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Volume 48 April 2013 No. 01

Eastern Diocese Assembles in Lebanon, PA The Annual Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese Liturgies and many vigils, matins and vespers. He participated work continues on attempting to sell the present diocesan of Eastern America took place at Holy Resurrection of Christ in meetings of the Holy Assembly of Bishops, the Episcopal center in Mars, PA in order to move it to the New York City Serbian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, PA March 1-2. Clergy, and Central Church Councils, the Diocesan Council, the area, as directed by the Holy Assembly of Bishops, but that congregation board presidents and delegates representing Shadeland Committee and Education Committee, and many due to present housing market conditions this has not yet 35 parishes of the Diocese and the Diocesan Federation of other meetings, in addition to his duties teaching at the St. been possible. Circles of Serbian Sisters met to discuss the life and work of Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, IL. On material and financial matters, His Grace reported that the Diocese under the presidency of work is progressing well on church their archpastor, His Grace Bishop buildings in Orlando FL, Charlotte Dr. Mitrophan. NC, Miami FL and Washington The meeting began on Friday DC. The cemetery at Monastery evening with a 6:00 PM service Marcha was opened, and fresco invoking the guidance of the Holy work has begun there. Fresco Spirit upon the Assembly and the work continues in Hermitage blessing of the gathering by Bishop PA, and is nearly complete in Mitrophan. Following dinner, the Lackawanna NY. Land has been business of the meeting began in the purchased for a church in Atlanta, church hall. Diocesan Board Vice and the Boston parish has paid off President Rudley Mrvos, with the its million- dollar mortgage in just blessing of His Grace, handled the seven years. duties of chairing the meeting. V. Bishop Mitrophan went on Rev. Rajko Kosic of the credentials to discuss the importance of both committee reported that there were clergy and church boards to be 81 official participants present. diligent in their oversight and His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan stewardship of church finances, presented his report on the life and and to ensure that everything work of the Diocese over the past is done within the framework year. His Grace began by observing of church discipline and good that this year is a double jubilee: the financial and accounting practices. 1700th anniversary of the Edict of He stressed that such practices Milan, which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, He reported on the reception of three priests into the now will prevent any future financial scandals as have and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Eastern diocese from other dioceses, the ordination of Sinisa Duvnjak occurred in some other religious organizations. He also American Diocese. He called for appropriate observances to the Holy Diaconate and of Protodeacon Milan Medakovich reported that the Diocese still has a lack of proper contact with within the Diocese to mark both these events. to the Holy Priesthood, a number of clerical moves and a few parishes of the former New Gracanica Metropolitanate His many activities included serving 124 Divine changes, and the granting of retirement to two priests, now in the Diocese, but that he hopes this situation will be Protopresbyter-Stavrophors Toma Stojsic from the parish in regularized. Paterson, NJ and Dragan Filipovic from the parish in Canton, Finally, His Grace mentioned a recent incident at an OH. Two priests were given canonical releases to other airport he found important. First, a young woman approached Gerich named Chairman dioceses. His Grace remembered Protopresbyter-Stavrophor him and asked if he was an Orthodox priest. On learning Janko Rajlich, who fell asleep in the Lord suddenly in April, he was, she identified herself as Russian Orthodox. A few of FOCUS and his long service at Holy Trinity Church in Youngstown, minutes later, a man approached him with the same question. as well as his long service as member of the Diocesan Court The man told His Grace that he had been a Protestant North America and as Dean of the Cleveland Deanery. He reported that the missionary to Europe, but that when he came into contact Diocese currently has 44 parishes, two missions, 41 active with Orthodoxy he realized he had found the true and original, priests, two deacons, one hieromonk and two nuns, three unchanged Christianity and became Orthodox, and currently priests without parishes and 13 pensioned clergy. Four headed a mission parish in Canada. Bishop Mitrophan went parishes are currently vacant, and steps are being taken to on to remind the Assembly that Orthodoxy and the Gospel fill those. He also reported on successful church camps held are meant for everyone, the whole world, and not just for at Shadeland, PA and in Jacksonville, FL. He reported that continued on p. 4

Serbian Church at Papal Inauguration Rome, March 20 (SPC Info Brian Gerich, Senior Vice President of Public Storage Service)—The Serbian Orthodox Church and a well-known Orthodox philanthropist, has been joined many of the sister Orthodox named the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for Churches in sending representatives FOCUS North America. Gerich succeeds Charles Ajalat, who completed a four-year chairmanship in January 2013. to the inauguration of Pope Francis “FOCUS is a dynamic ministry and an expression of in Rome on March 19. Representing Christ’s love — offering jobs, housing, feeding programs, the Serbian Patriarchate was His and other human services to the homeless and working Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochije poor of America,” said Gerich, “FOCUS also plays a of Montenegro and the Coastlands, who vital role in bringing Orthodox Christians into direct presented the new Pope with an icon of relationship with the poor, positively impacting their own lives while helping those in need.” the Blessed Virgin Mary on behalf of the Under Ajalat’s leadership as founder and first Serbian Patriarch. Ecumenical Patriarch board chairman, FOCUS grew into a vibrant and strong Bartholomew was present on behalf organization with eight flagship FOCUS centers across of his Patriarchate, and the Moscow the country and a dedicated volunteer corps of more than Patriarchate was represented by His 6,000 people. In 2013, FOCUS has forecasted an annual budget of $10 million, with service outreach programs Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion. planned for 29 cities. continued on p. 2

In this issue: • Obituaries, p. 3 • News from Kosovo, p. 5 • Our View, pp. 6-7 • Serbian Section, pp. 8-12 • Page Two The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013 FOCUS The Path of Orthodoxy The Official Publication of the Serbian Orthodox Church Expands to in North and South America Cleveland Editorial Staff English Section Editors Serbian Editor The St. Herman House V. Rev. Rade Merick, Senior Editor V. Rev. Nedeljko Lunich of Hospitality in Cleveland, 530 North Fourth Street 300 Stryker Ave Ohio is now owned and Steubenville, OH 43952 Joliet, IL 60437 operated by FOCUS North email:[email protected] Fax: 815-741-1883 America. The renamed St email: [email protected] Herman’s House FOCUS V. Rev. Milovan Katanic Cleveland offers important 65 South Keel Ridge Road Contributing Editor feeding and shelter services Hermitage, PA 16148 V. Rev. Thomas Kazich to the homeless and working Phone:724-342-1198 P.O. Box 371, email: [email protected] poor in Cleveland, Ohio. St. Grayslake, IL 60030-0371 Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland V. Rev. Dr. Bratislav Krsic Phone: (847) 223-4300 is open 365 days a year and 3025 Denver Street provides three meals per day to San Diego, CA 92117 Technical Editor anyone in need. In addition, St. Phone: 619-276-5827 Vesna R. Meinert Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland email: [email protected] email: [email protected] is an important point of service St. Herman’s House on Cleveland’s near west side for Cleveland’s Ohio City is the latest center of activity for FOCUS North America, Business and Circulation Address neighborhood. The Center a national movement of Orthodox Christians united The Path of Orthodoxy provides housing, clothing, to provide solutions to poverty in communities across P. O. Box 883 and showers for homeless men America. Bridgeport, WV 26330 as well as grocery distributions for single Originally founded as an Orthodox email: [email protected] mothers and families. monastery over 30 years ago, St Herman’s “The door is open and this ministry House offers vital support to those in need The Path of Orthodoxy is a monthly publication with a double issue printed for the months of July and August. Subscriptions are $12.50 per year for U.S. residents and $15.00 belongs to everyone,” FOCUS Cleveland through an Orthodox context: A beautiful per year (U.S. funds only) for Canadian subsribers. Center Director Paul Finley said, “We Orthodox chapel stands at the front of the actively collaborate with area parishes and facility where prayer services and Liturgies Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. All letters and manuscripts sub- community organizations to transform lives.” are offered regularly with the support of mitted for publication must be signed and contain the author's name and address. Please In 2012, St Herman’s House FOCUS the Greater Cleveland Orthodox Clergy send materials through email or MS Word format. Cleveland provided sustainable housing for Brotherhood. 100 homeless men while serving 66,728 Finley spoke of a young man who meals to homeless and working poor regularly attends the 6am breakfast at the families in Cleveland. St. Herman’s FOCUS House, “I asked him why he walks such a Cleveland is the only organization in the distance when there is food offered closer area that serves three free meals each day to where he lives,” Finley said. “He told me Editorial of the year. that St Herman’s makes him feel like he’s at “The saying around here is that ‘Ohio home eating with family. It makes him feel City is the neighborhood that feeds itself,’” like a human being. said Finley, “But I take that a step further “Another working father told us that Choose Life! and say, Ohio City is the neighborhood that eating at St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland feeds the poor—and the Orthodox Church is the only reason he can afford his rent,” No one likes being told “No.” It just isn’t in our nature to be content when is the major player in that.” Finley said, “His paycheck is stretched so being told we’re not permitted something. We are not restricted or limited but thin each month, he can’t afford both rent free beings with a freedom that is not only human in nature but, more than and groceries. Without St. Herman’s FOCUS anything else, is a connection with the divine. Our freedom is God-given. Gerich named Chairman Cleveland, he and his family would be on As such, man will defend this intrinsic human trait whenever and wherever the street.” it is threatened, oftentimes, blindly. Thus, a secular point of view will conclude of FOCUS All of FOCUS’ operations and centers that there is no other organization that will distort and twist the true nature of a continued from p. 1 across America provide sustainable solutions free loving God more than a man-made religion and its counterpart, the church. Gerich said he is humbled to to poverty in our communities – and it’s all Indeed, I wonder if there is any real hatred for God in modern society as much as succeed Ajalat. “I have worked with done efficiently and effectively. 94% of all there is a contempt – I would even say even fear – for that place we affectionately Charles for over 25 years. Charles of FOCUS’ funds go directly to programs refer to as God’s house, His Church. is an amazing man whom God has helping the poor. St. Herman’s FOCUS Let there be no mistake, believers or not, we are all absolutely free to do blessed with many gifts and talents. Cleveland is no different. whatever we want. Mind you, this applies just as much to the freedom we have His commitment to serving the poor is “Because of the relationship we have in bearing the responsibilities for our decisions. For a complete and totally free amazing.” with the neighboring grocery stores and food outlook, which values any and every choice made, simply because it was made “In just four short years FOCUS banks, we can provide these meals at a cost of out of one’s free will – and the person “feels” good about it - is not only foreign has touched the lives of so many, and mere pennies,” Finley said, “This means that to Christianity, it’s downright demonic. After all, that’s the same freedom the we’re growing daily,” said Executive every donated dollar goes that much further.” devil offered Adam and Eve. Director Nicholas Chakos, “It’s an FOCUS North America is a national The Bible is not so much a book of thou-shalt-nots as much as it is a history exciting time in FOCUS’ history.” movement of Orthodox Christians, united in of God’s great love for mankind from the very beginning of time to the end of FOCUS North America is a national faith and joined by a desire to provide action- the ages. Indeed, it is one long account of God’s movement to encounter and movement of Orthodox Christians, oriented and sustainable solutions to poverty ultimately save man. And in that encounter- that search of God for man- what is united in faith and joined by a desire to in communities across America. FOCUS has man’s reply? Consider for a moment the Annunciation, celebrated during these provide action-oriented and sustainable operations and youth volunteer experiences lenten days, in which the climatic moment is not so much in the wondrous and solutions to poverty in communities in more than 20 cities in the United States. awe-inspiring appearance and announcement of the holy Archangel to the Virgin across America. Visit www.focusnorthamerica.org to learn Mary. Rather, it is in the soft and faithful reply of the humble handmaiden: Let it more or to make a donation. be as you say! For you see, regardless of how complicated man might make his God-given freedom to be, God’s desire for us is simple: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life” (Deut. 3:19). Nearly Half of All First Births in America Out During these days of spiritual podvig we are called to examine our hearts. More than just through a change in our diets, it is achieved through the holy of Wedlock, Study Finds Mystery of Penance, Confession. While we’ll approach communion with joy, confession is done more as an obligation, almost as a prerequisite. Yet, it is there, The age at which men and women in median age of first birth, 25.7, now falls in the depth of our hearts and in that most intimate of holy mysteries that we America marry is now at historic heights, and before the median age of first marriage, 26.5. will discover a shouting and raging voice which cries out and with all its might as a result the number of children born out of The report called the phenomenon “The exclaims a most definite, “No” to every sin and temptation and abomination. wedlock has also increased, according to a Great Crossover.” By age 25, 44 percent Freedom is there, in our hearts, a true freedom, which wants to be free. It is a new study by a group of family researchers, of women have given birth, while only 38 small vessel, the heart, writes St. Macarius, “yet dragons are there, and there are who have found that 48 percent of all first percent have married. also lions; there are poisonous beasts and all the treasures of evil. But there too is births are happening outside of marriage, the “The biggest downside to delayed God, the angels, the life and the kingdom, the light and the apostles, the heavenly Christian Post reports. marriage in America is that many young cities and the treasuries of grace—all things are there.” You know, something we On average, women are marrying at age adults are now putting the baby carriage do quite often during Lent is make prostrations. To prostrate ourselves means to 27 and men at 29 -- and the average age is before marriage,” said co-author and National bow down. In that very act we can see an image of our spiritual lives: we bow still climbing due to economic and cultural Marriage Project director Bradford Wilcox. down and get up, that is to say, we fall and get back up. As tragic as our falling reasons. At the same time, the age at which “What they often don’t realize is that children into sin is, all the more dreadful is not getting up. women have children is also increasing, but born outside of marriage are significantly Surely, true freedom will not enslave us to think that since “everything is not nearly as quickly, according to the report more likely to be exposed to a revolving lawful to me” it must be taken by me. No, the freedom we seek is one that will not released last week by the National Marriage cast of caretakers and the social, emotional only choose life but, more importantly, Him who is the Life and the Resurrection. Project at the University of Virginia and and financial fallout associated with family Freedom is not so much a God-given right, as much as it is a heavenly gift to be collaborators. For women as a whole, the instability and single parenthood.” used wisely and soberly unto our salvation. A blessed Great Fast to all. Visit us online www.serborth.org Fr. Milovan Katanic • Read the newest issue of the Path • News and Upcoming Events • Standing Committees updates! April 2013 The Path of Orthodoxy Page Three

In Memoriam †Milan Opacich Milan Opacich, musician and instrument maker par excellence, died on January 21, 2013 in Schererville, Indiana. He was nationally known for his contribution to Tamburitzan music in America and an advocate for the perpetuation and education of South Slavic string music. He was buried through St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana. Ted Erceg, past president of St. Sava’s Executive Board, and friend of Milan, offered a eulogy, part of which said: Milan was baptized in St. George Church in East Chicago. Named Milan after his father’s time at the Milan Opera House in Italy, where his father worked for several years, I have often wondered if Milan’s fine voice echoes his father’s time in Milan. Fr. Radovancevic Ordained in Milwaukee Milan grew up with his music as a livelihood, who came to him for repairs. On Sunday, January 27th, 2013, on the celebration of St. Sava Cathedral of Milwaukee’s boy, but it was not his only interest. He In the early years, Milan honed his church Slava, Savindan, His Grace Bishop Longin ordained Reverend Deacon Nikola Rado- was born and raised in Gary’s tumultuous musicianship playing tamburitza. His vancevic to the Holy Priesthood of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Fr. Nikola was ordained to Midtown area, among hundreds of Serbian talent eventually rose to the top in America the Holy Diaconate in 2008 by His Eminence Metropolitan +Christopher of blessed memory families where the Opacich’s lived at by his selection for national recognition. and has served at St. Sava parish in Milwaukee. Fr. Nikola attended St. Vladimir’s Orthodox several addresses. In spite of the national He was invited to perform in Washington Theological Seminary in New York where he received his Masters of Divinity Degree. As a poverty he recalled a boyhood filled with DC, where he was awarded membership Deacon, Fr. Nikola completed a Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at Aurora Healthcare friends and neighbors, people out in their in the National Endowment for the Arts System in Milwaukee for hospital chaplaincy. Before being ordained to the Diaconate Fr. porches in the evening, and out in the not only for his musicianship, but for his Nikola worked with refugee students in the Milwaukee Public School System. Fr. Nikola is streets during the day. craftsmanship as a Master Lutier. For the son of Pavle and late Dara. He and Popadija Cheri reside in Milwaukee. After graduation from high school, those who are not familiar, this award is where he starred in track and football, the topmost honor in its class. Milan immersed himself in tamburitza Our presence here today is our music, and at that time he began his career commemoration of Milan’s gift for as a firefighter. It was during his years at preserving Serbian culture in everyday the fire station where he developed skills life. He is a star that refuses to fade in the at mastering the craft of the lutier. Over the morning sun, rock solid in his heritage, The Great Commission of Our Lord– years, he taught beginners, many of who and that, essentially, is what made him were not Serbian, and repaired instruments the man he was. Do We Understand What it Means for a number of professionals. He was on It happened during Easter lent: It a first-name basis with stars in Nashville had been a while since Milan last took for Our Church? who relied on their instruments for their continued on p. 5 By Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Rocknage

“Go therefore, and make disciples there are more funerals than baptisms…. †Slobodan Zelich of ALL the nations, baptizing them in the that is why we need to turn to looking for name of the Father, and of The Son, and of new members of our Church among those Steubenville, OH—Slobodan Zelich, the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe who are not of our own people…”. well-known composer and arranger of all things that I have commanded you….” What a courageous, remarkable Serbian liturgical and folk music, passed (Mt. 28: 19) statement from a Bishop with a vision of away here on February 5, 2013 at age 88. the future for our Church! I confess that I He was the long-time director of Holy ith these words, our Lord left was intimidated to NOT respond because Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church His final commandment to His of the perceived ‘backlash’ that would be of Steubenville’s SSS Petar Krstich Choir disciples,W one that was to be lived out forth-coming by supporting such words! and an honoree of the Serbian Singing in the Church until He returned again, But, as the years have quickly flown by, I Federation. at His “Second and Glorious Coming”. now realize that we as the CHURCH, as Mr. Zelich was born in Zegar and Unfortunately, for some of the ethnic the BODY of CHRIST, can no longer seek raised in Sibenik, Dalmatia, the son of Orthodox Churches in America, including out only those who are “like us” to fill our the late Prota Pavle and Protinica Milica our own Serbian Orthodox Church, this ranks in our Churches. We must accept (Sekulich) Zelich. During World War II commandment has been ‘amended’ to the words of our Lord for what they were he survived imprisonment at the hands of focus solely on their own ethnic peoples, – a COMMAND – and begin the process the Italian occupiers, and after his release and ignore those who are not Orthodox. of educating and enlightening those non- joined the ranks of the Royalist Chetniks At first glance, this would not seem to Orthodox in and around our communities, of the Dinara Division under the command be that big of an issue: it is only logical welcoming them into our midst! of Vojvoda Momcilo Djujic, protecting to want to bring in people to fill our This is especially true in those areas the Serbs of the Tromedja of Dalmatia- Churches who share in our ethnic identity, of this country that are not attracting large Lika-Bosna from both the Croatian Fascist composition entitled “Sonja.” The Petar and appreciate the depth and beauty of our numbers of Serbs from our homeland, and Ustahi and Tito’s Communists. At the Krstich Choir traveled throughout the hymnology and our customs. even those that are, because our Church is conclusion of the war the survivors of the U.S. and Canada, establishing a reputation However, as our Serbian Church not a “closed society”, nor is it an ‘ethnic Dinara Division were able to fight their way as one of the finest choirs in the Serbian has matured over the past Century, one club’. As St. Paul reminds us in his Letter through to Italy, where they were interned Singing Federation. One of the highlights notices that much has changed in our to the Galatians, “…you are neither slave, in displaced persons camps. He later was of his career was directing the Petar demographics: no longer are the majority nor free, male, nor female, Jew nor Greek, transferred to a refugee camp in Germany, Krstich Choir in the premiere of his cantata of our parishes filled with first and second (Serb nor everyone else? – my words), but where he married Nevenka Torbica, who “Kosovski Bozuri” for choir and orchestral generation Serbs; now, there are third, you are all one in Christ Jesus…” (Gal. 3: had accompanied the Chetniks out of ensemble at the central observance of th fourth, and in some cases, even fifth- 28) Yugoslavia. the 600 anniversary of the battle of generation believers filling our parishes. For this to happen, though, we must When Slobodan’s father Prota Kosovo in Detroit in 1989. Slobodan won No longer is Church Slavonic or the first start educating ourselves in the Holy Pavle assumed the pastorship of Holy numerous honors and awards within the vernacular Serbian the only language used Orthodox Faith. Just a cursory review of Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church Serbian Singing Federation. Many of his in Church services – many have begun to statistics in any of our Dioceses will show in Steubenville in 1947, Slobodan and his compositions and arrangements are used use, out of necessity, English, to help the that there are very few of our faithful that wife relocated to Steubenville. During and by choirs throughout the SSF. He also younger generations understand and LIVE attend Adult education classes. How sad it after the war, Slobodan had been active arranged the Divine Liturgy in English out their Holy Orthodox Faith. is that our forefathers (and mothers) who in choral music with the Chetniks, and using Serbian melodies in memory of his In addition, many of the Church came to this country and helped establish he continued with this interest in his new son, and much choral music in Serbian, marriages now performed in a great many the Faith here, with a devotion and loyalty home. He organized a junior choir at the Slavonic and English for the major of our parishes are not ‘pure’ Serbian – to the Church FIRST, would now find church, many of whose members went on feast days. He insisted that the first and they are ‘mixed’, meaning the union of an that fewer and fewer of our people attend to join the Petar Krstich Choir, which he foremost purpose of the Choir was to sing Orthodox Serb and a non-Orthodox. Church, and actually KNOW less what it directed from 1961 until his retirement in responses in church, and that the choir be Many of the Serbian parishes in the means to be Orthodox, a true adherent of 2008. present from the first “Amen” to the very Eastern Diocese, for example, consistently the “One, True Faith”! He instilled a strong sense of Serbian end. The Petar Krstich Choir under his see a declining rate of growth in their Again, in the context of the Body of ethnic pride and identity in his singers, direction, and his beautiful tenor voice, ranks: His Grace, Rt. Rev. Dr. Mitrophan, Christ, we must do all we can to be strong both young and old, with a genuine love did much to enhance the worship services our beloved Shepherd in our Diocese, witnesses to the people around us. Just for Serbian Orthodox Liturgical music, of the Steubenville Serbian Orthodox pointed out in his annual report to the consider these words of our Lord, “…You as well as his folk and patriotic music. community. Diocesan Assembly (Skupstina), “As you are the light of the world…let your light so Slobodan ended his career with his 100th continued on p. 5 can see from our report before you, we are shine before men, that they may see your losing members in many of our parishes; continued on p. 5 Page Four The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013

Resolutions of the Annual Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America March 1-2, 2013 The clergy and congregation representatives of the congregation administrations. The financial resources monogamous and committed marriages—and here it is Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, gathered at entrusted to our congregations by our faithful must be amazing to us that we must add that true marriage can the annual Diocesan Assembly held at Holy Resurrection used wisely and well, for the purposes for which they are only take place between one man and one woman—are of Christ Serbian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, PA on intended, with a full and transparent accounting and with of utmost importance for healthy family life, for the March 1-2, 2013 under the omophorion of their Archpastor due care for their safety. We urge our congregations to take upbringing of children, and for a healthy and stable Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, adopted the following this task seriously by all possible means, including proper society. It is for this reason that God has ordained marriage resolutions: and thorough periodic audits of their accounts, as part of as the only proper venue for sexual activity and for their good stewardship. conceiving and rearing children. Our society has become 1. We greet His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej 5. We remain mindful of the situation in the Serbian preoccupied with sexual activity for its own sake, without and all the hierarchs of our Holy Serbian Orthodox province of Kosovo and Metohija, and the difficult any sense of limits or responsibility. Movies, television Church, and reaffirm our spiritual and canonical unity circumstances which our Serbian Orthodox brothers and and popular music emphasize self-centered sexual with our Holy Mother Church, with prayers that God will sisters endure there. We continue to support the stand gratification as an end in itself, which is destroying the continue to grant them the great grace of the Holy Spirit of the Holy Assembly of Bishops and of the Serbian fabric of marriage and family life. Sexuality is a great gift to powerfully proclaim the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus government that the declaration of an independent, of God, but like all of God’s gifts it must be used carefully Christ, to lead us into doing His will in this world, and to Albanian ruled Kosovo is an illegal action both in lest it become a destructive passion. Children need a guide us all to the safe harbor of God’s heavenly Kingdom. international law and contrary to United Nations treaties father and a mother, and a stable and loving environment, 2. We recognize that Christ’s Church is the mystical and resolutions. We pledge our continuing aid and support to flourish and grow. Such a family situation is quickly Body of Christ, of which we are all members. We pledge to all of our suffering brothers and sister in Kosovo and becoming more the exception than the rule, to our spiritual ourselves to work under the leadership of our hierarchs to Metohija, and to all those who still remain as refugees and societal peril. We call on our clergy, our parents, make the Gospel’s message and power work in us so that from their hearths and homes throughout the former and our church communities and our schools to redouble we may grow in the Faith ourselves, and bring that true Yugoslavia. their efforts to instill the God-ordained values of chastity Orthodox Faith to our friends and neighbors, our relatives, At the same time, we note with great pain the outside of marriage and monogamous faithfulness within to our communities and to the whole world, so that we persecution of Orthodox and other Christian populations marriage among our young people. At the same time, we may be faithful stewards in realizing our Lord’s Great in Egypt and many other majority Islamic countries. In reach out to all those who have fallen short of this ideal, Commission to bring the Good News to all nations. As His many of these countries Christians are at best second- and offer our pastoral concern, support, love and prayers Grace our Bishop Mitrophan has reminded us, proclaiming class citizens, and are sometimes even treated as aliens to help them return to a healthy relationship with God and this Good News of the Gospel to all those around us is our in their own countries, denied basic civil rights and the His Church. main task as Christ’s Church, and we cannot be limited to protection of law. We stand in support of these innocent bringing this message and this way of life only to those victims of religious hatred and persecution, and call on the of Serbian heritage. To carry out this task, we must first government of the United States to speak and act in their know and practice the Faith ourselves, and make it central defense, holding these countries to the same standard of Eastern Diocese to every aspect of our personal and parish lives. We call tolerance, justice and official protection that they rightly continued from p.1 on all our clergy and faithful people to make this task their expect for Muslims living here. those of any particular race, ethnicity or nationality. own, for the upbuilding of Christ’s Holy Church and for 6. We view with great concern the increasing moral He emphasized that it is his responsibility, and the our salvation and the salvation of many. decline and spiritual confusion infecting the West in responsibility of all the parishes and faithful of the 3. Our Lord commands us to love one another, to bear general, and the United States in particular. No nation can Diocese, to reach out with the message of Christ and each other’s burdens, to forgive seventy times seven, and long endure if it loses its God-given moral values, or its Orthodoxy to everyone. The report was received with to guard our unity with Him and with each other in His relationship with God our Creator. thanks by the Assembly. One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We call on We are particularly concerned about the culture of Following Bishop Mitrophan’s report, Nick all our congregations to support our diocese and Bishop, death, which is becoming more prevalent among us. Lack Mitrovich representing the Audit Board reported that all to take seriously the faith and order of the Orthodox of respect for human life in the womb through abortion, the Diocesan financial statements and reports had been Church, and to work on implementing that faith and order and the increasing acceptance of the idea of euthanasia, examined and had been found to be complete and in in the lives of their local communities through an active cannot but lead to lack of respect for human life in all good order. Diocesan Treasurer Milan Visnick reviewed liturgical and sacramental life, respect for and observance other aspects of our life and culture. We emphatically the Diocese’s financial statements and reports, which of the fasts and feasts, and adherence to the discipline of follow our Holy Orthodox Faith and Tradition in had been supplied to clergy and delegates in advance, the Church. condemning these sins against the Author of Life, and call and answered questions about them. He then presented 4. In recent years our Church has reminded us of the on our faithful not only to refuse to participate in these sins the proposed Diocesan budget for 2013, which was importance of Christian Stewardship, the wise and prudent themselves, but to work to return our nation to its historic approved. Prota Rajko Kosic presented the report of use of the gifts God gives us, as a spiritual discipline for understanding of the sanctity of all life. the Diocesan Relief Committee, and Prota Rodney all Orthodox Christians. We remind our congregations We also voice our great concern over the state Torbic his report as the Diocesan Director of Christian that good Christian Stewardship is also a necessity for of marriage and the family in our nation. Stable, Education. Reports were presented and accepted on both Monastery Marcha and the Most Holy Mother of God Monastery and St. Sava Camp at Shadeland, PA, and the meeting recessed until the next day. On Saturday morning the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served at 8:00 AM by His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, Episcopal Deputy Prota Draglojub C. Malich and the Deans of the Diocese’s Deaneries. A large number of the clergy and faithful received the Holy Eucharist. Following services and breakfast, Father Milorad Orlic, pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Philadelphia, presented a talk on holiness as the criterion of membership in Christ’s Church. The talk was well received, and a good discussion followed. Highlights of the talk will be published in the Path of Orthodoxy. Prota Rade Merick presented a number of resolutions, which the Assembly approved and which are being published in the Path. Various miscellaneous subjects were brought up from the floor, and several parishes extended an invitation for the next Assembly to be hosted by them. The Assembly was closed with prayer and everyone enjoyed lunch before departing to their homes. 1999 Bombing of Yugoslavia commemorated The annual Diocesan Assemblies are an important opportunity for diocesan clergy and faithful to meet and Belgrade, March 25 (BIRN)—Ceremonies were held NATO has also never revealed its losses. interact with their Archpastor and with each other, to across Serbia on Sunday (March 24) to remember the The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia started on March share experiences and ideas, and to be reminded that victims of the 1999 NATO military campaign to drive Serb 24, 1999, as the West’s response to the failure of the parishes do not stand alone in isolation, but are living forces out of Kosovo. Rambouillet talks to try to bring an end to the conflict in members of the greater body of the Church. Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic laid flowers at a Kosovo. This was also the first opportunity for many of memorial on Strazevica Hill in Belgrade where Yugoslav On Sunday, a delegation from Serbia’s defense the participants to see and visit the Holy Resurrection Army troops were killed in a NATO air attack in 1999. ministry laid wreaths in front of a monument dedicated of Christ church community in Lebanon, PA, and the During the 78 days of the military campaign, the to fallen air force servicemen and air defense troops in first time for this small but active parish to host a large Serbian government estimates that at least 2,500 people Belgrade. Meanwhile, the head of the Serbian Orthodox diocesan gathering. A highlight of the Assembly was the died and 12,500 were injured. Church, Patriarch Irinej, held a service in honour of the presentation of an Episcopal Gramata by His Grace to But the exact death toll and the full extent of the victims at St Mark’s Church in the capital. Fred Miroslav Pantelich of the Lebanon parish for his damage remains unclear. The bombing ended on June 10, 1999, after the signing long and faithful service to the parish community in It is estimated that the bombing damaged 25,000 of the Kumanovo Agreement and the adoption of UN many ways. The parish came through with wonderful houses and apartment buildings and destroyed 470 Security Council Resolution 1244, which was followed by organization and real Serbian hospitality. Many thanks kilometers of roads and 600 kilometers of railway. the withdrawal of all Yugoslav military forces from Kosovo go to Father Christopher Rocknage, the church board, So far only Serbia’s defense ministry has publicly and the arrival of 36,000 international peacekeepers. and the people of Holy Resurrection for their warm revealed its data, saying that NATO forces killed 631 When the Yugoslav army moved out, the Kosovo welcome and hard work in helping to make this members of the Serbian armed forces, while a further 28 Liberation Army expelled the majority of Serbs from Assembly a success. went missing. Kosovo. April 2013 The Path of Orthodoxy Page Five

The Great Commission Visitors from

continued from p.3 Hilandar good works and glorify your Father in heaven…” (Mt. 5:14). Monastery In order to do this, we must understand how our Faith impacts our lives, NOT just in Church In February the Iguman of the attendance, but in every fabric of our existence, so Monastery Hilandar, Archiman- that we are then able to witness to those around our drite Metodije, visited the US. He Church communities, helping them see this “Pearl was accompanied by Hierodeacon of Great Price” that is our Faith! Of course, such Arsenije and Mr. Milivoje Randjic, understanding can only come when we are actively Director of the Fund of Hilandar learning what it means to be a Serbian Orthodox Monastery. The purpose of their Christian, by attending classes, and workshops, and visit was to attend an exhibition at practicing what we learn through the Holy Mysteries St. Sava’s Cathedral in New York and strong Orthodox Stewardship and Outreach, both City on the heritage and restoration essential aspects of our Lord’s Great Commission! of Hilandar. By contrast, whether consciously or unconsciously, After this, they traveled to continuing to maintain a ‘closed society’ as the Chicago to New Gracanica Mon- Church is NOT what our Lord commanded us to do, astery where they were guests of nor will it insure the strengthening of our Faith in His Grace Bishop Longin for a week. Two years ago the Iguman brought a copy of the Three-handed Mother of God to be America. installed in New Gracanica. Ever since, the two monasteries have bonded together. This visit was intended to thank again As a Serbian Orthodox priest of 25 years, I all those faithful for donating over $100,000 to the on-going restoration and work in Hilandar. Over 300 “certificates of have watched my own parish slowly decline by over recognition” were distributed. As Mr. Randjic said, “Those funds came at such a critical moment in our work and we are one hundred homes from when I first arrived to the truly grateful to New Gracanica Monastery and the donors.” present day, and while much of this has been due to natural attrition and the moving away of our younger generations, it is also because we have done little †Milan Opacich to attract the non-Orthodox in and around our local continued from p.3 The 23rd Psalm’s last verse tells us our reward for community. This must change, and I will do all I can, Confession and Communion, so for him, it was with a living a good and useful life: “Surely goodness and mercy with the help of my parish council, and our Bishop slightly self-conscious approach to the altar which most of shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in Mitrophan’s guidance, to make this a reality. us experience at such times. He stood erect before the altar, the house of the Lord forever.” This is our prayer for you I would hope that my brothers-in-Christ of our his mind swirling with lifelong memories of St. Sava Church, from your friends. clergy, and also our faithful throughout our Serbian the happy days and the sad, the whole rich tapestry of Serbian Orthodox Church in this country, will use this Great life in America – and here he was, stepping up to take the †Slobodan Zelich Fast season to reflect and pray about the Lord’s Great sacrament that will cleanse his soul of whatever may have Commission, and come to a deeper understanding of soiled it. So he braced himself, his body prepared as a chalice continued from p.3 how to obey its true meaning! that will accept the body and blood of his Savior. How sweet Mr. Zelich was preceded in death by his parents, two sons If we do this, one definite result of such spiritual the wine and bread, he thought, and in that intense moment he Milan and George, and a brother Milan. He is survived by his work will be a stronger Pan-Orthodox ‘presence’ underwent an epiphany – the whole overwhelming avalanche beloved wife Nevenka, son Paul and daughter Sonja (Clyde) throughout this country, something so sorely lacking! of Release and Resurrection. He returned to his seat, shaken, DiAngelo, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Who among us is not tired of hearing what the with tears streaming down his face because he wanted so two sisters and many nieces and nephews. Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Episcopalian, or badly to receive these gifts, the Gift of Life itself and the Pomen services were held at the funeral home on March Baptist ‘church leaders’ say regarding any issue Promise of Resurrection. 8 with former Steubenville pastor Prota Vasilije Sokolovic making the rounds over the media channels, yet are This was a side of Milan that few of us saw: Yes, he and present pastor Prota Rade Merick officiating. Funeral frustrated that we Orthodox are ignored? Perhaps was the happy-go-lucky singer of songs at your weddings, services the next day at the Church were served by Episcopal when we in our Serbian Orthodox Church in America zabavas and festivities, but he had that other side, too. Deputy and pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Monroeville, work harder to LEARN our Faith and LIVE it, then Milan liked to set goals, always aiming for the next one. PA Prota Dragoljub C. Malich; Dean of the Pittsburgh we will accomplish what our Lord asks of us, and He was determined to keep himself functional despite several Deanery and pastor of St. Elijah Church in Aliquippa, PA will begin to be that ‘Light of the World’ – ALL of it. ailments that limited his physical exertion. Still, there are Prota Stevan Stepanov; son of the Steubenville parish and Ultimately, only then we will begin to see the many examples of his vision for our church. He achieved former junior and senior choir member under Mr. Zelich Prota change in our society that is so desperately longed three goals that he cherished greatly although there are more. Stevo Rocknage; and Prota Merick. His Grace Bishop Dr. for – a society that manifests the beloved Christian One was to take the lead for moving the World War II Mitrophan of Eastern America, who was in New York City gifts of Love, Mercy and Forgiveness! Let this be so, monument to our property in Merrillville. Another was to for the opening of the Hilandar Monastery exhibition, sent O Lord! have the street in front of the church named for our benefactor his condolences. Responses were sung by the Petar Krstich Karl Malden; and lastly, to form a church Historical Society Choir under the direction of Nino Karas. Burial was at the (Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Rocknage which will preserve Serbian culture for our children. He was Holy Resurrection Church Cemetery, and a dacha followed is the parish priest of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox eminently successful in all three goals. He was the successful at the church’s Serbian American Cultural Center. Church of McKeesport and Duquesne, Pa., the third author of a book, and articles that appeared regularly in May Christ receive the soul of His servant +Slobodan oldest Serbian parish in the United States.) SerbWorldUSA Magazine that offered the most complete into His heavenly Kingdom, and make his memory to be history of tamburitza in America. eternal! Vecnaja pamjat!

Kosovo Police Hold Back Protesters at Serb Monastery

NEWSPristina, March 8 (BIRN)—Riot police maintained what kind of laws is our land protected?” and “Parliament, The authorities in Pristina however have called for the a high-profile presence as hundreds of demonstrators government and presidency - protect our constitution”. court’s decision to be respected. staged a rally against the handover of land to a Serbian QA spokesman for the protesters said that “decisions Tensions between the monastery and local authorities Orthodox monastery in Decani. taken against the interest of our citizens are unacceptable,” escalated in February when some 20 demonstrators were Some 600 people rallied in the town of Decani in western and that protests would continue in the future. stopped by NATO peacekeeping forces as they tried to Kosovo on Thursday, while officers with shields and helmets The Serbian Orthodox site became the focus for approach the monastery gates. prevented a group of around 20 of them from approaching the demonstrations after the ruling that the land belonged to Since then, its doors have been closed for the first time medieval Serbian monastery at the center of the land dispute the monastery, not to two Kosovo companies that have in 13 years since the end of the Kosovo war. which has threatened fragile ethnic relations in the area. been claiming it since the 1999 conflict between Kosovo The monastery is one of the best-known Serb heritage Police had stepped up security ahead of the fourth rally Liberation Army fighters and Serbian government forces. sites in Kosovo, established in 1327 and housing the grave against a court ruling last December granting ownership of The two socially-owned companies, Decan/Decani of its founder, King Stefan Uros ‘Decanski’, although it now some 23 hectares of land to the Visoki Decani monastery. municipality leaders and local civil society activists allege sits in solidly ethnic Albanian-populated territory. It has been Protesters carried banners with slogans like “With that the ruling was politically motivated. on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004. Serbia Remembers Deadly Riots in Kosovo Belgrade, March 18 (BIRN)—On the ninth anniversary protected in Kosovo and that they live in constant fear, injured, while 72 vehicles belonging to international forces of anti-Serb riots by Albanians in Kosovo, Serbia’s premier without prospects for the future. were set on fire. asked the international community to punish the instigators On March 17, 2004, hundreds of ethnic Albanian At a church service on Sunday, Serbian Patriarch Irinej and help Serbs who fled Kosovo to return to their homes. protestors clashed with Serbs and attacked their homes. echoed Dacic’s called for the Serbs to be allowed to go back “I wish this never to happen again. Serbia with its wise The incident was sparked by the drowning of three ethnic to their homes. “Our first and only condition [to continue policy needs to protect the interests of its people in Kosovo,” Albanian boys in the town of Kosovska Mitrovica. the current EU-mediated Belgrade-Pristina talks] should be said Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic at a ceremony According to Serbian government data, 19 people were the return of all the Serbs that fled from Kosovo,” he said. on Sunday evening to mark the anniversary of the deadly killed during the riots, 954 injured, more than 900 houses International courts in Pristina have prosecuted several violence in March 2004. burned and 39 churches and monuments demolished. Around people who demolished Serbian Orthodox churches, handing “Serbia can never turn its back on Serbs in Kosovo,” 4,000 Serbs left Kosovo after the violence. down jail sentences ranging from 21 months to 16 years. Dacic said at the ceremony, which was entitled Crimes The UN mission that administered Kosovo at the time Serbs in northern Kosovo also marked the anniversary by Without Punishment. estimated that about 60,000 ethnic Albanians took part in unveiling plaques dedicated to two of the people who were He added that it was clear that Serbs are still not the riots. More than 100 NATO troops and UN police were killed during the violence in Kosovska Mitrovica. P age Six The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013 Our View Our View Our view Our View The Youth Pages of The Path of Orthodoxy, April 2013

Youth Retreat Registration Form (page 1) The National Committee For Youth Ministry of the Serbian Orthodox Church The Youth Committee requires that the following be completed in its entirety and returned with the registration packet. in North & South America Participant Name:______Participant Email Address______Dear Honorable Clergy, Church Executive Boards, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Address:______Number/Street City State Zip With the Blessing of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Ortho- dox Church in North and South America, the Youth Ministry Committee Parent Names:______Home Phone:______is pleased to announce the Eighth Annual Youth Retreat to be held in Houston, TX from Wednesday, June 26 through Sunday, June 30, Parent Email Address______Work/Cell Phone:______2013. The theme of this year’s retreat is “Faith and Courage – Being an Orthodox Teen Today and Beyond…” The retreat is open to all high Emergency Contact Name/Number:______school students. Students are eligible from the summer prior to 9th grade through the summer following 12th grade. Participant Birthday:______Gender (circle) Male / Female Shirt Size:______Continuing our effort to provide a variety of experiences for our Parish Name______City:______State:____ youth, the facility we have selected for this year’s retreat is St. Thomas University in Houston, TX. The college is an excellent location that Please indicate travel plans (circle one): Air / Automobile / Other has all the amenities that we need to have a successful retreat full of spiritual and social activities. Name of Family Physician:______Phone:______This youth retreat is an excellent opportunity for parishes in North and South America to send teenagers for spiritual fulfillment and fel- Name of Family Dentist:______Phone:______lowship with like-minded youth. The retreat will include presentations and discussions related to important topics that our youth face every Is the participant covered by family medical/hospital insurance (Yes/No):______day. Recreational and fellowship events will enable our youth to inter- act with other high school students from throughout North and South America. Insurance Carrier/Plan Name:______Group #:______I.D. #:______We hope that each parish will provide the financial means neces- sary to send representatives to the youth retreat. There is NO LIMIT to Medical Allergies:______Food Allergies:______the number of participants each parish can send. Each teenager will be required to provide a $175 registration fee as well as transportation Other Allergies (include insect stings, hay fever, asthma, animal dander, etc.):______to Houston, TX. All room and board costs will be paid by the Central ______Church Council. The following pages contain the registration materials for the Medications Being Taken (meds brought to the retreat must be in their original labeled pharmacy container): youth retreat. Please submit one complete packet for each represen- tative you are sending to the retreat and return to the Youth Ministry Med (#1):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____Reason:______Committee at the following address: Youth Ministry Committee, c/o Chris Radanovic, 80 Church Rd, Med (#2):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____Reason:______Etters, PA 17319 All registrations must be received no later than June 1, 2012. It Med (#3):______Dosage:______Specific Time Taken Daily:_____Reason:______is very important that your complete registration be submitted by this date so that the coordinators can prepare for the retreat logistics. We have included a frequently asked questions page to help you I, ______, give my permission for ______prepare for the retreat. Please feel free to contact Chris Radanovic if (Parent/Guardian Name) (Participant Name) you have any questions about the retreat. His home telephone number is (717) 303-3611 and email is [email protected]. to attend the Youth Retreat of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada to be held at the facilities of St. Thomas University in Houston, TX and to be transported by retreat organizers to all retreat activities. We are very excited to have this opportunity to facilitate this event. We hope you will support the future of the church by sending youth from your parish to the retreat. Parent Signature:______Printed Name:______Date:______

The Youth Ministry Committee Participant Signature:______Printed Name:______Date:______

Parish Priest Signature:______Printed Name:______Date:______

Youth Retreat Registration Form (page 2) Youth Retreat Registration Form (page 3) Please read the paragraphs below and sign the consent and/or responsibility waiver. This is necessary not only for your teenager to attend the Youth Retreat, but also for us to operate the retreat. I understand that the following retreat guidelines and regulations apply to all retreat participants. The person herein described has permission to engage in all retreat activities except as noted. I Participants will not be permitted to attend the retreat if this form is not signed and returned. hereby give permission to the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America to provide routine health The Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages, care, administer over-the-counter medications, administer prescribed medications, and seek emergency illegal drugs, tobacco products, fireworks, or any items harmful to other retreat participants. If your medical treatment including ordering x-rays or routine tests. teenager is found having any of the above he/she will be sent home immediately. I agree to the release of any records necessary for treatment, referral, billing, or insurance purposes. I Any inappropriate, violent/aggressive, or unchristian behavior may result in your teenager being give permission to the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America to arrange necessary related sent home immediately; these behaviors include, but are not limited to: transportation for my teenager. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permis- sion to the physician selected by the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America to secure and · Violence towards another youth participant, chaperone, worker, or director. administer treatment, including hospitalization, for the person named above. I understand that my insurance · Inappropriate “touching” or fondling of another retreat participant (male or female). coverage for my teenager will be used as primary coverage in the event medical intervention is needed. I · Disrespectful behavior (swearing, cursing, yelling in anger, etc.) shown toward participants, further understand that I will be responsible for expenses not covered by my insurance. chaperones, directors or workers. I understand all reasonable safety precautions will be taken at all times by the Serbian Orthodox · Leaving the dormitory at night after “lights out”. Church in North and South America and its agents during the retreat. I understand the possibility of unfore- · Food, candy, or drink in the dormitories. seen hazards and know the inherent possibility of risk. I agree not to hold St. Thomas University and the · Radios, stereos, boom boxes, and walkman tape players are not allowed at the retreat. Use Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America, their clergy, its leaders, employees, and/or volunteers of cell phones or iPods during the scheduled events of the retreat will not be permitted. liable for damages, losses, disease, or injuries incurred by the subject of this form. I hereby give my permission to take field trips while attending the retreat. · Disrespect shown during the Church services including laughing, talking, or not participating I agree that my teenager will abide by all the rules and guidelines set forth by the Serbian Orthodox will necessitate one warning, then dismissal. Church in North and South America for the safety and good health of the retreat participants. I also agree · Use of dormitory phones for social calls. that if my teenager has to return home due to discipline violations, it will be at my own expense. · Theft of property. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless, St. Thomas University and the Serbian Orthodox Church Vandalism of property will not be tolerated. If your teenager is involved in any of this you will be in North and South America, their clergy, their leaders, employees, and/or volunteers from any expenses, losses, claims, or damages incurred as a result of the acts or omissions of the subject of this form. I hereby held financially responsible. agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America, their clergy, Rooms should be kept neat and presentable by participants. Please stress to your teenager to officers, directors, employees, staff, and volunteers from any and all expenses, claims, costs or attorney fees be respectful of others property. incurred as a result of claims, actions and/or suits brought by me, my teenager or on my behalf or on my Any additional retreat facility costs above and beyond the provided amenities will be the financial teenager’s behalf or by anyone else as a result of any accident or injury occurring to me or my teenager. responsibility of the parents/participant. This includes telephone charges, food purchases, gift/other I give permission for my teenager to participate in all retreat activities, except the following (please list purchases, and any unforeseen purchases made by the participant. reason for each activity denied): ______. We reserved the right to search luggage, lockers, and bed areas at any time. The health history provided above is correct and complete as far as I know. The person herein named has permission to engage in all retreat activities except as noted. Participants please note, in signing below, you agree to adhere to the rules and guidelines of the It is my intention that the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America be treated as acting in Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America. loco parentis if the person herein named is a minor. Further, it is my protected health information pursuant to the privacy regulations promulgated pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Participant Signature:______Printed Name:______of 1996. I hereby agree (pursuant to 45 CFR 164.510 (b)) to the disclosure to retreat representatives of the Date:______protected health information of the person herein described, as necessary: (i) to provide relevant informa- tion to the retreat representatives related to the person’s ability to participate in retreat activities; and (ii) in Parents please note: in signing below you are agreeing that your teenager will adhere to the rules the case of minors, to provide relevant information to the retreat representatives to keep me informed of my and guidelines of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America. Your endorsement is your teenager’s health status. consent for inspection of prohibited articles. Your signature also affirms that you have gone over these In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected items with your teenager. Your teenager will not be permitted to attend the retreat unless this form is by the retreat coordinators to secure and administer treatment, including hospitalization, for the person signed and returned to us. named above. This completed form may be photocopied for trips out of the retreat. Parent Signature:______Printed Name:______Participant Initial Here: ____ Parent Initial Here: ____ Date:______April 2013 The Path of Orthodoxy Page Seven

Frequently Asked Questions About the Youth Retreat St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of McKeesport- 1. Where and when are we meeting for the retreat? Duquesne, PA, Begins New SOTAYA Chapter • Out of town delegates should fly into Houston Hobby InternationalAirport (http://www. fly2houston.com/hobby) and plan to arrive by 4:00pm local (Central) time. Travel arrange- ments from the airport to St. Thomas University will be communicated prior to the retreat. Return flights should be scheduled no earlier than 3:00pm local (Central) time. • Local participants may be dropped off at St. Thomas University by 5:00pm. All participants should plan on being at the campus by 5:00pm so that the evening activities can proceed with all in attendance. No participants will be permitted to bring automobiles to the campus. All participants must be dropped off on Wednesday June 26th and must be picked up by 12:00 noon on Sunday June 30th at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 16900 Cypress Rosehill Rd., Cypress, TX 77429 (http://www.stsavahouston.org/). • If you are making other travel arrangements (i.e. rail) please contact Chris Radanovic at [email protected] to coordinate pickup. 2. Who is chaperoning the youth during this event? The Youth Ministry Committee will provide qualified chaperones. There will be one chaperone for no more than eight youth attendees. 3. What activities will take place at the retreat? The retreat will include several spiritual presenta- tions and discussions relevant to being an Orthodox teenager. Recreational and service activi- ties in the host city will be organized. Participants will attend church services both on campus and at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. 4. What should the participant bring to this retreat? NOTE: St. Thomas University has the following dress code for summer conferences: “Maintain modest attire when in public areas of university housing. Modest attire as defined by the university means clothing that covers all private areas completely, and is not too short, low-cut or tight. Clothing must be worn over bathing suits at all times and shirts must be worn at all times.” Clothes & Miscellaneous to pack: For many years, the St. Sava Youth Now, with the formulation of the new • Toiletries: comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sun screen, deodorant Group of McKeesport and Duquesne, Serbian Orthodox Youth and Teachers and • Clothing: daily change of underwear, socks, other clothes (shorts, t-shirts, etc. for outdoor Pennsylvania, has been actively involved in Young Adults Association (SOTAYA) by our recreational activities), pajamas • For boys: pants and suitable shirts for church services (jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes are serving the Lord through working for God’s Episcopal Council, the St. Sava Youth Group not acceptable!) Church and the community in and around decided at its January meeting to formally • For girls: skirt and blouse, or dress (dresses and blouses should have sleeves; skirts and McKeesport and Duquesne. Over the past begin their own Junior Chapter of SOTAYA dresses should be knee length. Nothing short) ten years or so, they have hosted Annual here in the parish. The newly elected Officers • Swim Wear: We will have an opportunity for swimming at the conference. Participants Golf Outings to raise funds for the needy, are: Elizabeth Ostovich, President; Kevin should bring church appropriate swimwear consisting of one piece bathing suits and towels. IOCC, the Serbian Orthodox Relief Fund, Bratkowski - Vice-President; Emily Ostovich Unnecessarily revealing swimwear will not be permitted. Please remember this is a church and other worthy endeavors. In addition, they - Secretary; Dana Buck - Treasurer; Alec sponsored event, swimwear should be appropriate for a church sponsored event. have made numerous trips to the Monastery Medich Historian. **Please do not send valuables -- jewelry, etc. -- with your teenager. We will not be responsible Marcha in Richfield, Ohio, to assist Mother On tap this year are several important for its security. Anna in cleaning, renovating and other tasks projects: Serving the Church at the Lenten **Remember that this is a spiritual retreat. Inappropriate clothing is a distraction to the other they were asked to perform. Fish Fries during Lenten Fridays; hosting a participants and will not be allowed. The Youth Group officially started car wash in the Spring; again traveling to 5. What should the participant not bring to this retreat? back in 1990 when Protopresbyter Stevo Monastery Marcha in April to prepare the • Linens: St. Thomas University provides bath towels, face cloth, sheets, pillow, pillow case, Rocknage, the current pastor, formulated Church for Pascha; and of course, celebrat- etc the teen members of the parish into a viable ing Pascha with the community at our Sunrise • Automobiles – Out of town participants will meet at the Holy Cross campus. Local partici- group to meet regularly and discuss issues of Services. The highlight of the year will be their pants must be dropped off and picked at the campus. No personal participant cars will be permitted on the campus. importance to their Orthodox Faith and their annual trek to the National Youth Confer- • Any Items Harmful to Other Retreat Participants personal lives. Trips were taken to St. Vladi- ence, this year at the St. Thomas University th th • Radios, Walkman, Tape Players, DVD players, video iPods, laptops mir’s Seminary in New York, to Ellis Island, to in Houston, Texas, June 26 - 30 , and they • Food – all food will be provided by the retreat center other parishes, as well as experiencing many look forward to seeing all their old friends and 6. Where is the retreat campus? The retreat will be held at St. Thomas University. The St. social activities with the assistance of many making new ones. We invite all the youth of Thomas website is: http://www.stthom.edu. Driving directions to the seminary will be provided of the parents of our Teens. This wonderful our Serbian Orthodox Church in our country after the registration period is completed. ministry of our youth has continued to the to join us! 7. How do I contact the retreat administrators in case of an emergency? present day. The emergency contact for the retreat will be Chris Radanovic, the secretary of the Youth Minis- try Committee. In case of emergency please call Chris on his mobile phone at (717) 841-6794. Chris will be present throughout the entire retreat. speaking to God humbly, sincerely and fully. When the Archangel Gabriel came to her and 8. What time should I schedule my travel arrangements for? The Annunciation “announced” that she would be the Mother of Flights arriving at Houston Hobby Airport on 6/26 by 4:00pm local (Central) time and leaving (celebrated on April 7th): Houston on 6/30 no earlier than 3:00pm local (Central) time. the Lord, she could have refused. Why God chose Mary? After all, God has given each human- in- Keep this page for reference. Please only return the following registration form pages. cluding the Theotokos- free will. But she did od selected Mary as the Mother of not refuse. Instead, she allowed God’s will to Gour Lord. Of all of the women in the be done. world, she was chosen by God to give birth After the Annunciation, she kept the secret The Great and Holy Lent and raise the Son of God. Protestants tend of God’s plan for her and entered a danger- (This year started on Monday, March 18th) to diminish her role, bringing her out only at ous and daunting period of her life: a young, Christmas as if anyone woman could have unmarried pregnant woman was socially been the Mother of our Lord. She did not unacceptable. People misunderstood her, Life is busy. Football games, home- pent. Return to the path that leads to eternal just happen to be the Mother of our Lord: accused her of cheating on her betrothed, work, dances, family time, school, and life. Move forward toward Christ. God chose her, specifically her, because she Joseph, an act that was punishable under friends... we automatically get caught up in Receive Holy Communion: Through exemplified the life in service to God long Jewish law by death. When she told God yes, our own world. It is easy to think that our own the Holy Communion we are united with the before the incarnation. The Theotokos had she would be the Mother of the Lord, she had life is more important than anyone else’s. It is Lord. Allow Christ to renew your body and a relationship with God and trusted God so to trust him completely, as her life was truly also easy to forget God. soul through this Sacrament/Mystery. that, when He asked her to be the Mother of at stake. She accepted the criticisms of oth- Great Lent gives us an opportunity Do Good Works: Listen to a friend who the Lord through the Archangel Gabriel, she ers, trusting that God would protect her and to stop the spinning of our own world and needs to vent about a parent’s divorce or any consciously said yes. She trusted Him. She keep her safe. She traveled to Bethlehem by evaluate our relationship with God. Through other spiritual and emotional struggle. Spend followed Him in faith. donkey with Joseph. This was a long journey the Church, we are able to step out of our a Saturday at a nursing home serving those We remember the Theotokos as being on bad roads and, since Mary was pregnant, individual bubbles and return to the path that ‘forgotten’ elderly men and women. Donate touched by Divine Grace, but at the same this trip was dangerous. At this time medical leads us to God. This return is not automatic: clothes to a homeless shelter. Find a way to time we have to remember that, like all care was very limited, and they would not be simply because it is Lent does not mean that give yourself to others. humans, she had free will. She was Jewish, able to afford medical care if even they found we are magically placed back on track. We Fast: Fasting is not easy, but that is one and a devout, sincere and practicing Jew with it during their journey. She gave birth to the must utilize the resource of Great Lent to reason it is helpful. Humble yourself. Control a rich relationship with God. When an Angel Lord among animals, the most humble place actively put ourselves back on the path. your desire to order a pepperoni pizza. Go came down from heaven, she did not run of all. Immediately, she accepted God’s com- So how can we utilize Great Lent to draw vegan for 40 days in the name of Christ. If away or doubt her own sanity (let’s be honest: mand to flee into Egypt, a place she did not closer to God? you do so, you will realize that there is more many of us would doubt our sanity if an angel know, for a reason she did not understand. Go to Church: Those “extra” church to fasting then just legalistic understanding of came down from heaven). She knew God The Theotokos did indeed have Divine Grace, services are there for a reason: they help us lent in terms of what we can and cannot eat. because she communed with God through but she carried out these actions in a real prepare ourselves for the Resurrection of our By fasting we submit our will to that of the her faith. She did not just blindly attend world—with real effort, sacrifice, pain, fear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! GO to them! Church; it becomes an act of obedience, lov- Synagogue because that was her religion, and challenges. The Theotokos was not just Increase Prayer: Talk to God. He is al- ing obedience, that leads to communion with but rather she intentionally led a life that was any random woman, but she was the only ways there to listen, but He gave us free will. the Church which is the body of Christ, and pleasing to God and always sought to be- woman in the world, of the billions and billions This means that you have to approach Him. ultimately communion with the Triune God, come closer and closer to God. She followed of women who have lived, to be selected by Receive Confession: Acknowledge your Father, Son and Holy Spirit. the teachings of her Jewish faith and prayed, God to give birth to and raise His Son. sins. Talk them out with your confessor. Re- OOurur V Viewiew Our View Our View Our View is the official publication of The Serbian Orthodox Youth Ministry Committee and is a regular feature of The Path of Orthodoxy. Comments can be directed to the committee via e-mail at: [email protected]. Page Eight The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013

The Path of Orthodoxy Стаза Православља The Official Publication of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America

Том (ваљум) 48 Април 2013 Бр. 04 Молитва Светог Јефрема Сирина за време поста

Од свих химни и молитава за време поста, било какво добро и према другим силом греха. једна кратка молитва може да се означи као било шта позитивно. бићима, тражење Ово су четири негативна услова покајања. Молитва поста. Предање је приписује једном То је вођења света начина да им се она Они су препреке које треба савладати. Али од великих учитеља духовног живота – Светог на негативизам и подчине. једино сам Бог може да их уклони. Према томе, Јефрема Сирина. Ево њеног текста: песимизам. То је Она није први део молитве поста јесте крик из дубине Господе и Владару живота мога, демонска сила у безусловно изражена људске беспомоћности. Затим се молитва окреће дух лењости, мрзовоље, властољубља и нама, јер је ђаво у стварној побуди у правцу позитивних циљева покајања, а има их празнословља не дај ми! у својој основи да се влада, да опет четири. Дух целомудрености, смиреноумља, лажа. Он човека се доминира над Чистота, целомудрије. Ако се овај израз трпљења и љубави, даруј мени, слуги Твоме! лаже о Богу и о “другима’’. Она не сведе само на његово сексуално обележје, О, Господе Царе, даруј ми да сагледам своје свету; он испуњава може да се испољи а то се погрешно веома често чини, чистота се грехове, и да не осуђујем брата свога, јер си живот тамом и у индиферентности, разумева као позитивна супротност “празности’’. благословен у векове векова. Амин! негацијом. “Униније” омаловажавању, Тачан и потпун превод грчког “софросини’’ и Ова се молитва чита два пута на крају је самоубитство незаинтересованости, црквенословенског “целомудрије’’ требало би да сваке службе у посту од понедељка до петка душе, јер ако безобзирности и буде “чистота умовања’’. Лењост је, пре свега, (не суботом и недељом, јер, како ћемо доцније обузме човека, непоштовању. То је расипање, траћење, распусност – скрханост наше видети, службе у ове дане нису по обрасцу он је апсолутно заиста “празност’’ визије и енергије, неспособност да сагледамо посних служби). Код првог читања, метанише неспособан да види и “униније’’ уперено целину. Тачно његова супротност је целовитост. се после сваке молбе. Тада се сви клањамо светлост и да је овог пута против Ако обично под чистотом замишљамо врлину дванаест пута говорећи: “Боже, очисти ме жели. других; оно супротну сексуалној распусности то је због тога грешног”. Цела молитва се понавља са једним “Љубоначалије’’ употпуњава духовно што се слаби карактер нашег постојања нигде метанијем на крају. – пожуда. Ма колико самоубитство са боље не пројављује него у сексуалној пожуди Зашто ова кратка и једноставна молитва изгледало чудновато, духовним убитством. – отуђењу тела од живота и контроле духа. заузима тако важан положај у целокупном “празност’’ и “униније’’ Најзад, Христос је у нама обновио целовитост, у нама је богослужењу за време поста? Зато што на испуњавају наш ‘’празнословије’’. успоставио истинито мерило вредности и поново једноставан начин набраја све негативне и живот пожудом. Једино човек, од свих нас вратио Богу. позитивне елементе покајања, образује, да се Обезбеђивањем створења, обдарен Први и најдивнији плод ове целовитости или тако изразимо, “подсетник” за наш индивидуални целокупног става је даром говора. Сви чистоте је понизност. О њој смо већ говорили. подвиг у посту. Подвиг је усмерен најпре у правцу према човеку, чинећи Оци виде у томе Она, изнад свега другог, представља победу ослобођења од неких основних духовних болести живот бесмисленим и “печат’’ слике Божије истине у нама, одстрањивање сваке лажи, које формирају наш живот, и омогућавају нам да празним, “празност’’ и у човеку, јер се сам сагледавање и прихватање ствари онаквих почнемо да се окрећемо према Богу. “униније’’ присиљавају Бог открио као Реч. какве су, а самом тим сагледавање Божије Основна болест је “празност’’ (лењост). То је Свети Јефрем Сирин, St. Ephraim the Syrian да тражимо Али, реч као врховни величанствености, доброте и љубави у свему. она чудна лењост и пасивност целокупног бића, компензацију у дар је истовремено Стога је речено да је Бог милостив понизнима и која нас стално убеђује да је промена немогућа, коренито погрешном ставу у односу на друге и врховна опасност. Будући основним изразом да се противи гордима. па стога и непожељна. У ствари, то је дубоко особе. Ако мој живот није оријентисан према човека, средством његовог осмишљења, говор Природни пратиоци стрпљења су чистота укорењена сумња, која на сваки духовни изазов Богу, није усмерен на вечне вредности, он ће је из истог разлога и средство његовог пада и и понизност. “Природни’’ или “пали’’ човек је одговара “чему, ради чега’’ и чини од нашег неизбежно, постати себичан и егоцентричан, а саморазарања, преваре и греха. Реч спашава нестрљив. Слеп у односу на самог себе, он је живота ужасну духовну пустош. То је корен то значи да ће сва друга бића постати средство и реч убија. Реч надахњује и реч трује. Реч је брз да суди и осуђује другог. Пошто је његово сваког греха, јер трује духовну енергију у самом за задовољење моје себичности. Ако Бог није оруђе истине и демонске лажи. Имајући крајње знање о свему крње, непотпуно и искривљено, њеном корену. Господ и Господар мога живота, тада ја постајем позитивну силу, она има и ужасно негативну он све мери према властитом укусу и идејама. Резултат такве лењости – “празности’’ господар свога живота и господ – апсолутни снагу. Она заиста ствара позитивно или Индиферентан према сваком изузев самом је ‘’униније’’ – туга. То је стање очаја, центар свога сопственог света, и све почињем негативно. Када одступи од свог божанског себи, он жели да му живот буде успешан, овде малодушности, које су сви Оци духовности да вреднујем у терминима мојих потреба, мојих порекла и сврхе, реч постаје “празна’’. Она на земљи и то одмах. А стрпљење је божанска сматрали као највећу опасност за душу. идеја, мојих жеља, и мојих процена. Пожуда је неминовно условљава лењост, пожуду, очајање, врлина. Бог је стрпљив не стога што је “благ’’ Малодушност је немогућност да човек види на тај начин најосновнија изопаченост у односу а живот преобраћа у пакао. Она постаје самом continued on p. 12

О тортури на верској основи над Архиепископом Јованом

Недавно (14. фебруара 2013. г.) објављена је анализа проф. Прошле године је прогон проширен и на Мирјане Најчевске о медијама у развијеним демократским остале Епископе, монаштво и грађане, припаднике државама и њиховој улози као контролара власти са аспекта Православне Охридске Архиепископије. У поштовања и заштите људских права. међународним извештајима стоји да у БЈР У анализи се проф. Мирјана Најчевска осврће на значајну Македонији постоје проблеми по питању улогу коју у развијеним демократским земљама имају средства непоштовања верских слобода свих грађана информисања при спровођењу пресуда Европског суда за људска без разлике, што је чињеница која мора бити права, и истовремено излаже стање у које су запали медији у превазиђена уколико БЈР Македонија жели да БЈРМ у односу на поменуту тему. постане део напредних демократија. У медијима, Између осталог, проф. Мирјана Најчевска константује да у уз ретке изузетке објективних новинара, верски македонским медијима нема чак ни покушаја у циљу довођења прогон се прећуткује, а новинари које Фридом Хаус у везу актуелних процеса који се воде пред судовима са већ назива политичким назначеницима, најчешће шире постојећим пресудама Европског суда за људска права. Као што говор мржње против свеправославно признате је назначено у анализи, и поред постојања пресуда Европског Цркве у БЈР Македонији – Православне Охридске суда за људска права, која наводе притвор као начин кршења Архиепископије… the important role in the implementation of the verdicts of the Eauro- Конвенције од стране правосудних органа БЈРМ, ни у једном од Анализа је израђена у оквиру пројекта УСАИД за јачање pian Court for Human Rights, which the media has in the developed случајева продуженог притвора, какав је према анализи случај медија у Македонији – Компоненте Сервиса за проверу чињеница democratic countries, and at the same time is elaborating the state in Архиепископа охридског Јована, новинари не доводе у међусобну из медија, коју проводи ‘’Метаморфозис’’. Анализа је омогућена which the media in R. Macedonia are found, in regard to the mentioned везу ове чињенице и не постављају питање валидности примењене подршком Америчке агенције за међународни развој (УСАИД). subject….Although for Archbishop Jovan there is an effective verdict for судеске мере. Садржина анализе не одражава ставове Метаморфозис-а, two and a half years of imprisonment, state torture on religious grounds Иако за Архиепископа охридског Јована постоји правоснажна УСАИД-а или Владе САД, већ је у одговорности самог аутора. is being performed upon him, and he is being held in severe detention затворска пресуда од две и по године, над њим се спроводи Извор: Охридска Архиепископија conditions since June 11, 2012. In the last ten years, as soon as one државна тортура на верској основи, и он се налази у суровом (Summary: The torture on the religious basis of the Archbishop court process finishes, a new is immediately started against him, and притворском режиму од 11. јуна 2012. године. Jovan of Ohrid – The analysis was prepared as part of the USAID proj- he is being imprisoned for the sixth time. Amnesty International has У последњих десет година, завршетком једног судског ect for strenghtening of the media in Macedonia – Component Service declared him a prisoner of conscience. Last year, the persecution on re- процеса, против Архиепископа охридског Јована истовремено for validation of the media facts, implemented by Metamorphosis. The ligious basis was extended upon other Bishops, monastics and citizens започиње нови, и он се налази у затвору по шести пут. Од Amnesti analysis is provided through the support of the U.S. Agency for Interna- members of the Orthodox Ohrid Archbishopric…). International-a проглашен је затвореником савести. tional Development (USAID)…In the analysis prof. Najcevska is treating April 2013 The Path of Orthodoxy Page Nine

Нови Папа Хорхе Бергољо Френцис (Фрањо) Честитка Патријарха Вартоломеја

Нови Папа је Хорхе Марио Други именовао га је за кардинала 2001. новоизабраном поглавару Бергољо (76), надбискуп из Буенос године. Има четворо браће и сестара, Римокатоличке Цркве Ајреса, исусовац, који ће своју син је италијанских имиграната, отац дужност обављати под именом му је био радник на железници. Осим Френцис (Фрањо). матерњег шпанског, говори италијански Убрзо после избора новог Папе Укупно 115 кардинала изабрало и немачки језик. Познат је као свештеник 13. марта 2013. године увече, Његова је наследника Бенедикта XVI и 266. који је показао изразито добар осећај Свесветост Патријарх цариградски папу у историји Римокатоличке за ‘’вруће теме’’, а сматра се и једним Вартоломеј упутио је следећу честитку у цркве двотрећинском већином, у од већих иноватора у својој земљи и Ватикан: овом случају, са најмање 77 гласова. много је допринео модернизацији иначе “У радости и прослављању вашег Нови поглавар је упитан којим ће веома конзервативне аргентинске Цркве. избора као предстојатеља римокатоличких се именом звати, а недуго затим је Краси га изузетна скромност и познат хришћана широм света, обраћамо се Вашој отишао у ‘’собу суза’’, малу просторију је по повученом животу, због чега је и Светости у овај посебан дан, како бисмо уз Сикстинску капелу, у којој је обукао изабрао име Св. Фрање Асишког, који је Вама и верницима Ваше Цркве изразили папинску реверенду и припремио живео аскетским животом и био потпуно Наше свесрдне честитке и упутили се за излазак на балкон базилике посвећен делима милосрђа… најискреније поздраве. Св. Петра. Да је изабран нови папа (Summary: Pope Francis (born Jorge Дозволите Нам да Вам поводом овог објављено је белим димом, што Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936) is историјског догађаја упутимо Своје искрене је поздравило око 40.000 верника the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic жеље и усрдне молитве како би се Ваша окупљених на Тргу Светог Петра Church, elected on 13 March 2013. As служба показала извором мира у нашем ( ) узвицима ‘’Живео папа’’. Папа Френцис Фрањо such, he is both the head of the Church and свету превирања и подела, уточиште и Pope Francis У складу са правилима Sovereign of the Vatican City State. A native утеха за сиромашне и за браћу и сестре у исусоваца, Папа Френцис живи of Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was ordained as a priest in 1969. He served as Господу који су у невољи, као и продужетак скромно, готово аскетски. Како јављају светски медији, избор кардинала head of the Society of Jesus in Argentina from 1973 to 1979. In 1998 he became нашег пута ка помирењу и учвршћивању Бергоља за новог папу, представља велико изненађење, будући да његово the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and in 2001 a cardinal. Following the resigna- дијалога ка јединству између наших име није било међу фаворитима. tion of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on 28 February 2013, the conclave сестринских Цркава. Поред тога што је први припадник исусоваца, Папа Френцис је први elected Bergoglio, who chose the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis Нека Вашој Светости Бог подари у папа с америчког континента. of Assisi. He is the first pope to be a Jesuit, to come from the Americas, and to добром здрављу многаја љета плодоносног Нови папа је први који је узео име Френцис и први је исусовац у come from the Southern Hemisphere). служења Његовом народу, уз Вама Светој столици. Описују га речима: скроман, својствену скромност, једноставност и модерних схватања, борац за сиромашне… милосрђе. Рођен је 17. децембра 1936. године Ваше Светости у италијанској породици у Буенос Ајресу, Возљубљени брат у Христу дипломирао је на Теолошком факултету у †Вартоломеј Сан Мигелу. Цео живот је провео у домовини, Архиепископ Цариграда – Новога Рима где је радио на ширењу вере. Исусовцима је и васељенски Патријарх приступио 1969. године. Папа Јован Павле (Summary: -In the joy and jubilation of Your election as the pastoral leader of the Ro- man Catholic Christians throughout the world, Честитка Патријарха we are communicating with Your Holiness in српског г. Иринеја order to express to You and the devout faithful of Your blessed Church our wholehearted новоизабраном Папи congratulations and sincerest salutations on this special day… Његова Светост May God grant Your Holiness many years Папа Фрањо of healthy and fruitful ministry to serve His Ватикан people with our distinctive humility, simplicity, Ваша Светости, and charity… Signed, Patriarch †Bartholomew) Испуњени духовном радошћу поводом Вашег избора за новог Епископа древног Left: Митрополит Амфилохије и Папа Францис и славног града Рима – Поглавара свих (Фрањом), Met. Amfilohije with the Pope Francis Римокатолика широм света, упућујемо Вам Below: Патријарх Вартоломеј и Папа Францис, Наше искрене честитке. Patriarch Bartolomew and Pope Francis Божија воља је да сви народи света познају Онога који је прави Пут, Истина и Живот – Једини човекољубац, Господ Устоличен поглавар Исус Христос. Он, будући Спаситељ света и Избавитељ од таме греховне, данас је Римокатоличке Цркве у Вашој личности добио још једног новог Свечаном чину устоличења, у име Његове Светости Патријарха духовног молитвеника пред Престолом српског г. Иринеја, присуствовала је висока делегација Српске Својим. Православне цркве коју је предводио Архиепископ цетињски и Митрополит Ваше свештено служење пратиће црногорско-приморски г. Амфилохије. искушења овога света која ће те имати пред Његова Светост Патријарх цариградски г. Вартоломеј представљао је собом, и она престављају огромно бреме – у Васељенску патријаршију на свечаности устоличења 266. римокатоличког људским размерама можда и немерљиво. поглавара први пут од великог раскола 1054. године. Московску Но, сви смо позвани и да послушамо патријаршију представљао је Митрополит волоколамски г. Иларион. Христову заповест: ‘’Узмите јарам мој на Званичну делегацију Србије предводио је председник Томислав себе и научите се од мене; јер сам ја кротак Николић. Свечаностима је присуствовало преко 150 делегација држава, и смирен срцем, и наћи ћете покој душама Цркава, верских заједница и међународних организација из целог света. својим’’ (Мт. 11, 29-30). Извор: СПЦ Стога се молимо Господу нашем Исусу (Summary: The solemn ceremony of the enthronement, on behalf of His Христу, да Вам подари обиље своје милости Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patrarch, was attended by the high delegation of the Ser- и духовне снаге у новом звању за које Вас bian Orthodox Church led by His Eminenence Amfilohije, Archbishop of Cetinje је Дух Свети призвао, како би истрајали на and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral. путу Јеванђеља са Његовом ванвременом His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople represented the поруком свету и поздравом који је Он вазда Ecumenical Patriarchate at the ceremony of the enthronement of the 266th head упућивао својим ученицима: Мир Вам! of the Roman Catholic Church for the first time since the Great Schism in 1054. Чврсто изражавамо наду да ћете The Moscow Patriarchate was represented by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokol- и Ви, Ваша Светости, попут Вашег amsk..). Високоуваженог Претходника, трагајући за миром и праведношћу, који су преко потребни овом свету, остати на трагу братољубиве и непоколебљиве подршке Порука патријарха Кирила поводом Папине оставке Православном српском народу и његовим изузетним напорима за очување Његова Светост Патријарх московски и све Русије приљежног држања живог Предања Цркве. У време територијалне целовитости државе Србије Кирил упутио је 1. марта 2013. поруку умировљеном када идеологија опуштености и моралног релативизма у проблему једнострано проглашене римском Папи Бенедикту XVI. покушава да из живота људи истисне моралне независности тзв. ‘’Републике Косова’’. вредности, Ви сте смело дизали свој глас у заштиту Желећи Вашој Светости, Вашем Ваша Светости, јеванђелских идеала, високог достојанства човека и Христољубивом клиру, као и свим У ове посебне дане за Вас желим да изразим његовог призива ан слободу од греха. Римокатоличким верницима широм света, осећање братске љубави и уважавања у Христу. Ваша Гајим топле успомене на наше сусрете до свако добро од Дародавца свих добара, одлука да оставите столицу римских епископа, коју Вашег избора на римску катедру. За време Ваше још једанпут Вас срдачно поздрављамо и сте смирено и једноставно објавили 11. фебруара ове службе добијали смо позитивне импулсе у односима остајемо у љубави Васкрслог Господа Исуса године, наишла је на живи одзив у срцима милиона међу нашим Црквама који пројављују Вашу велику Христа. Патријарх московски католика. одговорност за сведочење савременом свету о и све Русије Кирил Патријарх српски Нама је свагда био близак Ваш доследан Христу, Распетом и Ваксрслом. Искрено се надам да Patriarch Kiril of Moscow †Иринеј став који је био бескомпромисан у питању вере и continued on p. 12 and all Russia P age Ten The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013

свештеник др Василије Вранић РАЗВОЈ БОГОСЛОВСКОГ ОБРАЗОВАЊА КАО СТРАТЕГИЈА ОПСТАНКА СРПСКЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНЕ ЦРКВЕ НА АМЕРИЧКОМ КОНТИНЕНТУ

Пре неколико недеља у весницима наше Цркве осванула На овом континенту, где нашем народу на сваком кораку прети озбиљна у својим намерама да опстане као аутокефална јединица је изузетно интересантна и охрабрујућа вест да је Православни опасност од асимилације и разводњавања етничке самосвести, на северноамеричком континенту, те да има шта да понуди Богословски факултет из Београда потписао споразум о научној Богословски факултет шаље јасну поруку свету да Срби имају Православљу у Америци. Српска Православна Црква већ има своју сарадњи са Академијом Светог Владимира у Њујорку. Свакако чврсту намеру да опстану. Веома је похвално и охрабрујуће да и богословску школу коју уз мало добре воље може да преобрази да ће ова сарадња и размена искустава допринети развоју Срби у Аустралији имају визију о својој будућности, те граде Колеџ у озбиљну богословско-академску институцију. У том случају не академског дијалога у Србији, а исто тако, српска би постојала потреба да се у будућности наши теологија ће заузврат освежити и научна настојања свештенички кандидати шаљу на образовање у Академије Св. Владимира. Наравно, Срби који се баве богословске школе других јурисдикција у Америци. богословљем на северноамеричком континенту са великим Овако унапређена школа имала би потенцијал одушевљењем и надом гледају на ширење академског да привуче кандидате других јурисдикција, као деловања Српске цркве и са ове стране Атлантика. и да неметне Православље у контексту српске Несумњиво је да ће ”Српска кућа” при световладимирској литургичке праксе и српског духовног и културног Академији бити достојан додатак образовним настојањима наслеђа. Баш као што Академија Св. Владимира Срба на северноамеричком континенту, која су започета инсистира на поштовању литургичке и културне пре 27 година оснивањем Богословског факултета при традиције православља израженог кроз америчку Манастиру Св. Саве у Либертивилу. културу, тако би се на Факултету Св. Саве у Оснивање Факултета имало је како краткотрајан Либертивилу практиковало богословље коме је циљ, тако и далекосежну визију. Најпре, требало је српско наслеђе дало израз. обезбедити опстанак и нормално функционисање Српске Сада када су директне потребе за цркве, те је основни задатак Факултета био образовање попуњавањем парохија у Северној Америци и припрема кандидата за свештеничку службу за прилике махом задовољене, Факултет би коначно могао парохијског живота у Америци, а ради попуне упражњених да се посвети унапређењу науке. Извесно је да је парохија у САД. Овај задатак Факултет је достојно потребан озбиљан рад на том пољу, што би требало испунио изнедривши следећу генерацију свештенства на започети већ у наредним месецима. Несумњиво Америчком континенту. Тиме је продужено несметано је, пак, да би озбиљна сарадња и научна размена деловање наше Цркве за следећих неколико деценија. са нашим Факултетом у Београду била од Поред тога, Факултет је подарио нашој Цркви и одређени непроцењиве користи у овом процесу. Можда број дипломираних богослова који данас заузимају веома је управо сада време да се договор о сарадњи, истакнута места у животу Цркве и са великим успехом сличан ономе са Академијом Св. Владимира, обављају најодговорније послове како у Матици тако и у коначно склопи и између Факултета у Београду Дијаспори. Светог Саве, са намером да учврсте своје образовне напоре. и Факултета у Либертивилу, где би искуство и висока стручност Визија, пак, оснивања Факултета Св. Саве била је Срећом, за Србе у Америци то је урадила претходна генерација. колега из Београда помогли нашој Цркви на овом континенту унапређење богословске науке кроз дијалог са другим академским На нама је одговорност да као достојни наследници одржимо и да изнедри озбиљну научну установу која би свима служила институцијама. У овоме Факултет је остварио скроман резултат, унапредимо оно што су нас ради наши претходници са визијом на част. Наша Црква би од овакве високошколске установе али није био у потпуности неуспешан. Иако је током 27 година упоставили. имала многоструку корист, како у смислу унапређења квалитета постојања Факултет изнедрио релативно мали број дипломаца Познаваоци прилика у Америци засигурно примећују пастирске службе и мисије, тако и у смислу чвршћег повезивања (просечно се сваке године упише око 7 студената), многи потребу за потпунијим православним богословским школством Дијаспоре са Матицом и опстанка српског имена у далеком свету. су наставили школовање на магистарским студијама, а чак на Средњем Западу (где се налази и Факултет Св. Саве). четворица су и успешно одбранили докторате на чувеним Наиме, на истоку САД-а налази се неколико богословских школа универзитетима у Америци и Европи. Број постдипломаца у односу (Академија Св. Владимира и Семинарија Св. Тихона Америчке на укупан број студената је веома импресиван. православне цркве, Академија Св. Крста Грчке Архиепископије, Владика Митрофан богослужио на Неопходно је, ипак, стремити ка бољитку и већим успесима. као и Семинарија Св. Тројице Руске Заграничне цркве). На Места за унапређење садашњег квалитета наставе има доста. западу Америке такође постоје две православне високошколске светој Литургији у Шиду, Епархија Такође, требало би значајно унапредити приступ научним установе (Атинагорин Институт и Колеџ Св. Катарине Грчке сремска материјалима (било штампаним или дигиталним). Потребно је Архиепископије). На Средњем Западу, осим Факултета Св. уложити новог труда и ентузијазма да би се првобитна визија Саве, не постоји ни једна православна богословска школа. Ово оснивања Факултета у потпуности испунила. Побољшање је је прилика да се наш Факултет наметне као озбиљна академска неопходно у многим аспектима рада Факултета, али уложени институција. Од тога би Српска Православна Црква имала напор свакако да ће се вратити многоструким добром целокупној вишеструку корист: 1. наметнула би се као једна од водећих Српској цркви. црквених јурисдикција у Америци, а 2. истовремено би претекла Најпре, треба имати на уму стратешки значај постојања неку другу јурисдикцију да попуни ову празнину на Средњем Богословског факултета Српске Православне Цркве у Америци. Западу и послала јасну поруку да је Српска Православна Црква

Резолуција 31. скупштине Српске православне Епархије канадске Окупљени са свих стране простране земље Канаде, од Позивамо вас, сваку душу људску изњедрену из рода Епископ Митрофан служи свету Литургију Атлантског до Тихог окена, у времену од 8. до 10. фебруара српскога, да у слози и љубави нашем општем бољитку доприноси. Bishop Mitrophan at Holy Liturgy 2013. године, у црквеној заједници Светог архангела Михаила Како нас слово Божије, мудрошћу Апостоловом учи, сва питања па у Ванкуверу, и све време истински радосни гледањем лика и неспоразуме до којих долази, решавајмо унутар наше породице, У недељу месопусну, 10 марта 2013. године, у Архипастира нашег, Г.Г. Георгија, ми, свештеници и делегати цркве свете, Епархије канадске, и не тражимо одговоре на њих код храму Преноса моштију Светог оца Николаја у Шиду, са 31. по реду Скупштине Епархије канадске, исказујемо свесрдну оних који у Цркви не значе ништа (1 Кор. 6, 4). Браћу нашу и сестре благословом и у присуству Његовог Преосвештенства благодарност Господу Богу нашем и свима угодницима Његовим из Хамилтона којима је и са других страна указано на поштовање Епископа сремског Василија, литургијским сабрањем и свега рода човечијега, а најпре и највише из рода српскога, за начала којима се црква руководи, позивамо да ту поуку и у живот началствовао је Преосвећени Епископ источноамрички милост Божију и свих светих изливену на Епархију канадску у примене и под материнско окриље Цркве своје се врате. Молимо, др Митрофан (Кодић), уз саслужење протојереја- њеном тридесетгодишњем трајању. опет, љубављу братском руковођени, да у будућности не трошимо ставрофора др Драгомира Санда, професора Православног Преносећи поздраве Његовој Светости Патријарху српском драгоцена средства, и преко нам потребну енергију, на спорове и богословског факултета у Београду, пароха батајничког Г.Г. Иринеју и свештеном сабору архијереја Српске цркве, судове. Окренимо се сви заједничком напретку и бољитку нашем. протојереја Споменка Грујића, пароха сремскомитровачког изражавамо још једном дубоку захвалност Патријарху нашем што Захвални за бригу суседне нам Епархије источноамеричке, и протонамесника Радослава Радовановића, пароха нас је удостојио своје посете у прошлој години. Патријарх српски очинско старање за добробит Цркве првојерарха њеног , Епископа чалманског јереја Саве Мишановића и ђакона Слободана обједињујући је фактор Српске цркве, и то се још једном показало Г.Г. Митрофана, очекујемо да се црквена заједница Светог Ђорђа, Вујасиновића, Младена Шобота и Бориса Фајфрића. и у тих неколико дана радости због његовог присуства међу нама. из Нијагаре, врати у матичну епархију, и да се поново васпостави Литургијско славље је увеличано рукоположењем Радује нас и то што је Његова Светост могао лично да се увери вековима освећени ред црквени. ђакона Бориса Фајфрића у чин презвитера. да нашу црквену заједницу у Канади воде љубав и поштовање Указујемо свима, којима смо као пастири и црквени прваци На крају свете Литургије Епископ Василије је црквеног поретка без чега неби било нашег успеха у протекле три упућени, на преварност времена овог. Задњих деценија газе представио присутним верницима Епископа Митрофана, деценије. Те три деценије залог су и за наш вапај архијерејима се и ниште сви темељи засновани на закону Божијем и у светој захвалио му на посети и позвао га да се обрати вернима наше Цркве да се покажу дораслим да крупна црквена питања вољи Његовој, и постављају се нови, нама, хришћанима, страни и архипастирском беседом. У својој беседи Владика је покрећу и воде на начин примеран вековима освештаној пракси неприхватљиви. Свесни своје, ако треба и изопштености из света протумачио причу о Страшном суду, која се у васцелом црквеној, уз поштовање Светог Предања и Канона који нам свети овога, позивамо све да из вида никада не губе корене православне православном свету чита ове недеље. наши претходници у наслеђе предадоше. из којих смо стасали, и да свету веру православну увек имају као Владика Василије поделио је верницима нафору и потом Тридесет година је пунина зрелости. За ово време било је у компас и водиљу при разрешавању свих дилема које живот у ‘’водом и духом’’ наново родио и у Тело Христово утеловио нашој Епархији небројено пуно изазова, са свију страна долазећих. секулоризованом друштву, као што је наше, пред њих поставља. малог Давида, сина пароха шидског јереја Александра Чавке. Предвођени великом енергијом Владике нашег, на све изазове Наша љубав и синовско поштовање коју изражавамо Извор: Епархија сремска изналазили смо увек црквене одговоре, трајали и претрајали. Епископу Епархије наше истински су и ми Владики нашем, (Summary: On Sunday, March 10, 2013 His Grace Bishop Божијом помоћу поставили смо солидне темеље за материјални Г. Георгију и овом приликом, као и увек до сада а и убудуће, Mitrophan officiated at Holy Liturgy in Sid, Diocese of Srem. He живот Цркве на овим просторима. На насртаје на саму бит Цркве изражавамо свесрдну подршку, клањајући се његовим жртвама was assisted by local clergy. His Grace Bishop of Srem was pres- одговарали смо црквено-правним средствима. Мисију Цркве, кроз и неуморном раду на широком простору Богом подарене му њиве ent at Holy Liturgy. Bishop Mitrophan delivered a homily on the разноврсно издаваштво, оснажили смо, и сада, с вером и надамо црквене. Gospel reading of the Last Judgment…His Grace Bishop Vasilije на даље Божије потпоре, окрећемо се будућности с визијом на Домаћинима 31. Епархијске скупштине, црквеној заједници thanked Bishop Mitrophan for his visit, services and prayers…) нове богоугодне подухвате. continued on p. 12 April 2013 The Path of Orthodoxy Page Eleven

Хиландарски игуман Методије у Новој Грачаници

Игуман Царске лавре Хиландара о. Методије служио је 17. фебруара 2013. године свету Литургију у манастиру Нова Грачаница уз саслужење локалног свештенства. Игуман Методије предводио је делегацију манастира Хиландара која је у посети Новој Грачаници. Пре две године Новограчаничка светиња удомила је икону Тројеручице Богородице под чијим омофором се налази ова светиња. Тада је делегација са игуманом Методијем на челу лично донела тројеручицу и тако је успостављена веза између ова два манастира у српском расејању. Извор: Ман. Грачаница (Summary: On Febru- ary 17th, the Liturgy at the New Gracanica Monastery was served by the Abbot of Hilandar Monastery Arch- Нови Патријарх Бугарске Православне Цркве Неофит mandrite Metodije, along with New Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Neofit other clergy. Abbot Metodije leads the delegation of the Hilandar Monastery which is Његово visiting New Gracanica. Two Високопреосвештенство years ago, New Gracanica Monastery became the home Митрополит Русе г. Неофит of a replica icon of the Three- handed Icon of the Mother of изабран за новог поглавара God. At that time a delegation Игуман манастира Хиландара Бугарске Православне Цркве from the Hilandar Monastery о. Архимандрит Методије brought the Icon, thus estab- Abbot of the Hilandar Monastery Нови бугарски Патријарх Неофит је рођен 15. октобра lishing a relationship between Archmandrite Metodije 1945. године у Софији. Студије на богословској школи у our monasteries). Софији уписује 1967. године, а 1973. уписује постдипломске студије у Москви. За монаха је подстрижен 1975. године у манастиру Тројан добивши име Неофит. Блаженопочивши патријарх Максим га је хиротонисао у епископски чин Изабран нови етиопски Патријарх 1985. године и поставио за викара Епархије софијске. За Митрополита доростолског изабран је 1994. године, а затим Архиепископ јерусалимски Абуна Матиас изабран је 28. фебруара 2001. за Митрополита Русе. 2013. године за шестог Патријарха Етиопске Цркве, шест месеци За Патријарха Бугарске Православне Цркве изабран је након упокојења претходног патријарха Абуне Павлоса. У недељу, 3. 24. фебруара 2013. године. марта 2013. године, Абуна Матиас је устоличен у Адис Абеби, главном граду Извор: Ромфеа Етиопије. Нови поглавар ове Цркве је служио као архиепископ Јерусалимске (Summary: New Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox епархије и у иностранству је провео више од 30 година. Church – His Eminence Metropolitan Neofit of Ruse was elected Етиопска Тевахедо-црква вуче своје корене још из новозаветног the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, February 24, 2013. доба. Све до 20. века ова Црква се налазила под јурисдикцијом Коптске Patriarch Neofit was born October 15, 1945 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He православне дохалкидонске цркве. После свргавања војног режима генерала graduated from Theological School in Sofia. He did postgraduate Менгисту-а 1991. године настао је процват црквеног живота. За Етиопску work at Moscow Theological University. He was tonsured monk цркву карактеристични су неки обичаји који воде порекло из јудејства. by Patriarch Maxim 1975. Patriarch Maxim of blessed memory Етиопска црква је по броју верника највећа оријентална, дохалкидонска consecrated him to a bishop and appointed him as the vicar of the Црква. Рачуна се да у Етиопији има 36 милиона верника, дакле, у земљи где Sofia Diocese. He was appointed as the Metropolitan of Dorostol се сматра да има 85 милиона душа. Почеци хришћанства у Етиопији – на in 1994 and for Ruse in 2001). ‘’крову Африке’’, пошто главни град Адис Абеба лежи ан 2.355 м надморске висине – према предању етиопских хришћана, досежу у новозаветна времена. Извор: СПЦ (Summary: New Ethiopian Patriarch elected – Archbishop Abune Mathias of Изабран нови антиохијски Jerusalem was elected on February 28, 2013 as the sixth Patriarch of the Ethiopian Патријарх Church, six months after the death of the previous Patriarch Abuna Paulus. On Sunday, March 3, 2013 Abuna Mathias was enthroned in Adis Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia. The new head of the Church served as Archbishop of the Нови Патријарх Етиописки Абуна Матиас diocese of Jerusalem and lived abroad for more than 30 years. New patriarch of Ethiopian Church Abuna Mathias The Ethiopian Tewahedo Church originates from the age of the New Testa- ment. Until the 20th Century it was under the jurisdiction of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Since the ouster of the Mengistu regime in 1991, church life has flourished. Some customs of the Ethiopian Church are characteristic originated from Judaism. According to the number of the faithful, the Ethiopian Church is the biggest Oriental, Non-Chalcedonian Church. It is estimated that there are 35 million adherents of this Church, in the country of 85 million souls). Молитва Светог Јефрема Сирина continued from p. 8 се врати Богу. Катастрофа греха и лети до превласти телесности већ зато што сагледава дубину свега што постоји, што је Њему – животиње, нерационалног и пожуде у нама – над духовним и отворена унутрашња реалност ствари, коју, у нашем слепилу, ми божанским. Међутим, само тело је узвишено, тело је свето. Оно не можемо да видимо. Што ближе прилазимо Богу, постајемо је толико свето да је сам Бог “постао човек’’. Према томе није све стрпљивији и тада се у нама све више одражава безгранично тело презрено или занемарено у односу на покајање и спасење. Антиохијски Патријарх Јован (Јазигија) поштовање према свим бићима, а то је већ божанска особина. Оно је обновљено и враћене су му његове основне функције: да Antiochian Patriarch Jovan (Jazigija) се преко њега изрази живот духа и да буде храм непроцењиве Најзад, круна и плод свих врлина, сваког раста и напора, Свети Архијерејски Синод Антиохијске патријаршије људске душе. Хришћански аскетизам је борба, не против тела него јесте љубав – она љубав коју, како смо већ рекли, може једино Бог изабрао је новог Патријарха антиохијске и свега за тело. Из овог разлога каје се цео човек – душа и тело. Тело да подари. То је дар који је циљ и сврха свих духовних припрема и Истока – Његово Високопреосвештенство Митрополита учествује у молитви душе баш као што се и душа моли кроз тело и праксе. средњеевропског г. Јована (Јазигија) у телу. Метанисања су ‘’психосоматски’’ знак покајања, понизности, Све је сабрано и обухваћено завршним делом молитве. Нови патријарх је рођен 1955. године у Сирији. обожења и покорности. Она су посни ритуал par excellence. Молимо “да уочимо своја прегрешења и да не осуђујемо свога Богословски факултет у Баламанду завршио је 1978. Протојереј Александар Шмеман брата’’. Али постоји једна опасност: гордост. Гордост је извор зла, године. Усавршава литургијску и византијску музику Извор: СПЦ а све зло је гордост. Па ипак није довољно само да уочимо своје у Солуну од 1978. до 1982. Од 1982. био је професор (Summary: The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian – Of all грехове. Чак и ова очигледан врлина може да се преобрати у литургике на Универзитету у Баламанду, и у периоду lenten hymns and prayers, one short prayer can be termed the lenten гордост. од 2001. до 2005. вршио дужност декана Богсловског prayer. Tradition ascribes it to one of the great teachers of spiritual life – Духовни списи су пуни опомена упућених против суптилних института Светог Јована Дамаскина при поменутом St. Ephraim the Syrian. Here is the text: облика псевдопобожности која, под плаштом смирености и Универзитету у Триполију. Пре него што је изабран за O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, самоосуђивања може да одведе у праву демонску гордост. Када Митрополита средњеевропског 2008. године, био је faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. “увидимо властите грешке’’ и “не осуђујемо своју браћу’’, када се, титуларни епископ Пирга. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to другим речима, чистота, понизност, стрпљење и љубав у нама Извор: СПЦ Thy servant. сливају у једну целину, тада и само тада бива у нама уништен (Summary: His Eminence Мetropolitan Jovan (Jazigija) Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions највећи непријатељ, наиме, гордост. was elected for the Patriarch of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. and not to judge my brother; for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Метанишемо после сваке молбе. Метанисања нису His Holiness was born in Syria in 1955. He graduated from Amen. ограничена само на молитву св. Јеферма Сирина. Она сачињавају Belemand University in Lebanon. He studied liturgical and This prayer is read twice at the end of each lenten service Monday једну од специфичних карактеристика целокупног посног Byzantine music in Solonica from 1978 till 1982. God grant him through Friday. At the first reading, a prostration follows each petition. богослужења. Али у молитви св. Јефрема је значење метанисања many years!) најбоље изражено. У дугом и тешком напору духовне обнове, Then we all bow twelve times saying: “O God, cleanse me a sinner”. Црква не прави разлику између душе и тела. Цео човек је одпао The entire prayer is repeated with one final prostration at the end…). од Бога. Цео човек треба да буде обновљен, цео човек треба да P age Twelve The Path of Orthodoxy April 2013 Митрополит Августинос Кандиотис: Стрес и његово лечење

Очекивао би неко да ће наука својим Јеванђеље а са небеса ће падати хлеб... Богу, ми га изазивамо. Само тик-так нашег срца палица твоја теше ме’’(Пс. 23,4). Због свега тога напретком да умањи агонију. Међутим, иако је Јеванђеље не говори такве ствари, нити нам је једно Његово доброчинство. Упитајте лекаре имајмо веру у Бога и нека нас не обузима стрес и наука успела да дарује човека с толико комфора говори да седнемо испод смокве да би нам пала и чућете да не постоји савршенија машина на брига овога света. и богатства, увећала му је и агонију. Зато што смоква и да бисмо је појели. Јеванђеље осуђује свету од људског срца. Слава Твојој милости, (Део беседе епископа Августина Кандиота, у једној руци држи пеницилин,а у другој бомбе. лењост и нерад. Онај који је рекао: ‘’Не брините Господе! Слава Твојој дуготерљивости! Слава Флорина 1.7.1979. у храму Светог Пантелејмона) Брине се човечанство да ли ће из часа у час да се’’, рекао је и ‘’ради’’ (Постања. 2,15; Мт. 21,28) и Твојој Свемогућности! Слава Твојој Љубави! Преузето са сајта “augoustinos/kantiotis.gr” избије трећи светски рат, Армагедон (Апок. 16, ‘’трудите се’’ (Јн 6,27). Радите, рекао је Христос, Браћо моја! Немојмо држати у себи агонију (Summary: Metropolitan Augustinos Kantiotes was 16). Изнад глава свих народа виси срмотоносна али није речено да се бринемо шта ћемо јести и и стрес неверних људи мамониних. Нисмо сами the Bishop of Florina in Greece. He was a great сабља. шта ћемо пити. Таква брига је грешна. Зашто? на овоме свету. Постоји Бог Отац, постоји defender of the Orthodox Faith. In this sermon he ‘’Зато вам кажем: Не брините се душом Зато што постоји Бог и Он се брине. Овој великој Његова божанска брига. Њему треба да су calls on all humankind to give glory to God for all својом шта ћете јести или шта ћете пити; ни истини нас учи Јеванђеље. усмерене наше наде у нејтежим тренуцима у the wonders He has done to us. He called upon телом својим у шта ћете се оденути. Није ли Постоји Бог који је Отац, немојте очајавати. нашем животу. Њему треба да смо посвећени са humankind not to despair or be a victim of a stress душа претежнија од хране, а тело од одела? Постоји Бог! И није удаљен у осаму као што пуним нашим поверењем. but believe in God and He will provide for us… He Погледајте на птице небеске како не сеју, нити говоре неки, да је тамо на неком облаку Отворите књигу свога живота, да бисте will enlighten our hearts… and free us from worries жању, ни сабирају у житнице; па Отац ваш астралног света. Он је наш Отац, створио нас видели чуда about worldly things…) небески храни их. Нисте ли ви много претежнији је, налази се поред нас и брине о нама. Брине Данас немојте отварати новине и радио. од њих? (Мт. 6, 25-26). се Бог више него што се мајка брине о детету, Отворите књигу свога живота. Присетите се, од Светска агонија више него што се официр брине за војнике, када сте били мало дете па све до сада, колико Данас ако бисмо отворили срца савремених више него лекар што се брине о свом пацијенту, пута вас је Бог спасао. Изнад вас је и непрестано људи, видели бисмо да су пуна агоније, немира више него председник што се брине о својим је испружена рука Божија. Остворите историју и страха. Данас се људи о много чему брину и грађанима, више него отац што се брине о свом нашега рода, и видећете колико пута се наша постају несрећни, али највећа им је брига, брига детету. Бог се брине о целом свету. Брине се о домовина приближавала катастрофи, а Бог за будућност... сунцу, месецу, дрвећу, птицама, јагањцима који нас је ‘’чудима’’ спасавао, као што је то рекао Вредно пажње је и то да се богаташи брину пасу, мору, рекама, језерима...али пре свега Кападистрија. Отворите и светску историју, и више него сиромашни. Брину се и милијардери, брине о човеку. Мало ако нас остави, не можемо видите да се Бог брине, инетресује се за свако они који и не знају шта све имају... да живимо. Два – три минута ако нам недостаје своје створење. ‘’Који је од вас човек од кога ако Међутим, у бризи су и сиромашне класе... ваздух, добићемо гушење. син његов заиште хлеба, камен да му да? Или Брину се сви људи и на Истоку и на Западу. Чудим се да постоје неверници ако рибу заиште да му да змију?’’ (види Мт. 7,9- Постоји светска брига. Увек је постојала, али у О, Боже мој, колико нас волиш и колико се 11 и Лука 11, 11-13). наше време још је израженија. бринеш за нас грешнике! Чудим се да постоје Само је један наш Отац. И ако ме сви Наука није могла да умањи агонију неверници, и да постоје уста која хуле на Бога. напусте: ‘’Да пођем и долином сена смртнога, Mанстир Преображења Христовог Очекивао би неко да ће наука својим Како нас само трпи! Уместо да захваљујемо нећу се бојати зла, јер си ти са мном, штап твој и у Милтону, Канада напретком да је умањи. Међутим, иако је наука The Transfiguration Monastery in Milton, Canada успела да дарује човека с толико комфора и богатства, увећала му је и агонију. Зато што у Резолуција једној руци држи пеницилин, а у другој бомбе. Константинова година Брине се човечанство да ли ће из часа у час continued from p. 10 при храму Светог архангела Михаила у да избије трећи светски рат, Армагедон (Апок. Идући у сусрет јубилеју једног од најважнијих догађаја Ванкуверу, изражавамо захвалност на 16,16). Изнад глава свих народа виси смртоносна у историји цивилизације – 1700 година од објављивања љубазном гостопримству. Истински одушевљени сабља. Миланског едикта светог цара Константина Великог – достигнућима ове узорите црквене заједнице, Брине се човек. Човек и ако изгледа здрав редакција Информативне службе Српске Православне исказујемо им своју свесрдну подршку у њиховим у очима, ушима, стомак и срце су му снажни, он Цркве отворила је крајем 2012. године нову рубрику на настојањима да досада постигнуто сачувају и се ипак осећа болесним и трчи разним лекарима. званичној интернет презентацији наше свете цркве под унапреде. Има кошмаре, пије пилуле за сан. Брине се за називом Константинова година. Извор: Епархија канадска све. Тако нешто наука назива стрес, то је болест Један од циљева овог блока је да наредних дана овог доба, црв који нагриза човечанство. Зато представи све важније догађаје који су се у навечерје (Summary: Resolution of the Canadian су се и умножили прихијатри, испунио се свет значајне годишњице одиграли у епархијама Српске Diocesan Assembly - The clergy and delegates психијатријским клиникама и психијатријским Православне Цркве, како у Отаџбини, тако и у расејању. gathered at the Annual Diocesan Assembly at the лековима. А терапија се у ствари, и не Као што се већ може видети у блоку Константинова St. Archangel Michael Church in Vancouver, Canada проналази. година, одржан је низ конференција и научних скупова, have expressed their loyalty to His Holiness Patriarch Међутим - лек постоји објављено је више књига и мултимедијалних садржаја, а Irinej and thanked him for his visit to the Canadian Лек који је делотворан и даје резултате, концертима и изложбама приближен је лик Константина Diocese in the year 2012. They also expressed којег човек, чим узме, из његовог срца одлази Великог. loyalty to their Diocesan Bishop His Grace Georgije стрес и долази ‘’мир Божији, који превазилази Наравно, највећи део активности са великим бројем пратећих пројеката понела је Епархија and commended him for the great accomplishment in сваки ум’’ (Филип. 4,7). Лек је ВЕРА. Вера у кога? нишка, са седиштем у родном граду цара Константина. the Canadian Diocese for the last thirty years… They Вера у врачеве, демоне, у богатство, у пороке, у С обзиром на значај и утицај Миланског едикта на свеопшти црквени, државни и друштвени expressed hope that the Hierarchy of the Serbian Or- светски систем, у разне религије? ‘’Таштина над живот од Константиновог времена до нашег доба, Српска Православна Црква и држава Србија, thodox Church will preserve the order in the Church, таштинама’’ (Проп. 1, 12). Лек је вера у Господа преко Организационог одбора којим председавају Његова Светост Патријарх српски г. Иринеј и the order we have inherited from our Holy Fathers… нашег Исуса Христа и у Његове речи, које имају Председник Републике Србије г. Томислав Николић, на највишем нивоу учествују у обележавању 1700 They called on all faithful of the Canadian Diocese to непроценљиву вредност. – годишњице јубилеја. preserve unity in the Church and follow the order, the Чујте шта је реако Христос! Послушајте Извор: СПЦ rules and regulations…They called on the group of Јеванђеље. То су вечне речи: ‘’Не брините (Constantine’s Jubilee – Towards the jubilee of one of the most important events in the history of civiliza- the faithful in Hamilton to return to the church field… се’’(Мт. 6,25). Појединци исмејавају ове речи tion – 1700 years since the publishing of the Edict of Milan of Saint Emperor Constantine the Great – editorial They thanked His Grace Bishop Mitrophan for being и говоре: Дакле да ленчаримо, то нам говори staff of the Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church launched at the end of 2012 a new section of caretaker of the St. George parish in Niagara Falls, the official website of our Holy Church entitled Constantine’s Jubilee…) and expressed hope that the Parish will rejoin its legitimate diocese…).

Епископ Максим посетио Колорадо

У суботу, 2. фебруара 2013. године, у посету црквеној заједници у Лејквуду, Колорадо, дошли су Његово Преосвештенство

Епископ западноамерички г. Максим;

Permit No. 12 No. Permit

Indiana, PA 15701 PA Indiana, U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit протојереј-ставрофор Предраг Пузовић, декан Богословског факултета Универзитета у Београду; и професор Богдан Лубардић. Следећег дана, у недељу 3. фебруара 2013. г., на празник Светог Максима Исповедника, на свој имендан, епископ Максим началствовао је светом архијерејском Литургијом, док су отац Предраг Пузовић и отац Радован Петровић саслуживали. Црква је била испуњена вернима. На крају свете Литургије, епископ Максим се обратио народу пригодном беседом, а затим је Епископ Максим са свештеницима и парохијанима, Bishop Maxim with clergy and parishioners отац Предраг одржао беседу о значају и улози Denver International Airport for his pastoral visit to was filled with the parishioners, numbering 96 Bridgeport, WV 26330 Светог Саве, првог српског Архиепископа. the church community in Lakewood, Colorado. adults and 24 children. Many of the received Holy После Литургије, владика Максим је са Also with His Grace were two esteemed Communion… Bishop Maxim delivered a sermon гостима посетио центар Денвера и зграду guests, V. Rev. Predrag Puzovic, Ph.D, Dean of the inspired by the Gospel reading, and at the end Стејт Капитола. University of Belrade Theological Faculty, and Prof. of Liturgy His Grace introduced the two guests Извор: Епархија западноамеричка

The Path of Orthodoxy Bogdan Lubardic. After the sincere welcome and a visiting with him and invited Fr. Predrag Puzovic to

Address Service Requested (Summary: Sunday, February 3, 2013 few minutes spent at the airport, the group headed speak on the significance and role of St. Sava…

Official Publication of the Serbian Lakewood, CO – As the sun was settling over the for dinner and then to a hotel. On the following day, On the way to the airport the esteemed guests Sunday, February 3, 2013, the feast day of St. Maxim visited for the first time downtown Denver and the Orthodox Church in the and USA Canada snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the

P. O. Box 883 P. local priest and a small crowd of faithful Christians the Confessor, Bishop Maxim’s name day, His Grace State Capital building…). awaited the arrival of His Grace Bishop Maxim at presided over hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The church