RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH DIOCESE OF SOUROZH

CATHEDRAL OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD 67 ENNISMORE GARDENS, LONDON SW7 1NH Sourozh Messenger June - July 2017, No 2

Annual Conference “Unity of the Church” 26th - 28th May 2017 Hayes, Swanwick, Derbyshire June - July 2017 List of Contents In this issue: ANNUAL CONFERENCE “UNITY OF THE CHURCH” ...... 3 BRITISH AND IRISH SAINTS DIOCESAN CONFERENCE: Reflec- Venerable Kevin of Glendalough tions by participants from Russia ..6 Commemorated: 3rd/16th June .....24 DIOCESAN NEWS ...... 7 JOURNEY TO ORTHODOXY CATHEDRAL NEWS ...... 11 From the Irish Air Force to the Orthodox Church ...... 27 LEGACY OF METROPOLITAN IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ANTHONY OF SOUROZH Calling of the Apostles ...... 16 PILGRIMS: Impressions of a pil- grimage to the Holy Land ...... 30 Travels in Holy Russia with The Temple Gallery ...... 18 FOR AND ABOUT CHILDREN Explanation of the Divine Liturgy - SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Part 2 ...... 34 Annointing with Oil ...... 19 Apostolic Guidance for Orthodox online users ...... 22 Recommended donation is £1

Dear Readers, We are happy to inform you that the Media and Publishing Department of the Diocese of Sourozh now has an online store, Sourozh Publications, where you can obtain the publications of the diocese. You can subscribe to the English or Russian editions of Cathedral Newsletter, and purchase the diocesan journal ‘Sourozh’ and the Diocesan Calendar and Lectionary. For prices and full information please visit the store at https://sourozh.myshopify.com.

Cathedral Newsletter was prepared by: Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Archpriest Dimitri Karpenko, John and Stella Newbery, Galina Chuykova, Elena Creswell, Elena Kuzina, Yana Reznik, Maria Rumyantseva, Victoria Aleshina, Anna Rynda, Svetlana Yegorova-Johnston, Karina Vaikule, Maria Afitsinskaya-Lvova, Julia Pliauksta

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Annual Conference “Unity of the Church”

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOUROZH DIOCESE “UNITY OF THE CHURCH” The Annual Conference of the Diocese of Sourozh took place from 26th to 28th May at the Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire. The theme this year was ‘The Unity of the Church’. The old mansion with its surrounding new buildings was the setting for a weekend year opportunity to meet friends from of prayer, serious work and a good break around the diocese, so there was real in the company of like-minded people. joy in the meeting. Bishop Jonathan Goodall of the Anglican Church, who The participants of the Conference is responsible for relations with the included Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, Orthodox Churches, was an honoured Bishop Antony of Bogorodsk, Head guest at the Conference. A special of the Department for Institutions feature ofthis year’s conference was the Abroad of the Moscow Patriarchate, presence of two sacred objects from the Bishop Flavian of Cherepovorets and Vysha monastery – the wonderworking Belozersk, Bishop Matthew of Skopin Vysha icon of the Mother of God and Shatsk, clergy of the Sourozh and of Kazan and a reliquary containing Skopin dioceses, sisters of the Holy a relic of St Theophan the Recluse Dormition-Vysha convent, together of Vysha. For this I would like to with lay people from the United express deep gratitude to Archbishop Kingdom and Russia. For many people Elisey of Sourozh and to all those who the Annual Conference is the once a organised the bringing of these holy objects from Russia. The work of the Conference began with a moleben celebrated before the icon and the relic, and there was further opportunity to venerate and pray before them during the Divine Liturgy and at other times. On the evening of Friday 26th May the film producer Dmitry Loktionov presented his films about the Diocese of Sourozh and the history of Orthodoxy 3 June - July 2017 Annual Conference ”Unity of The Church”

beginning of the Liturgy: ‘for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord’. Peace is not just the absence of war; it is not an external state. It is peace in our souls, peace in our thoughts, which we bring to the outer world, thereby enriching the outer world with inner peace, with grace.Thus the well-known phrase, ‘the peace of the whole world’ gains a completely new connotation. in the British Isles as well as some short The second talk, which was given by videos of a missionary character. These Hieromonk Nikolai (Sakharov), was can be found on the new diocesan entitled ‘Inter-Orthodox Unity’. The media portal www.sourozhsphere.net. main idea of Fr Nikolai’s talk was that On the next day, after common our unity in the Church is something morning prayer and breakfast, Father completely achievable, it is not an Stephen Platt, who was chairing the abstraction. One feels this especially sessions, invited the first speaker, here, far from one’s homeland. For Father Andrew Louth, to present his the majority of those who come paper. Fr Andrew shared with us his from countries with a predominantly thoughts on the theme of unity. ‘The Orthodox population, the Orthodox glorification of the Name of the Lord sphere seems very homogeneous, is union with Him, the bringing of something pertaining to a single people. oneself as an offering to God, just as Here we can rejoice in every fellow- Christ offered Himself to the Father’. believer, be he Serbian , Georgian or The text of the Liturgy itself speaks Bulgarian. A very striking event was the to us about unity. Fr Andrew drew visit of pilgrims of different nationalities our attention to what is said at the to the birthplace of St Silouan the

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Athonite in the Lipetsk region. For multinational parish, but without such the first time prayers were offered care what we call community will not there in the Georgian and Romanian emerge. It was interesting to hear that languages. For the local inhabitants this the common English word ‘parish’ was the first preaching of the unity of has somewhat negative connotations Orthodoxy – we are one, we are not – arrogance, provinciality, coldness; some fragment, we are many and we such are the associations that arise are different. For Fr Nikolai this was in those who grew up with classical the most authentic feast of Orthodoxy, English literature. However, common the understanding that it is not only work and prayer in the context of my own people who are the bearers a parishcan transform the place to of Orthodox tradition, but different which we go into the place where we becomea community – one in Christ, in the Eucharist and in the Spirit. Where are the boundaries of the one Church? This question was at the heart of the reflections of Father Antony Ilyin who, based on his medical education, explained to the audience in some detail how boundaries are not simply obstacles but life-saving barriers. Our skin, for example defends us from people, different nations. We are not the external world. The expression, just an ‘appendage’ of some culture ‘Our fences do not reach to heaven’ is or other, but the bearers of Truth. attributed to various theologians, but The next speaker was Doctor Paula we remain in the world for now and we Nicholson – a scholar, Churchwarden have to think about those who are our and one of the founding members of neighbours and about what is going the Parish of St Silouan of Mt Athos in on in the world around us. Certain the South of England, a mother and, things beyond our fences are matters above all, a Christian. The experience of common concern, for example, of community presented by Paula was attitudes to marriage and family life a very good example of the drawing among Orthodox and heterodox. together of different people. In her paper Questions about safeguarding human she emphasised that in a community dignity are an area where Christians the faithful must both pray for see things in similar terms to Jews one another and take care of their and Muslims. Such themes can be neighbours. This is difficult in so far as points of contact with those who are we are very different, particularly in a far from Orthodoxy. Another fertile area for seeking points of contact 5 June - July 2017 Annual Conference ”Unity of The Church” for us in Britain is the ancient saints DIOCESE CONFERENCE: of Britain and Ireland. They are REFLECTIONS BY venerated by Catholics and are PARTICIPANTS FROM RUSSIA generally considered to be key figures The Annual Conference of the Diocese in the history and culture of antiquity. of Sourozh took place from May 26th- In such a way we can seek unity with 28th, 2017. During the Conference the the representatives of various faiths participants from Russia were provided without infringing canonical rules. with the opportunity of significantly At the plenary session on Sunday broadening their horizons, since in morning Fr Stephen summarised Russia Russian Orthodoxy is an habitual the talks and gave an opportunity to cultural milieu, while in Great Britain anyone who wished to put questions it is oases of faith, uniting people who to the speakers. The main event of live in a completely different culture. Sunday, however, was of course the That is why the contrast between Divine Liturgy, at which many people prayer in the church and the rest of were able to receive Holy Communion. the world is quite substantial: the joy After lunch, those who wished set off on of communal prayer is very intense a pilgrimage to Saint Bertram, whose and concentrated, and the feeling of a relics lie less than an hour’s journey long-awaited meeting is extraordinarily away. This Conference was something sharp. In here, the choice is made more really special, a multinational deliberately than in Russia, it is more gathering, talks in two languages, the of an existential choice since it also has singing of a combined choir, sacred to do with preserving one’s identity. objects brought from Russia as well It is important to mention that as the local British holy places – all there are many Christian relics this witnessed to the unity of the in the British Isles, which could Church and of Orthodox believers. be quite surprising for many. Julia Pliauksta The informal atmosphere was very

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took the role of the choir director during the services and who led the Conference meetings with great love and a sophisticated sense of humour. If a Russian person who lives abroad finds in the Russian Orthodox Church a return to their roots, the path to Christ from and through their homeland, and Fr Stephen leading the choir greatly values that, then for a British person to find their way to Christ striking, the harmony of unity and free- through Russian Orthodoxy is a real dom, the absence of pomposity; the ses- miracle and spiritual accomplishment. sions had a warm, domestic feel to them. For those who live in Russia, it is One of the most striking impressions very important to see and feel all was the presence of Orthodox British this, in order to appreciate all that people such as priests who came to they have and be grateful to God. Russian Orthodoxy while searching for spiritual depth in their homeland. The Sophia Kudrina sincerity of their faith and the depth of their prayer were amazing; to take Diocesan News

THE FESTIVAL “FROM HEART classes for the production of icons TO HEART” WAS HELD in which all wishing could take part, IN LONDON AND DUBLIN performances of the monastery choir, The spiritual and educational festival children's theatres and, of course, ‘From Heart to Heart’ was held at the conversations about Orthodoxy and Dormition Cathedral in London life in the monastery. One of the icons from 4th to 7th of May, and at the which was written during the festival Church of Saints Peter and Paul in by iconographers of the monastery Dublin from 11th to 14th of May. and blessed in the Dormition The festival was held with the blessing Cathedral - the image of St George of Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh the Victory-Bearer –took part on the andMetropolitan Pavel of Minsk 9th of May in the March of the and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of Immortal Regiment (an annual event All Belarus. The programme of the in Russia and Russian communities four-day festival included exhibitions abroad honouring the veterans of monastery workshops, master- of the Second World War – ed.). 7 June - July 2017 Diocesan News

The festival turned out to be very good. Consequently, all the proceeds colourful and homely - in London from the sale of souvenirs, icons the Cathedral chapel became for and food products were directed a few days an island of Eastern- to the charitable purposes of those Slavonic culture, with a miniature hut, in need in the Republic of Belarus. embroidered tablecloths, traditional crafts and even scented honey and Julia Pliauksta herbal teas. Those who visited the festival spoke about the fact that it left the warmest impression of them, told them about Russian Orthodoxy, Belarus and its folk art, and for some itwas the first encounter with St Elizabeth the Grand Duchess. Sisters ofthe monastery hold similar festivals in different cities of Europe in order to tell about their faith, folk traditions and to present the life of a monastic community, not hidden from society, but labouring for its

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DIVINE LITURGY AT the patron of Glasgow. ST KENTIGERN’S CHURCH IN On May 20th, the Dean of North CUMBRIA England and Wales, Priest Dimitry The church of Saint Kentigern Nedostupenko, assisted by Deacon is situated in the small village of Anatoli Vihrov, celebrated the Divine Caldbeck in the County of Cumbria. Liturgy in St Kentigern’s Church. The church has been refurbished and Lay people from several parishes extended many times but the main from Northern England and London part of it was built in the 12th-13th participated in the Liturgy. After the centuries. But this church was not the service Father Dimitry led a procession first there – it was built on the site of and Moleben near St Kentigern’s holy a previous one, which had been there spring, which also dates to the 6th since the 6th century. According to century. After the services the clergy tradition that was the time when St and parishioners gathered for a lunch Kentigern, Abbot, Bishop and founder and talks. St Kentigern, pray to God of Glasgow (also known as St Mungo) for us! prayed in this church during his well- known missionary work. For many HOLY RELICS FROM RUSSIA centuries St Mungo has been venerated VISIT MANCHESTER as one of the apostles of Scotland and On Monday May 29th, 2017, the miracle-working Vysha Copy of the Kazan Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God and a fragment of the relics of St Theophan the Recluse of Vysha visited the Patriarchal Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God in Manchester. The Divine Liturgy was headed by Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, Bishop Matthew of Skopin and Shatsk and other distinguished guests.

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departed. That’s why we came here, to the coast’, Evgeniya Vladimirovna Akshenceva, a literature teacher, told everyone. Together we observed a minute of silence in the memory of those who fought and suffered. After that the children read poems dedicated to the heroism of Russian seamen, which they had learnt by heart. Then all who came sang songs about Varyag. “These are the songs we especially prepared for this event. The children learnt them during singing lessons’’, said Evgeniya Vladimirovna. “This memorial is a symbol of cour- age’’, she added. Marina Sergeevna Shumickaya, the TO THE SEA BY “VARYAG’’ FOR acting director of the school, thanked VICTORY DAY CELEBRATIONS the guests – the Veterans of the school On 13th May, the Feast of St Ignatius (“War children’’) – for coming to visit Brianchaninov, Glasgow Russian Varyag. They were given flowers and Orthodox School visited the Varyag cards. At the end the children laid memorial in Lendalfoot, Scotland, wreathes to the memorial. Both chil- on the North Channel coastline. The dren and adults set paper ships into the children celebrated Victory Day there. water in the memory of the seamen. Fr Georgy Zavershinsky, Rector of Interestingly, St Andrew is the patron the Russian Orthodox Parish of St. saint of both Scotland and the Russian Kentigern in Glasgow of the Diocese Navy. The diagonal cross, on which he of Sourozh, served Litiya for the de- was crucified, is used on the Scottish parted seamen by the memorial, near flag – the Saltire. The same cross is the place where the legendary Russian on the St Andrew’s flag – the Russian cruiser sank in 1920. She was famous Navy Ensign. for her crew’s stoicism at the beginning Glasgow Russian Orthodox School of the Russo-Japanese War at the Bat- has been operating at the Parish of St. tle of Chemulpo Bay (1904). Kentigern since 2005. It is the only Or- “As it is said in many poems, if you are thodox children’s school in Scotland. a seaman and died at sea, you have Tatiana Salmon neither a cross nor a grave. There’s nowhere to come and mourn for the 10 Cathedral News June - July 2017

Cathedral News

MYRHH-STREAMING HAWAII blindness, diseases of the kidneys ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD and liver, chronic illnesses and other OF IVERON IN THE CATHEDRAL infirmities. The icon is presently in the The wonderworking Hawaii myrhh- care of the Russian Orthodox Church streaming icon of the Mother of God in Honolulu, but it frequently travels of Iveron came to the Dormition around the world and grants healings. Cathedral in Knightsbridge in the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF FR evening of Saturday 20th May. JOSEPH’S PRIESTHOOD Orthodox believers came to venerate On June 3rd, after the Divine Liturgy the clergy and laity of the Dormition Cathedral congratulated Archpriest Joseph Skinner on the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Many people had brought flowers and wanted to thank Fr Joseph in person, expressing their gratitude to him and Matushka Sarah for their service to God and people, their kindly attitude to our needs and a willingness to help the myrhh-streaming icon and to pray anyone who seeks God. Many years, during the Vigil. The icon stayed in the Father Joseph! Cathedral until the end of the service. The wonderworking Hawaii myrhh- streaming icon of the Mother of God of Iveron inexplicably began to stream myrrh in the home of a pious Orthodox couple in Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 23rd / October 6th, 2007. This phenomenon was recognised as authentic and miraculous by the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. This image is famous for the healings of many pious people from cancer,

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CHILDREN’S FESTIVE EVENT TO MARK THE 220th ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT INNOKENTY VENIAMINOV On the 20th May 2017, with the blessing of Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh, the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture took place at the Parish were reminiscent of the works of School of the Dormition Cathedral St Cyril and Methodius. The brother of the Diocese of Sourozh. The saints composed the Cyrillic alphabet festivities wereheld to mark the 220th and taught the Slavic people anniversary of the birth of Saint reading and writing skills, while Innocent Veniaminov, Metropolitan St Innocent created an alphabet for of Moscow and Kolomna. the native people of the North in The atmosphere during the event was his turn. What is most important, very amicable. The cartoon ‘Saint is that he brought the Gospel to Innocent, the Apostle of America the remote populations of the North. and Siberia’ was screened. A special Archbishop Elisey expressed his surprise during the festivities gratitude to Svetlana Yegorova-Johnson was the performance by Svetlana for her considerable contribution Yegorova-Johnson, who brought and towards the organisation of the played a Yakut musical instrument festivities and presented her with called the ‘homus’. At the close of flowers. The principal of the the event, Archbishop Elisey of Parish School – Elena Poplavskaya, Sourozh addressed all the children presented souvenirs to the guests that were present, their parents, –handmade figurines of little teachers, and guests, with his angels made of pearly beads by message on the importance of the the Parish School pupils. Saint missionary and educational activities Innocent, pray to the Lord for us! of Saint Innocent. His Eminence mentioned that works of the saint Elena Poplavskaya

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until he became Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna in 1867. St Innokenty was a great missionary who led thousands of people to the Lord and thanks to his incessant work and prayer the independent Yakut diocese was established. He was a talented translator of Orthodox St Innokenty (Veniaminov) literature into the languages of the ethnic minorities to whom he preached CELEBRATIONS OF THE 220TH the Gospel; a man of devout prayer, he ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH blessed Archpriest Dimitry Khitrov, OF SAINT INNOKENTY the future bishop Dionysius, to compile (VENIAMINOV) the alphabet and grammar of the With the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Yakut language. He himself composed Moscow and All Russia, the year 2017 the alphabet and the grammar of the is marked by the celebration of the Aleut language however his works 220th anniversary of the birth of Saint were not limited to the Aleut language, Innokenty (Veniaminov), Metropolitan he also studied Tlingit and Alutik. of Moscow and Kolomna, Apostle The scale of his personality and the of Siberia and America, an honorary scope of his works in the regions member of the Imperial Russian of Siberia, the Far East and North Geographical Society and Moscow America, puts him on a par with Imperial University, outstanding in the outstanding educators of the his work in linguistics, ethnography Russian state. His life is worthy and geography, a craftsman who of thoughtful and careful study. built temples with his own hands, In 1997, as tribute to his immortal a man of heroic endurance. heritage, there was a series of For his love of God and of the Church international events dedicated and of people, the Lord raised him to the 200th anniversary of his to great spiritual heights and to the birth, initiated by the laity and the highest position in the Russian Church leadership of the Republic of Sakha at that time. Born in a village in the (Yakutia) and with the blessing of Bishop Irkutsk Oblast in the year 1797, he Herman. The 210th anniversary of the spent his whole life in the eastern birth of St Innokenty was celebrated parts of the Russian Empire: Eastern during the Days of Yakutia festival Siberia, Russian America (Alaska), in Moscow in 2007, where a liturgy and the Russian Far East including in the Yakut language was celebrated Yakutia, the Amur and Kamchatka, by Patriarch Alexy in the Cathedral 13 June - July 2017 Cathedral News

peoples, similar to Saints Cyril and Methodius among the Slavs in the 9th century. In this respect, St Innokenty followed thecontinuous apostolic tradition in the Orthodox Church. Here in the UK we also make our of Christ the Saviour. The Republic contribution to the celebration of of Sakha (Yakutia) acted as a sponsor the 220th anniversary of the birth of theabove-mentioned events. of the saint. Events began in the Twenty years ago, in 1997, a blessing Diocese of Sourozh with a cycle of to celebrate the 200th anniversary in lectures about the life and activities England was given to us by the ever- of the saint in the Cathedral of the memorable Metropolitan Anthony of Dormition of the Mother of God Sourozh. There was a lecture by Egor in Ennismore Gardens, London. Spiridonovich Shishigin who travelled In May 2016, during the annual from Yakutia, along with Claudia Diocesan Conference, a presentation Ivanovna Fedorova, as an interpreter of Irina Dmitrieva's book "To the and students from the city of Mirny. North through the Ages, Part 1” Today, the initiative to organize the took place, which was devoted to the celebration of the 220th anniversary of missionary activity of St Innokenty. St Innokenty and the 40th anniversary On May 20th this year, a concert for of his canonization comes from his the children of the Church Parish native Irkutsk. A national project, ‘ The School took place, organized by the Way of Saint Innokenty’ is underway efforts of a small creative group of in 10 regions of the Russian Federation: teachers who prepared an excellent the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), script for the celebration of the 220th Irkutsk, Amur, Magadan, Sakhalin anniversary as part of the Days regions, Khabarovsk, Kamchatka and of Slavonic Writing and Culture Zabaikalsk Territories, Chukotsky dedicated to the memory of the Equals- Autonomous District and Moscow. This to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius. reflects the relevance of the project and The UK jubilee events will end the status of Metropolitan Innokenty in October 2017, when there will (Veniaminov) on an international level. be a presentation of the life of St St Innokenty had a special approach Innokenty, a Divine Liturgy and a to the indigenous peoples of different concert at the London Cathedral of nations in the vast regions where the Dormition of the Mother of God. he served in the nineteenth century, Svetlana Yegorova-Johnston seeking to study and include native languages in the liturgical life of these 14 Cathedral News June - July 2017

WESTERN SAINTS ADDED TO THE CALENDAR OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH St. Patrick, the great enlightener of Ireland, will be officially celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church for the first time this year on March 17/30. At its March 9 session, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox, under the chairmanship of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, officially adopted St. Patrick and more than fifteen other pre- Icon of St Patrick of Ireland schism Western saints into its calendar, Churches. according to the report published on the Patriarchate’s official site. Also considered were the “Complete Menaion of the East” by Archbishop The decision was taken after Sergius (Spassky), the report of St. John hearing a report from His Eminence Maximovitch to the Holy Synod of the Metropolitan Clement of Kaluga and Russian Church Abroad in 1952, the Borovsk, chairman of the commission articles of the Orthodox Encyclopedia for the compilation of the Russian and the Synaxarion compiled by Orthodox Church’s Menaion, or Hiermonk Macarius of the Athonite calendar of saints, with the proposal monastery of Simonopetra. to include several ancient saints who laboured in Western lands before the The Western saints added into the Great Schism of 1054. calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church are: The commission, created on September 18, 2014 by the blessing Hieromartyr Pothinus, Bishop of of His Holiness, had been working Lyons, and those with him (June on compiling a list of Western saints 2/15; c. 177) guided by the following criteria: Martyrs Blandina and Ponticus of their unblemished confession of the Lyons (June 2/15; c. 177) Orthodox faith; the circumstances in Martyr Epipodius of Lyons (April which their glorification took place; the 22/May 5; c. 177) absence of their names from polemical Martyr Alexander of Lyons (April works against the Eastern Church 24/May 7; c. 177) and rite; and their present veneration in foreign dioceses of the Russian Hieromartyr Saturninus, first Orthodox Church and other Local Bishop of Toulouse (November 29/ December 12; c. 257) 15 June - July 2017 Legacy of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

Martyr Victor of Marseilles (July St. Germanus, Bishop of Paris 21/August 3; c. 290) (May 28/June 10; 576) St. Alban, Protomartyr of Britain St. Procopius, abbot of Sazava in (June 22/July 5; c. 304) Bohemia (September 16/29; 1053) St. Honoratus, Archbishop of Arles and founder of Lerins Monastery (January 16/29; 429) St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre (July 31/August 13; 448) St. Vincent of Lerins (May 24/June 6; c. 450) St. Patrick, Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland (March 17/30; 451) St. Lupus the Confessor, Bishop of Troyes (Gaul) (July 29/August 11; 479) St. Genevieve of Paris (January 3/16; 512) Icon of St Genevieve of Paris

Legacy of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

CALLING OF THE APOSTLES It is essential for us to realise the link there is between Christ and the apostles. <...> If you read the Gospels you will see that the apostles and the Lord Jesus Christ were born and lived in the same area. Christ came to live in Nazareth as a child; the apostles lived all about the place of His abode. We know nothing about the early years of St Peter and St Paul these men, but if we think that Cana of Galilee was less than 4 miles away from lived were around the same place, we Nazareth, if we think that all the cities can imagine that they had met and and all the villages in which Peter and seen and heard the Lord Jesus Christ Andrew, John and James and others as a child, as a youth. 16 Legacy of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh June - July 2017

We know nothing about the impact of His personality growing harmoniously into the fullness of His human stature, but links of personal knowledge and fa- miliarity existed. The disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew and John, were the disciples of a cousin of the Lord. James was the brother of John, Peter was the brother of Andrew. When they first met Christ, they sought out their friends Nathanael and Phillip. Even the words of Nathanael ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ is not a mysterious saying. What would any one of us say if he was told that God Himself had become man in a village Metropolitan Anthony four miles away from his own village? And then there is a whole process It is a relationship so deep, so perfect which we can trace in the Gospels and complete that they cannot leave in which one can see how, gradually, Him even if terror comes upon them. the disciples discover the Lord Jesus When Christ tells His disciples that He Christ, how He becomes gradually is going to Bethany because Lazarus has more and more to them. And one died, His disciples say: ‘Are you going day their relatedness to Him is such back into Judaea? Were not the Jews that they could not leave Him even if about to kill you?’ And one of them they wanted to. When most of Christ’s says, ‘Let us go with Him and die with disciples abandoned Him the Lord said Him’. And that one is Thomas, the one to the Twelve: ‘Are you also going to who so often is thought as a doubter. go?’ And Peter answers: ‘Where should No, he is not a doubter. He is ready to we go? Thou hast the word of eternal live and to die with his Master, but he is life’. This relatedness between the not prepared credulously to receive the disciples and Christ that began perhaps news of Christ’s Resurrection with all in friendship, then in admiration grew its resurrecting impact and life-giving to the relationship of disciples and power without being sure — because Master, on the way to Caesarea Philippi when Christ died on the cross His becomes a recognition, proclaimed by disciples scattered, afraid, in hiding, one of them as a gift of God, of what and yet, attached to Him with all the He truly is: ‘Thou art the Christ, the fibres of their heart and mind and soul, Son of the Living God’. they felt that life had gone out of the world, life had gone out of their lives. 17 June - July 2017 Legacy of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

That happens to us when someone any more, no kind of death; death was who is infinitely dear dies. Then we defeated. This is what we sing at Easter, discover that because this person this is what we proclaim as the Gospel. has died everything which is shallow, Life has triumphed, death has no trivial, small, too small to be as great as power over us. Our body has no power life and death, becomes irrelevant. We to kill us when it dies. This is one of the turn away from it, we become as great essential witnesses of the apostles: not as our perception of life and death can simply that they are so faithful in their make us. love for Christ that they are prepared That is what happened to them, but to die, but that they are so certain from then there was no life, there was only inner certainty, from the welling up of crushing, destructive death. They eternity within them, from the victory could no longer live because life had within them of the life of Christ, that gone out of their lives, but they could death is no more. One can peacefully continue to exist. And all of a sudden let go of temporariness, as St Paul says. they discovered that Christ was alive For him death does not mean divesting and that they could live and, more than himself of temporary life, it means to this, that in a mysterious way because be clad with eternity, eternity fulfilled, they had died so deeply and completely what it was incipiently, germinally, through love and oneness with Him, fighting for the fulfilment in what he they could, through love and oneness calls his body of corruption. — both His and theirs — be alive, but alive with an unshaking certainty that no death can deprive them of life

‘TRAVELS IN HOLY RUSSIA 19, 2017. WITH THE TEMPLE GALLERY’ The exhibition is comprised of fif- ty photographs taken by two trave- Sir Richard Temple, a well-known lers - Alain de Lotbiniere and Hans expert on icons, took a group of Matschukat, who tried to capture their visitors on a two week trip to Russia to responses to the corners of Russia they see the museums and churches in and visited. The Temple Gallery also pre- around Moscow and St Petersburg. sented the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother The exhibition ‘Travels in Holy of God (late XV century) as part of the Russia with the Temple Gallery’ – the exhibition. beautiful outcome of the trip – was In his opening remarks Ambassador opened at the representative office of of the Russian Federation to the UK Rossotrudnichestvo in London on May Alexander Yakovenko noted his great

18 Sacraments of the Church June - July 2017 appreciation of Sir Richard’s contri- Panel of the Art Fund (formerly the bution to the development of human- National Art Collections Fund of itarian cooperation and strengthening Great Britain) and has been active in of Russian-British relations. He also in the acquisition of icons by several presented Sir Richard with a personal major museums, including the British letter of appreciation. Museum, the Musée du Louvre in During the opening of the exhibition Paris, the Timken Art Gallery in San Sir Richard presented a pearl Diego, California and the Museum of embroidered icon of the Smolensk the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Mother of God (XIX century) to the in Moscow. He has published many Russian Orthodox Church in the catalogues and scientific articles, as person of His Eminence Archbishop well as two books on icons. Elisey of Sourozh. Richard Temple is a British citizen who dedicated his life to the study and collection of Russian icons. In 1959, he founded the Temple Gallery as a centre for the study, restoration and exhibition of ancient icons and sacred art. He is a member of the Advisory

Sacraments of the Church

We are printing a series of short texts about the Sacraments of the Church. They are copied from ‘An Orthodox Online Catechism’, which is based on the book ‘The Mystery of Faith’ by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). They are presented here by the kind permission and blessing of the author. PART 6. ANNOINTING WITH OIL The human person was created with an which is our coarse flesh, and became incorruptible and immortal body. After a body-bearer’. Illness and disease the Fall it lost these qualities and became became a part of human life. The corruptible and mortal. According to root of all infirmity, according to the St Gregory the Theologian, the human Church’s teaching, is human sinfulness: person ‘put on the garment of skin, sin entered the human person in such 19 June - July 2017 Sacraments of the Church

Healing of the blind man. Fresco at the Optina Pustyn Monastery (Foto A. Pospelov, www.pravoslavie.ru)

a way that it polluted not only his soul from its most severe disease, unbe- soul and intellect, but also his body. lief. He also pointed to the Devil as the If death is a consequence of sin (cf. origin of all illness: of the bent woman James 1:15), an illness may be seen He said that she was ‘bound by Satan’ as a situation between sin and death: (see Luke 13:16). it follows sin and precedes death. It is The Church has always considered not, of course, that every particular sin its own mission as the continuation in results in a particular illness. The real all aspects of Jesus Christ’s ministry, issue concerns the root of all illness, including healing. Thus, from apostolic namely, human corruptibility. As St times, a sacramental action existed Symeon the New Theologian remarks, which would later receive the name ‘doctors cure human bodies... but they of Anointing with oil. It is found in can never cure the basic illness of the New Testament: ‘Is any among human nature, its corruptibility. For you sick? Let him call for the elders this reason, when they try different (literally, presbyters) of the Church, means to cure one particular illness, and let them pray over him, anointing the body then falls prey to another him with oil in the name of the Lord; disease’. Human nature, according to and the prayer of faith will save the St Symeon, needs a physician who can sick man, and the Lord will raise him heal it from its corruptibility, and this up; and if he has committed sins, he physician is Jesus Christ Himself. will be forgiven’ (James 4:15-16). It is During His earthly life Christ healed clear that the question here is not of many people. Before healing someone, a normal anointing with oil, which He often asked him about his faith: in ancient time was used for medical ‘Do you believe that I am able to do purposes, but of a special sacramental this?’ (Matt. 9:28) As well as healing action. Healing qualities are ascribed the body, Christ also healed the human here not to the oil, but to the ‘prayer of 20 Sacraments of the Church June - July 2017 faith’; and physician is not a presbyter, received it will necessarily be healed. but ‘the Lord’. Rather, one can say that Holy Unction makes the one who receives it partici- In the modern-day practice of the pate in Christ’s sufferings, renders his Orthodox Church, the sacrament of bodily illness salvific and healing, lib- Anointing has preserved all the original erating him from spiritual illness and elements described by St James: it is death. conducted by seven priests (in practice, often, by three or two), prayers and New According to the Church’s teaching, Testament passages are read, and the God is able to transform everything evil sick person is anointed seven times with into something good. In this particular blessed oil. The prayer of absolution is case illness, which by itself is evil and read by one of the presbyters at the end a consequence of corruption, becomes of the sacrament. The Church believes for the human person a source of that, in accordance with St James’s spiritual benefits. By means of it he words, the sins of the one who receives participates in Christ’s sufferings and is Anointing are forgiven. This, however, risen with Christ to a new life. There in no way implies that Anointing can be are many cases when illness brings regarded as a substitute for confession. people to death, compels them to Unfounded also is the opinion of change their life and to embark upon some Orthodox believers that in Holy the path of repentance that leads to Unction all forgotten sins, that is, God. those not mentioned at Confession, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) are forgiven. The sacrament of Confession, as we said above, results in the forgiveness of all sins. The intention behind the sacrament of Anointing with oil Unction is not to supplement Confession, but rather to give new strength to the sick with prayers for the healing of body and soul. Even more misleading is the inter- pretation of Anointing as the ‘last anointing’ before death. This was the understanding of the sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church before Vati- can II, and it still finds its place among Orthodox believers. This is a misin- terpretation simply because Anointing does not guarantee that a person who 21 June - July 2017 Apostolic guidance for Orthodox online users

that some Christians demonstrate degrading demeanour online, or perhaps they reveal their true faces. It is all a big disgrace, since such dialogues always remain accessible. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye APOSTOLIC GUIDANCE FOR have love one to another”(John ORTHODOX ONLINE USERS 13:35). If a secular user joins and reads through many dialogues of Have nothing to do with foolish, Christians on the social network ignorant controversies; you know sites, not only will he not be able that they breed quarrels. And to detect whose followers we really the Lord's servant must not be are, but for him the only sign of our quarrelsome but kind to everyone, belonging to the Orthodox faith will able to teach, patiently enduring be the presence of quotes from the evil, correcting his opponents Bible and from patristic literature that with gentleness. God may do not say much to him. However, it perhaps grant them repentance is not about the quotes, it is about leading to a knowledge of our demeanour and spirit. If our the truth (2 Timothy 2:23-25). behaviour is far from what St Paul These apostolic lines are a great the Apostle writes to Saint Timothy lesson for Orthodox online users and from patristic instructions, then who enjoy a bit of an online quarrel what is the point of these quotes? with other Christians. If two brothers It is better not to know something, in Christ were to meet in a real life, but behave like a decent Christian. their conversations would most likely To summarise, there is only one word start with a greeting. Ideally, there that can describe all this: disgrace. would be a fraternal kiss following Have nothing to do with foolish, the Apostle’s commandment. The ignorant controversies. According meeting would definitely not start to the Oxford Dictionary, ignorance with a reproach. If the brothers is not just the lack of knowledge were unacquainted with each other, or awareness in general, their communication would begin but also being ‘uneducated, with a brief introduction. How come unsophisticated’. If somebody begins things are so dramatically different his dialogue not with the greeting, when it comes to communication on web forums and comments but with writing something on social networking websites? offensive (unconstructive criticism), Unfortunately, sometimes it seems begins‘trolling’ other users, it is 22 Apostolic guidance for Orthodox online users June - July 2017 best to avoid such conversations, another one did not like. Here, the since they lead to conflict. If person who wrote this comment a person begins his comment should ask themselves: what am I with ill-disposed undertones, it aiming to achieve with my comments, is usually a very indicative sign. which instead of addressing someone You know that they breed quarrels. by greeting or getting acquainted By the way, the fact that usually with them, contain unconstructive Christians (and not only Christians), criticism? If an accuser wants to prefer not to argue in public, is correct their brother, then he interesting. However, for some reason should be “kind to everyone, able the people who argue online are not to teach, patiently enduring evil, ashamed to do so in public Web correcting his opponents with space (forums, social networks). The gentleness,” (even our opponents sense of shame gets lost. This means should be taught with humility, not that for some Christians, the online to mention our brothers in Christ). sphere creates an illusion of being Blessed Theophylact states: ‘Therefore transported to some different reality. a strong accusation has power when it In this parallel reality, they can allow is made with humility. It is more likely themselves to do certain things that to touch someone’s heart when made they would not normally do in real with humility, than when shaming life. When it comes to behaviour online them with strictness’. It seems that and in reality: it would be amusing if if there is no humility, it is probable one Christian came to visit another that the goal of the accuser is not one, and started to blame and to correct his brother; therefore, he shame him through the door, without is either trying to satisfy his passion revealing his face. For some reason, in verbal argument, or he does it certain Christians do follow different because of jealousy, or other reasons rules when online and in reality. As that don’t come as a result of fraternal long as your face is hidden behind love. If someone decides to accuse, an avatar, you can type whatever it should be done in a Biblical way. and how much you want. Nobody Looking at these ugly discussions, can see your face, and many people one can feel sad and ashamed. Can have no idea of who you are at all. you find this kind of communication The Lord's servant must not be among the Saints? No. Therefore, quarrelsome but kind to everyone. it means that instead of trying to If there is no affability, the motives follow their example, we are just of writing all sorts of comments throwing their quotes around, are in question. A typical example: just in order to satisfy our vanity. one brother posted something that Not only do we not feel piety;

23 June - July 2017 British and Irish Saints sometimes there is a lack of basic Whatever is done without love is sinful. respect and the rules of etiquette. In You cannot hide behind quotes this context, all these high-flown words from holy people. To copy and paste on the spiritual bond of Christians sayings from the holy fathers is really become empty chat. Not to mention easy, but to fulfil the instructionsof St rudeness, when instead of answering Paul is more difficult. Is it really the a direct question, your opponent case that the rules given to us by the brother might take it on a personal Apostle are only applicable in case level and, moreover, jump to certain of face to face communication, and conclusions that are typical of they somehow do not apply when it those who consider themselves to be comes to online interactions? I am clairvoyant readers of people’s souls. pretty sure that the answer to this If there were love, there would be a question is evident for a Christian. greeting, and something along the Antony Dulevich, Director of the following lines: ‘Brother, may I ask, Missionary Department of the what did you mean when you wrote Diocese of Kizil this or that? What did you feel in your heart? Did you not have at that point Source: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/103450.html thoughts of judging or vainglory?’ British and Irish Saints

VENERABLE KEVIN OF GLENDALOUGH Commemorated: 3rd/16th June Venerable Kevin of Glendalough Commemorated: 3rd/16th June St Kevin is one of the greatest saints of Ireland. He lived in the sixth and early seventh centuries. The saint was born in the province of Leinster to a noble family. His name means “of blessed An icon of St Kevin birth” . An angel appeared to Kevin’s Upon his ordination to the priesthood, parents shortly before his baptism and Kevin, accompanied by an angel, told them to give him this name. As crossed the mountains of Wicklow and a boy Kevin was raised by St Petroc settled at the upper lake in the place of Cornwall, who at that time was called Glendalough, which means“ the living in Ireland. At age twelve the glen of two lakes” , since it has two young man already lived with monks. 24 British and Irish Saints June - July 2017

undamaged. One monk was overcome by greed: he decided to kill the otter and to use its skin to make gloves for himself. But the clever mammal felt his evil intention and left that site forever. The story of the foundation of Glendalough is interesting. While St Kevin’s Church at Glendalough, Kevin was praying in his cave, a cow Wicklow came to him every day and licked lakes, upper and lower, situated close his clothes. Whenever it returned to each other. Here the saint lived for to its master it gave as much milk as seven years in isolation and prayer in a fifty cows could provide. The farmer cave. He walked barefoot, wore rough resolved to follow the cow. Thus he clothes and ate herbs and roots, only saw Kevin, who converted the farmer sometimes allowing himself fruit and to Christ. The latter was baptised with fish. Disciples gathered around him all his family. So the saint decided to and the saint founded Glendalough leave his hermitage and undertake a Monastery, which became one of mission across the district and to build the largest and most influential ones a monastery. At that time Glendalough in Ireland. Kevin became its abbot. was ruled by an old pagan, King Kevin lived in harmony with nature, O’Tool. He had a goose which was especially with wild animals. Even also frail and could not fly. The ruler branches and leaves of trees sang asked Kevin to make his goose young. sweet songs to Kevin! Once when The saint promised, but on condition Kevin was standing concentrated in that the king would grant him the prayer with his arms outstretched, a land over which the goose would fly. blackbird landed on his palms, built Kevin touched the bird and it instantly a nest on them, hatched eggs, cared became young. The goose flew over the for its nestlings and flew away. Artists valley of Glendalough and it belonged liked to depict this scene from the to the monastery from that time. saint’s life. In one of the two lakes No skylarks sing above Glendalough. there lived an otter that helped the When they began building the hermit. When he lived alone it brought monastery the workers decided to rise him fish, and when Kevin was abbot as early as skylarks and go to sleep as it delivered salmon to the brethren. late as lambs. But soon the masons One time Kevin accidentally dropped were so exhausted that the quality of his prayer-book in the water. The otter their work deteriorated. The saint emerged holding the prayer-book in prayed for a solution. In an instant, its mouth—the book was absolutely all the larks vanished; the building

25 June - July 2017 British and Irish Saints was completed successfully. Another to receive training and instruction. time a boar ran up to Kevin seeking Numerous people from various protection—because hunters with regions flocked to Kevin for advice, hounds were chasing it. The hounds, consolation and healing. Kevin had a seeing the saint with the boar, gently custom of praying zealously in the cold lay on the ground. The hunters water of Glendalough lakes every day. wanted to kill the animal, but a flock Throughout his life angels were frequent of birds landed on the tree. The men companions and helpers of the holy saw a sign from above and retired. man. This wonderful saint reposed Once a man who suffered from fits in 618; he lived until the age of 120. was told in a vision to come to Kevin Glendalough continued to grow and and eat an apple. But there were no develop, producing many saints. With apple trees at the monastery. Then time it was transferred closer to the Kevin ordered a row of willows to lower lake. Glendalough became produce apples (against the laws of one of the most famous pilgrimage nature) and the trees obeyed. The centres in Ireland. Its students and monks founded many other communities in Ireland and abroad. In 1398 this splendid monastery was destroyed by the English Army but the church continued to function afterwards. Kevin is venerated as patron-saint of Glendalough in Upper Lake in Glendalough Wicklow, as “wonderworker of all sick man was cured and those willows Ireland” and protector of animals. produced apples a very long time. A Glendalough is a very quiet and worker was struck by a stone and one idyllic site. Closer to the upper lake of his eyes was blinded. Kevin blessed there are surviving buildings of the the eye, and his sight was restored. monastery. Previously Glendalough Kevin loved the reclusive life, and was like a “monastic city”. Apart after some years as abbot retired to from the main church, the monastery his beloved solitude. Four years later included living quarters for monks, the monks persuaded him to return to scriptoria, workshops, an infirmary, the monastery and resume his abbacy. farm buildings, and a hostel. The The saint gladly returned, presiding surviving buildings date back to the over the brethren for sixty years. The tenth-twelth centuries. Among the monastery had seven churches, more monuments that can still be seen are and more monks joined the community the following: the gates to the monastic and many men flocked to the seminary city; a “round tower” thirty metres 26 Journey to Orthodoxy June - July 2017 high; a magnificent ruined cathedral; There is a holy well of St Kevin there. St Kevin’s cross, made from a single “Kevin” is a popular birth piece of granite (pilgrims believe name in France, Norway, the that he who manages to embrace the Netherlands, Ireland, UK, Sweden, cross with both hands can expect the Hungary, Slovenia and Chile. fulfilment of his prayer requests soon); Dmitry Lapa the priests’ house (Kevin’s relics may have been preserved there); Kevin’s fine Source: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/ church; the churches of the Mother english/80048.html of God, the Holy Trinity, Christ the

Journey to Orthodoxy

FROM THE IRISH AIR FORCE path that led him to a narrow brick- TO THE ORTHODOX CHURCH built church in the centre of Dublin. A church which stands out from others in the city because of the richly gilded Father Thomas Carroll is a 70-year-old decorated screen which separates the priest in Dublin, Ireland. altar from the nave, but also because it He grew up rural county Tipperary, in is Orthodox. a family with strong military ties. His To prevent its servicemen being grandfather fought in Gallipoli, while influenced in anyway, the UN did his great uncle was at the battle of not permit any interaction between Thessalonica during the First World them and either of the communities. War. However, Father Thomas could not Growing up in a Catholic secondary entirely follow the discipline that both school, he felt called to take holy the peace keeping forces and his family orders but was told he was not ready, had imposed on him. so he followed the family tradition and “I had a few acquaintances with joined the military. Cypriots, but the only person that I “We seem to be a family that was had a lot of communication with was a always involved militarily. There was Greek Orthodox priest in a village,” he discipline among us, but the rules recounts. Father Thomas would meet were not too strict. Yet, I could never up with him on a regular basis, to talk consider myself a free spirit,” he recalls. about theology and argue regarding It was while serving in Cyprus with the everything around it. UN in the 1960s that Father Carroll’s “We often could not agree on anything, life, vocation and future were set on a 27 June - July 2017 Journey of Orthodoxy

hurry as you see,” he jokes. “But after that, I was committed. I took early retirement from my job in 1996 and went to study theology for 5 years.” After the conclusion of his studies, he initially served as a deacon for four years in his new parish, before eventually becoming a priest. And to Father Thomas Carroll him it is a vocation, not his profession. but he left a lasting impression on me,” Ultimately, it was the outward he continues. portrayal and the beautiful liturgies That prompted him to explore the of the Orthodox dogma that attracted Orthodox religion further, but when he him to it. “I came from the tradition returned to Ireland there were only a that initially the Catholic Church came handful of Greeks and Cypriots living from, with many similarities in liturgy in the country. They did not have an and rituals. But after the Second established community, so nobody Vatican Council in the ‘60s, everything could help him. changed and became more simplified,” the priest explains. It was only when the Archbishop of Great Britain, Methodios, established For Father Thomas, the traditional the first parish in Ireland in 1981, that poignant ceremonies had been it became possible for him to talk to stripped from the Catholic faith. people with the same interest. Services had become to some extend “protestantized” in the method of Prior to this he had contacted the Greek worship, minimalised. So, he realised Orthodox archdiocese in London, but that it was not for him. This inevitably nobody responded to his letters. “They left a big hole in his spiritual life, in that probably thought that I was some guy he couldn’t relate to this new situation seeking only information,” Father in the Catholic Church. “This is where Thomas says. Orthodoxy entered my life and gave When the parish had been established me something tangible to hold on to. by Methodios, a friend happened to Something about the church itself, mention it to him by chance. He then its layout, the rituals, even the smell got around there straightaway, but it of incense, would grab you straight took him another 5 years before he away,” he describes. decided to make the “big jump” and At the time, among the Orthodox convert. community in Ireland, there were “I eventually became an Orthodox about 20 nationalities. The original in 1986, so I do not do anything in a parish was founded for all Orthodox 28 Journey to Orthodoxy June - July 2017

Christians within the island of Ireland, happy with my choices,” he says. regardless of any jurisdictions. “If you asked me how Ireland is As immigration increased into Ireland, responding to a Church of different many of these new arrivals established dogma about 50 years ago, there would their own communities and Father be quite hostile reaction to it. Now Thomas’ parish eventually became nobody cares. At the last count, there primarily Greek. The community were about 130 different religions in has grown in recent years due to the the country, most of them established increasing emigration from Greece, during the past 15 years,” Father thus the future of his parish looks Thomas explains. secure. About 50% of those are ethnic African For Father Thomas, a church is a living churches. “But the people of Ireland thing and must adapt to society, rather are accepting all religions in their than society adapting to it. Another country now. Maybe the reason is that reason why he admires the Greek most of them do not go to the church Orthodox Church is because it reaches themselves,” he continues. “Young out to every nationality. “All Greek people particularly, who are carrying Orthodox archdioceses in the UK on the Catholic faith in Ireland, have have up to 30% clergy that are non- absolutely no animosity to anybody Greek, thus the liturgies are commonly outside this tradition,” he concludes. English speaking. Other jurisdictions, Father Thomas is one example of a like the Romanian or Russian, are man who did not just follow a religion operating in their language solely for due to family, community or national their own people,” he says. traditions. He researched, reached out The priest believes that breaking down and when the time was right, he found language and nationality barriers is what was best for him. very important for a modern religion, By Christos Mouzeviri especially when attracting young Source: http://www.euronews.com/2017/04/05/ individuals. Otherwise they could the-irish-soldier-who-became-an-orthodox-priest be at the mercy of fundamentalist evangelical churches, while others may become attracted to radical Islam. “They are giving them something to live for, when often they have nothing,” claims Father Thomas. He is the only one who converted to Greek Orthodoxy in his family. “It did not make any difference to most of them, but I think today they would be Greek Orthodox Church, Dublin 29 June - July 2017 In the Footsteps of the Pilgrims

In the Footsteps of the Pilgrims

Second Day: Saturday, 12th the Stone of the Centre of the World. November 2016 (continued). Following Communion we all met in After dinner in the hotel in Bethlehem the Courtyard and after a careful head we returned to Jerusalem for the Night count made our way back to the Jaffa Liturgy in the Church of the Holy Gate. Sr Mariam took us back by a Sepulchre. We left Bethlehem at about different route that seemed like our 23.00. Our group had increased in size own particular reserved space. She set and now comprised all the Sourozh a cracking pace and like a good Middle pilgrims plus about eight other people East shepherd led her mixed flock back staying at the centre. We disembarked to the coach! We fell into bed just after at the Jaffa Gate and made our way 04.00. through the winding passages of the Third Day: Sunday, 13th November souk to the courtyard in front of the 2016. church. It was now just after 23.40 Breakfast was a little later today and it and time to venerate relics located was just after 10.30 when we set off on in a small room. It was quite quiet our morning trip to Nablus (Shechem), when we entered but as we went to leave found it difficult to do so. We made our way to a suitable vantage point and waited for the start of the Service at about 00.30. This was made evident from a large procession of clergy and completed by three bishops with Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia as principal. It was a very atmospheric service, mainly in Greek but with, for example, the Ectenia of Fervent Supplication sung by a young Russian deacon with a powerful voice. about 60km north from Bethlehem. In It must have been difficult to conduct the Old Testament this is mentioned the Liturgy in the area of the Tomb as a city of refuge in Mount Ephraim since much of the floor space has been (Joshua 20 v7). The road meanders and covered by scaffolding and sheeting it was almost 12.30 when we arrived while renovation and archaeological at the Greek Convent of Jacob’s work is still in progress. Communion Well. Sr Mariam first came here in was given in the large hall that contains 1991, but I don’t think that any of us 30 In the Footsteps of the Pilgrims June - July 2017 expected such an exceptional building. from Samaria (John 4 v6). It is strongly associated with the new The water was quickly transferred to martyr Achimandrite Philoumenos bottles held by the pilgrims. “The water (Hasapis), keeper of the Greek that I shall give him shall be in him a well of Orthodox monastery of Jacob’s Well in water springing up into everlasting life” (John Samaria. The life of Fr Philoumenos is 4 v14). an example that martyrdom for Christ We then returned to Jerusalem for is not of the past from the Roman some sight-seeing in the afternoon, Empire or Communist times, but is a first stopping at a coffee shop fora reality in our own day. typical piece of baklava and a cup Troparion (Tone 4) At Jacob’s Well you of dark arabian coffee. Between the were proved well named, loving Christ, con- walls of the Old City and the Mount fessing Him, pouring out your sacred blood. of Olives is the Valley of Jehoshaphat Being faithful in small things you were set over which at its southern end has the site great. Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth, you of the 3,000 year old settlement that are now Guardian of the Holy Places for ever. was to become Jerusalem, the City We were able to venerate his tomb and of David. The land rises again to to receive anointing from Fr Nikolay. the west to Mount Zion, an area of In the crypt we came across the present the city traditionally linked with the rector, Fr Ioustinos. He enthusiastically Last Supper and the Dormition of sprinkled everyone with water from the the Mother of God. According to well before retiring to manage his shop. Christian tradition she went to live on This included a number of icons that Mount Zion after Christ’s death. The he had made personally. Fr Nikolay Church of the Dormition stands on had first turn at the well. This is the site the site where she fell into an “eternal of Christ’s meeting with the woman sleep”. In the crypt is a wood and ivory

31 June - July 2017 In the footsteps of the Pilgrims

room beneath St Mark’s Church in Ararat Street. Back at Bethlehem there was still time for some of us to explore the shops en route to a cash machine in Manger Square. Fourth Day, Monday November 14th 2016. After breakfast I watched in amazement as three coaches manoeuvred in the parking lot of the residence. We set off Oak of Mamre for Hebron 40km south of Jerusalem sculpture of the “sleeping” Mother and one of the most densely populated of God, while the walls are adorned towns. Its fame rests on coloured with images of women from the Old glassware which began in the Middle Testament, including Eve, Judith, Ages and has always been managed by Ruth, and Esther. In the rooms on the a single family. Hebron was the burial mezzanine are some remains from the place for Abraham’s wife Sarah and site’s previous churches. then became his own tomb and later On the first floor of a Gothic building that of his descendants Isaac and Jacob. in all that remains of a large Crusader In the Greek Orthodox monastery at church built to commemorate the Dor- Mamre there are some spectacular mition, there is situated the Hall of the frescos and many icons on the theme Last Supper or Coenaculum. This is of Abraham and the sacred grove of believed to be over the site of an ear- Oaks of Mamre. In Genesis 18 v1,2 it lier building that was the location of says of Abraham that “the Lord appeared the Last Supper. Some scholars how- unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat ever, believe that the true site is a small in the tent door in the heat of the day; and he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground”. This is the scene depicted in Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Old Testament Trinity. The remaining Oak itself has new shoots at the base, although it is not flourishing. A man was selling a postcard and 2 acorns for $1. Obviously the acorns haven’t come from the last Icon of the Old Testament Trinity remaining Oak, but they’ve been there!

32 In the footsteps of the Pilgrims June - July 2017

We stopped at a greengrocer in Hebron survives intact from Justinian’s time and many people bought bunches of (c 530 AD) although the roof is 15th sage, so we had a sweet-smelling bus century with 19th century additions for the rest of the day. and is currently undergoing extensive We were now on the desolate Judaean restoration. Fragments of high-quality Plain, home of the Desert Fathers, mosaics decorate the walls. Sections of and next stop was the monastery of the mosaic floor survive from the 4th St Theodosius. He withdrew to a cave century basilica ordered to be built here but more and more people joined by Emperor Constantine. There was so that he started the first communal much food for thought at the evening living in what became the monastery. meal in the residence in Bethlehem. He died in Rome, but his remains were brought back to the desert. We then downsized to a minibus to travel to the monastery of St Sabbas located in the wilds of the Judaean Desert. It is one of dozens of retreats built in this area from the fifth century onwards by hermits seeking an austere life of solitude and prayer. His particular monastery was founded in 482 AD. This is a totally different world and the Greek community there follow Mount Athos rules so only males are allowed to visit the monastery. We were able to venerate St Sabbas’ remains. We missed the scheduled stop at the Shepherds’ Field outside of Bethlehem as the Greek monastery was not open. On our return to Bethlehem we were able to walk to the Church of the Nativity before our evening meal hoping to return there next morning for the Liturgy. The first evidence of a cave here being venerated as Christ’s birthplace is in the writings of St Justin Martyr around 160 AD. The grotto is the church’s focal point where a silver star is set in the floor over the spot St Sabbas Monastery where Christ was born. The wide nave 33 June - July 2017 For and about Children

For and about Children

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father EXPLANATION OF THE and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, DIVINE LITURGY - PART 2 now and ever and unto ages of ages. The first part of this series, on the With these words the priest announces Proskomidia, appeared in the April 2017 the goal of the divine serviceabout issue of Cathedral Newsletter. Although to begin: the strengthening and not written specifically for children, we hope expansion of the Kingdom of these articles will help parents to explain the God brought to the world by Jesus main elements of the Divine Liturgy to their Christ, to the Glory of the only one children in a way appropriate to their age. true God, worshipped in the Holy Trinity. The choir responds, “Amen”. The second part of the Liturgy is called Amen means “so be it” in Hebrew. the Liturgy of the Catechumens because the catechumens, those The deacon, standing on the ambo, preparing to receive Holy Baptism, the raised area in front of the altar,and are allowed to participate in its facing the Holy Doors, symbolizes the celebration. By making the sign of the angel who encourages us to pray. He Cross with the Gospel over the Holy raises his stole, the symbol of the angel’s Table, the priest begins the Liturgy wing, and in the Great Litany calls with a solemn exclamation that reveals the whole assembly to pray the same the key to the entire celebration: prayers that have been assembled by the Church since Apostolic times. He begins with the petition for peace, without which prayer is impossible. In this litany the various petitions made of the Lord are made in the order of their relative importance to the Church. The worshippers make the sign of the Cross, and

34 For and about Children June - July 2017

principal sacred object of the parish and should be the object of special care on the part of each parishioner. We pray that the Lord will preserve it from fire, theft, and other misfortunes and so that those who enter it will do so with sincere faith, reverence, and the fear of God. “For travellers by land, by sea, and by air; for the sick and the suffering” is for all people who are away for good cause who especially need Deacon leading the Litany our prayers. The deacon concludes Andrei Ryabushkin 1888 the litany by asking the faithful to while harmonizing their hearts to the entrust themselves and their whole deacon’s petitions, they cry mentally life to Christ, to which we all respond: with the choir: “Lord, have mercy.” “To Thee, O Lord.” During the litany The Great Litany reminds us that, in the priest prays that the Lord will look order to pray successfully, we have to down upon the church, and those be at peace, that is, reconciled with at prayer in it, and fulfil their needs. all, having no resentment, anger, or After the Great Litany, Psalms hostility toward anyone. According 102/103 and 145/6, which are called to the teaching of the Saviour, we antiphons, are chanted. In the may not offer God any gifts if we ancient Church these psalms were remember that our “brother hath aught chanted “antiphonally” — that is, against” us (Matt. 5:23-24). “For the with the verses alternating between peace of the whole world” asks that there two choirs. These Psalms describe be no disputes or hostility among the blessings bestowed on us by nations or races in the entire world. God for which we should bless the “For the good estate of the holy churches Lord. Originally the Old Testament of God” is a prayer in which the composer of these beautiful songs had Orthodox Churches in every country in mind mostly the earthly blessings of firmly and unwaveringly confess the Lord. But in the light of the New the Orthodox Church as the true, Testament, considering all that Jesus apostolic Faith, on the basis of the Christ did for us, these Psalms acquire Word of God and the canons of the a special meaning. The antiphons Church; and “for the union of all” asks are separated by small litanies. that all may be drawn into the one The following hymn, Only-Begotten flock of Christ (cf. John 10:16). We Son, attached to the second antiphon, pray “for this holy temple,” which is the is dedicated to the Son of God: This 35 June - July 2017 For and about Children

death, “trampling down death by death,” as one of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity, and is glorified equally with the Father and Holy Spirit. While the choir sings, the priest silently prays in the altar: “O Lord our God, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; preserve the fullness of Thy hymn composed by the Emperor Church; sanctify those who love the beauty Justinian sets forth the Orthodox of Thy house; glorify them in return by teaching on the Second Person of Thy divine power; and forsake us not who the Trinity, the Son of God, Jesus hope in Thee... O Thou who hast bestowed Christ. He is the Only-begotten (one on us these common and united prayers, in essence) Son and Word of God, and dost promise that when two or three Christ God, Who, being immortal, are gathered together in Thy name, Thou became man, without ceasing to be wilt grant their requests, fulfil even now the God, and accepted a human body requests of Thy servants as is expedient for from the Holy Mother of God and them, and in the world to come, life eternal.” ever-Virgin Mary. By His crucifixion, Adapted from www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/ He with His death conquered english/liturgy_e.htm

Sourozh Messenger is published with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh

Online-version is available via the diocesan website: www.sourozh.org E-mail: [email protected] We welcome your stories of finding faith, conversion, pilgrimages etc. If you would like to leave feedback or contribute content to the Newsletter, please contact us at the above address. We are always happy to hear from our readers. Any donation to support the work of the church, however small, is welcome. You can donate by: • Cash to the church collection boxes • Online via the diocesan website www.sourozh.org (click «Donate») • A cheque or a bank transfer to Lloyds Bank Account Name: Russian Orthodox Church in London – Rfrbshmnt Account no. 01911504 Sort Code: 30-92-89 BIC: LOYDGB21393 IBAN: GB28 LOYD 3092 8901 9115 04 36