Volume 61 No. 4 May 2017 VOLUME 61 NO. 4 MAY 2017 COVER: Photo of the cross from EDITORIAL St. George Cathedral of Pittsburgh. The symbol of suffering becomes contents the symbol of victory.

3 EDITORIAL by Bishop JOHN 5 REMEMBERING SOME OF OUR ANTIOCHIAN BISHOPS IN AMERICA by Fr. Thomas Zain 10 BEING FAITHFUL IN THE AGE AFTER GOD by Fr. Joseph Huneycutt 13 CHRIST IS RISEN! … BUT DOES IT REALLY MATTER? 14 FIDELITY IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST by Bishop THOMAS (Joseph) and Peter Schweitzer 17 IOCC HELPING TO MEET THE MANY NEEDS OF SYRIAN CHILDREN 18 THE MUSIC OF THE CHURCH: A WESTERN RITE PERSPECTIVE by Rebecca S. Alford 20 AN “ORIGINAL BRICK”: MATUSHKA JULIANA SCHMEMANN by Shamassey Mary Honoré 23 THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 27 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION 29 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE THE BUTTONS OF OUR LIVES 30 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL by Ousama Hanna 31 MEMORY ETERNAL! OFFHANDEDLY THE OTHER DAY, MY DEAR FRIEND BISHOP THOMAS SHARED THAT HE KNEW HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ELIA (SALIBA) WHO COULD PUSH MY BUTTONS. PERHAPS “HE WHO KNOWS WHO OR WHAT CAN PUSH ONE’S BUTTONS” WOULD BE A DEFINITION OF A FRIEND. TO KNOW ANOTHER’S BUTTONS IMPLIES AN INTIMACY, SHARING OF LIFE, OR AT LEAST STUDIOUS AWARENESS OF ANOTHER.

Letters to the editor are welcome and should in- clude the author’s full name and parish. Submis- n any case, we are living in an age of buttons. Some from the Church, and with time (that often brings bet- sions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of these buttons are fun, and others are scary. An ter awareness, if not wisdom), we can follow the wires of of clarity and space. All submissions e-mailed and “easy button” magically gets our work done, while our buttons to the source. Once it is discovered, we can provided as a Microsoft Word text or editable PDF. Please do not embed artwork into the word docu- a red button detonates an atomic bomb ending reinterpret or resolve the issues that get in the way of our ments. All art work must be high resolution: at least I 300dpi. civilization as we know it. e buttons that Bishop contentment. THOMAS speaks of, however, are those that activate all After all, Christ took on  esh, shared our hurts, died, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 of the unhealed hurts and losses of my life. He has seen and is RISEN FROM THE DEAD! at has every- Foreign Countries, $26.00 me overreact to situations, losing my patience and re- thing to do with healing my hurts and pains. To quote Single Copies, $3.00 sponding poorly. With a little work, I have been able to the Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “I get The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Antiochian Ortho- identify and detach from some of the events that left me by with a little help from my friends.” Friends who love dox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 vulnerable. God and love me can give me perspective and remind Mountain Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at All of us have had experiences that were over- me of God’s healing ability in my life. Friends can help additional mailing offi ces. whelming, and each of us has found ways to cope, in- me be more reasonable with myself and accept God’s Postmaster send address changes to The WORD, stead of burying, avoiding, isolating or disguising the forgiveness and new starts. 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 memories of these events. Sometimes these coping Many of our buttons are wired to issues that keep re- ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. mechanisms work for a while, sometimes that are not surfacing. When an event parallels an early hurt in life, Canada Post Publication Agreement No. 40043404 appropriate, and sometimes they cause us more pain or disappointment, the feelings activated by the current Return Canada address to American International Mail, STN A – BOX 697, than the original event that they were developed to cope challenge get in the way of us using our adult skills. We

Photo credit: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Archives St. Vladimir’s Photo credit: Windsor ON N9A 6N4, Canada with. ere is good news. Equipped with a little help seem to regress to the stage of life we were in when an

2 JanuaryMay 2017 2016 e Word 3 EDITORIAL

earlier, signi cant event occurred. When I catch myself slipping, I stroke my beard and bring myself back to the present. Most of my early life experiences were from my beard- REMEMBERING SOME OF OUR less days. If you are beardless, perhaps you can  nd a similar trick to remind you that you are bigger and wiser than your challenge leaves you feeling, and can bring yourself back to ANTIOCHIAN BISHOPS IN AMERICA the present to use your grown-up skills. Talking out the experience with a friend willing to share some time and witness to Christ’s presence is therapeutic. Christ cares and loves. Fr. Thomas Zain The Most Reverend With a Christian friend we are able to  nd ways of accepting God’s will and His desire to Metropolitan JOSEPH give us new beginnings. The Right Reverend SOPHRONIOS (BESHARA) OF LOS ANGELES In April 1933, Archbishop AFTIMIOS married, Bishop ANTOUN Memory is not a static record of past events. Our memories are preserved because they throwing his ecclesiastical status into confusion, as The Right Reverend are attached to our world-view and perspective. Our feelings about these memories age Orthodox Bishop of Los Angeles of the American Orthodox Bishop BASIL with us, so an adult often holds the memories of childhood events to adult standards and Catholic Church from 1928 to 1934 well as the status of the American Orthodox Catholic The Right Reverend understandings. is is of course unreasonable. A child cannot be held to adult standards. Church. is was facilitated by the USSR NKVD inter- Bishop THOMAS Sophronios Beshara, or Bishara, was born in Syria in Sharing with a Christian friend can help us challenge our distorted interpretations or un- national section, under the auspices of Operation Tryst. The Right Reverend 1888. He emigrated to the United States of America on fair thoughts and set us free. Di cult things happen to all of us, and we all take turns mak- Stalin saw the potential unity of Bishops JOSEPH Zuk, Bishop ALEXANDER November 26, 1914, through Ellis Island, after traveling ing mistakes common to humanity. As the popular song title by J.R. Bailey, Rudy Clark SOPHRONIOS, and AFTIMIOS as very dan ger ous The Right Reverend from Broumana, in Turkish Lebanon, through Piraeus, Bishop JOHN and Ken Williams puts it, Everybody Plays the Fool; we are reminded that anything can hap- to his regime. In very short order he had Bishop Zuk Greece. After his arrival in the New World, Sophronios The Right Reverend pen to anybody, and we all take our turn making mistakes, or playing the fool. is inter- murdered and Bishop SOPHRONIOS seriously com- Bishop ANTHONY associated himself with the Syrian Orthodox mission of pretation helps us to see these memories as data without consequence, instead of shame-in- promised. On October 4, 1933, Bishop SOPHRONI- The Right Reverend the Metropolia of the Russian Orthodox Church. ducing episodes that shape our lives. It is Christ who chooses to forgive, and His judgment OS deposed Archbishop AFTIMIOS and assumed the Bishop NICHOLAS In 1917, Sophronios was ordained a priest of the is the one that counts most. Christ allows us to detach from our passions, our fears and our position of Archbishop of the Syrian Orthodox mission Founded in Arabic as Syrian mission by Bishop AFTIMIOS (O esh), who Al Kalimat in 1905 haunting memories. Christ gives us new life, reducing memories to data. of the Russian North American diocese of the Rus- by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) earlier had been consecrated an Auxiliary Bishop by Let us make this Pascha a real pass-over from the bondage of our “buttons” to freedom sian Orthodox Church. He Founded in English as Archbishop EVDOKIM The WORD in 1957 in Christ. Let us develop the Christian relationships with clergy and godly members of our also named himself Archbish- by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) (Meschersky), succeeding to Church to support us in our life-journeys, and let us experience the joy of Christ’s empty op of the Holy Eastern Or- Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. Bishop JOHN, D.Min. the position of St. RAPHAEL tomb,  lled with light and hope. thodox Catholic and Apostol- Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. of Brooklyn. After his ordi- ic Church in North America. Bishop JOHN Design Director Donna Griffi n Albert nation Fr. Sophronios was as- On November 2, 1933, Bish- Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. signed, in 1918, to St. George’s Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. op SOPHRONIOS deposed The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. Church in Los Angeles. Bishop IGNATIUS (Nich- Ronald Nicola On May 26, 1928, Archi- Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. ols), who also had married. mandrite Sophronios was con- Member During the follow- The Associated Church Press Food for secrated Bishop of Los Angeles ing year Bishop SOPH- Ancient Faith Publishing by Archbishop AFTIMIOS, as- Ecumenical News International Hungry RONIOS took part in a Orthodox Press Service People sisted by Metropolitan ELIAS number of consecrations Editorial Offi ce: of Tyre and Sidon of the Syrian of bishops, assisting such The WORD Program Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch 2 Lydia’s Path “A Gift from hierarchs as BENJAMIN Westborough, MA 01581-1841 and All the East, and Bishop EM- (Fedchenkov) of the Rus- e-mail: [email protected] the Heart” MANUEL (Abo-Hatab, or Riz- sian Exarchate of North Subscription Offi ce: kallah Abouhatab) of the Syrian 358 Mountain Road Celebrate America, and Metropoli- PO Box 5238 Orthodox mission of the Russian tan THEOPHAN (Noli) Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 by Giving North American Diocese. of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. In On September 25, 1932, Bishop SOPHRONIOS September 1934, Bishop SOPHRONIOS retired from Here is an additional and special way to give to Given by______assisted Archbishop AFTIMIOS during the consecra- church activities because of health problems. He died on the poor and hungry, and your friends at the same tion of Fr. Joseph Zuk as Bishop of New York of the time, throughout the year. In Honor of ______October 8, 1940, and was buried in the Arabic section of You can give your gifts to the hungry in honor Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America. On Septem- the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. In of a loved one on any occasion, such as a birthday, Send card to ______ber 27, 1932, Bishop SOPHRONIOS, with Bishop baptism, anniversary, thank-you, or retirement. “A July 1989, the remains of Bishop SOPHRONIOS were Gift from the Heart” is also a thoughtful memorial. ______JOSEPH Zuk, assisted Archbishop AFTIMIOS in the Please include this coupon along with your do- transferred, along those of St. RAPHAEL (Hawaweeny), nation. We will send a personalized icon card to the ______consecration of William Albert Nichols as his Auxilia- Bishop EMMANUEL (Abo-Hatab), and other clergy- person you designate to inform them of the gift you ry Bishop of Washington, under the ecclesiastical name gave in their honor. Gift Amount $______(Please check one) men to the Antiochean Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania Send coupon and check to IGNATIUS. for reburial. “Food For Hungry People” K Baptism K Anniversary c/o Robin Lynn Nicholas K Christmas K ank you 4237 Dundee Drive K Retirement K Memorial Los Angeles, CA 90027 K Birthday K Other 4 May 2017 e Word 5 Remembering Our Bishops

GERMANOS (SHEHADI) OF ZAHLE In 1919, Metropolitan GERMANOS also sup- by Metropolitan PLATON (Ro- Aftimios “resigned his ported the establishment of the Ukrainian Orthodox zhdestvensky) of New York to the episcopacy and mar- Metropolitan GERMANOS (Shehadi) of Zahle and Church of Canada by acting as their temporary Bishop rank of Archbishop. ried.” Baalbek was a hierarch of the Church of Antioch who at the UOCC Sobor of November 27, 1919. In 1924, in the canonical cha- tried to become the successor to Bishop RAPHAEL One of the groups Metropolitan GERMANOS  nally returned to his os of American Orthodoxy fol- of Brooklyn as leader of the Syro-Antiochian parishes which now traces itself own diocese in what was then Syria, in 1933. lowing the onset of the Bolshevik in North America after the saint’s death. Metropolitan to Aftimios characterizes On April 7, 1934, Metropolitan GERMANOS She- Revolution in Russia, the Arab GERMANOS was a diocesan bishop in the Lebanon the situation di erently: hadi died in Beirut. Orthodox faithful split into two area of Syria in the second decade of the Twentieth Cen- “We are not under and factions. One wished to go un- do not have a patriarch as tury, who, before Bishop RAPHAEL died in 1915, came VICTOR (ABO-ASSALEY) OF NEW YORK der the canonical authority of to the United States of America to raise funds for an head of this Church since the Church of Antioch. e agricultural school in his own diocese of Zahle. Today, His Eminence the Most Reverend Metropolitan the ethnic patriarchal or- other wanted to stay faithful to Zahle is a mostly Christian area in Lebanon with a pri- VICTOR (Abo-Assaley) of New York was the  rst Pri- thodox bodies all turned the Church of Russia. e for- marily agricultural economy. mate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdio- their backs on this Church mer group was organized by After St. RAPHAEL’s death, Metropolitan GER- cese of New York. He was consecrated on September and use the marriage of Bishop VICTOR (Abu As- MANOS remained in America and campaigned to be- 11, 1924, by the Patriarch of Antioch and assigned to Archbishop Aftimios as the saly) of New York, thus be- come his successor as leader of the Syro-Antiochian par- organize the Syrian parishes in North America into a reason, although most had ginning the o cial presence ishes in America, claiming to be the representative of the common diocese, following the disorder created by the already refused to recognize of the Church of Antioch Patriarch of Antioch. ose who wanted breakdown of the Russian North American diocese. He this Church and its author- on American soil. In 1927, to be under the jurisdiction began his e orts in the United States almost immedi- ity in the New World.” e Bishop AFTIMIOS was of the Church of Antioch ately. His e orts, however, were met with limited success biography by O esh’s widow, commissioned by the Rus- formed parishes under Met- among the Syrian parishes led by Bishop AFTIMIOS Mariam, claims that Aftimios sian diocese in America to form an English-speak- ropolitan GERMANOS, (O esh) within the Russian North American diocese. fully intended to function as a ing “American Orthodox Catholic Church,” which, de- and he eventually formed e majority of parishes remained loyal to Bishop AFIT- married bishop, having that intent even before he met spite his leadership and vision, only lasted for six years. his own rogue diocese in MIOS. Bishop VICTOR died on April 19, 1934. After Mariam. During this time, however, AFTIMIOS consecrated 1916. is group be- his death the parishes loyal to him were administered by Whatever the case, relations between the small juris- three bishops for his new jurisdiction: SOPHRONIOS came the basis of the Archimandrite Anthony Bashir, who had come to the diction created by Aftimios and the mainstream Ortho- (Beshara) of Los Angeles, JOSEPH (Zuk) for the Ukrai- later split in the Syro- United States independently in 1922 as “a missionary to dox Church were not regularized following his marriage nians, and IGNATIUS (William Albert) Nichols in Sep- Antiochian mission. the unchurched Syrians of America.” and de facto deposition from the episcopacy. Since that tember of 1932 as his Auxiliary Bishop of Washington. Metropolitan GER- time, numerous and still multiplying lines of succession AFTIMIOS (OFIESH) Additionally, in 1931 the Society of Clerks Secular of St. MANOS remained of episcopi vagantes continue to persist which all trace Basil, a Western Rite group, was established under the in America despite Aftimios O esh was born in 1880 and named Abdul- their roots to Aftimios (mainly through Ignatius Nich- auspices of this diocese and subsequently led by Nichols. many orders from lah Aftimios O esh, but his name was spelled variously ols), many of whom regard him as a saint. Some of those In 1932, Archbishop AFTIMIOS was invited to the Antiochian as “Oftimios,” “Ofeish,” or “O esch.” He was an early bishops are married men, as well, which is a continu- come to St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church in Wilkes- Synod in Da- twentieth-century Orthodox bishop in America, serving al stumbling block to their unity with the mainstream Barre, Pennsylvania, to arbitrate a dispute regarding the mascus calling as the immediate successor to St. RAPHAEL of Brook- Church, which has for centuries maintained a celibate transfer of its priest, Fr. Constantine Abou-Adal. When on him to re- lyn under the auspices of the Church of Russia. He held episcopacy. Bishop of Brooklyn Fr. Constantine left St. Mary’s in November of 1932, turn to shep- the title from 1917 until April of Following his death in 1966 at age 85, Aftimios was the parish was without a pastor, and so Archbishop AF- herd his own 1933, when he married, thus deposing himself from the buried in Maple Hill Cemetery across from St. Mary’s TIMIOS served in that capacity until February of 1933, Diocese of episcopacy. He is perhaps best known in our day as the Orthodox Cemetery in Wilkes-Barre. His widow, Mari- episcopi vagan- organizing a choir and Sunday School at the parish. Zahle. source of numerous lines of succession of am, subsequently wrote his biography, published in 1999. During this time, he met and became involved with one Much of GERMANOS’ tes. He led the American Orthodox Catholic Church for of St. Mary’s parishioners, Mariam Namey. He subse- success amongst the Syro-Antiochians was most of its existence and died in 1966. EMMANUEL (ABO-HATAB) OF BROOKLYN quently married her in a civil ceremony in April of 1933. based not only on his  ne singing voice and great cha- Following the untimely death of St. RAPHAEL of Reports vary at this point as to what happened re- His Grace the Right Reverend EMMANUEL (Abo- risma, but also on the fact that he was well-known and Brooklyn in 1915, Archimandrite Aftimios was elected garding Aftimios’ episcopacy. According to the parish re- Hatab) of Brooklyn was a bishop of the American Or- related to many clergy and parishioners from the Zahle to serve as his replacement in caring for the Arab Or- cords of St. Mary’s, he “was retired” and lived in nearby thodox Catholic Church for Montreal from 1927 to region. As a result, many of the parishes that followed thodox faithful in America under the Church of Rus- Kingston until his death in 1966. With the withdrawal 1931, and of the Russian Metropolia for Brooklyn from GERMANOS eventually became part of the Antiochi- sia‘s canonical authority. He was consecrated by Arch- of support for the American Orthodox Catholic Church, 1931 to his repose in 1933. Prior to his episcopal conse- an Archdiocese of Toledo, Ohio, under Metropolitan bishop EVDOKIM (Meschersky) as Auxiliary Bishop it lost its canonical status. According to the book Ortho- cration, he served as the Archdeacon of St. RAPHAEL SAMUEL David, who also was from Zahle. in 1917 with the title of Bishop of Brooklyn. In 1923, in recognition for his work in America, he was elevated dox Christians in North America (1794–1994), however, of Brooklyn.

6 May 2017 e Word 7 Remembering Our Bishops

In 1921, during this chaotic On April 19, 1936, Archimandrite Antony (Bashir) ledo Archdiocese came into being during the formative He was born Rizkal- period, Samuel (David) arrived was consecrated Archbishop under the jurisdiction of the period of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdio- lah Abouhatab in 1890 in in the United States, apparent- Patriarch of Antioch by Metropolitan THEODOSIUS cese of North America, as the former gained its indepen- Damask. He served as Arch- ly as an archimandrite. By the and Archbishop VITALY of New Jersey (ROCOR). At dence from the Russian Orthodox Mission (Metropolia) deacon to St. RAPHAEL of mid 1930s, new episcopal lead- the same time, Samuel (David) was consecrated in St. during the 1930s. Metropolitan MICHAEL became the Brooklyn during the  rst ership was needed for the Syrian George’s Syrian Orthodox Church in Toledo by Arch- Auxiliary Archbishop of the uni ed Antiochian Ortho- decades of the Twentieth Orthodox. Under the guidance bishop ADAM and bishops LEONTY and ARSENY of dox Christian Archdiocese of North America in 1975. Century, and was subse- of Metropolitan THEODOSIUS the Russian Metropolia. Fr. Michael Shaheen was consecrated Bishop of the quently ordained a priest. of Tyre and Sidon (later Patriarch While the consecration of Arch- Church of Antioch on February 11, On September 11, 1927, of Antioch THEODOSIUS VI), bishop SAMUEL by the bishops of 1962, in Damascus, Fr. Emmanuel was con- three archimandrites were put for- the Metropolia may have been an at- Syria, to lead the To- secrated Bishop of Mon- ward as candidates for Archbishop tempt to re-store communion with ledo group. On June treal by Archbishop AF- and leadership of the Syrian Or- Syrian parishes under the jurisdic- 24, 1975, Metropoli- TIMIOS (O esh) and thodox in North America: Samuel tion of the Metropolia, it instead tan Michael signed the Bishops THEOPHI- (David), Hagapios (Golam), and formed a rival Antiochian jurisdic- Articles of Reuni ca- LUS (Pashkovsky) and Antony (Bashir). In an election con- tion to the Antiochian Archdio- tion with Metropolitan ARSENY (Chagovtsov) ducted on November 10, 1935, Ant- cese of Archbishop ANTONY in PHILIP of New York, as Vicar to Archbishop ony received the majority vote, with New York. In 1938, Archbishop forming a united Antio- AFTIMIOS to admin- Samuel second. Samuel would be SAMUEL was excommunicat- chian Orthodox Chris- ister the Syrian parish- Bishop Antony’s  rst Auxiliary. ed by the Church of Antioch tian Archdiocese of North es in Canada under the On January 23, 1936, the Holy for causing disorder, but he America. With the rati ca- American Orthodox Catholic Church. Synod of the Church of Antioch rati ed was received back into com- tion of the Articles by the In 1930, Bishop EMMANUEL broke with Aftimios the election and declared Archimandrite ANTONY their munion in 1941 by the An- Holy Synod of the Church and rejoined the Russian Metropolia, taking Aftimios’s unanimous choice for Archbishop of New York. Indecision tiochian Patriarchate. e of Antioch on August 19, previous episcopal see of Brooklyn at the appointment regarding the consecration of Archimandrite Samuel as an Patriarchate also declared 1975, Archbishop MICHAEL of Metropolitan PLATON (Rozhdestvensky) of New Auxiliary by Metropolitan eodosius reignited the divi- him to be Archbishop of was recognized as Auxiliary- York. In addition to his e orts organizing the church- sions in the Syrian community, however. e two Syrian the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Archbishop with Metropoli- es of the Syrian mission, Bishop EMMANUEL was the Orthodox groups proceeded to follow independent cours- of Toledo and Dependencies. is created a situation tan PHILIP as Metropolitan- editor of the mission publication Al Kalimat (now e es of action that resulted in formally establishing in which the Antiochian Synod played the two factions Primate. Word magazine). Bishop EMMANUEL reposed on May two Syrian jurisdictions. against each other. Archbishop Michael reposed on October 24, 1992.

29, 1933, and the remaining Syrian parishes under the e group led by Archbishop SAMUEL, which con- Fr. Thomas Zain Russians were released to the Church of Antioch. sisted mainly of clergy and parishioners from the Zahle Vicar General of the Archdiocese His body was later moved to the Antiochian Village region of Lebanon, became more ethnically and region- in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where he is buried in the ally de ned, and remained a small and insular group. same grave as St. RAPHAEL of Brooklyn. e Archdiocese of New York under Archbishop ANT- ONY, on the other hand, grew, and began to introduce SAMUEL (DAVID) OF TOLEDO the use of English into church services, and to expand APPLY FOR THE CHRISTOPHER ELIAS His Eminence the Most Reverend Metropolitan its horizons. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP SAMUEL (David) of Toledo was a bishop of a dio- Metropolitan Samuel reposed on August 12, 1958. cese of Syrian Orthodox parishes titled the Antiochi- In 1975, the Toledo group, now under the leadership of You are invited to apply for the Christopher Elias Memorial Scholarship. an Orthodox Archdiocese of Toledo and Dependencies Metropolitan MICHAEL (Shaheen) of Toledo,  nally To qualify for consideration, you must from the mid-1930s to the late 1950s, a period of eccle- merged with the New York Archdiocese under the lead- • be a graduating high-school senior; siastical chaos within the Orthodox Church in North ership of Metropolitan PHILIP (Saliba) of New York • be a member of a parish belonging to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian America. After the  nancial collapse of the mission of as the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of Archdiocese of North America; • have been accepted by an institution of higher learning; and the Russian Orthodox Church following the Bolshevik North America. • be entering as a freshman in the fall of 2017. revolution in Russia, the Syrian parishes that had been MICHAEL (SHAHEEN) OF TOLEDO For an electronic application, please e-mail [email protected]. organized under Bishop RAPHAEL splintered, with His Eminence Archbishop MICHAEL (Shaheen) of The completed application is due by June 15, 2017. Awards will be made at the some parishes continuing to look for leadership under 53rd Antiochian Archdiocesan Convention in Miami, Florida, July 23-30, 2017. the Russian mission, while others looked for leadership Toledo was the ruling bishop of the Antiochian Arch- under the Patriarch of Antioch. diocese of Toledo, Ohio, from 1962 until 1975. e To-

8 May 2017 e Word 9 After God there is not only no unifying com- Catholic, before and after Vatican II, may not be every- FROM “THESE STONES” mon sense of morality, but no common sense of one’s pilgrimage, his references should resonate with Department of Mission and Evangelism Department hu man ity or of why we should be moral, whatever the faithful believer: that means … Not only is God dead, but man Christendom has fallen. What it built has is dead as a foundation for the humanities or for been broken. It is more than in ruins. Stone no a common moral vision. e implications of not longer lies upon stone. A new orthodoxy has been Being Faithful in the Age after God recognizing God and a God’s-eye-perspective are established, and it is secular. We have entered an radical. Everything is changed. Human rights are age resolutely set “after God.” e contemporary without foundations. ere is no basis for secular dominant culture of the West is committed to act- AN ATTEMPT TO ANSWER A CHILD’S QUESTION DURING AN “ASK ABOUNA” PERIOD AT CHURCH claims about human dignity (p. 17). ing as if God did not exist (p. 27). CAMP WENT LIKE THIS: e faith in moral philosophy that ABOUNA (FATHER): THIS IS PROBABLY BEYOND MY PAY GRADE AND BEYOND YOUR AGE, BUT WE’RE BOUND BY SOME THINGS CALLED SPACE AND TIME; SPACE AND TIME ARE CREATIONS. SO WHEN YOU ASK A QUESTION, “WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE …?” THIS IS A TIME-QUESTION; TIME IS PART OF CREATION. WE’RE BOUND BY SPACE AND TIME; WE’RE BOUND BY WHAT WE KNOW. WE REALLY CAN’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE SPACE AND TIME. CHILD: YEAH, HE’S A PRIEST, NOT A SCIENTIST!

Alas, I am not a medical doctor either, much less fashions my view of it and my application of the text. a bioethicist; I am an unworthy priest. Although this In seminary, we were taught, “Where you begin de- priest’s eyes consumed After God - Morality and Bioethics termines where you will end.” In much the same vein, in a Secular Age,1 by Dr. H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr, it is Engelhardt throughout hearkens to “foundations” and a with priest’s ears that confessions and cries of the faithful “God’s-eye perspective.” Without these – in beginning – are heard. Reading such a work may serve as scholarly we end up lost. After God begins with the clear assertion: exercise; putting it to parochial use is a di erent task. “We are after God” (p. 11). e “Introduction” outlines, With the blessing of the author, St. Joseph, Houston, chapter by chapter, the subjects of the talks presented in studied the manuscript of After God in our weekly adult this volume. e background arguments of philosophers Without God as the point of reference – Whose lies at the roots for Roman Christian Education class. ose gathered discussed var- such as Hegel and Kant are beyond us for our present commands form our foundation and to Whom we are Catholicism also lies at the roots of contemporary ious points from the text, which I had previously high- purpose, but Engelhardt states his argument simply: accountable – we have no proper knowledge of what secularism (p. 44). lighted. What I found most interesting was the amount We are confronted with a principled moral and it means to be human. Such knowledge, though im- Western Christian, in particular Roman Cath- of interest in the topic. While comments such as, “I had bioethical chaos. Worse yet, it is now clear that the perfect until the Incarnation of Christ, has been foun- olic, thought embraced the assumption that mor- no idea what they were talking about,” and “Such is be- moral point of view cannot rationally be shown to dational for mankind from the beginning. Engelhardt al-philosophical reasoning without a reliance on yond me,” were heard after class, good attendance was trump concerns of prudence and self-interest. For notes that contemporary society has willingly discard- God could ground morality (p. 77). maintained throughout. example, if one no longer recognizes the existence ed that reference and foundation. e secular culture can only be fully under- Each week I reminded the faithful that the class was of God and of a God’s-eye perspective, and there- Until the 20th Century, there never before had stood through its contrast with, and its repudia- not directed at them, per se; rather, it concerns the cur- fore one is left in an apparently ultimately mean- been a major culture that was resolutely after God, tion of, Christendom and God (p. 71). rent state of our society and culture, and how it is that ingless universe, why rationally ought one always that was articulated without any reference to spir- Such statements found wide agreement among we have arrived at this state. is was to relieve them to support the greatest good for the greatest num- itual powers, without any acknowledgement of those of middle-age in our class. Having witnessed the of the temptation to  ee or to defend their sins, or a ber rather than one’s own good and/or that of one’s the transcendent, which sought to frame its view “sexual revolution,” feminism, the proliferation of con- family member’s, and to remind them that we are all family and associates? Is it irrational to act im- of reality and human  ourishing apart from any traception, drugs, and pornography – not to mention a ected by our surroundings, society, and culture. Af- morally but for high stakes, as did Alexander the transcendent anchor, as if all were in the end ulti- the weak theology of contemporary papists – the older ter all, the Church is a spiritual hospital, and only the Great and Julius Caesar? What particular sense of mately meaningless (p. 62). set have seen the dark dreams of fallen nature become sick are found therein. Members, even the faithful in rationality ought one to endorse and why ought Although After God is not intended to be autobio- day-to-day reality. ose, however, in their twenties my Wednesday night class, may be su ering from sexual it always to govern? Again, once all is placed in a graphical, Engelhardt makes good use of his previous understood in principle, philosophically, having grown sins, abortion, divorce, addictions, children living a per- context after God, everything, including morality, experiences of Italy in comparison to con temporary up surrounded by all of the above. verse lifestyle, loss through suicide, and so forth. Su ce becomes without ultimate meaning (p. 15). it to say that my reading of After God as an active pastor times. While his struggles as a traditional Roman

10 May 2017 e Word 11 Being Faithful

A new fabric of public cultural reality now teaching on homosexuality, fornication, and all manner dominates. e recognition of sin has been erased of sexual perversion. It happened that on the rst night Christ Is Risen! from the public square. Any recognition of God has of the class, as I gave an overview of the topics and class been erased …. Pluralism has always characterized syllabus, a young lady walked in and sat in the back row. . . . But Does It Really Matter? the fallen human condition. I am not claiming that During the discussion, she asked, “How do you plan to there was no great sin. However, without a recogni- present this to millennials? I’m in my twenties and no tion of sin, repentance is now impossible (p. 28). one I know has any problem with these things.” “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” at, dear reader, is the question and task before us. (Matthew 4:17). is is the cry of John the Baptizer and Although After God is a meaty tome, I would recom- the God-Man, Christ. Repentance is key to the whole mend that all priests, especially those who teach and narrative for the struggling Christian. Without repen- hear confessions, study it. After all, a good and rm is is the time of the Church position statements tance, there is no salvation. Yet, without acknowl edging foundation and a God’s-eye perspective – where we be- year when we mark the cen- do very little to engage and the existence of sin, how can we know forgiveness, re- gin – determines where we end. tral event of the Church and inform our teens about who demption, and salvation? e problem of sin is not erad- It should be noted that one question asked while of all humanity: the death we are, what it means to icated by ignorance. However, as Engelhardt makes clear studying After God was: “What then shall we do?” In and bodily Resurrection of be an Orthodox Christian, throughout After God, secularism has invented its own other words, having agreed there is a problem, what is Christ, the Logos. When we and why it really does mat- sins – chief among them is intolerance (which, ironi- the solution? Engelhardt does not provide a succinct an- look around, however, and ter that Christ rose from the cally, will not be tolerated). swer in the nal pages. Rather, the answer for him, and for all who struggle toward salvation, is the Church – the see our families disconnect- dead. If we can’t even pre- Tolerance has become a code word for the cultur- Orthodox Christian Church. It is dicult to hear this ing from the Church, and pare our own children to ally required demoralization of a wide range of sex- answer if one is waiting for the nal punctuation mark, we see our kids going o understand how to maintain ual, reproductive, and end-of-life choices. e new rather than listening to the narrative throughout. into the world and adopt- their Orthodox Christianity secular, demoralized, and deated culture requires ose disinclined to agree with Engelhardt’s solution, ing values and beliefs that in the world, well, why not? that one be adversely judgmental regarding those or even to entertain it, will likely gloss over his remedy y in the face of the Ortho- With the blessing of who are judgmental. e result has been a founda- with suspicion or little notice. In a previous article in dox Tradition, it is easy to his Eminence, Metropoli- tional recasting of the meaning of toleration (p. 137). e Word titled “Blessed Violence,” Fr. John Oliver states: conclude that, to many of tan JOSEPH, Faithtree.org … “Some prophetic utterances are harder to hear than oth- our own families, Christ’s is doing something to ad- [Again,] traditionally one tolerates only that of ers, especially those that require some sacrice from us.” Resurrection doesn’t really dress one of the most criti- which one does not approve (p. 138). matter. cal challenges we are facing It is no longer a matter of our interest, but of … According to demographic data, for many people as a Church: helping our teens understand the who, how, survival: even as whole societies march lockstep to- e recently recast meaning of toleration re- Church is not relevant. Very often, clouded vision has and why of relationships and marriage. Because it is not ward the deviancies that depersonalization brings, quires not just that one forbear from using force blurred what the Church teaches, or reveals each Sunday enough to force our kids to go to church, or tell them as if we’re caught in some monstrous collective psy- against those whom one tolerates, but that one in in the Divine Liturgy. It does not speak, we are told, to what to think and believe, Faithtree is developing a cur- chosis, the Church itself, as the world’s only hope, addition indirectly arm the views that are toler- what “really matters” in people’s lives. People in general riculum that engages kids in thinking and understand- must hold fast to the ancient Christian vision of the ated (p. 138). have become religiously unaliated, and our own fami- ing who we are as Orthodox Christians, and how and absolute, sacred, transcendent, unrepeatable, irre- … lies are drifting away from the Orthodox Church. God why this relates to real life and relationships. Faithtree. placeable, glorious, God-given value of every single e category of sin in general and of sexual sin becoming man and oering Himself on the cross, and org seeks to connect people to their parish community human life.2 in particular is now forbidden by the dominant sec- rising, bodily, after three days: what dierence does that and priest by fostering a conversation with our teens on u lar culture (p. 139). In other words, the Church is the Ark of Salvation: make? Of those of us who say, “YES! It does matter,” can the tough questions they have. We want to help them Christians, members of the Body of Christ, do not to be saved, get in – stay in – the boat. It’s dicult to we say how, or why? Many of us struggle to pass along think through what it means that our identities are pri- get to vote on morality. e will of God on all matters discern the resolution of the storm whilst safe within. this reality of Christ and His Church to our own chil- marily as children of God, and that true intimacy and pertaining to our relationship with our bodies and each It’s as if Noah’s sons, safe within the Ark, asked, “What dren, let alone the broader American culture. real relationships are built on this primary identity. other has been revealed. We must struggle, daily, to prac- shall we do?” and the father answered, “We’re doing it.” It’s easy to worry or fear what is happening in our When we provide our teens with the opportunity tice the precepts of our Faith. We fall, we get up. Fall Fr. Joseph Huneycutt broader culture, as norms concerning marriage and gen- to ask their questions, and provide them with answers Vice-Chairman of the Department of Missions and Evangelism down, back up. Fall again, up again. If we sin, through der shift. Each year, too, as we worry, another batch of grounded in our Orthodox faith, we help them navi- our own seniors in high school go out into a world that gate the challenges of teen life and equip them to go out confession and repentance, we are reconciled through 1. Forthcoming from St Vladimir’s Seminary Press. Dr Engelhardt, Christ to His Church. a tonsured Reader (Herman), is a member of St. George Church, is fully equipped to tell them other stories about what into the world connected to the Church and grounded In 2015 our parish Adult Christian Education class Houston. really matters, about dating, relationships, gender, and in their Orthodox faith. was titled, “Orthodox Sex and Order,” wherein we dis- 2. John Oliver, “Blessed Violence – Caring for a World in Crisis,” in marriage. In many ways, our teens are on the front lines To nd out more about this curriculum, contact mi- e WORD, 60, 8 (October 2016). cussed the challenges of our day considering the Church’s of the culture wars. Preaching, lecturing, and issuing [email protected]

12 May 2017 e Word 13 in My Life in Christ, “ e Church, through the temple ordinary life as well. us you will walk ever higher FIDELITY IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST and Divine service, acts upon the entire man, educates and higher. Say, ‘O Lord, help’ – and begin!”5 him wholly; acts upon his sight, hearing, smelling, feel- e Gospel of Saint Luke provides us with the prop- Bp. THOMAS (Joseph) and Peter Schweitzer ing, taste, imagination, mind, and will, by the splendor er disposition once inside the holy temple of God. If we of the icons and of the whole temple, by the ringing know ourselves to be unworthy of Him, God still hears of bells, by the singing of the choir, by the fragrance of IN MY LAST ARTICLE, I WROTE ABOUT THE NOTION OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH AS THE ARK OF the cry of the publican, in contrast to the false boast of the incense, the kissing of the Gospel, of the cross and the Pharisee. e publican focuses his prayer on his re- SALVATION, WHOSE MISSION CONCERNS THE SALVATION OF ITS MEMBERS. IN SO DOING, I DIS- the holy icons, by the prosphoras, the singing, and sweet lationship to God and begs for mercy. e Pharisee, on 4 MISSED THE NOTION THAT THE CHURCH FUNCTIONS AS A CORPORATION CONCERNED WITH THE sound of the readings of the Scriptures.” the other hand, notices others in the temple and com- ere is no substitute for attendance at church ser- SMOOTH ADMINISTRATION OF AN INSTITUTION. THE CORPORATE MENTALITY HAS NO PLACE IN pares himself to them, thanking God he is not like them, vices for those who seek union with God (theosis). One THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST. cannot substitute “church work,” such as cleaning, pre- paring meals in the trapeza, or serving on committees, for the divine services. While these are necessary and laudable works, they are not a substitute for Church ser- his armation leads to the next issue: What you are not able to think little of a brief stretch of vices. ese other things include recreational activities, does it mean to be a member of the Church? road? ey gave their life for Christ, and you are re- such as playing cards, sharing a drink with friends, or at- At rst glance, one could reasonably assume luctant to make a small journey for Him? e Mar- tending and participating in church bazaars, bake sales, that membership requires a delity to the tyrs’ Commemoration, and you sit in sloth and in- T and fundraisers. It has been my experience as a priest and Church’s teachings and, on the local level, participation dierence! It is but right that you should be present; a bishop that these activities do not benet the spiritual in the life of the parish. Of course, this is true and a to see the devil overcome, the Martyrs triumphant, life, but increase the opportunities for idle talk, gossip, necessary rst step, but it doesn’t capture entirely what God gloried, and the Church crowned with honor. and petty quarrels. ere is a spiritually qualitative dif- membership in the Orthodox Church implies. Just as a But, you will say to me, I am a sinner. I cannot ference between being at church and being in church. child who is initiated into the Church through the mys- come. en if you are a sinner, come, that you may Once one makes the decision to forgo these activi- teries of Baptism, chrismation, and Holy Eucharist must cease to be one! Tell me, who is there among men ties and enter into the life of the Church, another set of continue to be nourished throughout life by the regu- without sin? Do you not know that even those close obstacles will be present. As Saint eophan the Recluse lar and consistent participation in the Mysteries and the to the altar are wrapped in sins? For they are clothed writes, services of the Church, adult members can’t claim del- with esh, enfolded in a body: as we also who are ity to Christ and His Church without the same. sitting and teaching upon this throne are entangled Everyone knows that a church calls for rever- Since delity to the Church and its teachings is a in sin. But not because of this do we despair of the ence, for a collecting of thoughts, for deep think- determinative factor for all those who claim the mantle kindness of God; and neither do we look on Him as ing about God, and for standing in the presence of of Orthodoxy, it is imperative to examine, in concrete inhuman. And for this reason has the Lord disposed God, but who fullls this? People go to church with terms, how delity is manifested in the daily life of an that those who serve the altar shall also be subject to a desire to pray, to stand in it for a while with warm Orthodox Christian. Since holy Orthodoxy is not a re- these aictions: so that from what they too suer fervor; but then thoughts begin to wander, and bar- ligion among many, but a way of life in the One, Holy, they may learn to have a fellow feeling for others.1 gaining begins in one’s head even louder than that which the Lord found in the Jerusalem temple. Catholic, and Apostolic faith, uniting oneself to the life Saint Macarius of Optina writes, “Concerning prayer Why is this so? of the Church through regular and frequent attendance in church, know that it is higher than prayers at home, Because the way one stands in church is a reec - at church services is a necessary requirement of delity. for it is raised by a whole group of people, among which tion of one’s entire life. As people live, so do they is cannot be emphasized enough! One need only look many are most pure prayers, oering to God from hum- be have in church. A church inuences and some- at the words and witness of our holy fathers to realize ble hearts, which He accepts as fragrant incense. Along what supports spiritual movements; but then the but superior in every aspect. e Lord Jesus instructs His this is true. Saint John Chrysostom emphatically notes: with these our prayers are also accepted, even though usual course of one’s spiritual constitution takes disciples that the Publican went away justied and re- Very few have come here today. Whatever is the they are feeble and worthless.”2 over. ceived mercy. reason? We celebrated the Feast of the Martyrs, and When Elder Barsanuphius was asked if there are clear erefore if you want your time in church to As we enter our temples, we too are often confronted nobody comes? e length of the road makes them signs of whether a soul is drawing closer to God, he re- consist of worthily standing in the face of the Lord, with the temptations and distractions of others around reluctant; or rather it is not the length of the road ferred to the words of Saint John Climacus, who wrote, prepare for this in your ordinary life; walk, as much us. e most eective tool we possess to combat these that prevents them from coming, but their own “A sure sign of the deadening of the soul is the avoid- as you can, in a prayerful frame of mind. temptations is to cry out with the publican, “Lord have laziness. For just as nothing stops an earnest man, ance of church services.”3 Saint John of Kronstadt, who is labor will bring you to the point that in mercy upon me, a sinner.” one whose soul is upright and awake, so anything served the Divine Liturgy every day of his priestly life, church also you will stand reverently all the time. ere are practical tips to help you recollect yourself at all will stand in the way of the half-hearted and in spite of a very heavy pastoral schedule, is perhaps the is reverence will inspire you to be reverent in your properly once you have entered the temple for divine the lazy. most contemporary witness to the importance of im- e Martyrs gave their blood for the truth, and mersion in the spiritual life of the Church. He wrote

14 May 2017 e Word 15 Fidelity in the Life of Christ

services. First, prepare at home for the service through violence. You will not be able to work out your salva- the recitation of your prayer rule. If the service is a Di- tion without forcing yourself.” is is particularly true IOCC HELPING TO MEET THE MANY vine Liturgy, pray the pre-communion prayers which regarding frequent attendance at church services. can be found in good Orthodox prayer books or online. e holy fathers often remark that the life of heaven NEEDS OF SYRIAN CHILDREN Secondly, carry your prayer rope with you to church. and hell begins right here on earth. A true sign that we are After you’ve venerated the holy icons and found your on the heavenly path is our regular and frequent partici- pation in the holy services of the After six years of conict, International Orthodox Chris- dren, IOCC and its partners began establishing Dream Cen- There is no substitute for attendance at church services for those Church. Gradually, our lives are tian Charities (IOCC) is urging everyone to continue to sup- ters, child-friendly environments for Syrian children, includ- transformed. We no longer mark port programs for Syrian children and adolescents, who face ing those with disabilities, who are homeless, orphaned and who seek union with God (theosis). One cannot substitute “church the passing of days and weeks by food insecurity, lack access to education, and bear deep psy- displaced. Four centers, including one serving Aleppo, have work,” such as cleaning, preparing meals in the trapeza, or serving secular standards, but rather enter chological scars. Children displaced by the conict in Syria been established to date, to provide psychosocial support, on committees, for the divine services. into the mysteries presented to us as well as those who are now refugees outside the country and to oer instruction in personal care and hygiene, prob- in the Church’s rich liturgical cal- need help to address all aspects of their health and wellbeing. lem-solving and non-violent communication. is instruc- endar. Even the routine of our dai- e situation of more than 5.6 million children inside tion is also meant to help children express their feelings, and place in the temple, pray the Jesus Prayer continuously. ly lives can be transformed by the pious observance of Syria, where IOCC has maintained an active presence since to respond and I know some pious Orthodox faithful who will stand saints’ days, the fasts, and the Great Feasts of Our Lord 2012 in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate adapt to chal- in the front of the temple in order to avoid visual dis- and Savior Jesus Christ and the Most Holy eotokos. of Antioch’s Department of Ecumenical Relations and De- lenging social sit- tractions. Others may keep their eyes xed on the ico- Such pious observances keep our routines and problems velopment (GOPA-DERD), remains the most desperate. uations. Partici- nostasis or simply shut their eyes as they pray. Whatever in proper perspective. Suering, illness, and diculties “ e real danger for Syrian children and their fami lies,” pating children method you choose, know that you will be confronted take on a new meaning for us when we are fully engaged explained Mark Ohanian, IOCC Senior Director of Middle and their parents with temptations once you enter the church. in body and spirit in the life of the Church. is is pre- East Programs, “is not just the immediate need for humani- learn through Being prepared is being forearmed. is is spiritual cisely how the holy fathers were able to respond to illness tarian aid to sustain them physically, but the long-term ef- theater, sports, warfare, make no mistake about it. However, you are not and misfortune by exclaiming sincerely and full of joy, fects on their wellbeing of the trauma they have experienced games, art and alone; the Lord Who sees and knows all things, will see “Glory to God for all things.” is is why Saint James is and disruptions to their lives.” other interac- your ascetical eorts and reward you with abundant spir- able to write in his epistle, “My brethren, count it all joy Majida, a 26-year-old refugee from Homs living in Leb- tive activities that itual fruit over time. All too often, sincere people will tell when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). anon’s Bekaa Valley, was unable to breastfeed her infant son take place over the course of three months. e program is me they’ve given up because they can’t seem to overcome Nader because of renal disease. He is just one of more than supervised by a psychiatrist who follows up with those chil- the distractions and the many thoughts 1. Taken from http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/respect.aspx; Patro- 1,000 Syrian refugee children in the Bekaa Valley who have dren requiring additional support. logia Graeca 63, Cols. 623–32, and from e Sunday Sermons of that enter their mind once they enter the Great Fathers, trans. and ed. by M. F. Toal (Swedesboro, N.J.: been screened by IOCC sta. Ten percent of the children School-aged children face increasing obstacles to educa- the church. In response to such com- Preservation Press, 1996), pp. 137–145. screened were found to be at risk of malnutrition, either be- tion. e UN estimates that one in four Syrian schools has plaints, Saint Paisios once remarked, 2. Elder Macarius, Living Without Hypocrisy: Spiritual Counsels of the cause of underlying medical conditions, or lack of support been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, and more than half “Thoughts are like “ oughts are like airplanes ying in Holy Elders of Optina, trans. by Archimandrite George Schaefer (Jordanville, N.Y.: Holy Trinity Monastery, 2005). for nursing mothers. In addition to providing breast-feeding of all Syrian children are out of school. In Lebanon, which airplanes flying in the the air. If you ignore them, there is no 3. http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/elderbars_talks1.aspx; from St. assistance, children found to be at risk are provided with hosts more Syrian refugees than any other country, eight air. If you ignore them, problem. If you pay attention to them, Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, Elder Barsanuphius of Opti- protein-rich, high-calorie supplements to promote their out of every ten Syrian refugee children are not enrolled in you create an airport inside your head na, (Platina, Cal.: St. Herman Press), pp. 439–450, 2000. 4. Saint John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ (Verlag: Jordanville, healthy development. school. there is no problem. If 6 and permit them to land!” e key is Archimandrite Panteleimon, Erscheinungsdatum: 1971), p. 401. rough screening and simple interventions, the prog- In Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Greece, IOCC is provid- you pay attention to to return to the Jesus Prayer as soon 5. St. eophan the Recluse, oughts for Each Day of the Year (St. nosis for Nader has improved and his wellbeing has also ben- ing remedial classes in English, math, and other subjects, as you notice your mind wandering, Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, Platina, California). etted his family. “A mother’s milk is the best nutrition for to keep children engaged and to minimize gaps in learning. them, you create an 6. Priestmonk Christodoulos (Aggeloglou), Elder Paisios of asking the good and merciful Lord Je- the Holy Mountain (Mount Athos, Greece, 1998), p. 31. the baby as it provides immunity, while the bottle might us they are able to return to formal education. School airport inside your sus for mercy. pick up germs and make the baby ill. Nader is in better uniforms, required in many countries, are also being pro- head and permit them In the Gospel, the Lord reminded health with breastfeeding, and we are able to cut down our vided to children. Inside Syria, IOCC has employed Syrian to land!”6 His disciples, “ e kingdom of heaven expenses and spend money on other priorities in our di- women displaced by the conict to make school uniforms. suers violence, and the violent take it cult living conditions,” Majida said. e cash-for-work program provides children with the uni- by force.” In commenting on this Gos- Even for otherwise healthy Syrian children, the war is forms required for school and much-needed income for the pel passage Saint John of Kronstadt taking its toll. ree million Syrian children born since the women and their families, who are often dependent on aid notes, “If you only pray when you are beginning of the conict have experienced prolonged fear to survive. In rural Damascus and elsewhere in Syria, chil- inclined to, you will completely cease praying; this is from bombings and violence, the loss of family members dren and their teachers show remarkable resilience. During what the esh desires. e Kingdom of heaven suers and friends, and anxiety caused by repeated dislocation and cold winter months, many children went to school wrapped uncertainty. in coats and scarves without electricity or heat so that they In an eort to address the trauma suered by Syrian chil- would not fall behind.

16 May 2017 e Word 17 its very musical movement .... One ought not to drag out accompanying liturgical music. One of the  rst historical ac- 1. James McKinnon, Mu- the singing while another cuts it short, and one ought not counts of an organ in England is of that in Winchester Ca- sic in Early Christian THE MUSIC OF THE CHURCH: Literature (New York: 5 to sing too low while another raises his voice.” e bardic thedral in 950, which was a complaint by a monk that the Cambridge University tradition of dramatic story-telling in the British Isles must organ was way too loud, a complaint we still hear today!10 Press), p. 53. A WESTERN RITE PERSPECTIVE have had a lingering e ect on clergy and singers, which ex- ose were the main developments in Western church 2. See Eusebius, e Rebecca S. Alford History of the Church, plains the canon of a local Synod called at Cloveshoe by music during this thousand-year period – the period upon 17:14 (New York: Archbishop Cuthbert of Canterbury in 747: priests are told which our Orthodox Western Rite is founded. It is the litur- Dorset Press), p. 93. ( is article is part hen a priest stands at the altar to o er the out of the Temple and synagogue of Judaism, the Psalms not to imitate “secular poets” when they sing, but to keep gies, the music, the cycle of feasts, the ceremonies and rituals 3. Book IX: 7 (Middle- of a talk given to clergy gifts, when he proclaims the Gospel, when continued to be the mainstay in worship. We know that, sex: Penguin Books), to the “plain and holy melody according to the manner of of this millennium that we have been entrusted to preserve p. 191. at the Western Rite he sings the ancient and yet timely prayers early on (perhaps from the beginning), whole Psalms were 6 the Church.” and maintain in their proper home in Orthodoxy. What of 4. Christopher Page, e Conference, August of the Church, he is assisting at the meet- sung, often with one verse serving as an antiphon or refrain, We see in the historical accounts that centers for edu- the 900 years between the “Great Schism” and the accep- Christian West and W 2 9–12, 2016) ing of Heaven and earth. He stands at the and the entire community joined in the singing. e dia- cation and particularly the study of music began to be es- tance of the Western Rite into the Antiochian Archdiocese Its Singers: the First gate of Heaven, leading his people in singing with the angels logues which occur throughout the Liturgy between priest ousand Years (New tablished in cathedrals and monasteries. e papal Schola of North America by Metropolitan ANTHONY Bashir in Haven & London: and archangels, with all the saints of the Church, and with and people may also have been sung then, but the earliest Cantorum, formed by Pope St. Leo around 460, served as 1958? is period saw so many changes, so much chaos, so Yale University Press), all our loved ones who have gone before us and those who written accounts of church music are about Psalm-singing a model for how to sing the chant of the Church. In the many new challenges, and such great divisions, beginning p. 214. 5. J. McKinnon, op. cit., will follow. by the whole congregation. St. Ambrose even used Psalm 680s, Abbot Benedict Biscop went to Rome and returned with the one that wrenched Western Christianity from its How were the songs of men added to this eternal, heav- singing as a way to calm the Orthodox Christians of Milan p. 138. to his monastery in Jarrow in the north of England, hav- Orthodox roots, that the face of Christianity has been al- 6. C. Page, op. cit., pp. enly celebration? How did the infant Church in  rst-centu- when, in 386, they kept watch in their cathedral while angry ing “borrowed” the Archcantor John so that he could teach tered to the extent that it is hardly recognizable as such in 273–4. 7. Bede, e Ecclesiastical ry Palestine make decisions regarding music? Later, as Chris- mobs of rioting Arians clamored outside, an event described the monks – clergy and singers – the proper way to sing the many quarters. Whether we like it or not, we are the inheri- 3 History of the English tianity spread throughout the world, how did the Church by St. Augustine in his Confessions. 7 music of the Church. Another singer was sent from Rome tors of these changes too. People, IV:18 (Oxford: make use of this gift from God, this gift of music, especially It was not long, however, before much of the singing to Rouen in Gaul around the year 760 to teach Frankish We have been given the privilege in the Western Rite Oxford University through its clergy and singers? that was done in church had passed to the professionals – singers musical interpretation and the correct manner of Edict to make use of whatever devotional material of this Press), p. 201. 8. C. Page, op. cit., p. 13. e admonition to sing – not just speak, read, think, the ordained clergy, tonsured readers or lectors, and trained 8 singing. period of Western separation which is “not contrary to the 9. G. Reese, Music in meditate on, but sing God’s praises – is Apostolic, even as singers. While this narrowed the possibilities for participa- Gradually, during the  rst thousand years of Christian Orthodox faith.” Keeping in mind the process of sifting and the Middle Ages (New coming from Christ himself. According to St. Matthew tion on the part of the average Christian, it allowed for the worship in the West, the earliest liturgical chant (which, discerning and de ning regarding appropriate music which York: W. W. Norton & Co.), p. 123. (26:30) and St. Mark (14:26), the Last Supper in the Up- development of a much wider repertoire of chants: more along with Byzantine chant in the East, probably originated the Church accomplished in the  rst millennium, we have per Room included the singing of a hymn. Even if this is (and more complicated) antiphons, chants with scriptur- 10. George A. Audsley, from Hebrew chant) developed through the contributions the task of choosing the best music from this later period e Art of Organ- understood as a Hebrew chant for a Sabbath or Passover al texts to be interspersed throughout the Liturgy, hymns of several di erent cultures to become what we call “Gre- which the West has to o er, while maintaining these prin- Building (New York: meal, it signi es Christ’s blessing for singing as a part of the with poetic texts for every occasion celebrated by Christians. Dover Publications), gorian Chant.” is music, characterized by a single line of ciples: our services are still primarily sung services; while we p. 22. Eucharistic celebration which He instituted at that meal. St. e o ce of cantor became an o cial position in church-  owing melody without the strong rhythmic pulses of mu- have restored greater congregational participation through Paul adds his exhortation regarding music when he tells the es, ranking below reader, but with musical responsibilities sic for dancing, and with no extreme leaps in the melodic music as in the earliest days of the Church, we still maintain people of Ephesus to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual that were sometimes shared with readers and deacons. e line, is one of the most important treasures of the Western a distinct musical role for the clergy and singers; we must songs” (Ephesians 5:19). Statuta Ecclesiae antiqua, a compendium of church legisla- Rite. It is on this music that all subsequent Western church constantly be on guard to avoid the distracting musical in- Despite this unequivocal endorsement of singing, skep- tion from about 475 in Gaul describes a ceremony (similar music has been based. In its simplest form, it provides the  uences of the world, using Gregorian chant as the model ticism about the use of music in the early Church was pres- to that given in a decree of a local council in Carthage) for melodies for singing the dialogues between priest and peo- for what is appropriate; and remembering that music is the ent for several centuries. e fact that music can  re the the induction of a cantor in which the priest says to him, ple in our liturgies, for proclaiming the stories of our faith, “handmaid of the Liturgy”, we must make certain that the emotions, bypassing the balancing e ect of the mind, and “See that you believe in your heart what you sing with your for the intercessions we make, for blessings and dismissals. manner in which music is sung and played is  tting for wor- the fact that the culture of the Roman Empire of the time mouth, and see that you prove in your works the things that Its more elaborate forms provide melodies for the liturgical ship and that we always o er to God our best e orts. We 4 was saturated with the music of every pagan cult and hedo- you believe in your heart.” chants of the choir (introits, graduals and alleluias, o ertory pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our task of sort- nistic ritual, caused some Church Fathers to urge caution in Having expanded the answer of who should sing, the and communion chants) and for hymns for every occasion ing through this later inheritance. its use. Singing in church prevailed, however, through the Church now, inevitably, had to answer the question of how in the church year. As we study to discern what devotional material is ac- attitudes of bishops such as St. Athanasius, who wrote early this singing was to be done, what manner of voice and style Toward the end of this same millennium, choirs began ceptable, as we weed out what is heretical and heterodox, in the Fourth Century: “Just as we make known and signify of singing was to be acceptable for Christian worship. e to make use of harmony and polyphony, allowing for the rejecting what is misleading, inappropriate or clearly too the thoughts of the soul through the words we express, so question would not have arisen if the answer had been uni- singing of more than one part at the same time. Organs, much of this world, may we also make use of the literary too the Lord wished the melody of the words to be a sign of versally understood, or if there had not been occasions of which the East used in imperial ceremonies and gave as gifts and musical contributions of faithful Western Orthodox the spiritual harmony of the soul, and ordained that the can- unsuitable singing. St. Niceta, bishop of Remesiana (in for political purposes (such as the one given to Pepin, King Christians of today. May we polish, like a precious silver and 1 ticles be sung with melody and the psalms read with song.” modern-day Serbia) gave these instructions to his clergy and of the Franks, by Emperor Constantine Copronymos VI in golden reliquary, the Western expression of the Orthodox Having answered the question of whether or not there singers around the year 400: “One must sing with a man- 757),9 began to be used in the West almost exclusively in faith and may we bring this vibrant and living faith as our would be singing in the Church, the next question was, ner and melody be tting holy religion; it must not proclaim churches. Organs (some by Byzantine and Arab builders) o ering before God and to his world. Who would do the singing? After early Christianity moved theatrical distress but rather exhibit Christian simplicity in were installed in churches in Germany, France, and Italy for

18 May 2017 e Word 19 seeing the boys. After a few minutes of small talk, who She shared with us that she was in a lot of pain. She I love should walk in to wish birthday greetings but Matush- was conned to a wheelchair and had really been suering Jesus. ka Marie Meyendor! It was kind of surreal, sitting there physically. She said how hard it was to grow old, and that with the now aged and white-haired matriarchs of not she had asked God many times that she might be granted Always in just the Orthodox Church in America (OCA, the juris- to die. “I went up Jacob’s ladder!” she told us. “‘Knock my mind… diction), but of THE Orthodox Church in America (not knock knock! Can I come in?’ and St. Peter told me ‘No, Jesus… the jurisdiction). What an image, right here in front of no, no! (shaking her nger). It is not your turn!’ So, here Jesus… me! I was in awe to see it, myself a young mom with my I am still!” babies, from the very theological institution that each of I began to feel dismayed and truly sorry when she sol- Jesus! their husbands had governed, nurtured, loved, and lived emnly declared, “I am not human anymore.” Age and de- decades before. And this commonality they shared was, terioration had robbed her of most abilities, and pain and of course, established on a much rmer foundation: that suering wracked her body. But then, as if to combat our of being refugees and strangers in a new land, where they pity, she straightened up as best as she could and with came to nurture others and share their great love of Christ quiet gusto exclaimed, “I love Jesus. Always in my mind… and His Church. e matriarchs mostly sat chatting with Jesus… Jesus… Jesus!” each other in Russian, while holding hands. She said it with closed eyes, giving Gram and me It was crazy to think about afterwards, and I came a moment to share a glance and wipe away our tears. I home feeling a bit stunned. Not that there was anything reached out to touch Matushka’s weary, weathered hand, presumptuous about these “tiny giants” of the Ortho- and she instinctively held my ngers in her grasp for the

Photo credit: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Archives St. Vladimir’s Photo credit: dox Church, but more to just think about each of them rest of the conversation. in my shoes, 65-ish years ago, and wondering where we I could see her truly “waking” now. Our shared hu- JUST ANOTHER DAY AT ST. VLADIMIR’S. (the current students/families) will be in 65-ish years …. manity and remembrances of old times were the great- IT WAS THE “NEW NORMAL.” MY HUSBAND WAS A BRAND-NEW, FIRST-YEAR SEMINARIAN AT I know there will be those among us, even our current est medicine. Talk of Jesus and heaven and Fr. Alexander classmates, who will be called to “take up the torch,” so to were a balm to her tired soul. She and my grandmother ST. VLADIMIR’S ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN THE AUTUMN OF 2015. ONE SATURDAY speak. Just another day at St. Vladimir’s! shared joyful sorrow over the loss of their priest husbands, NIGHT IN OCTOBER, WE WALKED PAST THE SEMINARY’S BOOKSTORE ON OUR WAY HOME FROM I was honored to have met this very special “original of how they continually missed them and yet had not tru- GREAT VESPERS. BOTH OF US SIMULTANEOUSLY STOPPED WHEN WE NOTICED – BOTH IN DEPTH brick” of our Seminary and our Church. It put into per- ly lost them. I sat there as the neophyte. I couldn’t help spective for me the urgency and importance of implement- but think of the “original brick” outside the bookstore a AND TEXTURE – A BRICK STICKING OUT OF THE WALL. A SMALL PLAQUE UNDER IT REVEALED ing what we learn here at the Seminary. One could say year earlier, and how here was this living “original brick” THAT IT WAS AN “ORIGINAL BRICK FROM THE ORTHODOX SEMINARY” THAT ONCE STOOD IN that to be a seminarian, and to become a worker in God’s before me once again, aged and frail, but ready for the MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. eld, is to aspire to join the rm foundation of “original journey to eternity. bricks” that have been laid before, by God’s grace. Suddenly she turned to me, and began to ask all about HELLO AND GOODBYE “my Deacon.” I had explained earlier on that my husband was a second-year seminarian at St. Vladimir’s, and newly AN “ORIGINAL BRICK”: Fast-forward to a wintry day in early December 2016. ordained to the diaconate in the Antiochian Orthodox I went with my grandma, Khouria Marilyn Gillquist Church. MATUSHKA JULIANA SCHMEMANN (widow of Fr. Peter Gillquist) for a visit with Matushka “How is your Deacon? How does he like St. Vladi- Juliana. Gram was in town from Bloomington, Indiana, Shamassey Mary Honoré mir’s?” she wanted to know. I told her he liked it very for a brief visit with my little family. She was old friends well, and that he was working hard and learning so much! with Fr. Alexander Schmemann, of blessed memory, and We discussed it for a bit, thinking it odd that we had On October 6, I took [my two young sons] to go Seminary can be dicult, I expressed, but we truly love Matushka Juliana. not noticed the little brick before, though, between the visit Matushka Juliana (Schmemann) at her assisted- it and are so grateful to have three years of such excellent We weren’t expecting much: we had been told that two of us, we had been to the bookstore over a dozen living facility about a mile from St. Vladimir’s. I was a training and care there. She declared how much her hus- Matushka was slowing down and mostly slept. We were times in the past six weeks. We wondered, too: What little nervous, to say the least, as it isn’t every day one band had loved St. Vladimir’s, how it was his life and his expecting a short visit. “Ten minutes!” we kept reminding must have that original Orthodox Seminary been like? introduces oneself and one’s boyish kin to a 91-year- legacy. I felt humbled and touched. each other. Matushka, however, was very happy to see us, What had become of it, since this little brick was here in old stranger who, together with her husband, is the Already an hour was spent, and it was time to go. I and after that rst ten minutes she remembered and un- our wall at St. Vladimir’s? stu of legend in the American Orthodox world. knew this was goodbye …. We would not see Matushka derstood exactly who we were. en proceeded a wonder- I would have forgotten all about it, except that a few When I got to her room, I happily discovered there Juliana again, but what a gift this precious hour had been! ful hour: she wanted to know everything about everyone, days later, I met a couple of living “original bricks.” I hap- her daughter Masha, who informed me that today I went to give her a hug, and kiss, and to say thank you. and we were amazed as the minutes ew by and she talked pened to write about that experience in an email to my was, in fact, Matushka’s 92nd birthday! Suddenly, she grabbed me by the shoulder and pulled me and talked with perfect clarity. mom and grandma: Matushka Juliana was sweet and ery. She loved very close to her face – mere inches apart we were.

20 May 2017 e Word 21 She looked of the ree Holy Hierarchs, patrons of our beloved St. SHARING THE FAITH with clear blue Vladimir’s Seminary Chapel, she was certainly “giving eyes right into my thanks to His name.” very soul and with We proceeded to listen to the Holy Gospel, from BELOVED BROTHERS in communion with God and one another. To appreciate rm urgency said, Matthew 5:14–19: AND SISTERS, Holy Communion, we can use the red Service Book for an extra meditation. Prayers before Communion, can be “We brought Or- “ is then, is our task: to educate You are the light of the world. A city that is set found on pages 204–207, and prayers after Communion, thodoxy to Amer- ourselves and our children in on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp pages 208–211, or use the Table of Contents. ica. It is up to you and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it godliness.” St. John Chrysostom to bring America gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is to Orthodoxy! so shine before men, that they may see your good Risen! Photo credit: Rami Dahdal Photo credit: DEPARTMENTAL NOTES is is your mis- works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not If you are reading this soon after Pascha, the joy of the This is the sion! Tell your Deacon! Tell them at St. Vladimir’s! is is think that I came to destroy the Law or the Proph- Our new blog! task of your the task of your generation! e most important thing: you Resurrection is surely still inspiring your life. For the next ets. I did not come to destroy but to fulll. For assur- several Sundays we will hear “Christ is risen from the dead ORTHODOX BABY HOMECOMING generation! The must bring America to Orthodoxy.” most important edly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one …,” the Paschal troparion, and see the Light of Christ in Our blog offers ideas, tips, and knowledge to help you “I will. I promise I will tell them what you say,” I - thing: you must jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law the large candle held by our priests. Will the joy last be- raise your children in the faith through early childhood. nally managed to say, through tears. bring America to till all is fullled. Whoever therefore breaks one of yond those 40 days? Will joy become ours when we cel- Soon I will be posting on developmental stages of babies Orthodoxy.” She proceeded to give me a blessing, the sign of the the least of these commandments, and teaches men ebrate the Holy Spirit within us at Pentecost? and how we can nurture Orthodoxy accordingly. cross over me, a sweet kiss, and a strong squeeze of my so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but Every Sunday is about the Resurrection of Christ. Listen to hands. It was truly among the most humbling and holy A blessed mother’s and father’s day to all parents, whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called the troparia to hear segments of the Resurrection gospels. moments of my life. , Orthodox Baby Homecoming great in the kingdom of heaven. Each Divine Liturgy carries the possibility of joy if we are Maria McLoota Himes GIVING THANKS Armed, as it were, with these sacred words, I could attentive to the hope that is ours – being with our Lord for- ever at the Second Coming, and with Him in the Kingdom AODCE SOCIAL NETWORKING MINISTRY When I learned of Matushka’s death just a few short not help but think extensively on Matushka’s commission as we receive Holy Communion. As you read the words of To nurture the children God has placed in our care! weeks later, I felt real, overwhelming joy. She had such an to “bring America to Orthodoxy!” Fr. Schmemann in the essay, be inspired to think forward Greetings! Teachers and Parents incredible life, and now she was suering no longer, and THIS IS OUR MISSION! – as did the early Christians. As Orthodox, joy is our wit- can expect summer blog posts to was with her sweetest “Jesus… Jesus… Jesus!” I can only ness to the Truth. include a variety of activities to do imagine the reunion with Fr. Alexander. She died on Jan- Matushka’s funeral was truly glorious. I was standing to the far right side of the church, looking straight out to- I regret that I will not be at the Parish Life Conferences together with children; reviews of uary 29, the eve of their wedding anniversary, which hap- new and helpful books; and ideas wards her con, which was surrounded by many clergy, (with the exception of the Diocese of Los Angeles), be- pens to also be the feast day of the ree Holy Hierarchs, of ways to grow together in the the Schmemann family, and beautiful owers. Floating cause of budgetary constraints. I will be at the National the patrons of our Chapel here at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Convention. My curriculum work is nearing the end of the Faith. Join in by commenting and above was a massive and beautifully written icon of the At our festal liturgy the next morning, I felt joy to preparatory stage, and I am excited to begin the planning sharing your own resources. Resurrection. e service was moving and beautiful. Af- know that Matushka was partaking in the heavenly lit- for the materials. Keep me in your prayers. Kristina Wenger, Staff Assistant for Social Network Ministry urgy, while we worshipped at the liturgy for the ree terwards, I went to give Matushka that last kiss, and felt as Seek the joy; seek the kingdom. Hierarchs’ feast day. During the Epistle reading, I began though I could gaze upon her forever; so at peace and so In Christ, At Facebook.com to weep. e second verse is well-known and has been a beautiful was she. I asked her to forgive me, and I prom- Director Orthodoxchristianparenting comfort many times to me, and surely to all Christians: ised her that I would take up my mission of sharing. Carole A. Buleza, I hadn’t thought until then about my email a year Orthodoxchristiansundaychurchschool- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” teachers ago, when I wrote: “I know there will be those among us, A THOUGHT ABOUT HOLY COMMUNION (Hebrews 13:8). At WordPress.com even our current classmates, who will be called to ‘take up the e reading goes on to speak of Christ as the perfect The Eucharist is the culmination of our day – the gather- Orthodoxchristianparenting and most holy sacrice for us, and ends with these words: torch’ so to speak.” And suddenly, I realized: I am one of ing as Church to ascend the mountain of the Kingdom to Orthodoxchristianchurchschoolteachers “ erefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bear- them, one of “us.” be with our Lord at the Mystical Banquet. To be with our www.pinterest.com/aodce Lord … more so, to take within us His Body and Blood, ing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, I met an “original brick,” and her memory will live Honoré Shamassey is on forever, in a far greater way than the “original brick” uniting us to his very self, is something we can never be the wife of current but we seek the one to come. erefore by Him let us Reminder: The Pan-Orthodox Continuing Edu- seminarian Deacon in the wall next to the bookstore. No matter our age or worthy of, and yet, we humbly receive Him. At Holy Com- Andrew Honoré and continually oer the sacrice of praise to God, that is, the munion, are we treasuring the moment, or has it become ca tion Conference at Antiochian Village will granddaughter of position, gifts or struggles, blessings or suerings, talents fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not “taken for granted?” Let’s consider our thoughts before not be held in 2017. both Archpriest Peter E. or trials, we know this is true: “ at Jesus Christ is the Gillquist (†) and forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrices and afterwards. Due to budgetary constraints the bi-annual event will Archpriest Jon Braun, God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:13–16). same yesterday, today, and forever.” True for Orthodoxy both of whom knew in America! True for bringing America to Orthodoxy! Parents, I urge you to think about this reality for your- not be held this year. There is limited funding for training Matushka Juliana and I stood weeping there, because I was so struck by the events as well. We hope this situation will be remedied in her husband, is is our mission! selves first, and then how you can help your children see Protopresbyter truth and beauty of the words Matushka Juliana had spo- that the Divine Liturgy is the amazing opportunity to be the next funding cycle. Alexander (†), long-time ken to me at the end of our meeting, in light of the epistle ank you, Matushka Juliana! I love you! Memory Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, very well. reading that I was hearing now. And today, on the feast eternal.

22 May 2017 e Word 23 Sharing the Faith

HELLO CHURCH SCHOOL a step on the Path of Salva- which we live and nowhere more evident than when we DIRECTORS! tion. Take the step! WHERE’S THE JOY? gather to celebrate Eucharist. A Response from The Eucharist: Sacrament of the King- Have you ever wondered what Church School is like, CREATIVE FESTIVALS Insight is also gained from Metropolitan John Zizou- dom by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann outside of your parish or your diocese? What is work- 2016 las who, in The Eucharistic Communion and the World, By Carole Buleza ing? What isn’t, and why? Which Nativity play is best for The Value of Making Art quotes Florovsky’s important statement: to paraphrase, a small Church School? If you could just discuss the nuts For quite some time I’ve been wanting to put that ques- the person who lives in and through the Eucharist be- By Carole Buleza and bolts of Church School from an Orthodox perspec- tion on the table. With Pascha so near, it’s easy to re- comes accustomed to looking not only “upwards,” but tive with fellow directors …. The Antiochian Department A most sincere thank you spond quickly, “Well, there it is, on Pascha we have great also forwards,” to the fulfillment of the Kingdom, rather of Christian Education (AODCE) invites you to connect to all teachers and parents, joy!” There it is, indeed, but what happens after the Pas- than seeing faith in individualistic, “me-and-God” terms. with other directors throughout the Orthodox Christian Creative Festival organizers, chal season? As Orthodox Christians, we are “people of Of course, I do not do justice to Fr. Schmemann’s thought community and access resources for Church School staff and judges who encouraged the Resurrection.” If that is so, the joy of Pascha should by printing only these excerpts. I hope it is enough to help through a Facebook page dedicated to Church School our children to participate in be more evident all during the year. us regain the joy that is ours as Orthodox Christians. Fr. Directors. the Festivals. One of the initiatives I have put forward is As for my response, I am presenting the thoughts of Pro- Schmemann was a great proponent of joy – it was his to have more opportunities for art and writing through- Find us on Facebook by searching for Orthodox Chris- topresbyter Alexander Schmemann from his work, The experience and it can be ours as well. I offer two quotes out the year. We advocate this not for creativity’s sake, tian Church School Directors. This page is supported by Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom (SVS Press, 1987). as you begin to read his words. (The subheadings below but because the stories and truths of our faith need to the AODCE and is updated regularly to reflect relevant The portions of his work that I offer below are a call to re- are mine.) be “processed” by the right side of the brain – the artistic topics of discussion such as curriculum, following the li- orient ourselves, because we have, so to speak, lost our “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again side – even more than the left side, which is the logical turgical year, challenges and the corresponding solutions “spiritual compass.” He invites us to consider the joy of and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take side and the side to which we teach most of the time. As to issues faced by directors, build- the early Christians as a starting point for this reorienting. from you” (John 16:22). they do their art or writing, our children are quiet and let- ing your program, and articles of ting the Holy Spirit speak to their hearts. Make sure you The Christians of the first decades and centuries joyful- “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into interest. Join the Facebook group have supplies on hand at all times, so that you can offer ly expected that Christ would return soon (the Parousia) the heart of man the things which God has prepared for and jump into the conversation so the Holy Spirit that quiet time – so needed today – and and, as the prophets foretold of the end times (the escha- those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). that the network of directors can that window into their hearts. ton), He would gather all to the holy mountain and they be strengthened and encouraged would be with Him eternally. This belief was their very rea- THE EARLY CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD through dialogue, surveys, and in- son for living, their sure hope as they went to martyrdom. Christ reigns, and everyone who believes in him and terviews. Your input is greatly val- Book Review: in it is born again of water and the spirit belongs to ued and welcomed! In the Candle’s Glow That the early Christians were “on the road” to the escha- his Kingdom and has him within himself. “Christ is By Rosemary Shumski, Administrative Assistant ton found expression in how they celebrated the Eucha- https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxChristianChurch- rist. As in the parable of the king who gave a great ban- the Lord” – this is the most ancient Christian confes- SchoolDirectors/ Elizabeth Crispina Johnson has written a lovely new Or- quet, when we assemble as the Church, we accept the sion of faith, and for three centuries the world, in the thodox children’s picture book, entitled In The Candle’s Anna-Sarah Farha, Staff Associate for Church School invitation and join the King for a Mystical Supper in the joy form of the Roman empire, persecuted those who Glow. This engaging story takes the reader from the hive Directors of His Kingdom. For the early Church, the Divine Liturgy spoke these words for their refusal to recognize any- where the bees make wax, to Sister Irene who collects began with the entrance of the Bishop (Christ) followed one on earth as Lord except the one Lord and one NEW INITIATIVE: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN the wax and makes it into candles, to the church where by the faithful. This took place as the people appropri- King (41). the candles are used in prayer. Felicia, the young girl who The question of whether Church School teachers are ately sang, “Holy God, Holy Immortal ….” In his work, Fr. The Kingdom of Christ is ac- is the main character in the story, enters the church and mandated reporters of suspected child abuse has been Schmemann reveals how the Divine Liturgy continues to cepted by faith and is hidden lights a candle. As she prays, she imagines her prayers posed to the Department a few times in recent years. In reveal the Kingdom, and the Mystical Banquet, the Eu- “within us [you, plural].” The rising to heaven. The book fea- addition, just as volunteers (and teachers) are screened in charist. King himself came in the form tures illustrations by Amandine the public schools, we have been asked to issue guide- of a servant and reigned only Wanert, a French illustrator, who To speak of the “Kingdom,” he must first address the lines for Church School volunteers. As reported in the last through the cross. There are beautifully captures the candlelit question, “Where is it?” Is it at hand (also translated, newsletter, we have begun the process of addressing no external signs of this king- atmosphere inside the church. I properly, as “among us”)? Or is it real only at the end of both issues. Some of you have sent in suggestions, which dom on earth. It is the king- highly recommend this wonder- time? We need to pose the question to ourselves as well. we greatly appreciate. dom of the world to come, ful book, appropriate for children In addition, we need to ask if the Kingdom is even on our and thus only in the glory of his second coming will from preschool age to 10 years, mind. The word kingdom is used in the gospels of Mat- KNOW YOUR FAITH all people recognize the true king of the world. But that is currently available from An- thew (54 times), Mark (43 times) and Luke (32 times). Je- for those who have believed in it and accepted that One of the easiest ways to know your faith is to pick up cient Faith Publishing. sus began his ministry by preaching repentance, “for the your Orthodox Study Bible (New Testament) and turn to Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” the Kingdom is already here and now, more obvious Page vi. There you will find a table of contents for 27 brief than any of the “realities” surrounding us (41–42). Fr. Schmemann contends that the individualistic, “me and articles that are interspersed in the text. Some of the ar- God,” mentality has confused the question of where the It has come and is coming and is coming in power ticles are “Parables,” “The Basis for God’s Judgment,” Kingdom is, and led us to miss the reality and joy that is – in the Church. This is the mystery of the Church, “Healing,” and “Deification (Theosis).” In the complete Or- ours. As Orthodox Christians, we hold the answer: we the mystery of the body of Christ: “where two or thodox Study Bible that includes the Old Testament, the look forward to the Second Coming, but we also have three are gathered in my name, there am I in the list is found on Page 1821. Education in the faith is taking the Kingdom with us now, penetrating the very reality in midst of them” (Mt 18:20). The miracle of the Church

24 May 2017 e Word 25 Sharing the Faith

assembly lies in that it is not the “sum” of the sinful celebration, its first and fundamental condition, then and unworthy people who comprise it, but the body its end and completion is the Church’s entrance into of Christ (23). heaven, her fulfilment at the table of Christ in his kingdom (28). WHAT MOTIVATES FAITH? COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Insofar as this assembly is undoubtedly conceived “The Lord has come, the Lord is coming, the Lord of as heavenly, the temple is that “heaven on earth” DEAN OF ST. VLADIMIR’S will come again.” This triune meaning of the Aramaic that realizes the “assembly as the Church.” It is the expression Maranatha! contains the whole of Christi- SEMINARY SPEAKS AT RETREAT symbol that unites these two realities these two di- anity’s victory as faith, against which all persecutions FOR ST. GEORGE, PHOENIX mensions of the Church – “heaven” and “earth,” one have proven impotent (42). manifested in the other, one made a reality in the Fr. John Behr, Dean of St. Vladi- At first glance all of this might sound like some sort other (45). mir’s Seminary in Crestwood, New of pious platitudes …. There is a deep chasm be- York, blessed St. George of Phoe- It is enough to have stood, be it only once, in the tween what we have said and the modern “experi- “temple of all temples,” Hagia Sofia in Constanti- nix by giving the keynote speech at ence”; one can say without any exaggeration that nople – even in its present devastated and kenot- this year’s Lenten Retreat. Fr. John the kingdom of God – the central concept in evan- ic state – to know with one’s whole being that the spoke on the theme, “Standing at gelical preaching – has ceased to be the central con- temple and the icon were born and nurtured in the the Cross: Putting on Christ,” with tent and inner motivation of the Christian faith. Un- living experience of heaven, in communion with the our Teen SOYO in the morning, like the early Christians, those of later ages came, “peace and joy of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17) (45). guiding them through Scripture us- little by little, to lose the perception of the kingdom of God as being “at hand.” They came to understand it As the entire earthly ministry of Christ is the offer- ing the lens of the Cross. Later that only as the kingdom to come – at the end and after ing – in “this world,” “for the sake of us men and for afternoon, Fr. John led our Young the end, referring only to that “personal” death of in- our salvation” – of the eternal sacrifice of love, so it Adults through a reading of Meli- dividual believers (42). is all – in “this world” – the cross. Completed as joy, to of Sardis’ work, “On Pascha,” in as the gift of the kingdom of God, at the last supper, For the first Christians the all-encompassing joy, the preparation for Holy Week and Pas- this ministry is completed as struggle and victory on truly startling novelty of their faith lay in the fact that cha, helping us to refocus our at- the cross. It is the same offering, the same sacrifice, the kingdom was at hand. It had appeared, and al- tention upon this awesome feast. the same victory (209). though it remained hidden and unseen for “this Following their time with Fr. John, world,” it was already present, its light had already And, finally, through the cross and as the cross, this SOYO traveled to a local facility shone, it was already at work in the world. Then, offering, this sacrifice and victory is handed over and run by Native American Connec- as the kingdom was “removed” to the end of the granted to us who live in “this world.” Because in tions (www.nativeconnections.org), world, to the mysterious and unfathomable reaches “this world,” and above all in our very selves, it is only which provides housing oppor tuni- of time, Christians gradually lost their awareness of through the cross that the ascension into the joy and ties for the chronically homeless. fullness of the kingdom appointed for us is accom- it as something hoped for, as the desired and joyous With the help of master-gardener, fulfillment of all hopes, of all desires, of life itself, of all plished (209). Jack Khoury, our teens created the that the early Church employed in the words “Thy beginnings of an urban garden for kingdom come” (42). DIOCESAN the residents to enjoy and maintain. As to piety, i.e., the personal experience of individual We are grateful to “Uncle Jack” for believers, the interest is narrowed to the question of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION his hard work and help! Our day one’s personal fate “after death.” At the same time, concluded with Vespers for the Sun- “this world,” about which St. Paul wrote that its form COORDINATORS day of the Cross, making this year’s is “passing away,” and which for the early Christians Eastern Dioceses was transparent to the kingdom, reacquired its own Lenten Retreat a great success! Fr. George Alberts, 203.798.1771, [email protected] ST. THOMAS, SIOUX CITY, beyond measure with the presence value and existence independent of the kingdom of Toledo and the Midwest CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL God (42–43). Robert Snyder, 330.285-3688, [email protected] of His Eminence Metropolitan JO- SEPH for the full weekend. In ad- Ottawa, Eastern Canada, Upstate New York On Labor Day Weekend 2016 THE DIVINE LITURGY IN THE KINGDOM Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall, 519.807.2986, dition to the formal meals, the hai, [email protected] (September 2–5), St. omas The whole newness, the uniqueness of the Chris- and the grand banquet, participants Wichita and Mid-America Church in Sioux City, Iowa, cele- tian leitourgia was in its eschatological nature as the Vasiliki Billie Oldziey, 512.694.7073, [email protected] were given many opportunities to brated its Hundredth Anniversa- presence here and now of that future parousia, as Worcester and New England connect with God and with one Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, 978.686.3274, [email protected] ry. People came from all over the the epiphany of that which is to come, as commu- another. Each day brought its own Miami and the Southeast country to worship, fellowship, nion with the “world to come” (43). special joys. Los Angeles and the West and also dance, and celebrate this auspi- If assembling as the Church is, in the most profound Eagle River and the Northwest On Friday, we began our Cen- Carole Buleza, 717.747.5221, [email protected] cious milestone. We were graced sense of the term, the beginning of the eucharistic tennial celebrations with Daily

26 May 2017 e Word 27 Communities in Action

and guests in an informal Q & A. e evening Grand Banquet was the occasion for speeches by Frs. Begley and Rice, as well as an edifying talk from Metropolitan JOSEPH. Sev- eral parish ioners were recognized for their meritorious service, including Philip Hanna, Ronald Carlson, Ger- ry Stevens, and Nicholas Corey. e Sunday night hai marked the close of the Centennial Celebrations, as people enjoyed the live music and danced the night away. ough certainly an occasion to reminisce about days past, the Centennial proved to be something more. is celebration of one hun- was the highlight of the weekend. holiday of Labor Day to stress the dred years of history brought a pal- After a prayerful Orthros service, importance of continuing to work pable energy and enthusiasm to the His Eminence vested and led a num- of the Gospel mission. An extrava- parish. Honoring the work and ded- ber of clergy and faithful in celebra- gant meal in the parish hall followed. ication of their forefathers, the peo- tion of the Divine Liturgy. His ser- His Eminence elded questions rst ple of St. omas Church, Sioux some brief words from Sayidna JO- mon united themes from the Epistle from reporters in a small press con- City, Iowa, press forward . . . to their SEPH, we retired to the parish hall reading and the upcoming national ference, and later from parishioners for a light repast. is served as the next hundred years! template for the following days. Saturday’s festivities once again Archdiocesan Office began with worship and ended with a meal. Many area clergy concel- ORDINATIONS AND ELEVATION SCHROM, John, to the diaconate by Metropolitan ebrated Saturday’s Divine Litur- AJALAT, Fr. George, to the dignity of Archpriest by JOSEPH on March 12, 2017, at Holy Myrrh-bear- gy: Fr. omas Begley (Pastor of Metropolitan JOSEPH on February 5, 2017, at St. ing Women Church, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He is St. George Church, West St. Paul, Simeon Church, Santa Clarita, California. assigned to that parish. Minnesota, and former pastor of CAVALIER, Abraham (Brian), to the holy diaconate VOLLMAN, Deacon Jeremiah, to the priesthood St. omas) served as rst priest, by Bishop THOMAS on January 14, 2017, at St. by Metropolitan JOSEPH on February 11, 2017, at while Metropolitan JOSEPH pre- George Church, New Kensington, Pennsylvania. St. Paul Church, Lynnwood, Washington. He is as- sided from the throne. Host pastor, Deacon Abraham is attached to that church. signed as the Assistant Pastor of that parish. Fr. Lucas Rice, and other area cler- ASSIGNMENTS gy con celebrated. e Metropolitan DAVIS, Hieromonk Jeremy, was elevated to the rank and dignity of Archimandrite by Bishop BA- ANKER, Priest Herman, has been assigned as and clergy joined Duane and Wanda SIL on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Holy Ascen- Pastor to the mission of Saint Andrew in Lewes, Ska (of St. Mary Church in Oma- sion Church, Norman, Oklahoma. Delaware. ha, Nebraska) for a special meal to celebrate their Fiftieth Wedding PHELPS, Deacon John, to the priesthood by Met- BAKER, Deacon Mark, is attached to St. George ropolitan JOSEPH on March 19, 2017, at Holy Church, Portland, Oregon, effective March 17, Anniversary. Parishioners and for- Cross Church, Yakima, Washington. He is as- 2017. mer members prayed a Trisagion at signed as the Pastor of Ss. Joachim and Anna HANNA, Priest Nicholas, has been assigned as the parish cemetery and Great Ves- Mission, Goldendale, Washington. pers in the early evening. e night Pastor to Holy Cross Church, Palmdale, California, closed with dinner and live music at ROBINSON, Deacon James, to the priesthood effective March 18, 2017. by Metropolitan JOSEPH on February 12, 2017, the Sioux City Convention Center. RETUNED TO THE RANKS OF THE LAITY at St. Andrew Church, Arlington, Washington. He Sunday would give even more op- is assigned as the Pastor of St. Innocent Church, BECK, Fr. Andrew (Randy Beck) has been laicized, Vespers. Although many attendees day, this service was already well-at- portunities for faith and fellowship. Everson, Washington. effective January 1, 2017. would not arrive until the following tended and quite worshipful. After e Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

28 May 2017 e Word 29 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL A Spiritual Version of the American Dream MEMORY ETERNAL! JUDGES’ CHOICE FOR THE ORATORICAL CONTEST FROM THE EASTERN DIOCESES

child so pure. A child who awakened his fa- ily’s stance with God, he conrms his role as leader of His Eminence Metropolitan ther every Sunday morning for Liturgy. A the house by making the choice, yet humbles his house child who was ready even before his father with service to the Lord. Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my ELIA (Saliba) could stretch out his arms. Now imagine house, we will serve the Lord.” A that same child being taken from the grasp Like a servant who tends to his master’s children, as of his father’s hand. is is a true tragedy about a priest, spiritual leaders we are expected to lead and inspire the his beloved son, and a drunk driver. Walking with his son children of our Master. I could say that inspiration from With sadness, and with hope in the Resurrection, Titular Bishop of Salamia, he lived in the Archdiocesan by his side, the father, out of the corner of his eye, sees a spiritual leaders within my own Orthodox community His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH conveys the news Headquarters and assisted His Eminence Metropolitan car separate his and his child’s hand. In a blink of an eye, has made me whom I am today. For instance, seeing teens from the Patriarchate of Antioch of the falling asleep in PHILIP of thrice-blessed memory in the administration a father will never be able to hold his child again. is is on the SOYO board take it upon themselves to organize the Lord of His Eminence Metropolitan ELIA (Saliba) of this Archdiocese. my uncle’s past, his present, and his future. I do not men- and lead food-bank visits, Special Olympic participa- of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Hama (or Afamia) in His Beatitude Patriarch JOHN X has appointed His tion this terrible, heart-breaking story to tell you how my tion, and even youth trips that consisted of giving to the central Syria, which he faithfully shepherded since 1984. Grace Bishop NICHOLAS (Baalbaki) to be the Patriar- uncle lost his son, but to inform you of how he dealt with homeless, has motivated me to stand here at this very mo- Metropolitan ELIA reposed on Saturday morning, April chal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Hama until the Holy this unspeakable loss. Although still deeply aected, my ment and speak to you. Spiritual leadership and inspiring 1, 2017, at the age of 95. Synod elects a new metropolitan. uncle made a decision that showed me the virtues God others go hand to hand. In order to be a leader and to Sayidna JOSEPH recalls Sayid- Sayidna JOSEPH has asked the intended for us to have. He drew his strength from God serve the Lord, one must be able to inspire. na ELIA as a dynamic man of God, clergy and laity of this Archdio- in a time like this. He continues his service to God as an Against all the odds that Joshua and the Israelites faced, a gifted theologian, and highly ed- cese to pray the Trisagion Prayers Orthodox leader and has set an example for his family to He was willing to stand by his faith to serve the Lord. ucated. He was a canonist in both for Metropolitan ELIA for the next pursue. Numbers 14: 6-10 states, “ e land, which we passed ... civil law and church law who un- forty days and to keep him in their My brothers and sisters, this is what it means to serve is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, derstood the spirit and the depth personal prayers for the departed. the Lord. My uncle is a model representation of what He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land of the Orthodox Church’s canons. On behalf of the bishops, clergy, it means to be a spiritual leader of a household. is is that ows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against He also fondly remembers Metro- Board of Trustees, the organiza- the type of leader I aspire to become. St. Paul included the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land ... eir pol itan ELIA as his principal in the tions and all of the faithful of this many qualities of a leader in 1 Timothy 3: “If a man de- protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with Orthodox Christian schools of Da- Archdiocese, His Eminence Metro- sires the position of a bishop, us ... . en the entire congre- mascus in the 1950s and 1960s. politan JOSEPH oers to His Be- he desires a good work. A bish- gation said to stone them with Metropolitan ELIA served as atitude, the Holy Synod of Antioch op then must be blameless, the stones.” Joshua urged them secretary to His Beatitude Patriarch and the Archdiocese of Hama our husband of one wife, temper- towards non- violence against eodosius VI before coming to love, prayers and condolences. ate, sober-minded, of good the Canaanites. He convinced North America. Many May God receive behavior, hospitable, able to the people of Israel that only of our clergy and con- Metropolitan ELIA in teach; not given to wine, not with God’s help could they gregations will remem- His Heaven ly King- violent, not greedy for mon- take the Promised Land. His ber Sayidna ELIA from dom and may his ey, but gentle, not quarrel- spiritual strength and leader- the 1970s, when, as memory be eternal! some, not covetous; one who ship are a model for all men rules his own house well, hav- to follow. Exodus 18:21: “You ing his children in submission shall select out of all the peo- with all reverence (for if a man ple able men who fear God, does not know how to rule his men of truth, those who hate own house, how will he take dishonest gain; and you shall care of the church of God?).” place these over them as leaders When Joshua speaks to the Is- of thousands ...” raelites about his and his fam- Our world, our people, Continued on page 32

30 May 2017 e Word 31 Oratorical 2017 JACK G. SHAHEEN MASS COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS Continued from page 30 TH Orthodox Christian Network | 36th Street and Massachusetts Ave, NW | Washington D.C. 20007 20 ANNIVERSARY! God’s people, but more importantly, our future, the chil- Prior to leading this world, we must  rst spiritually THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK DEBUTS FIRST ANNUAL JOIN THE 67 PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS! dren desperately need solid examples of leadership. e lead our own household. Here’s an example I experienced 30 UNDER 30 INITIATIVE The Orthodox Christian Network is excited to announce its first annual foundation of spiritual leadership is built in the home. It in dwelling with my older brother. While reading my Bi- 30 under 30 campaign Award Amount: $2,500.00 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—WASHINGTON D.C.— The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is Purpose: To honor Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies. is the training ground for God’s warriors before they can ble one afternoon, my brother walked in on me curious excited to welcome it’s First Annual 30 under 30 initiative; where members are asked to nominate emerging Orthodox leaders, from within their own communities in North America. Eligibility: College students enrolled in the 2017–2018 academic year; lead and serve the lost. e con icts and resolutions in a about what I was doing. Later that evening, I walked in The event recognizes 30 emerging leaders under the age of 30 who demonstrate impacting personally and/or professionally through their exceptional leadership in North America. Juniors, Seniors and Graduate School students who are majoring in home prepares someone for leadership duties in the Lord’s his room, stunned to see him praying in front of a lit can- The initiative—spearheaded by Managing Director Eleni Alexiou, under the direction of Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film. OCN’s Board of Directors—aligns the mission of OCN, outreach and operations in an effort to Applicants: Hard copy applications only. Send the following items to ADC’s church. We are given the gift of free will, but are expected dle, an icon of St. George, and an icon of our Lord Jesus develop, demonstrate and encourage Orthodox young adults throughout North America and the international community to build on their existing efforts. Research Institute: to ful ll God’s plan for us and to lead those who grow Christ. I couldn’t fall asleep that night because of the im- “30 under 30 is an opportunity to show support for and invest in this next generation of trailblazers,” says Eleni. “We want to hear from young entrepreneurs and leaders that exemplify Christian Values in their lives and the lives that they touch. This group of adults • A one-page statement explaining why you merit the scholarship, your astray as some of Jesus’ disciples did. Galatians 5:13: “For mense joy I felt. My reverent actions had motivated my are changing the way of our Orthodox Christian future.” goals, and a declaration that you are a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage; The initiative draws on Orthodox leadership in the fields of medicine, nutrition, you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use older brother, who had not been to church for several science, public policy, social science, humanities, arts and law, among other. • Two original signed letters of recommendation from professors of Mass liberty as an opportunity for the  esh, but through love years, to take another look at his life and God’s love for The initiative aims to Communications; • Identify best practices and share widely young adults in the nation and the world • Copies of your articles, DVD’s, fi lms, and so forth (items will not be returned serve one another.” Him. I also was not always close to God. ere were times • Use the power of community to help individuals and communities access Orthodox to you); At age  fteen I discovered that we are on this earth when I was occupied, occupied by the devil’s distractions, media in a modern world, develop resources for youth to aspire towards • Offi cial academic transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA); for two reasons. We are here to prepare ourselves to join his temptations, his undemanding and e ortless way of • Increase young adult engagement in Orthodoxy and Programming • Your permanent home address and phone number, e-mail address, and The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is an official agency of the Assembly of Canonical your phone number during the school year, if different. Bishops of the United States of America, originally commissioned by SCOBA to create a God in His Heavenly Kingdom, and we are here to bring existence. e more and more I learned about our obli- national, sustainable, and effective media witness for Orthodox Christianity throughout as many as we can with us. My relationship with God gation of existence, the more and more I undertook my North America. Deadline: Wednesday, June 1, 2017 For more information on The Orthodox Christian Network 30 under 30 initiative, please visit: Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted; formed during the summer of 2013 when I attended An- duty as a spiritual leader. In the simplest example, just http://myocn.net/30-under-30-initiative/ For commentary, interview requests, or further details pertaining to OCN, please contact: only hard copy applications will be accepted. tiochian Village Camp, or what most campers thought crossing myself before I ate throughout my high school Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis, Media Relations 954-522-5667 | [email protected] Submit all materials to of as Heaven on Earth. at year was my third and my career, I was able to spiritually move several of my friends. The ADC Research Institute ABOUT THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK: Attention: Mr. Nabil Mohamad best, because I made a best friend, God Himself. In these Spiritual leadership is the highest form of service. Par- Orthodox Christian Network is a non-profit Orthodox organization that was commissioned to comfort, inspire, and inform Orthodox Christians and seekers around the world using media ADC Vice President, twelve days, my life was turned around. e transforma- adoxically, service is the highest act of leadership. Being a ministry. For many years OCN followed the growth in the media and technology world offering the latest in communicating the gospel through radio programs both land based and 1990 M Street, NW, Suite 610 on line, podcasts, blogs, video and social media. The numbers of individuals interacting with tion was truly a work of God. My duty as an Orthodox leader has its set of consequences. Many will try to take the OCN now are amongst the highest in the area of faith based media ministry outreaches. Washington, D.C. 20006 They are also the only Orthodox non-profit telecommunicating work force, with satellite Christian manifested itself when I convinced a few other advantage of us and some will even use us. We should be offices in DC, Boston and Florida. Their mission is to strengthen Orthodox Christian If you have any questions, call 202-244-2990, or e-mail: [email protected]. communities and to share the timeless faith of Orthodoxy with the contemporary world through modern media: radio, the Internet, podcasts, DVDs, television and more. They wish Awards will be presented at the 2017 ADC National Convention in Washington, D.C. campers to take confession with me. During afternoon open to criticism and allow it to correct our  aws. Criti- to inspire the Orthodox everywhere, nurture children in the faith, welcome back those who have lapsed and with the joyful, Christ-centered message of the Church, reach out to invite programs as I sat on a bench listing my sins on a piece cism will even emerge from our own house. In my experi- and lovingly welcome all those outside of the Orthodox Christian family. of cardboard to prepare my confession for that evening, ence, we will be constantly reminded of our inability to a group of friends approached me and asked what I was serve as a spiritual leader, because our families remember INTERESTED IN STUDYING doing. Once I told them that I was planning to take con- us as we were! However, this judgment will enable us to fession because of Bishop Nicholas’ thorough explanation engage our humility in response. We will be respected by ORTHODOX THEOLOGY? of what confession is and its purpose, one of them imme- some and admired by few. But, just as Joshua, we are told UNABLE TO ATTEND A SEMINARY diately responded with a surprised expression, inquiring, to take our strength from God, not from the admiration OR THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL? “Aren’t you afraid of what the priest will think of you?” of others. ST. STEPHENS’ COURSE OF STUDIES IN I replied, “No, but I’m afraid of what God may think Our accomplishments in this life are irrelevant if we fail ORTHODOX THEOLOGY IS YOUR ANSWER. of me!” as Orthodox Christian role models. If we do not serve our INTERESTED IN STUDYING YOUTH MINISTRY Before I knew it, their misguided questions became Lord, in whatever way we can, we risk never entering His FOR ORTHODOX PARISH SETTING? questions of interest. As I elaborated on the confession it- Kingdom. As Jesus reminds us in John 12:26, “If anyone St. Stephen’s Course of Studies in Orthodox Theology self , some of them began to plan their very own  rst con- serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My with a concentration in Youth Ministry is your answer. fessions and walked to the chapel with me. is humbling servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father St. Stephen’s Course, a three-year directed reading program is sponsored by the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Archdiocese of experience helped me recognize the limitless in uence will honor.” As an Orthodox priest, my uncle chose to for- North America. we are capable of making on this world. By the Glory give the driver behind that wheel. He did it for his love and For Information and catalogue, contact: of God, we can lead our brothers and sisters to paradise, obedience to God’s Word. His choice as the leader of his ST. STEPHEN’S COURSE OF STUDIES but only if we are willing to be that example, as Joshua house was an inspiration for his family and mine. And just 385 IVY LANE, BERGENFIELD, NJ 07621 was. In order to walk this holy path, we teenagers must be as my brother followed my example, so did Abouna’s fam- E-MAIL: [email protected] willing to sacri ce the images and idols society has placed ily follow his. TEL: 201-569-0095

in our heads, and to begin setting righteous examples. As Ousama Hanna, 19, is from St. George in Little Falls, New Jersey. St. Paul said in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, Please send me further information and application forms for: brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your St. Stephen’s Course of Studies in Orthodox Theology bodies a living sacri ce, holy, acceptable to God, which is Name: ______your reasonable service.” Join the Saint George community Please print as we host the 2017 Parish Life Address: ______Conference right here in Chicago! City: ______State: ______Zip: ______E-mail: ______32 May 2017 “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Mark 11:17

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The topic is from the Gospel of Mark, in which Jesus quotes both from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:8-11 speaking in terms of Join the competition in these age groups: what is and is not to happen in God’s House NEW! – the temple – The Church. It begins with the Pre-teens: Ages 10-12 statement that rst and foremost it is a place Teens: Ages 13-19 * of prayer – a place to worship the Living God Adults: Ages 20+ and secondly it is for all nations – all people who choose to serve the Living God. Once * The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West has two teen groups: 13-15 and 16-19 one chooses to serve God and to follow His “My house shall be called a house of way – all who do so are welcomed. As the prayer for all nations” Scripture says, “For as Many as were baptized MARK 11:17 All questions will come from into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is the Gospel of Mark as found neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in in the Orthodox Study Bible. Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs Available from Ancient Faith Publishing and other ne bookstores. according to the promise” (Galatians 3: 27-29). Paul further writes, “but Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:9-1). Saint John Chrysostom in his homily on Galatians 3:27-29 clearly shares that no matter where we came from, Study Site and Practice Questions anyone who has been baptized in Christ is no longer what he was by birth. www.orthodoxyouth.org/Mark “He that was Greek, or Jew, or bond man yesterday, carries about with him the form, not of angel or archangel, but of the Lord of all, yes he displays in his own person the Christ” (Saint John Chrysostom Commentary on Galatians).

For more information and rules on the Oratorical and Bible Bowl Festival, visit www.antiochian.org/festivals The Bible Bowl is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries

The Oratorical Festival is run by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Youth and Parish Ministries

ChristAwakensMyPersonhood The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, Eagle River and the Pacifi c Northwest St. Thekla Nestled in the Mountains Of South Carolina Summer 2017

Registration and Staff Applications Available

st  Creek Hikes Online January 1 www.campstthekla.org/  Lake Access  Ropes Course 2017 Camp Dates Ages 9-17  3 Outdoor Chapels  Modern Cabins with Air Conditioning June 25 - July 1  4 Square, Gaga Ball, Carpet Ball, Angle Ball July 2 - July 8 St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church

https://www.facebook.com/CampStThekla Van Nuys, California

 Invites you and your family to the

Join us in Houston, Texas, for the Parish Life Conference! Hosted by 2017 Parish Life Conference St. Anthony the Great at the Westin in Memorial City, this year’s conference is in the center of Memorial City Mall and within July 5-9, 2017 walking distance of shopping, dining, and many local attractions.

We’re looking forward to seeing y’all there!

www.stmichaelvannuys.org www.laplc.org Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel 5855 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, California Rooms starting at $139.00/night https://www.facebook.com/CampStThekla 150 Asbury Drive, Cleveland SC 29635 W] THE WORD 358 Mountain Road PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

Registration is OPEN!

The AC2017 Conventi on Committ ee has designed wave aft er wave of fellowship events, including opportuniti es for spiritual growth, educati onal workshops, and wonderful, family fun events and acti viti es. AC2017Miami.org

• Sunday (July 23, 2017): Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, AC2017 Kick-Off Luncheon, and more… • Monday (July 24, 2017): VIP Luncheon, Local Clergy Dinner, Teen Leadership Meeting, Antiochian Game Show, and more… • Tuesday (July 25, 2017): Bible Study, Club Saint George begins, Department Meetings, Kids Dinner and Social, Ask Abouna, VIP Event, Order of Saint Ignatius Banquet, and more… • Wednesday (July 26, 2017): Department Meetings, Bible Bowl, Young Adult Social Event, Antiochian Women’s Breakfast, Choir Workshop, Ask Abouna Sessions and more… • Thursday (July 27, 2017): Teen Social Event, General Assembly Meeting, Debke Competition, and more… • Friday (July 28, 2017): Young Adult Luncheon, Teen Humanitarian Event, Dinner and Hafl i, and more… • Saturday (July 29, 2017): Oratorical Festival, Board of Trustees Luncheon, Grand Banquet and Reception, Teen Banquet and Hafl i, Kids Dinner and Social, and more… • Sunday (July 30, 2017): Orthros and Confessions, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and more…

Visit the Convention Website at AC2017MIAMI.org to view and download the schedule of events and become an insider on this Historic Convention!