Happenings!

SSJC-WR workshop Light of the East Mothers of the Newsletter of the Society of : East & West Western Region Edition 10 a.m., Saturday, January Website: www.lightoftheeast.org 26 at Holy Cross Melkite-

Greek Catholic Church, Volume 7, Number 2 Winter, 2013 451 W. Madison Ave., Pla- centia CA 92870. Speakers will be James Babcock for the East and Egypt's Coptic Church for the West: TBA. Bring your own lunch. A brief Chooses New meeting of SSJC will follow By THE ASSOCIATED the presentation. All wel- PRESS come. Published: November 4,

2012 & Images CAIRO — The 2013 Huffington Egypt's ancient Ecumenical Symposium Coptic Christian February 22-23, 2013 church chose a Loyola Marymount Univer- new pope in an sity, Ahmanson Auditorium elaborate Sunday (University Hall 1000), 1 ceremony meant LMU Drive Los Angeles, to invoke the will CA 90045, Friday: 9:00 am - of God, in which a 5:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am blindfolded boy - 4:30 pm, Attendance is drew the name of free but registration is the next strictly required. Registra- from a crystal Ignatius IV, tion -- opening January 15, chalice. 2013. Registration -- open- Tawadros, 59, an Greek Orthodox ing January 15, 2013 aide to the acting Patriarch of Light of the East pope, was selected to become Pope Conference Tawadros II, re- Antioch and Following Jesus: The placing the charis- Power of Forgiveness. All the East Pope Tawadros II, the new leader of the matic Pope Theological, Psychological Coptic Orthodox Church, looks on dur- Shenouda III who His Beatitude Ignatius and Practical Suggestions ing his enthronement ceremony at St. died earlier this IV (1920-2012), Patriarch of for Growth. Saturday & Mark Cathedral in Cairo. Khaled El- year after 40 years Antioch and All the East, fell Sunday, March 1 & 2 at fiqu/European Pressphoto Agency at the helm of the asleep in the Lord today on St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox church. December 5, 2012, at St. Church 4949 Alton Pky., All three senior clerics whose names were in the chalice George Orthodox Hospital in Irvine 92604. Speakers: were considered consensus candidates who stayed out of dis- Beirut Lebanon, after having Robert Enright Ph.D. Arch- putes both within the church and with other groups. Tawadros suffered a stroke earlier in the George Morelli Ph.D. will assume the papacy as Egypt's Christians, estimated to week. Lisa Gassin Ph.D. Advance make up 10 percent of the country's 83 million people, fear for His Beatitude Patriarch registration requested. Call their future amid the rise of Islamists to power in the wake of Ignatius IV (Hazim) of An- 949 773 2366. See page 3 the ouster of longtime authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak. tioch and All the East was for complete details. born in 1920 in the village of The death of Pope Shenouda III at age the of 88 this year Note: The Workshop: Is- heightened the sense of insecurity felt by many who had known Muharda, near the city of lam: A Coptic Perspective” him as patriarch for all or most of their lives. Hama Syria. In 1936, he originally scheduled for Sep- At the televised ceremony held in the Coptic Cathedral in moved to Beirut, where he tember 22 was postponed Cairo, acting Pope Pachomios laid the three names in clear became an . Years due to the sensitive situa- aaaaa later, upon taking monastic tion in Egypt. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 6 Page 2 Light of the East

The Society of A message from the President of SSJC-Western Region

Saint John Chrysostom The Society of St. John Chrysostom is an ecumenical group of and lay people which promotes Eastern Apostolic Church unity: and Ecumenical Dialogue between the Eastern and Western Churches. It has sponsored the Eastern Churches Journal and the annual Orientale Hope, Prayer and Work Lumen Conference. It has been in existence since 1997 in the United States and for over 70 years in Eng- By the Very Reverend Father George Morelli, PhD. land. THE GOALS OF THE SOCIETY ARE TO: Some recent developments in the world of inter-Apostolic Church relations • Make known the history, worship, spirituality, are encouraging. It should be pointed out that the thaw in the frozen tundra of discipline and theology of Eastern Christendom. emotional frigidity among the Churches could be traced • Work and pray that all Christians, particularly the back to the lifting of the anathemas between Rome and Orthodox and Catholic Churches, will attain the Constantinople in December 1965 by Pope fullness of unity which Jesus Christ desires. Paul VI of Rome and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patri- • Develop educational programs which present arch Athenagoras of Constantinople. This event, although information about the Eastern Churches. symbolic, initiated a series of exchanges between the East- • Organize and conduct pilgrimages and confer- ern and Western Churches culminating recently in a state- ences that encourage ecumenical dialogue. ment of Holy Spirit-filled hope by the current Ecumenical • Contribute to fund-raising activities which sup- Patriarch Bartholomew who said: "The uniqueness of the port Eastern Christian communities and other founders of our Churches, of Elder Rome and of New Rome, the Holy Apos- programs in need of financial aid. tles Peter and Andrew, as brothers according to the flesh, constitutes a moti- • Publish books, brochures, and other information vation for both of our Churches to move toward the genuine experience of which help explain Eastern Christianity. • spiritual brotherhood and the restoration of communion in this same spirit, in Encourage and support the study of the writings truth and in love." Also on the Orthodox side is the announcement that, under and liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. • the aegis of the Department External Church Relations of the Moscow Patri- Promote scholarships for the study of Eastern archate, a theological commission approved a document on 08 November Churches in Catholic and Orthodox seminaries. 2012, entitled The position of the Moscow on the question of WESTERN REGION primacy in the Universal Church. It is now submitted to the Russian Ortho- President, dox synod for approval. The Very Rev. Fr. George Morelli, PhD. The recent letter of congratulations from His Holiness Pope Benedict XV Vice President, The Rt. Rev. James Babcock to His Holiness Tawadros II on the occasion of his enthronement as Pope of Secretary, Anne Petach Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark reflects the hopeful atti- Recording Secretary, Marian Cavadias Treasurer, Robert Greenwell tude toward the eventual unity of all the Apostolic Church. Pope Benedict Sgt. at Arms/Parliamentarian, writes: "I pray too that relations between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Major Frank Scialdone USMC Ret. Orthodox Church will continue to grow closer, not only in a fraternal spirit of Catholic Liaison: Msgr. Dennis Mikulanis collaboration, but also through a deepening of the theological dialogue that : will enable us to grow in communion and to bear witness before the world to Archimandrite James Babcock (Eastern Catholic) the saving truth of the Gospel." Fr. Cávana Wallace (Roman Catholic) Once again we should take these recent actions of the hierarchs of the Fr. Ramon Merlos (Orthodox) various Churches to be a call for action for all Christians baptized by their Light of the East respective Apostolic Churches into the royal priesthood of Christ to pray and newsletter of the Society of Saint John work avidly for unity. One concrete way of doing this would be to promote Chrysostom Western Region is published quar- and attend the 2nd Light of the East Conference on 01-02 March 2013, spon- terly by the Western Region of the SSJC and is sored by the Society of St. Chrysostom-Western Region (SSJC-WR). Tenta- distributed free of charge to all SSJC members tively entitled: Following Jesus: The Power of Forgiveness. Theological, and through churches throughout the Western Psychological and Practical Suggestions for Growth, it is to be held at St. Region of the USA. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine, CA, March 1 & 2, 2013. Achieving Editorial contact: unity is going to have to involve mutual forgiveness among all the Churches Editor: Rt. Rev. Archimandrite James for their past untoward actions toward each other. Without forgiveness there Babcock, [email protected] cannot be love. Without love there cannot be unity.

Distribution: Fr. George Morelli is a priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of 451 W. Madison Ave., Placentia CA 92870 North America and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Many of his articles Membership: can be found at Today: www.orthodoxytoday.org Robert Greenwell. 2700 Katherine Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 [email protected] Light of the East Page 3

Light of the East Conference

March 1 & 2, 2013

Following Jesus: The Power of Forgiveness. Theological, Psychological & Practical Suggestions for Growth .

Sponsored by the Society of St. John Chrysostom-Western Region. Hosted by

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604

Presenters : Robert Enright, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist and professor of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Co- founder, International Forgiveness Institute, Inc.

Archpriest George Morelli, Ph.D. Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. Licensed Psychologist & MFT. Chair, Dept. & Pastoral Counseling. Religion Coordinator, Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology & Religion.

Lisa Gassin, Ph.D. Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. Author and Presenter on Forgiveness. Founding board member of the International Forgiveness Institute,

Tentative Schedule Friday, March 1, 7 p.m. Registration & Prayer; 7:15:, Dr. Lisa Gassin;8:15: Q & A. Reception Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m., Registration & Light breakfast. 9:30:: Dr. Robert Enright; 10:30: Q&A; 11:30 Lunch;12:30, Fr. George Morelli;,1:30 p.m., Q&A,. Film. 3 p.m., Panel Discussion - Reconciliation of the Churches. 3:30. - Forgiveness Prayer Service

$20 donation (lunch included). To register call St. Paul’s:(714) 773 2366 Page 4 Light of the East Coptic Pope elected Memory Eternal

Continued from page 1 Ethiopian Patriarch balls inside a chalice before starting liturgy. There was a mo- ment of silence before the drawing by the blindfolded boy, an falls asleep in the Lord act believed to reflect God's will in the choice. "We will pray that God will choose the good shepherd," Pachomios told the Critics accused him of packed cathedral as he sealed the chalice with red wax before being close to current Prime laying it on the altar during the liturgy. Minister Meles Zenawi, who The process of electing a new pope began weeks ago, when has also been ill recently. a committee from the church narrowed the list of potential can- Abuna Paulos was the first didates from 17 down to five and . On Monday, person from the Tigray ethnic about 2,400 clergymen and church notables drew up a short list group - the same as Mr Meles of three that also included Bishop Raphael, 54, once an aide to - to head the country's Ortho- the late Pope Shenouda, and Father Raphael Ava Mina, the dox Church, Mr Mulugeta oldest among them at 70, a in a monastery near Alexan- said. dria and a student of the pope who preceded Shenouda. "He was loved by many," In addition to having stayed out of disputes with other he added. groups, including Islamists, the bishops were chosen only from Ethiopia's Orthodox those without a diocese to avoid any risk of favoritism. Church used to be part of The papal election comes during a shift in Christian atti- Paulos, Abuna and Patri- Egypt's Coptic Christian tudes toward their relation to the state. For years, Christians arch of the Ethiopian Or- Church, but became inde- largely relied on the church to secure protection for their rights, thodox Tewahedo Church pendent in 1959. using Shenouda's close relationship with Mubarak. Ethiopia has some of the But Shenouda had longstanding critics within the community word's oldest churches, in- The head of the Ethio- who asked why a cleric should act as an intermediary between cluding rock-hewn churches, pian Orthodox Church, them and the state. Following the uprising and the pope's death, which are a World Heritage Abuna Paulos, has died more Copts have been emboldened to act outside the church to Site, in Lalibella in northern aged 76, the government independently demand rights, better representation and free- Ethiopia. has announced. dom of worship. May he rest in a place of The foreign ministry said None of the candidates attended the ceremony, and are in- light, a place of peace, a he had been receiving treat- stead praying in their respective monasteries. The state's place of happiness where ment over the past week for MENA news agency says church leaders will head to there is no pain, no grief, no an undisclosed illness. Tawadros's retreat in the monastery complex of Wadi Natrun sighing, but everlasting life. Abuna Paulos led Ethio- northeast of Cairo to congratulate him. May his memory be eternal. pia's 40 million Orthodox Pope Tawadros II faces tremendous challenges as the coun- try's transition to democracy is marred by a deep rift between Christians - half the popula- increasingly politically powerful Islamist groups, from which tion - since 1992. SSJC Library the country's new president hails, and the liberal and secularist Abuna Paulos was cho- The SSJC-WR Member Li- groups who were initially behind the revolt that ousted Muba- sen to lead the church in brary holdings (books, and rak last year. 1992 - a year after the over- DVDs ) are listed on our At the center of the political squabbling in Egypt is the role throw of the communist website. Members whose of Islam in the country's new constitution, currently being government of Mengistu dues are paid up may request drafted. The Christians, along with liberal and secularists, op- Haile Mariam. a book to be mailed to them. pose demands by Islamists to increase the role of Islamic Mulugeta Aserate Kassa, They only pay for return Shariah law. an adviser at the Ethiopian postage. To request a book Egypt's Coptic Christians have long complained of discrimi- embassy in London said, from the list, contact Anne nation by the state and the country's Muslim majority. Clashes "He brought the church in Petach: with Muslims have occasionally broken out, often sparked by line to meet the challenges [email protected] Or church construction, land disputes or Muslim-Christian love of the 21st Century," Mr leave a message at 818.347- affairs. Mulugeta said. "He was a 0758 and she will call you pragmatist at heart." back. (Please repeat your SSJC Workshop: Jan. 26, 10 a.m. He was jailed under phone number clearly on the Mengistu in the 1970s and message). Members without The Mothers of the Church then went into exile in the e-mail addresses were sent a Holy Cross MelkiteMelkite----GreekGreek Catholic Church US. copy of the list when they 451 W Madison Ave., Placentia 92870 --- 714 985 1710 first joined.

Light of the East Page 5 Catholics in Holy Land to adopt Julian Calendar for the celebration of Pascha

Within two years, all Eastern rite Catholics and the Latin Who says these adjustments will bring about unification? diocese in the Holy Land will adopt the Julian Calendar (used The diocese of the Latin Patriarchate which includes Jordan, by the Orthodox) for the date of Easter. This will take place Cyprus and a majority of Palestine has already implemented after completion of the decree and approval from the Holy See. the experience of unifying the date of Easter according to the Meanwhile, the Bishops of the Catholic Churches of the Holy Julian calendar which has been largely successful. Land have the option of starting the implementation in 2013. What is new mainly has to do with the Patriarchate parishes This is the case with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. who are in Israel. For Easter 2013, majority of Catholic par- Following a directive from the Assembly of Catholic Ordi- ishes will join this decision and celebrate Easter on May 5 with naries of the Holy Land (ACOHL), this decision marks a step exceptions made in Jerusalem and the Bethlehem area because forward towards ecumenism. This directive comes in response the Status Quo Agreement. to pressure on the part of the faithful. In fact, many Christian For Easter 2015 and the following years a decree formulated families in the Holy Land are from and in mixed marriages by the ACOHL will be submitted to the Holy See for approval. between Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. In the past, This decree should state that all the Catholic Churches of the many family members could not celebrate Easter on the same Holy Land will permanently adopt the Julian calendar for the day since Catholics follow the Gregorian calendar while the celebration of Easter “with the consequential adjustment of the Orthodox follow the Julian calendar. The Council of Nicaea liturgical calendar for the beginning of Lent and the feast of established that Easter should fall on the Sunday after the full Pentecost. (…) Largely, this decision will be welcomed, re- moon following the spring equinox. The Gregorian calendar spected and enacted by all Eastern Catholics and Latin Catho- was designed to correct a miscalculation in the rotation of the th lics in the country as well as by foreigners residing in our dio- earth which was discovered in the 15 century; the Julian cal- cese” says the directive. endar was in use before the new calendar was implemented. In 2014, Easter will fall on the same day and shared ecu- The majority of the Orthodox churches did not adopt the menically. Catholics and Orthodox will celebrate Easter on the new (Gregorian) calendar reform initiated by Pope Gregory same day on April 20 which is by virtue of both calendars be- XIII in 1582 due to the schism. Until this day, the Julian calen- ing concurrent on the date. This means that the issue of a dar is still in use; hence the discrepancy in the calculation of change which is by decree will not be adopted until the follow- the Easter date. ing year. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople speaks in Rome on 50th Anniversary of Vatican Council II

His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered from day to day the movement, fostered by the grace of the the following address during the opening liturgy for the Year of Holy Spirit, for the restoration of unity among all Christians. Faith on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second Fifty years ago in this very square, a powerful and pivotal Vatican Council, presided over by Pope Benedict XVI in Saint celebration captured the heart and mind of the Roman Catholic Peter’s Square, on October 11, 2012. Church, transporting it across the centuries into the contempo- Beloved in the Lord, Your Holiness Pope Benedict; rary world. This transforming milestone, the opening of the Brothers and Sisters; Second Vatican Council, was inspired by the fundamental real- As Christ prepared for His Gethsemane experience, He ity that the Son and incarnate Logos of God is "…where two or prayed a prayer for unity which is recorded in the Gospel of three are gathered in his name" (Matthew 18.20) and that the Saint John Chapter 17 verse 11: "…keep through Your name Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, "…will guide us into the those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We whole truth.” (John 16:13). are.” Through the centuries we have, indeed, been kept in the In the 50 years that have intervened, we recall with vividness power and love of Christ, and in the proper moment in history and tenderness, but also with elation and enthusiasm, our per- the Holy Spirit moved upon us and we began the long journey sonal discussions with episcopal members and theological periti towards the visible unity that Christ desires. This has been con- during our formative time – then as a young student – at the firmed in Unitatis Redintegratia. §1. Pontifical Oriental Institute, as well as our personal attendance Everywhere large numbers have felt the impulse of this at some special sessions of the Council. We witnessed firsthand grace, and among our separated brethren also there increases Continued on page 7 Page 6 Light of the East Memory Eternal Ecumenical Patriarchate issues Patriarch Ignatius IV communiqué regarding resurgence of

Continued from page 1 violence in various parts of the world vows, he became a hierodea- con. In 1945 he graduated The Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses profound concern from the American Univer- about the resurgence of violence currently spreading through- sity of Beirut, and from 1949 out the world. From America to Africa and throughout Europe to 1953 studied at the Saint and Asia, continents are confronted with the phenomenon of Sergius Theological Institute intolerance that not only undermines world stability and in Paris. On his return to peace, but also constitutes a denial of human dignity. Racial Lebanon, the young theolo- murders, genocide, ethnic cleansing, anti-Semitism, destruc- gian with a master's degree tion of places of worship etc, constitute barbaric acts that must was ordained hieromonk. In be denounced publicly, particularly when they are masked 1942, he became one of the with the veil of religion in an effort to justify them. founders of the influential The Ecumenical Patriarchate is particularly concerned Tikhon Orthodox Youth Movement about the situations in the Middle East, as well as in Nigeria elected in Lebanon and Syria, which and Sudan. Clashes between Christians and Muslims in these Metropolitan of has done much to renew parts of the world must be overcome by promoting love for youthful participation in one's neighbor as the peaceful expression of the bond uniting All America Church life. In 1953, His every human being. Furthermore, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Canada Beatitude became one of the is deeply concerned about the future of the people of Syria, as organizers of Syndesmos the well as for the future of Christianity in that country. There- His Eminence, Archbishop worldwide Brotherhood of fore, we are calling on all parties involved in this conflict to Tikhon, Archbishop of Orthodox Youth. In 1961 he lay down their weapons, especially given the urgency of the Philadelphia and Eastern was ordained Bishop of Pal- humanitarian situation. Pennsylvania, was elected myra and Patriarchal Vicar, The solution to such conflicts requires dialogue above all of the Orthodox and in the following year, he else. Dialogue constitutes more than merely a better under- Church in America during was sent to the monastery of standing or toleration of our differences, indeed, dialogue is the 17th All-American Balamand as superior and as the essence of reconciliation and transformation. Therefore, Council of the Orthodox of the Theological religious leaders should be working together, through dia- Church in America at Holy Seminary, which in 1988 logue, to affirm God's peace in the world. We, as religious Church one Tuesday, was transformed into an Or- leaders, have a moral obligation to resist war and promote November 13, 2012. thodox University, the first peace as a vital and fundamental necessity for all humanity. 663 hierarchs, clergy and in the Middle East. He has Religion cannot and should never be a basis for war and con- lay delegates and observers published a series of theo- flict, nor should it be used as an instrument of fundamentalism representing OCA parishes logical books and numerous and fanaticism for purely political motives and ends. With across the US, Canada, and articles. His Beatitude was great resolve, we have repeatedly emphasized that any crime Mexico participated in he an honorary doctor of Sor- in the name of religion is a crime against religion. In this re- Council. 590 were eligible bonne and Saint-Petersburg spect, dialogue is the only hope for attaining peace. to vote.... No single candi- (1981) and Minsk (2003) Finally, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholo- date received the required Theological Academies. In mew and the Ecumenical Patriarchate express their solidarity two-thirds margin on the 1970, the future Patriarch with and compassion to all communities affected by violence, first ballot. On the second was appointed Metropolitan addressing a fervent appeal to all autocephalous Orthodox ballot, His Eminence, of Latakia (Laodicea). On 2 Churches, all Christian Churches and religious communities, Archbishop Tikhon of Phila- July 1979, he was elected as well as to international organizations and states, as well as delphia and Eastern Penn- Primate of the Church of every person of good will, to contribute to the triumph of sylvania and His Grace, Antioch and enthroned on 8 peace over war and hatred. Bishop Michael of New July of the same year. At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, August 14, 2012. The York and New Jersey, re- May he rest in a place of Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod. – Website of ceived 317 and 355 votes light, a place of peace, a the Ecumenical Patriarchate. respectively. The members place of happiness, where of the Holy Synod then re- there is no pain, no grief, no SSJC Workshop: Jan. 26, 10 a.m. tired into the altar where sighing, but everlasting life. The Mothers of the Church they elected Archbishop May his memory be eternal. Tikhon." Holy Cross MelkiteMelkite----GreekGreek Catholic Church 451 W Madison Ave., Placentia 92870 --- 714 985 1710 Light of the East Page 7 Ecumenical Patriarch speaks Gathering of Oriental

Continued from page 5 how the bishops experienced a renewed awareness of the valid- Orthodox and Roman Catholic ity – and a reinforced sense of the continuity – of the tradition Consultation held in New York and faith "once for all delivered to the " (Jude 1.3). It was a period of promise and hope for your Church both internally Leaders Discuss Immigration and and externally. Plight of Middle East Christians For the Orthodox Church, we have observed a time of ex- change and expectation. For example, the convocation of the WHITE PLAINS, NY, OCT. 24, 2012 (Zenit.org ).- A group of first Pan-Orthodox Conferences in Rhodes led to the Pre- 20 participants representing the Roman Catholics and five Ori- Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conferences in preparation for the ental Orthodox churches gathered in New York for the two day Great Council of the Orthodox Churches. These exchanges will Oriental Orthodox-Roman Catholic Consultation last week. demonstrate the unified witness of the Orthodox Church in the Leaders from both churches agreed that they would benefit modern world. Moreover, it coincided with the "dialogue of from a better exchange of information regarding the programs love" and heralded the Joint International Commission for available for new immigrant arrivals in the United States. The Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the meeting was held at the Divine Compassion Spirituality Center Orthodox Church, which was established by our venerable in White Plains, NY. predecessors Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Patriarch As part of its mission to foster Christian unity, the Secre- Dimitrios. tariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Over the last five decades, the achievements of this assem- Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meets annually with bly have been diverse as evidenced through the series of impor- members of the Oriental Orthodox churches. Along with minis- tant and influential constitutions, declarations, and decrees. We tering to immigrant communities, the dialogue also discussed have contemplated the renewal of the spirit and "return to the the plight of Christians in the Middle East. sources" through liturgical study, biblical research, and patris- Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, and Met- tic scholarship. We have appreciated the struggle toward grad- ropolitan Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Eastern Archdiocese ual liberation from the limitation of rigid scholasticism to the of the of Antioch (Oriental Orthodox) openness of ecumenical encounter, which has led to the mutual co-chaired the dialogue. This was the Metropolitan's first meet- rescinding of the excommunications of the year 1054, the ex- ing since his appointment as new co-chairman of the dialogue. change of greetings, returning of relics, entering into important He succeeds Very Reverend Chorbishop John Meno, also of dialogues, and visiting each other in our respective Sees. the Syriac Orthodox Church, who had served as Oriental Or- Our journey has not always been easy or without pain and thodox co-chairman since 1985 and recently retired from the challenge, for as we know "narrow is the gate and difficult is active ministry. The members expressed their gratitude to Fa- the way" (Matthew 7.14). The essential theology and principal ther Meno for his many years of faithful service to this dia- themes of the Second Vatican Council – the mystery of the logue. Church, the sacredness of the liturgy, and the authority of the Presenters at the dialogue were Maronite Catholic Bishop bishop – are difficult to apply in earnest practice, and constitute Gregory Mansour of Brooklyn, Allison Posner, director of ad- a life-long and church-wide labor to assimilate. The door, then, vocacy for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. must remain open for deeper reception, pastoral engagement, (CLINIC), Julianne Barsoum Jabaly of the Syriac Orthodox and ecclesial interpretation of the Second Vatican Council. Church, and Michael Guglielmo, executive director of the Ar- As we move forward together, we offer thanks and glory to the menian Eastern Diocese. living God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – that the same as- On Monday evening the members traveled to St. Nersess sembly of bishops has recognized the importance of reflection Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, New York. Together and sincere dialogue between our "sister churches.” We join in they celebrated Armenian Vespers in the seminary chapel and the “…hope that the barrier dividing the Eastern Church and attended a dinner hosted by Father Daniel Findikyan, the rec- the Western Church will be removed, and that – at last – there tor. Later in the evening the members had a wide-ranging dis- may be but the one dwelling, firmly established on Christ Je- cussion of major events in the lives of their churches both in sus, the cornerstone, who will make both one" (Unitatis Redin- the United States and overseas. tegratio § 1 8). On Tuesday morning the dialogue examined the situation of With Christ as our cornerstone and the tradition we share, Christians in the Middle East. Bishop Mansour presented the we shall be able – or, rather, we shall be enabled by the gift and recent Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, Ecclesia grace of God – to reach a better appreciation and fuller expres- in Medio Oriente . He discussed the structure and functioning of sion of the Body of Christ. With our continued efforts in accor- the Synod of Bishops, and what the document had to say about dance with the spirit of the tradition of the early Church, and in the Christian presence in that part of the world. The members the light of the Church of the Councils of the first millennium, are deeply worried about the future of Christian communities in the region. Continued on page 8 Page 8 Light of the East Eastern Christian Publications Ecumenical Patriarch New magazine: Theosis: Spiritual Continued from page 6 we will experience the visible unity that lies just be- Reflections from the Christian East yond us today. Based on the success of our “Fortnight for Freedom” bulletin insert, The Church always excels in its uniquely prophetic in conjunction with the upcoming Year of Faith, and Pope Benedict’s and pastoral dimension, embraces its characteristic call for a “new evangelization,” Eastern Christian Publications has de- meekness and spirituality, and serves with humble sen- veloped a new popular level monthly magazine called Theosis: Spiri- sitivity the "least of these My brethren" (Matthew tual Reflections from the Christian East . It will be distributed as a 25:40). print and eZine version starting with the first issue for September 2012. Beloved brother, our presence here signifies and Each issue of Theosis will be over 100 pages of several short essays seals our commitment to witness together to the Gospel for spiritual reflection on topics such as Prayer, Eucharist, , message of salvation and healing for the least of our Scripture, Holy Icons, Sacramental Living, Spirituality, and a Feast of brethren: the poor, the oppressed, the forgotten in the Month. Contributors will be authors and theologians from a wide God’s world. Let us begin with prayers for peace and variety of Orthodox and Catholic Churches including Metropolitan healing for our Christian brothers and sisters living in Kallistos (Ware) and Archimandrite Robert Taft, SJ. A photo essay of the Middle East. In the current turmoil of violence, an Eastern church somewhere in the world will also be featured. It will separation, and brokenness that is escalating between also include the Calendar of Saints for the month with daily prayers, peoples and nations, may the love and desire for har- and a short biography of each saint according to the Byzantine calen- mony we profess here, and the understanding we seek dar. through dialogue and mutual respect, serve as a model Printed in full color with plenty of icons and photographs, Theosis for our world. Indeed, may all humanity reach out to will be printed in a pocket size edition so you can carry it with you ‘the other’ and work together to overcome the suffering everywhere, and read just a few pages each day. The eZine edition will of people everywhere, particularly in the face of fam- be distributed by email both as an interactive PDF and as an ePub for- ine, natural disasters, disease, and war that ultimately mat. touches all our lives. The annual print subscription is only $60.00 per year, or $5.00 per In light of all that has yet to be accomplished by the month including postage. The eZine subscription is only $29.95 per Church on earth, and with great appreciation for all the year, or about $2.50 per month. Single issues and bulk quantity dis- progress we have shared, we are, therefore, honored to counts are also available. More information and sample pages can be be invited to attend – and humbled to be called to ad- viewed at www.ecpubs.com/theosis.html , and you can subscribe online dress – this solemn and festive commemoration of the and buy individual issues at the same webpage. Second Vatican Council. It is fitting that this occasion Just let me know whether you would like to receive the print or also marks for your Church the formal inauguration of eZine version, or both. the "Year of Faith,” as it is faith that provides a visible sign of the journey we have traveled together along the Sincerely yours in Christ, path of reconciliation and visible unity. Jack Figel, Publisher In closing, Your Holiness, Beloved Brother, we whole- heartedly congratulate you – together with the blessed multitude assembled here today – and we fraternally Church of the East delegation embrace you on the joyous occasion of this anniversary visits, meets with Vatican celebration. May God bless you all. – Vatican website In keeping with the mandate of the decrees of the 14th Holy Synod The Society of St. John Chrysostom of the Assyrian Church of the East convened under the presidency of Western Region His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos, a delegation of the Holy WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Synod met recently with dicasteries of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City. + The delegation was received by His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Full membership: $50; Sandri, of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. In addi- Associate: $40; Parish tion the delegation was the guest of the His Eminence Kurt Cardinal Membership $100. Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian + Unity. The matter discussed was future prospects of the Assyrian/ Roman Catholic dialogue, which officially began in 1984. The present For full information call obstacles to the dialogue before both sides were discussed at great 714 985 1710 and ask for Fr. James, length, and possible solutions put forth that would pave the way for or e-mail secretary, Anne Petach at: more official discussions and a fraternal official dialogue between both [email protected] Churches.