NOVEMBER 2001 VOLUME 45 NO. 9 CONTENTS

6 OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES By Very Rev. Michel Najim The Most Reverend Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. 15 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Primate OF THE 45TH GENERAL CONVENTION The Right Reverend OF THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX Bishop Antoun, Auxiliary CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE The Right Reverend By Very Rev. Paul Schneirla Bishop Joseph, Auxiliary The Right Reverend Bishop Basil, Auxiliary 33 CHILDREN’S RELIEF FUND The Right Reverend Bishop Demetri, Auxiliary 65 DAILY DEVOTIONS Founded in Arabic as By Very Rev. George Alberts Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael Hawaweeny Founded in English as The Word in 1957 66 ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN by Metropolitan Antony Bashir Editor in Chief The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, M.Div. Assistant Editor Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. MEMBER Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Associated Church Press The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. Conciliar Press The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Linda Hopkins Ecumenical News International Anne Glynn Mackoul, J.D. Orthodox Press Service Ronald Nicola Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. Design Director Donna Griffin Albert Editorial Office: The Word 1777 Quigg Dr. COVER Pittsburgh, PA 15241-2071 e-mail: [email protected] FAX: 1-412-831-5554 THE HIERARCHS following the Divine Liturgy which concluded the Archdiocese Convention. Subscription Office: 358 Mountain Road Englewood, NJ 07631

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2 The Word Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East Damascus, Syria

My dear brother, Metropolitan Philip,

Peace and greetings to you in the Name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In addition to our phone call from Damascus, I and your esteemed brothers, the members of the Holy Synod, would like to assure you and your blessed Archdiocese of our love, especially after the catastrophe which happened in your country. We have prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, and once again, I reiterate my condolences to you and through you to the families of the victims.

We are with you in the horror which happened. Transcending this disaster, we began to feel in our country that terrorism is a plague which must be confronted and uprooted from the roots of hate and vengeance. Terrorism stems from oppressed people and their extreme poverty as well as the scorn and pride which such humiliated people suffer from certain nations. The political world must show respect for all nations. Greater nations should work for the freedom and flourishment of all, so that all people would be measured by one standard alone.

We are in agreement with the leaders of your country that the Arab and Islamic world do not produce terrorism for terrorism’s sake. All people seek peace that is established on justice and freedom.

We share your sorrow and we have no doubt that we are united in this stand. Hoping that you disseminate to your God-protected Archdiocese our feelings through whatever medium you see fit. May God who is always with us and among us protect you with His holy grace.

Yours in Christ,

S/IGNATIUS IV Patriarch of Antioch and all the East September 19, 2001

(translated from Arabic)

November 2001 3 WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

WCC URGES A PROMPT END TO ATTACKS

CC URGES THE UNITED pray for those who live under the global justice that provide the chief W States of America and the bombs and missiles, hoping against hope to overcome terrorism in all its United Kingdom to bring a hope that they will be spared. We forms and to provide true peace and prompt end to military action pray for the minority Christian security for the nations and peoples against Afghanistan. The World churches and communities who are of our world. Council of Churches (WCC) is placed in danger as a result of such deeply concerned about the recent action: especially now for those in The World Council of Churches bombings and missile attacks Pakistan who, despite their own (WCC) is a fellowship of churches, against Afghanistan. poverty and small minority status, now 342, in more than 100 coun- The following statement was began planning last week to assist tries in all continents from virtually issued on October 8 by WCC acting the present wave of Afghans fleeing all Christian traditions. The Roman general secretary Georges from terror. We pray for the Muslim Catholic Church is not a member Lemopoulos: and other religious communities church but works cooperatively The initiation of bombings and who despite President Bush’s and with the WCC. The highest govern- missile attacks against Afghanistan Prime Minister Blair’s affirmations to ing body is the assembly, which [on October 7], while not unexpect- the contrary, are likely to consider meets approximately every seven ed, is nevertheless of profound con- themselves the targets of this and years. The WCC was formally inau- cern to the World Council of the other military actions foreseen gurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, The Churches. As the churches joined in to follow. We pray for the leaders of Netherlands. Its staff is headed by the ecumenical movement have these and all nations that God will general secretary Konrad Raiser done so often over the past century, invest them with wisdom and com- from the Evangelical Church in they have again in recent weeks passion in this terrible time; that Germany, P.O. Box 2100, 1211 sought to avoid this renewed use of they turn away from the temptation Geneva 2, Switzerland. overwhelming military power. The of the sword and toward actions for WCC has reflected this consistent and widely held stance of the churches in a letter sent last week to UN secretary-general Kofi Annan Orthodox Prayer Book by Dr. Konrad Raiser, the general secretary of the WCC. in the Arabic Language We abhor war. The first WCC Compiled and arranged by the Right Reverend assembly in 1948 called it a sin against God and humanity. We do Archimandrite Anantas Kassab not believe that war, particularly in $35.00 per copy today’s highly technologized world, can ever be regarded as an effective SEND ORDERS TO: response to the equally abhorrent Antiochian Archdiocese sin of terrorism. Our experience of of North America ministry to the victims of war con- 358 Mountain Road vinces us that acts of war can never Englewood, New Jersey 07631 spare civilian populations despite all the precautions of military planners. Please send me ______copy(s) of The Arabic Orthodox Prayer Book at a Nor do we believe that war can be cost of $35.00 per copy. For orders within the US please include 10% for described as an act of humanitarian- postage. For orders in Canada and Overseas please include 20% for postage. ism or that the practice of war can I have enclosed US $______. be legitimately linked to the promise of humanitarian assistance. Please send to: We therefore pray that the United Name: ______States of America and the United Kingdom will bring a prompt end to Address:______the present action, and that no ______other state join with them in it. We

4 The Word Standing Conference of Middle Eastern Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders

For Immediate Release: September 13, 2001 We were very saddened and shocked, like all American citizens and decent people around the world, by the devastating and hor- rible attack against the United States of America. It has come to our attention that some Arab Americans in various cities such as Brooklyn, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit, Michigan; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and other cities have been victims of psychological terrorism, i.e. threat- ening and obscene phone calls, etc. This is indeed very disturbing and blatant discrimination. Arab Americans are very loyal citi- zens and strongly committed to the eternal ideals and principles of freedom, peace and justice on which our country was found- ed. Many of them have died for America in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean and VietNam Wars. Let us not forget that Arab Americans also died in the World Trade Center explosion and some were on the hijacked planes. As Arab American religious leaders from Middle Eastern background, we want everyone to know that the members of our con- stituencies, Christians and Muslims alike, are people of faith. Neither Christianity nor Islam condones violence and terrorism. As a matter of fact, many Arab people in the Middle East have been victims of individual, group and state terrorism for the past fifty- four years. Therefore, this is not a time to point fingers and accuse innocent people of violence and evil acts. When we overcome our grief and after the dust settles, let us as intelligent Americans ask ourselves, who is behind this horrific act and why was this act com- mitted? These are the important questions which should be answered in depth. Then, and only then, will we know the facts and the real cause of terrorism. May the souls of our sisters and brothers who have perished in this catastrophe rest in peace and may God protect and bless America.

Metropolitan Philip, Chairman—Antiochian Archdiocese of North America Bishop Stephen Doueihi, Eparchary of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Archbishop John A. Elya—Diocese of Newton Sheikh Sami T. Merhi, Druze Council of North America Sheikh Hamad Ahmad Chebli, Islamic Society of Central New Jersey Archbishop Cyril Aphrem Karim, Syrian Orthodox Church Imam Fadhel Al-Sahlani, Imam Al-Khoei Islamic Center My America On a Tuesday morning, September day, America’s hit I love the arms, which welcomed me, as I landed on with fire. its shore, Civilian planes as human bombs flown by criminals The arms of lady liberty, which no one can ignore. for hire, America, this great country, is a land of liberty. To kill, destroy, to cause deep hurt to people of this She has its friends and enemies, throughout its land. history. The wounds are deep and death is caused by a hateful Today we stand as proud Americans, deploring this terrorist’s hand. shameful deed. Just like in Rama years ago, where little infants were This is our home. We offer it our lives, at any moment slain, of need. Where mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, We can be angry with evildoers without becoming the cried aloud in pain. same. Someone has killed a part of America, and all We pray for healing, we pray for strength, we pray in Americans together, God’s name. In unison, in harmony, we face the storm and the We pray today for those who died and those who weather. grieve and mourn, This is my country, this is my city, and it is the home I A new commitment and resolve for America, today is love. born. My home was hit and terrorized with fire from high Appreciation for the benefits America offers so freely, above. and ready we must stand forever, defending it I am a proud American with love that has no end, sincerely. For every drop of soil, of this God-protected land. —Fr. Elias Bitar

November 2001 5 The 45TH Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of 45THNorth America (LOS ANGELES, JULY 23-29, 2001)

by VERY REVEREND MICHEL NAJIM, DEAN OF SAINT NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL OF LOS ANGELES

This is an historic convention in so many ways … It is an explosion of love! Metropolitan Philip Saliba

speakers. This convention emphasized Church unity in North America by proposing a change in the ecclesiastical sta- tus of the Archdiocese. It is Church custom that the bishops of a designated area meet regularly as a synod, one of the duties of which is to elect new bishops to fill their ranks. In line with this tradition, the Antiochians of North America are beseeching His Beatitude Ignatius IV and the Holy Synod of Antioch to authorize a North American Ecclesiastical Body to elect auxiliary bishops for our Archdiocese. Moreover, there can be little doubt that the jurisdictional issue in North America extends far beyond one ethnic group (i.e., Arab, Slavic, Greek, etc.). Hence, this convention is just a starting point in the transformation of North America into one, unified HE “EXPLOSION OF LOVE” OF WHICH jurisdiction. The vision advanced at the convention T Metropolitan Philip speaks in the above quota- seeks the eventual creation of a holy synod of bishops tion, referring to the story of Antiochian in North America embracing all the presently fragment- Orthodox Church in North America, was ignited by ed jurisdictions. numerous hierarchs, clergy and laity. Now, one hun- Sayidna Philip’s installation as Metropolitan of this dred and five years after the Church of Antioch came Archdiocese 35 years ago gave the Antiochians an to North America as a small mission under the leader- entree to a wholly new stature. He was elected ship of St. Raphael Hawaweeny, our fast-growing Archbishop of New York and all North America by the Archdiocese is coming of age under the omophorion of Holy Synod of Antioch and consecrated on August 5, Metropolitan Philip Saliba. As a leading Orthodox 1966, at the picturesque monastery of Saint Elias in Church in North America, the Antiochian Archdiocese Mount Lebanon, and then was enthroned as at its 45th convention faced a range of challenges rival- Metropolitan on October 13, 1966. He took up the reins ing anything it had previously encountered. of his new office with a determination to establish the The Biblical theme of this historic convention, Archdiocese on a solid spiritual foundation. The 35th “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5), expressed anniversary of Sayidna’s episcopacy was the highlight the optimism of this convention, and laid the ground- of this convention, along with Bishop Antoun’s 50th work for the Archdiocese’s future mission in North year in Holy Orders, celebrating Bishop Antoun’s ordi- America. This optimistic vision was echoed at the nation to the diaconate on October 28, 1951. convention’s sermons, speeches, and seminars, which St. Nicholas Cathedral of Los Angeles was honored to were delivered by a number of dynamic homilists and host this great convention at the Century Plaza Hotel

6 The Word OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

and Spa in Century City, California. The parishioners of American that ‘Orthodoxy is for you’; tell lost Saint Nicholas Cathedral spared nothing in time and Americans in fading religions and denominations, effort that might contribute to the success of the conven- ‘Orthodoxy is for you and your children’; tell confused tion. Being well planned and executed, the convention young people, starved of ideals, ‘Orthodox spirituality is was administered with dignity and grace. With God’s for you.’ This is the kind of leadership [Metropolitan] blessing, and the oversight of Bishop Joseph and the Philip Saliba has shown. This is the spirit of this great hard work of Dr. Fred Milkie and his family, his co-chair convention that affords us the opportunity to prepare Isabel Elac and their committees, of president Dr. Jameel ourselves to enter the new millennium with confidence Hourani and the Parish Council of Saint Nicholas and mature plans for the future of this Archdiocese.” Cathedral, this convention turned out to be not just a The vespers service was followed by a delicious din- joyous celebration, but a history-making event. ner at the Cathedral. This event set the tone for a joyful The convention opened with a solemn and majestic witness to the “explosion of love” that exists in Christ Monday evening vespers service at St. Nicholas between the Shepherds and the flock. Cathedral. The welcoming address was given by the Clergy Meeting with Metropolitan Philip dean of the Cathedral, Fr. Michel Najim, who welcomed Tuesday, July 24, 2001 the Primate, the Metropolitans, the bishops, and all In his meeting with the clergy, Metropolitan Philip others in attendance. Stressing the responsibility of the addressed the whole issue of autonomy for our Archdiocese in the third millennium, he said: “Indeed, Archdiocese. He began by addressing the differences if we accept our mission to North America, we must between autonomy and autocephaly, making it clear keep bearing witness to Orthodox mandates that make that we still seek to preserve our deep ties with the this Archdiocese unique.” These mandates are: a rec- Antiochian Patriarchate. He explained how all of our onciled diversity of cultures in which there is no place institutions, and even our very name as an archdiocese, for xenophobia; a renewed fellowship of Churches and have identified us with the Patriarchate (e.g., congregations, which are called to contribute freely Antiochian Village, etc.). He then listed all the ways we their gifts, insights, values and experiences; local com- have given support to the Patriarchate in the past, and munities that pray and work together in a cooperative assured that this support and identification will remain. and loving spirit as a witness to Christ; a missionary The primate explained to the clergy three reasons mandate that leads the believer out of isolation to live favoring autonomy. First, he cited the physical distance in community. God calls us all to participate in the from the Patriarchate. Second, he cited the fact that evangelistic task. Our Orthodox faith is by its very our Archdiocese has sufficiently increased in size (in nature a “missionary faith.” terms of parishes, clergy, and bishops) and maturity, Speaking about the honorees of the convention, enabling the Archdiocese to function smoothly in the Metropolitan Philip and Bishop Antoun, Fr. Michel US and Canada. Finally, he stressed some of the cultur- highlighted their unremitting efforts to insure that al differences between the Church here and the Mother Orthodoxy touches every willing heart. “The Primate’s Church of Antioch necessitating autonomy. He stressed aim of building up such a blessed Archdiocese is to our need to be able to evangelize America effectively leave no one out, to leave no one behind.” He ended his within an American context. address by saying, “His [Metropolitan Philip’s] 35 years Sayidna Philip provided much historical back- in the archepiscopate carries a great missionary mes- ground for this action, and how we have developed as sage and directive to his clergy: Tell every North an Archdiocese, making it clear that we did not get to

November 2001 7 OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES where we are today without struggle. What we have The Youth Program today was not given to us. We had to work hard for all The consensus of opinion at the convention regard- of it. He also reminded the clergy of the dangers of hav- ing the newly established Youth Program was that it ing the Archdiocese divided up, citing other examples was an astounding success. The schedule of youth where it has weakened the Church here in America. events offered a means for parents to participate in After the Metropolitan’s talk, there was an extensive meetings who, because of their children, may not have question and answer session, where the clergy were had an opportunity. encouraged to ask any question they liked concerning The youth schedule was packed with activities to any aspect of the issue of autonomy. keep them active, such as visits to Camp St. Nicholas, The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch trips to the beach, pool-side parties, group discussions, 25 Years of “Touching People’s Lives” and outings. At night, the teens participated in various On Tuesday evening, July 24, 2001 at the Century events, including their own Compline service. These Plaza, 363 people celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Compline services, which were followed by group dis- The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the philanthropic cussions, were great in getting them to talk about arm of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese important issues. The daily youth seminars dealt with of North America. moral and spiritual issues confronting our teens. The evening began with a welcome by Daniel The Teen SOYO started the week off with a meeting Andrews, Western Region Chairman of the Order, who on Tuesday where they discussed such topics as the introduced Metropolitan Philip, the founder of the Special Olympics Awareness Month, communications, Order, to give the invocation. humanitarian projects, Project Mexico, and much Following dinner, Dr. Raymond Rishwain, the North more. They formed a committee to create a Teen SOYO American Chairman of the Order, presented the packet for NAC Teen groups, which will serve as a guide Members of the Year award to Dan Abraham, the North for Teen SOYO. They also discussed new possibilities American membership chairman. Dan helped accom- for NAC-wide humanitarian efforts for the upcoming plish both of Metropolitan Philip’s goals of 2000 mem- years. On top of all their regular business, they also dis- bers by the year 2000, and 2500 members by the 25th cussed the issue of autonomy for the Archdiocese. anniversary. The new officers are: President, Nicol Zabak; Vice- Dr. Rishwain then thanked the previous five North President, Paul Fuller; Secretary, Dolly Bahbah; American chairmen for their dedication and commit- Treasurer Joseph Abdalah. ment to the Archdiocese and presented them gifts com- The teens were together throughout the week, memorating their tenure as Chairman. They are Albert whether at the General Assembly, or at the various Joseph, George Nassor, Adeeb Sadd, Ralph Abercia and youth events that were planned. Among these events Robert Koory. were: One of the highlights of the evening occurred when THE BIBLE BOWL: The annual NAC Bible Bowl was Dr. Rishwain and North American Vice-Chair Edward held on Wednesday, July 25. All seven regions were Assile presented gifts to Metropolitan Philip, in honor of represented. Unfortunately, Coordinator Esther Simbol his 35th year in the episcopacy, and to Bishop Antoun, was unable to attend. Michelle Mike served as the coor- celebrating his 50th year in the priesthood. Bishop dinator in her place, with Ron Nicola serving as the Antoun was presented with a Life Membership to the moderator. The topic for this year’s Bible Bowl was the Order, making him the 2500th member. book of Genesis. Competition was close, with the

8 The Word OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

Southwest Region scoring the most points. Approxi- from all seven regions were present, and every region mately 350 people attended. presented a report on their activities for the past year. THE ORATORICAL FESTIVAL: The Oratorical The Women shared news and reports on such ongoing Festival was held on Saturday, July 28, with all seven programs as Humanitarian Activities, Membership, regions represented. Coordinator Julie Abood was Religious Programs and Fundraising Activities. Three unable to attend, and Gigi Baba, the newly elected scholarships, worth $750 each, were awarded to three president of the NAC Fellowship of St. John the Divine, women of the Archdiocese for continuing education. served as both coordinator and moderator. The topic Election of new officers for the next term were held. was “Behold I Make All Things New.” The judges choice The newly elected officers are: President, Marilyn was the orator from the Southwest Region. For the first Robbat; Vice-president, Laila Ferris; Recording time at an Archdiocese Convention, this festival was Secretary, Violet Robbat; Treasurer, Cindy Nimey; and combined with the Choir Festival. The choir was Public Relations, Lucy Hanna. directed by Western Region Choir Director Mareena The Antiochian Women then held a luncheon. Boosamra-Ball. Approximately 400 people attended. Metropolitan Philip and all the visiting metropolitans The Fellowship of Saint John the Divine Meeting and bishops of the various archdioceses of North, The meeting was held on Tuesday, July 24, 2001. Central, and South America, Australia, and Russia were The Secretary, Treasurer, Regional and Coordinator the guests of honor. Guest Speaker, Mother Ines of the Reports were read and approved. Many important pro- Hogar Rafael Ayau Orthodox Orphanage in Guatemala, jects were discussed, such as: the Habitat for Humanity discussed the children and activities at the orphanage. Village Style, presented by Kathy Abraham, to help the The highlight of the luncheon came as Marilyn present- Village in building new cabins; Food for Hungry, with ed Metropolitan Philip with a check for $145,726.12 on Robin Nicholas reporting that the project’s record of behalf of the Antiochian Women for Project feeding hungry people will be broken this year (she will Orphanages 2001. Metropolitan Philip spoke eloquently be expanding the mailings this year); the Archdiocese’s of the work of the women of the Archdiocese and their web site, a project currently overseen by Fr. Nabil unceasing work for the glory of our Lord. Hanna, who suggested that a non-profit organization in Department Meetings Pennsylvania take over this project and begin integrat- All the departments of the Archdiocese met and dis- ing all web site pages. cussed the various programs that they currently over- There is also the Library Project, which is carried see. It’s hard to enumerate all the programs that the dif- out at the local parish level. This worthy program iden- ferent departments have run over the last two years. tifies local public libraries and provides them with Our Primate visited the various departmental meetings, twelve books a year related to Orthodoxy. This is an offering them his vision and enriching them with his easy way to introduce the Orthodox Faith to one’s local wise counsel. The auxiliary bishops oversaw the activi- community. ties of the departments over which they preside. The Elections were then held, and the new NAC board is meetings reviewed the written reports of the depart- as follows: President, Gigi Baba; VP, Michael Deschenes; ments that were distributed to the General Assembly, Secretary, Claudia Zain; Treasurer, Michael Srour. and planned for future activities. For example, at the Antiochian Women’s Meeting Theological Education meeting they discussed the St. The representatives of the Antiochian Women of Stephen’s program. The metropolitans of South North America met on Wednesday, July 25. Delegates America also voiced the need to include a Spanish

November 2001 9 OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

component in the Antiochian House of Studies, which Explaining the importance of autonomy, he observed, houses all the various educational programs. “We are trying to unite Antioch and America in a new The General Assembly reality. And we believe that both will remain important The General Assembly provided the delegates with a in the eyes of the people: Antioch and America!” wonderful opportunity to listen to the anniversary sym- Task Force on the Patriarchate of Jerusalem posium, to obtain information about what the depart- The Task Force on the Patriarchate of Jerusalem ments are offering to the parishes, clergy, and lay lead- also actively participated in the convention. It con- ers throughout the Archdiocese, as well as to hear tributed an exhibit for the hall, a large map of Metropolitan Philip’s address prior to discussing and Jerusalem showing the innumerable Church properties voting on the issue of autonomy. that have been either sold or plundered by the Greek Board of Trustees Luncheon hierarchs of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. The Task The West Coast Chancery/Archdiocese Board of Force sold copies of St. Raphael Hawaweeny’s book on Trustees luncheon was hosted by Mr. Naseeb Saliba, the Greek hierarchy in Jerusalem, The Brotherhood of Mrs. Adele Soffa, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ajalat and Mr. & the Holy Sepulcher (available in both Arabic and Mrs. William Nassir. In his remarks, Bishop Joseph wel- English). They also displayed a video tape entitled comed His Eminence Metropolitan Philip, the visiting Don’t Cry, Jerusalem. Both the book and the video metropolitans, the auxiliary bishops, and the members were produced by the Task Force, and are available of the Board of Trustees. from the national office in Los Angeles for a reasonable He emphasized the historic nature of this year’s donation. convention: “First, because this is an anniversary cele- The International Chairman of the Task Force, Dr. bration. We are blessed to celebrate the 35th anniver- George Madanat, made a presentation at the conven- sary of the episcopate of Sayidna Philip, and the 50th tion on Saturday, July 26, in which he summarized the year of the ministry of Sayidna Antoun as deacon, pres- Task Force’s objectives and accomplishments over the byter and bishop. Second, because we have looked at last seven years. He also updated his audience on the ourselves, asked important questions about ourselves, current situation in the Jerusalem Patriarchate follow- and explored where we want to go in the future. These ing the death of Patriarch Diodoros I. Mr. Madanat questions were raised because the issue of ecclesiasti- clearly expressed dismay at the apathy of Arab cal autonomy has been discussed by both the clergy Orthodox organizations within the Jerusalem and faithful of this Archdiocese … But I think these two Patriarchate at the election of yet another Greek — the anniversaries and the question of autonomy — Patriarch, an apathy that only hinders the cause of belong together. They do belong together because they reform in the Patriarchate. both reflect the tremendous growth of this Archdiocese Following Dr. Madanat’s presentation, the Executive in these past years.” Committee reached a decision to restructure the Task Metropolitan Philip, he added, has led us in many Force to address better the problems facing the Church ways. For example, he had tremendously increased of in Jerusalem. The Executive Committee will meet again the number of our parishes, created Orthodox on 11 November 2001 in San Diego, California, hosted Christian Women, the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, by St. George Church. The restructuring plan will be developed youth programs, established the Antiochian completed and presented for a vote during this meeting. Village and Camp, and created numerous departments to serve the people of the Archdiocese.

10 The Word OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

Saturday Banquet $10,000 checks to both Metropolitan Philip and Bishop The evening began with a welcome by Charles Antoun for the Museum fund at the Antiochian Village. Ajalat, Chancellor of the Archdiocese and the Master of Then a video was presented about the lives of both Ceremonies for the banquet. Metropolitan Philip and Bishop Antoun. This video was The dignitaries attending the banquet were Dr. prepared by the Dean Emeritus of St. Nicholas Farid Aboud, the Lebanese Ambassador in Washington Cathedral, the V. Rev. Paul Romley. DC; the Syrian Counsel on Los Angeles, Dr. Hazi Mr. Darrell Issa, United States Congressman, con- Alshahabi; Congressman Darrell Issa; the former veyed the greetings of the entire House of Repre- American ambassador to Syria, Edward Georgiani; for- sentatives. He also read a letter from President George mer Lebanese ambassador, Abdal Bouhabeeb; Dr. Elie W. Bush in which the president congratulated Metro- Salem, the president of Balamand University; Deacon politan Philip and Bishop Antoun on their anniver- Tom Nassif, the President of the Task Force for saries, and sent a special greeting to Mr. Issam Fares. Lebanon; and representatives of different organizations The Metropolitan’s niece, Leslie Saliba, also and the media. addressed the convention, speaking eloquently on The host pastor, Fr. Michel Najim, spoke about the behalf of the Saliba family. She emphasized her uncle’s missionary plan that was drafted and implemented by dedication was a great inspiration to her and to all the Metropolitan Philip to overcome the ghetto mentality family. Dr. Farid Abboud, the Lebanese Ambassador to from which most Orthodox Churches are severely the United States, then spoke about sustaining our spir- suffering. itual journey, maintaining our identity as Middle In speaking of the Metropolitan’s vivid dream to Easterners while remaining open to what is positive in convert America and baptize American culture, Fr. North American culture. Najim said: “He is like a mighty roaring river of perse- The evening came to a close with a splendid ban- verance and determination that cuts through the stone quet. Metropolitan Philip presented a certificate of of materialism and rallies the armies of preaching in recognition to Dr. Fred Milkie, then introduced the every community: to nurture, to mentor, to preach, to Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, His Excellency serve, to perform the task of renewal.” Fr. Michel Issam Fares. acknowledged Metropolitan Philip’s life-long compan- The Metropolitan characterized the Deputy Prime ion, His Grace Antoun Khouri, who has also played a Minister as one of the most successful businessmen in major role in this great movement of renewal that is the world. changing North America. He ended his speech by Then he described Mr. Fares’ charitable activities underlining Metropolitan Philip’s zealous defense of all through “The Fares Foundation,” and his many other oppressed, ill-treated, and victimized people. Then Fr. international philanthropic endeavors. Issam Fares Michel thanked him for inviting to the convention a shares whatever God gives him with the needy and the distinguished Orthodox leader, Mr. Issam Fares. poor, providing scholarships to tens of thousands of stu- On behalf of St. Nicholas Cathedral, the president of dents and supporting universities such as the American the parish council, Dr. Jameel Hourani, presented two University of Beirut, the University of Balamand, Notre

November 2001 11 OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

Dame University, the International College, the They are not insecure in who they are, acting as mem- American University Hospital, the Islamic Hospital in bers of the mainstream, and often as its leaders. Their Tripoli and the Akkar Infirmary Systems. The Fares contributions to academic progress, democracy, and to Lecture Series at Tufts University has become a forum human rights are well known. for presidents, prime ministers and secretaries of state After talking about the major hurdles presently fac- to exchange views on international affairs. Then the ing Lebanon, he described Lebanon’s valiant efforts to Metropolitan introduced Mr. Fares’ wife, Hala Fares, establish a peace in the Middle East. In his thinking, and their children, Nijad and Noor. peace will only be possible once the following conditions As an expression of the Metropolitan’s admiration are met: 1) The withdrawal of Israel from all occupied for Issam Fares, he bestowed upon him the Antonian Arab territories; 2) The elimination of weapons of mass Gold Medal, the highest award that the Antiochian destruction from the region; 3) The establishment of an Archdiocese of North America bestows. independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capi- Address of His Excellency Issam Fares tal; 4) The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their His Excellency began his address by saying: “It is a homes, and their right to compensation. Orthodox great privilege to address the 45th Antiochian Americans and Canadians, who are naturally concerned Orthodox Christian Convention in Los Angeles. The about peace in the Middle East, must influence decision- privilege is greater since the Convention is honoring makers in both countries by enlightening them on the the 35th anniversary of the man I respect and admire, issues from an Orthodox Christian perspective. Metropolitan Philip.” Specifically addressing American believers, he After expressing his joy at addressing the conven- noted: “You live in this great country. Your country is tion as an Antiochian Orthodox Christian, he contin- the leader of the world. This adds to your challenges ued: “As Antiochian Orthodox, we follow Saints Peter and duties a dimension and responsibility not available and Paul who founded the Church in Antioch, known to other Antiochian Orthodox Christians around the in history as the City under God. We follow the globe.” Then he reiterated his desire for a just peace for Apostles and the Fathers of the Church. Our faith is all countries in the region, based upon freedom, human based on the consensus of those early carriers of the rights, economic justice, and reasonable living condi- message of Jesus Christ. We represent the Church in its tions for all. He concluded his speech with a powerful finest form of doctrine, unity, and purity. While we statement: “To achieve such noble goals, to achieve respect all spiritual capitals of Christianity, we hold fast peace, freedom and prosperity, we need the help of the to the distinguished role of Antioch. It is truly the United States. Such an objective can only be achieved mother of all Christian capitals. In Antioch, for the first if you are willing to help. If you become more involved, time, the followers of Christ were called ‘Christian.’ if you become better Americans.” Let’s remember that, and let us keep Antioch as our He ended by again expressing his gratitude to guiding star.” Metropolitan Philip for providing him with the opportu- He then observed that Antiochian Christians living nity to attend the convention, and for his leadership in outside the Middle East never behave as a minority. uniting and guiding our Antiochian Orthodox commu-

12 The Word OVERVIEW OF THE 45TH CONVENTION IN LOS ANGELES

nity in North America. vention. During the liturgy, Subdeacon John Mefrige The Hierarchical Liturgy was elevated to the diaconate by Metropolitan Philip. The culmination of the convention was the hierar- After the liturgy, Metropolitan Philip inducted 22 peo- chical liturgy on Sunday, July 29, presided over by our ple into the Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Primate, and assisted by the visiting Metropolitans, our The ancient Eucharistic prayers best express the auxiliary bishops, and numerous clergy. His Grace spirit of this convention, especially the Aramaic excla- Bishop Joseph delivered a powerful homily that mation, Maran’ atha, which is correctly translated as, admirably recapitulated the major themes of the con- “The Lord has come!”

November 2001 13 ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT 358 MOUNTAIN ROAD, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 PHONE (201) 871-1355 FAX (201) 871-7954 Phone: 201-871-1355 Fax: 201-871-7954

PLAYING IT UP FOR A BOOK FOR CATECHISM: CHRISTMAS “ONE LORD, ONE FAITH” PLAYING IT UP FOR CHRISTMAS contains six plays An introduction to comparative Christian doctrine written by Natalie Ashanin of Indianapolis, Indiana and beautifully illustrated by Claudia Coose of Austin, Texas. Each play is accompanied by staging instructions. They * How the Scriptures Came About are designed to involve as many participants as possible. * Studying Scriptures * Who has been deceived? HOW ABOUT * The Monophysites, Roman Catholics, Protestants ADVENT! * The Schism An Advent Calendar for the Orthodox Christian Family * Christ was Orthodox HOW ABOUT ADVENT! is designed to guide the * Concerning Heresies Orthodox family from the beginning of Advent through the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. This material is * The Holy Fathers: Real Theologians unique in that it has several levels of activities that allow * The Divine Inspiration of the Holy Fathers a family to make decisions as to the depth of involvement. * Concerning Ecumenical Synods * The Way to Orthodoxy THE BIGGEST BIRTHDAY PARTY Written by: Archimandrite Vassilios Bakoyannis THE BIGGEST BIRTHDAY PARTY can be used in a family or church school setting. It is a wonderful, Archimandrite Vassilios is a graduate of the interactive Christmas program developed by the Orthodox theological School of Belgrade and has Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Christian a Master of Theology degree from St. Vladimir’s Education. Orthodox Seminary. He serves in the Holy ------Metropolis of Patras in the Church of Greece. He has written over thirty books of theological nature. Please send the following items: ( ) Copy(s) of Playing It Up For Christmas @ $8.00 ------per copy I would like to order ______copy(s) of One Lord, One ( ) Copy(s) of How About Advent! @ $6.00 per copy Faith for $7.50 each. (For orders within the US under ( ) Copy(s) of The Biggest Birthday Party @ $4.00 $20, please include $2 for postage; for larger orders, per copy please include 10% for postage. For orders under $20 Enclosed find my payment of $ ______. If order is to Canada and Overseas, please include $4 for under $20.00, please include $2.00 postage for US postage; for larger orders, please include 20% for orders, or $4.00 for Canada and Overseas. If order is postage.) I have enclosed US $ ______. $40.00 or more, please include 10% postage for US Please send to: orders, or $20 for Canada and Overseas. Send to: Name: ______Name: ______Address: ______Address: ______

14 The Word minutes of the general assembly of the 45th general convention of the antiochian orthodox christian archdiocese 45THof north america convening at the Century Plaza Hotel

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA • JULY 23-29, 2001

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2001 COMMUNICANTS 10:00 A.M. A total of 48,158 communicants were reported in the com- Presiding Hierarch: pilation. The Archdiocese Assessments have been received The Most Reverend METROPOLITAN PHILIP from 97.87% of our Parishes. There has been an increase of 1. METROPOLITAN PHILIP 470 communicants in the last opened the General year, according to the census Assembly with prayers and taken by the Credentials invocation, chanting the Committee. Troparion of the Holy Spirit STATISTICS REPORT and a Litany. January 1, 2001 2000 2. ARCHIMANDRITE MICHAEL Baptisms 1,495 1,265 EVANS, Chairman, presented Chrismations 537 464 the Report of the Department Marriages 548 509 of Statistics and Credentials. Funerals 711 630 RE: Statistics & Number of people moving to Credentials, Article V, Section 1,682 1,558 4, 5, 6 inclusive, Archdiocese Number of people moving from Constitution. 2,533 1,817 These figures are based on “Behold, I make all things statistics received from 218 of new” (Rev. 21:5) a possible 223 churches and Your Eminence Metro- missions as of January 1, 2001 politan Philip, beloved and 188 of a possible 220 Hierarchs, brother Clergy, parishes and missions as of members of the Archdiocesan January 1, 2000. Board of Trustees, distinguished guests, brothers and sisters There has been an increase resulting from the addition of in Christ. new parishes and missions and therefore the assessments I would like to take this opportunity to thank received. However, it must be pointed out that some Pastors Metropolitan Philip for allowing me to serve as Chairman of and Parish Councils have noted decreases in membership, and the Department of Statistics and Credentials. I would also like therefore in their assessments. From a total of 218 reporting to thank our brother in Christ, the Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, churches and missions, a total of 42 stayed the same and 62 for his many years of service as Chairman and Co-chair of decreased in number; this means that 47.71% of our Parishes this department. are stagnant or in a declining state. This would be very sad if It is with humility and honor that we offer to you the we believed that these reported figures are truthful; we do not. report of your Statistics and Credentials Committee. NEW PARISHES AND MISSIONS We have 91.00% of the total votes present, and it is declared that there is a quorum to officially open the General We welcome for the first time the following 6 Missions to Assembly. The committees convened Monday-Wednesday, the Archdiocese. July 23-25, 2001 in order to compile this report. Church City State Pastor Holy Transfiguration Wichita Falls TX Rev. Aidan Garth Wilcoxson CREDENTIALS/STATISTICS FORMS Mission SUBMITTED IN 2001 St. Michael Mission Dothan AL Rev. Andrew Moore Out of a total of 188 parishes, 184 are paying their annu- St. Anthony the Great Titusville FL Very Rev. Paul Moses al assessment. This represents 97% of parishes in the Mission Archdiocese. There are 34 missions, who are exempt until Holy Transfiguration Boise ID Rev. Brian Patrick O’Grady they reach full Parish status; however, they are full partici- Mission pants in the work of the Convention and General Assembly. St. Mary Magdalene Manhattan KS Rev. Chad Hatfield Mission St. James Mission Poughkeepsie NY Rev. Hisham Nimri

November 2001 15 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

7 Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch 6 8 Teen SOYO 7 833 Total 758 This represents 91.00% of the “possible” votes according to the census of 833 inclusive votes. Parishes and Missions not seated because they have not submitted their credentials and/or paid their assessments are: St. George Church, Upland, CA St. Michael Mission, Falmouth, MA St. Peter Church, N. Miami, FL St. Barnabas Mission, Lexington, SC St. Basil Church, Silver Springs, FL St. Joseph the Damascene Church, New Westminster, BC Pastors of any parish that did not pay their Archdiocese assessment are seated at this convention. Pastors who did not submit their credentials are not seated at this convention. No parishes were seated that did not submit their credentials prior to the start of this convention. To all that faithfully comply with the Archdiocesan direc- tives and expedite the work of this department, we sincerely thank you for your diligence. We would also like to thank all TITHING those who helped to distribute the ballots on Tuesday and It is noteworthy to point out that 25 parishes are current- Wednesday. ly tithing; this is 11.36% of the Archdiocese. Respectfully submitted, REGIONAL BREAKDOWN OF PARISHES Archimandrite Michael Evans AND COMMUNICANTS Chairman, Department of Statistics & Credentials 3. METROPOLITAN PHILIP made the following nomina- Number of % of Parishes No. of % of Total tions of Convention Officers Parishes Archdiocese Baptized Souls Communicants (a) Dr. George Farha, Vice Chairman Can-Am 16 7.24% 5,746 11.93% (b) Mr. Robert Koory, Chancellor Eastern 34 15.38% 8,757 18.18% Mr. Charles Ajalat, Chancellor Midwest 43 19.46% 10,331 21.45% (c) Mr. George Darany, Detroit, MI (Sergeant-at-Arms) New England 10 4.52% 4,846 10.06% Dr. Sam Kouri, Wichita, KS (Sergeant-at-Arms) Southeast 30 13.57% 3,559 7.39% Mr. William Morrison, Wheaton, IL (Sergeant-at- Southwest 38 17.19% 5,860 12.17% Arms) Western 50 22.62% 9,059 18.81% Total 221 100.00% 48,158 100.00% 4. Introduction of guest Hierarchs and members of the Board of Trustees was presented by METROPOLITAN PARISHES VOTING PHILIP. He introduced the following Hierarchs: Metropolitan ANTONIO Chedraoui of Mexico, From 514 possible parish votes in the Archdiocese, 480 Metropolitan SERGIOS Abad of Chile, Metropolitan KIRI- are present at the time of this report, either in person or by LOS Doumat of Argentina, Metropolitan DAMASKINOS proxy. This represents 93.30% parish votes of the Mansour of Brazil, Metropolitan Paul Saliba of Australia Archdiocese. and Bishop NIPHON Saikaly, Exarch of the Antiochian Patriarchate in Moscow. He then introduced the Bishops of PASTORS VOTING this Archdiocese: Archbishop ANTOUN Khouri, Bishop From 203 possible pastors in the Archdiocese, 178 are Joseph and Bishop DEMETRI; Bishop BASIL was unable to present at the time of this report, either in person or by attend because of an indisposition. He then introduced the proxy. This represents 87.68% of pastors of the Archdiocese. Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese: Dr. George Farha From a possible 34 retired pastors, and non-parochial (Vice Chairman), Mr. Ralph Abercia (Honorary), Mr. Abe Archdiocesan assigned priests, 26 are present at the time of Abraham (Honorary), Mr. Alan Abraham, Mr. Charles this report, either in person or by proxy. This represents Ajalat (Chancellor), Rt. Rev. Bishop JOSEPH Al-Zehlaoui, 76.47% of the retired pastors and non-parochial priests. Mr. Nicola Antakli, Mr. Edward Assile, Dr. Anthony S. Bashir, Dr. David Bojrab, Dr. John D. Dalack (Secretary), VOTING Mr. George Darany, Rt. Rev. Paul Doyle (Protosyngellos), Together from a total of 833 “possible” qualified votes, Mr. Fawaz El-Khoury, Mr. Philip Haddad, Dr. Yousif the breakdown is as follows for the Archdiocese and its orga- Hamati, Mrs. Elaine Heider, Dr. Donald Howard, Mr. nizations: Alexander E. Kalil, Rt. Rev. ANTOUN Khouri, Rt. Rev. Bp. Votes Present and Voting DEMETRI Khoury, Mr. Robert Koory (Chancellor), Dr. Sam (in person or by proxy) Kouri, Dr. Raymond Kyriakos, Mr. Kenneth Laham, Mr. 514 Parishes/Missions 480 Robert Laham, Mrs. Anne Glynn Mackoul, Dr. Paul 203 Pastors 178 Massad, Dr. Alan E. Matook, Mr. Hafiz Nassar (Honorary), 34 Retired Pastors/Non Parochial Clergy 26 Mr. William Nassir, Mr. George Nassor, Mr. Walter 53 Archdiocese Board of Trustees 47 Parhamovich, Mr. Mansour Rayan, Dr. Raymond Rishwain 7 Antiochian Women 7 (Chairman, Order of St. Ignatius), Mr. Adeeb Sadd 7 Fellowship of St. John the Divine 7 (Honorary), Mr. Naseeb Saliba (Honorary), Ms. Jean Sam,

16 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dr. Eugene Sayfie, Mr. Ernest Saykaly (Vice-Chairman the future generations of Orthodox youth; an abuse of the Emeritus, Honorary), V. Rev. Paul Schneirla, Mrs. Adele clergy and their families, in terms of dignity and security; a Soffa, Mr. Ernest Younes. Patriarchate which still, since the Ottoman Empire, remained dependent upon other local Autocephalous Orthodox 5. The Minutes of The 44th General Assembly held in Churches. These conditions — and there were more — Chicago, Illinois as printed and described in The WORD demonstrated a general lack in the proper leadership and were received by acclamation. administration of ecclesiastical life. 6A. FATHER JOSEPH ALLEN announced the Symposium for But it was when he studied in the West — first in England, Metropolitan PHILIP’S 35th Episcopacy and the 20th year then in the United States — that the young Philip was able to of Bishop ANTOUN’S ordination as a Bishop. draw the contrast — the contour — by which he was taught Presentations were made as follows: about the need for a more organized and integrated adminis- tration for the Church. He began to learn that the Church Welcome to this Special Anniversary Symposium, one must surely be rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet which we hope will be a highlight of this historic Convention, confront the reality and context of the day. and which, we hope, will linger in all our memories for many He knew he had to be like unto the “Scribe” described by years to come. Our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew. That Gospel says: Before we begin, we want everyone to know that this Therefore every scribe which is instructed in the Symposium is going on despite the resistance of Sayidna kingdom of heaven, is like a householder who brings Philip. He was reluctant. He was resistant. But we prevailed forth out of his treasure things old and things new by wearing him down, and we did so by convincing him that (Matthew 13:52). this was more for us, his people, than it was for him. “Things old:” this meant both what he learned from his Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, we had better enjoy this mother and father in Abou-Mizan, Lebanon, and then as he because, as you know, it isn’t often that this willful Lebanese more formally studied theology at the Balamand Seminary. man can be “worn down!” “Things new:” this meant what he learned by that “contour” And so, it is our extreme honor that, before we begin the while studying in the West. Both experiences — old and new work of this General Assembly — the work of the Body of — made a lasting impression upon the manner in which Christ, the Church — we pause for this brief time, and reflect Philip would later administrate: he now understood the need upon the Episcopal Ministry of our “Father and Chief to discern between custom(s) and the Apostolic Tradition; Shepherd,” Metropolitan Philip. This is, after all, his 35th between empty forms and true forms; between a rigid, phari- year as our primatial leader, and when we have completed saic status quo and a creative, evangelical vision. Such “dis- these brief thoughts on the key points of his Episcopacy, we cernment,” which is known in the Desert Literature as “the will then present to the delegates gathered here, a surprise mother of all virtues,” is always needed to discover the truth. and a unique opportunity to share in this Anniversary In terms of hierarchical administration, such discernment, Symposium. always the hallmark of Metropolitan Philip’s administrative First, however, those of us who have planned this policy, creates equilibrium rather than irresponsibility, care Symposium — those of us who will present this Symposium rather than carelessness. Philip was “schooled” in this mix, — want you all to know that although the focus will be upon one which has taken the best from things old and things new. the 35 years of our growth and development, we mean at But where to begin? In what ways can we see the imple- every turn to include Sayidna Philip’s right hand man — his mentation of his administrative capacity? friend of 50 some years; the person who has stood in the We can begin with his early reorganization of the entire Church with him as an ecclesial partner in the Lord; that is, Archdiocese into “Departments” e.g., the Departments of we want at every turn to include His Grace, Bishop Antoun, Finance, of Christian Education, of Liturgics, of Legal Affairs, who this year celebrates the 50th year of his Ministry, both as etc., today at least 22 of them. Such departments were not Presbyter and Bishop. May God Grant Sayidna Antoun: “one man shows,” nor products of clericalism; they are a MANY, MANY YEARS! healthy mix of clergy and laity, men and women, profession- As we turn to the 35th Anniversary, we want to delve — if ally trained and the merely interested. Again in the quest for only briefly — into “the Mind and the Heart of Philip Saliba,” a mind and heart which is truly characterized by the Evangelist St. John, in the words “And He Leads Them” (John 10:2-3). I will begin with a more global look at this Episcopacy, fol- lowed by others who will focus on particular areas within that Episcopacy. Philip was but fourteen when he entered the Balamand Seminary at Tripoli, Lebanon. He later attended and graduat- ed from the Orthodox Secondary School in Homs, Syria, and the Assiyeh Orthodox College in Damascus. At the tender age of 18, he was ordained to the holy diaconate in 1949, and was assigned to serve as secretary to His Beatitude Alexander III (Tahan), Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. In 1952 he was appointed to teach in the department of Arabic Language and Literature at the Balamand Seminary. What he saw during these early years was never to be for- gotten by Philip: he saw a lack of integrity on the part of some of the Hierarchy; a diminution of solid Orthodox theological training into robotic forms; a lack of organized programs for

November 2001 17 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY applying things old and things new, the Metropolitan contin- England and North America, Philip was learning about this ued to vigorously implement various administrative pro- critical dimension: fatherhood. Without this quality, every- grams: in the financial area where he pressed into the service thing realized would fall short. Philip is, first of all, a true of the Church, talented and dedicated persons in order to father to his clergy. In this capacity, he has established a build a solid financial program; in directing his attention to viable insurance and retirement plan, one which can give to the Youth, with an emphasis upon the Fellowship of St. John his clergy a sense of dignity and security. In perfect line with the Divine; in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of this concern, he created the Continuing Theological and North America (AOCWNA); in the creation of the Order of St. Pastoral Education Program to upgrade and renew the min- Ignatius of Antioch. istry of the clergy. It seems he never forgot from his child- But above all, the administrative act which brought joy to hood the impoverished life of the clergy; it motivates his con- the heart of every Antiochian Christian occurred on June 24, stant concern for the clergy. He truly fits what some have 1975. It was on that day when Metropolitan Philip and called him: “a priest’s bishop.” Archbishop Michael of thrice Blessed Memory (of the former And so, as we look at this man, “the mind and heart of Toledo, Ohio diocese) effected administrative and jurisdic- Philip Saliba,” we see the Administrator, the Philanthropist, tional unity of the Antiochian Orthodox faithful of North the Builder, the Father. America. That unity was ratified by the Holy Synod of the Everybody here already knows that in this short period — Patriarchate on August 19, 1975, wherein Metropolitan Philip and as I said, we begged him for only one hour — we can was named Primate. hardly cover his sterling 35 years of service to Christ and the This is Philip, the Gospel. Nevertheless, it is meet Administrator. and right in our brief pause, to Regarding philanthropy point to a few specific orienta- and building, we can especially tions, i.e., beyond these more note the various international global reflections. Thus, we programs such as his creation have selected three of the of the “Children’s Relief Fund” many areas: (which raised over 1.5 million 1) Youth Ministry; dollars for needy children in 2) Mission and Evangelism, the Middle East); in the annual and “Food for the Hungry” cam- 3) Orthodox Unity in paign, used not only to relieve America. suffering in the Levant, but In each of these areas throughout North and South which follows, we will see how America, Europe and Asia; in true are the words of the the campaign to rebuild the St. Evangelist, St. John: George Orthodox Hospital in “The Shepherd calls his Beirut; to provide food and own sheep by name — And He shelter for earthquake victims Leads Them”! in Armenia, Iran, Mexico, Turkey, or for the “sick and 6B. MR. CHARLES AJALAT suffering” which resulted out of offered the following the Persian Gulf war, etc. The list can go on, and each would presentation. simply pile upon the philanthropic deeds of the Metropolitan Philip’s Ministry of Unity Metropolitan’s ministry. I. The Essence of Metropolitan Philip Saliba is a man of In terms of “building,” Philip has always taken the lead. unity. This unity is made real by three other words: For example, in 1977 he established a $500,000 endowment Vision, Courage, and Leadership. fund for the support of the Balamand Seminary. Later in A. Vision: “A people without vision perishes” (Proverbs 1999, he raised one million dollars to add to the University of 29:18). Metropolitan Philip’s vision is the vision of Balamand, a Cultural and Athletic Complex. Christ, a united body righteously and justly trans- And of course within the Archdiocese, the Metropolitan forming our own souls and the cultures in which we has been the main spearhead for the building of the live. Antiochian Village complex, which includes the Summer B. Let’s look at 10 quick examples of his ministry of Camp and the Heritage and Learning Center, and is presently unity with vision, courage and action. heading into yet another phase. One can hardly imagine the • He had the courage to unify the two Antiochian Antiochian Archdiocese in the 80’s and 90’s — and up to the Archdioceses, when the Mother Church simply present — without these institutions; they are known would not act. throughout all of North America, especially reflecting the vital • He had the courage to unify the evangelical ortho- youth programs undertaken there. dox into the canonical Orthodox Church, when This is Philip the Philanthropist and Builder. everyone else refused or delayed. And, finally, before we move on to the other presenters • He has the courage to repeatedly exhort the Arab and their brief statements within this Anniversary world and all Arab religious leaders who respect Symposium, we must also remember that an Orthodox bish- him so much, to be unified in the search for peace op is not only an administrator, nor merely a builder and and justice. philanthropist; he must also — and always — be a “father.” • He had the courage, against naysaying, to build From his earliest days in Lebanon and Syria, and then in the Antiochian Village and national camping pro-

18 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

grams where many of our youth have become uni- Why Orthodox administrative unity: So that Christ and fied into the body of Christ; His Church — the Orthodox Church — might accomplish its • He had the courage, against naysaying, to build mission and that the proclamation of the true Good News of the Order of St. Ignatius, so that we might have Christ — might be more visible and available to all North the resources to make unity meaningful. Americans. • He had the courage to unify the women of the A fragmented Orthodox Church in North America is ham- Archdiocese through the Antiochian Women, the pered by the Mother Churches in truly witnessing to Christ youth of our Archdiocese through the Youth on this continent, and transforming its culture, its peoples, its Department, the Fellowship and Teen SOYO. policies. As Metropolitan Philip says: • He had the courage to preserve the unity of the When the American media refer to the main reli- Church around the episcopacy rather than to gions in this country, it always mentions allow schism and protestant-type disunity in the Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Judaism. Can painful Ben Lomond situation; we blame America for its ignorance of Orthodoxy? I • He had the courage to unify all of the Orthodox think not. It is we Orthodox who are to blame … This bishops in North America for the first time in his- Church, which was established by Christ Himself tory in the beautiful place in the mountains, through the power of the Holy Spirit, cannot be limit- which his vision created — the Antiochian Village; ed by geography or culture. • He had the courage to lead the Standing Where is our influence on our national and local Conference of Can- politics? Where is our com- onical Orthodox mon position vis-á-vis abor- Bishops in the tion, euthanasia, homosex- Americas into a uality, social injustice and unified ministry to world hunger? … The only the poor through way we can respond effec- International tively to this challenge is Orthodox Christian through Orthodox unity … Charities; I strongly believe that • He had the courage Orthodox unity is to say that the time inevitable because the All- has come for our Holy Spirit continues to Archdiocese to be work in the Church … autonomous and to Our Metropolitan puts his lay the groundwork vision into action: He was for a stable and instrumental in forming continued flourish- International Orthodox ing unified archdio- Christian Charities (IOCC) as cese and for some- a united North American time in the future Orthodox witness which, this for a unified church year in Lebanon alone, with a 1 on this continent; $3 ⁄2 million grant, will impact II.To feel Metropolitan Philip’s spirit of unity let us listen an entire generation of Lebanese children. to his own words in just two of these areas: In 1994, Metropolitan Philip hosted the historic First A. First, the Toledo-NY split: Years ago, the Antiochian Conference of Bishops at Antiochian Village, an event which Church here unfortunately became divided into two is a turning point for the entire Orthodox Church in North Archdioceses and then through the vision, courage and lead- America. Listen to his words: ership of Metropolitan Philip became united again in the early Ninety-five percent of my priests were born in this 1970s. Listen to his historic words to the people in country. Therefore this is their burning desire, their Charleston, W.Va. in 1973: constant dream — to see Orthodoxy united in this In the past, we have had some encounters to find country. This does not mean that we sever relations a solution to our North American problem. with the Mother Churches. On the contrary … We Regretfully, these encounters have failed because both want to be more effective in our helping the Mother of us, deep in our hearts, were relying on the Holy Churches. I am sure that the Mother Churches will Synod of Antioch, which is 7,000 miles away from us, benefit from a strong united Orthodox Church more to resolve our problem and bring unity to our divided than they can benefit from a fragmented Orthodox people in North America. Church in North America. How can we dream of a united Arab world, or how As he gave the final homily to all the Orthodox Bishops in can we dream of a united Orthodox Church in North North America — gathered for the first time in history — America, if our own family is divided? they hung, literally hung, on his every word, it was so quiet And Metropolitan Philip proceeded to lead the two archdioce- that truly one could hear a pin drop. Our Metropolitan, con- ses into the full unity of the one strong Archdiocese we have cluding that brilliant homily, said: now. … the two past days which we have spent here B. The second example of his love for unity has been his prove to me beyond doubt that an old era has passed leading the Orthodox Church on this continent toward a uni- and a new era has begun and a new day has dawned fied witness: on us in inter-orthodox relations.

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Yes, the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us counselors than campers, but, as experience was gained and from throughout this continent to witness to Holy the rich experience spread, Antiochian Village Camp became Orthodoxy, to say that we are one; to tell the world the most desirable spot for both counselors and campers. that the Orthodox Church on this continent has a Many children were reluctant to attend camp, but once they dynamism which you cannot find in any place in this met others of their own age and felt the warmth and love of world. the counselors and volunteers, they did not want to leave. Therefore, the future is ours: the future belongs to Each year there are some first time campers apprehensive our children, our clergy, and our faithful … about staying at Camp, but at the end of their two-week expe- In both the Toledo-NY situation and administrative unity rience, they are exchanging phone numbers and e-mail on this continent, we see three characteristics of our addresses, and planing to return the next summer. Metropolitan that have infused his ministry of unification. The Camp has fostered long-standing friendships, and in They are his vision for unity, his courage to move the Church several instances engagements and marriages. Each year toward unity, and his leadership to consummate actions of there are former campers planning marriages at the Village. unity. In addition, former campers have found a renewed focus on Metropolitan Philip, in his very essence, is a man of unity. their faith, and some have gone on to an Orthodox seminary. May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, who loves From that group a number have become ordained to the unity, continue to honor and keep safe this man of unity, our priesthood including the current camp director, Fr. Michael beloved Metropolitan Philip. God grant you many years. Nasser. In addition to the Camp other “neighborhoods” were 6C. FATHER MICHAEL MASSOUH made the following envisioned for the Village. In January 1981, a $6 million presentation. Building Fund Drive was launched under the leadership of then Vice-Chairman of the Board, Ernest Saykaly, for the Heritage & Learning Center,3 and on July 15, 1984 ground was broken for Phase I, a 50-room center with cafetorium, museum, and library. On July 14, 19854 Patriarch Ignatius IV with Metropolitans Philip, Elia of Hama, and Elia of Aleppo, Archbishop Michael, and Bishops Antoun, Maximos (Greek), Christopher (Serbian), and Nicholas (Carpatho-Russian) together with a host of clergy dedicated the new building.5 On October 19, 1989 ground was broken for Phase II6, consisting of an additional 50 lodging rooms, meeting rooms, and a new dining hall, completed in June 1990. Starting the weekend of September 28-30, 19797 a pil- grimage to St. Thekla’s Shrine was inaugurated that became enhanced on the weekend of September 8-10, 2000 with the added pilgrimage to the grave of St. Raphael, canonized on Memorial Day 2000. The Center serves as a gathering place for many Orthodox people and groups as well as other Christian churches and non-profit organizations, and for family reunions, wedding receptions, and banquets. Many depart- ments of the Archdiocese hold meetings at the Village includ- Antiochian Village is the realization of Metropolitan ing the Board of Trustees and the Clergy Symposium. Philip’s dream to establish a spiritual retreat center for all Looking back on less than a quarter century one finds members of the Archdiocese and all Orthodox Christians. that initially there were high hopes and a grand vision with Appalled by the riots that he saw in the late 1960s and early many objectives, several of which were accomplished. But, it 1970s, Metropolitan Philip wanted a camp to which young was not easy to convince the faithful or to raise the money to people could go to learn a Christian way of life, and a cultural realize the objectives. Thank God our Good Chief Shepherd, and heritage center to which all ages could visit to learn more Metropolitan Philip, taught us all something; namely, together about their faith and heritage. with Christ we can do all things through Him who strength- So, word went out to find a place, and on March 31, 1978 ens us (Phil 4:13). Archimandrite George M. Corry, George Koury, and Bill Essey In one of his Convention speeches, Metropolitan Philip, (now Bishop Basil) attended the closing at Union Title echoing the words of Archbishop Ofiesh8 in the 1930s, chal- Company in Pittsburgh to purchase Camp Fairfield, a lenged the defeatists by asking what kind of legacy will we Presbyterian Camp and grounds.1 During the summer of 1978 leave for posterity: “kibbee and belly dancing?”9 when all the Presbyterians rented the camp from the Antiochian other nationalities have made significant contributions to Archdiocese, and in November 1978 George Kemp of The American life. Clearly, there is a more important legacy than Kemp Group in McKeesport presented a master plan for the bricks and mortar, but bricks and mortar provide the frame- Village after consulting with various members of the work in which cultural and religious contributions can be Archdiocese.2 made. A significant contribution to the Orthodox faithful in In the Summer of 1979, Fr. John Namie opened the first America took place at Antiochian Village between November Antiochian Summer Camp at the Village. He was assisted by a 30 and December 2, 1994 when all the Canonical bishops in volunteer staff, all of whom were learning on the job. During North America met for the first time to discuss Orthodox the first few years there were times when there were more administrative unity.10 The results of this major meeting are

20 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY still being felt in Orthodox circles internationally. all nations and all ethnic backgrounds. This spirit of love Perhaps Metropolitan Philip was remembering found in Antioch ultimately permeated the entire Apostolic Archbishop Antony’s words: “What are you afraid of? No one Church and caused it to spread to all nations. can divide you if you don’t let them”11 when he challenged the Because you, Sayidna Philip, embody this spirit of defeatists. For we now know first hand that together with Antioch, God has uniquely used you to open the door of the Christ we can achieve more than we thought possible, Orthodox Christian faith to North America. In this nation, all because now we have built a major institution on American of the nations of the world are present. America truly repre- shores. sents the Gentiles. We here, at this Convention, who are the Heinz 57 1 Report of the Administrative Committee, May 26, 1978 Camp and Varieties of Americans, thank you — our wives and children Conference Center (Mimeographed booklet in Archives of Antiochian and grandchildren thank you — for you have opened the door Village) that heretofore had been closed. Though there have always 2 The Kemp Group, Master Development Plan: Antiochian Village (November, 1978) 69 page booklet; Village Archives been individual converts to Orthodoxy — and many of the 3 Presentation to Special Gifts Committee, March 14, 1981, at the Union convert priests in our Archdiocese have been Orthodox for 25 League Club in Chicago. (Village Archives) to 45 years or more — the reality is: never, until you opened 4 Paul D. Garrett, “The Village Today and Yesterday,” The WORD, June 1990, the door to the Evangelical Orthodox Church, was there a 11. 5 Ibid. way for a pastor and his whole flock to come together into 6 Ibid., 17. the faith. 7 Ibid., 9. As a result, the door has been opened for other jurisdic- 8 Mariam Namey Ofiesh, Archbishop Aftimios Ofiesh: A Biography (Sun City, tions to do the same. Only recently the OCA has quietly West, AZ: Abihider Co., 1999), 153. 9 Paul Garrett, op. cit., 10. 10 George Bedrin and Philip Tamoush, eds., A New Era Begins: Proceedings of the 1994 Conference of Orthodox Bishops in Ligonier, Pennsylvania (Torrance, CA: Oakwood Publications, 1996). 11 Quote by Archbishop Antony on his portrait hanging in the vestibule of Antiochian Village Center. 6D. THE VERY REVEREND GORDON THOMAS WALKER offered the following presentation. Your Eminence Metropolitan Philip, Beloved Hierarchs, Fellow Priests, Deacons, and Laity, it is my privilege to address the topic “Metropolitan Philip’s Role in Missions and Evangelism.” In the Acts of The Apostles, Chapter 15, we read about extremely important events that transpired in Antioch which shaped the destiny of the Church to our very day. A conflict arose about whether or not one must keep certain of the Jewish laws before he could be saved. After much dissension and dispute, Paul and Barnabas and certain other Antiochian Christians were sent to present the matter to the Apostles and Presbyters in Jerusalem. In verse 3, the Scriptures say, “So being sent on their way by the Church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describ- ing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy taken in several whole congregations. When we of the former to all the brethren.” EOC were ready to come in, that was not possible. Because Upon arriving in Jerusalem they laid the matter before you, Sayidna, blazed the trail almost fifteen years ago, it can the Apostles and Presbyters and the first Church Council was be predicted that within the 21st century, dozens if not hun- convened, presided over by James, the Brother of our Lord. dreds (and would-to-God thousands) of whole congregations After much debate, Peter stood and spoke, reminding them will enter the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church in that God had used him to first present the Gospel to the North America. (Let me emphasize, I am speaking of whole Gentiles when the conversion of the Centurion Cornelius and congregations, not individuals.) his household (Acts 10) took place. Your Eminence, there are a number of us present at this At this point in the Council the prophecy of Amos was set Convention who vividly remember that special day in forth by James as proof that God intended to bring people September of 1986. We had been invited by you into the large from all nations, cultures, and languages into the Church. meeting room of the Archdiocese Headquarters, and we had The final decision of the council was to agree that the conver- come to tell you that we were prepared to accept your direc- sion of the Gentiles was God-ordained. Thus it was at tions for entering the Church of Antioch. Antioch, the home of our God-protected Mother Church, that After some time of dialogue and discussion, one among us the first mass movement of Gentiles into Christianity took stood and rather emotionally declared, “If you do not receive place. Before this happened, the Church was an ethnic Jewish us, who will? To whom can we go?” Your response was a Church. As you know, the word “Gentiles” can be defined as warm and loving, “Welcome home! Welcome home, broth- “peoples of all nations.” This mass movement was possible ers,” and we wept tears of joy and relief and comfort. The far- only because the original Antiochian Christians — the ther away from that event of our reception we get, the more Hellenistic Jews and Gentile converts led by Saints Peter and of a miracle it seems to be! Paul and Barnabas — had open hearts and love for people of There are many things you have done to embody and

November 2001 21 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY express the spirit of Antioch, which is the true spirit of team effort. Let me hasten to mention the special role Missions and Evangelism. I will enumerate a few of them: of Sayidna Antoun concerning Missions and • First, you made possible the widespread use of Evening Evangelism. He has given faithful oversight to the Divine Liturgies for the weekday feasts of the Church. development of New Missions and Parishes for many America has become such a busy nation it would be years. impossible for most of our faithful to attend these vital • Fourth, Sayidna, you have established Missions Feasts of the Church without the Evening Divine Coordinators in each region and now, it appears, some Liturgies. In every Antiochian parish where they cele- Deaneries are establishing the post of Missions brate Evening Feast Day Liturgies, the Churches are Coordinator. Though we are still learning how to coor- virtually full of people. Our Lord said, “The Sabbath dinate the efforts of these various entities, the wonder- was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark ful reality is we are seeing a greatly increased amount 2:27). You have put this truth into practice by making of Mission outreach. weekday Feasts available to the people. • Fifth, the group known as the Evangelical Orthodox • Second, the Antiochian House of Studies, which you Church, which you brought into the Archdiocese in established and which has been developed and super- 1987, had already established the Conciliar Press and vised by Father Joseph Allen along with the St. Again Magazine. You took that ministry under your Stephen’s Correspondence course, has greatly wing, helped to fund it, and gave it additional guidance. advanced the Missions and Evangelism outreach of our Though Conciliar Press went through very difficult Archdiocese. times in 1998 and ’99, we rejoice to say that it is now • Third, you have established the Department of Missions on a solid financial footing. Last year, under the able and Evangelism. That Department was functioning leadership of then Deacon Thomas Zell (now Father before we Evangelicals were invited to enter the Thomas), they sold over $900,000 worth of excellent Archdiocese and it had a good record for establishing Orthodox materials. Conciliar Press has become known new missions in many parts of the country prior to our for its high standards of Orthodox publications of all entrance. However, in 1987 you greatly strengthened varieties and has also been called “the American voice the work of the Department by adding full time staff. In of Orthodoxy in the world.” addition to Fr. Peter Gillquist being appointed the • Sixth, you also accepted and blessed the Orthodox Director of the Department, you have added five other Christian Prison Ministry, the first nationally organized staff members. During the past almost 15 years, we Orthodox prison ministry in the world. This work, have had 37 missions to reach full parish status. And begun by Archimandrite Duane Pederson, is now being we presently have 37 new missions (a total of 74 new led by Fr. David Ogan. Our prison ministry has pro- missions and parishes in that period of time). We also duced such excellent Catechetical and devotional mate- have 8 mission stations and/or chapels. rials for prisoners that many parishes are now ordering In addition to these new Eastern Rite Parishes and those materials for their own use. We are on the verge Missions, the Western Rite Vicariate reports 14 new of seeing a tremendous growth of outreach in this min- Western Rite Parishes and Missions established during istry. the past 15 years. • Seventh, you accepted and blessed the Saint The Department of Missions and Evangelism does not Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology. The seek to claim sole responsibility for all of the new SAAOT under the faithful leadership of Father Jack works that have been started. We have been the initia- Sparks, Father Richard Ballew, and Father Jon Braun tor or catalyst in many new works, but it has taken the had been the primary source for the serious research combined efforts of Bishops, Priests, Parishes, Regional and study that was needed for the conversion of the Coordinators, the ministries of St. John the Divine, former Evangelical Orthodox Church to canonical AOCWNA, the Order of St. Ignatius, Teen SOYO and Orthodoxy. Without the Academy we would never have many others to make this growth happen. It is truly a successfully completed that journey. Since entering the Antiochian Archdiocese, the SAAOT has had hundreds of people enrolled in its correspon- dence courses. These correspondence courses continue to grow in quality, number, and acceptance across jurisdictional lines. Also, the St. Athanasius Academy has developed special correspondence study courses for prisoners with 155 prisoners presently enrolled in them and hundreds of other prisoners having been stu- dents in the past. • Eighth, undoubtedly, the greatest contribution of the Saint Athanasius Academy is the Orthodox Study Bible. After prodigious effort, the New Testament and Psalms edition was published in 1993. Even greater effort is now being put forth into the production of the Old Testament. Under Fr. Jack’s leadership more than 75 people are involved with the project. Most are volun- teers. They labor not for money, prestige or recognition but simply for the love of God and His Word. This endeavor will include all the Orthodox books of the so- called Apocrypha, and is based on the Septuagint. The

22 The Word October 2001 22 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

publication date is Fall of 2005. Without doubt, the time, funded Department of Missions & Evangelism. My completed Orthodox Study Bible will become one of counterpart in Ukrainian Orthodox Canada says, our greatest tools for evangelizing the Gentiles of North “Everything we do, we pattern after the Antiochians!” America for the Orthodox Faith. Neither the Old or 3. Beyond Orthodox Unity and Orthodox need to evange- New Testament projects would have been possible with- lize we learn a third thing — Metropolitan Philip Saliba is a out your blessing and support. radical among the convocational in the tradition of SS. Peter • Time does not permit me to discuss the impact on and Paul. He is constantly dissatisfied with the status quo — Missions and Evangelism that the IOCC has had. and that dissatisfaction sizzles on nearly every page of this Without the sacrificial and dedicated work of our book. Make no mistake — Metropolitan Philip has an agenda Chancellor Mr. Charles Ajalat and many others, and — NOT HIDDEN and NOT ETHEREAL. without your blessing and support, the IOCC would You will use this book never have come into being. And along this same line • For your own evangelism and personal library you have continued to support the OCMC (The • To pass to other Orthodox Orthodox Christian Mission Center) with money and • To pass on to non Orthodox to bring them home by appointing Antiochian Board Members. This organi- In years passed you’ve heard sound bytes — not in con- zation does much for worldwide Missions and text; here is the collection of the best of the mind of Evangelism. Metropolitan Philip and he leads them forward with enthusi- Finally, Sayidna, this is clearly not an exhaustive discus- asm. sion of your role in Missions and Evangelism. Rather, these are only some of the special works in this area which you 6F. THE VERY REV. JOSEPH PURPURA made the following have sponsored and made possible. For all these and many presentation. more holy deeds you have done in taking the Gospel of Christ Your Eminence Metropolitan Philip, to all peoples, “may the Lord God remember you in His • You have welcomed and challenged your young people Heavenly Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages.” to love Christ, His Church and all those around them and across the world. 6E. THE VERY REV. PETER GILLQUIST presented these • You have challenged your young people to continuously comments. reach new heights. Today you are in for an incredible treat — a surprise. It is • You have taught them to dream dreams and to make my pleasure to announce publication of an historic new book those dreams a reality. at this occasion of celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Across this continent we see our young people serving Sayidna Philip’s Episcopacy. It is entitled And He Leads Them their Church, their neighbors and those less fortunate than — a chronicle of the writings and spoken words from the they. You have inspired your young people to serve. hand and heart of our Metropolitan over more than one third In the very early days of your episcopacy you allowed the of a century of his leadership as the Shepherd of souls. programs of Sr. SOYO (now the Fellowship of St. John the Ten years ago I had the honor of writing his biography — Divine) to flourish and prosper — so that they matured into a color commentary in my words. This year, we have by con- active and dynamic departments. You empowered and trast a play by play account of his ministry — his vision in his encouraged the Fellowship to be creative and they have creat- words something altogether DIFFERENT. And in assembling ed and continue to generate many new ministries. As a good and editing this treasury from Sayidna Philip’s mind and shepherd you let your young adults create and lead and they heart, Fr. Joseph Allen has chronicled and placed in clear have done so. context the distilled essence of our Metropolitan’s vision for You saw the need to organize and empower the teens into Orthodox in America — decade by decade, subject by sub- a vibrant and life-giving movement. In 1968 you organized ject. your teens on the regional level and in 1969 you organized What will you learn from this book? them on the Archdiocese level, with the election of Robert M. 1. That Orthodox unity in America is the theme of His Laham as NAC Teen SOYO President. Episcopacy. Whereas others have recently gotten on board, • You challenged your young people to be a vibrant force Sayidna Philip has been talking it up from the start — for 35 in this Archdiocese — and they have become so. years! But not just talking — doing. Re: Archbishop Michael. Many of the past Teen SOYO members are now serving Re: today’s call for autonomy. “The Antiochians are leading you as Priests, Deacons, Khouriyes, Youth Workers, Church the way!” School Teachers, Parish Council Members, as Archdiocese 2. The Orthodox Church must evangelize. Some may Board Members and Members of the Order of St. Ignatius. mistakenly think that we convert Evangelism to Orthodox. In 1990 you challenged your young people to once again Wrong! Metropolitan Philip has been teaching and preaching look at the state of Youth Ministry and to prepare the youth it for decades!! Read what he was saying in the 1970’s! But and its ministry for the 21st century. You called your youth not just talking — doing! leaders to the Antiochian Village for four days of intensive • We are the only jurisdiction with a ministry to persons meetings and you commented on those meetings: “After four and their families through Orthodox Street & Prison days of meetings and sometimes heated discussions, our Ministry. young people and spiritual advisors agreed on a new platform • We are the only jurisdiction that majors in publishing which they presented to me, and which I endorsed.” books, magazines and pamphlets specifically for the Your Eminence, your trust in the youth and your immedi- non-Orthodox through Conciliar Press. ate acceptance of the work they did in those four days at the • We are the only jurisdiction that offers correspondence Village in 1990 has led to a transformed and revitalized youth courses for Orthodox and non-Orthodox through St. ministry movement over the past decade, a ministry that is Stephen’s and St. Athanasius Academy. responsive to the needs of our young people and one that has • Until recently we were the only jurisdiction with a full allowed our young people “to plunge into the depths of the

November 2001 23 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Orthodox Faith.” None of this would have been possible with- out your vision, encouragement and trust. Your Eminence, this youth ministry platform was based on your vision and inspiration. During the first clergy Symposium in 1980 you shared with us the reasons why the early Church gathered. You stated: 1. “To worship the Triune God and celebrate the Eucharist; 2. To preach the Good News and experience a genuine Christian koinonia; 3. To glorify Jesus Christ through a life of witness and service.” You impressed upon us throughout your ministry that the Orthodox Faith is to be lived out daily and touch upon real people’s lives and that it must be rooted in the person of Jesus Christ and not simply theoretical. Therefore, your ministry has taught us and inspired the current youth ministry plat- form — Living the Orthodox Faith in Christ through Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship. Many young adults are choosing to give back to the Church for all that they received at your hands by becoming Dr. Sam Kouri St. George Cathedral Wichita, KS youth directors and finding a multitude of other ways to serve Dr. Paul Massad St. Elijah Church Oklahoma City, OK the Church. Fritz Massouh St. George Church Troy, MI The staff members nurtured at Antiochian Village Camp Dr. Alan Matook St. George Church Little Falls, NJ have gone out and multiplied your efforts many fold by estab- William Morrison Holy Transfiguration Church Warrenville, IL lishing camping programs across North America. Ruth Nimee St. George Cathedral Worcester, MA a. The Northern California Deanery Camp Walter Parhamovich St. Michael Church Las Vegas, NV b. St. John Cathedral Youth Camp (Alaska) Dr. Eugene Sayfie St. George Cathedral Coral Gables, FL c. St. Raphael Summer Camp Program (Southwest Dr. Jameel Hourani St. Nicholas Cathedral Los Angeles, CA Region) d. Camp St. George (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) 7 (2). FATHER OLOF SCOTT Co-Chairman, presented the and this is just the beginning of this explosion of love. Report of the Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Faith Department. You have written that in 1973, as you prepared yourself Moved by Joseph Abud and seconded by Ruth Nimee of for open heart surgery, “The last thing I did before I left for St. George Church Cathedral, Worcester, Massachusetts, home was visit with God at St. John Chrysostom’s Chapel. If the report was accepted for filing. there are pieces of heaven on earth, the chapel of St. John is The Archdiocese has been an active member of the one of them. As I was leaving the chapel, my eyes caught a National Council of Churches since the mid-1930’s, when it glimpse of the words inscribed above the door: “Dedicated to was called The Federal Council of Churches, and has retained Teen SOYO. I thought of our little children, Teen SOYO, the membership through all of the succeeding transformations. youth, our archdiocese, and all the beautiful things that we The delegates for the General Assembly during the 2000-2003 can live for, then, suddenly a feeling of indescribable joy per- Quadrinnuim are Metropolitan Philip Saliba, Daniel A. meated my soul …” Andrews, Anne G. Mackoul, Paul Schneirla and Olof A. Scott. Sayidna, know that we teens of those years raised the Our delegates attend the meetings of the General Assemblies funds for that chapel because you were and are the joy of all (the next one is in Oakland, CA, November 11-16) as the youth of this God-protected Archdiocese. As the young assigned. people bring you joy, you likewise are their sunshine and Additionally our representatives are involved in ancilliary inspiration! activities, for example the Orthodox Liaison Committee made On behalf of the current NAC Teen president Nadia up of representatives of the Orthodox Eastern and Oriental Lauand and newly elected president Nicole Zabak, and all of Church members in the NCC. Our Archdiocese is represent- the teens, past and present, Teen SOYO Spiritual Advisors ed by Father Paul Schneirla and Anne G. Mackoul and the and Youth Directors to whom you have ministered for the actual Governor of Committee is Gabriel Habib, a member past 35 years, we thank you and pray that God will grant You both of the Archdiocese and the NCC Staff. Habib has a long Many More Years as our Chief Shepherd! and distinguished career in ecumenical activity and is a Many Years Master! unique interpreter of Orthodox to the NCC and vici-verra. The Liaison Committee continues to serve as a factor encour- 7. REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS aging mutual understanding and cooperation, definitely need- OF THE ARCHDIOCESE ed as the NCC was designed as a pan-Protestant Council. Church relationships change with history and the NCC 7 (1). ARCHIMANDRITE MICHAEL EVENS presented the exists in a world quite different from that which saw its for- results of the Nominating Committee Meeting. mation. For example, in the last decade major Protestant Daniel Abraham St. Nicholas Church Grand Rapids, MI denominations have arrived at full communion relationships Dr. Anthony Bashir St. George Church West Roxbury, MA which enable them to retain their distinctive structure and George Darany St. George Church Troy, MI image while sharing ministers, sacramental communion and Dr. George Farha St. George Cathedral Wichita, KS programs. These are the major American denominations: the Elaine Heider St. Mary Church Johnstown, PA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian

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Ecumenical Committee are appointed by the sponsoring churches and the Antiochian Orthodox Church is represent- ed on all of the current consultations. The current directory of the Ecumenical Dialogues (SCOBA publication) lists the following Antiochian members of the several consultations. The oldest continuing consulta- tion in the world with Roman Catholics includes our repre- sentatives, Professor Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Dr. Robert Haddad, and Father Paul Schneirla. The Lutheran Dialogue includes Father John Morris and Dr. Bradley Nassif. The Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox includes Mr. Gabriel Habib. The Orthodox-Anglican Dialogue which antedates the for- mation of the SCOBA was suspended in June, 1991 by the SCOBA hierarchs (following what then appeared to be a con- tinuing doctrinal and disciplinary growing apart) and has been resumed by an action taken in 2000. The Anglican Co- Chairman is the recently retired NY Episcopal Bishop Grien. Fr. Paul Schneirla, a charter member of the original Anglican Dialogue, has been appointed to the revived consultation. Due Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. Subsequently to changes in the ecumenical office of the Episcopal Church the LCA and the Episcopal Church entered a similar commu- the new series of meetings has not yet convened. nion agreement that moved the Episcopal Church to suspend The Orthodox Roman Catholic Dialogue its “Ordinal”, the form that heretofore required ministers to The following notice of the most recent meeting of the be ordained in a traditional form thought to insure “Apostolic OCR Dialogue appeared on P. 7.69, June 13, 2001 of the succession”. “SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism.” The significance of these and other discoveries for (Only informal minutes of this dialogue are recorded.) Orthodox may be discussed at the Department meeting, along The sixtieth meeting of the North American Orthodox- with other challenges and opportunities confronting the NCC Catholic Theological Consultation was held at St. Vladimir’s which will be guided by our Co-chairman Fr. Olof Scott. Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, NY from May A new wind is blowing through the familiar interdenomi- 29 to 31, 2001. The meeting was chaired on the Orthodox nal agencies, for example the WCC and the NCC in the USA. side by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, Presiding At the Harare, Zimbabwe world conference the Archdiocese Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Pittsburgh. The was represented by Father Olof Scott and Anne Mackoul. The Catholic Co-Chairman, Archbishop Rembert Weakland of latter was elected to the Central Committee of the WCC and Milwaukee, was unable to attend because of pressing matters subsequently appointed to the Commission representing the in his Archdiocese. Council and its Orthodox members. The Commission is striv- At this session the Consultation continued its study of the ing to attain accommodation between the current, largely problem of the filioque, the insertion by the Western Church protestant domination of the council, and a fairer position for of the phrase, “and the Son” into Holy Spirit. This practice, the Orthodox (Russian and Romanian Orthodoxy represent which was first sanctioned in Spain at the Council of Toledo two of the larger member bodies), among whom there are in 598 but was not accepted in Rome until the 11th century, some current anti-ecumenical points of view. Gabriel Habib has for many centuries been the object of dispute between of this Archdiocese also serves on the commission. the Orthodox and Catholic churches. Along these lines Rev. In the summer of 2000, July 9-19, the VII International George Berthold presented a paper entitled “The Procession Orthodox Roman Catholic Conference, following a delay and of the Holy Spirit in Some Greek Fathers,” which studies a certain reluctance on the part of some Orthodox represen- those texts frequently cited by Latin authors in defense of the tatives, met in Maryland as guests of Baltimore Cardinal filioque. Professor Robert Haddad read his paper, “The William Keeler, the local Archbishop. The representative of Stations of the Filioque,” which surveyed the evolution of the the Patriarchate of Antioch was the Very Rev. Michel Najim, filioque controversy in its political and ecclesiological con- of this Archdiocese. The conclusions of the Conference were text. Rev. James Dutko presented an article by Theodore somewhat ambiguous. A very colored album was produced Stylianopoulos entitled, “The Filioque: Dogma, but there were several negative statements from within the Theologoumenon or Error?” that has been read at a 1985 Orthodox delegations and observers here questioned whether consultation on the Holy Spirit sponsored by the Faith and negotiations are at an impasse. On the other hand some Order Commission of the National Council of Churches of reports were more optimistic. The Pope wrote to the Christ in the USA. Patriarchate of Constantinople, saying in part, “To our deep In addition, Fr. Paul Schneirla presented a brief paper on regret, we must note that the meeting did not allow us to Archbishop John Quinn’s 1999 book, “The Reform of the make any real progress in our dialogue. For this reason the Papacy: The Costly Call to Christian Unity,” and the mem- Theological Commission appropriately drew attention to the bers examined a number of developments in the lives of their need to continue the dialogue and to seek more suitable ways respective churches and the relations between them. The to explain and examine the questions under discussion.” Consultation’s study of the filioque problem will take place From its inception the SCOBA has acted as a coordinating from October 11 to 13, 2001, in Washington, DC. instrument in sponsoring and chairing ecumenical dialogues The members of the Consultation were honored on May between the Orthodox churches in America and various non- 30 with a visit from His Eminence Iakovos, former Greek Orthodox Christian traditions. The members of the Orthodox Orthodox Archbishop of North and South America, one of the

November 2001 25 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Pascha be set according to the decisions of Nicea, based on current astronomical observation. However, the Orthodox representatives pointed out that the Aleppo proposals repre- sent a de facto acceptance of the East of the Western dates, because the Orthodox continue to set the date of Pascha by the Julian Calendar and stipulate that the celebration of the Resurrection must follow the Jewish Passover. Thus, it is very doubtful that the Orthodox Churches of the world would be willing to accept the Aleppo proposals. The decision of the ELCA to enter into full communion with a variety of churches representing a wide divergence of theological orientations from Calvinism to extreme liberalism has only complicated Lutheran Orthodox relations. The Lutherans are in communion with the ultra liberal United Church of Christ and other bodies of the Reformed tradition, while also being in communion with the Episcopalians. Therefore, the Lutherans have opted for sacramental union on the basis of a very limited theological agreement, a posi- tion that is impossible for Orthodox, who believe that there must be total and complete agreement on matters of belief founders of the North American dialogue. In his extempora- and practice before two groups can enter into sacramental neous remarks, His Eminence recalled events early in his life relations. At the same time, the currents of radical feminism that caused him to become firmly committed to the effort to and gay liberation that have grown through most Protestant reestablish full communion between the Catholic and groups have begun to make themselves felt within the ELCA Orthodox churches. He encouraged the members to continue further complicating Orthodox Lutheran relations. Thus, the in the same spirit in which the dialogue had begun, and possibility that Orthodox will reach a wide ranging theological thanked them for not growing tired with its slow pace, espe- agreement with the Lutherans grows increasingly remote as cially on the international level. While some have lost hope the ELCA grows daily to be more like the other Main Line that the goal of unity will be achieved, it is nevertheless the Protestant groups. will of Christ, his Eminence said. The Archbishop advised Following the panic in some quarters after the Ligonier patience and fervent prayer that the Holy Spirit will reani- meeting of the Standing Conference of Bishops, foreign inter- mate the old fire in our hearts for unity. ference created considerable confusion in America. Much of The North American Catholic-Orthodox Theological this has subsided and the SC is gradually restoring its appro- Consultation is sponsored jointly by the Bishops’ Committee priate role. The past crisis was aborted. for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the National Readers of The WORD will remember Metropolitan Philip’s Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of America. It was editorial on the absence of effective leadership in world the first official dialogue between the two churches, founded Orthodoxy. There remains a question to be resolved. All the in 1965 and predating the international dialogue by 15 years. frequently-cited canons prove (they were last changed in a Another body, the Joint Committee on Orthodox and vastly different world) is that the world church determines its Catholic Bishops, has been meeting annually since 1981 to constitution as currently required. There is no dominically discuss pastoral issues between the two churches. established order of Primacy as the Papacy claims. A see that The Lutheran Orthodox Theological Dialogue is willing, able and qualified can become an honest broker if The current report on the Dialogue submitted May 30, authorized by world Orthodoxy and supported. 2001 by the Very Rev. John W. Morris follows: The North American Orthodox Lutheran Ecumenical 7 (3). FATHER PAUL SCHNEIRLA, Vicar General of the Dialogue meets yearly consisting of representatives of various Western Rite, presented the Report of that Department. Orthodox jurisdictions chosen by SCOBA and representatives Moved by Father Joseph Abud and seconded by Father of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Edward Hughes, the report was received for filing. Unfortunately, the dialogue has been much less focused than This year the Western Rite Commission in the Antiochian the last one, which concentrated on the doctrine of salvation. Archdiocese is fifty years old. It was authorized and support- Instead, the current discussions have covered a variety of ed by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchal See of Antioch half a topics including the filioque clause, the nature of the Church, century ago and it has existed through the Pontificates of four and the date of Pascha. Significantly, both sides were able to Patriarchates of Antioch. The movement originated outside of agree that West acted improperly by adding the words “and our Patriarchate around 1870. The times of those ordained the Son” to the Nicene Constantinopolian Creed. However, who knew it as a vision of the Great World church which is we disagreed on the legitimacy of the teaching of the double neither Greek, nor Syriac, nor Byzantine, nor Coptic, nor procession of the Holy Spirit, Lutherans being extremely Ethiopian, but is the cumulative church of all mankind. Its reluctant to abandon centuries of Western teaching. We also mission is the two-fold one of the founder in our Archdiocese. agreed that all Christians should calculate the date of Pascha It stands as a witness to the universality of the church, which on the basis of the decisions of the First Ecumenical Council, transcends all cultures and national gifts. It is also a witness Nicea 325. However, we differed on the application of the to those Orthodox deprived by this wider vision in the middle guidelines of the Council of Nicea for the setting of the date of of the 11th century by the schism between east and west. It the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The Lutherans stands for an undivided church in process of formation and supported the agreement reached at Aleppo, an international provides an example of multi-cultural possibilities of meeting of representatives of Orthodox, Protestant and Christianity. Those who were born or reared in a particular Roman Catholic Churches which proposed that the date of ethnic division of the Orthodox church may not find it

26 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY appealing or useful for them; it is not addressed to them except as an example, it is aimed at Christians who cannot easily adapt the folklores of the middle east and the slavic world. The members of the Western Rite community, clergy and laity are sincerely and particularly grateful for the tolerance and support of the Antiochian church and especially of its establishment here in the United States. The venerable Patriarchate, holy bishops and devoted scholars who have supported this movement, in spite of misunderstandings, lack of vision and even resistance from persons born in a different community is gratefully provided by the members. Those who have attended our most recent Archdiocese convention in Chicago and either witness or heard of the testimony of Metropolitan Philip Saliba to those gathered in the Western Rite meeting were inspired by his vision and support consis- tent with his regard throughout his entire life. We are grateful and at every western altar Sayidna is fervently prayed for by those who share this mission. At the present time there are four churches and two mis- sions on the Pacific Coast. There are four parishes and a mis- port of their Liturgical life. sion in Texas. There are five parishes and a mission in the In addition, the department seeks to educate and encourage plain states. There is a new mission center near Chicago. the clergy toward an increased appreciation of our Liturgical There are six parish centers in the Southeast. It is due to the heritage, toward the recovery of a fuller Liturgical life, and the charity and support of Metropolitan Philip that this very origi- best and most appropriate practice of Liturgics according to our nal but essential work is able to go on. unique Antiochian-American Liturgical customs. In the past year it has been necessary to fill several vacan- The department works closely with the Department of cies. Father Lynch was forced to resign the pastorate of St. Music, inasmuch as that department is concerned with the Augustine because of family illness. He has been replaced by sung musical texts of our Liturgical services, and the partici- Father Hull of St. Elizabeth’s, Mesquite, Texas. Father Hull in pation of choirs and chanters in the celebration of these ser- turn has been succeeded at St. Elizabeth by Fr. Daniel Keller. vices. The department also works with the Western Rite Father Peter Jacobsen, after a successful missionary and pas- Vicariate through the St. George Institute to provide toral career of two years was forced to move to another area Liturgical support, texts, and music for our Western Rite of service in the rite. He has been replaced by a younger man. parishes as well. In view of these required changes of pastors, a new phenome- It has been from the beginning, a joint concern of all non in the vicariate a program seeking to provide succession three of these departments that the texts, music and rubrics in all parishes and missions has been implemented and is in of our services show a certain amount of standard uniformity preparation. throughout our Archdiocese. To this end we try to read The Vicariate publishes an occasional journal for the cler- through and check all publications offered through the gy, Ad Clerum, various devotional and spiritual literature for Archdiocese to see that they conform to Archdiocese stan- all members, an annual Ordo for Liturgy direction in the Mass dards; and to educate and encourage the clergy, choir-direc- and office and has recently decided to resume publication of tors, and chanters to use Archdiocese material and texts. Credo with Father Charles Dinkler as editor and Chief, Dale It is a great distress to us, as well as a continuing frustra- Crakes, Circulation, and John Anderson, Managing Editor. tion, that Liturgical books are published (sometimes music On alternate years when there is no Archdiocese conven- books also) which have not been seen or approved by the tion, the Western Rite people and clergy sponsor a conference department(s). For this reason we have variant texts and for missionary strategy, study and mutual support. Last sum- rubrics and even orders of services in various books which mer it was held in Oklahoma City sponsored by the hos- cause confusion in our parishes. With the proliferation of pitable and generous parish of Father Constantine Nasr. Next desk-top publishing and now the access to Internet Web Sites, year it will gather in another place. Commending this special our departments have been completely by-passed in the prac- work to all of the members of the Archdiocese the members tical life of priests, choir directors, and parishes. Priests of our of our Vicariate wish always to carefully thank those who do Archdiocese simply should not publish in any form, even on not belong to the Rite but help support it, the Bishops, Clergy the Internet, any liturgical texts or music which do not com- and people of the Archdiocese. May the Lord bless you in ply with or are not compatible with the published texts and every way and help you continue to pray for this special min- music of the Archdiocese, and which have not been seen and istry which is breaking new ground in the church. approved by the appropriate departments. Priests and Choir With a faithful expression of unfailing support to directors should not use any such texts or follow any rubrical Metropolitan Philip. advice which they access from such sources without checking them with the appropriate departments of the Archdiocese. 7 (4). The Report of the Department of Liturgics was made We wish to thank the Very Rev. Father Elia Shalhoub, by the Chairman, the VERY REV. EDWARD HUGHES. Moved dean of St. George Cathedral in Coral Gables, Florida, for his by Father Nicholas Neyman and seconded by Father Paul tremendous work on the Liturgical Guide for Priests, O’Callaghan, the report was received for filing. Chanters and Choirs. In addition to directions and orders for This department remains, as always, committed to pro- the services, he tries to provide texts for occasional commem- viding Liturgical texts and resources needed and desired by orations when available. This enables parishes to celebrate the parishes of our Archdiocese for the enrichment and sup- more complete services, and provides much material for spir-

November 2001 27 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY itual growth and instruction for all those who participate in The membership was in general agreement that a new the services. study should be instituted and new guidelines devised. This We also thank the Rev. Father John Winfrey, Rev. Father should be one of the first priorities of the Department in the Thomas Zain, V. Rev. Father Joseph Rahal, Miss SueEllen coming year. Touma, Miss Elaine Hayeck, and all those who worked so II. Group Life Insurance and Long Term Disability: hard for the past four years on the Holy Week pew books The Department is happy to report that there have not which we, unfortunately, were unable to bring to press. been any major problems with our group life and disability Many thanks to Raymond J. George and Dr. Michael G. programs. Our relations with the present carrier have been Farrow of the Department of Sacred Music for their tremen- satisfactory. The rates have been stable and claims paid in a dous interest and support for the work of this department, timely manner. We do not foresee any rate changes in the and facilitation of cooperation and coordination between the coming year. two departments. III. Retired Clergy Housing Allowance: We wish to be responsive to the needs of all the parishes The Department is pleased to announce that the in our Archdiocese, while being loyal to the directions poli- Archdiocese Board of Trustees has increased the contribution cies and established norms of the Archdiocese. Comments of the Archdiocese to our Retired Clergy Housing Allowance and suggestions from the priests and people throughout the fund from $25,000 annually to $50,000 annually effective Archdiocese enable us to continue our ministry in a respon- with the beginning of the current fiscal year. The Order of St. sive and responsible fashion. Please feel free to contact us Ignatius of Antioch has increased its contribution to the fund whenever we can be of service to you. effective with the beginning of the current fiscal year by We would like to thank all the Priests, Deacons, Choir $50,000 annually. These two increases were made with the directors, and other members of our Archdiocese who have stipulation that the benefits paid to our retired clergy would helped us in our projects, provided their expertise and time, be increased to $23.33 per month for each year of service to a and shared their comments and criticisms with us. maximum of 30 years ($700 per month max.). The increase We also thank our Metropolitan Philip for his leadership was effective Feb. 1, 2001. Our heartfelt thanks are given to and guidance, as well as Bishop Demetri, our Episcopal both our Archdiocese trustees and the members of the order Overseer. Many thanks to Bishop Antoun, Bishop Basil, and for their concern for the welfare of our retired clergy. Bishop Joseph for their on-going interest, help and support Currently there are 231 active participating clergy, plus 5 for the work of the department. employees of the Archdiocese who are active and eligible for benefits on their retirement. 7 (5). The Report of the Clergy Benefits Department was We have a total of 32 clergy and 8 clergy wives currently presented by FATHER JOHN BADEEN. Moved by Father receiving benefits totaling $270,000 for the current year. Isaac Crow, and seconded by Father Alex Atty, the report Our fund, as of the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2001, totals was received for filing. $2,588,695.00. The complete report can be found on pages 33 In 1994, the scope of concerns of the Clergy Insurance through 36 of the annual financial report of the Archdiocese. and Retirement Commission was expanded by His Eminence IV. The Vested Clergy Optional Retirement Supplement Metropolitan Philip, to include all matters pertaining to clergy (IRS Code 403 B for Non Profits) welfare and benefits. The Commission has since been desig- As closely as we can determine, 63 of our clergy and nated as the Clergy Benefits Department. parishes are participating in the Archdiocese plan or a private The members of the Department are: His Eminence (401 K) plan. We regret that not all parishes and priests are Metropolitan Philip, ex officio Chairman, His Grace Bishop participating in the optional supplement. Many parishes and Antoun, Supervising Hierarch, V. Rev. John Badeen, priests have voiced desires to contribute towards a retirement Chairman, Rt. Rev. Michael Evans, V. Rev. Michael Elias, Mr. fund. This supplement has been in place for several years and George Nassor, Mr. Peter Dacales, and Mr. Dan Miller. all parishes and clergy have been told about it. Additionally During the past two years the Department held four meet- our fiduciary agents have circulated much information about ings at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, N.J. The their plans. There are several to choose from with excellent following topics were the items track records and we still urge of discussion on the agenda. you to get on board. I. Guidelines for Basic V. Health Insurance Stipend and Benefits for We continue to participate Full Time Pastors: in the Hospital-Medical Group After considerable discus- Plan with the Greek sion there was a consensus of Archdiocese and the OCA. opinion of the members in Regrettably the claims loss attendance that: ratio has been exceedingly (A) Obsolete high. To maintain the quality (B) The system on which of coverage desired, the carrier the guidelines were found it necessary to increase drawn was flawed and the rate this year. Mr. Peter a new system needs to Dacales, who represents us on be devised. the Greek Archdiocese (C) Because of its vague- Insurance Committee will ness and lack of any report on this and answer any official means of questions. implementation, the VI. Confidential Assistance whole system is by and Program large ignored. The Department with the

28 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY approval of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip, has contracted Septuagint is now 96% complete, and the first draft of the with the Charles Nechtem Associates, a Confidential notes is now 65% complete. By August 31 of 2004 the entire Assistance Program. The program has a dual purpose: edited manuscript is scheduled to be sent to the Thomas (1) Often, when a priest is involved in counseling a mem- Nelson Publishers. And the published edition is scheduled to ber of his parish who has a personal problem, he reach the public by September, 2005. And this edition will might desire to consult with a professional in a specif- include within it the Orthodox Study Bible New Testament, ic field to assist him. Such individuals are not always first published in 1993. available to him. This program makes it possible by The Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry visits prisoners calling a CAP hotline to reach a professional consul- by mail and now corresponds on a weekly basis with 300 men tant. These problems may range from physical and and women in prisons around the country. This figure does mental health to legal issues. At any rate, the priest not include the correspondence Fr. Duane Pederson sends will only be a phone call away from professional assis- with respect to the after-care program. The Prison Ministry tance in dealing with the problem. And there is no also grades the lessons of the 175 prisoners currently enrolled charge for the consultation. in the Prisoner Education Project of St. Athanasius Academy. (2) The Priest himself may have a personal problem, or Then too, many prisoners are being sent soft-bound copies of difficulties at home. He or his wife or his children, or the Orthodox Study Bible New Testament, icon cards and other member of his household may require profes- reading materials in abundance. sional assistance or counseling. Confidentiality is The Prison Ministry also visits prisons in person, and is strictly maintained and information can never be currently developing prison ministry teams. For example, last released without the participants written consent. This October, Fr. David Ogan traveled to Boise, Idaho to train a program will help resolve many day to day concerns. group of workers to minister in Idaho prisons. As a result, 20 I offer my thanks to Metropolitan Philip, Bishop Antoun, men in one prison currently attend services, which include the Archdiocese Board of Trustees the members of the Order Compline and teaching sessions. Recently, an Antiochian of St. Ignatius of Antioch, for their dedication to the well Orthodox parish priest baptized an inmate and signed up 5 being of our clergy and especially for their great generosity. I more catechumens. And this past June, Fr. David and Fr. also want to thank the members of the Department for all Duane traveled to Florence, Colorado to visit the prison their efforts and hard work. Special bouquets to Ms. Kathy there. While there, they baptized and chrismated 2 prisoners. Meyer and the staff at the Archdiocese for all their assistance And over the years of its existence the Prison Ministry has and for going the extra mile. They made my job much easier. baptized and chrismated hundreds of prisoners. And so, the Lord continues to bless the ministries 7 (6). The Report of the Department of Christian Prison involved with the Council of Missions and Evangelism under Ministries was presented by FATHER RICHARD BALLEW. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip, namely, the Department of Moved by Father Timothy Baclig and seconded by Father Missions and Evangelism, the St. Athanasius Academy of Nicholas Alford, the report was received for filing. Orthodox Theology and the Orthodox Christian Prison The Council of Missions and Evangelism includes the Ministry. And each of these ministries is looking forward to Department of Missions and Evangelism, St. Athanasius many more years of fruitful service. Academy of Orthodox Theology and the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. 7 (7). Presented by FATHER PETER GILLQUIST, the Report The Department of Missions and Evangelism Report has of the Department of Missions and Evangelism was already been given by Fr. Peter Gillquist. moved by Father John Essa, Pastor of St. Constantine & The St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology has Helen Church of Dallas, Texas and seconded by Paul numerous programs and projects underway. The Shmaha, St. Raphael Mission, Santa Rosa, California, to Correspondence Studies Program continues to be built by accept the report for filing. inquiries which come in each week. 15 new students have 1. New Missions. Since His Eminence Metropolitan Philip been enrolled this year alone. About one-third of these are established a full-time Department of Missions and from Protestants interested in the Orthodox faith. The rest Evangelism in 1988, the Archdiocese has founded 74 new are from Orthodox people who wish to grow in knowledge of Eastern Rite missions, 37 of which have grown to full parish- the faith. Many, interestingly, are people who married es. Since the summer of 1999 the Archdiocese has received 8 Orthodox Christians and have become vitally involved in the new missions. At present we are working with over eight pursuit of Orthodoxy. At present, the Academy has about 65 potential missions across the United States, and exploring the students enrolled in correspondence studies. And a number possibilities for mission starts in more than a dozen addi- have earned the Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies tional cities and towns. Department staff including Frs. John through the years. Finley, Michael Keiser and Gordon Walker have worked close- The Prisoner Education Project continues to grow steadi- ly with local clergy and lay leaders to start new missions. Our ly. Not only does the Academy receive regular inquiries and staff priests have celebrated hundreds of Divine Liturgies and applications for correspondence courses from prisoners, with other services, provided careful liturgical training for 30 new students enrolled this year alone, but many have been Protestant clergy converting to Orthodoxy, and instructed faithful students, and quite a few have been baptized and countless laity in the Orthodox Christian faith. Howard Lange chrismated in prison as a result of the Academy courses. and Carolyn Tanguay keep the office running well. Approximately 175 prisoners are presently enrolled in the 2. Parish Growth. Staff have visited several dozen estab- correspondence courses. And a few prisoners have earned the lished Orthodox parishes to conduct Orthodoxy Seminars, Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies. providing outreach training for clergy and lay people, and The Orthodox Study Bible: Old Testament Project is well preaching and teaching on a variety of subjects relating to underway. The Academy now has more than seventy pastors, Church planting and evangelism. Many non-Orthodox clergy scholars and teachers, scattered around the country, working and laity attend these functions, so they serve as both training on this project. The first draft of the translation work of The for Orthodox believers and outreach to inquirers. Department

November 2001 29 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY priests are frequently invited to speak at events of other juris- Lafayette, LA (409) 866-7721 dictions, which we accommodate as scheduling permits. Archangel Gabriel Mission 3. Evangelism. Staff have spoken on Orthodox Fr. Jon Essa Christianity at a number of non-Orthodox venues, including Shreveport, LA (318) 795-9215 Protestant seminaries and secular colleges and universities. St. Nicholas Mission We also address Protestant congregations where the pastor Fr. John Morris and laity are interested in Orthodoxy. Austin, TX (512) 833-6602 4. The Annual Orthodox Conference on Missions and St. John the Forerunner Mission Evangelism. A trademark program of this Department, this Fr. Steven Rhudy Conference attracts clergy and laity from most Orthodox Corpus Christi, TX (512) 994-8668 jurisdictions in America, as well as Protestant clergy who are Holy Trinity Mission seriously considering conversion. Several such clergy are now Fr. Mark Haas priests in our Archdiocese. You are invited! In May 2001 we Dripping Springs, TX (512) 301-2216 presented the first-ever Canadian Orthodox Conference on Antiochian Orthodox Mission Station Missions and Evangelism in Edmonton, Alberta, in addition to Fr. James Kenna our regular Labor Day Weekend Conference. Over 50 people Sugar Land, TX (713) 665-5252 from the western provinces attended this event, which we Forty Holy Martyrs of Sabaste Mission plan to repeat next year by popular demand. Fr. John Salem 5. Publications and Public Information. Last year we Wichita Falls, TX (940) 716-0954 updated, reorganized and expanded our popular missions and Holy Transfiguration Mission evangelism manual, Bringing America to Orthodoxy. This Fr. Aidan Wilcoxson past winter the Department’s web pages opened on the Newport News, VA (919) 772-9819 Archdiocese website (www.antiochian.org/missions), with the Holy Apostle Mission technical assistance of Michael Srour. Also, we are working Fr. Gregory MacGregor hard at helping St. Athanasius Academy complete work on Vacaville, CA (707) 446-1841 the historic Orthodox Study Bible, Old Testament, due out St. Timothy Church fall, 2005. Fr. Silas Ruark CHURCHES, MISSIONS AND POTENTIAL MISSIONS Boulder, CO (303) 665-4013 Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese St. Luke Church of North America Fr. David Mustian Department of Missions and Evangelism, 1988 to present Denver, CO (303) 321-7217 Updated 7/01 St. Elias Church Missions Fr. Seraphim Gisetti Homer, AK (907) 235-8871 Wilmington, DE (302) 995-6775 All Saints of America Mission St. Athanasius Church Fr. Paul Jaroslaw Fr. John Terrell Wasilla, AK (907) 373-5254 Holly Hill, FL (904) 255-7671 St. Herman Mission Holy Cross Church Fr. Michael Dunaway Fr. Michael Byars Dothan, AL (770) 489-7555 Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 772-5653 Antiochian Orthodox Mission Station St. John the Baptist Church Fr. Andrew Moore Fr. Gregory Horton Fayetteville, AR (918) 584-7300 Chicago, IL (312) 267-0428 Antiochian Orthodox Mission All Saints Church Fr. Michael Keiser Fr. Patrick Reardon Little Rock, AR (501) 664-6668 Mesa, AZ (602) 953-1921 Holy Trinity Mission St. Ignatius Mission Fr. Timothy Cremeens Fr. Elias Ziton Mountain Home, AR (501) 664-6668 Palmdale, CA (805) 245-3571 Antiochian Orthodox Mission Station Holy Cross Mission Fr. Timothy Cremeens Fr. Nicholas Neyman Boise, ID (208) 734-3664 Palm Springs, CA (760) 322-0960 Holy Transfiguration Mission St. Raphael Mission Fr. Brian O’Grady Fr. David Kruse Twin Falls, ID (208) 734-3664 Rohnert Park, CA (707) 795-8693 St. Ignatius of Antioch Mission Antiochian Orthodox Mission Station Fr. Philip Nixon Fr. Iskander El-Far Urbana, IL (217) 485-5670 San Juan Capistrano, CA (949) 459-2299 St. Nicholas Mission St. John the Theologian Mission Fr. James Ellison Fr. Andrew Welzig Manhattan, KS (785) 539-3440 Ft. Collins, CO (970) 568-3942 St. Mary Magdalene St. James Mission Fr. Chad Hatfield Fr. Mark Cranor Topeka, KS (913) 271-6441 Melbourne, FL (321) 385-1322 SS Peter & Paul Mission St. Anthony Mission Fr. Michael Shanbour Fr. Paul Moses

30 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Naples, FL (941) 498-0611 St. Paul Mission Fr. Joseph Shaheen North Royalton, OH (216) 582-5673 St. Matthew Church Fr. Andrew Harmon Mississauga, ON (905) 277-8545 St. Mary Church Fr. Boulos Moussa Beaver Falls, PA (412) 749-2517 St. John the Evangelist Church Fr. Chris Davis Chambersburg, PA (717) 249-5319 St. Mary Church Fr. Theodore Pulcini York, PA (717) 795-7170 St. John Chrysostom Church Fr. Peter Pier Charlottetown, PE (902) 368-1110 SS. Peter & Paul Church Fr. Paul Kara Missions that have become Churches Charleston, SC (803) 571-7408 Calgary, AB (780) 483-1461 St. John Maximovich Church Church of the Annunciation Fr. Titus Fulcher Fr. Joseph Sakkab W. Columbia, SC (803) 794-3838 Vancouver, BC (780) 483-1461 St. Barnabas Church St. Joseph Damascene Church Fr. Samuel Sebring Fr. Jiries Shomali Houston, TX (713) 855-7306 Upland, CA (714) 998-3422 St. Joseph Church St. George Church Fr. Matt Mackay Fr. George Manneh Salt Lake City, UT (801) 278-5608 Riverside, CA (909) 352-9678 SS. Peter & Paul Church St. Andrew Church Fr. Basil Hartung Fr. Josiah Trenham Arlington, WA (360) 435-6331 San Dimas, CA (818) 331-4944 St. Andrew Church St. Peter Church Fr. David Hovik Fr. Joseph Corrigan Hingham, MA (781) 925-9089 San Diego, CA (619) 458-4211 All Saints Mission St. Anthony Church Fr. Felix Miles Fr. Jon Braun Cape Cod, MA (508) 771-8151 San Jose, CA (408) 266-6477 St. Michael Mission St. Stephen Church Fr. Joseph Kimmett Fr. Patrick Jackson Boone, NC (615) 799-5468 Bellingham, WA (360) 966-3937 Sts. Peter & Paul Mission St. Innocent Church Fr. John Gunn Fr. Melvin Gimmaka Fargo, ND (712) 258-7166 All Saints Mission Fr. Thomas Begley Norman, OK (405) 755-7804 Antiochian Mission Station Fr. Constantine Nasr Aiken, SC (803) 641-9995 Fr. Gregory Rogers Surfside Beach, SC (843) 293-0147 St. Nicholas Mission Fr. Joseph Bragg Rapid City, SD (307) 687-7438 Antiochian Mission Station Fr. John Atchison Johnson City, TN (615) 799-5468 Holy Resurrection Mission Fr. John Gunn Madison, WI (608) 221-9196 St. Ignatius Mission Fr. Patrick Kinder

November 2001 31 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Fr. George Zgourides Santa Fe, NM (505) 983-5826 Holy Trinity Church Fr. John Bethancourt Raleigh, NC (919) 851-9037 All Saints Church Fr. Nicholas Sorensen Potential Missions Modesto, CA (916) 714-3455 Potential Mission Fr. David Ogan Iowa City, IA (319) 363-1559 Potential Mission Fr. Paul Baba Ann Arbor, MI (517) 655-8090 Potential Mission Fr. Richard Peters Midland, MI (810) 732-0720 Potential Mission Fr. Joseph Abud Cedarburg, WI (414) 377-6902 Hickory, NC (615) 794-9861 St. Nicholas Church Potential Mission Fr. William Olnhausen Fr. Gordon Walker Gillette, WY (307) 687-7438 Columbus, OH (440) 582-2076 Holy Resurrection Church Potential Mission Fr. John Atchison Fr. Elias Meena Wheaton, IL (708) 876-9133 Solon, OH (440) 582-2076 Holy Transfiguration Church Potential Mission Fr. William Caldaroni Fr. Elias Meena Bloomington, IN (812) 339-3446 San Antonio, TX (210) 671-2911 All Saints Church Potential Mission Fr. Athanasios Wilson Fr. Steven Close Goshen, IN (219) 534-8410 Sites Being Explored St. Mary Church Prescott, AZ Fr. Anthony Bell Creston, BC Salina, KS (913) 823-3735 Buellton, CA All Saints Orthodox Church Weaverville, CA Fr. Chad Hatfield Peoria, IL Baltimore, MD (410) 945-3938 Fall River, MA Holy Cross Church Chanhassen, MN Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green Shelby, NC E. Lansing, MI (517) 339-2130 Salem, OR St. James Church Fairfax, VA Fr. Richard Peters 7 (9). RON NICOLA presented the Report of the Albuquerque, NM (505) 294-4276 Department of Stewardship. Moved by Father Chad SS. Peter & Paul Church Hatfield, and seconded by Fr. Stephen Ziton, the report was received for filing. We join all gathered for this great convention in congratu- lating His Eminence Metropolitan Philip on his thirty-five years as primate of the Antiochian Archdiocese. God grant him many years of continued good health as he leads us with the wisdom, faith, and love which have been the hallmarks of his ministry. We also join in the commemoration of His Grace Bishop Antoun’s fifty years of service to the Church as dea- con, priest, and bishop. His spirit, energy, and vitality serve to inspire all who know and have the honor to work with this dedicated servant of God. May God grant all of our beloved hierarchs, those who serve this archdiocese and those who are visiting us at this convention, long life in good health as they devote their energies to work for the glory of God. Since the 44th Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, Illinois, the Department of Stewardship has contin- ued to focus all of its energies on working with parishes and parish councils as they strive to make Christian stewardship a cornerstone of their parish life.

32 The Word Children’s Relief Fund Very Rev. George M. Rados National Director

October 4, 2001

Dearly Beloved: I greet you in the name of our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The recent atrocities of September 11, 2001 have left us all with a sense of emptiness and withdrawal, to say the least. Our every human emotion is awakened to somehow identify us with suffering and grief as never before. We grope for the answers and explanations which will be forthcoming through “patience, focus, and discipline.” In the meantime, we Orthodox Christians have our Faith to turn to, to comfort our anxieties. In seeking that salve, we can find some relief in the words of Saint Paul, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God “and our hope for you is steadfast because we know that, as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the Consolation.” [II Cor. 1:3-4; 7.] These are reassuring words to comfort us and give us the spiritual strength to move on. These words, however must not only comfort us, but also inspire us to bring comfort to others. That is what the Children’s Relief Fund is all about. For $25.00 a month, we can send an innocent child to school with something in his lunch bag, or a coat on his back. We can provide a prosthetic arm or leg and supply medications, a hearing aid or a pair of glasses. By providing comfort, we are comforted, and we begin to eradicate the grass-roots reasons out of which terrorism emerges. Here is yet another opportunity to bring comfort to those who mourn. Praying that this letter finds you and your loved ones in God’s peace and grace, I remain —

Yours in Christ,

Father George Rados

10620 River Road • P.O. Box 60692 • Potomac, MD 20854 ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA

November 2001 33 CHILDREN’ S RELIEF FUND CHILDREN’S RELIEF FUND A central component of our Christian Charities, the Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a humanitarian project designed for the assistance of children in need. It was initiated in response to pressing appeals coming from Lebanon, in the wake of its disastrous invasion in 1982. The Church started it as a pilot for the aid of the few who were then felt to be in extreme situations. But it soon caught on as a solid outreach program, serving hundreds of school age children each year in the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. In time, other forms of assistance to children became equally urgent, leading to the creation of two other aid channels: a medical program, and an interna- tional adoption program. To ensure adequate coordina- tion, all three programs have been consolidated into one major branch of the Department of Charities of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. It owes its merit to the positive impact it continues to make on the fami- lies and children in Lebanon and in neighboring coun- tries in the region as well. Obviously, this entire program why to keep this focus on Lebanon. Beyond any suspi- could not see the cion, pre-war forces that had prepared the ground for light, or grow so belligerence in Lebanon in 1975 are now resurfacing rapidly, without the with all the gloom of sectarian strife, instigating rum- generous support of blings of domestic armed conflict, God forbid. At all lev- all the faithful in els of society, people in Lebanon are now fearful of this land, blessed by what lies ahead. Relations with neighboring countries, the bounty of its once normalized, are now put on trial, causing further rich economy. From disturbance and deep apprehensions. the very start, the response of all con- At the level of every day living, problems that top stituencies has been the list are financial and educational. prompt, warm and Financially, reconstruction demands following the sustained. destruction of the coun- Hundreds of families and church organizations in the try’s infrastructure by United States and Canada have rushed to respond to former occupiers are our appeal, by gently and discreetly stretching a help- now taking a big toll on ing hand to all pleading children. national impoverished On the other hand, the children themselves, grati- resources. fied and thankful, have been an important force behind Second, national the continuance of these programs. They have always debt, accumulating at an been eager to establish links with their donors, contin- unprecedented rate, now ually looking for a friendly response, and in turn reaches the red line of expressing their gratitude with a thank you note, a per- $33 billion, way beyond sonal picture or a glowing school record. Thus every the resources of a coun- child we served became real to us, vibrant with aspira- try ravaged by war. tion to conquer the future. Third, the end result Every potential donor, however, will want to know is a state of frightening

34 The Word CHILDREN’ S RELIEF FUND

1. Lower income because of economic stagnation and widespread unemployment; 2. Failure to meet yearly rises in tuition fees at all levels of the school ladder; 3. Inability to afford medical bills; 4. Inadequate nutrition. Thus poverty knocks at every door. To combat it,

stagnation in the economy, leading to many bankrupt- cies in business and industry, unemployment and a high rate of emigration from the country. Repatriation in the South of Lebanon, much as it is welcome, is now exerting new pressures on the financial resources of returning families. Amenities such as water supply and electric power have to be rebuilt, not only in the South, but in the whole of Lebanon as well. The goal is to spare people anywhere in Lebanon the sufferings of continual rationing in these two vital facilities. Educationally, rising tuition fees in private schools, in comparison to salary increases, are now driving stu- dents to the overcrowded public sector. True, on princi- ple they cannot be denied the right for admission there. However, the scarcity of vacancies in classrooms crowding 50 or 60 students per class stands as a big challenge to all concerned. Thus for single families, the plight takes the follow- ing forms: ENCLOSED is my charitable gift of $ ______to sponsor a child ($300.00 a year or can be paid in monthly installments of six-month increments). My commitment is for:

is a donation of $ ______. We cannot sponsor a child at this time but would like to contribute to the general reserve for the medical aid program and other emergencies.

Donor(s) ______Address ______All contributions are tax-deductible. Please make check payable and mail to: Children’s Relief Fund c/o The Very Rev. George M. Rados 10620 River Road, P.O. Box 60692, Potomac, MD 20854 Thank You

November 2001 35 CHILDREN’ S RELIEF FUND

nothing less than a well-sustained campaign can pro- ately needy child living in despair thousands of miles vide the leverage needed for the appropriate move. It away. That’s 82 cents a day. Imagine, your spare has to be strong with the cooperation of the many, and change could change a child’s life. moved by the spirit of solidarity among people of good will, from all faiths and all sectors of life. MEDICAL AID: With God’s help, we have been able, within two Another area of concern for the children beside sup- decades, to set a creditable record, of which all donors plying their basic needs of food, clothing and/or school can be proud. It is our hope to continue to count on expenses is often caring for their medical needs such as your trust and patronage, soliciting contributions to chemotherapy, transplants and prosthetics. The funds strengthen the Fund, and thus offering protection to the for such expenses are accrued through unspecified many more who are still there, pleading for assistance. donations and dispensed on need. Our domains of assistance shall continue to focus pri- Our most recent endeavors in this area have supplied marily on our ongoing programs, namely: educational $10,000 in scholarships to elementary and high school sponsorship, medical aid, and international adoption. students, $3,l00 for pediatric medications, and $1,700 for hearing aid equipment for a set of hearing impaired SPONSORSHIP: nine year old twin girls. Sponsorships are solicited from individuals and organ- izations who contribute $300 a year to a child. Sponsor- INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION: ships do not begin until the initial $150 is paid. After half Our adoption Program in Lebanon continues to payment, a child is assigned to his sponsor for one year. prosper with the stability of the government there. We Sponsors receive the child’s biography and photo- are now able to facilitate adoptions from the country of graph plus letters dictated by the child to a caseworker. Guatemala through the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage All specified contributions and letters are personally in Guatemala City, which is run by Orthodox nuns delivered to each child by the Archdiocese of Beirut under the direction of the Antiochian Orthodox Social Centers. At the time of delivery a member of the Church in Central America. Details on these programs sponsored child’s family is requested to sign a receipt. are under separate cover and can be sent to interested Remember, for $25 a month you can help a desper- parties upon request.

A few of our adopted babies over the last two years

36 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. At the fifth biennial Parish Council Symposium, held activity. at the Heritage and Learning Center, October 12-15, 2000, 4. Work is still being done on developing a parish council forty participants, clergy and laity together, heard presenta- brochure or handbook. A draft has been written and this long tions and participated in discussions which focused on the delayed project should move forward during the upcoming theme of parish growth and outreach. Under the leadership of year. His Grace Bishop Demetri, whose presence and remarks were The Department of Stewardship extends its thanks and central to the success of the symposium, presentations were appreciation to Metropolitan Philip for his continued support given on these topics. and encouragement. All of our hierarchs have been very Session 1 — Conference Introduction and Overview, Ron active in the work of promoting practices of good stewardship Nicola. throughout all parishes of the Archdiocese. Those involved in Session 2 — Symposium Keynote Address, His Grace the work of this department pledge their continued efforts to Bishop Demetri monitor the continuation of this important work. Session 3 — “Do you really want them after all? Thoughts before you reach out.” 7 (10). The Report of the Department of Sacred Music was V. Rev. John Reeves, Holy Trinity Church, delivered by Marina Boosamra-Ball on behalf of Mr. State College, PA Raymond J. George, Chairman. Moved by Father Director, Office of Church Growth and Christopher Holwey and seconded by Father Joseph Evangelism, OCA Abud, the report was received for filing. Session 4 — “Outreach and evangelism on the parish The Department of Sacred Music is happy to report that level.” we continue to make progress toward fulfilling the need for V. Rev. David Tillman, Holy Assumption many special services and still enhancing our publications. Church (OCA), Canton, OH Many people will question this statement only because they Session 5 — “Getting it straight in the parish … Learning do not participate in the work of the Archdiocese. Many of to ‘fight’ like Christians.” our churches are still attempting to invent the wheel, not V. Rev. Constantine Nasr, St. Elijah Church, happy with what’s available and continue to add their own Oklahoma City, OK ideas and music. Session 6 — “Tithing: Spiritual Blessing and Benevolent Some time ago, and at least on four different occasions, a Creed.” letter from the Metropolitan was sent to all churches encour- Rev. Isaac Henke, St. John Chrysostom aging them to send their Choir Director to attend the annual Church, Ft. Wayne, IN Institute, where a great deal of information is always available Session 7 — “Member giving and outreach … Keys to and many questions are answered. Think about this and ask parish growth.” yourself, “Am I doing enough to help myself?” Mr. Frank Barrett, St. John Chrysostom After two years in development, last December the Church, York, PA Department of Sacred Music issued a complete book of the Session 8 — “A game plan for parish growth … Firing up Presanctified Liturgy along with the Typica Service that the parish.” included the priest’s text and two music settings, one V. Rev. Constantine Nasr Byzantine chant and the other Russian 4-part harmony. This Session 9 — Planning for implementation of ideas dis- book is intended for congregational singing or for use of cussed at symposium, Ron Nicola choirs and chanters. The book was compiled and edited by The Parish Council Symposia continue to produce out- Mareena Boosamra-Ball and Chris Farha and the music com- standing presentations and beneficial discussion among the puterized by Robert Stadler. The Department has received participants. All return home full of new ideas to implement glowing reports on the use of the book this past Lenten sea- into the programs and operations of their parish communi- son. Statements like the following were common: “It is so ties. easy to follow” and “this is the first time I could follow the 2. On Saturday, March 10, 2001, priests and lay leaders service” and “the service is so much more inspiring when you of the Northern California Deanery gathered at the Orthodox can sing along and easily follow the liturgy”. The book, Church of the Redeemer in Los Altos Hills, California, for a indeed, is easy to use with no flipping of pages back and forth. meeting during which issues discussed at the Parish Council All readings and prayers are in sequential order throughout Symposium were highlighted. His Grace Bishop Joseph was the book. In the back are alternative musical settings. It can the inspiration for this gathering and his remarks served as be ordered from our Archdiocese bookstore. keynote to the day-long seminar. With the help of V. Rev. For many years the Department of Sacred Music has been Richard Ballew, dean of Northern California, the Department concerned that choir members at the Archdiocesan and of Stewardship was pleased to help organize this successful Regional Conferences cannot come together at these events event. Another similar gathering is being planned for the and sing the Liturgy together because they do not know the Southern California Deanery, and this type of meeting is music. Hence, recruiting choir members to sing at these con- being explored as a model for deaneries in other parts of the ferences is becoming increasingly more difficult (Sunday Archdiocese. Hierarchical Liturgies, notwithstanding). Rehearsals at the 3. An ongoing activity of the Department of Stewardship conference allow only time for “polishing” the music we continues to be responding to parish requests for materials already know, and not time to teach new music. Increasingly, and assistance in their efforts to implement elements of stew- the Regional Conferences use music of their own, not consis- ardship into parish operations. These requests are addressed tent with the music sung at the Archdiocesan Convention. through mailings, telephone and e-mail exchanges, and an While we encourage each Region to introduce new music, we occasional in-person workshop. Recent contacts with St. also wish to have at least one liturgical setting that all can George, Boston, St. Anthony the Great, Spring, Texas, and a sing together with little preparation. In order to facilitate all Friday evening, July 13, 2001, workshop at St. George, of us singing at least one Liturgy together, the Department of Washington, DC, are examples of this type of department Sacred Music has completed the computerization of the stan-

November 2001 37 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY dard Archdiocesan Liturgy and Vesper music. This task was under the direction of Michael Farrow and the music was computerized by Michael Kargatis and Becki Spargo. The music will be available to all parishes in the hope that each parish will learn this music not only for use at the confer- ences but also as a resource in their individual parishes. This music will be ready later this year. The 16th Annual Sacred Music Institute will be held this year at the Antiochian Village from Wednesday, August 15th through Sunday, August 20th. This year we added a full extra day to accommodate the increasing requests for additional chanting classes. We have added ten hours of chanting classes each for beginning, intermediate, and advanced chanting. This will be part of a structured 3-year course and will have an “examination” at the end of each year. In addition to the chanting classes, choral settings for the Feast of the Annunciation will be presented along with four settings of the Lenten Megalynarion, “In Thee Rejoices”, classes on vocal technique, children’s choir, Byzantine Choir techniques, and computerization of music. It is, however, becoming increasingly difficult to recruit tion, and for their continued efforts, enthusiasm and support. instructors for our sessions due to the fact that the Institute The Departmental staff now meets twice yearly, in February traditionally has its sessions in mid-to-late August. Over the and October. Our recent meeting was extremely productive. past decade, our school systems throughout the U.S. have Soon you will see additional materials to aid parishes in moved their starting dates forward with the result that the implementing the Creative Arts Festival, and in October, we teachers (and many of our instructors are teachers) have to will premiere a new event in place of the October Teacher begin their school year in mid- to late-August. The result is Education Program. that our teachers can no longer teach at the Institute. This Orthodox Institute. The October program 2001 will have year alone, we have had nine instructors that have faithfully a track for teachers, church school directors, and a track taught at our sessions who were unable to attend due to the called “Orthodoxy” for those wanting to know more about timing. Fortunately, we were able to recruit instructors from our faith. Over 15 courses will be offered by the Department, the Greek Archdiocese and introduce new faces from within with a special segment devoted to implementing the Creative our own Archdiocese, but we are losing our very experienced Arts Festivals according to the theme for the coming year. At instructors due to the schedule. In the past we have been the Youth Council meeting which followed I shared the new unable to move the dates of the Institute forward due to the program with Fr. Purpura and Fr. Nasr. Fr. Purpura suggested scheduling at the Village and the fact that we did not wish to inviting parish youth workers as well and offering six courses schedule the Institute at the same time as the regional and through his department. The October event has been rechris- national conferences, which usually occur from late May tened “The Orthodox Institute for Church School and Youth through mid-July. However the Village schedule for the com- Workers.” There truly will be something for everyone! The ing few years is such that we now have the opportunity and Institute would not be possible without the commitment of we are exploring this possibility. my staff, and I thank them for embarking on this new adven- ture. We hope you will make plans to be with us October 19- 7 (11) CAROLE BULEZA, Director, presented the Report of 22 at the Village. the Department of Christian Education. Moved by Father Church School Staff Support and Training Thomas Zain of St. Nicholas Cathedral and seconded by Our first area of endeavor is Church School Staff Support Fritz Massouh, the report was received for filing. and Training. One of the first deadlines I had to meet was for Regional Representatives: The WORD. The Department of Christian Education is given Can-Am: Ms. Jacquelyn Fadel four pages four times a year. I wanted to reformat these pages Midwest: Mr. Robert Snyder to offer more variety and to allow for sharing of ideas between Eastern: V. Rev. George Alberts myself and church school staff, and among teachers, church Southwest: Mrs. Maggie Hock school directors, and parents. I have received compliments Western: Mr. Joseph Tershay on our new newsletter and hope you have enjoyed seeing how Southeast: Mrs. Betty Randolph we’re sharing the faith. My first effort at staff training work- New England: Mrs. Anna Timko-Hughes shops, as the Director of the Department, focused on Church Associates: Mrs. Leslee Abud, Mrs. Gail Meena School Directors. Having been one for many years, I knew we The Department could benefit from sharing with one another. I compiled, with Upon being appointed in January 2000, to the position of years of suggestions from the Departmental staff, the Church Director of the Department of Christian Education, I met with School Directors Manual. the regional representatives to assess the needs of the This is the first-ever manual and training serving those Archdiocese and to formulate an initial plan of work. After who administer church schools. Seven seminars were held that meeting I determined that our endeavor was threefold, across the country with 57 parishes participating. Both the addressing the needs of church school staff, the curriculum, manual and the training have been very well received. and adults and parents. I will soon explain what we have done Curriculum and Resources in these areas. However, I wish to begin my report by express- In January 2001 I was appointed to chair the Curriculum ing my sincere thanks to the Departmental Representatives Department of the Orthodox Christian Education and Associates for their confidence during that time of transi- Commission (O.C.E.C.). I was instructed to prepare a thor-

38 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ough evaluation and revision of the curriculum. In addition, We have a wonderful privilege and enormous responsibili- materials needed to be developed for the high school stu- ty to transmit the faith. I plan to continue to offer support for dents. In May 2001 I proposed the course of the revision. The this effort. new series will have a dual emphasis: spiritual maturity, and Orthodoxy, The Royal Treasure. Finally, I look forward knowledge of the faith. Standards for each grade of the series eagerly to the publication of the book, Orthodoxy, The Royal will be built into the lessons and the text. Performance at the Treasure. Quotations from the saints as well as from contem- end of the year can be measured against those standards. At porary Orthodox inspirational writers will be paired with the end of 8th grade we feel that the students should know beautiful full-color photographs. This book will enlighten and the basics of the faith and be able to answer 100 foundational inspire you, your family, and those neighbors who still can’t questions. An optional award program is being considered for figure out what church you attend. Orthodoxy, The Royal those who wish to sit for four exams of 25 questions during Treasure, will be readied for publication as soon as we identi- the 8th grade year. fy enough funding to underwrite the associated costs. The Our plan calls for production of 14 years of curricula in book is being published by the Orthodox Christian Education six years. Teams of writers across the United States and Commission, hopefully by September 2002, to fund the com- Canada and from almost all jurisdictions will collaborate to prehensive curriculum revision project. In return for your develop the tests. The texts will be substantive, educationally donation of $50-$100 you will receive this wonderful book sound, and visually appealing. It is a massive project. and know that you are hastening the publication of what will However, with 12 years experience writing curricula and be the premiere series in Orthodox Christian Education. I building texts, I feel qualified to manage this much-needed hope you will plan to make a donation to the O.C.E.C. cam- effort. Work has begun on the revision. The first book will be paign when Orthodoxy, The Royal Treasure becomes avail- the 8th grade book. It is slated for publication in the summer able. It will indeed be a treasure in your home. of 2002. Efforts at teacher training, now held on an as-needed Speaking of treasure, I am abundantly blessed, not only basis by the Departmental staff, will begin in earnest with the by the Departmental Staff, but also by Andrew Miller and publication of the new texts. Rosemary Shumski, who work in the office with me. I could Another commendable project of the O.C.E.C. is develop- not have done so much without them. I am also blessed by ing an interactive CD-Rom on the Divine Liturgy. Erin our good bishops, in particular Metropolitan Philip, and wish Kimmett, of our Archdiocese, is directing that project and I to thank them for their patience and support. Finally, I thank have been a participant in four of the meetings to plan the my family for adjusting to the demands of this career, espe- CD-Rom. cially the travel aspect. I have been away from home 30 times Cross and Quill. While new texts are being developed, I in the last 18 months. have written interim curricula for the middle and high school. It is a good time to be involved in Orthodox Christian This is now available through the O.C.E.C. In addition, with Education. May God continue to bless all our efforts! the help of many people, notably the Managing Editor who works under my direction, Andrew Miller, Bishop Basil, Becky 7 (12). Presented by FATHER JOHN ABDALAH and Schwayri, and the teens of our Archdiocese, the Department Khouriye Joanne Abdalah, the Report of The WORD mag- now offers teens and their teachers a monthly web-based azine was moved by Father Richard Ballew and seconded publication, the Cross and Quill. CQ offers eight pages of by Father Jon Braun. The report was received for filing. articles written by teens for teens about life and faith. For The Antiochian Archdiocese has grown greatly during the teachers, I provide response columns that contain discussion Episcopacy of Metropolitan Philip, and The WORD has questions for the articles. CQ is a resource that every high changed significantly to adjust to these changes. With a circu- school teacher can use. lation in excess of 23,000, we no longer can list all of the bap- Orthodox Christian Education Resource Directory. The tisms, weddings and funerals of the Archdiocese, nor can we initial draft of the directory was given to me with many sticky print photographs of family events and celebrations. We strive notes attached. I handed the project to my secretary, to provide a publication that will keep the readership Rosemary Shumski, who did a fine job of verifying every informed about major events in the Archdiocese, her parishes address and phone number, retyping, and finally producing and the world, and to present materials which will enhance the document. It is also on our web site. the readers’ understanding of our faith. Adults and Parents At our last General Assembly, we were asked to get The The third, and most important area of Departmental WORD on-line. We are pleased to report that The WORD is endeavor concerns adults and parents. The workshop at each accessible at our Archdiocese web site (antiochian.org) and is parish life conference this year was “Raising Children often available on-line even before the printed magazine Orthodox.” I presented six of the workshops and received a arrives in our homes. very wonderful response. All of my workshops are interactive, Each edition of The WORD takes about fifty-five hours to and it was wonderful for parents to share with one another, assemble, edit, proofread and lay out. Because we begin and to have an opportunity to affirm our efforts to share the assembling the next issue of The WORD even before the cur- faith. I provided several handouts, and also several prayer rent issue is released for printing, we are working on this cards for the home. I have one of these, “Prayer for Children, magazine all month long. You can help us by adhering to the Relatives and Friends,” as a gift from the Department for the following submission policies: delegates today. I have also added a column to the newsletter, • A submission must be original work or carry the per- entitled “Faith and Family” to offer support during the year to mission of the author and publisher if previously pub- parents. lished. Submission must be received eight weeks before Intentional Parenting. Those of you familiar with the pro- publication. ject initiated by Dr. Boojamra and Dr. John Dalack, will be • Parish news should be approved by the Pastor, and happy to know that the tapes, “Intentional Parenting,” were should answer the journalistic questions of “Who, completed and are now available for purchase through our What, When, Where, Why.” Articles must be concise Archdiocese. and of special significance to the faithful of the

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Archdiocese. Please refrain from listing committees and Sherry Abraham and seconded by Shamseh Dalack. The telling us what was eaten for lunch. report was received for filing. • Unsigned letters to the editor will not be considered for Greetings on behalf of the Antiochian Women. I feel very publication. blessed to have served the Women as their president during • Space for obituaries is limited to clergy and laypersons the last two years as they continue to preserve a tradition of who have served the Church on the Archdiocesan level. fellowship, witness, and service to their parishes, their com- • Regional Conference Committees may submit a maxi- munities, and their Archdiocese. mum of three one-quarter page ads, plus one brief arti- I am very pleased to report that we now have an ongoing cle. fundraising project, “Orphanages Around the World”. This • Materials should be double spaced, with photographs project provides for direct distribution of funds to orphanages, attached and a computer disk included if possible. as well as funding of an endowment to ensure continuous sup- • Photographs and articles submitted for publication port of orphans. Since the start of this project we have distrib- become the property of The WORD and will not be uted approximately $200,000 and have accumulated more returned. than $200,000 in the endowment fund towards our one mil- • Postal agreements and regulations limit advertisements lion dollar goal. The results have truly been seen “around the to that of materials originating from the Archdiocese world,” with beneficiaries of our fundraising efforts in Mexico, headquarters. We cannot accept advertising from Guatemala, Syria, Lebanon, Argentina, Australia, and Chile. parishes or individuals. To further support our Orphanage Project, with the bless- The fair market value of space in The WORD is $4,600 per ing of Metropolitan Philip, we now begin our March women’s page. Please keep this in mind when submitting materials. month with Orphans’ Sunday, when we pray for orphans This Archdiocesan magazine is for all of us. We know that around the world. On this Sunday we also have the opportu- we have much untapped talent in our Church, and ask that nity to provide a presentation to our parishes about the artists and writers submit materials that will build up our Antiochian Women. Church. Please do not wait for a personal invitation. Additional activities of the Antiochian Women over the I thank God for the exceptional work of my life partner past two years include the distribution of funds to married and wife, Joanne. I also am grateful for the diligence of our seminarians at Christmas, awarding of scholarships to deserv- graphic designer, Donna Albert, and the support of our regu- ing women who are furthering their education, development lar contributors, including the Archdiocese Staff. I am always and distribution of religious programs, and the sale of our grateful for the confidence and support of our Metropolitan Holy Bread and Memorial Wheat videos. An especially impor- Philip. tant activity has been regional presidents’ contacts and visits 7 (13). The Report of the Antiochian Women, North with missions within their regions to help them establish American Board was made by MARILYN ROBBAT on their AOCWNA chapters. behalf of Susu Morrow, President, who was unable to My sincere gratitude to our Spiritual Advisor, Father John attend because of illness. The presenter asked for prayers Abdalah, and his wife, immediate past president Joanne for Susu Morrow, who has done an excellent job in the Abdalah, whose counsel I have sought many times during my past year, and announced the new officers of the Women term. I wish to also thank the following officers and coordina- and the projects for the year ahead. For the endowment tors for a job well done during the past two years: Marilyn fund for orphans — the ladies raised $145,726.12 and a Robbat, Vice President; Sherry Abraham, Secretary; Laila check for that amount was presented to Metropolitan Ferris, Treasurer; Jean Sam, Public Relations; Dottie Philip at the Antiochian Women’s Luncheon on Malooley, Humanitarian; Elyse Barkett, Membership; Janice Wednesday. The new officers of the American Board for Saba, Religious; Georgette Malouf, Scholarship; Elinor the term 2001-2003 are as follows: President — Marilyn Bourjaily, Parliamentarian; Anne Glynn Mackoul, T. Robbat; Vice President — Laila Ferris; Recording Constitution and By-Laws; and Wendy Staley, Web Site. Secretary — Violet Robbat; Treasurer — Cindy Nimey; Appreciation also goes to our Regional Presidents for their Public Relations — Lucy Hanna. The report was moved by tireless efforts in support of the Antiochian Women: Can-Am, Cindy Nimey; Eastern, Olena Basarab; Midwest, Janet Metry; New England, Violet Robbat; Southeast, Ann Baumgartner; Southwest, Laila Ferris; and Western, Lucy Hanna. Our gratitude to Metropolitan Philip, whose visionary leadership provided for the founding of the Antiochian Women and the ongoing support of the Orphanage Project. 7 (14). FATHER MICHAEL MASSOUH, Director, presented the Report of the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center. The report was moved by Michael Gehad and seconded by Ken Loumes. The report was received for filing. Today marks my first-year anniversary at Antiochian Village. My wife, Ginny, and I thank Metropolitan Philip for appointing us there to work in the Antiochian vineyard for God’s glory. It has been an exciting, educational, and reflective year. I learned more than I wanted to know about occupancy rates, and infrastructure issues like water supply and its treatment and distribution, sewage treatment plants, phone systems and T-1 lines, and steam kettles and thermal loops. I am also

40 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY learning about the Christian conference business. None of we combine these two supposedly contradictory establish- these things did I learn in seminary. ments with their own set of success measures? By recogniz- But, what I did learn in seminary prepared me to reflect ing that one cannot minister to an empty bed. Thus, for our on events of this year. Wherever one goes in this world envy, success we need to attract people to the Center to minister to greed, and pride go along. So, I Learned again that one can do them, to turn them to Christ, and to spur them along on their nothing without Christ’s help. Prayer is important whether spiritual journeys to the Kingdom. running a college, a manufacturing plant, a business, or a Where do we go from here? From my perspective the conference center. Center at Antiochian Village is well positioned to move to the I watched the transformation of campers and counselors, next plateau of activity. The leadership over the past sixteen and recognized God’s presence in people’s lives. Let me give years has established the physical facilities and developed a just one example. A Presbyterian woman came to my office small but strong customer base. During the past year the while her group was visiting the center to ask me if I would Village Council under Bob Laham’s leadership re-organized light the candles in Sts. Peter & Paul Chapel. I agreed and itself to utilize the talents of all of its members. The Council walked down to the Chapel with her. As I finished lighting the is now structured into sub-committees each responsible for candles, she asked me if I had an icon of Martha and Mary. an important function, with the chair of each sub-committee When I told her I did not, she said she would be happy with along with the Chair of the Council forming the Executive the icon of the Holy Trinity. So, I moved that icon to the Committee to act on important issues between meetings of small table in front of the iconostasis. Curious about her the Village Council. request, I asked why she wanted it. Financially, we had a good year operating in the black and Her answer both surprised and pleased me. She said that transferring $205,000 from the Operating Fund to the Capital in coming to the Center for several years she finds praying Improvement Fund. We did this by operating at 25% occupan- and meditating in our Chapel so much richer here and that cy. And, of course, we did it operating on a frugal budget and the icons help her to focus. The Lord is working at the Village with a limited staff. to bring people to Christ, and maybe to Orthodoxy. To reach the next plateau we need to market more aggres- I have heard similar comments from the Catholic Diocese sively, both to the general public and to our fellow Orthodox of Greensburg, the Episcopalians, and the African Orthodox Christians. We need to continue to rent our facilities to Church among others. Antiochian Village is a special place. Protestant and Catholic churches and to non-profit organiza- Even some of our own parishioners find that to be the case tions, including departments of the Archdiocese. But, we also when they finally visit. One such person was from my former need to develop and market programs of our own. Most of parish of Worcester, Massachusetts, who attended the Sacred these latter programs will cut across Orthodox jurisdictional Music Institute for the first time. He was so impressed with lines, such as programs on marriage enrichment, renewing the physical facility, the food, the warmth and care he baptismal vows, and Lenten retreats. Others will take advan- received from the staff, and the beauty of the mountain set- tage of the setting in which we find ourselves — across the ting, that he button-holed me every chance he had to tell me street from an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, twenty- this. In fact, he wrote to Metropolitan Philip, carboning me five minutes from the steepest ski slope on the East coast, about how wonderful the Village was. and in the middle of the territory where 250 years ago the His visiting Antiochian Village and finding out about its French and Indian Wars took place, determining the fate of attractions is both a delight to me and a challenge to all of us. European nations. Why is it that so few of our Antiochian adults have spent time I am pleased to report that the Village is fine and is pre- there? What do we do to attract a greater number of adults so pared to move forward. With God’s continuing grace and the that they can experience God in the mountains? Last year, moral and fiscal support of all members of the Antiochian for example, all the Archdiocese organizations and depart- Archdiocese, we will make the Village the spiritual oasis for ments combined accounted for only 20% of the volume of all Christians that Metropolitan Philip desires. business we did. How we increase this percentage was an 7 (15). The report of the Village Council of the Antiochian issue that the Village Council wrestled with at its February Village was presented by ROBERT LAHAM, Chairman. meeting as part of its greater agenda on strategic planning. With Metropolitan Philip’s involvement we hammered out both a vision statement and a mission statement, and looked closely at half a dozen issues. In regard to attracting more adults we suggested developing spiritual programs that would appeal to them, making the Center more attractive physically, erecting a shrine to St. Raphael, and developing a network of liaisons to act as ambassadors for programs the Village spon- sors. We are currently in the process of looking for one or two liaisons from each parish to receive advanced copies of brochures and posters to post on the Church Bulletin Board, to place an announcement in the Sunday Bulletin, and to organize a group from their parish to attend the event. What is Antiochian Village? Presently, it has two neigh- borhoods: a Camp for children and a spiritual retreat center for adults and families. It is a new entity in the life of the Archdiocese. Administratively, it is a non-profit enterprise with its own set of dynamics and non-profit accounting rules. It functions as an inn, where success is measured by occu- pancy rates. But, it is not just an inn. It is a spiritual retreat center where success is measured one soul at a time. How do

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Library, a 125-seat auditorium, and a climatically controlled museum to house the current artifacts plus additional ones that we envision receiving. Antiochian Village serves the spiritual needs of the faith- ful of the Archdiocese, both children and adults. On behalf of Metropolitan Philip and the Village Council let me invite you to “Come and See” it. 7 (16). The Department of Continuing Pastoral Education was presented by FATHER JOSEPH ALLEN, Director. Metropolitan Philip presented Doctor of Ministry degrees to Fathers Nicholas Alford, Chad Hatfield, and Joseph Purpura in acknowledgement for their having completed the appropriate courses. Moved by Father Isaac Crow, and seconded by Father Alex Atty, the report was received for filing. The Department of Theological and Pastoral Education, under the Hierarchical oversight of His Grace Bishop Demetri, is responsible for three programs: 1. The Antiochian House of Studies, 2. St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, and Moved by Eleanor Bourjaily and seconded by Father 3. The Biennial Clergy Symposium. Andrew Harmon, it was accepted for filing. There are some new developments in each of the three It is with great pleasure that I report to you that programs as follows: Antiochian Village is doing very well. 1. The Antiochian House of Studies remains an educa- Since our last convention the Village has experienced a tional forum in which we seek to apply theology within the few changes both in management and in physical plant. On priestly ministry. The orientation is based on the praxis of June 1, 2000 Metropolitan Philip appointed the newly Orthodox Theology and Antiochian pastoralis. Current stu- ordained priest, Fr. Michael Massouh, to the position of dents in the House of Studies numbers approximately 332 Executive Director. students, falling into one of the following programs. He has brought new energy and vision to the post and is A. The Doctor of Ministry Program. Since our last report working with the Village Council to reaffirm Metropolitan to the Archdiocese, three more students have graduat- Philip’s vision for the Village as a spiritual oasis. As you will ed from this program, offered in conjunction with hear in his report he is developing spiritual retreat programs Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. All academic courses to attract adults to the Center to have similarly rewarding are given at the House of Studies, while two electives experiences as the Campers do at Camp. can be transferred from another accredited institution Since our last convention, I am pleased to report that and two colloquia at Pittsburgh. Our next class will be Bishop Raphael who had been buried at the Village was canon- accepted in 2002. We are sorry that Dr. John Mehl of ized a saint on May 29, 2000. So, the Village, which contains Pittsburgh, who has been a true “partner” to the AHS, the body and relics of a saint, is now indeed holy ground. will be retiring from that position; we pray that the In regard to the Camp, under Fr. Michael Nasser’s leader- new faculty member will be as cooperative with us in ship we are continuing to affect children positively to lead the future. lives in conformity to the gospel. We are doing so well, in fact, B. The Masters Degree in Applied Orthodox Theology. that for the past two years we have had children on waiting This October we look forward to granting our first MA lists for all camping sessions. Waiting lists means the Camp is Degrees, offered in affiliation with the St. John of attractive to more campers than we can accommodate, even Damascus School of Theology at the University of though we added facilities to house an additional 14 campers Balamand, which gives us our accreditation under the a session. We are now maxed out, and as you will hear in Fr. Republic of Lebanon. We have accepted 24 students Nasser’s report the Village Council approved the opening of who are currently working on their Masters Thesis. two new camps under his oversight, one in Oklahoma, St. C. The St. Stephen’s Diploma Program. We currently Raphael Camp, and one in Iowa, Camp St. George. As more have 151 students from our Archdiocese working vari- and more of our children want to experience an Orthodox ously within the three year program or the one year camp life we will expand these new camps from one week to alternative program. The remainder of the total, 275 several weeks. students, are registered from other jurisdictions and In terms of physical plant the Village Council approved, communions, in America and abroad. We have just with the generous assistance of the Order of St. Ignatius, the announced the graduation of 16 students. Students in construction of a number of new buildings at the Camp. this program who hold college degrees will be accepted Among these new buildings are two winterized cabins for to the MA Program if they meet the various require- adult volunteers and one double cabin for campers. We will ments relative to that program. As in other years, build a new Camp Office this year, and begin to replace many attrition after the first year continues to be a problem, of the cabins we inherited when we purchased the camp in since this three year course is more difficult than the 1978. Also, on the renovation schedule is to replace the 51- student at first realizes, e.g., there are no less than 50 year old swimming pool, upgrade and winterize the Camp books which must be read, with no less than 7 hours water supply. required reading per week. In regards to the Center, plans are underway to add a new D. The House of Studies Residency Program. The wing, Phase III, that will include a rare book room for the Residency Units are required of all St. Stephens and

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same as last year. They have added record folders which indicate that students have begun more than 80 new courses this past year, including 34 new students. More than 50 courses have been completed, and sever- al students are on the verge of completing the Diploma in Orthodox Christian Studies. B. The Prisoner Education Program. Our scholarship program for prisoners continues to grow steadily. Not only do we get regular inquiries — and applications — from prisoners, but many have been faithful students, and quite a few have been baptized and chrismated in prison. Fr. David Ogan reads and grades most of the papers of our prisoner-students. His comments are incisive and cut to the heart of the matter, and they have come to love him. Fr. David has become an out- standing teacher and is invaluable to the Prisoner Education Program. C. Books and Booklets. This aspect continues to be a vital part of the ministry of St. Athanasius Academy. This year they published several new booklets: Masters students who must complete three units, one Tobit: His Story and His Victory per year, following each year of theological reading The Valley of the Shadow of Death and research. These units are held at the Heritage and Kindling the Fire Within: Pentecost Learning Center during the last week in August/first The Annunciation week in September. Six units are required of all Understanding the Old Testament, An Orthodox Seminarians inclusive of pastoral communications Approach workshop held annually. The Faithful One: The Bride of Christ — Proverbs 31, E. The Seminarian Program. Students studying at vari- Part One of Three ous seminaries attend the House of Studies before they Boundless Beauty: Proverbs 31 — Part Two of Three begin each academic year at St. Vladimir’s, Holy and another of their books for children, Cross, St. Tikhon’s, and St. Andrew’s. How Jesus Can Be Both God and Man. F. The Missions and Evangelism Program. This year will In addition, they have published a book, in a beautiful spi- be the third time this program will be held during the ral binding, Fr. Jack’s edition of Irenaeus’ Preaching of the House of Studies. Held biennially, students will begin Apostles. in the regular House of Studies Residency Program, but D. The Orthodox Study Bible: Old Testament Project. will transfer into this track under the direction of Approximately three years ago we began a project to Father Peter Gillquist, who teaches in both tracks. complete The Orthodox Study Bible: Old and New We are pleased to announce three new faculty members Testaments. We now have more than seventy pastors, who will join Bishop Demetri, Archbishop Peter (OCA) and scholars and teachers, scattered around the country Metropolitan Maximos (Greek Archdiocese): the Rev. Dr. working on this project. In September 2000 we held a David Hester, who teaches in the area of History and workshop for the Orthodox Study Bible Project at Theology, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso, who teaches in the Antiochian Village. More than 40 of our workers were area of Canon Law, and the V. Rev. Edward Hughes, who able to attend. All were most enthusiastic, and as a teaches Western Rite liturgy. We therefore continue to use a result of this workshop we were able to set up more varied faculty in both the Reading and Research Units and organization of our workers. The Orthodox Study the Residency Units. Those with academic doctorates contin- Bible also has a most useful web site: www.lxx.org ue to teach academic courses, while others teach courses rel- monitored and kept up by Steve Ackley. Our actual ative to Antiochian pastoralia and liturgy (both Eastern and paid staff consists of Fr. Jack Sparks, Fr. Richard Western Rite). This coming Fall two units will be taught in the Ballew (part-time), Paul Goetz and Anastasia Goetz Doctor of Ministry Program: Thanatology (the pastoral study (part-time). In addition, we rely heavily on volunteers. of death and dying, grief and grieving, and funeral practices) 3. The Clergy Symposium. This biennial conference is and a Doctoral Project Colloquium. held on alternate years with the present Convention. All cler- 2. St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology, under gy in the Archdiocese are required to attend. Preparations for the direction of the Rev. Dr. Jack Sparks, is located in Elk the Symposium begin one year in advance at the Archdiocese Grove, CA. In his report to Bishop Demetri, Father Jack notes Convention, e.g., at the Wednesday Morning Department six different foci: Meeting of the Los Angeles Convention. The Symposium for A. The Correspondence Studies. The Correspondence next July, 2002 will be discussed at length. All clergy are wel- Studies Program continues to be built by inquiries come to submit suggestions which are then submitted to the which come in each week. About one-third of Hierarchy. This year we will continue the practice of different inquiries are from Protestants interested in the Deaneries, under the direction of the Department, being Orthodox faith, and the rest are from Orthodox people assigned to plan future symposia. who wish to grow in knowledge of the faith. Many, Finally, the Department of Theological and Pastoral interestingly, are people who married Orthodox Education continues to attempt a very tight communication Christians and became vitally involved. They are in with the Ordination Review Board. We do remind all students the process of developing several new courses in theol- that an M.Div. from an accredited Orthodox Seminary is nor- ogy and biblical studies. Their tuitions remain the mative for ordination to any major order in this Archdiocese.

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Others who have earned an M.Div. from a non-Orthodox activities at the Camp. We will conduct the next evaluation School must finish all three years of the House of Studies/St. on August 10-12, 2001. Stephen’s Program in order to apply to the Ordination Review E. For the past year we have worked with the Parish of Board. In all cases, the communication between the Depart- St. John of Damascus, Dedham, MA, to create a consensus- ment of Theological and Pastoral Education and the Ordination based long range plan for parish development. This is perhaps Review Board is most important in insuring the best possible the most exciting new development in our work with parish preparation for the ordained ministry in our Archdiocese. life. In cooperation with the long range planning committee We do owe a special thanks to the following: Lisa Fares, and the pastor, we designed a full-parish participatory process Registrar for St. Stephen’s Diploma Program and the MA intended to facilitate the setting of long range goals and plans Program; Kim Whipkey, Registrar for the House of Studies from a fiscal and operational perspective. We have learned Residency Program; Father George Kevorkian and Deacon much in the process of this work. We are currently working to David Betras, Administrative Assistants at the Residency describe the decision making and participatory processes that Program; Fathers James Dougherty and Matthew George, were used so that we can share it with other parishes who Masters Accreditation Committee; the Symposium Planning wish to develop consensus-based, long range plans. We have Committee; Bishop Demetri, Hierarchical overseer; and discussed this plan with Mr. Ronald Nicola of the Department Metropolitan Philip for his continuing interest in theological of Stewardship and hope to work with him across the coming and pastoral education for the clergy of our Archdiocese. year to create a specific joint program offering for all parish- 7 (17). DR. JOHN D. DALACK and DR. ANTHONY S. es. This work is extremely rewarding. While the challenges BASHIR, Co-Chairmen of the Department of Lay Ministry, faced by St. John of Damascus may have a local character, presented the Report of the Department. Moved by Elaine they reflect universal challenges that all parishes are or will Khoury and seconded by Laila Ellias, the report was face an will need to address in long range planning. received for filing. What’s next for the Department of Lay Ministry? a. work closely with Bishop Joseph to define and clarify Since our last report to you in 1999, we have endeavored the department’s mission as we continue our commit- to see to it that we “fulfill the ministry received from the ment to provide quality programs intended to enhance Lord.” We have based our work during the past two years on our personal and spiritual development; the following goals: b. work in collaboration with Fr. Michael Massouh to a. to create forums in which laity and clergy can join in develop a series of Enlivening sessions that will be pre- mutual sharing about problems and solutions for living sented at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning an Orthodox life in today’s society; Center during the Fall and Spring of each year; b. to cooperate with other departments and organizations c. continue our work at the Village Camping Program and of the Archdiocese to effect important program devel- use the focus group approach as a means of evaluating opments and initiatives. administrative and programmatic activities; A. We have concluded the series entitled Enlivening to d. continue to help pastors and parishes with parish life Christ at the Parish Life Conferences due to specific changes conflict and suggest effective interventions; in the Parish Life Conference guidelines. This ends a period e. continue to develop a consensus-based, long range of thirty years of travel to the conferences to provide adult planning approach. and teen encounters on various spiritual topics. This initia- In closing we wish to offer our gratitude to Metropolitan tive, begun by Fr. Joseph Allen, is now completed in its cur- Philip: thank you for your trust and confidence in our work. rent form. Both of us are willing to provide Enlivening ses- We are also grateful to Bishop Joseph for his thoughtful guid- sions at regional Parish Life Conferences if requested to do ance. To all of you who participate in our work — for talking so; we will continue to provide these for our respective with us, for being honest with us, for your trust and caring, regions. It is an honor to have had this opportunity to serve and for sharing the way — thank you. May the Lord continue over these many years. We will present Enlivening sessions at to sustain, inspire, and direct you in His ways. the ARchdiocese conventions and this year will present one on Saturday that focuses on Sin: Glutton, Greed, and Lust. 7 (18). FATHER MICHAEL ELLIAS and GEORGE DARANY B. We continue to provide seminars and retreats for presented the Report of the Department of Convention Orthodox parishes and Teen SOYO. Each of these provide us and Conference Planning. Moved by Mr. Ralph Abercia with the opportunity to share our lives with other Orthodox and seconded by Ann Derwia, the report was received for Christians and we are grateful for your warmth and trust. filing. C. We support pastors and parishes who contacted us REGIONAL CONFERENCE PLANNING MANUAL around parish life conflict and who seek methods of conflict NOW ON-LINE resolution. In the course of parish life, conflict arises as a The revised and updated Regional Parish Life Conference consequence of differing interests and expectations. We have Planning Manual is now available to any host city currently found this work most rewarding and enlightening. planning a regional conference or hoping to bid on one. The D. We participate in the evaluation of the Antiochian manual now appears on the archdiocese web site in two for- Village Camping program in keeping with the guidelines from mats. A full RTF (rich text format) version is available to the American Camping Association. This Association requires download and print, and an HTML version is available for on- Directors to evaluate annually camping programs. Each sum- line referencing. The Department thanks Mrs. Kathy mer, for the past two years, we have conducted two day focus Abraham of Grand Rapids, MI, and Ms. Kweilin Nassar of group evaluations with staff and counselors at the Village. Pittsburgh, PA, for their policy and editorial assistance, and These occur at the end of the camping season and include especially Mr. Michael Srour of Encino, CA, for his tireless administrative staff, program directors, and counselors. work in preparing the manual for publication. Information from these focus groups results in specific rec- CONTRACT APPROVAL AND SIGNING ommendations with regard to staffing, management, daily Please remember that for both the archdiocese conven- schedules, program development, and Christian Education tion and the regional conferences, NO ONE MAY SIGN A

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CONTRACT WITHOUT THE BLESSING OF THE METRO- POLITAN ARCHBISHOP, THE REVIEW OF THE CHAN- CELLOR(S) OF THE ARCHDIOCESE, AND/OR THE APPROVAL OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE DEPART- MENT OF CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE PLANNING. This approval process is especially important in view of a trend that has been developing over the last few conference cycles in which hotels are increasingly likely to charge con- ferences for meeting room space. In one case for the year 2000 conferences a hotel tried to charge a regional confer- ence in excess of $7400 in user fees. Many hotels are also inserting penalty clauses for the use of meeting space if the conference does not use a certain percentage of the reserved room block. This trend makes it imperative for host cities to begin the planning process early enough either to locate alter- nate hotel properties or to negotiate a cost-effective contract. PROCEDURES FOR ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION BIDDING The procedures for bidding on an archdiocese convention have appeared in The WORD and are now readily available on the archdiocese web site. Many potential host cities are still LOS ANGELES 2001 not beginning the process in a timely fashion. The guidelines Hosted by St. Nicholas Cathedral of Los Angeles, CA. We state that a potential host city should submit a formal bid extend our deepest appreciation to Host Pastor Archpriest with hotel proposals to the Chairman of this department no Michel Najim and General Chairman Dr. Fred Milkie and 1 later than four and one-half (4 ⁄2) years prior to the conven- through them to all of their volunteers and committees who tion date; however, the archdiocese could benefit by extend- have worked so tirelessly and sacrificially to produce this ing the preparation period to as much as six (6) years prior to great conclave. a given convention. The process must also begin by first con- MIAMI 2003 tacting the archdiocese office to secure the Metropolitan’s Hosted by St. George Cathedral of Coral Gables, FL, July blessing to pursue a bid. 20-27. We ask all the faithful and the parishes to respond As of this writing plans were nearly complete for all of the early and generously to the appeals for registrations and sou- 2001 regional conferences. We extend our thanks and con- venir journal sponsorships made by Host Pastor Archpriest gratulations to all the host parishes, host pastors and confer- Elia Shalhoub and General Chair Mrs. Suzanne Sayfie. ence chairpersons: CONVENTION SITE 2005 West May 24-28 As of this writing the department has received and quali- St. Barnabas Church, Costa Mesa and fied only one formal bid from St. George Church of Troy, MI. St. Mark Church, Irvine, CA The parish will make a formal presentation on the site and Southwest June 6-10 plans at this convention under new business. Once again we St. George Cathedral, Wichita, KS reiterate the importance of starting the bid and proposal Can-Am June 21-24 process in a timely fashion in order to allow analysis of the St. George Church, bid and qualification of hotels. Montreal, Quebec, Canada Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Metropolitan Philip and New England June 21-24 the auxiliary bishops for their support and guidance and to all St. George Cathedral, Worcester, MA the regional coordinators for their continuing work and Midwest June 27-July 1 dedication. Church of the Holy Spirit, Huntington, WV 7 (19). The Report of the Department of Youth and Parish Southeast June 27-July 1 St. Elias Church, Atlanta, GA East July 4-8 St. John Chrysostom, York, PA For 2002 the host parishes will be: West July 3-7 St. Anthony Church, San Diego, CA Southwest June 24-30 St. Elijah Church, Oklahoma City, OK Can-Am May 16-19 St. Michael Church, Geneva, NY New England June 26-30 St. John of Damascus Church, Dedham, MA Midwest June 26-30 St. Michael Church, Louisville, KY Southeast June 19-23 St. Ignatius Church, Franklin, TN East July 3-7 St. Nicholas Church, Bridgeport, CT

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Ministries was presented by Wichita, Kansas; and the FATHER PURPURA. Moved by Midwest Region for regional Gigi Baba, seconded by youth directors, deanery youth Darlene Hadad, the report coordinators and parish youth was accepted for filing. workers. We are currently working with the Greek Moral and Ethical Issues Archdiocese and the OCA Confronting our Teens Youth Offices to sponsor train- We are working with infor- ing sessions throughout the mation gathered in the 1999 various regions for fall and win- Teen Study, to build strategies ter of 2001-2002. for equipping our young people The Youth Ministry to make good decisions. We Training session at the continue to offer workshops Antiochian Village will be held and other training events for parallel with the Christian youth workers, parents, and Education Training session teens on the issues raised by scheduled for October 19-21, this study. 2001. The Orthodox Institute November 1999 Inter- for Church School and Youth Orthodox Youth Ministry Workers will be the first time Training that our Church School and Youth Workers share training. We hosted several days of training in youth ministry at Antiochian House of Studies Teaching the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center in Three classes in Youth Ministry will be taught at the November 1999. The main speaker, Dr. Herman Engelhardt, Antiochian House of Studies Resident Program from August spoke on the many issues raised by our teens in the Orthodox 27-29, 2001. This is year three of a three-year cycle: Topic: Teen Survey (1999). Dr. Engelhardt addressed issues con- “The Youth Worker: Personal Preparation for Youth Ministry” fronting youth workers and the need to create an Orthodox This class will examine personal preparation for Youth world view of morality within young people. Ministry. The student will look at ways of developing the spiri- February 2001 Training Session tual life of the youth worker to enhance the youth worker’s Prior to the Midwinter meeting we held several days of ministry with youth. Further, the student will examine man- training for the Regional Youth Directors and Spiritual agement of time and resources of the youth worker towards Advisors. This is the first time that we have had both the helping to keep the youth worker in ministry for the long Spiritual Advisors and Youth Directors together for training term, preventing burnout and other issues that tend to lead to and meetings on the Archdiocese level. As part of the four day the end of a ministry. The student will examine “Team” Youth training session we held presentations in the following areas: Ministry as one method of supporting the youth worker, • Becoming a more effective Youth Worker teens, and youth ministry of the parish. • Teen Leadership on the direction of Youth Ministry Deanery Youth Ministry Coordinators • The new Deanery Youth Ministry Coordinator efforts We are in the process of appointing Deanery Youth • The position paper on Moral and Ethical Issues con- Ministry Coordinators for all twenty-seven deaneries of this fronting Orthodox Christians, entitled, Bases of the archdiocese. To date, the Deanery coordinators for the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church — Southwest, Midwest, and Eastern Regions have been appoint- August 13-16, 2000. The full text of this document is ed. We are in the process of appointing deanery coordinators available on our web site at: for Western Region followed by appointments in the other http://www.antiochian.org/youth/Church_of_Russia_So regions. cial_Issues.htm The role of Deanery Youth Ministry Coordinators is to Additionally, the Officers and delegates of Teen SOYO and create a forum for parish youth the Fellowship of St. John the workers within each deanery Divine joined us on Saturday for sharing ideas, sharing con- as presentations were made on cerns, receiving training, and sections of the “Social Issues” for increasing a sense of com- text produced by the Orthodox munity among our youth work- Church of Russia. ers. We also hope teens within Topics on Saturday were: each deanery will come to bet- • Church and State: Fr. ter know each other through Timothy Baclig shared teen activities between • Bioethics: Fr. George the parishes of our deaneries. Kevorkian Publications • Sexuality: Fr. Anthony Cross and Quill Yazge The response to this online October 2001 Training publication produced by the Session Department of Christian In an effort to reach more Education has been very posi- parish youth directors we are tive. Thousands of copies of planning regional youth min- the first six issues have been istry training programs at the downloaded off the web and Antiochian Village; in Boston; each issue has provided timely

46 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY and pertinent topics for teen discussion both in the classroom Camping and in the youth group setting. We commend Carole Buleza Camping in the Archdiocese is currently being overseen and the Christian Education staff for an outstanding job. As by Fr. Michael Nasser. It is good to see the growth in camping final editor of this publication, it is a joy to work with Carole, across the archdiocese. Antiochian Village Camp; Camp St. her staff, and the many teens who write articles for the Cross Nicholas, Frazier Park, California; Northern California and Quill. We are also fortunate to have Bishop Basil answer- Antiochian Orthodox Camp; St. Raphael Summer Camp ing questions from the teens as a featured section of each Program, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Camp St. George, Cedar Rapids, issue. The Cross and Quill is available online at: www.anti- Iowa; and St. John Summer Camp, Eagle River, Alaska. ochian.org/christianeducation/cq. Youth Groups will find that St. John, Eagle River Youth Camp this publication provides a wealth of material for discussions. This is the third year I will travel to Alaska for the Youth Youth Ministry Data CD Group Camp of St. John Cathedral of Eagle River, Alaska. In November 1999 the Department of Youth Ministry This one-week camp will take place August 19-25, 2001. Four released its first Youth Ministry Data CD, which is a collection years ago the cathedral requested the Youth Department’s of the various Orthodox materials created for youth work assistance in establishing a youth camp for the Middle School over the past several years. and High School students of their Parish Youth Group. Our Youth Ministry Online first summer camp program took place in August 1999 in The Department continues to maintain an online pres- Soldotna, Alaska. ence, providing a wealth of information for teens, youth work- The youth department serves the youth of our archdiocese ers and parents. Youth Ministry Online: and ministers to those adults doing youth work on the www.antiochian.org/youth. The Department also assists Teen Archdiocese, Regional and Deanery levels. It is encouraging to SOYO in maintaining their online presence at www.antiochi- witness the exceptional youth ministry taking place on the an.org/youth/SOYO. regional, deanery and parish levels. Our teens have taken seri- Case Study Curriculum Confronting Moral ously their mission statement “To Live the Orthodox Faith in and Ethical Issues Christ: through Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship”. Dr. Herman and Susan Engelhardt are producing a case Southwest Region Deanery Coordinators’ List of Needs study curriculum focused on the moral and ethical issues for Successful Youth Ministry confronting teens that are raised in the 1999 study. We Over the weekend of March 9-11, 2001 Deanery Youth expect this will be ready for publication in September of Ministry Coordinators for the Southwest Region of the 2002. The focus of this publication is to enable teens to con- Antiochian Archdiocese met at St. Elijah in Oklahoma City, front the moral and ethical challenges they face each day. OK to discuss their ongoing task of improving and facilitating Teen SOYO youth ministry programs. The goal of this group is to bring Dedicated to living the Orthodox Faith, Teen SOYO support and training to individual parishes within their enables young people to “plunge into the depths of their assigned deaneries. The meeting was led by the Southwest faith” and to learn who they are in relation to God and their Region Youth Director Abraham Bayouth. The highlight of the Orthodox brothers and sisters. This movement has an meeting was when the Coordinators were asked to develop immense impact on the lives of young people. Many of our their vision for youth ministry in the Region, if money were clergy, clergy wives, parish council members, church school not an issue. teachers, youth workers and some of our Archdiocese Board This list is the fruit of their discussions. and Order of St. Ignatius members are former Teen SOYO If money were available to help create/support/enhance members. In addition to the items listed below, Nadia the maintenance and up building of youth ministry programs Lawand, NAC Teen SOYO President, will share the achieve- within our region, we would request the following items and ments of Teen SOYO. programs. Statistics 1. The hiring of a full time Regional Director for the south- Of the 222 Parishes and missions in our archdiocese, 174 west region, including an office with resources and technology Parishes responded to our inquiry, reporting: to create and support effective communication between the • 161 have a Teen Youth Ministry Program — That in deanery reps, the regional director and the Archdiocese. these 161 parishes there are: 2. Full time, paid youth directors in every parish where • 2,500 Active Teen SOYO Members there are more than 10 teens. Full time, paid deanery youth • 11 Paid Parish Youth Directors directors to serve in areas where there exist several parishes • 426 Volunteer Parish Youth Workers having fewer than 10 teens per parish. • 55 Parishes budget money for Youth Work 3. On the regional level, scheduled continuing education NAC Teen SOYO Special Olympics Sports Camp for youth directors. This manual would include such items as This will be the 23rd year of NAC Teen SOYO Special skits, songs, curriculum, planning tools for retreats and lock- Olympics Sports Camp, which will be held at the Antiochian ins, administrative tools, and other ideas for effective Village and hosted by NAC Teen SOYO. Each year our teens Orthodox youth ministry. raise nearly $30,000 to minister to over 100 Special Olympic 5. Tools and program to facilitate effective evangelism Athletes for one week of sports training. This ministry was both for those teens who are already Orthodox, and for con- created by Teen SOYO, as a way of thanking God and vert teens. Facilitate more outreach to teens in the local com- Metropolitan Philip for all that the teens of this archdiocese munity, materials to teach and support this effort, specifically have received. Fifty percent of the staff is composed of Teen materials to teach our youth to live an Orthodox way of life SOYO members, the other fifty percent are provided through and, for converts, materials to teach Orthodoxy 101. the Pennsylvania Special Olympics program. Our teens who 6. Increase focus for our youth on involvement with minister at Special Olympics find the experience profoundly evangelism and mission work both in their local community transforms their understanding of their relationship with oth- and the world. ers. This year camp is August 11-18. 7. Technology for the deanery representatives and the parish youth workers to enhance and facilitate communica-

November 2001 47 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY tion, share ideas and to build and maintain event calendars. 1045 N. West End Blvd., Lot 411 8. The purchase and maintenance of a regional camp for Quakertown, PA 18951 youth programs and conferences. 215-529-9562 9. Financial aid available for missions and for small [email protected] churches to start youth ministry programs and to participate New York Deanery in regional events such as training and retreats. Rob and Brian Scarpa 10. Church vans. 13 Chesterton Avenue 11. A focus on identifying and training people within the Staten Island, NY 10306 parishes who have the heart for youth ministry. Telephone: 718-980-1506 12. A focus on building youth ministry in the region by Rob: [email protected] leading and encouraging young people to grow into positions Brian: [email protected] of teen leadership and eventually into future youth workers, Can-Am Region advisors and directors. Regional Youth Director Additionally, we recommend that parishes adopt a Jennifer Nassrallah $12,000 annual budget for youth ministry, in addition to the 88 Eaglewood Drive costs of a youth director. Bedford, N.S. B4A 3B4 Each deanery representative needs a budget of $2000.00 Telephone: 902-835-2838 per year to do work for the deanery — travel, workshop E-Mail: [email protected] materials and other expenses. (Deanery representatives are Can-Am Spiritual Advisor volunteers.) Rev. Iskander Younes Parish youth directors’ salary packages should be mod- 36 Anvil Ct. eled on salary packages for public school teachers in the Richmond Hill M2J 3W6 parish area. Additional consideration should be given to the Canada fact that parish youth directors will not have their summers Telephone: 905-770-7745 Office: 905-731-7210 off, but a much shorter vacation time period than typical E-Mail: [email protected] school teachers. Eastern Region Regional and Deanery Youth Ministry Staff 2001-2002 Regional Youth Director Archdiocese Department of Youth Katrina Bitar Chairman 237 Long Hill Road Very Rev. Joseph F. Purpura Little Falls, NJ 07424-2005 18 Crystal Hill Terrace Telephone: 973-890-9139 Westwood, MA 02090-2710 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone 1-781-551-3372 FAX 1-781-551-3478 Eastern Spiritual Advisor E-Mail: [email protected] Fr. George Kevorkian NAC Teen SOYO 25 New Meadow Tr. Spiritual Advisor Parsippany 07054 V. Rev. Timothy Baclig Telephone: 973-335-6985 16643 Vanowen St. E-Mail: [email protected] Van Nuys, CA 91406-4622 Midwest Region Telephone: 661-799-0131 Office: 818-994-2313 Deanery Youth Coordinators Fax: 818-994-2352 Michigan Deanery Eastern Region Jim King Deanery Youth Coordinators 3150 Gable Eastern Pennsylvania Deanery Livonia, MI 48152 Deacon Joseph Butts Telephone: 248-471-6467 FAX: 734-421-9228 [email protected] Central States Deanery Vacant Indiana Deanery Dn. Gregory Owen 1983 Hamilton St. Portage, IN 46368 Telephone: 219-762-6947 Word: 219-762-7404 [email protected] Appalachia Deanery Lisa Yared 1300 Summit Dr. Charleston, WV 25302 Telephone: 304-345-8518/800-527-2527 ext. 200 FAX: 304-345-3995 [email protected] Ohio Deanery Barb Aboid 6819 Snow Rd. Parma Heights, OH 44129

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Telephone: 440-886-0670 Home Phone: 316-681-3439 Work: 316-636-4676 [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Midwest Deanery New England Region Mrs. Theodora Wolf Regional Youth Director 3923 Ave. I Vacant Kearney, NE 68847-2646 New England Spiritual Advisor Home: 308-234-4891 Fr. Joseph Kimmett E-Mail: [email protected] 17 Austin St. The Capital Deanery Norwood 02062-4396 Michele George Telephone: 781-762-4396 c/o 3515 Washington Blvd. Apt. 316 E-Mail: [email protected] Arlington, VA 22201 Fort Worth, TX 75132 Telephone: 703-469-1919 Telephone: 817-732-7891 FAX: 817-732-7855 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Western PA Deanery East Texas Deanery Nick Belcher Miss Gizelle (Gigi) Baba 509 58th Street 5919 Don White Altoona, PA 16602 Houston, TX 77088 Phone: 814-944-2080 Telephone: 281-445-0973 Work: 713-665-5252 E-Mail: [email protected] FAX: 713-665-0514 Midwest Region E-Mail: [email protected] Regional Youth Director Midwest Deanery Kathy Abraham Mrs. Theodora Wolf 1714 Tammarron, SE 3923 Ave. I Grand Rapids, MI 49546-9700 Kearney, NE 68847-2646 Telephone: 616-676-2643 Home: 308-234-4891 E-Mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Midwest Spiritual Advisor Southwest Deanery V. Rev. Anthony Yazge Mr. Daniel Bethancourt 1930 S. 4th Street 2161 Candelero Street Terre Haute, IN 47802-1928 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Telephone: 812-232-2105 Office: 812-232-5244 Rocky Mountain Deanery E-Mail: [email protected] Ms. Kimberly (Kim) Finger Southeast Region 6844 Countryside Ln. #288 Regional Youth Director Niwot, CO 80503 Deacon Kenneth McMillian Home Phone: 303-652-1437 1163 Fleming Tr. Work: 303-652-3110 FAX: 303-652-3222 Mableton, GA 07424-2005 E-Mail: [email protected] Telephone: 770-948-5731 Central Texas Deanery E-Mail: [email protected] Mrs. Pam Kalil Southeast Spiritual Advisor 6012 Montvista Lane #313 V. Rev. Alexis Kouri Home Phone: 505-438-7335 O Box 292516 E-Mail: [email protected] Davie 33329 Mississippi Valley Deanery Telephone: 954-384-7375 Office: 954-584-4030 Deacon James Elliott E-Mail: [email protected] Southwest Region Southwest Region Youth Director Mr. Abraham B. Bayouth PO Box 21 Skiatook, OK 74070-2201 Telephone: 918-396-0037 Fax: 918-396-3012 E-Mail: [email protected] Southwest Spiritual Advisor Fr. Chad Hatfield c/o 2818 Scanlan Ave. Salina, KS 67401 Telephone: 785-488-3426 E-Mail: [email protected] Southwest Region Deanery Youth Coordinators Kansas-Oklahoma Deanery Mr. Jimmy Shadid 8165 E. Central #701 Wichita, KS 67206

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1666 Beard programs could not be successful without the constant sup- Memphis, TN 38112 port and encouragement from all the adult help that was Home Phone: 901-278-0203 received. E-Mail: [email protected] Some of the programs and projects in which the NAC Western Region Teen SOYO is involved are the following: Regional Youth Director Special Olympics Sports Camp George R. Younes The Special Olympics Sports camp which is held annually 27916 Perales at the Antiochian Village is one of the most important pro- Mission Viejo, CA 07424-2005 jects, enabling challenged children to experience a week of Telephone: 949-472-4679 FAX: 949-458-2623 challenges, friendships and hope. Teen SOYO raises money E-Mail: [email protected] on Special Olympics Awareness Day, to fund the camp, as Western Spiritual Advisor well as offering assistance in coaching. This is a great oppor- Fr. Christopher Salamy tunity for not only the athletes, but the Teens involved at the 4530 Gold Dust Ave. Antiochian Village. Phoenix, AZ 85028 Youth Month Telephone: 602-765-6069 Office: 602-953-1921 Youth Month is an extremely important month for our E-Mail: [email protected] teens. During the month of October the teens read the epis- You can help make a difference! tle, deliver the sermon, serve as ushers, clean their churches, 1. Pray for our teens and those ministering to them. take communion together, and much more. This month is 2. Volunteer to help your parish youth minister/director. dedicated to the youth and this is usually a time where the 3. Donate of your financial resources to: chapters get to know new members and get others involved. a. your local parish youth ministry It is also a month when the teens are able to give to their b. your deanery youth coordinator’s needs (make church and get involved. donations through your Deanery and earmark it Communications for the work of the Deanery Youth Coordinator — Due to the fact that the teens in our Archdiocese are so see your pastor for whom to contact) far apart it is difficult to meet more than twice a year, but c. your regional youth director’s needs (donations that doesn’t mean that we aren’t able to communicate. In this may be made through your regional Teen SOYO, or day and age we have so many useful tools at our disposal. In this department — earmark funds for the Regional the past few years Teen SOYO has begun to communicate Youth Director’s work) over e-mail in order to maintain connections and keep on top d. the Archdiocese Youth Ministry Endowment Fund of things. The creation of regional and parish web sites has (please make donations directly to the Archdiocese begun in the last few years in order to give all our NAC Teens and designate it for the Youth Ministry a chance to see what everyone is doing. This is a constant Endowment — Antiochian Orthodox Christian project that we hope to continue and develop thoroughly in Archdiocese — 358 Mountain Road — Englewood, the next few years. NJ 07631) NAC Newsletter 4. Encourage and support youth workers across this In the past NAC has always had a newsletter and this year archdiocese through your words, actions, and prayers. was our first year for change. We have been introduced to the 5. Encourage and assist the teens of your parish to partic- Cross and Quill, which is a publication for Orthodox Youth ipate in the Bible Bowl and Oratorical Festivals. put out by the Antiochian Orthodox Department of Christian Education that has benefitted the Teens tremendously. This 7 (19a). The Report of the North American Council of Teen newsletter is not only a tool for the youth workers but a SOYO was presented by NADIA LAWAND under the same forum where our Teens can relate, communicate and learn commission. She announced the following new bout the teachings of our Orthodox Faith. This has involved Archdiocesan Officers for Teen SOYO as follows: so many of our Teens, whether in the publication or in the President Nicol Zabak Southwest reading and God willing, will continue as a new tradition. Vice President Paul Fuller Mid-West Secretary Dolly Bahbah SW Treasurer Joe Abdalah Eastern The report was moved by Gigi Baba and seconded by Darlene Haddad and received for filing. On behalf of all the teens in the Archdiocese I would like to welcome you to beautiful Los Angeles to meet, pray and have fun together. We are looking forward to a productive, memorable and spiritual journey throughout the week. The North American Council of Teen SOYO is the starting point for the youth in our archdiocese, who are the present and future of the church. Teen SOYO is a great organization that promotes involvement in the Holy Orthodox Church. For many more years than I know and can remember Teen SOYO has been devoted to increasing the youth involvement and understanding of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Since the last General Assembly of 1999 in Chicago, there have been various projects and programs that Teen SOYO has orga- nized, participated in, and worked on, in order to achieve the spiritual, humanitarian and social goals. These projects and

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Fellowship/Social: Scavenger Hunt Horseback riding Bowling Get-togethers at teens’ homes Watching Movies Newsletter/Websites Sports Teams Learning Dabke Ski and Beach Trips Bible Study Conferences Camp Visit to Monastery Retreat Chanting The humanitarian, social and spiritual involvement of our Archdiocese Teens is tremendous and is vital for the present and the future of our church. On behalf of the North American Council of Teen SOYO, I would like to thank all those who have helped to make this organization a success. Orthodox Education Month Through the guidance of the adults in the Archdiocese NAC Throughout the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Teen SOYO has and will be able to achieve many goals, and January is Orthodox Education Month. During the month of will hopefully keep growing over the years. January Teen SOYO participates and encourages all parish- ioners to help in the growth of the collection of Orthodox 7 (20). The Antiochian Village Camping Program was pre- books at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center. sented by FATHER MICHEL MASSOUH on behalf of Father This project promotes and preserves our Orthodox history. Michael Nasser. Moved by Father Constantine Nasr, sec- Great Friday Vigil onded by Jacquie Koury, the report was received for filing. The teens are encouraged to pray and watch over the With much love I greet you from the Antiochian Village Tomb of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During the night where we are enjoying a most blessed summer camping sea- the teens read the Gospels and Psalms, giving everyone a son. Though I will miss being with you, I send you greetings chance to read and get involved. The teens are able to wor- from the 320 campers, counselors and staff currently in resi- ship together and bond. dence. Know that you are in our prayers during your most Worship, Witness, Service and Fellowship across NAC important gathering. The Teens from across the Archdiocese are involved in Camp Season 2001 many different activities that are bringing them closer to liv- Although we predicted sessions would fill quickly this ing the Orthodox Faith. Some of the activities that the year, none of us expected that any would fill less than three Regions have reported are the following: weeks from the time the applications were mailed, but that is Humanitarian/Service: what happened. All 980 camper spots have been filled since Working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters February! For the first time in 5 years, a modest fee increase Christmas Caroling in Hospitals/Senior Citizens homes was needed to meet our increasing costs. The $25 increase Cleaning their Church for two-week sessions and $15 increase for one-weekers was Sponsoring children through Children’s Relief received with no complaints, and we remain committed that Visit and funds for St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage no camper will be excluded from camp due to financial need. Special Olympics fundraising and service Thanks to the Order of St. Ignatius and other generous Project Mexico donors, over $80,000 will be awarded in camp scholarships Project Ashville this year. We are also pleased to see more and more parishes Clothes Giveaway taking on the task of fundraising for their campers. Soup Kitchen Faced with a rapid, growing demand for camping opportu- Giving Blood nities, Metropolitan Philip charged the Archdiocese Board of Serving the Homeless Trustees to recommend a course of action: either to enlarge the Help in Sunday school, altar, choir Antiochian Village or to seek other ways to meet that growing Habitat for Humanity demand. The option of enlarging the Village was determined to Other Service Projects in the community have many negative factors, primarily the loss of community Mission trip to Orphanage in Guatemala brought by even larger crowds, the resource limits of water and Service Project — cleaning up Antiochian Village Camp program space, and the great demand that would remain Scholarships for Campers unmet from families who cannot or will not send their children Peer Counseling and Mentoring to camp hundreds or thousands of miles from home. Fundraising: Our plan is to therefore provide more opportunities for Coffee Hour camping in the Archdiocese by supporting the establishment Car Washes of new camps. This summer, both Camp St. Raphael in Christmas Plays Oklahoma and Camp St. George in Iowa will hold their inau- Selling drinks at events gural sessions. Approximately 200 campers are anticipated to Bake Sales attend those programs and another 500 will attend our other Day care camps in California and Alaska. In addition, there are over 50

November 2001 51 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY camps run by other Orthodox jurisdictions and our Archdiocese is taking the lead in proposing a pan-Orthodox association of summer camps for mutual support and assis- tance, as well as beginning new programs cooperatively. New Programs Our first Winter Camp was held at the Heritage and Learning Center on February 16-19, 2001. Seventy-five campers attended the program which included daily services, Christian education sessions, learning activities and, of course, ample time for recreation and friendship building. The program was greatly enjoyed by all and was highlighted in a few articles in the May 2001 issue of The WORD. A weekend of Family Camp, our other new program, will be held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27, 2002. Come join us for a weekend full of fun, relaxation and growing together as a family. Our new summer programs this year include: 1) sand vol- leyball — a long time request from campers, 2) a rock-climb- ing tower added to the Challenge Course through donations from Midwest Region SOYO, and 3) an expanded overnight program. In the past only those campers 13 and older went on the on-site overnight campout. Starting this year, our 11- The past two years have been some of the most exciting 13 year olds participate in that program, our oldest campers in the 12-year history of this Department. For many years we go on the 14-mile Laurel Highlands Trail backpacking trip have all lamented the loss of our young people who leave that was instituted two years ago, and our 14-15 year olds home for college and leave their faith in the process, with participate in a new on-site backpacking program. many of them never returning. Let me highlight the recent Camp Facilities progress we have made: Our Village Council is wisely addressing many major ren- 1) The reestablishment of SCOBA’s Campus ovations needed at the camp, including expansion of the Commission — Since the early 1970’s, this inter- camp kitchen, major improvements to the water system, Orthodox agency, which supports the almost 200 on replacement of the 51 year-old pool, and the gradual replace- campus fellowships, has been dormant. Our ment of the older, very crowded Unit 1 and 2 cabins. Our Archdiocese has taken the lead in reestablishing this attention will now turn to planning for these needed renova- vital ministry. In December of 2000, SCOBA unani- tions and raising the necessary funds. An estimated $1.5 mil- mously and enthusiastically approved that effort. As of lion dollars will be needed to complete all of the needed reno- January 2001, the newly reopened North American vations. We have reaped the countless blessings from the office of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has Antiochian Village for almost 25 years now; it’s now time to begun the process of organizing and reassembling the ensure that the Village can go on serving our children for local fellowships into a cohesive movement. At our years to come. When the call goes out to join our efforts, we first Campus Commission meeting in April 2001, Fr. hope for an enthusiastic response. Michael Nasser was elected the Chair of the Our renovation program has already begun with the com- Commission and we are currently working toward the pletion of the second Volunteer Cabin, built from a generous development of the needed financial support and the grant from the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. God willing, hiring of full-time staff. We could not overstate the fall will see the construction of the new Camp Office/Welcome potential that OCF could have on providing a meeting Lodge, which is being built from funds from the Metropolitan place for Orthodox Christians of all backgrounds to Philip Endowment for the Antiochian Village. join a united community, while providing a voice for In closing, I would like to thank our Assistant Camp Orthodoxy in the marketplace or ideas, the modern- Director, Khalil Samara, who has done an outstanding job for day college campus. the past 2 years, instituting new programs and improving our With this renewed inter-Orthodox effort, this Department existing ones. Khalil will be leaving us in the fall to pursue has undergone a transformation as we begin to transition our graduate education, but his hopes are to again serve the campus-based activities to OCF. With the blessing of His church in some capacity upon graduation. I know we will Eminence Metropolitan Philip, our Student Board decided hear much from this talented young man in the years to unanimously to propose OCF assume sponsorship of the come. College Conferences, Real Break and The Basil Leaf (see We ask your prayers for a safe and blessed remainder to below). This change has led us to change our name from the our summer at the Village, and will ask God to grant you all Department of Campus Ministry to the Department of College safe travel home. Ministry, and we will now turn our efforts toward bridging the gap between the Archdiocesan organizations of Teen SOYO 7 (20a). The Report of the Department of College Ministry and the Fellowship of St. John. was presented by FATHER MICHAEL MASSOUH on behalf 2) The Annual College Conference — We have seen a of Father Michael Nasser of the activities of the North 900% increase in conference attendance over the last American Student Board. KATHY ABRAHAM presented a 5 years, and this past conference filled the Heritage descriptive account. and Learning Center to capacity. Beginning this com- Report to the Antiochian Archdiocese Convention ing December, a second, simultaneous conference will Los Angeles, July 26-27, 2001 be held in California to meet the growing demand. We Your Eminences, Your Graces, Reverend Clergy and have the Order of St. Ignatius to thank for this growth brothers and sisters in Christ, as they provide the necessary funds to subsidize the

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to accept the report for filing. Spring is a wonderful time of year. It is renewal. We see it all around us. We see the physical renewal of life in newborn animals through reproductive cycles that are in tune with nature. We see new plant life, as mature plants spring to life or new plants grown from seed. For humans, whose reproduc- tive cycle is not based on the seasons, spring represents a spiritual renewal. We escape for months of being cooped up indoors to the glory of being a more intimate part of nature. We participate in outdoor sports, either actively engaged our- selves or through youth sports. We camp. We put in gardens. We tend to our yards. When planting the seeds in our garden, we should also plant a new seed in our heart, as we renew our faith and love to our Lord Jesus Christ. We crave sunshine and find the warmth of the sun on our faces pleasing. We should also crave the want and need to go to church. It seems that it is spring that most reminds us of our place in the uni- verse. Nature teaches those who will learn. The learning’s are at many levels. But, the one I would focus on today is renew- al, which if we think about it, is a form of change. Nature is Conference and offer scholarships to needy students. always in a growing or resting state. That observation may be 3) Real Break — The Real Break experience gives our a lesson for us humans. Even for those of us who like change, young adults positive alternatives to the hedonistic we cannot continually move forward on the road of progress spring break that hundreds of thousands participate in without taking time for renewal, for reflection, for rest and each year. This program was instituted in spring of recreation, for reminding ourselves of our role in the universe 2000 with three trips taking 35 college students to and to our faith. Many challenges lay ahead of us in the both Florida and Tijuana, Mexico to spend their spring Fellowship of St. John the Divine. Whether those challenges break serving the poor. This past year, we increased are viewed as opportunities or as problems depends on our our schedule and sent out five groups to work again in state of mind. If our batteries are running low they will likely Mexico, as well as new sites in Guatemala and be seen as problems. If we are renewed with new energy, pur- Houston, Texas. The 70 participants all raised their pose and perspective we are more likely to see those chal- own funds, with almost $70,000 being raised. Our lenges as opportunities to improve our faith for our sisters schedule for spring, 2002 includes the Hogar Raphael and brothers in Christ and for ourselves. Let’s all make a per- Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala, Project Mexico, St. sonal pledge to ourselves to take the time to reflect, to reen- Basil’s Orthodox Academy for Orphaned and Needy ergize, and to gain new perspective not only with our faith Children, and several Habitat for Humanity sites. but also to the Fellowship of St. John the Divine. 4) Internship Program — One of the most exhilarating At the NAC Midwinter meeting this past February, I am new ventures is our Internship Program. The delighted to say that the business meeting and workshop was Internship Program is a referral program within our very informative, refreshing and energizing spiritually. Archdiocese to help college students gain real-world Thanks to all those in attendance. experiences. Co-sponsored by the Order of St. Ignatius Food for Hungry: of Antioch, college students will be able to peruse a Our Priests have the most impact on the Food for Hungry database of internship opportunities offered by mem- program and it has been suggested that each priest take five bers of the Order and others who through their busi- minutes each week of Great Lent to remind his parish of the nesses and corporations can offer our students a “foot starving people in the world. Linda Simon was asked to in the door.” explain how she handles the program in the Midwest. Linda Information on all of the above programs can all be found stated she mails the information to each parish with a “Food on our web site under the departments section of www.anti- for Thought” which has to do with almsgiving, the Lenten ochian.org, as well as www.ocf.net. We continue to collect Calendar and follows up with a letter of thank you note to contact information from our parishes, though we only each parish for their contribution. Fr. Michael Abdelahad sug- receive a disappointing 50% response from parishes in the gested “raising the bar” and set a goal of $250,000 to support Archdiocese. Those on this list receive our student-authored the Food for Hungry Program. He suggested sending a letter and edited newsletter, The Basil Leaf, as well as information to St. Ignatius members and a letter to each individual on the other programs listed above. church. The NAC is drafting a letter to be sent to all the We thank God for blessing our efforts, but we’ve only parishes. Our goal is to help Ms. Robin Nicholas expand the begun to scratch the surface of working to meet the spiritual Food for Hungry People Program. needs of our Archdiocese’s estimated 4,000 college-age young Future FOSJD: adults. With the energetic leadership of the members of the Delegates were asked at the meeting what they would like North American Student Board whose names you see on the people to be able to say about the Fellowship of St. John the front page of this report, we are very hopeful for what the Divine 2 years from now. A list was compiled of what voids in future will bring. Many thanks to the members of the Order the Archdiocese the body thought the Fellowship should try who support so much of our efforts. to fill. The list consisted of the following: 7 (21). The Report on the Fellowship of St. John the Divine People on Fire for God was presented by GIGI BABA on behalf of SARA MALOLEY, Adult Education Programs President. It was moved and seconded by NAC Teen SOYO Vacation Bible School Programs

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More Deanery Projects Promoting Pan-Orthodoxy Gigi Baba, Darlene Haddad, Michelle Mike, Kathy Uniform Material for Converts Abraham and all of our FOSJD Regional Presidents and Better Communication between Levels Spiritual Advisors; THANK YOU for giving your hearts in so Interfaith Education many thoughtful and unselfish ways and the willingness to Sustain Youth Connection share and giving so much of your time and knowledge. To Living the Life of Christ Liturgically Metropolitan Philip and the Archdiocese Board and to all Youth Mentoring/Paid Regional Youth Directors of my Brothers and Sisters, THANK YOU not only for your Webpage: support to the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, but also to Communications have been sent out seeking a me. If only you could know the thanks that fill each thought Webmaster. It is not a paid position and would require 24-36 of you. hours a week work. There are many people who would take the job if it were a paid position. A salary range of $25,000.00 7 (22). At this point METROPOLITAN PHILIP presented his and up is being asked. Our goal presently is to find a message to the 45th Archdiocese Convention. It will be Webmaster — then a Regional Webmaster to help the NAC omitted from the Minutes, as it was printed in an earlier Webmaster. The regional webmaster would do all the legwork edition of The WORD. for the regions and the NAC Webmaster would oversee all 7 (23). The Report of the Department of Finance was pre- publications on the web. “Is it an important tool?” The sented by MR. ROBERT LAHAM, Chairman and Treasurer. ;answer is YES! Is it essential to the Archdiocese? The Moved by Fr. John Nosal and seconded by Samuel answer is YES! However, the NAC Fellowship cannot afford to Abraham, the report was received for filing. pay a salary of $25,000 or more per year. Further discussion will be held in LA. At this time on behalf of the FOSJD we ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE would like to thank Fr. Nabil Hanna for all of his hard work OF NORTH AMERICA and many many hours that he has given to the Webpage Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2003 keeping it up until a permanent Webmaster can be found. Budget Budget THANK YOU FR. NABIL! I. BUDGETED EXPENDITURES 2002 2003 Oratorical Rules: A. Theological Education A longstanding rule pertaining to the use by a participant 1. Seminarians — Tuition, of his/her individual name, city, church or name of priest was Room, Board & Allowance 155,000 155,000 omitted from the rules and guidelines. This rule will be insert- 2. Balamand Theological Academy ed in the rules of the Oratorical Presentation. & Theological Seminaries 150,000 150,000 Rat Race Retreat: 3. Antiochian House of Studies 25,000 28,000 Congratulations to Ms. Katrina Halasa and her committee 4. St. Stephen Course of Studies for the superb job that they did under the guidance of Ms. & Master’s Program 50,000 60,000 Kathy Abraham for a successful retreat for our young adults Total Theological Education 380,000 383,000 that was held at the village this past May. The Young Adult B. Other Related Expenditures Ministry Program has been formed by NAC in hopes to bridge 1. Retired Clergy Housing Allowance 190,000 190,000 the gap between the transitions of the College age young 2. Contributions for and within adults to the Fellowship. the Patriarchate 25,000 25,000 Orphanage Project: 3. SCOBA, NCCC, Etc. 7,000 7,000 The FOSJD will pledge $2,500.00 per year to Antiochian 4. Fellowship of St. John, Women for their Orphanage Project until a $1,000,000.00 Teen SOYO and AOCWNA 10,000 50,000 endowment is fully funded for the project. Another check will 5. AOCWNA 100,000 120,000 be presented in July in LA. 6. Charities — Double Cabin: (a) Food for Hungry 140,000 145,000 The need for a double cabin to house 16 people at the vil- (b) Children’s Relief Fund 100,000 100,000 lage camp was discussed. Prices range from $58,000.00 to Total Related Expenditures 572,000 592,000 $60,000.00. The cost could be as low as $45,000.00 if volun- C. Archdiocese Departments teers from each region would help build it. This would be a 1. Youth Ministry 132,500 140,000 great project for the FOSJD. Further discussion on the project 2. Campus Ministry 17,000 23,000 was tabled until the July meeting. 3. Orthodox Christian Education 87,500 100,000 Vision Statement and Mission Statement: 4. Sacred Music & Liturgics 12,000 12,000 The statement only needs to be 1 or 2 lines. They should 5. Parish Development 125,000 135,000 remain consistent with the purpose of the organization. Each 6. Planning and Future Development 80,000 80,000 President will be discussing this issue at their regional confer- 7. Mission and Evangelism 260,000 265,000 ence. We will put the vision and mission statement together 8. Information and Media Relations 15,000 15,000 at our July meeting and come up with one for the Fellowship 9. Orthodox Christian Books of St. John the Divine to use. & Publications 100,000 125,000 “We should move toward our ambitions and not worry 10. The WORD Publication 200,000 205,000 about the details; we should continue forward and do what we 11. Conciliar Press 24,000 20,000 want with life.” If we continually worry about anything and 12. Continuing Pastoral Education 7,500 7,000 everything then we will truly meet the devil in the details. We 13. Western Rite Vicariate have in the Fellowship of St. John the Divine the founda- & Inter-Faith 17,000 17,000 tion of something truly great. How we see and seize the 14. Credentials and Convention Planning 2,000 — opportunities will make all the difference! 15. Other Departments and I would like to take this opportunity to share warm words Standing Committees 10,500 13,000 of gratitude with you to Bishop Demetri, Fr. John Nosal, Total Departments 1,090,000 1,157,000

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D. Maintenance of Archdiocese Headquarters (Note 1) 425,000 484,000 E. Insurance 30,000 30,000 F. Metropolitan’s Allowance and Office 60,000 72,000 G. Auxiliary Bishops’ (four) Stipends 170,000 180,000 H. Chancery in Toledo 25,000 28,000 I. Chancery in Los Angeles 40,000 40,000 J. Chancery in Wichita 29,000 35,000 K. St. Athanasius Academy 35,000 35,000 L. Other Special Projects — Order of St. Ignatius (Note 2) 287,000 271,000 M. Antiochian Village (Note 3) 183,000 300,000 N. Heritage & Learning Center (Note 4) 140,000 165,000 O. Conversion of Canadian Dollars into US Dollars 50,000 50,000 P. Miscellaneous and Contingencies 20,000 20,000 Total D through P 1,494,000 1,710,000 Total Budgeted Expenditures 3,536,000 3,852,000 Notes to Budgeted Expenditures Note 1 — Maintenance and Operations of Archdiocese Headquarters From Archdiocese General Fund Office Staff Salaries 164,000 170,000 Operation of Library 30,000 30,000 Medical Health and Life Insurance Reserve for Capital Improvements 20,000 20,000 & Social Security 85,000 100,000 From Reserve for Capital Household (including Housekeeper’s Improvements 50,000 75,000 and Cook’s wages) 75,000 80,000 Total 140,000 165,000 Utilities (telephone, gas, electricity, Note 5 — The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch oil heating) 32,000 40,000 Heritage & Learning Center Postage 9,000 12,000 (a) Library Books 15,000 15,000 Repairs and Maintenance 25,000 40,000 (b) Museum Operations 15,000 15,000 Capital Improvements 7,000 10,000 Retired Clergy Housing Allowance 140,000 140,000 Office Supplies and Equipment 10,000 10,000 Christian Education Fund 27,500 30,000 Automobile Expense (gas, oil, Christian Education Endowment Fund 25,000 25,000 repairs, insurance, etc.) 11,500 12,000 Parish Development 25,000 25,000 Sewer Charges and Cottage Youth Ministry 107,500 115,000 Real Estate Taxes 6,500 10,000 Youth Ministry Endowment Fund 25,000 25,000 Total 425,000 484,000 Archdiocese Administrative Services 100,000 115,000 Note 2 — Other Special Projects — Item L Missions & Evangelism 125,000 125,000 The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch Missions & Evangelism Endowment Fund 25,000 25,000 (a) Task Force for Jerusalem 30,000 30,000 Antiochian House of Studies 20,000 20,000 (b) Youth Festival and College Contact 15,000 18,000 Summer Camp Scholarships 79,000 79,000 (c) Endowment Funds 75,000 75,000 Teen SOYO Special Olympics 8,000 8,000 (d) Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries 10,000 10,000 Departmental Grants 10,000 10,000 (e) Project Mexico 15,000 15,000 Project Mexico 15,000 15,000 (f) IOCC — 25,000 College Conference 15,000 18,000 (g) Clergy Symposium Assistance 21,000 21,000 Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries 10,000 10,000 (h) Youth Workers Conference — 7,000 Task Force for Jerusalem 30,000 30,000 (i) Senior Citizens Matching Funds 50,000 — Balamand Theological Academy 30,000 30,000 (j) Other Projects 71,000 70,000 Assistance to Proposed Missions 21,000 10,000 Total 287,000 271,000 Clergy Symposium & Note 3 — Antiochian Village Camp Convention Assistance 21,000 21,000 From the Order of St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Projects — Village Camp Cabins — 65,000 Matching Funds 50,000 — Summer Camp Scholarships 79,000 79,000 Other Projects 50,000 70,000 Special Olympics 8,000 8,000 IOCC — 25,000 From the Archdiocese General Fund Village Camp Cabins — 65,000 Camp Improvements 40,000 100,000 Total 989,000 1,066,000 Operations Deficit 20,000 10,000 Camp Director’s Salary 36,000 38,000 ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE Total 183,000 300,000 OF NORTH AMERICA Note 4 — Heritage & Learning Center Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2003 From the Order of St. Ignatius Budget Budget Purchase of Library Books 15,000 15,000 BUDGETED SOURCES OF RECEIPTS 2002 2003 Museum Development 15,000 15,000 A. From the Parishes and Missions Grants for Departmental Meetings 10,000 10,000 1. Parish Assessments 1,060,000 1,100,000 2. Tithing Parishes 220,000 250,000

November 2001 55 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

3. Archdiocese Seminarian Fund NICHOLAS, Co-Chairmen, presented the Reports of The (Orthodoxy Sunday) 40,000 40,000 Children’s Relief Fund and the Department of Antiochian 4. Theological Seminaries Fund Charities. Moved by Father Anthony Yazge and seconded (October Month) 40,000 40,000 by Father Michael Abdelahad, the reports were received 5. Patriarchate Fund (Palm Sunday) 40,000 40,000 for filing. Total from Parishes and Missions 1,400,000 1,470,000 B. From Individuals The opening of the century is certainly a time of reflec- 1. For the General Fund 225,000 230,000 tion upon the past and a time of reevaluation of the future. 2. For Other Funds & Special Charities 50,000 50,000 Although this report is to bring you up to date on the past two 3. For AOCWNA, Fellowship of years in regards to what progress the Children’s Relief Fund St. John & Teen SOYO 5,000 5,000 has made, I need to inform you that according to our past Total from Individuals 280,000 285,000 records, we have reached a consistent plateau that needs to C. From the Archdiocese Conventions and Organizations be addressed, if we are to continue as a charitable arm of this 1. The Order of St. Ignatius Archdiocese. of Antioch (Note 5) 989,000 1,066,000 Whereas our baseline has been the support of an individ- 2. AOCWNA 100,000 120,000 ual child at $300.00 annually, we are being consistently 3. From Fellowship of St. John and Teen SOYO requested to help financially with educational scholarships (a) Registration Fees 32,000 32,000 and medical aid. Rest assured that no child has gone away (b) Food for Hungry 140,000 145,000 empty-handed. Your donations have supplied $10,000.00 in Total Item 3 172,000 177,000 scholarships to elementary and high school students, 4. Archdiocese Convention 65,000 — $3,000.00 dollars for pediatric medications, and $1,700.00 for 5. Department of Charities — hearing aid equipment for a set of hearing-impaired 9 year old Children’s Relief Fund 100,000 100,000 twin girls. Our crowning achievement, however, is the fact 6. Mission Councils 70,000 90,000 that over the past two years, we facilitated an all-time record Total C 1,496,000 1,553,000 of 16 adoptions. D. Other Archdiocese Receipts Our most difficult problem is the waning of sponsorships. 1. Balamand Theological In 1999, we listed 290 sponsored children, and in 2000, that Education Fund 50,000 50,000 number dropped to 281. This gradual decline over the years I 2. Sale of Orthodox Books attribute to the lack of communication between the children and Publications 160,000 180,000 and their sponsors. Time and distance are just not conducive 3. Subscriptions and Gifts to to reliability and dedication. Either the children are lax in The WORD magazine 10,000 10,000 their writing letters of appreciation, or the sponsors fail to 4. St. Stephen’s Course of Studies respond to our billing. I am caught in the middle. I cannot & Master’s Program 60,000 85,000 dispense with something I do not have, ergo, the waning of 5. Heritage and Learning Center sponsorships. Reserve 50,000 75,l000 Remaining sponsors, whether they be individuals or orga- 6. Grants and Other Gifts — 100,000 nizations, are asked to be vigilant despite our shortcomings. Total Other Receipts 330,000 500,000 Just remember that your child might have a shirt on his back Total Budgeted Sources of Receipts — or shoes on his feet or a book in his hand because of you. Items A through D 3,506,000 3,808,000 These small tangibles are but teardrops on suffering humanity. Total Budgeted Expenditures — Please help me help them. Support the Children’s Relief Fund. Page 1 3,536,000 3,852,000 In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my aides, Excess of Budgeted Expenditures Mrs. Wafa Atiyeh and Mr. Nevin L. Smith for their untiring Over Receipts (30,000) (44,000) efforts, patience, and advice, and for your trust and confi- dence. 7 (24). FATHER GEORGE RADOS and MISS ROBIN Respectfully, Fr. George M. Rados Participating Individuals Anonymous Bishop Antoun Khouri, NJ Bishop Basil Essey, NJ Camille, Jamal, and Peter Rubeiz, VA Dr. & Mrs. C.F. Milkie, CA Dr. & Mrs. Gary Esper, PA Dr. & Mrs. George Ajalat, CA Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Kubina, KS Dr. & Mrs. Herbert McCollum, TN Dr. & Mrs. Louis Bojrab, MI Dr. & Mrs. Melvin Bram, TX Dr. & Mrs. N. Kalleel, FL Dr. & Mrs. Panos Lymberopoulos, IL Dr. & Mrs. Robert Badwey, MD Dr. & Mrs. Robert Madey, NY (3) Dr. & Mrs. Robert Moses, PA Dr. & Mrs. William Rouady, VA Dr. Raymond Kyriakos, NJ

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Dr. K.J. Shaheen, OH Mr. Frank Ellis, MD Dr. & Mrs. Albert Maalouf, Canada Mr. Frank Shaheen, OH Dr. & Mrs. David Bojrab, IN Mr. Gabriel Najal, ONT Fr. George and Mrs. Aswad, NY Mr. George & Mrs. Elsie Nassor, NJ Gillquist Family, CA Mr. George & Ms. Daad Saddic, PA Motes/Ruggles, VA Mr. George N. Jabbour, MI Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel, MI Mr. George Jabbour, VA Mr. & Mrs. Abe Abraham Mr. Hank Abraham, VA Mr. & Mrs. Albert J. Jammal, Jr., MA Mr. Henry Geha, FL Mr. & Mrs. Andre Tadros, MI Mr. James & Mrs. Christine Bizreh, MA Mr. & Mrs. Bitar, OR Mr. Jason Deeb, MA Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Cooper, MS Mr. Jerome Lahham, KS Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hazzi, NY Mr. Jerry Cripe, CA Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Bundros, CA Mr. John & Ms. Nicole Doumani, CA Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Tragakis, VA Mr. John Corombos, MI Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Mouaikel, NY Mr. John Jabara, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. D. Rizkallah, NH Mr. Marion Zahlawy, MA Mr. & Mrs. Dacales, NJ Mr. Nevin L. Smith, MD Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Braun, CA Mr. Robert & Mrs. Vivian Ghiz, WV Mr. & Mrs. David Simm, MA Mr. Robert Kent, NY Mr. & Mrs. Deeb, TX Mr. Rudolph & Ms. Marie Yanney, PA Mr. & Mrs. Don Skaff, WV Mr. Samuel Homsi, MI Mr. & Mrs. Earl Matthews, ID Mr. Thomas Dahdouh, GA Mrs. Edward Kassab, MI Mr. Victor Rahhal, CA Mr. & Mrs. Farha, KS Mr. Wade Abraham, MI Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ellis, MD Mr. William Nimee, MA Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Massouh, TX Mr. William Stefanco, NY Mr. & Mrs. George Nassor, NJ Mrs. Caleema Abdow, MD Mr. & Mrs. Ghassan Rassi, Canada Mrs. Fatima Kazimi & Mr. Frederick Yukic, CA Mr. & Mrs. Hank Schoenlein, CA Mrs. Helen Amin, OH Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs, MI Mrs. Isabelle Elac, CA Mr. & Mrs. James Abdelnour, MA Mrs. Laila Abud, MI Mr. & Mrs. John Asha, MD Mrs. Louise Carol, PA Mr. & Mrs. John Kiralla, CA Mrs. Renee Pokoyowawy, MI Mr. & Mrs. Jon Fate, CA Mrs. Richard Freije Mr. & Mrs. Joseph David, PA Mrs. Rudy George, OH Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morrash, PA Ms. Carol Cetnar, OH Mr. & Mrs. Joseph O’Neil, MA Ms. Carolyn Shuey, MD Mr. & Mrs. Kaim, TX Ms. Catherine Aborjaily, MA Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Haddad, AZ Ms. Catherine Massad, TX Mr. & Mrs. Kurker, MA Ms. Diane Rafeedie, CA Mr. & Mrs. Long, TX Ms. Elizabeth Zogob, CA Mr. & Mrs. Louis Bojrab, NC Ms. Evelyn Haddad, CA Mr. & Mrs. Mark Fennema, VA Ms. Gail Kiralla, CA Mr. & Mrs. Martin Pinkstaff, APO Ms. Gail Slemon, CA Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tom, IN Ms. Ghada Masabni, MA Mr. & Mrs. Michel Easa, MA Ms. Helen Corey, IN Mr. & Mrs. Moses Skaff Ms. Helen Jabbour, TX Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Nassif, SD Ms. Hope Ekery, TX Mr. & Mrs. Ottavio Gallotto, MA ]Ms. Katherine Silski, OH Mr. & Mrs. Richard Zogheb & Family, CT Ms. Lina Abouchanab, CA Mr. & Mrs. Robert Abraham, MS Ms. Linda & Mr. Robert Thomas, MA Mr. & Mrs. Robert Aramony, VA Ms. Linda Shady, MI Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Halaby, MA Ms. Lisa Mesalam, IN Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Salem, PA Ms. Maha Bassila, NY Mr. & Mrs. William Higgins, MA Ms. Margareta Vranesevich, TX Mr. & Mrs. William Webber, OH Ms. Mary D. Kelley, TX Mr. & Mrs. Zabahen, ONT Ms. Mary Esper, PA Mr. & Mrs. Nespo Kaleel, OH Ms. Melissa Davis, NC Mr. Alan & Ms. Debbie Abraham, MI Ms. Michelle Forzley, NY Mr. Andonis Morfesis, NJ Ms. Norma Salim, MI Mr. Arthur W. & Mrs. Christie A. Menze, IN Ms. Patricia Ann Abraham, NY (4) Mr. Bryan & Mr. Marc Alvarez, MD Ms. Patricia Saad, FL Mr. Elie & Ms. Virginia Abushanab, RI Ms. Robin Nicholas, CA Mr. Emile Sayegh, TX Ms. Ruby Zachem, GA Mr. Ernest Younes, Canada Ms. Sally Ghiz, AZ

November 2001 57 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Ms. Sandra Arida, NY St. Mary’s Ladies Society of St. Elias, CA Ms. Sharon Dean Skaff, CA St. Michael’s Ladies Club, NV Ms. Sharon Rugh, MI St. Michael’s Ladies Club, WV Ms. Suzy Khoury, TX St. Michael’s Ladies Guild, CA Ms. Vivian Habib, Canada St. Michael’s Ladies Society, KY Ms. Jean Sam, MI St. Nicholas Cathedral Ladies Society, CA Rev. Christopher Davis, PA St. Nicholas Cathedral, Hamelat-el-Teeb, NY Rev. John Braun, CA St. Nicholas Ladies Guild, MI Rev. Daniel Daly, TX St. Philip Ladies, FL Subdeacon Edward Cassis, MI SS. Peter and Paul Ladies Society, MD Participating Church Organizations Women of St. George, MS Churches Women of St. Michael, NY Cathedral of St. George, FL Women’s Club of St. George, MA Holy Transfiguration Melkite Church, McLean, VA Western Region AOCWNA Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, CT Southwest Region AOCWNA SS. Peter and Paul Church, MD St. George Society, MA St. Elijah Church, Canada St. George Guild, MA St. George Cathedral, FL Virgin Mary Society, MA St. George of Boston Christ the Savior Holy Spirit Church, St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, TN St. Catherine Society, OH St. Luke Church, CA Fellowship of St. John the Divine St. Mark Orthodox Church Midwest Fellowship of St. John St. Mark Orthodox Mission, CA St. Elias Fellowship of St. John, OH St. Mary Magdalen Mission, NY St. Elias Fellowship, NJ St. Mary Orthodox Church, PA St. George Adult Fellowship, MA (2) St. Nicholas Cathedral, NY St. George Fellowship of St. John, AZ St. Simeon Orthodox Church, AL St. George Fellowship of St. John, WV St. Timothy of Lompoc, CA St. George Fellowship, NJ St. Mary Church Council St. John Damascus Church School Ladies Societies Sr. Fellowship of St. John, MA Alpha St. George Ladies Guild, FL St. Mary’s Fellowship of St. John, FL Antiochian Ladies of St. Elijah, Canada SS. Peter and Paul Fellowship of St. John, MD Antiochian Women of St. Helene, TX Western Region Fellowship of St. John Antiochian Women — Can Am Region, NY Teen SOYO Ladies Golden Links Society, MI Eastern Region Teen SOYO Ladies Guild, PA Midwest Teen SOYO Ladies Holy Transfiguration Society, VA St. Elias Teen SOYO, PA Ladies of St. George, IL St. George Cathedral Teen SOYO, FL Ladies of St. Mary, NY St. George Teen SOYO, IN Ladies of St. Mary, MA St. Michael’s Teen SOYO, PA Ladies Society of St. George, MA St. Nicholas Teen SOYO, MI Ladies Society of St. George Orthodox Church, NJ SS. Peter and Paul Teen SOYO, MD New England Antiochian Women Teen SOYO of Pittsburgh, PA St. Anthony’s Women’s Guild, NJ Other Church Organizations St. Basil’s Ladies Guild, LA Southwest Deanery, OK (2) St. Elias Ladies Society, OH St. George Church School, CT (2) St. Elias Women, TX St. George Orthodox Church School, NY (2) St. Elias Ladies Guild, OK St. George Progressives, IN (2) St. Elijah Ladies, OK St. George Sunday School, NE (2) St. George Antiochian Ladies, OH St. George Sunday School, ONT (2) St. George Church Ladies, OR St. Nicholas/School Project, MI (2) St. George Ladies Aid Society, IN Non-Church Organizations St. George Ladies Guild, IL (2) Phoenicians, OH St. George Ladies Guild, OH (2) Shums Il Bir Club, WV St. George Ladies Guild, WV Troop 5/Ms. Janice Dugan, MA St. George Ladies Society, MI The Department of Antiochian Charities consists of five St. George Ladies Society, MN programs: St. George Ladies, CT 1. Children’s Relief Fund St. George Ladies, IL 2. Middle Eastern Relief Fund St. George Ladies, IN 3. Emergency Relief Fund St. George Ladies, MI 4. Special Parish Community Ministries St. George Orthodox Church Antiochian Women, NY 5. Food for Hungry People St. George Women, ONT 1. Children’s Relief Fund: Report submitted by V. Rev. St. George Ladies Society, AZ George Rados. St. John Chrysostom Ladies, IN 2. Middle Eastern Relief Fund: St. Mary’s Ladies Guild, NE A. Deir Natour Project — Tripoli, Lebanon

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(school for mentally handicapped children) B. St. Elias Orphanage — Tripoli, Lebanon C. St. Gregory Orphanage — Damascus, Syria D. Convent of Saidnaya E. Scholarships to needy students F. Needy people and families within the Patriarchate of Antioch G. Task Force for Jerusalem 3. Emergency Relief Fund: $222,960.00 was collected for: A. Venezuela Flood Relief B. Palestinian Conflict Relief C. Turkish Earthquake Relief D. Victims from the flood in West Virginia 4. Special Parish Community Ministries: Food Baskets Blood Drives Food Banks Visiting Senior Citizens Visiting Shut-ins Special Olympics Serve Daily Lunches Easter Baskets for Needy Children Operation School Bell Emergency Assistance for Needy Families Operation Santa Claus American Life League Sponsor Senior Citizen Homes OCMC Sponsor Nursing Homes Children’s Health & Safety Council Ronald McDonald House Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention Meals on Wheels Orthodox Christian Mission Center Salvation Army Monthly Meals Goodwill Out and About Ministry Orthodox Food Centers Support Orphanage in Guatemala Hospice Christmas Toys for Prisoner’s Children Children’s Relief Homeless Shelters Make-A-Wish EPS (Emergency Pregnancy Services) Caroling at Nursing Homes Habitat for Humanity Serving Meals at Shelters Boy Scouts of America IOCC Children’s Hospital Visits Donating Eye Glasses 5. Food for Hungry People Program: Inter-Racial Relations A. World Food Day: (Annual Canned Food Drive) Rape Prevention From October thru December 1999 95,785 lbs. Book Drive for Kenya From October thru December 2000 134,437 lbs. Donations to Monastery Since 1984 we have collected 2,076,216 pounds of food. Sun Youth Organization (Many parishes collect and distribute food all year long and Pregnancy Centers many parishes collect and distribute food but do not submit Toys for Tots their total weight.) Project Angel Heart B. Food for Hungry People “Soup”er Bowl Sundays For twenty-seven years SOYO/The Fellowship of St. John Adopt Families at Christmas the Divine has raised funds to feed their hungry brothers and Friends of Ministries sisters. Since 1975 we have collected and distributed Hospice Programs $2,530,810.82! Canned Food Drives Reaching Out Around the World — Support Rescue Missions Los Angeles, CA — Children of the Night, Orthodox Manning Hot-Lines Street & Prison Ministry, Southern California Clothing Drives Earthquake victims Project Mexico Seattle, WA — New Horizons Trinity Homes Detroit, MI — Gleaners Food Bank Prison Ministry Pittsburgh, PA — Community Food Bank Serve Christmas Dinners New York — Covenant House, Under 21; Emmaus House Serve Thanksgiving Dinners Ethiopia — Famine Relief Battered Women Shelters Houston, TX — Covenant House, Under 21; Northwest Open Door Parties Assistance Ministries DARE Charleston, WVA — Samaritan Inn Loaves & Fishes Montreal — Canadian Syrian Lebanon Ladies Aid Society; Kid’s Club Helping Hand Committee Serve Weekly Meals Yugoslavia — Serbian Orthodox Community of Kosovo Food Pantries Toronto — Covenant House, Under 21 Furniture Drive Florida — Hurricane Andrew victims

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Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Covenant House, Under 21 Eustis, FL — Teleios Prison Ministry Chile — St. Paul Foundation Syria — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate; Orthodox Relief Service; Archdiocese of Hamma & Lattakia; St. Gregory Orthodox Society for Orphans & the Elderly; Convent of St. Thekla; Orthodox Relief Agency — Archdiocese of Homs and Aleppo Nazareth — Orthodox Aid Society Jerusalem — Orthodox Aid Society, Four Homes of Mercy Kenya — Orthodox Church of Kenya Mozambique — World Vision Uganda — Orthodox Church in Uganda Mexico — Tacati Shelter Project; Orthodox Church in Mexico Armenia — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate Cambodia — Relief Fund Cleveland, OH — St. Herman’s Monastery Guatemala — Covenant House, Under 21 Ghana — Orthodox Church in Ghana Lebanon — Project Parrainage of Beirut; Shreen Al-Matn; American University of Beirut; Beirut University 7 (25). RAYMOND RISHWAIN, Chairman, presented the College; Orthodox Relief Service; Archdiocese of Report of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. Moved by Akkar, Beirut, Mt. Lebanon, Zahleh, Tripoli, Tyre and George Nassor and seconded by Jacquie Koury, it was Sidon; Orthodox Community, Maryjoon; St. George received for filing. Orthodox Hospital, Beirut; Deir Natour Project, The report of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch has Tripoli; Dhour Cheweir Hospital; Oasis of Joy School; been prepared and can be found in your delegate packets. Deir Natour Monastery; Women’s Renaissance 1. When we left the Chicago Convention two years ago, Gathering; Rene Mouawad Foundation our membership was 2,147 individuals. The highlight Pawtucket — Rhode Island Food Bank of our report to this General Assembly is that we Wichita, KS — Venture House; Operation Recovery; have met and surpassed the goal of 2500 members in HopeNet honor of our 25th Anniversary. Brazil — La da Crianco Menino Jesus 2. We further report that the twenty-five hundredth Nigeria — Holy Brethren School member of The Order is His Grace Bishop Antoun, Palestine — Orthodox Relief Agency, United Palestinian who is becoming a life member of The Order at this Appeal, Inc. convention. Beaumont, TX — Some Other Place 3. A new membership goal is to reach 3000 members by Oklahoma City, OK — Daily Bread Ministries; Bombing the time of our 2003 Archdiocese Convention in victims; Feed the Children Miami, Florida. Homestead, PA — Methodist School of Social Services 4. In addition to continuing the membership recruit- Georgetown — The Jerusalem Fund ment initiatives we have used in the past, our West Bank — Beit Jala Society for the Aged Membership Committee, under the leadership of Dan Brunswick, GA — MAP International and Kathy Abraham, plans to enhance our work in Russia — Relief Agency of the Patriarchate this area by … Worcester, MA — Orthodox Food Ministries; Interfaith A. having our Young Adult Liaison Committee help Coalition for the Homeless promote the work of The Order through this age Baghdad & Kuwait — Orthodox Relief Agency group and to encourage young adults who have so Lompoc, CA — St. Timothy’s Food for Hungry People pro- directly benefited from projects of The Order dur- gram ing their childhood and teen years, to consider Costa Mesa, CA — Orange County Interfaith Shelter joining The Order of St. Ignatius. Tucson, AZ — Primavera Foundation B. continuing our effort to have at least one member Portland, OR — Flood victims of The Order from every parish and mission in the Romania — St. Nicholas Orphanage Archdiocese. At the present time, there are 67 Souderton, PA — The King’s Jubilee parishes to which we are targeting our member- Salina, KS — All Saints Church,l Christmas Food ship efforts. This would help demonstrate the Program; Ashby House direct connection between The Order and each St. Augustine — Orthodox Christian Mission Center and every parish. Our Archdiocese consists of loving, caring and very gener- 5. The Order recently set up an Electronic Funds ous families. If there is an emergency we are there. We have Transfer process to allow members to make their never refused a cry for help. Over the years we have fed many membership payments. One hundred current mem- thousands of hungry men, women and children. But there are bers of The Order are taking advantage of this pay- still countless numbers of people who had no breakfast this ment method. morning, who slept on the streets last night, who will wake up 6. We recognize the value of personal contact, so an wondering if there will be any food today. We still hear their effort has been made to travel to parishes and regions cries and God is guiding us to do His will. Thank you for shar- to spread the message of The Order. As North ing and giving a part of yourselves to this special project. American Chair, I have made many trips to talk

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7 (26). MR. ROBERT KOORY and MR. CHARLES AJALAT, Co-Chancellors, presented the Report of the Department of Legal Affairs and Resolutions. 1. A Resolution welcoming the Antiochian Hierarchs pre- sent at the Convention was received by acclamation. 2. A Resolution thanking the Organizers of the Convention. 3. Resolution on the Middle East was moved by Father Constantine Nasr and passed by acclamation. 4. Resolution on the Arab Orthodox Church in Amman. Moved by Robert Koory, seconded by Father Constantine Nasr, the resolution was received by acclamation. 5. Mr. Charles Ajalat presented the rationale for the reso- lution proposing autonomy for the Archdiocese. Proposed by Charles Ajalat, moved by the Board of Trustees and passed by a vote of 97.7%. RESOLUTION WELCOMING ANTIOCHIAN HIERARCHS WHEREAS, the General Assembly of the Forty-Fifth Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian about the good work of this movement, and The Archdiocese of North America feels honored to have with us Order has been blessed with others willing to give of our Antiochian bishops from so many parts of the world, their time to make these trips. At this year’s cycle of Metropolitan Antonio Chedraoui of Mexico, Metropolitan regional parish life conferences, The Order was repre- Sergios Abad of Chile, Metropolitan Kirilos Doumat of sented by … Argentina, Metropolitan Damaskinos Mansour of Brazil, Can-Am — Kathy Abraham Metropolitan Paul Saliba of Australia and Bishop Niphon New England — Arlene Assile Saikaly, Exarch of the Antiochian Patriarchate in Moscow; Southeast — Dan Abraham and Ed Assile NOW, HEREBY BE IT RESOLVED that the General Eastern — Ed Assile, Robert Koory, and Dan Abraham Assembly of the Forty-Fifth Convention of the Antiochian Midwest — Robert Koory and Kathy Abraham Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America welcomes Southwest — Ray Rishwain with warm Orthodox Christian love and joy, our beloved Western — Ray Rishwain Metropolitans Antonio, Sergios, Kirilos, Damaskinos, Paul and 7. Projects continue to be the lifeblood of The Order. Bishop Niphon. Since its inception, The Order has raised and con- RESOLUTION THANKING THE ORGANIZERS tributed to projects of the Archdiocese OF THE CONVENTION $11,234,822.00. We continue to invite project pro- WHEREAS, St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Los posals in order to insure that our agenda includes Angeles, California has done an outstanding job in hosting the programs of a wide and varied nature. A new format Forty-Fifth Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian and procedure for submitting grant proposals has Archdiocese of North America; been established. WHEREAS, St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral of Los 8. We had 25 priests of the Archdiocese benefit from a Angeles, has hosted the convention under the leadership of its fund set up to help defray the expenses associated priest, the Very Reverend Father Michael Najim, Dr. Fredrick with travel to Parish Life Conferences, Clergy Milkie, Convention Chairman, Parish Council President Dr. Symposia and Archdiocese Conventions from parish- Jameel Hourani and past-president Dr. George Madanat and es where these expenses cannot be covered. To date, through the leadership, dedication and hard work of the $24,000.00 has been used for this purpose. Convention Committee and parishioners of St. Nicholas; 9. The Order produced and supplied to each of this WHEREAS, this convention is a special one in that it is year’s regional parish life conferences registration bags the first convention of the Archdiocese this millennium and is imprinted with our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary logo. important in terms of laying out the future of our 10. I would like to express my thanks to all of the region- Archdiocese; al chairs and members of the Governing Council for NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the General their hard work and dedication to the work of The Assembly of the Forty-Fifth Convention of the Antiochian Order. I am pleased to announce the new slate of offi- Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America expresses cers for The Order: its gratitude for the hospitality and the leadership provided North American Chair — Dr. Raymond Rishwain by St. Nicholas Parish, Los Angeles, the Very Reverend Father North American Vice-Chair — Mr. Edward Assile Michael Najim, Dr. Fredrick Milkie, Dr. Jameel Hourani and North American Secretary — Mrs. Kathy Abraham Dr. George Madanat, the Convention Committee and all those North American Treasurer — Mr. Gerald Gabriel who worked to make this convention a tremendous success It is indeed an honor to serve the Church through the and congratulates them on this historic convention. work of The Order of St. Ignatius. On behalf of the entire MIDDLE EAST RESOLUTION membership, we extend our congratulations and prayers to WHEREAS, the people of Palestine are resisting an illegal His Eminence Metropolitan Philip on the occasion of his 35th military occupation of their ancestral country by Israel; Anniversary as our leader, and His Grace Bishop Antoun, on WHEREAS, such Palestinian resistance to Israel is an the occasion of his 50 years of service to the Church. To all of expression of human and civil rights guaranteed by interna- our bishops, priests, and deacons, we express our thanks for tional law; their leadership and support of our work. Thank you. WHEREAS, Israel has transgressed all international con-

November 2001 61 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ventions regarding occupied lands with regard to the preser- WHEREAS, the establishment of the Arab Orthodox vation of the rights of the people in occupied Palestine; Church in Amman, Jordan was an interpretation of the will WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly has and the desire of many concerned, courageous and dedicated continually drawn attention to Israel’s transgression of the Arab Orthodox Christians to preserve their faith and to sus- human and civil rights of the Palestinians in the occupied ter- tain the identity and their heritage as native Arab Orthodox ritories, and Israel has disregarded UN resolutions to abide by Christians, international laws and conventions; WHEREAS, the Arab Orthodox Church in Amman was WHEREAS, Israel has used and continues to use excessive never under the ecclesiastical authority of the Patriarch of violent military measures against the Palestinians reclaiming Jerusalem and was established with the written expressed their rights, and resorts to the use of heavy weapons, heli- and implied consents of the Jordanian authorities. copter gunships, F-16 airplanes, and live ammunitions against Furthermore, it was in uniformity with the Jordanian consti- unarmed civilians, including children, throwing stones at the tution and the international declaration of human and reli- occupiers; and gious rights on which the Jordanian government is a signer. WHEREAS, Israel has detained without trial hundreds of BE IT RESOLVED: The Antiochian Orthodox Christians Palestinians on account of their rightful resistance to occupation; throughout the United States and Canada represented by this THEREFORE, the General Assembly of the 45th 45th Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese vehemently Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian protest the decision of the Ministry of Internal affairs in Archdiocese of North America RESOLVES: Jordan to close the constitutionally legal Arab Orthodox (1) To condemn Israel for the use of excessive violent Church in Amman. The said decision is a clear violation of

force to subdue the Palestinians; the Jordanian constitution, which is the source and the refer- (2) To lend its moral support to the Palestinian people ence point of all the Jordanian laws. It is also a violation of resisting an illegal occupation and seeking their the Jordanian Orthodox Christians’ human and religious human and civil rights; rights guaranteed and protected by all international declara- (3) To call upon Israel to abide by UN resolutions, and tion and treaties. international laws and conventions, including the ces- The participants of this solemn convention, on behalf of sation of building settlements on occupied Palestinian half a million members of this Archdiocese, urge the lands; Jordanian Government to immediately withdraw its decision (4) To demand that Israel free all Palestinian detainees to close the church and to allow all citizens to practice their held without trial on account of their rightful resis- religious rights freely and peacefully. tance to occupation; PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (5) To call upon Israel to resume the peace process with WHEREAS, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian the Palestinians and implement all UN Resolutions, Archdiocese of North America (“Archdiocese”) has grown i.e. 242, 338, 194 and other resolutions pertaining to from a small mission, directed chiefly to immigrants from the the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and withdraw from all Near East, into a vast archdiocese of approximately 230 occupied territories; parishes and missions, over 350 clergy and approximately (6) We also call upon Israel to withdraw from the Golan 500,000 faithful, whose ethnic diversity increasingly approxi- Heights of Syria and the Shibaa Farms of Lebanon in mates the rich ethnic diversity of North America itself; accordance with the UN Resolutions 242 and 425. WHEREAS, among other things the growth of the (7) To ask all peace-loving nations to support the Archdiocese has been accompanied by an increase in the Palestinian struggle against occupation, usurpation of number of bishops serving in it, from a single Metropolitan to lands and rights, destruction of homes and roads, a Metropolitan and four auxiliary bishops; uprooting of trees, forcible illegal detentions, and WHEREAS, the Archdiocese has developed its own inter- excessive violence against unarmed civilians. nal structures and institutions, which respond effectively to RESOLUTION ON THE ARAB ORTHODOX CHURCH the particular cultural and political conditions in North IN AMMAN America, while at the same time reflecting the Orthodox

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Church’s perennial norms for the well-ordered life of an The Orthodox Church is one, being united in doctrine, autonomous local church; faith and worship. Her only head is Jesus Christ the Lord. WHEREAS, the granting of the status of autonomy to the There is no single world headquarters which stands as the Archdiocese by the Holy Synod of Antioch at this time would administrative center, as does the Papacy in the Roman confirm and strengthen the Archdiocese’s capacity for effec- Catholic tradition. Rather, the Orthodox Church operates by tive self-governance, and thus help to ensure the stability of independent, self-governing units: Patriarchates and the Archdiocese and its continued flourishing in the future; Autocephalous Churches. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Con- WHEREAS, such autonomy would safeguard the canoni- stantinople is “first among equals;” he acts as a “convenor,” cal principle that local matters should be handled locally, not as a “chief executive.” The status of Autonomy falls within among other things allowing the selection of bishops for the one of these Autocephalous churches as being entirely self- Archdiocese whose life and work is known to the faithful here governing, except that the Primate is formally related to the and who are familiar with the situation of the Church in the Mother Church since his election to that position is variously United States and Canada; validated by the Holy Synod of the respective Mother Church. WHEREAS, such autonomy would allow greater flexibility Such, in brief, is the balance which describes the to the Archdiocese as it works with other Orthodox jurisdic- Autonomy we seek; our prayer is to remain close to the tions towards the establishment of an administratively united Mother Church of Antioch, receiving the Holy Chrism from Orthodox Church in North America, which would more fully her, and witnessing our Primate as a full member of the Holy embody the ecclesiology and canonical norms of Orthodoxy Synod of Antioch, while at the same time, following the and advance the mission and witness of Orthodoxy on this appropriate lines of self-governance in North America. continent; II. Autonomy and the Principle of Territory WHEREAS, the autonomous Archdiocese would continue In the Apostolic Age the concept of the local Church pre- to maintain close ties with the Mother Church of Antioch, with vailed, i.e., the eucharistic gathering of the community. Each its institutions and faithful, always mindful of its spiritual roots; unit was seen as the full, holy and catholic Church. Following THEREFORE, the General Assembly of this 45th the teaching of St. Ignatius of Antioch that “where Jesus Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Christ is, there is the Catholic Church,” this local eucharistic Archdiocese does hereby petition the Holy Synod of Antioch community gathered, “all in one place,” and around the to grant the Archdiocese autonomy, the details of which “Episcopos,” the Bishop. This is the earliest basis of Orthodox would be worked out, in consultation with the Holy Synod, by ecclesiology. the Metropolitan and his designees. But already in this earliest stage, the sub-Apostolic docu- THE RATIONALE TO SEEK THE STATUS OF AUTONOMY ment known as the Shepherd of Hermas portrayed the Introduction Church as a “tower” which is under construction; she is It is by the Grace of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, dynamic and changing, yet complete and full: “The Church is that the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North complete, but still all the time it has to become something America was born in, and is part of, the Ancient See of that it already is.” In short, the already complete Church Antioch. Antioch, third in rank among the Ancient Orthodox must meet the changing conditions in which she lives. We Patriarchates, is truly an Apostolic Church, being named in believe this image speaks clearly to our situation in North the Acts of The Apostles: “ … the Disciples were called America. Historical developments naturally provided bound- Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). aries for governance: The Roman Empire provided territorial However, according to the organic pattern of growth and provinces in which, during the Second and Third Centuries, development, everything to which God gives life must respond groups of local parishes fell under regional primacies, i.e., according to its level of maturation and the context of its envi- large metropolitan territories; in the Fourth and Fifth ronment. Just as a daughter properly responds to her mother Centuries, the civil borders provided for the system of according to these principles, so our Archdiocese, with full “Pentarchy,” i.e., the five patriarchates of Rome, consciousness of our maturation and environment, has Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem; in the reached a point in history where we seek to respond appropri- Fifth and Sixth Centuries, others both inside and outside the ately. Taking such a step, we believe, is our utter obligation to Roman Empire formed, e.g., Cyprus, Georgia (Iberia) and the future of our Orthodox Faith and life in North America. Bulgaria; and beginning with the Eighth Century to the pre- We seek the ecclesial status of Autonomy, and we ask the sent, Roumania, Serbia, Russia, etc. The Ottoman domina- Holy Synod of Antioch, as well as our own hierarchy, clergy tion notwithstanding, each Church was built upon the princi- and laity, to consider the following information as an indica- ple of territory, and not ethnicity, even if an ethnic character tion that such Autonomy is the appropriate status for our pre- prevailed in that territory. sent place in history. We believe that in our request for Autonomy this princi- In turn, our present place in history, one which obliges us ple of territory is clearly operative. to seek Autonomy, can be grasped only if we first understand III. Autonomy and the “Diaspora:” North America the following three points which constitute our rationale: Following the aforementioned development, a certain I. Autonomy and the Development of Governance. phenomenon began to appear: The diaspora. The term “dias- II. Autonomy and the Principle of Territory. pora” refers to those “scattered” or “dispersed;” it originally III. Autonomy and the “Diaspora:” North America. referred to the Jews living outside Palestine and dispersed I. Autonomy and the Development of Governance throughout Persia and the Graeco-Roman world. This term Looking at the history of governance in the Orthodox often came to be used to describe the Orthodox Christians Church, we must recognize that all questions related to the living outside those geographical territories governed by administration and operation of her functions cannot be sepa- Patriarchates and Autocephalous Churches. Although it is a rated from her very essence. Thus, it is important to grasp broadly debated term, it serves as well in bringing us to our the central teachings of Orthodox ecclesiology as our starting own circumstances in North America. point when considering the various degrees of independence, Mostly for political and economic reasons, Orthodox including Autonomy. Christians emigrated to these shores, but continued to main-

November 2001 63 MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY tain certain ethnic and cultural customs of their country of origin. We do thank the Almighty God that our fathers and mothers preserved the deposit of Orthodoxy which they brought with them, and which was often carried by their eth- nic and cultural forms. However, true to the command of the Gospel, as these ethnic Orthodox mixed in the American society, the Faith was also carried and proclaimed to those not originally Orthodox. This was realized both in formal evangelization programs and informal ways of natural expo- sure. This development created a cultural change in our communities which included phenomena unseen in the older cultures, i.e., which ranged from “civil religion,” to ethical ambiguity, to representative democracy, etc. New challenges and opportunities were born. However, this unique mix, so typical of American culture itself, needed to be addressed so that a normalization of Orthodox governance could be realized. In fact, the exact plan, proposed over 100 years ago by Archbishop Tikhon (later Patriarch and Saint Tikhon), under whom all Orthodox canonically belonged, was to call for Autonomy, and eventual- ly full Autocephaly for the Orthodox in America. As is known to you, the Antiochian See considered its We, the Antiochian Orthodox of North America see, as responsibility to express thoughts and suggestions concerning did Saint Tikhon, that when a Church such as ours, lives in a the problem of the diaspora. Allow me to pass on to you the new cultural environment, as well as in a given geographical, ideas and proposals which I was able to collect from our national and linguistic territory, i.e., far from its point of ori- Synodical organization …: gin, and when such a Church has: 1) The Orthodox diaspora has reached such a maturity 1) created organizations, institutions and programs that it is necessary to consider it from a new point of indigenous to its own life and growth; view, and in such a way that it leads to resolution. 2) sufficient hierarchy, clergy and laity, to create and sus- 2) We must see it as the vocation of the Orthodox diaspo- tain local parishes; ra not only to preserve the past for the present, but to 3) sufficient programs to educate clergy and laity; become a dynamic and a creative element in its own 4) sufficient financial stability to operate philanthropic environment. programs; and 3) To preserve the wholeness of the Church and 5) the capacity to publish books and liturgical texts suit- strengthen the Orthodox witness, it is necessary to ed to its own purposes; accomplish the Orthodox oneness in the various fields then, according to the aforementioned principles learned of the diaspora. from history, we believe there is no justifiable reason before Considering our North American Archdiocese from a new God that we should not live in the state of Autonomy which point of view, allowing it to become a dynamic and creative we now seek. element in its own environment, and strengthening the In our rationale, we find ourselves in perfect line with the Orthodox witness; these convictions presented by our cogent report delivered in November of 1977 by our Patriarch Patriarch Ignatius refer to the “level of maturation” and the Ignatius, then Metropolitan of Latakia, Syria. It is addressed “context of environment” with which we began this to the General Secretary (Metropolitan Damaskinos) of “The rationale. Conference Preparing for the Great and Holy Pan-Orthodox CONCLUSION Synod,” meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. His Beatitude Having now reviewed, if only briefly, the history of gover- reports the following: nance from the Apostolic Age until the present; having set forth the importance of the territorial principle; having noted the unique cultural environment of the so-called diaspora in America; having appreciated the enlightened convictions of our Patriarch Ignatius; we believe that we are responding to the will of God in our attempt to seek Autonomy, one which maintains an organic relationship with both Antioch and North America. 8. Old Business Following prolonged discussions, the offer of St. George Cathedral, Coral Gables, FL to host the General Convention of 2003 and the offer of St. George Church, Troy, Michigan to host the General Convention of 2005 were accepted by the General Assembly and confirmed. 9. New Business The following were elected to the Archdiocese Board of Trustees. Archdiocese Board Election 2001 1. Dr. Eugene Sayfie 2. Dr. George Farha 3. Dr. Sam Kouri

64 The Word MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

4. George Darany syngellos and Dean of Clergy, V. Rev. Paul W.S. Schneirla who 5. Daniel Abraham had been re-appointed as the Secretary of the Archdiocese, 6. Dr. Anthony Bashir Mr. Robert H. Laham who had been re-appointed as the 7. Elaine Heider Comptroller and Chairman of the Department of Finance, 8. William Morrison and Mr. Charles R. Ajalat and Mr. Robert A. Koory who had 9. Ruth Nimee been re-appointed as Chancellors of the Archdiocese. 10. Walter Parhamovich His Eminence then congratulated Dr. Raymond J. Metropolitan Philip expressed his profound thanks and Rishwain who had been re-elected as Chairman of the Order appreciation to Dr. Alan E. Matook, Dr. Paul E. Massad, and of St. Ignatius of Antioch; and he also congratulated and wel- Mr. Alexander E. Kalil for their many years of service and comed to the Board Miss Gigi Baba, the newly elected dedication to the Archdiocese and the Board of Trustees; and President of the NAC Fellowship of St. John the Divine, and he also announced that, as of this meeting, Dr. Matook and Mrs. Marilyn T. Robbat, the newly elected President of the Dr. Massad are Honorary Members of the Board. Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America. Metropolitan Philip then congratulated the following indi- On behalf of himself and the entire Board, Metropolitan viduals who had been re-elected to the Board: Dr. George J. Philip expressed his profound thanks and appreciation to Farha, Dr. Anthony S. Bashir, Mr. George C. Darany, Mrs. Miss Sara L. Maloley, the outgoing President of the NAC Elaine Heider, Dr. Sam H. Khouri, Mr. Walter Parhamovich, Fellowship of St. John the Divine, and to Mrs. Susu M. and Dr. Eugene J. Sayfie; and he also congratulated and wel- Morrow, the outgoing President of the Antiochian Orthodox comed to the Board: Mr. Daniel J. Abraham, Mr. William D. Christian Women of North America. Our Archdiocese has Morrison, and Mrs. Ruth A. Nimee, who had been newly elect- benefited greatly from the outstanding accomplishments of ed to the Board. each of these dedicated individuals. His Eminence also congratulated the following individuals Moved by Abe Abraham, seconded by Dr. John Dalack, who had been re-appointed to the Board: Mr. Nicola M. the General Assembly adjourned at 5:00 PM. (Father Paul Antakli, Dr. Raymond J. Kyriakos, Mr. William J. Nassir, and wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. John Dalack, Secretary Mrs. Adele N. Soffa; and he congratulated Dr. Elias Hebeka, of the Board of Trustees, and the Sergeants-at-Arms for assis- who had been newly appointed to the Board. tance with recording reports and identifying speakers.) Metropolitan Philip then congratulated V. Rev. Elias S. Respectfully submitted, Bitar who had been re-appointed as the Vicar General, Rt. (Very Rev.) Paul Schneirla Rev. Paul M. Doyle who had been re-appointed as the Proto- Secretary of the Archdiocese

DAILY DEVOTIONS DECEMBER, 2001

1. GALATIANS 3:8-12; LUKE 12:32-40 (FAST) 17. HEBREWS 3:5-11, 17-19; MARK 9:42-10:1 2. EPHESIANS 5:9-19; MATTHEW 22:2-14 (FAST) (FAST) 3. 1 TIMOTHY 5:1-10; LUKE 20:27-44 (FAST) 18. HEBREWS 4:2-13; MARK 10:2-12 (FAST) 4. GALATIANS 3:23-29; MARK 5:24-34 (FAST) 19. HEBREWS 5:11-6:8; MARK 10:11-16 (FAST) 5. 1 TIMOTHY 5:22-6:11; LUKE 21:5-7, 10-11, 20. HEBREWS 7:1-6; MARK 10:17-27 (FAST) 20-24 (FAST) 21. HEBREWS 7:18-25; MARK 10:23-32 (FAST) 6. HEBREWS 13:17-21; LUKE 6:17-23 (FAST) 22. GALATIANS 3:8-12; LUKE 13:18-29 (FAST) 7. 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-2, 8-18; LUKE 21:37-22:8 23. HEBREWS 11:9-10, 17-23 32-40; MATTHEW (FAST) 1:1-25 (FAST) 8. GALATIANS 5:22-6:2; LUKE 13:18-29 (FAST) 24. HEBREWS 1:1-12; LUKE 2:1-20 (FAST) 9. GALATIANS 4:22-31; LUKE 13:10-17 (FAST) 25. GALATIANS 4:4-7; MATTHEW 2:1-12 10. 2 TIMOTHY 2:20-26; MARK 8:11-21 (FAST) NATIVITY OF CHRIST 11. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-4:4; MARK 8:22-26 (FAST) 26. HEBREWS 2:11-18; MATTHEW 2:13-23 12. HEBREWS 13:17-21; LUKE 6:17-23 (FAST) 27. ACTS 6:8-15, 7:1-5, 47-60; MATTHEW 21:33-42 13. TITUS 1:5-2:1; MARK 9:10-16 (FAST) 28. HEBREWS 11:8, 11-16; MARK 12:1-12 14. TITUS 1:15-2:10; MARK 9:33-41 (FAST) 29. 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16; MATTHEW 12:15-21 15. EPHESIANS 1:16-23; LUKE 14:1-11 (FAST) 30. GALATIANS 1:11-19; MATTHEW 2:13-23 16. COLOSSIANS 3:4-11; LUKE 14:16-24 (FAST) 31. HEBREWS 11:17-23, 27-31; MARK 12:13-17

By Very Rev. George Alberts

November 2001 65 ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America

BY MARILYN T. ROBBAT, PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICAN BOARD OF ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN

ITH PRAYERS FOR ALL America — on a North American Call that Orthodox church around W the victims of the recent Board level, on a regional level and the corner or up the street. Find out tragedy in America and most importantly, on a local level. who is the president of the local their families, we say: “Lord have By encouraging dialogue and contact women’s group and invite her group mercy.” And “Give rest, O Lord, to among fellow Orthodox women, we to a meeting or an upcoming event the souls of thy departed servants can all benefit from each other and or retreat. Share and appreciate in a place of brightness, a place of grow. each other’s experiences in fellow- verdure, a place of repose, whence The women of the Orthodox ship and with love. all sickness, sorrow and sighing church around the corner, or up the Some may have already discov- hath fled away.” street, or a couple of miles away, are ered this potential source. Some Antiochian Orthodox Christian wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, may have previously tried but need Women of North America has raised aunts, godmothers and grandmoth- to try again — while others may funds for humanitarian programs ers, just as we are. They face the have never tried. Please accept this and projects AND has encouraged same daily responsibilities and challenge with the hope and women to explore the fullness of struggles as we in this ungodly soci- promise of even greater things to their ministry in the Orthodox ety. Their Church is their buffer and come for Antiochian Women. It was Church since it was founded by their salvation, too. They constantly the women who were the first to Metropolitan Philip in 1973. strive to set a Godly example. They proclaim the “Good News” of For the past four years, our are an integral and important part of Christ’s Resurrection. So let us, women have worked to improve the their church, their region and their Antiochian Women, be the first to daily existence of children in archdiocese, too; but more impor- open our hearts and our minds to orphanages throughout the world by tantly, they are an untapped and our fellow Orthodox women and raising funds, which are then dis- potential source of Christian love work together for the glory of God. tributed by Metropolitan Philip. This and are believers in the same past year, Antiochian Women, Orthodox Traditions. What greater through the tireless efforts of its common bond could we have! We local chapters, has raised over are all enveloped in Christ’s Love Trisagion Prayers of Mercy $145,000.00 (a record amount) and True Worship! toward its Project: Orphanages; and We say, “Christ is in our midst. He (6 months) will be offered for the in so doing, it has added to the is and ever shall be,” during the repose of the soul of the Orphanage Endowment Fund, which Divine Liturgy. From the SCOBA presently totals $205,000.00. The Millennium Encyclical, we read: handmaid of God, Susu Morrow, sum of $60,000.00 was dispersed “This transfiguring power of the this past April from last year’s fund- Liturgy also requires us to act. by the North American Board raising efforts to orphanages Recently some have begun to speak of Antiochian Women throughout the world, with the of the “Liturgy after the Liturgy.” remainder going to the Endowment This means that the spiritual work during the weekend of Fund. This Endowment Fund will of the Divine Liturgy must continue ultimately be self-sustaining and will even as we leave the church. As we February 8, 9, & 10, 2002 be an on-going vehicle to assist are changed, so must we work for at the Mid Winter Meetings, orphanages everywhere for many that change within the society years to come. around us. As we are sanctified, so Antiochian Village However, the time has come to we are charged with bringing this Heritage and Learning Center, focus our eyes on an additional chal- sanctification into the world. From lenge. That challenge is to reach out what safer place can we begin our Ligonier, Pennsylvania. to our sisters-in-Christ of other journey than to open our hearts to Orthodox jurisdictions throughout our fellow Orthodox brethren.

66 The Word WINTER CAMP Winter Camp — January 18-21, 2002 at the Antiochian Village Heritage & Learning Center This year’s theme will be “Can I Get a Witness?” Activities will include: *Snow Tubing Registration will be Friday, *Campfire in the Snow *Fellowship with other January 18 between campers from all 4 sessions 7-9 pm, and departure will *Christian Ed, Cabin be Monday at 11 am. Times, and all of your favorite activities from the summer packed into one All expenses are included. fun-filled weekend! for Campers ages 13-18 (except those in college) $120 per Camper Registration forms are available at http://www.antiochian.org/antiochianvillage/camp/ or by contacting the Camp Office at 724-238-9565 or [email protected].

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Give the Gift of Camp! Antiochian Village Winter Camp January 18-21, 20-02

It’s the perfect gift for campers ages 13-18. Winter Camp promises to be a weekend of spiritual growth and fun. Instead of trying to find a toy or clothes that they will never use, give your camper the opportunity to come to Winter Camp! A gift certificate to Winter Camp is the perfect stocking stuffer or gift this Christmas!

For more information, please contact the Camp Office (724-238-9565) or http://www.antiochian.org/antiochianvillage/camp/

November 2001 67 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Englewood, NJ 07631

2001 Pan-Orthodox College Young Adult & Conference This year, two conferences to pick from: Antiochian Village, Bolivar, PA St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, CA

December 27-31, 2001

Keynote Speakers East Coast — Archbishop Demetrios Primate, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America West Coast — Fr. Jon Braun COLLEGE CONFERENCE 2001 Pastor, St. Anthony Orthodox Church, La Jolla, CA Under the jurisdiction of the SCOBA Campus Commission, these National Conferences of Orthodox Christian Fellowship are open to college students, high school graduates and college-age young adults. Both conferences will include a variety of enlightening workshops, daily services and many different social events. They aim to promote unity among Orthodox young people and to renew them in their journeys to salvation. Cost: All-inclusive $150 registration fee. To register and for more information, go to: www.ocf.net Questions? Contact Sara Bitar at [email protected], re: East Coast Conference or Ross Ritteman at [email protected], re: West Coast Conference Special thanks to The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, proud sponsor of our College Conference, and to all our gracious sponsors!