayers before “FROM THESE STONES” the third hour, while Matthew and Luke put it at sleep says, “If my bed should be my coffin . . . .” DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM the sixth hour; the Synoptic Gospels all agree that Even the popular children’s prayer says, “If I die be- He died at the ninth hour, or three p.m., the time fore I wake . . . .” Thus the Church has always tried the Passover Lambs were slain in the temple.) Many, to keep us mindful of a sudden end, and how well or SALVATION IS NOT including the two thieves, had to endure far longer poorly we’re prepared for it. … even days. From the moment of His conception, Christ knew that every day of His earthly life the clock began to tick down to this seminal event. brought Him one step closer to the Cross. And COMFORTABLE Christ embraced this fact, though, like any human, throughout that life He freely complied with His Fr. Joseph Huneycutt He did agonize over it before accepting that it was (and our) Father’s will, genuinely resisting tempta- Vice-Chairman, Department of Missions and Evangelism why He came and freely decided to go through with tions at the beginning of His ministry and mak- it. Like Christ, we are called to embrace death; not ing the agonizing decision to go through with His IS THERE SALVATION FOR THE COMFORTABLE? THE SHORT ANSWER IS NO. THIS HAS in a fatalistic, doomsday, “there’s-no-hope-we’re- death at the end. Though He knew He would be NOT BEEN REVEALED TO US. IF THAT MAKES YAOU UNCOMFORTABLE, BEAR WITH ME. doomed-let’s-get-it-over-with” way. This is exactly raised from the dead, the natural instinct for self- what St. Paul rejects when he writes, “But we would preservation in the face of death (especially through I am writing this on my laptop from a comfy chair. one that he bears with a strength that is unknown to not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those an inhumane execution) was genuinely there. I am looking forward to a vacation with the Missus, most in the world. Once, back before he was confined who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others Christ’s death was a pre-planned self-sacrifice; ours who just returned from the grocer with the week’s pro- to a wheelchair, I was hearing his confession when do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). For will come – most often – when we least expect it or visions in a recently acquired, used, but comfortable he dropped his prayer rope. Seeing him struggle un- by His death, Christ has permanently broken the want it … but it will come. The question is, How car. Thanks God, the bills are paid. I should add, I like steadily to bend down to retrieve it, without thinking, I power of Death; death is no longer The End; there prepared or unprepared will we be? Will we be like air-conditioning. Call me a hypocrite, and I’ll say, “My bent to fetch it. “Father!” he said. “Please let me rejoice is life beyond it in Him. the rich fool (Luke 12:13–21) or the goats in the friend, you don’t know the half of it!” in my sufferings.” He later explained that his sufferings Then what do we mean by “embracing death”? parable (Matthew 25:31–46), and act like death Try as I may, I cannot find in the Scriptures or the united him to Christ and His sufferings. We mean accepting that it will happen, and there is and judgment will never come? Or will we be like lives of the Saints where it is stated that the comfort- Regardless of the condition our bodies, our soul no avoiding it. This goes against our culture, which the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) or the watchful able shall be saved. God saves whom He wills, but the needs spiritual exercise: ascetism. Asceticism is the tries to convince us to fight against the inevitabil- and dutiful servant (Matthew 24:45–51), and be as salvation of the comfortable has not been revealed. practice of self-denial, self-discipline, and avoidance of ity of death, to put the idea of death and dying out ready for it as possible? Don’t take my word for it; here are a few snips from excess. Our Lord says, “If any man would come after of our minds. True funerals, with the loved ones As it celebrates His birth, the Church simulta- the voluminous writings of St Isaac the Syrian: me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily around the open casket, are being supplanted by neously looks forward to His death. She views His and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Thus, it seems clear that memorial celebrations, with just a portrait of the birth through the prism of His death … the reason The spirit of the devil, not the spirit of God, dwells 1 when it concerns our salvation, asceticism is not op- deceased. The fact and face of death are kept at arm’s for His First Coming. Therefore, as we celebrate the in those who pass their life in ease. tional. We are all called to prayer, fasting, almsgiving, length. One commercial for cremation services has beginning of Christ’s saving condescension, let us Ease and idleness are the destruction of the soul and acts of continual repentance. This denial of self is a person saying she doesn’t want a function where live as He did, knowing that death will come. Let and they can injure her more than the ­demons.2 the way of the cross. Comfortable Christianity is not people are standing around crying over her body; us live a life that shows that we’ve internalized the wanting to take up your cross. she wants nothing but joy (and somehow crema- incomprehensible sacrifices He made for our sake The path to God is a daily cross. No one has as- tion is supposed to enable this). Even where the fact – becoming one of us and being unjustly execut- cended into Heaven by means of ease, for we In the early stages of repentance, the believer know where the way of ease leads and how it carries the small cross that God’s Providence, in of death is accepted in our culture, it is often cou- ed for us – and all He has taught us, by carrying 3 pled with the hedonistic mantra, “Eat, drink and be our crosses, lovingly fulfilling His commandments ends. His discernment and love for mankind, has fore- merry for tomorrow you die!” (In the Bible, it is not and “complet[ing] the remaining time of our lives I have been blessed by the struggles of parishio- seen in the life of each one of us. Our person- “tomorrow” but “tonight”; Luke 12:19–20). So even in peace and repentance” (Evening/Morning Lit- ners who bear various physical ailments: blind, lame, al cross is shaped according to our specific need here, there is an attempt to put off death. any), that by His grace, when our end comes, we or deaf. While many among the hale and hearty might to be liberated from every form of passionate What true embracing of death means is, as the may eternally revel in the presence of Him, our God view these ailments as a hindrance, it has been my ex- ­attachment, and unless we carry it we will never Tim McGraw song goes, to “live like you were dy- incarnate.­ perience that oftentimes they are understood by those be able to love God our Creator and Benefactor with a free heart and run His course faithfully and ing.” (There are some very Christian lyrics in that Reader Daniel Manzuk who bear them as a blessing. song.) Specifically, you are to live as though, at any St. Mary’s Cathedral, Minneapolis (OCA) Take Cecilia, for instance. Though not born blind, steadily. In other words, we take up our cross in moment, your soul could be face to face with God. Cecilia was without her sight by the time I met her. response to the commandment to repent, and it The warnings about preparedness for the Second On more than one occasion she told me how losing becomes the key to our entry into the great and eternal inheritance, which Christ gained for us Coming which we hear at the Presanctified Litur- her sight was the greatest gift. Until she was blind, she 4 gy on Great and Holy Tuesday (Matthew 24:44– never knew how kind people can be. through His Cross and Resurrection. 25:46) also apply to preparation for each person’s Then there’s Christopher, who has the challenge Anyone involved in training, conditioning, or even individual passing to the next life and the judgment of muscular sclerosis. This progressive condition is dieting, knows: the struggle is good. It’s when we don’t

6 December 2019 SALVATION

struggle that we become fat, lazy, and ­complacent. In fine and healthy – but like the rich man planning a big- like manner, without spiritual conditioning (asceti- ger barn (Luke 12:16–21), spiritually it may be ailing­ . cism), we become desperate. We become depressed. For the remedy, we need look no further than ourselves We become despondent. We lose hope. Given our and our Lord. Each of us must continually work on comfortable American society, appreciating the truth putting off the Old Man and being renewed by the that the struggle is good is difficult. We can become God-Man. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy blinded by our own negligence. I once had a man laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, ask me if suffering was necessary once he converted and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, to Orthodoxy. Mind you, this was a man who’d been and you will find rest your souls. For my yoke is easy, Where twice divorced, lost a child, and whose life was in a and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). general malaise. Still, he wanted to know if suffering Once, after hearing a long line of confessions, there would come with Orthodoxy! What he didn’t, perhaps Reader Lucien (C. L.) Kennedy told me: “It warms is no couldn’t, realize was that he’d been suffering all along my heart to see all those people coming to confession. without the grace of God imparted within the Church. It just shows how healthy the parish is.” Knowing that struggle, If you’ve read this far, you might be thinking, “This he was a pharmacist, I cocked my head questioningly. the is basic Orthodoxy 101 stuff – you know, like they “That’s right,” he said. “Unlike my profession where teach in catechism.” Generally, only adults converting long lines indicate sickness, in the church it just shows people to the Faith attend catechism class. Thus it’s possible the health of the Body.” perish that many Orthodox Christians live their whole lives We tend to believe the lies of the Enemy. We never having to study the history, theology, and piety ­believe, so easily, that another drink will “heal” us; an- Statement Issued by the of the Orthodox Church. Granted, the academic study other lustful glance will “fulfill” us; one more ­gossiping of such is not necessary for salvation, but the deposit of judgment against our neighbor will “elevate” us – one faith imparted explains, encourages, and unites. more gripe against our condition will ­“justify” us. Holy Synod of Antioch Even more ironic is the fact that some converts, We become addicted to the “pleasures” of this life tempted by the example of their newfound family, may and make no movement toward storing up treasures BALAMAND, OCTOBER 10, 2019 follow up the strenuous struggle of catechism by then in heaven. We doubt God is always good, nor do we trying to imitate the cradle faithful. For an example of believe in heaven. Thus, we languish in hell. God may this, one need only look at the attendance for Great allow our languishing for a time, for our benefit, for The Holy Synod of Antioch, chaired by His Antonios (Archdiocese of Zahleh, Baalbek, and de- Vespers or Orthros. On a typical Saturday evening, He gives us free will. Yet His desire is for us to return ­Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and all the pendencies), Nicolas (Archdiocese of Hama and or early Sunday morning, one often finds inquirers to health in Him. We are not called to be perfected in East, held its eleventh ordinary session on October dependencies), Basilios ­(Archdiocese of Austra- and catechumens in attendance. Over time, however, the world. We are called to be perfected in Him, the 3-10, 2019 in Balamand and was attended by the lia, New Zealand and the Philippines), Ignatius­ the newcomers to the Faith realize that, whatever the Physician and Healer of our souls. Metropolitans and Bishops from the homeland and (Archdiocese of Mexico, Venezuela, Central Amer- ­excuse, most lifelong Orthodox don’t attend. Unfortu- In Him we are satisfied, filled, judged, elevated, countries abroad. The participants were Their Emi- ica and the Islands of the Caribbean Sea), Atha- nately, for some, the same can often be said about fast- healed. In Him we see ourselves no more; others we nences, the Most Reverend Metropolitans: Elias nasios (Archdiocese of Lattakia and dependencies), ing, prayer, and repentance. see more clearly. In Him there is no darkness at all. In (Archdiocese of Beirut and dependencies), Elias Jacques (Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and All Ar- Then there is the comfortable parish. Here, you Him there is light. In Him is our salvation. Like the (Archdiocese of Tyre, Sidon and ­dependencies), gentine). The following bishops were also present: may substitute the word dying for comfortable. If, as we man who found the “pearl of great price” (Matthew Sergio (Archdiocese of Santiago and all Chile), Metropolitan Niphon Saykali, Moussa El-Khoury, read in Proverbs (29:19), “Where there is no vision, 13:45–46), this work – the ascetic labors of prayer, Damaskinos (Archdiocese of Sao Paulo and all Luka El-Khoury, Thomas Joseph, Demetri Char- the people perish …,” it can also be said, “Where there fasting, alms-giving, and perpetual repentance – is Brazil), Saba (Archdiocese of Bosra Horan and back, Elia Toumeh, Constantine Kayyal, Jo­ hannes is no struggle, the people perish.” The unified labors of our task. This is the way of the Cross. It is the way of Jebel al-Arab), George (Archdiocese of Homs and Haykal, John Abdullah, Anthony ­Michael, Nicholas a fledgling church community are fraught with hills, Salvation.­ dependencies), Silouan (Archdiocese of Byblos, Ozone, Gregorios Khoury-Abdullah, Qais Sadiq, bumps, warts, storms, struggle, and pain, but this com- There is much to be done, dear friends, on our Old ­Batroun and dependencies), Basilios (Archdiocese Youhanna Batash, and Theodore El-Ghandour. munal work is salvific and brings much joy. Without Man, and in our beloved parishes. Let us be faithful; of Akkar and dependencies), Ephrem (Archdio- The Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Efraim Endnotes the Cross there is no Resurrection! Whereas the es- let us drink deeply from the well of true worship. Let 1. St. Isaac, The cese of Tripoli, Koura, and dependencies), Ignatius­ Maalouli was also in attendance. Excused were Ascetical Homilies of sence of a dying parish is comfort. us attend! After all, as the celebration of the hierarchi- (Archdiocese of France, Western and Southern both Bishops Basil Essey and Alexandre Mufar­ ij. Saint Isaac the Syrian, p. 293. True, many a dying parish may look perfectly fine cal liturgy, the deacon says: ­Europe), Isaac (Archdiocese of Germany and Cen- His Eminence, Metropolitan Boulos (Archdio- 2. St. Isaac, p. 236. – with buildings, programs, people, and polish. It func- tral ­Europe), Joseph (Archdiocese of New York and cese of Aleppo, Alexandretta and dependencies)­ 3. St. Isaac, p. 290. O Lord, save the faithful. 4. Archimandrite tions as a successful enterprise: bills are paid; festivals Then: O Lord, save those of true worship. all North America), Ghattas (Archdiocese of Bagh- was present in the prayers of the S­ynod fathers,­ Zacharias (Zacharou), and fundraisers are successful; proud are its parishio- The Hidden Man of the Never: O Lord save the Comfortable! dad, Kuwait, the Arab Peninsula and dependencies), despite his absence due to his abduction. Heart, p. 9. ners. In other words, physically the parish may look Silwan (Archdiocese of British Isles and I­reland), After the opening prayer and the invocation of the

8 December 2019 The Word 9 HOLY SYNOD STATEMENT

Holy Spirit, the fathers lifted their to deep perspectives on the subject, ­Antioch overseas, and call these faithful to preserve transparency in recruitment as a must. Candidates prayers for the repose of the Thrice in view of formulating a Church dis- the Antiochian uniqueness, to be always rooted in should meet competence and expertise, and their se- Blessed Metropolitan Spyridon course concerning the family related the Gospel values, and to empower and strength- lection needs to confirm with the confessional sys- Khoury, the previous Metropolitan problems. The fathers examined pas- en their presence in the community life. The fathers tem’s distribution, not preferring one denomination of Zahleh, Baalbek and dependen- toral ways to protect the family, help it decided to form a new Disciplinary Council for over ­another. In this regard, the fathers assert that cies, that the Lord God may grant his remain steadfast in Christ, and immu- Clerical Appeal, after the resignation of its previous the existing of a clear mechanism allowing the most soul Divine mercies. Then, the agen- nize it with the spirit of the Gospel. body, and approved the new body. efficient candidates to be appointed to the ­positions da was reviewed. First, the fathers The fathers listened to reports on facts Within the framework of the Holy Synod of remains the best option that takes the ­appointments discussed the abduction of the Met- about the family and the surrounding Antioch, His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the away from the logic of quotas and cronyism. ropolitans of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and Youhanna milieu in various dioceses. They discussed­topics on hierarchs of the Holy Synod participated in a Di- The fathers pondered upon the so-called “Deal Ibrahim, decrying the international silence on the marriage, education, bioethics, homosexuality, co- vine Liturgy on the morning of Sunday, October 6, of the Century” that is being marketed in the re- case that has reached its sixth year. They called for habitation, media­ and related issues. Hoping that and attended the Byzantine Music Concert entitled gion. They stressed that the Palestinian cause is the releasing the bishops and closing this case, which the faithful in the Church will cling to their free- “Crown them With Glory and Honor,” presented strife of a people whose most basic rights are violat- only sheds a glance on the sufferings in the East. dom in Christ, as salvation is our most precious by a joint Antiochian Choir that included chanters ed on a daily basis, and who are subject to the worst The state of the “family” was a main topic on the goal, the fathers decided to send a pastoral, educa- from all the Lebanese and Syrian Archdioceses. The forms of racial discrimination by an occupying agenda of the Synod. The Fathers invited a number of tional, and instructional encyclical to the faithful in event was held on the main campus of Balamand power. Calling on all countries of the world to work clergy and lay specialists to attend the Synod sessions the coming weeks, entitled “Family: the Joy of Life.” University. towards the establishment of a Palestinian state and concerning this matter. Leading these specialists was This encyclical outlines the theological foundations Regarding the Syrian crisis, the Synod fathers the implementation of international resolutions on His Eminence Nikolaos, Metropolitan of Meso­ of marriage and the Church’s approach to all these welcomed the initiatives aimed at finding a po- the right of return, they affirm that any solution to gaia and Lavreotiki of the Holy Church of Greece. ­contemporary challenges, the questions on bio­ litical solution to the years-long conflict. This so- the Palestinian issue outside the framework of jus- The fathers considered the huge and multifaceted ethics, the role of the family in the life of the Church lution ought to respect the unity of the state and tice and guaranteeing the rights of the Palestinian challenges that face the family, in the homeland and and the Church’s recommendations to the faithful. the frights and aspirations of the Syrian people. The people remains unjust and unacceptable. overseas. They were well aware that the economic They considered launching pastoral support mea- ­fathers called upon the world to look at the scale of The Synod fathers prayed for Iraq and for other difficulties are the first and most pressing of these sures towards the “family” in the Archdioceses that the human tragedy, and the expanse of human suf- peoples and countries of the region, and ask God to challenges, which leave direct repercussions on the would promote this message among the faithful. As fering caused by the war and the economic block- enlighten the minds of the authorities responsible life and stability of the family. Therefore, they de- for the pastoral frameworks of these measures in the ade. They call for serious action to lift the sanctions for the destinies of the peoples of the world and the cided to call on parish priests and councils in all parishes, they would be determined by each diocese. imposed on Syria, whose citizens bear the burden region. May they realize the oppression and suffer- ­dioceses to intensify their efforts and initiatives to- The Synod fathers discussed the challenges fac- on their livelihood and health, and to provide the ing inflicted to the human being, and may they take wards alleviating the impact of these crises on the ing the various Orthodox Churches, and the dan- conditions for the return of displaced, migrants, and the initiative to make the world more peaceful and faithful in their parishes. Moreover, in addition to gers facing the unique Orthodox testimony in refugees. They also urged all people to work for na- just without conflicts, violence, greed, polarization offering their prayers, they also tend to cooperate today’s world in case these challenges are not over- tional reconciliation and to contribute courageously and divisions. with concerned persons to find feasible solutions. come. They called for multiplying the efforts to to solutions that provide security, peace, cohesion The fathers discussed the deteriorating environ- The fathers were concerned about the proliferat- heal the wounds inflicted on the Church’s body and stability and cause growth, progress and pros- mental crisis due to the continued pollution with its ing challenges that face the family nowadays, due to through conciliar and common consultative work. perity. They also expressed their condemnation of various causes and the indiscriminate exploitation of patching so many connotations to human freedom, The fathers heard reports about the Saint John any aggression targeting Syrian sovereignty and ex- the earth resources. Noting that this crisis is a threat to the consequent defilement of the values related of Damascus Institute of Theology in Balamand, posing its people to death, displacement and refuge. to nature and life, including human life, they called to faith and human dignity, especially that these the Patriarchal Department of Humanitarian Re- Regarding Lebanon, the fathers of the Holy Synod for courageous living options that respect the envi- challenges are more seriously affecting the family lief, and the Antiochian Orthodox Media Center. requested that the government take whatever mea- ronment, and reduce the greed of consumption that and the salvation of its members. They pondered on They praised the efforts of these institutes’ direc- sures that would settle the difficult economic situ- dominate nature for quick and easy profit. They also the manifest deviation from the sound foundations tors, stressing the role of the Church in consoli- ation, alleviate the burdens on citizens and avoid called for enforcing policies that guarantee the pros- of human life and social controls, the growing spirit dating the voice of truth, justice and peace in the ­imposing more taxes on low-income people. They pects for future life and contribute to protecting the of individuality and consumption that threatens the world. The fathers also discussed the issue of im- also call on all Lebanese officials to work for ter- access by future generations to the goods of the earth. family to disintegrate and lose the living communion migration and displacement in the homeland and minating the rampant corruption in the state ad- The fathers offered their prayers for the peace of the among its members in the light of the Gospel. They overseas and stressed the pivotal role of the Church, ministrations, for this situation affects all areas of whole world and pray that the Almighty Lord may accorded time for research, reflection and atten- that constantly offers service to humankind in any life and threatens the collapse of the government. send His Spirit of peace to the world and preserve tion to these matters, and to questions that concern place. They expressed the importance of the Antio- While calling to prefer political over personal in- the faithful of the Holy Church of Antioch every- the moral implication of families in some bioethics chian presence in the dioceses overseas. Upon hear- terests and considerations, and to cleanse public ad- where, in the homeland and overseas through the fields. The fathers discussed these issues in several ing the related reports, they commended the efforts ministrations from corruption, the Synod fathers intercessions of the Holy Virgin, Our Lady of Bala- sessions, that hosted priests, specialists, and active of the all bishops and priests, who personally con- welcome the initiative of the Council of Ministers mand, Saints Peter and Paul, the founders of the members in the life of the Church. They listened tribute to embrace all the faithful of the Church of to fill­ public vacancies. They emphasize the need for Holy See of Antioch and all the saints.

10 December 2019 The Word 11 ­Especially noteworthy was the Patriarch’s description of the finest estaurantsr in Lebanon, where they Reflections on the Holy Synod of how Balamand University, since its inception just were welcomed by Sayidna Basilios, Metropolitan of thirty years ago, has risen quickly to great prominence ­Akkar and Dependencies, to a dinner offered through in rankings of Middle Eastern institutions of high- the generosity of Fadi Mitri. The superb food and on Family: Facing “Huge and er learning. Directing our attention to a large aerial warm hospitality made this an evening to remember, photograph in his salon, he showed us how the Uni- a perfect way for us non-episcopal dele­gates to con- Multifaceted Challenges” versity grew from the nucleus of the Monastery to a clude our participation in the Synod. Fr. Theodore Pulcini large surrounding area. The University is also home For the bishops, however, their work continued to two preparatory schools, one stressing French in for another day. There were still administrative mat- its curriculum, and the other English. The evening re- ters for the metropolitans and bishops to consider. ception drew to a close as all made their way to the Cultural, political, economic, and ecological chal- Early in 2019 His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN not able to attend the Synod, his paper, “Seculariza- University campus for a concert of Byzantine music lenges facing the faithful of the Patriarchate, both in X issued a call to hierarchs and other clergy, as well tion and Globalization: Impact on the Members of performed by a joint choir of chanters from all the the homeland and abroad, were duly examined. Fin- as lay specialists, to prepare papers for presentation the Church, the Family, and Marriage,” was includ- Lebanese and Syrian Archdioceses. Its theme was ishing touches were proposed for the forthcoming at an upcoming Holy Synod meeting. These papers ed among the others presented by members of this “Crown Them with Glory and Honor,” celebrating encyclical “Family: The Joy of Life,” which will con- were to address the “huge and multifaceted chal- panel. The evening concluded with Bishop JOHN’s the Orthodox theology of marriage. vey the insights and aspirations of the Synod. It was lenges” facing the Christian family in all the regions presentation of his paper­ “Sociopolitical Economy: Presentations resumed the next morning, during also announced that the Patriarchate will publish a of the P­ atriarchate. Like many other metropolitans, ­Effects on Family and Church.” the course of which Fr. Isaiah Gillette presented a book including all the papers submitted for the event. His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH responded The morning session on Saturday, October 5, be- paper, “Pastoral Therapeutic Interventions for Mar- By Friday, October 11, most of us were making to that call and assembled a delegation to represent gan with Bishop ANTHONY’s presentation on “The riage and Family Conflicts,” submitted by Fr.David ­ our way to Beirut’s Hariri Airport to begin our jour- the North American Archdiocese at the meeting, Roles of Men and Women: Gender ­Issues in Modern Alexander. (Because Fr. Isaiah had collaborated with ney home, a bit tired, but much exhilarated by our which took place October 3 through 10 in Lebanon Culture.” This was followed by severalother ­ papers, Fr. David in producing the final version of this paper, experiences at the Synod. at the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology at including that of Dr. Adnan ­Trabulsi on “Homosexu- he was asked to present it in the absence of Fr. David, In closing, I would like to take the liberty of mak- Balamand.­ ality” and that of Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia who was not able to attend.) Later that same morn- ing a few personal remarks. What impressed me most Metropolitan JOSEPH led our delegation, which and Lavreotki (from the Church of Greece) on “Eth- ing, Fr. Theodore Pulcini presented his paper on “The about the Synod was the spirit of collaboration and also included Bishop THOMAS, Bishop JOHN, ics of the End-of-Life.” There were no evening pre- Lasting Effects of Divorce: Implications for Pastoral openness that permeated its sessions. The Patriarch Bishop ANTHONY, Bishop NICHOLAS, Arch- sentations that day so that participants could attend Work with Children of Fractured Families.” Other made it clear from the very start that he wanted every­ priest Isaiah Gillette, Priest Theodore Pulcini, and Vespers at the Balamand Monastery. presentations in the morning session addressed issues one to be attentive to the content of the presentations Deacon John El Massih. Also in attendance from Of course, the central event of Sunday, Octo- of education, mixed marriage, cohabitation, and ad- (no less than thirty-two of them!) and to be actively the Archdiocese were Dr. Daniel Hinshaw and Dr. ber 6, was the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at which a diction. The effect of media – especially social -me engaged in the discussions that would follow each of ­Adnan Trabulsi, as well as members of the Archdi- host of hierarchs from outside of Lebanon and Syria dia – on families was the focus of lively presentations the panels. At several points His Beatitude expressed ocesan Board of Trustees, Fawaz El Khoury (Vice- (including Metropolitan JOSEPH, Bishop JOHN, made that evening. his satisfaction with the energetic exchange of ideas Chairman) and Salim Abboud (Treasurer). Bishop ANTHONY, and Bishop NICHOLAS), The final day of presentations was Tuesday, that took place. Of course, most of the sy­ nodal par- His Beatitude opened the Synod the afternoon of priests (including Fr. Isaiah and Fr. Theodore), and ­October 8. In the morning session, Bishop THOM- ticipants were hierarchs, but they did not minimize Thursday, October 3, by meeting with thethir­ ty-six deacons (including Deacon John) co­ ncelebrated with AS presented his paper on “Pastoral Care for Peo- the voices of the other clergy and the laypeople in at- metropolitans and bishops who had gathered from His Beatitude. The overflow crowd that converged on ple with Special Needs,” and Dr. Daniel Hinshaw, a tendance. I remarked to one of the bishops, “You are throughout the Patriarchate. The agenda for the Syn- the Monastery church included a ­number of pilgrims specialist in palliative medicine in the University of our fathers, and we respect you as such, but you have od was finalized, and initial discussions on adminis- from the United States, most notably from West Michigan Health System, presented his paper on treated us as brothers in this assembly.” “Of course,” trative matters were conducted. ­Virginia (accompanied by Fr. Joseph Hazar) and “Orthodox Christian Accompaniment at the End he responded, “if we are going to solve some of these The next morning, paper presentations began California (accompanied by Fr. Samer Youssef). The of Life.” (In addition to attending the Synod meet- problems, we are going to have to listen to one an- with reports on the situation of the family in Leba- ­Liturgy was broadcast on Lebanese television. ings, Dr. Hinshaw met with the Balamand seminari- other and work together.” non, Syria, Iraq, and the Gulf Countries. Later that Later that day the Patriarch hosted the North ans, providing instruction on end-of-life issues.) That The atriarchP reflected the same sentiment in his morning Metropolitan JOSEPH presented his paper­ American delegation at his residence near the Mon- morning’s work was rounded out by a number of pas- concluding remarks, in which he charged all of us “to on the family situation in North America, followed astery. Accompanied by Fawaz El Khoury and Salim toral proposals regarding marriage preparation and implement all the beautiful things we have discussed.” by presentations from other hierarchs on the situa- Abboud, members of the delegation were presented enrichment, as well as care for the elderly. That eve- One of my American colleagues remarked that this tions in South America, Australia, and Europe. Af- to His Beatitude by Metropolitan JOSEPH. His Be- ning participants reassembled to discuss what should emphasis on the practicalities of pastoral care is typi- ter lunch and an afternoon break, participants re- atitude spent more than an hour with us, anxious to be included in the Synod’s final statement on the cal of our Antiochian approach to Church life: “We assembled for papers on the sacrament of marriage hear our impressions of the Synod and our percep- Christian family. honestly admit to the problems we have, without sug- in Scripture and the Church Fathers. Even though tions of the state of Orthodoxy in the United States. Later that evening those representing our Arch- ar-coating them, and then we find ways of confront- Archpriest ­Michel Najim of our Archdiocese was The discussion was honest, lively, and energizing. diocese at the Synod were invited to Mhanna, one ing them.” One of the “homeland” ­hierarchs made

12 December 2019 The Word 13 REFLECTIONS ON FAMILY

a point of telling us how much he appreciated our ­paternal pride in our Ar­ chdiocese bringing this American perspective to the synodal The Fall as a whole. deliberations. We were, of course, grateful for his re- His Eminence began the mark and moved by it. Board meetings with this account It was the exemplary organization of this Synod Meeting of the of the synod not merely to express that made such openness and collaboration possible. his pride over how our ­delegation We adhered to a well-crafted schedule from the be- Board of presented itself in Lebanon. He ginning to the end of the event. Three booklets were stressed the point that our Arch- distributed to all participants, two of which provid- diocese is a true model of coop- ed the papers presented in Arabic as well as Arabic Trustees eration of clergy and laity for the translations of the papers presented in English, and entire Patriarchate. Oftentimes a third booklet which provided the original versions There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. in the Orthodox Church, we live of the English contributions. (In this regard the work There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. with an untraditional tradition- of Fr. Bassam Nassif must be recognized.) Moreover, And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same alism. In other words, the cleri- we English-speakers were able to engage fully in the God who works all in all. calism of recent centuries has Synod by virtue of the efforts of professional transla- 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 become the tradition, while at- tors present for all the proceedings. tempts to renew the ancient syn- During the weekend of October 18–20, His In fact, in the tradition of Middle Eastern hospi- ergy of the clergy and the laity is Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH presided over tality, no effort was spared in making our delegation viewed as a modern innovation. a historic weekend celebrating many joyous mile- feel at home. Especially noteworthy in this r­egard His Eminence wanted to illumi- stones: the beginning of the ministry of St. Raphael were the seminarians of the Balamand. They were nate this very point at the outset in North America in 1895, the consecration of the present at every turn, interacting with us, providing of the Board of Trustees meeting current St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn in 1920, information, and serving the tables at our lunches to set the proper tone for the work the 25th anniversary of the priestly ordination of and dinners. Two of them, Gaby El Murr and Ibra- to come, work that would require Fr. Thomas Zain, and the elevation of Fr. Adrian him Klaimy, attended to our various needs with pa- this synergy of clergy and laity. Budica to the rank of Archpriest. The weekend was tience and solicitude. I was inspired by the caliber of During the course of the also the occasion of the fall meeting of the Arch- the students of the Institute of Theology. They mani- Board’s deliberations, many im- diocesan Board of Trustees. Given the weekend’s fested genuine love for the Church and zeal for fur- portant topics were discussed. A daunting schedule, His Eminence and the Board thering its mission. Many of them had trained for lively and informative discussion could have considered shrinking down the scope secular careers before opting to relinquish their pros- took place after the report from and length of the meetings, but they seized the op- pects for success in the world by enrolling in the In- the committee on legal issues, portunity to engage in a series of full and fruitful stitute to devote themselves to service to Christ and presented by Mr. Richard Ayoub. deliberations. the Gospel. Their devotion seemed genuinely joyful, This committee is charged with identifying poten- may be asked, and he reiterated the importance of His Eminence began the meeting by highlight- not cold or grudging. With such men as its future tial legal liabilities, and a proposal to send a letter a larger church to meet the spiritual needs of the ing the indispensable contribution made by the leaders, our Patriarchate, despite all the challenges it to the parishes with helpful advice on certain issues Holy Mountain of our Archdiocese. He spoke of ­hierarchs, clergy, and laity who had attended the re- faces, will be greatly strengthened. of concern was approved. The financial report from the importance of planning for the retirement home cent “Antiochian Conference on the Family” that What drew together all the strands of the synod- Mr. Salim Abboud was noted for its comprehen- for the hierarchs and a new monastic community. took place in Lebanon at the Balamand Monas- al experience was the brief impromptu speech given siveness. Ancient Faith Ministries was invited for His Eminence also shared initial sketches of the tery. His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X convened by His Beatitude at one of the concluding sessions. the first time to present a full overview of all of its new buildings for the Board to see how this vision this expanded meeting of the Holy Synod earlier He emphasized the two themes that ran through the varied programming. Archdeacon Emile Sayegh can be realized. in the month that included all of the hierarchs of event: unity and universality. By coming together at announced the completion of the initial draft of the His Eminence thanked the Board members for the patriarchal throne. They gathered to study the the Balamand, we affirmed our­unit y in the Patri- new model parish constitution which was shared the care and diligence with which all made their challenges faced by our families in the contempo- archate. And at the Divine Liturgy we affirmed our with a committee of senior clergy from each of the presentations, deliberated, and worked during the rary world. To address this critical and timely topic, diversity through the various vernacular languages dioceses. The next phase of review will be sharing meetings. He spoke about how important it is for His Beatitude included not just hierarchs but es- used in worship and everyday life throughout the the draft with the members of the Board so that all of members of the Body of Christ to offer their teemed clergy and laity with expertise in a wide ar- ­Patriarchate: Arabic, Greek, English, ­Spanish, Portu- members can discuss it fully at the spring Board gifts and talents to the work of the Church. All are ray of relevant areas. His Eminence reported that guese, French, German, Swedish…. “We are one, and meeting. necessary for the Body to function. The passage the presentations of our Archdiocesan delega- we are universal,” he ­concluded. “That’s who we are as Towards the end of the full agenda, His Emi- from 1 Corinthians, above, was used in the benedic- tion were a key to the success of this “Antiochian Antiochians – and we are proud of it!” nence discussed plans for enriching the Antiochian tion to close the fruitful meetings that had exempli- Conference on the Family,” and he expressed great Indeed we are. Village. He anticipated some of the questions that fied this Pauline teaching.

14 December 2019 The Word 15 forgive all my offences, both voluntary and invol- we are going to receive the King of All. LIVING THE LITURGY – untary.” During the Great Entrance, the priest or Christ shows us what is expected when, in bishop prays for all Chapter 8 of the present, all Ortho- Gospel of Mat- A PRACTICAL REFLECTION dox Christians, the thew, He is told bishop, the leader that His mother of the country, and and brothers want PART 4 OF 10 all those names to talk to Him. who were com- Rather than stop- memorated that ping His teaching, day. Following the He asks: “‘Who entrance, we con- is my mother, and rom decorations, to the place of preparation and brought through the clude the Cheru- who are my broth- the part given to the midst of the people to the altar for the consecration. bic Hymn with ers?’ And stretch- youngest kids in the We take the gifts which God has given us; from the words, “that ing out his hand Sunday School Christ- wheat (which we have made flour), yeast, water, and we may receive toward his disci- mas Pageant, angels play grapes, we have formed bread and wine. Now we the King of all, es- ples, he said, ‘Here a huge role in our cel- prepare them and offer them back to God. When corted invisibly by are my mother and ebrations of our Lord’s the bishop serves, he will often prepare the gifts at the angelic orders. my brothers! For Nativity, and rightly so. this time, though most priests will do that ­before Alleluia.”­ whoever does the It was an angel that an- Divine Liturgy has started. This preparation is According to will of my Father nounced her bearing of Christ to the called the proskomedia. this hymn, we in heaven is my Theotokos. An angel visited Joseph in During this preparation, the celebrant cuts open must first lay aside brother, and sis- a dream. An angel called the shepherds the bread, that people baked and offered for prayers, “our earthly cares” ter, and mother.’” to come and worship Christ. After the in a very specific way. He places the different parts in order to receive Later, in Matthew sermon, we sing what we call the Cherubic Hymn. onto an elevated plate called the diskos. Water and the King of All. 10, he says, “‘He That word, cherubic, comes from the word cherubim, wine are poured into the chalice during this time During the begin- who loves father or which is a rank of angel. If you remember, in the as well. The first cut of bread is the center, marked ning of the hymn, mother more than book of Isaiah he talked about another rank of an- with the letters IC XC NI KA. This abbreviation is the priest prays Me is not worthy gel, the seraphim, surrounding the throne of God. In Greek for “Jesus Christ Conquers.” The center piece silently: “No one of Me. And he who ­other places, the Bible mentions cherubim as well. is called the “lamb.” This is what will be put into the who is bound with loves son or daugh- chalice for commu- the desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to ter more than Me is not worthy of Me.’” These nion. Following this, approach or to draw nigh or to serve thee, O King teachings are tough to hear, but Christ is teaching “...now lay aside all earthly cares ….” other pieces are cut: of glory, for to serve thee is a great and fearful thing us what it means to lay aside our earthly cares. the next for the The- even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless ….” We The martyrs give us this example time and again. otokos, then those for are being reminded that we cannot receive God Take the life of St. Julita and her son, St. Cyricus, The Cherubic Hymn refers once again to the read- the nine ranks of commemorations: the angels, John without first putting those things aside that distract from the year 305, for example. Trying to persuade ing from Isaiah and the hymn of the angels: “Holy, the Baptist and all the prophets, the Apostles, saints us. And what are our distractions? St. Julita to abandon her Christian faith, the gov- holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is who were bishops, the martyrs, monastic saints, the In the survey mentioned last month, when asked ernor took her son in his lap. Refusing to leave his full of his glory.” unmercenary healers, the parents of the Theoto- to share up to four things they think about during mother, St. Cyricus broke free from the governor Having sung the thrice-holy hymn, in which we kos and those saints commemorated that day, and liturgy, the surveyed youth shared the following as and ran to his mother declaring, “I am a Chris- joined the angels singing before the throne of God, then the author of the Divine Liturgy celebrated their top five answers: life (56%), God/Jesus (33%), tian.” His mother watched as he was martyred, be- we continue: “Let us who mystically represent the that morning. Next, a piece is taken to commemo- school/homework (28%), family (27%), and food fore being martyred herself. Our earthly cares, even Cherubim, and who sing to the Life-Giving Trin- rate the bishop of the church, and all the bishops (27%). When asked to share up to four things that this life itself, are not to be compared with what we ity the thrice-holy hymn, now lay aside all earthly and clergy, and all the members of the parish, then distract them, the top five answers were other peo- have been promised. We have a foretaste of what is cares ….” This first part of the hymn reminds us to another for the founders of the parish and the de- ple (92%), “thoughts” (39%), family/friends (31%), promised in the Eucharist. When influenced by the lay aside all the cares of this world, now that we parted bishops and clergy of the parish, then one for cell phones (26%), and school/homework (21%). right community, we find the support we need to lay have entered into the choir of the angels and are each of the names being commemorated that day We often think of distractions as “bad,” but none of aside our earthly cares in worship, and to make dif- praising God, while standing at his throne. Then we – living and departed. Finally, the priest or bishop these things are inherently bad. Nonetheless, they ficult decisions in the world. have the Great Entrance. The gifts are taken from prays “Remember, O Lord, my un­ worthiness, and still distract us from God and must be set aside if Gregory Abdalah, D. Min.

16 December 2019 The Word 17 be filled with grieving and regret as we mourn a ployment, loss of freedom, loss of “normalcy,” loss of HOW TO COPE WITH life we never envisioned for ourselves or our fam- sleep … the list goes on. ily. Is how I am feeling – and I presume others who R – What are some of the coping mechanisms are caregiving – normal? There is a profound sense you recommend to caregivers, and how do they dif- GRIEF of guilt that is associated with “anticipatory grief.” fer from the strategies of those who are grieving loss For many, this guilt is especially intensified because, of life? ­after being a caregiver for so long, you would think WHILE CAREGIVING that you would be used to changes in your darling’s Bp. John – Strategies for caregivers include the health. following: Q&A with Bishop JOHN Abdalah It is perfectly normal for caregivers to expe- Connect with Others in Similar Situations rience grief and to mourn the loss of what could The benefits of engaging in a support group have been. I expect every caregiver who reads this ­outweigh much of the potential pitfalls. When Grief is a normal, healthy response to any loss or perceived change. Sometimes, when there knows that it is typical to feel blame, guilt, anger, caregivers connect with others who are living a sim- are multiple losses, untimely losses (in the case of younger people), losses that include income depression, sadness, and frustration. If you love the ilar life, there is usually an implicit understanding person you are caring for, it would be abnormal to or involve children, grief can be complicated. As caregivers, we mourn the losses of our loved of the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll of care- feel ­otherwise. Not grieving would imply you didn’t giving. Not only can other caregivers understand one as he or she loses various physical functions, or anticipates losses to come. We may be- ­really lose much. because they are going through similar loss at the come physically exhausted and in need of relief from the pain in our hearts – and this in turn The guilt associated with a caregiver’s feelings same time, but many have found ways to cope. In of grief and sadness may be related to the fact that may produce conflicting feelings within us. I wondered what my own church (the Antiochian addition, hearing the stories of others validates our we’ve been conditioned to believe that the experi- Orthodox jurisdiction) might have to say about all these feelings, so I called Bishop JOHN experiences; we can see that they’re normal. ence of grief and grieving is only appropriate when There are many formats for support groups ­Abdalah of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Worcester and New England and asked if he someone passes. This is simply not true. Caregivers these days – some may be conference-calls, others would share some insight and advice about grieving, from his pastoral experience. Bishop – and the people they care for – experience a sig- are online groups and forums – even social media nificant loss, and may continue to experience loss JOHN is a pastoral therapist and facilitated a grief support group in Pennsylvania for twenty offers a plethora of options when it comes to sup- after loss as the ill loved one loses each function or port groups. Caregivers may not have the ability to years. In his current role as Bishop, he continues to minister to those who struggle with grief, ability. And while the person they care for may still get out of their houses at a set time every week – or among other things. be present, lucid, and stable – for the caregiver loss even every month – so, these alternatives may prove comes in many other complicating ways: loss of em- helpful.

to loss. To complicate things, caregivers and those they care for are sometimes experiencing the stag- es of grief on a different schedule, because they are separate persons. By this I mean that even though, say, in marriage, two become one, each may still get hungry at a different time than the other, feel hope- ful at a different time, and be depressed at a dif- ferent time. This should be expected, but when one is hopeful and the other is depressed, the two will feel disconnected. This complicates our relationship with our loved one. As a condition ­worsens, each loss of an ability to care for oneself complicates the grief. When the one we are caring for is sick for a Rachelle – Your Grace, as a caregiver, I find that long time, we naturally become tired. When we an- feelings of grief are never far from my heart. Is this ticipate the loss of life, we may even begin to grieve common among caregivers that you have met? the loss in anticipation – “anticipatory grief.” This Bp. John – When caregivers take care of people type of grief is tricky, in that it comes and goes, can that they love, they share the losses experienced with distract us from the time we still have together, and the person for whom they care. They may experience leave us wondering how we are supposed to feel. all the grief-responses, and if they do, their feelings Caregivers rarely get a reprieve from their duties,­ are as real as anyone experiencing grief directly due and for some, when that reprieve happens it may

18 December 2019 TheThe WordWord 19 19 HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF

Share Your Truth Similarly, if the grief is overwhelming, it may In my experience, many caregivers are good at cause physiological issues – heart palpitations, mi- dealing with complicated situations efficiently and graines, high blood pressure – and if you have any SHARING THE FAITH rarely ask for help – even when they are trying to health conditions of your own, this high stress envi- work through feelings of grief. Maybe they’ve asked ronment may cause your own symptoms to be exac- for help in the past and been burned, or maybe erbated. Talk to your doctor about your feelings of BELOVED BROTHERS AND ­SISTERS, AODCE SOCIAL NETWORKING­ they’ve shared some of their struggles with friends grief – and how you are feeling generally. Caregivers ­MINISTRY need to take care of themselves – your life matters. “This then, is our task: to educate­ and family, and have not been heard or felt support- ourselves and our children in To nurture the children God has placed in our care! ed. Males often feel that needing help is a weakness. Respite Is Essential godliness” On our Orthodox Christian Parenting sites, we will That idea is not helpful. Caregivers are constantly being swallowed up by – St. John Chrysostom continue our fall series on the book, “Blueprints for the Lit- If as a caregiver you can engage in a support Among the articles and notes on the needs of others – and that constant need to be tle Church: Creating an Orthodox Home,” For Orthodox group, or work with a therapist or clergyperson, you the following pages, you’ll read fully present for someone else can trigger a sense of Church School Teachers, we will be concluding our may be able to get a different perspective on your about the retirement of Betty loss of self. Selflessness is a noble endeavor – but series on Classroom Success by suggesting resources feelings of grief, loss, and guilt. From there, you may Randolph, Vasiliki Oldziey, and eventually, it renders the selfless person incapable helpful to teachers working with students of varying abili- our Administrative Assistant and Departmental Admin expand your circle of trust and let in others who of even caring for themselves. Getting away is very - ties. We will also offer, on both sites, a handful of sugges- have shown a genuine interest in your life – and difficult for caregivers, but it’s essential to their istrator for the Creative Festivals, Rosemary Shumski. tions of new resources for children of different ages. These There is a time for everything, according to the author of your struggles. Talking about grief is uncomfort- well-being. would make great Christmas gifts! able, but letting people in may help alleviate some the book of Ecclesiastes, and we ask God’s blessings for Do you have family or friends who can cover for Kristina Wenger, Staff Assistant for Social Network Ministry of that burden. And when people genuinely care, these wonderful and dedicated women for the next chap- you for a few hours each week? Bi-weekly? Even ter of their lives. they will be there for you even in those uncomfort- monthly? If you don’t have a reliable family mem- @ Facebook.com We shine the Volunteer Staff Spotlight on our two new Co- able moments. ber or friend, do you know a responsible high school Orthodoxchristianparenting ordinators, Khouria Gigi Shadid and Deacon Elisha Long, Seek Professional Advice student, or a local caregiver service in your area, that Orthodoxchristiansundaychurchschoolteachers who will share responsibility for the Diocese of Wichita and Orthodoxchristianchurchschooldirectors Sometimes the stress, sadness, and grief a care- could come and sit with your person so that you Mid-America. @ WordPress.com giver feels are too much – and this may impact our might take a few minutes to yourself? Maybe there is a local house of worship that offers volunteers to One of the Two Holiest Days of The Year Has Been Orthodoxchristianparenting overall health and well-being. If depression caused Compromised. With every December I am reminded of visit with the sick or the elderly? When family or Orthodoxchristianchurchschoolteachers by grief lingers too long and impedes your ability to how Christmas has been commercialized. This year it was Orthodoxbabyhomecoming care for yourself or others – or if you have thoughts helpers come, get out of the house and do some- the announcement of 14 new Christmas movies coming www.orthodoxmustardseed.blogspot.com of harming others or yourself – seek out advice from thing – anything – for yourself. to the Hallmark Channel. The holiday is big business for Making time for yourself as a caregiver is essen- a trained professional, like a doctor or a therapist, them – the channel airs Christmas movies starting in July! www.pinterest.com/aodce tial to withstanding the grueling hours and physical immediately. If you are unable to make an appoint- Can we truly say that “Jesus is the reason for the sea- demands that caregiving places on the individual. ment quickly, go to your nearest emergency room. son?” Maybe once that was the case. When did this Use this time to do something that gives you plea- change, and how? Look for my essay on our website as ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN­ CHURCH sure, helps rest your body, or alleviates some of the “What Did We Trade for Christmas?” SCHOOL ­DIRECTORS pressure you are constantly under. It doesn’t have to Programs. We have recently posted two new programs In our Church Schools, December is usually filled with be complicated – it just must be for you. as free downloads, “My Orthodox Church, for Middle Nativity play practices and performances. May your pro- R – I’d like to close with a question that seems School,” and “The Great Feasts: The Life of Our Lord.” We grams bring joy to all as students proclaim, “Christ is Born! cheesy, but what is one piece of advice that you feel need your comments, suggestions or corrections. Please Glorify Him!” January provides a chance for directors to is helpful to caregivers who may not see an end to e-mail us at [email protected]. exhale and focus on planning Creative Arts workshops, their grief? Finally, please look at the Training Updates to see if any before the focus shifts to Great Lent. Bp. John – Take one day at a time. You can’t events are occurring in your vicinity. On the Orthodox Christian Church School Director’s change what happened or what will happen. We Wishing you a blessed and holy Feast of the Nativity, Facebook page this month, we will discuss the 2020 Cre- ative Arts theme and materials, as well as ways to orga- can only live in the moment we are in. Christ meets Carole A. Buleza, Director nize workshops for PK-12th-grade students. In January, us here where we are, loves us, and loves those we we will review Of Such Is the Kingdom: A Practical The- love. We may not understand why things happen, ology of Disability by Summer Kinard, as we educate our With gratitude, we acknowledge the contri- but God is with us. selves on making Sunday Church Schools welcoming for Rachelle Khalaf bution of the Order of St. lgnatius that par- More articles by Rachelle can be found at all students. https://jugglehustlerepeat.com/ tially funds the work of our Department. ­Anna-Sarah Farha, [email protected]

20 December 2019 The Word 21 SHARING THE FAITH

CREATIVE FESTIVALS 2020 so grateful to her – the Department would not be what it with curriculum, brainstorming and ideas. They are excel- reached at [email protected]. is today without her. Diligent and professional, courteous, lent, enthusiastic educators, ready and willing to serve “For God did not send His Son into the world to con- Dn. Elisha has worked at a private, classical Christian kind, and patient, Rosemary will be missed by all of us. you!” Thank you, Vas, for your dedication to DOWAMA! demn the world, but that the world through Him might school for 19 years, and currently serves as Principal. Carole Buleza be saved.” He has also taught Sunday Church School for almost 11 (John 3:17) If you would care to send Rosemary a note, please ad- VOLUNTEER STAFF SPOTLIGHT years and been the Church School Director for ten years. dress it to the Department, 105 Leader Heights Road, He has assisted Vas with various presentations at local This year’s theme is “For God did not York, PA 17403. KH. GIGI SHADID parishes and the Parish Life Conference over the past 4 send His Son into the world to condemn Christian Education Coordinator, Diocese of Wichita and years. the world, but that the world through Him Mid-America (Deaneries: Southwest, and North, Central, might be saved” (John 3:17). The deadline TRANSITIONS and East Texas) Dn. Elisha adds, “St. Theophan the Recluse said that edu- for submitting all entries is April 1st. If you cation was the holiest of works and I consider it a privilege Khouria Gigi Shadid is no stranger haven’t begun using the theme and en- KH. BETTY RANDOLPH to be a part of Christian Education in our Diocese and Coordinator for the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast* to the Department. She has been couraging the students to work on their entries, January is Archdiocese.” an associate for five years, has a perfect time to start! Begin the New Year by introducing By Carole Buleza traveled to various parishes for the theme, using the explanation and lesson plans we’ve DIOCESAN TRAINING UPDATE Betty began serving the Depart- teacher development workshops, provided. Another great resource we offer is the cross- ment under Dr. John Boojamra. and has written Creative Festivals The Department of Christian Educa- reference of OCEC texts that relate to the theme in some With her background as an edu- lesson plans and theme songs. tion plans and facilitates teacher and way. Decorate your classroom with the Creative Festival cator and principal, she offered Most recently, she conducted a Church School Director workshops posters we provide and teach students the theme song. a wealth of experience to our teacher training in the Southeast across the country. Training can cov- By using both audio and visual teaching materials, you Church School Directors through Texas deanery, with a follow-up er classroom management, teaching can appeal to the various ways students learn. Encour- trainings, both in her own as well scheduled in January. The best way to reach her is at gi- techniques, adolescent needs, moral age every student to enter something in at least one of as other dioceses, and at The Or- [email protected]. issues, creative resources and more. the categories! thodox Institute. She was an in- Fall 2019 has been a busy training Kh. Gigi also served her home parish as a full-time youth On a personal note, after having had the honor and privi- trepid traveler, attending almost season. director for three years, teaching children ages Pre-K to lege of working at the Department of Christian Education every staff meeting and contributing ideas and always on college. She has produced four Orthodox children’s mu- Wichita and Mid-America for twenty years, I’m retiring to spend more time with my a positive note. I am personally grateful for the encourag- sic CDs, “to teach and help children grow in their faith in family. I’d like to thank Carole Buleza for giving me this ing words she offered me as I began my tenure. Vasiliki Oldziey conducted her final training for the Depart- Christ and their love for His holy church.” She has also incredible opportunity, Metropolitan PHILIP of blessed ment at St. Elijah, Oklahoma City, in August, just before Her dedication to our Directors was manifest in the many produced Vacation Church School programs and plans to memory for approving my employment, and Metropoli- her retirement. Teachers from St. Elijah and Holy Ascen- hours required to create and co-edit the Church School continue to do so. She currently teaches at The St. Con- tan JOSEPH for his continued spiritual guidance and sup- sion in Norman worked on topics related to the theme Directors Handbook – a vital resource for years now. You stantine School, an Orthodox Classical school in Houston, port of the Department of Christian Education. In my role of this year’s Creative Festivals. The 15 participants dis- willingly gave your time and effort over so many years to Texas, after years of teaching in the public schools. She as the Administrative Assistant and the Departmental Ad- cussed judgement, salvation, the Symbol of Faith and the Orthodox Christian education, and we are grateful to you! writes, “I can now heed God’s call to focus my energy on ministrator for the Creative Festivals, I’ve been continually Lord’s Prayer as guides to the meaning of the theme. Christian Education, including for the Department.” surrounded by Orthodox Christian resources which have *Note: Betty retired three years ago. We were able to give Dn. Elisha Long, one of the new Coordinators, was intro- Betty her retirement award recently. enabled me to learn exponentially and grow in my faith. In VOLUNTEER STAFF SPOTLIGHT duced to teachers in the Diocese during his first official addition, it’s been such a great blessing to have met so training on November 9 at St. George Orthodox Cathe- VASILIKI OLDZIEY many wonderful people over the years (even if only via e- DEACON ELISHA LONG dral, Wichita. Dn. Elisha was invited to present workshops Coordinator for the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America mail or phone) and I will miss you all! May God bless you! Christian Education Coordinator, on Finding Christ in the Old Testament, and Teaching By Leslie Atherholt With love in Christ, Diocese of Wichita and Mid-Amer- Techniques. Orthodox churches in the area were invited After 15 years of volunteer service ica (Deaneries: Great Plains, Kan- to participate. Administrative Assistant and Rosemary Shumski, with the Department of Christian sas, Oklahoma, and Rocky Moun- Departmental Administrator for the Creative Festivals Toledo and the Midwest Education, Vasiliki Oldziey, has an- tain) Director Carole Buleza traveled to St. George Orthodox Rosemary’s position with the Department began with nounced her retirement. She has By Leslie Atherholt to present Overview of Ortho- my tenure. Among her several duties were the account- served the entire Diocese by pro- Church, West St. Paul, Dn. Elisha Long has assisted the doxy, New Methods in Teaching, and Moral Issues to 19 ing tasks, and they were quite involved after our events. viding trainings, answering ques- Department with trainings and teachers from four parishes in the area. Churches repre- I could always rely on her to manage the finances and to tions, facilitating the Creative Arts workshops over the past several sented included OCA, Greek, and Antiochian. Teachers submit complete and accurate monthly financial reports. Festival, including writing lesson years. His heart for Christian Education and the educa- learned icebreaker ideas for class, as well as lesson-plan Rosemary was present at all the Orthodox Institutes and plans, and being the face and tion of our children made it a natural transition when Vas templates, which were put to use the next day, including was responsible for all the course registrations over the voice of the Department in her area. In order to facilitate asked him to take on a larger role. His first official training ways to measure our effectiveness! Learning that it’s okay years. She did a fine job as Administrator of the Creative the traveling to parishes, Vas has named two people to took place at St. Elijah, Oklahoma City, on November 9. to incorporate breaks into lessons, especially for the little Festivals, compiling all the materials and posting them on share the territory. the website. She also took part in the Committee to draft He was able to meet and get to know better some of the ones, and allow multiple weeks to introduce and discuss Vas encourages the church school directors and teachers our soon-to-be-published “Guidelines for Child Protec- teachers, Church School Directors and priests in his area challenging subjects with the older students, was really of DOWAMA to “call on Dn. Elisha and Kh. Gigi for help tion.” I have come to admire her in many respects and am of responsibility, in order to serve their needs. He can be helpful!

22 December 2019 The Word 23 SHARING THE FAITH

Ottawa and Upstate New York Coordinator Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE facilitated workshops during St. Elias Or- thodox Cathedral’s recent Pan-Orthodox Education Series. On Friday night, Fr. Chris- topher addressed the 39 attendees and ORDAINED APPOINTMENTS St. Elias’ Teen SOYO with the presentation BARKER, Deacon Nicholas (Colin), to the holy Mrs. Mareena Boosamra BALL, as the Chair of the “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.” On Sat- urday, participants learned about “The Litur- priesthood by Bishop JOHN on August 25, 2019, at Department of Sacred Music gy of Life: Understanding the Divine Liturgy St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, Florida, New York. DEPOSED So as to Live our Orthodox Faith Always and Fr. Nicholas is completing his studies at St. Tikhon’s MEFRIGE, John (former priest) Everywhere” and “Engaging the Unengaged: Seminary in Pennsylvania. Teaching Challenging Children/Youth and BARKLEY, Deacon Timothy, to the holy priest- Children/Youth with Challenges.” hood by Bishop THOMAS on July 19, 2019, at Holy The WORD appreciates donations to help Fr. Christopher also visited St. Michael Or- Cross Church, Linthicum, Maryland. Fr. ­Timothy defray the cost of this ministry. We send The thodox Church, Geneva, New York, for a is assigned to St. James the Apostle Church, West- WORD to all of the homes of our Archdio- teacher development workshop. On Satur- minster, Maryland. cese, as well as to libraries and seminaries all day, November 16, Fr. Christopher presented over the world. The ORDW is a record of the “Overview of Orthodox Christian Education,” JUAREZ-LUNA, Damian, to the holy diaconate living history of the our Archdiocese, and we “Enhancing the Classroom Experience,” and by Bishop ANTHONY on September 22, 2019, at “Engaging the Unengaged.” Many churches Holy Apostles Mission, Bowling Green, Kentucky. work to offer news and theology of interest to all of our readers. in the upstate New York region participated. VLAS, Sergiu Cristian, to the holy diaconate by Bish- Miami and the Southeast op ANTHONY on August 25, 2019, at St. Ananias Please make your checks out to the Antiochian Archdiocese and in the memo On Friday, September 6, Coordinator Anna- Church, Evansville, Indiana, where he is attached. Sarah Farha presented an interactive cyber ELEVATED line write, “For The WORD.” Thank you. workshop with the focus on Middle School curriculum for the DOSME Fall Retreat. She WAGGENER, Fr. Alban, to the dignity of Arch- introduced the group, which was meeting at priest by Bishop JOHN on November 10, 2019, at St. Ignatius Orthodox Church in Frank- Holy Trinity Mission, Lynchburg, Virginia. Correction: The photo on page 4 of the lin, Tennessee, to the Department’s newest ASSIGNED November 2019 WORD was of the Execu- resource for middle school students – “My tive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops. ­Orthodox Church.” DIOCESAN CHRISTIAN MOSELENER, Fr. Seraphim, is attached to All EDUCATION ­COORDINATORS Saints Church, Bloomington, Indiana. Check our website (ww1.antiochian.org/ DEPARTED christianeducation), or Facebook to stay cur- Eastern Dioceses Fr. George Alberts, 570.824.5016, [email protected] rent on upcoming events. Please contact Archpriest Basil McMURRY of Oklahoma City, Leslie Atherholt at [email protected] Toledo and the Midwest Robert Snyder, 330.285-3688, [email protected] Oklahoma, reposed September 20, 2019, at the age Save the Date! if your parish is interested in hosting a work- of 85. May God grant him Paradise. Father ­Basil shop. Ottawa, Eastern Canada, Upstate New York The Eastern Dioceses of the Antiochian Orthodox Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall, 519.807.2986, was preceded in death by Khouria Ber­ tha in 2010, Christian Archdiocese of North America invites all to our [email protected] Leslie Atherholt, Staff Assistant for Special­ and is survived by their two sons, a brother and a sis- Projects Wichita and Mid-America ter, and their families. 1) Deacon Elisha Long, [email protected] 2ND ANNUAL Deaneries: Great Plains, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Rocky Mountain +His Eminence Metropolitan SPIRIDON SPRING RETREAT 2) Kh. Gigi Shadid, [email protected] (Khoury) of Zahle and Baalbek reposed on Septem- Deaneries: Southwest, and North, Central, and East Texas & PILGRIMAGE ber 14, 2019. ​Memory eternal! Worcester and New England Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, 978.686.3274, [email protected] Khouria Anastasia FARHA of Holy Transfigura- Miami and the Southeast tion Orthodox Church, Hillsboro, Kansas, reposed Anna-Sarah Farha, 901.409.8059, [email protected] APRIL 3-5, 2020 on ­October 31, 2019, at the age of 36. She is the wife Antiochian Village Los Angeles and the West (Carole A. Buleza, 717.747.5221, [email protected]) of Fr. Isaac Farha and leaves four children: P­ eter, Conference Center Melania, Barbara, and Biana. Eagle River and the Northwest Anne Beach, Interim, 425.478.9885, [email protected] Special sessions for members of Parish Council, YAM, SOYO, & DMC

24 December 2019 The Word 25 faith was active along with his works, and faith sheep who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, was completed by works, and the scripture was clothed the naked, and so forth, who were justified fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it with God and inherited the kingdom. Those who was reckoned to him as righteousness;’ and he was did not do these works to the least of His breth- called the friend of God” (21–23). So, do Romans ren were sent away into eternal punishment. “Not 4 and James 2 contradict each other? Certainly not! every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter In fact, there are two different understandings the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of and meanings to the word works used in the New my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). These Testament, and the Orthodox and Protestant views works are also mentioned throughout the Book of only appear to be contradictory. Both meanings are Revelation, where Jesus knows our works, and says, found in Ephesians 2:8–10: “For by grace you have “I will give to each one of you according to your been saved through faith; and this is not your own works” (2:23), and where St. John hears the voice doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, from heaven, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die lest any man should boast. For we are his workman- in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the ­Spirit, ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which “that they may rest from their labors, and their God prepared beforehand, that we should walk works follow them” (14:13). So then, Abraham was in them.” made right with God because of his faith, but his The first understanding deals with what St. Paul faith was shown to us in action when he offered up

Icon courtesy of Linda Fowler of St. Luke Antiochian Church in Abilene, TX. Icon courtesy of Linda Fowler St. Luke Antiochian Church talks about in Romans 4, where “works” refers to the his son Isaac and trusted God’s word. works of the Law. He shows that Abraham was jus- Therefore, it is correct to say that we are saved tified with God by his faith, before he was circum- by faith, not by works (of the law), since our salva- cised, before there even was the law of circumcision. tion is given to us by the grace of God as a gift, the Salvation in the Incarnate Christ Abraham “received circumcision as a sign or seal of Gift of His only begotten Son, “that whoever be- the righteousness which he had by faith while he lieves in Him should not perish but have everlasting through Faith and Works was still uncircumcised” (v. 11). His point was that life” (John 3:16). Yet it cannot be by “faith alone,” for Jew and Gentile, “the righteousness of God has since nowhere in the Bible does it say this, and as St. Christopher Holwey, M.Div. been manifested apart from law, although the law James says, “Even the demons believe — and shud- and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteous- der” (2:17). Because we are saved by grace through ness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all faith, our faith must be a living and dynamic thing. s we near the end of December, once again, we are through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in who believe” (Romans 3:21–22). Likewise, in our Since we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ called upon to celebrate and remember the Incar- the last time,” and that after the testing of our faith, Christian understanding, we would compare it to Jesus for good works, it is our faith working through nation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, this we receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our baptism, and say that we are not saved, or justified love, manifest in that which we do for the least of Jesus of Nazareth, who came to us in our world souls (1:3–9). with God, simply because we are baptized in the God’s brethren, that brings us salvation and allows as the pre-eternal, uncreated, incarnate Son Some (in the Protestant world) say that we are Orthodox Church. Baptism is not the end of our us to inherit the kingdom. Therefore, “faith by itself, of God to save us from our sins. It is right, saved by faith in Jesus alone, while others (in the salvation. It is the beginning of a new life in Christ, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17), for as St. then, to contemplate this mystery of our Roman Catholic and Orthodox world) say it is which needs to grow and manifest itself in who we Paul says, God “will render to every man according salvation in Christ, the Messiah, who was by faith and works. Those who believe the former are and what we do. to his works” (Romans 2:6). It is not according to ­given the name Jesus, meaning “Savior,” to quote from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chap- This brings us to the second understanding of whether we are simply circumcised or baptized, or ­understand that it is “in him” (Ephesians ter 4, which says that Abraham was not justified by “works,” as the fruit of our faith. Our faith is shown eating the right foods or not, but according to the 1) that we are saved, and to heed the call his works, but rather by his faith, which cites in turn through the good works we do, “for we are creat- fruits of the Holy Spirit we manifest in our lives, to “work out our own salvation Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was ed in Christ Jesus for good works, that we should the love we share and show to one another, for the with fear and trembling” (Philip- reckoned to him as righteousness.” It was his faith walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). This is what St. glory of God. pians 2:12). that made him right with God, before he was cir- James means when he says, “If a brother or sister May the Incarnation of the Son of God in the When St. Paul wrote to Timothy, he encouraged cumcised, so that he might be the father of all who is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you flesh inspire us to do what we do through faith in him to continue in the things which he learned, say- believe. This is true. says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ Him, that we may hear Him say to us: “Let your ing to him, “that from childhood you have known Yet, on the other hand, we see from the Letter of without giving them the things needed for the body, light so shine before men, that they may see your the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you James (2:14–26) how faith and works go together, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no good works and give glory to your Father who is in wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ again using Abraham as the argument: “Was not works, is dead” (15–17). We see the same thing in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14–15). St. Peter wrote in his Abraham our father justified by works, when he Matthew 25:31 and following, where the Son of Christopher Holwey, M.Div. First Epistle that we are “kept by the power of God offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that man separates the sheep from the goats. It was the

26 December 2019 The Word 27 as the Lord Himself, an embodiment of the con- MIMIC CHRIST THROUGH The Doctrine of the Church gregation, a beneficiary of honor, and entrusted in MARTYRDOM­ the service of Christ. Ignatius declared that Man’s Ignatius’s desire for martyrdom reflects another salvation is dependent on the bishop. Despite many facet of his understanding of the Church centered Through the Lens of exhortations in support of the role of the bishop, on the Eucharist. This desire for martyrdom never Ignatius remains silent regarding their selection and waned while he was being hauled to Rome. Indeed, ­appointment, and on apostolic succession. the Epistles of St. Ignatius it strengthened him. He sought to mimic Christ, by Ignatius then reveals: “βεβαια ευχαριστία Nicholas A. Pappas ηγεισθω η υπό των επισκοπον ούσα, η ω αν αυτος voluntarily submitting not to death by crucifixion, but to death by wild animals; he became so embold- επιτρέψη” (“Only that Eucharist which is under the ened that he rejected any attempt to bar him from authority of the bishop is to be considered valid). martyrdom. Ignatius was determined to be mauled This revelation seemingly binds the bishop to the in the hope of being ground down – like wheat – as Eucharist. He melodiously applies musical lan- ECCLESIOLOGY: A VERY BRIEF the pure bread of Christ. him, shackled, to Rome for certain martyrdom. We guage to this nexus, writing, “Presbyters are attuned OVERVIEW ECCLESIOLOGY CENTERED ON make stops along the way in multiple Christian en- to the Bishop as strings to a lyre,” and “unity with claves: Smyrna, Troas, Neapolis, and Philippi. Igna- THE EUCHARIST Ecclesiology (εκκλησιολογία) is the study the Bishop is akin to having a share in God” (Letter tius did not sit idle nor bemoan his fate. We see him (λόγια) of the church (εκκλησία – the communi- to the Ephesians). We come to learn, as we accompa- Ignatius believed that the Church is one, undi- rejuvenated when mobs of Christian well-wishers ty of individuals “called out”). It is multi-faceted; it ny him, how this revelation supports his ecclesiol- vided Eucharist: one Flesh, broken for humanity, turn out to greet him. Ignatius seems to know every- may be understood best by the metaphor of icon- ogy centered on the Eucharist. with His Blood. It is distributed to the many from one: Polycarp and Polybius, bishops of Smyrna and writing. (I am indebted to Monica Διακόνισσα, GUIDELINES one altar, for the whole Church, in one vessel, just Tralles, respectively; Apollonius and Bassus, presby- an a­ccomplished iconographer, for the following as there is one bishop to Christ, as Christ is to His ters of Magnesia; and, Burrhus and Philo, deacons Ignatius required concise and unambiguous description of icon-drawing.) In the “writing” or ­Father. He rejects any premise that Man is inher- of Ephesus and Cilicia, respectively. He had time to guidelines to contest and defeat those who believed painting of Byzantine icons, the first application of ently immortal; rather, the sole source of Man’s life think, to pray and to write. It was, by all reckoning, false teaching. He was certain that Christ was hu- pigment provides a flat foundation for subsequent, is the Eucharist. Ignatius was convinced that the a long trip. Ignatius authored, while in transit, let- man, a physical descendant of David, born of a multilayered applications. The second application unity of all men, concrete and spiritual, could only ters to Christian communities in Ephesus, Magne- woman, Mary, His Mother. Christ consumed ne- outlines the volume of the shapes of the figur­ es be realized through an undivided Eucharist, by sub- sia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna. cessities (food and drink) like all humans, as He was (that is, the body, face, and clothing with folds). mission to the bishop. Failing to maintain this unity Ignatius articulates a vision of the Church in the Son of Man. Nails were driven through Christ The third layer of pigment highlights the image’s with the bishop, he opined, leads to division and is his epistles from a unique perspective: that of the to affix Him to a cross; He was pulled upright by the shape, when applied within the parameters of the detested by God. Bishop of Antioch. He repeatedly reminds us and Holy Spirit, where He hung to die in the presence second layer, by using geometric shapes. Said shapes CONCLUSION his followers throughout his journey to “regard the of all – including those waiting beneath the earth reflect the light within the icon’s image; the under- Bishop as the Lord Himself ” (Letter to the Ephe- and those up above. He was the same sinless Christ, lying symmetry of the facets reflect the soul of the Imagine for a moment Ignatius standing be- sians) and that the Bishop presides “in the place of now raised from the dead by His Father, God, as He icon’s image. fore an easel, a pallet of pigments in one hand, a God and the presbyters in place of the council of was the Son of God. Except for these actions, there Ecclesiology, too, is layered, but with several in- brush in the other, seeking to draw an icon of eccle- the Apostles and the deacons having been entrusted could be no “renewal of eternal life” for Man (Letter terdisciplinary studies: Church history, Scripture, siology. He dips the brush into one pigment and in the service of Jesus Christ.” They are to “do noth- to the Ephesians). Ignatius concluded that Christ’s eschatology, Christology, soteriology, pneumatolo- ­applies it to the blank board in preparation for sub- ing without the Bishop and Presbyters” (Letter to the birth, death and resurrection rescued Man from his gy, and the Mysteries (Μυστήρια). When carefully sequent, multilayered applications of pigments. One Magnesians). When considering the bishop, Igna- Expulsion and Fall, and restored Man’s ability to applied, the underlying symmetry of these multifac- is known as Christology, the other soteriology, yet tius “sees the entire congregation.” Here, “bishops live in perpetual harmony with God through Christ. eted studies reflects an inner light, similar to icons. another referred to as pneumatology. Each appli- and presbyters and deacons make up the church” Sin’s relentless onslaught would continue to seduce This inner light magnifies the heart of ­Ignatius’ ec- cation contributes to the image’s shape, when the (Letter to the Trallians), “all those to whom God and Man into conduct contrary to the goodness of God clesiology. This slave of Christ provides the read- perfect symmetry of the facets begin to glow. Sud- Jesus Christ are with the Bishop” (Letter to the Phil- and grace of love. Man, however, was now equipped er, in painstaking detail, his understanding of the denly a bright light within the icon’s image appears, adelphians). “One who honors the Bishop is hon- to engage the enemy through the Eucharist. Igna- Church. It is supported with a firm foundation of reflecting the soul of the icon’s image. Look again ored by God” (Letter to the Smyrnaeans). It would tius longed for the celestial food of life, the flesh and church leadership, which exposes and expunges and you’ll be blinded by an ecclesiology centered on not be surprising to learn that Ignatius coined the blood of the Son of God, convinced of its life-giv- heresy while severing bonds linking Judaism and the undivided Eucharist. Latin phrase: maxim ubi episcopus, ibi ecclesia­ (“where ing elements. He says it best: “I desire the drink of Nicholas A. Pappas Christianity. Its center, however, is the Eucharist. God, namely His Blood” (Letter to the ­Romans). He Antiochian House of Studies SETTING THE STAGE the Bishop is, there the Church is”). The stature of a bishop catapulted him to a position of unchal- enunciated stern caveats for those who strayed from Let’s witness Ignatius’s arrest and detention by a lenged authority, where nothing should be done the faith: “If they believe not in the blood of Christ, legion of Roman soldiers in Antioch. We a­ ccompany without the bishop. The bishop was to be regarded then to them there is judgment” (Letter to Smyrna).

28 December 2019 The Word 29 As a teenager myself, I can tell you that God has hard on projects without having faith in God, I also ORATORICAL FESTIVAL been with me on my journey of life, strengthening would not have succeeded. As St. James says: “For as Judges’ Choice, the Oratorical Festival me when I know I need it, and when He knows the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without for the Diocese of Ottawa I will need it and I am not aware of it yet. In this works is dead also.” past year of high school, I had chosen the classes I This being said, our faith is the root of our eter- needed to take, one of them being physics. A little­ nal salvation and our goal on earth is to attain this “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” secret: math and I, we’re not such good friends, salvation. The Trinity provides us with the ability to Philippians 4:13 if you know what I mean. Anyways, as a student receive and gain God’s grace, for as we say in prayer, should, I still went to every class, was assigned my “The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the first test, and studied what I thought was a decent Holy Spirit is my protection.” Through God’s grace, Growing up as an Or- synergy really means and amount of time to succeed. So I wrote the test, got we are given the strength, help, and courage, as thodox child, I was con- how it applies to our every- the results and definitely was not satisfied with my well as leadership, to fulfill our tasks. We must also stantly taught to trust in day lives. mark. The first thought that came to mind was that keep in mind that He will not allow, nor strengthen God and let His will be To begin, let me ex- I would drop the class, but when I told my par- us, in things that will not bring us closer to Him. done. This applied to every- plain what synergy is for ents that that’s what I was thinking, their answer ­Everything that is given to us, we must accept with thing in my life, whether it those who may not know. was, “Where is your faith in God? If you try hard an open heart, because Christ knows what each of was school, family or church: As Christians, God gives enough and put your mind to it, God will help you us can handle. Therefore He will not put us in situ- my faith and trust were al- us a free will, right? We pass the class if He wills so.” ations that we can’t manage. In order to accomplish ways in God. must not forget, however, So I continued the semester with those words in all and everything, we must accept what Christ has From a very young age, that God also has His own my mind, and I prayed a lot about the whole situ- given us, considering that He knows what we need my parents took me to will for us. We acknowl- ation. I asked God to help me succeed, especially and why we need it. It is through Him and His grace church for every service, edge this fact and even ask after reading the following quotation by St. Moses that we, by aligning our will with the will of God, and I mean every service. for this e­very time we pray the Ethiopian: “Throw your weakness before God, are strengthened and thus are fulfilling ­synergy! Thankfully, in my parish we the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy will and the Lords will become your strength.” And let Maria Abou Nehme are blessed to have Sunday be done.” Saint Cyprian of me tell you... wow! I finished that class with one school classes for all ages, as Carthage says, “Your will of my highest av- well as wonderful teachers be done on earth as it is erages this past that know our faith so well in heaven; we pray not that year. Throughout 2020 JACK G. SHAHEEN that they are able to pass it on to the following God should do His will, but that we may carry out the entire semes- MASS COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS generations. This is where I learned the following His will.” The collaboration, as well as the coopera- ter, it felt like the Join the 81 previous recipients! * Copies of your articles, DVDs, films, and so forth. text, one that makes me feel protected and lead by tion, of our free human will with God’s to achieve harder I worked, Award Amount: $2,500.00 (Items will not be returned to you.) God’s grace: “You are My servant, I have chosen certain goals allow God to do His works through the more God Purpose: To honor Arab-American students who * Official academic transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA). you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am us. For as Saint Seraphim says: “True faith cannot saw how much ef- excel in Media Studies. * Your permanent home address, phone number, with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I be without works; one who truly believes will un- fort I was putting Eligibility: College students with an Arab-American and e-mail address, and your phone number will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will up- failingly have works as well.” Our actions here on into something I background (juniors, seniors, and graduate school) during the school year, if it is different. hold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah earth are a response to what God wants for us. He wanted so badly, enrolled in the 2020–2021 academic year, with a Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 41:9–10). fills us with the compassion to follow His desire. that He helped me minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA), and ma- Incomplete or late applications will not be accept- As servants of God, we are called to let go and While responding to this will, He is giving us the reach my objective. joring in journalism, radio, television, and/or film. ed; remember: only hard copy applications will be let God take control of our lives. Once our focus strength to make the decisions we need to make in I constantly re- Applications: Hard copy applications only. Send accepted. is on letting Christ take control of our lives, every- order to accomplish various necessary actions and mind myself, how- the following items to the ADC Research Institute Submit all materials at the address below: thing else will progress at the pace that He knows to develope the virtues that will eventually help us ever, that if I only (address below): ADC Research Institute each of us can handle. None of this is possible, attain our salvation. In St. Paul’s letter to the Cor- had the faith, and * A one-page statement explaining why you merit­ Att.: Mr. Nabil Mohamad, ADC Vice President however, without a close relationship with God, a inthians 3:9, the following is written: “For we are didn’t study for any the scholarship, identifying your goals, and 1705 Desales Street, N.W., Suite 500 synergy. What does this mean? What is a relation- God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are tests or work hard declaring that you are a U.S. citizen of Arab Washington, D.C. 20036 ship with God? How do we have a relationship God’s building.” We on earth are not able to work on any projects and ­heritage. If you have any questions, call 202-244-2990, or with Christ? I’m sure that these questions trigger alone. God in heaven does not work alone either. relied only on God, * Two original, signed letters of recommendation e-mail [email protected]. the obvious answers from all of us, such as prayer, We humans need to work in union with God, and I would not have from professors of mass communications. Awards will be presented at ADC’s 40th ­National fasting and attending church services, and while in this way we are strengthened by Him to do all succeeded. If I had Convention in Washington, D.C., in 2020. these are all very good answers, we must think things. only studied for more deeply about this. Let us ask ourselves what Now how does all this apply to our daily lives? tests and worked Judges’ Choice

30 December 2019 The Word 31 Fulfilling the Vision of First Annual Pacific Northwest Metropolitan JOSEPH Deanery Retreat Antiochian Women Project Brotherhood in Conciliarity Sheryl VanderWagen, Vice President Deacon James Hefner North American Board of the Antiochian Women “BEHOLD, HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL ­TOGETHER IN UNITY!” “We must build on the past and build the present and the Metropolitan PHILIP, Metropolitan ­ANTHONY future.” Bashir, and Archbishop MICHAEL Shaheen. To the right of the entry we will see a large baptistry for The clergy of the Pacific Northwest Deanery of In our third session, on Thursday morning, we Metropolitan JOSEPH gave this charge to the infants and for adults. There will also be a very spe- the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese heard Fr. Jeremiah Vollman, from Brier, Washing- Antiochian Women at their luncheon at the 2019 cial place for the sacred body of St. RAPHAEL of held their first annual deanery retreat at St. John ton, on the subject, “The Priest as Preacher and Archdiocese Convention as he outlined the 2020 Brooklyn, which will allow the faithful to properly the Forerunner Monastery in Goldendale, Wash- Teacher.” His presentation centered on taking the North American Board (NAB) Project. This charge venerate our great Father-among-the-Saints. ington, during the week of September 24–26, 2019. gospel message and delivering it to the faithful. Fr. is in addition to foster vocations in the Church to The second phase of the project will include a res- Twenty five members of the clergy came ­together Jeremiah explained that we need to be centered in assure the future of the Church, but is a part of it as idence for our bishops, so they will have a place to for this retreat, which began with dinner, followed Christ, and to be vocal, and to be heard in our mes- well. As we grow, the Archdiocese needs space to pray stay when they come to the Village for confer­ences, by Vespers and Compline at the monastery. The sage. The people of our parishes need to hear a clear and meet together to discern God’s will and develop and so forth, and a place to live after they retire. Our first session began on Tuesday evening, entitled and Christ-centered message that deals with the the character of our leadership and membership­ . bishops are men of prayer and ministry. Once they “The Deanery as a Brotherhood,” led by Fr. Michael gospel and epistle readings, and also applies to the Since giving the charge to raise funds for a new retire from their diocesan duties, they have a vocation Habib, Dean of the Pacific Northwest and Pastor current issues of our time. cathedral at the Antiochian Village in the 2019 of prayer and spiritual guidance. Visiting hierarchs of St. Ignatius Church in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was The atmosphere of the Monastery was perfect NAB Project, His Eminence has developed further will also have quarters in this structure, so their spiri- instructional, but also informal, in that Fr. Michael for fellowship and dialogue among the clergy. There his vision for the Antiochian Village. In this he has tual discipline will not be hindered as they journey to encouraged questions, and basically dealt with some were common meals, along with the services that al- been building on the foundation laid by Metropoli- the Village for conferences and symposia. of the practices of the clergy, emphasizing the im- lowed much discussion time. The clergy also stayed tan PHILIP of thrice-blessed memory, and others. The third phase will be a women’s monastery. A portance of the unity of the brotherhood. together in the large guest house, which also served The Cathedral is the first phase of the project. monastic presence is necessary for the growth of the Wednesday started early at 4:45 a.m. for the as a meeting room for the sessions and the discus- His Eminence has chosen the location and will have Church in North America. It is by the holy prayers of Paraklesis service. After breakfast, the second ses- sion that followed each of the teachings. plans to unveil soon. The Cathedral will hold a thou- a monastic community that we will grow the church sion began, led by Fr. Gregory Horton, from Bon- The sisters of St John the Forerunner Monas- sand people in wor- and increase the number of bishops and priests to ner’s Ferry, Idaho. His teaching was on moral issues tery were wonderful hosts to our clergy. The food ship and the same serve the faithful. and how to deal with them in a Christian world. was fresh, delicious and plentiful. They also brought number of people in We often refer to the Antiochian Village as being The discussion involved many of the current issues refreshments for our sessions that allowed us to the adjoining con- our “holy mountain.” A mountain is high and visible in the world today and how we as clergy deal with break and enjoy home-made cakes, fruit and ­other ference room. There to all who look up to it. The expansion of the Antio- them in the parishes. All the clergy agreed that light food. All of the clergy benefited from our first will be enough chian Village, its cathedral with all the other facili- these emerging issues in the world are also creep- retreat. All agreed that this was something that space to hold large ties, will announce the presence of the Orthodox in ing into our Church life. It was agreed that they are should be done each year. The date for the next re- gatherings of the this community. It will be a beacon to draw us closer difficult to deal with, but they have to be dealt with. treat has already been set, and it will be held again faithful, includ- to our spiritual roots, a place of pilgrimage, and a wit- They are not going away; actually they are becoming at the Monastery. ing those attending ness to our holy Orthodox faith. ingrained in society, and we must take a position. Geographically, the Pacific NorthwestDeaner ­ y Parish Life confer- So let’s immediately start our fundraising for this On Thursday morning, September 26, our cler- is the largest deanery. It extends from Alaska all ences and clergy inspirational building project, fulfilling the vision of gy joined with the monastic community to cele- the way down to Utah. It also includes the states symposia. As we Metropolitan PHILIP, Fr. John Namie, and others brate the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. John of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It was truly a enter the Cathedral, who have gone before us. Let us “build the pres- the Theologian. Fr. Michael Habib celebrated the blessing to have such a gathering, and with the ef- to the left we will ent and the future.” On behalf of the entire North ­Liturgy with Fr. Joseph Copeland, Fr. Gregory fort of our Dean, Fr. Michael Habib, and the work see a crypt where American Board of the Antiochian Women, I thank Horton, and Protodeacon Nathanel Haglar. It was of Fr. Gregory Horton, in making the arrangements our hierarchs will you in advance for your tireless labor for this worthy indeed a joyous celebration and the perfect way to with the Monastery, this first annual retreat was a repose, including cause. being our final day together. huge success!

The Word 33 Communities The Hand of God Gail Malaniak

ur life as a parish changed dramati- Ephesians 2:19–22, which was fitting for our parish at St. Raphael and St. Mary of Egypt were not destroyed! to one another. In the past two years, we have met in cally on the morning of November that time: “Now therefore you are no longer strangers Since that day, God’s mighty hand has been at work three different church buildings, two funeral homes, an 11, 2017. St. Matthew the Evan- and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and within each of us as we have striven to fulfill our vision American Legion Hall, and a monastery. Not only have gelist of North Royalton, Ohio, members of the household of God, having been built of building our new temple. Fr. Andrew has continued we gained several new families throughout our jour- suffered a devastating fire that on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus to lead his flock without missing a step, even after he ney, we currently have four catechumens. People and destroyed our beloved church Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom was injured in a car accident two months following the churches have prayed for us and provided us with items building. Many of us stood there, the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a fire. He was not able to serve for several months, and so that we can continue to worship. God has continued heartbroken, as we watched the holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being when he returned to us, he served from his wheelchair, to guide our Priest and Parish Council through some firemen break through the roof to built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spir- always with joy. Still, his faith never wavered. He lost very tough decisions. let the smoke escape. We watched the it.” Fr. ­Andrew encouraged us to remain steadfast and his church home, and the use of his leg temporarily, but We have come a long way! Our most recent accom- stained glass windows being smashed, faithful, knowing that all of us working together is our never his faith in God or in us. plishment has been the renovation and completion of the icons melting right before our eyes, the true Temple in the Lord. While worshiping in several different locations, not our fellowship hall, education classrooms, kitchen, and ­iconostasis, which had been built by hand by one of Personally, I have never witnessed more evidence only did our parishioners remain steadfast, we grew in offices. After almost two years, we are finally home and our parishioners, go up in flames. We wept as, minute of the hand of God in a time of crisis as I saw in our numbers! If we had any concerns about losing people, worshipping in our new hall. Our next and final step in by minute, more of our house of worship was disap- church since that fateful day. It began with our Priest, they quickly evaporated with each new member. In our journey is to see our new church constructed. We pearing. Fr. Andrew Harmon, who spoke with unshakeable one instance, a nearby parish closed and its remaining are working hard and have much to do to make that a In addition to the loss of our church building, our faith in a television interview that day, “We will be OK. members joined us on our journey, worshipping with reality. God’s hand is still very much apparent, because hall was severely smoke damaged, and we lost much of God will help us.” We have been more than OK. We us today. we are blessed with a very dedicated and faithful parish our furniture, our classrooms, educational supplies, of- are thriving, and continue to remain a strong family The parish of St. Matthew is well known for our Priest, Parish Council, building committee and gener- fice equipment, kitchen items, and books. Though the through the struggles. service to the surrounding community. Every one of ous, dedicated parishioners who are working together outer structure of the fellowship hall was still standing, The title, “Hand of God,” strikes me as appropri- our ministries has remained in place, despite not hav- to help us reach our goal. the interior damage required extensive renovation. ate, because, as I was watching the firemen standing ing a permanent home to meet and worship. Those in- May God bless each of you who have joined us on Shortly following the fire, many people asked, on the altar with their arms outstretched, spraying the clude our Christian education programs, Bible studies, our journey in some way, either through prayer, physi- “How could God allow such a holy place to be de- icons, I wanted to scream, “Stop!” It didn’t seem right feeding the homeless, serving the poor, sending our cal help, or financial contributions. Please keep the par- stroyed? What will happen to our parish? Where will somehow. The hand of God, however, was evident in children to camp, and meeting on parish family night, ish of St. Matthew in your prayers. We look forward we worship? Are we going to be separated from our the fact that not one person was taken from us on that just to name a few. to the day that, as a family of believers, we can realize church family until we rebuild? Are we going to lose day. Fr. Andrew was the only person in the building God stepped in, took control of every one of our God’s vision. We want everyone in the Archdiocese to our members to other parishes?” at the time, and he was able to escape without injury. concerns, and has turned them into blessings. He pro- hear our story, and to see and experience the glory of Two weeks following our devastating fire, the epis- Though we lost everything, we still had our Priest and vided places for us to worship while keeping us bonded God at work. tle that was read during the Divine Liturgy was from our entire church family intact. In addition, the relics of

34 December 2019 The Word 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238