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2014 MEMORY ETERNAL As this issue of SOPHIA is about to go to press we have learned the sad news of the falling asleep of His Eminence, The Journalophia of the of Newton Metropolitan Philip, of the Self-ruled Antiochian S Orthodox Diocese of North America. May he rest in a place for Melkite Catholics in the United States of light, a place of peace, a place of happiness, where there www.melkite.org is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but everlasting life. May his memory be eternal. We extend our sympathy to our Published quarterly by the Eparchy of Newton. brothers and sisters of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. † ISSN 0194-7958. Made possible in part by the Home Mission Committee and a bequest of the Rev. Allen Maloof.

PUBLISHER CONTENTS Most Rev. Nicholas J. Samra, Eparchial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 3 A Frozen Winter But No Freezing Hearts Rt. Rev. Archimandrite James Babcock 4 Editors Message Committed or Hitchhiking COPY EDITOR Rev. James Graham 5 How Young Does a Person Hear God’s Call? PRODUCTION 7 Pascha It Is The Lord’s Passover Paul Leonarczyk DESIGN and LAYOUT 8 Prayer of the Heart Pray without Ceasing Doreen Tahmoosh-Pierson

10 Scripture and the Spiritual Renewal of Life SOPHIA ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Fran Colie | Rev. George Gallaro 12 Priest Hero Father Timothy Jock Very Rev. Lawrence Gosselin Deacon Paul Leonarczyk | Rev. Justin Rose 13 New Hampshire College Venerates Relics of Ancient Syrian Martyrs Rt. Rev. Michael Skrocki

14 I am the Vine You are the Branches DISTRIBUTION Rt. Rev. Michael Skrocki 15 Melkite Presence at Annual Meeting of CCT Please email subscription additions/deletions or 16 Let God Arise address changes to: [email protected]. The Publisher waives all copyright to this issue. Contents 17 Eastern Catholic Churches Encounter 2014 may be distributed free and without special permission in publications that are distributed free. Wherever possible, 18 Christians in Need Foundation USA please include a credit line, indicating the name of SOPHIA magazine. Unsolicited manuscripts, articles, and letters to the editor are welcomed. The editors assume no responsi- Letter to the Editor Good Memories of Fr. Araktingi bility for lost manuscripts or photos. The content of all ar- ticles, past, present and future, remains the expressed personal 19 2014 National Melkite Convention opinion of the individual author and may not reflect, in its Registration and Advertising Forms entirety, the opinion of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton. © 2014 SOPHIA Magazine. 22 Islamic Perspectives on the Resurrection 25 Father Michael Jolly Ordained Priest

26 Quiz What’s Your Melkite IQ? HaveShare you ever Your dreamed Voice of being With a writer? Us! Perhaps having your voice heard on the printed page? Is there a 28 SoCal Melkite Teens Enjoy Retreat at Celebrity Ranch subject that you have wanted to address or a story that you are excited to tell? We would love to hear from The , the Life-Giiving Spring you! SOPHIA welcomes updates and photos from all of our parishes and invites manuscripts, articles, and 29 Around the Eparchy letters to the editor from parishioners. Submissions will be subject to review by the editorial staff and only 32 Byzantine Catholic Seminary Gains Seven-Year Accreditation those approved by the publisher will be published. All submissions can be sent to: 33 National Association of Melkite Women [email protected] Front Cover icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com, used with permission. For the full meaning of the icon, see page 28. or SUBMISSIONS All materials (photos/articles/parish news) SOPHIA Letterbox for the Summer issue of SOPHIA magazine PO Box 189 | Temecula, CA 92593 DEADLINE are due June 1, 2014. Phone: 951 600 3660 | Fax: 951 695 7500

2 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 AA FrozenFrozen WinterWinter

Most Rev. Nicholas J. Samra but no Eparchial Bishop of Newton Freezing Hearts

gy and faithful laity, for your great support. A full report to all the parishes and donors will be published in a later issue of SOPHIA as usual. The winter was cold but the hearts were warm—thank you, thank you again and again! his winter, especially in the North- Let me tell you more. A doctor in our cathedral parish in east and Midwest and even some Boston placed at the door of the Cathedral a large clothing do- parts of the South, has been one nation bin, similar to those other charities use to collect good of the coldest I can remember. used clothing for the needy. He personally paid for having all However, T as frigid were the temperatures, the hearts of the donated clothing cleaned and shipped to the Syrian refu- our Melkite faithful were very warm. So many opened their gees in Lebanon. hearts and pockets to help those in need, especially in war-torn The Cathedral also hosted a sold-out dinner for 500 people Syria. We have already sent more than $125,000 for Syrian refu- at $10 each. All food was donated. A small program of three gees who are being assisted by our churches in Syria, Lebanon, speakers, some non-dance music and a good time for all, and on and Jordan, and even more donations have been sent to our Ep- each table empty envelopes for gifts. Again, the night was frigid archial Finance Office from many individuals and parishes. but the hearts extra warm—even hot! Thirty thousand dollars I was very moved by the generosity of most of our parishes, was raised for Syrian relief. and particularly by Holy Transfiguration in McLean, VA, when Added to our Appeal tithe and gifts from other parishes and Archimandrite Joseph Francavilla announced to me that he and individuals, this brings our donations to almost $100,000. We his parishioners decided to tithe (give ten percent) of the in- will wire all these funds to our ’s account and he and come from their upcoming weekend festival for refugee relief our will then distribute your gifts where most needed. in the embattled Middle East. That tithe amounted to more Considering the destruction and displacement of so many than $18,000. people, this is a small amount but truly a blessing from our gen- At that time—September 2013—we were just beginning erous Melkites in the USA. our annual Bishop’s Appeal, so I announced that the Eparchy On another note, I want to fill you in on some of my win- would also tithe from the proceeds of the Appeal to help our ter travels. I visited our five-year-old mission community of Patriarch and bishops assist those hurt so severely by the war. the Annunciation, in Covina, east of Los Angeles, founded and There are millions of refugees, some still within Syria, others served by Fr. George Bisharat, a retired priest of our eparchy. in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Those able to emigrate have The community has a great future as a parish—more than 125 already fled to western countries, many to the USA. people were at the Sunday Liturgy, sung so beautifully by the During the long Lebanese War of the 1970s-80s our epar- choir and congregation. They welcomed me the night before chy and parishes helped tremendously with financial gifts. with a great hafli for Valentine’s Day. And now once again your generosity shows warmth in the While I was visiting in California, our Office of Educa- frigid winter: many parishes went over goal in the Appeal and tional Services, now directed by Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo, fewer than 1500 givers donated $362,000, the highest amount hosted a West Coast clergy meeting and dinner, with a confer- ever in our eparchial campaign. This totaled $50,000 more than ence for the laity the next day, at Holy Cross Church in Placen- last year (2012). I had tears in my eyes when I received the final tia. We thought we might have 50 participants and Fr. Fran- report from our CFO’s office. cois Beyrouti had to scurry to get more food when 110 people I take this opportunity to thank all of you, my cler- Continued on page 6

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 3 Right Reverend Archimandrite James Babcock Editor-in-Chief

COMMITTED or Hitchhiking?

imes have changed. We don’t see many people strengthen them so that next year we can expect a million dollars hitchhiking anymore. Even if we did, we probably in the Bishop’s Appeal. wouldn’t pick them up because we are far too para- So many good things are happening in our Melkite Church. noid. If you were born after 1980 you may not even We can do so much more: Faith Formation, Missions, Charity, Tknow what a hitchhiker is. Someone standing on the side of a Vocations. It’s just a suggestion, but, for the good of our Melkite road with their thumb out seeking a free ride—well, that is a Church, don’t hitchhike. hitchhiker. More on hitchhiking in a minute. There are no subscriptions to SOPHIA. If you are read- I’m always amazed at our Eparchial Bishop’s positive atti- ing this magazine it is because of the generosity of those who tude. He always sees the good in everything. Take note of his supported the Bishop’s Appeal. So “thank you” to all who sup- report in this issue. One thing I noted was that more people ported. than ever responded to the Bishop’s Appeal. Over one-thousand In this issue be sure to take note of Fr. Francois’ article on five-hundred Melkites opened their hearts and wallets to help the Eden to Eden Conference that was held in California in our church grow and help others in need, in this case the people February. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these of Syria. conferences, don’t miss it. It is one of the best investments of The only trouble is that we have more than 1,500 families in your time ever! You will come away with a much greater appre- our eparchy. In fact, there are around 10,000. So where are the ciation of God’s plan of . other 8,500 families? Granted, some are senior citizens on fixed You probably already know that we have a convention this incomes and some are college or university students on a tight year! The Melkites of Chicago are busy planning a wonderful budget and surely some are unemployed and barely scraping by. event. All the information you need can be found in this issue. I But the others…? Well, they are hitchhikers. They receive all hope I see you there. the benefits of the Melkite Church in America, but for whatever Finally, a few people have asked me why we don’t have any reason they didn’t contribute. articles in Arabic. The answer is simple. No one has submit- I’ve been a pastor for twenty-seven of my thirty-two years ted any Arabic-language material. You are welcome to do so; of priesthood and it’s the same in our parishes. Ten percent are however, be advised that all articles published are subject to the generous and tithe or give sacrificially. Others give what they discretion of the editor and publisher. can. Some only give when they come to church, but many are In the meantime, I truly hope you enjoy this issue of hitchhikers. Thank God for those who are committed and gen- SOPHIA. Have a blessed Pascha! † erous. They carry the church! So, let’s pray for our hitchhikers that God will inspire them Your Editor, to assume their proper role in our churches and let’s work to Father James Babcock (unworthy priest)

4 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 hen I made a trip back to California about eight es and icons arranged on different levels years ago, a couple who had been members of shelves along with his games, which are of the young adults group at St Anne Church very typical for a boy his age. when I was pastor there learned that I was in He has some books there and also Wtown. They had been through some difficult months with their CDs of all different chants of the Eastern young son, Tarik, who was born with cystic fibrosis, a condition Church. When asked if he wanted to show that affects the lungs. They asked that I come and pray over me what he does with the CDs, he imme- him in the hospital. I did and tried to offer some words to ease diately agreed in excitement. His mother Archimandrite their pain. inserted a CD. Tarik then chanted along John Azar Unknown to them at the time, Tarik was to undergo several with cantors in Arabic without the assis- Vocation Director surgeries and medical treatments to deal with his condition. A tance of any lyrics in front of him! These strong boy indeed withstood much at such a young age. Al- pieces are not easy to sing nor are the words easy to pronounce. though I had returned several times in the past 13 years, I had He even would shake his head as some cantors have been wit- never really spent much time with him. nessed to do as they feel the words. On my most recent trip, I had come to perform a I was amazed that the soul and melodies of Eastern wedding, and I also included some Vocation work. Tarik’s chant had captured the interest of this young boy. His parents, who have two children, invited me to their home mother told me later that he repeats chants throughout How Young Does a Person Hear GOD’S CALL? and hosted a dinner at which a major- the day! I thought to myself what ity of the members of that young adult an inspiration this was when com- group got together again. pared to a great number of stars During the dinner, Tina, Tarik’s and entertainers that the world of- mother, asked me if I would come inside fers the young as “role models” to and talk to him privately. What I heard follow and imitate. was nothing short of being inspired. In Unfairly, nature has dealt fact, I sensed something very special Tarik a special condition with about this young boy. I listened to him which he must live and cope. For- talk about his believing and feeling that tunately, his God has given him a he often is visited by Jesus and His Moth- special blessing with which he can er. He says that he sees them . . . some- do great things. times by the wall, sometimes on his school I’m told that Tarik loves to papers. We spoke about what happens, if serve the Liturgy on Sundays and never anything, and he says that they just stand there and make a very wants to miss being in church on the Day of the Lord and the calm feeling for him. He said it in a very nonchalant manner as Feasts. This doesn’t seem very typical of a young child. if it’s a normal occurrence. Because of not wanting to be absent from Liturgy, he has As adult Christians, we believe that God can do anything brought his family back to the church and closer to God. Eight that He wants to do and is not limited by space or time or the years old and this young boy has already begun breathing and ex- laws of nature. I believe that this young boy actually has been pressing the faith of our fathers. Eight years old and he thankfully gifted in a special way with the presence of God in his life. I be- has not yet been jaded by what the world holds up as what will lieve also that heavenly visits of some kind, which may very well make us happy. Eight years old and he is praising his God in song. have carried and strengthened him during his physical ordeals, I’m sure that many other young people are moved by the quite possibly continue to do so. poetry of the Church. Personally witnessing this one special After some time, he wanted to show me his very own icon young man gives hope that perhaps, if he continues on this corner. I followed him and his parents upstairs along with path, a very special place is meant for him in the Church. Thank his older sister Maya, who I learned is very protective of her God, his parents support and encourage him in his interest. younger brother. There, in his room, I beheld an array of cross- Continued on page 6

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 5 A Frozen Winter God’s Call Continued from page 3 Continued from page 5

showed up. Deacon Sabatino presented “Eden to Eden: A Read the lives of the of the Eastern Churches One-Day Salvation History Conference” from 9 am to 5 and see how they have mirrored something similar deep pm. Our faithful opened their Bibles with exuberant excite- within them. God is already speaking to Tarik. His ears, ment and we will continue these conferences in the other mind, and heart now belong to God and a young thirst to regions or protopresbyterates of the eparchy. be close to Him drives him. In Orlando, Florida, I chaired a fourth Encounter of Vocation basically is a call. Could someone this young the Eastern Catholic Churches, similar to the three held have heard a call? Already, I hear that he has, on his own, in 2012. More than 100 people participated and our epar- expressed that he wants to be a priest. This is what he chose chy, through Deacon Sabatino, was directly involved in the to write about when assigned in school to describe his fu- plans. I hope the Eastern Catholic bishops in the USA will ture hope and work in life. Would that all those around him continue these Encounters—we are breaking down many keep the doors open for this possibility. walls, learning to know each other and to cooperate for the May he always hear God’s voice. May he continue to growth of all of our Churches. feel the presence of God and His Holy Mother in his life. An ordination to the diaconate highlighted another glo- Let no one put a damper on his present dream. May this rious warm day in Phoenix, Arizona. I ordained Zyad Abyad initial calling remain with him and become stronger, per- a deacon at St. John of the Desert Church, bringing the haps to be a blessing for him and, in turn, our holy and number of in the Eparchy to 61. Deacon Zyad has God-protected Melkite Church! the strong support of his family and the parish community. Tarik: continue to allow your soul and heart to sing Don’t think I dodged the winter. I even flew to cold out to the Lord; always keep your ears open to the voice New Jersey, where I participated in the annual meeting of God; you too should read about the lives of the saints of of CCT—Christian Churches Together, the USA’s larg- our Eastern Church. Become like Samuel in the Old Testa- est ecumenical body of Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant ment, who at a young age, heard God’s voice and answered: churches. I am one of the bishop-representatives to this “Speak Lord; your servant is listening.” body from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. This How young does a person hear the call? That’s really year’s meeting focused on Mass Incarceration. Excellent up to God, not us! † speakers told us of the difficulties and abuses of mass incar- ceration rather than rehabilitation of prisoners. Archiman- drite Alexei Smith of El Segundo, CA, is also a representa- tive of the Bishops’ Conference to CCT and it was great Are You Called to the Altar? seeing him twice that month. Tens Ways to Discern a Vocation to Priesthood Finally, I had another warm-up in the frozen win- ter—four days at St. Jude Church in hot and sunny Miami 1. Pray and Listen asking the Lord daily to show you to bless the new iconostasis, the initial drawing of which His will for you. I prepared. Finally we have added a beautiful icon screen to the church in accordance with our authentic tradition. 2. Pray the Jesus Prayer with the intention to open The great community there welcomed me with a luncheon your heart to His calling. hosted by our active Ladies Society. 3. Spend Extra Time in church for personal prayer. In the evening I presided at the Divine Liturgy in 4. Attend the Divine Liturgy frequently (daily if Spanish and ordained Jose Alonzo, a Melkite, as Reader possible) and receive the Holy Eucharist. and Subdeacon. After the Liturgy the Hispanic Melkites welcomed me with a mariachi band and dinner. Eduardo 5. Go to Confession on a consistent basis. Antonio, a famous Cuban TV actor and singer, performed 6. Read Scripture and meditate on God’s Word. before the band. 7. Talk to a Priest you find approachable and ask for Thank you, all Miamians, for a joyous day and joyous spiritual advice. evening! Archimandrite Damon Geiger is pastoring this community very well; he has daily services, daily formation 8. Contact the Vocation Director at 404.920.7460. and Bible study in English and Spanish, and three flourish- 9. Talk to Seminarians when they come home for ing Sunday Liturgies. St Jude’s comprises cradle Melkites the holidays. and now adopted Melkites among the Hispanics who love our church and traditions. 10. Become involved in your parish. I left balmy Miami to return to the frozen northeast— Boston—asking God to speed up the coming of spring. † If God is calling you to be a priest, trust that you will be happy and fulfilled following His perfect will. God will never send you where His grace cannot sustain you! 6 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 PASCHA Deacon It Is The Lord’s Passover Sabatino Carnazzo Director of Educational Services “It is the Lord’s Passover” (Exodus 12:27) uring the Church’s celebration of the great and glorious feast of Pascha, we sing: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life.” DThe name of the feast, “Pascha,” is an English trans- literation of the Greek pascha which is itself a trans- literation of the Aramaic pascha, equivalent to the Hebrew pesach which means “passover.” But what does “Passover” mean? It means just that. It is the first feast of the ancient calendar of Is- rael, commemorating the night when the firstborn Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We of Egypt died in the tenth plague, but the houses of the were buried therefore with him by into death, so Israelites were passed over (Exodus 12:13). that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Fa- Why did God pass over the houses of Israel in Egypt on ther, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been that night? Because the houses of Israel had killed a lamb, put united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united the blood on the door posts as a sign that they had done so, and with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:3-5). then eaten the very lamb that had given its blood, or life. The Through baptism into Christ, we have spiritually died and lamb died so that the children of Israel might live. Christ is our are now risen from the dead in the body of Christ. But that’s “paschal lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). not all. The spiritual resurrection we experienced in Baptism “God created man for incorruption, and made him in the is a foretaste and pledge for the future. As St. Paul says later in image of his eternity” (Wisdom 2:23; see also Genesis 1:27). his epistle: “We ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit Adam, however, had chosen to eat the fruit of the tree of groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption as sons, the redemp- knowledge, against the commandments of God, and had, therefore, tion of our bodies” (Romans 8:23). chosen to seek life where there was none. Separating himself from In Baptism we spiritually die and rise from the dead, never the source of life, and refusing to repent, Adam was sent forth from to die again. But our bodies still await death and resurrection. the garden, and there, away from the presence of God, he died. We Christ came the first time and gave us Baptism to raise us spiri- who have inherited the fallen nature of Adam, a nature that is sepa- tually. When Christ comes again he will raise us bodily. This is rated from the living God and corrupted by sin and death, all die, why in the Creed we say, “I profess one Baptism for the forgive- therefore, as a result of that one man’s sin (Romans 5:15). ness of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead . . . ” But Christ conquered death and this is why we sing in the In Baptism, we have spiritually returned to the Garden of troparion of the feast, “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling Eden and the presence of the living God. We have been spiritually down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life.” “conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the Though Christ died like all flesh, he rose from the dead. He, first-born among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). We have been therefore, has done what no mortal could do. But why do we say spiritually created again for “incorruption” and made again “in the that he has trampled down “death by death?” And how does he image of his eternity” (Wisdom 2:23; see also Genesis 1:27), and bestow “life to those in the tombs?” now we await only his return when he will make all things new: St. Paul says, “If many died through one man’s trespass, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many” (Romans more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out 5:15). And again he says, “Because of one man’s trespass, death of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her hus- reigned through that one man; much more will those who re- band; and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, ceive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17). they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he But how does this happen? How does this free gift of resur- will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no rected life, as St. Paul says, “abound for man?” St. Paul gives the more…’ And he who sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make answer when he says: all things new’” (Revelation 21:1-5). Come, Lord Jesus, come! † “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Reprinted from Theosis, 2013

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 7 words about prayer (1 Timothy 2:1) is that the work of prayer comes before everything else. . . Learn first to acquire the power of prayer, and you will easily practice all the other virtues.” “The work of prayer,” says St. Theophan, “is the first work in Christian life.” And learning to pray is at once as simple as allowing the Holy Spirit who “intercedes with inexpressible groanings” free rein in our hearts, and as difficult as sub- duing all the other voices and appetites that vie for mastery within us. The method by which the Pilgrim learned unceasing prayer is available also to us; that is, the instruction of the holy Fathers on prayer. In this task, St. Theophan the Recluse is very helpful. St. Theophan, a bish- op who renounced his office to live a solitary life of prayer, was thor- oughly steeped in the spiritual tra- dition of the Fathers, having himself prepared a Russian edition of the Philokalia.

Prayer of the HeartPart II

Pray withoutBy DeaconCeasing! Paul Leonarczyk

n our first article in this series (SOPHIA, Winter 2014), He became a guardian and spokesman for the great spiritu- we reflected upon the words of Mother Maria of Paris: al heritage of the Fathers, and this tradition guided his own in- “Christianity is either a fire—or it doesn’t exist!” ner life of prayer. His spiritual legacy is found in the thousands And we began to explore how we can deepen our of letters, partially published in ten volumes, that he wrote to Ipersonal relationship with God through prayer, so that fire of his spiritual children offering practical advice for developing a Divine love we received in holy Baptism can have a life-chang- life of unceasing prayer. ing—indeed, life-saving—effect in our lives. Echoing the Apostle Peter’s own instruction, “sanctify Truly, in the view of the Fathers, interior prayer is the key Christ as Lord in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15), St. Theophan that unlocks all the graces of baptism and the essential means summarizes the wisdom of the Fathers on the spiritual life: “The by which a Christian comes to resemble God in whose image he most important thing that the holy Fathers desired and recom- has been created. For the human person was created for com- mended is the understanding of the spiritual state, and the art munion with God. of maintaining it. There remains only one rule for whoever will In the 19th century classic of Russian spirituality, The Way attain this state: dwell within and worship secretly in the heart.” of a Pilgrim, the Pilgrim is seeking to find out how to put into In our culture, the heart usually refers to the emotions and practice St. Paul’s advice to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes- affections, but what do Scripture and the Fathers mean when salonians 5:17). “How is it possible,” he asks, “to pray without they speak of the heart and the feelings of the heart? In the ceasing, since a man has to concern himself with other things biblical and patristic view, the heart is the center of one’s being also in order to make a living?” and the primary organ of the spiritual life where one comes face This is the practical question we now seek to explore. The to face with God. While it includes the emotions, the heart em- Pilgrim meets a spiritual father or staretz who instructs him in braces the total person and all of one’s activities and aspirations. “the most primary and essential questions”: “What is prayer? Spiritual feelings are not pious sentimentality; they are rather And how does one learn to pray?” the most profound attitudes and sentiments of the human soul. “Many people reason,” the Staretz teaches, “quite the wrong The heart is the “inner man” to which St. Paul refers: “I way around about prayer, thinking that good actions and all sorts bend my knees to the Father . . . that He may grant you . . . of preliminary measures render us capable of prayer. But quite power through His Spirit unto the progress of the inner man; the reverse is the case; it is prayer which bears fruit in good works and to have Christ dwelling through faith in your hearts: so that and all the virtues. . . The first thing laid down in the Apostle’s being rooted and grounded in love, you may be able . . . to know

8 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 Christ’s love which surpasses all knowledge, in order that you the contents of the song in our heart, and to sing it as if it came may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-17). from our own heart.” Likewise, St. Peter refers to the “hidden man of the heart . . . “You must pray not only with words but with the mind, which is of great price in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). and not only with the mind but with the heart, so that the mind In the words of St. Theophan: “The heart is the innermost understands and sees clearly what is said in the words, and the man, or spirit. Here are located self-awareness, the conscience, heart feels what the mind is thinking. All these combined to- the idea of God and of one’s complete dependence on Him, gether constitute real prayer, and if any of them are absent your and all the eternal treasures of the spiritual life.” The heart “is prayer is either not perfect, or is not prayer at all. The principal the God-like spirit that was breathed into the first man, and it thing in prayer is a feeling heart.” So, for example, when you remains with us continuously, even after the Fall.” pray a contrite phrase, let your mind be attentive to the con- Indeed, for the Fathers, one becomes a “real man” only by trite words and let your heart sympathize with them, producing becoming established in the remembrance of God in the sanc- within you the feeling of contrition. tuary of one’s heart. For only by this is restored our right inner In other words, our communication with God in prayer order and integrity, gradually freeing us from the passions that is similar to our communication with any person that we love. dominate us in our fallen condition. Only in this way, by God’s Are not our words of love for another considered empty or grace, can one achieve self-mastery and attain “to the deep meaningless if they are not expressions of a true depth of feel- knowledge of the Son of God, to perfect manhood, the measure ing in our hearts for the other person? So it is in our relation- of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). ship to God. Let us, then, seek “that inner kingdom of the heart, unknown Just as our words of love for another person are “true” when to most Christians, which every baptized member of Christ’s they “come from the heart,” so “the essence of prayer is there- Body can discover within himself through the art of prayer,” that fore the spiritual uplifting of the heart towards God. The mind in so doing, our hearts may come to “burn” for Christ like the in the heart stands consciously before the face of God, filled Disciples on the Road to Emmaus. [Unless otherwise noted, this with due reverence, and begins to pour itself out before Him. and the quotations below are from St. Theophan.] This is spiritual prayer, and all prayer should be of this nature. “External prayer, whether at home or in church, is only What is prayer . . . really? prayer’s verbal expression and form; the essence or the soul “Not every act of prayer is prayer. Standing at home before of prayer is within the mind and heart. All our Church order your icons, or here in church, and venerating them is not yet of prayer, all prayers composed for home use, are filled with a prayer, but the equipment of prayer. Reading prayers either by spiritual turning to God. Anyone who prays with even the least heart or from a book, or hearing someone else read them is bit of attention cannot avoid this spiritual turning to God. not yet prayer, but only a tool or method for obtaining and “Prayer itself is the piercing of our hearts by reverent feel- awakening prayer.” For prayer is not simply reciting prayers, ings for God, one after another: feelings of humility, submis- or saying words. God does not desire lip service: “These people sion, gratitude, praise, forgiveness, heart-felt prostration, bro- honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Isaiah kenness, conformity to the will of God, etc. All of our efforts 29:13). Rather, God wills to be “our heart’s desire.” should be directed so that during our prayers, these feelings and St. Demetrius of Rostov asks, ”What use it is to you . . . if feelings like them should fill our souls, so that our heart would you pray only with the voice, while your mind pays no attention not be empty when our lips are reciting the prayers, or when to the prayer but dreams about something else? What profit the ears hear them and the body bows in prostrations. . . . When is there if the tongue says much, but the mind does not think these feelings are present, our praying is prayer, and when they about what is said? What profit is there if you should sing in are absent, it is not yet prayer. full voice, and with all the strength of your lungs, while your “The essential, indispensable element in prayer is atten- mind does not stand before God, but wanders away in thought tion. Without attention there is no prayer . . . The union of the to some other place? Such a prayer will bring you no profit.” mind with the heart is a union of the spiritual thoughts of the “How can you expect to be heard by God,” asks St. Cyprian, mind with the spiritual feelings of the heart. “when you do not hear yourself? How do you expect God to re- “The way to God is an inner journey accomplished in the member you when you pray, if you do not remember yourself?” mind and heart. It is necessary so to attune the thoughts of the What, then, according to the Fathers, makes the words we mind and the dispositions of the heart so that the spirit of man say in our prayers become true prayer? St. Theophan explains: will always be with the Lord. . . . Drawing near to God in your “It happens that sometimes through our negligence the tongue mind and heart will give you power over all other movements of recites the holy words of prayer, but the mind wanders else- the soul, and power to put the enemy to shame.” where: or the mind understands the words of the prayer, but Finally, it is good for us to keep in mind that the work of the heart does not respond to them by feeling. In the first case, prayer is not complicated; it is simple and natural. “The work prayer is only oral and is not prayer at all; in the second, mental of God is simple: it is prayer—children talking to their Father, prayer joins the oral, but this prayer is still incomplete. Com- without any subtleties.” plete and real prayer comes only when the prayer of word and In the next issue, we will continue our reflection on unceasing thought is joined by prayer of feeling.” prayer of the heart and discuss the use of the Jesus Prayer, which “Psalms and Church hymns are spiritually inspired out- the Fathers consider to be “the surest way to achieve such a union bursts of feeling toward God. . . . It is necessary not only to with the Lord, next to Communion of His Flesh and Blood.” understand the song but to be in sympathy with it, to accept Continued on page 10

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 9 his year, the West Coast Melkite parishes celebrated Many commented that this conference helped them to understand Valentine’s Day weekend with a special focus how certain Old Testament events and figures are related to each on the Bible and religious education. other and how they prepared for the coming of Jesus. On Friday, February 14, Bishop Nicholas and “I liked everything about this conference,” reported Nadia TFather Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo, Director of the eparchial Kashou. “It was a beautiful gathering of so many people and Office of Educational Services, met at Holy Cross Church in we all had a wonderful unity of spirit. It helped us learn how Placentia with the priests and deacons of the region. Then, on to read the Bible and how to better understand the relation- Saturday, February 15, Bishop Nicholas and Deacon Sabatino ship between the Old Testament and the New Testament.” She presented a series of talks that helped the 120 participants better added, “It was the first time we have had a seminar where every- Scripture and the Spiritual Renewal of Parish Life: West Coast Eden to Eden Bible Conference By Father François Beyrouti understand the overall narrative of Scripture, appreciate the role one was listening and not talking. The attention of the people that key figures played in God’s plan of salvation, and reflect on was 100 percent.” the importance of Scripture in the liturgical life of the faithful. Others shared these impressions. Amanda Helo noted, “At- The conference was entitled “Eden to Eden: A Byzantine Bib- tending the day-long conference was a wonderful experience. It lical Conference on Salvation History.” Priests, deacons, and pa- was an opportunity to learn how the Bible is intended to be read. rishioners came from Annunciation mission (Covina), Holy Cross I enjoyed having Deacon Sabatino walk us through the stories in parish (Placentia), Saint Anne parish (North Hollywood), Saint historical order. This gave new light to the stories. I will never for- Jacob community (San Diego), Saint Paul mission (El Segundo), get the genealogy of God: Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abra- Saint Philip mission (San Bernardino), Mary community ham, Isaac, Jacob . . .” Amanda also said, “The emphasis on God’s (San Marcos), and Annunciation Byzantine church (Anaheim). love for us and how He became man to allow us to share in His This biblical conference was also broadcast live so that blessed life was truly shown through Deacon Sabatino’s words.” many were able to watch through the eparchial web link www. Bishop Nicholas and Deacon Sabatino intend to organize Melkite.org/Live-Broadcast. Parishioners gathered at Saint similar conferences throughout the Eparchy of Newton as part John of the Desert church in Phoenix to participate via the of the parish education programs to be organized and funded web-cast, and some people also sent questions via email. by the Office of Educational Services. They hope that these Throughout the conference, there was an atmosphere of great conferences will inspire a spiritual renewal in our parishes. The excitement. Everyone appreciated the dynamic and informative response to this conference suggests that the spiritual renewal presentations delivered by Bishop Nicholas and Deacon Sabatino. has already begun. †

Prayer of the Heart Continued from page 8

Until then, the Prayer of St. Demetrius is given below; Prayer of St. Demetrius of Rostov practice praying this prayer with your lips, and with the atten- tion of your mind, and with the feelings of your heart. Pray Open, O doors and bolts of my heart, it slowly, focusing your mind on the powerful words, and al- that Christ the King of Glory may enter! low your heart to sympathize with the profound sentiments the Enter, O my Light, and enlighten my darkness; words evoke. Feel the depths of your heart open to Christ. Be Enter, O my Life, and resurrect my deadness; conscious within you of the warm fire of His Divine love burn- Enter, O my Physician, and heal my wounds; ing away your sins. And, express to Christ your heart’s deep Enter, O Divine Fire, and burn up the thorns of my sins; desire that He reign within you as the Lord and Master of your Ignite my inward parts and my heart with the flame of Your love; life. You might also bring this prayer with you to church, and Enter, O my King, and destroy in me the kingdom of sin; pray it as you are about to come forward to receive Christ in the Sit on the throne of my heart and reign in me alone, Divine Eucharist. † O You, my King and my Lord!

10 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 11 Father PRIEST Timothy Jock HEROBy Archimandrite John Azar can’t say that this is a personal reminiscence of Fr Timo- ner at our house but he said he was not feeling well. My father thy Jock, the long-time pastor of St Basil the Great parish drove to the church, went upstairs and literally picked him up in Rhode Island. He baptized me, but I was only three and carried him to the car to bring him so that he could be with years old when he fell asleep in the Lord. However, our our family. My mother remembers taking his vestments home Iparents told his story to my siblings and me ever since we were to clean them. young, so it definitely made an impression on us. Yes, we also heard about his famed strictness, but careful Everyone has different recollections about the same per- analysis shows that it was, in reality, not only to properly care for son. Some will say that this priest was very strict. Some will say his flock and his church but also to keep the name of our Mel- they experienced just the opposite. But most people will tell you kite people spotless in the area. He also made demands of certain the same things about Fr Jock. families, at perhaps sensitive times in their lives, but as a good and In a previous article, I’ve already told how he founded the responsible priest, had in mind his own obligation to teach and first Melkite school in the country with actual academic cours- encourage their duty and responsibility to their spiritual home. es and sound teachers. This was a feat in itself and something We were also told that he went around to some wealthy of which our Rhode Island parish and entire Melkite eparchy people in the state, often not related to the immediate Melkite should be proud. That article also related the fact that he had community, to beg for his parish and parishioners. He went so the foresight to purchase a parcel of land, used first by the pa- far as to make sure that some families were taken care of for rishioners as a picnic ground, then later transformed into the their very nourishment and medical treatment, and even had first Melkite parish cemetery, still used by parishioners today. coal delivered to their homes to keep them warm in the winter. I was told by several older Roman priests in Rhode Island that Often, people don’t see or know about what good a priest many of them sought him out to be their spiritual director and does behind the scenes. Our world teaches us to only look for confessor. He was well educated and had a command of church what we can use against them for many reasons. history, which many people never had the opportunity to learn. Was Fr Timothy Jock famous? In some people’s minds, Fr Jock’s health was poor and he became even more frail probably not. Was he a hero? Without a doubt! over the years, sometimes too ill to leave his residence upstairs “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We are proud to list in the first church building. Because of his health he led a very you as one of the “priest heroes” in the history of our Melkite simple lifestyle. One time, my parents had invited him to din- Church in America. †

Young Adults welcome at MAYA Retreat By Richard McNeil The 2014 National Retreat of the SAVE Melkite Association of Young Adults THE will be held June 28-July 2 in Chicago, Illinois. Registration is open to all Melkites ages 18-26 and one year removed from high school. Come join us in prayer, service, and fellowship as we explore this year’s theme: “Discovering Our Fellow Eastern Christian Churches.”

To sign up, go to usmaya.org, and like us on Facebook DATEJune 28-July 2, 2014 for updates on registration and costs. 12 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 he College of Saint Mary Magdalen, a Catholic col- Chaplain Father Roger Boucher, a Roman Catholic priest lege in New Hampshire, has found a very meaning- with bi-ritual faculties, celebrates the Divine Liturgy every Sun- ful way to follow the example of Francis, who day at Our Lady of the Cedars Melkite parish in Manchester, urges all people to become aware of the atrocities NH, before saying mass at the college. He encourages prayer Toccurring in Syria and to pray that they will soon end. for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, especially in Syria Since August 2013, the relics of Fourth-Century Syrian in its time of infiltration from outside. He celebrated the Divine martyrs Paul, Tata, and their sons Sabinian, Maximus, Rufus, Liturgy for the first time at the college on February 16, 2014. and Eugenius have been present on the altar during every mass. Fr Boucher presented the relics of the holy martyrs for veneration in the college chapel. Ev- ery Sunday the relics are incensed, and on the day an- nounced the world day of fast- New Hampshire College ing and prayer for Syria the college students personally venerated the relics. VENERATES RELICS The message of the holy relics, he of Ancient Syrian Martyrs says, is that despite the hatred and car- nage that contin- TO PRAY FOR ues throughout the world, students must take heart in Christian actions of PEACE NOW peace like these. For as persecution against our brothers and sisters in Syria increases, so does prayer. These holy martyrs were scourged, tortured, and finally killed In our weaknesses grace for their faith at Damascus. abounds even more, says St The college has mainly a Latin Catholic student body, with Paul, the great Eastern Apostle some Eastern Catholic students. It works to foster a strong who evangelized the sense of unity between East and West. West. †

REUNIONREUNION at St.St. BasilBasil SeminarySeminary May 6-8, 2014

A reunion of all former students and staff will be held at our first seminary for the Melkite Church and other Eastern Catholic Churches in the US on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 6-8, 2014. The Basilian Salvatorian Fathers in Methuen, Massachusetts, invite all former students and staff to the 60th seminary reunion. Accommodations will be available at the seminary or in a local hotel. For more information, contact Dr William Kalousieh at [email protected] or Fred Abood at [email protected]. If anyone has any photos of your days at the seminary, memorabilia, etc., please contact Archimandrite John Azar at [email protected]. Highlights of the event will be published in a future edition of SOPHIA.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 13 esus’ commission to the Apostles was to baptize all nations. in the historical accounts of vast numbers of Eastern Catholics’ This they did. The Church of Christ is a living organism unfortunate lack of acceptance outside their countries of origin of different parts. Usually the “parts” are envisioned as the in the waning years of the 19th century, as in North America. hands, the eyes, the feet—each with a specific function The 20th century proved not much better—until the Holy J that focuses on Spirit guided the the interdependence Church to the of each. There is a council hall of coordinated effort Vatican II. Each to show that the Eastern Catholic stomach does not IYOU am the Vine Church, it is now compete with the ARE known, is complete ear—but that each THE BRANCHES in itself in Catholicity. part, working with Each is equal. the others, contrib- By Father John Lucas Each is Catholic. utes to the health of No longer rel- the whole. egated to the ranks Another aspect of of a “rite” within the wholeness of the the Roman —the Body of Church, each is Christ (and Christians) charged with the is evident in the commission to “go, structure of the teach all nations.” Church. Pope John What a concept! Paul II put forth the Now, with more and analogy of East and more instances of mass West as “two lungs” movement of people, —cooperative other Eastern Catholics elements providing are arriving in our the necessary breath country. The hierarchs of air to sustain life. of these Churches are However, this a part of the national varied reality of bishops’ Conference; existence is often addressing their own under-appreciated. concerns, and benefiting This extends to the from the shared process perception of the of learning and teaching Church as a whole, about one another. as well as to the The icon of Christ as the importance of each Vine with the Twelve particular component. Apostles as the branches can There are more than “two lungs” that compose the Church. illustrate the Eastern Catholic Anyone knowledgeable enough to realize the fact that jurisdictions found among us. In alphabetical order there different Churches compose “The Church” confronts are: Armenian, Byzantine (Melkite, Romanian, Ruthenian, some degree of confusion. Ukrainian), Chaldean, Maronite, Syrian, Syro-Malabar, and Looking at “West” and “East” separately, two models Syro-Malankara Churches. There are also other Eastern emerge: one uniform, the other almost disjointed. Neither Catholic Churches. But as of now, they may have individual is an accurate conception of the entire reality. How can parishes in this country, but no bishops. These include Coptic One Church be made up of so many diverse Churches? The and Ethiopian-Eritrean Catholics and a few Russian Byzantine answer lies not in observing the differences between the mem- Catholic parishes. bers—but in seeing the connection within the whole. Centuries What is important to remember is that America needs the of western-dominated thought infused into the minds of many Eastern Churches—as the country is a microcosm of the entire that “unity demands uniformity”—a concept that permeated Church—and is obliged to present the Church in its entirety. Roman thinking even before the Christian age. Likewise, these Churches need America. The vast popula- Meanwhile, in the East, followers of Christ were building tion of “unchurched” people is in need of a Church in which individualized expressions of faith—united not in ritual matters, to find a community that meets their spiritual needs. Most im- but in the seemingly less tangible emphasis upon that which is migrant Churches over time become acclimated to their sur- unseen. Over the past thousand years, interaction among East- roundings—they employ the local language and provide a vital ern and Western Christians has been tenuous, with unfortunate link to the fulfillment of the plea of Christ “that all may be one, results. Neither side really understood the other. This is evident as you, and I, Father, are One.” New Evangelization, anyone? †

14 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 Melkite Presence at Annual Meeting of

By Archimandrite Alexei Smith

hrist prayed at the Last Supper that His followers and in prison in 1980 to more than 2.2 million in 2010. With “may all be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in only five percent of the world’s population, the US has 25 per- you, that they also may be in us, that the world may cent of the world’s imprisoned people. believe that you sent me” (John 17:21). Christian The “War on Drugs” dramatically increased the US prison CChurches Together—a promising ecumenical movement—is a population from 41,000 drug offenders in 1980 to half a million response to that prayer. in 2010, while doing little to end drug use. African Americans As these churches, grouped in five “families” (Catholic, make up 13 percent of the US population and use drugs at the Orthodox, historic Protestant, Evangelical/ Pentecostal, and same rates as do people of other races here, but they represent African American), and organizations grow closer together in 45 percent of those imprisoned for drug violations. Christ, our Christian witness in the world is strengthened. At the end of this four-day meeting of Christian leaders, Since its beginning in 2007, the focus of CCT’s annual CCT declared: “The church in the United States has a moral meeting has been on worshipping together, discerning the and ethical imperative to protect human dignity and must ad- guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and theological dia- dress the problem of mass incarceration in our nation. . . . We logues, and providing fellowship and mutual support. recognize that these systems of mass incarceration are not only The Most Rev. Nicholas Samra, Bishop of the Diocese of affecting African-Americans. They are now impacting all peo- Newton, and the Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Alexei Smith, Ecu- ple of color, the poor, the marginalized, and the immigrant in menical Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Dio- the US. Latinos and other immigrants, in particular, are expe- cese of Newton, are members of the United States Conference riencing the brunt of increased detention rates in the midst of of Catholic Bishops’ delegation to these annual meetings. their struggle for immigration reform. Early on, CCT began to address the scandal of domestic pov- “While there is a role for prisons to address violent of- erty, exploring this topic through the lens of racism, immigration fenses, we recognize that our nation’s justice system has lost issues, and at this year’s meeting in Newark, NJ, mass incarceration. the hope embodied by its historic vision to ‘correct’ and restore Mass incarceration is a destructive system of human con- broken people back to society. As followers of Jesus Christ, trol in which certain ethnic minorities experience inequitable we believe in the redemption and reconciliation of all things, interactions with our nation’s penal system: this was the clear rather than retribution. This includes the prisoner and broken and consistent message of the speakers at this year’s meeting, systems. This is the essence of the gospel . . .” among whom were formerly incarcerated faith leaders, a federal Christian Churches Together encourages its member de- judge, a former prosecutor, a director of a state correctional nominations and organizations to increase awareness, to edu- system, and a social worker. cate, and to take action to oppose mass incarceration. Startling statistics were presented: incarceration rates in The meeting in Newark included a visit to the Syriac the United States have increased from 500,000 inmates in jail Orthodox Cathedral for Evening Prayer and dinner. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 15 “Let God arise and let your face’” (Numbers 10:35). Here we discover the original context of the paschal verses His enemies be scattered and that are sung in our church throughout the week following Pas- let them that hate Him cha, known to us as Bright Week. Moses, having led the out of slavery in Egypt, inaugurated their journey to- flee from before His face.” ward the Promised Land with this powerful proclamation. As followers of the Risen Lord, we know that the Ark of the Covenant and the holy things it contained were a preparation for the fullness of revelation given to us in the person of Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, in reflecting upon the original historical Let God Arise! context of these powerful words that we will begin to under- By Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo stand the fullness of the mystery that they prefigured. Our ancestors sang these words before the Ark of the Cov- enant; we sing them before the fullness of the revelation of his verse, so dear to us of the Melkite tradition, God among His people—Christ Jesus. Jesus is the new manna, introduces the triumphant singing of the Paschal strengthening us on our journey. He is the staff that supports troparion: “Christ is risen from the dead . . .” Our and confirms the shepherds of the Church in their ministry of hearts quicken with joy when we hear it! leading the people on their pilgrimage of faith. He is the revela- TBut what do these words really mean and why does our tion in the flesh of the will of God for God’s people. Church place them before us today? Why is this verse chosen Like Israel of old, we are a people on pilgrimage. We are, like to welcome us into the joy of the Resurrected Lord? Certain- our ancestors in the Sinai desert, a people that has been freed by the ly, these powerful words, and the verses that follow, act as Lord from slavery—not slavery to worldly powers only, but more a wonderful announcement of the Good News of importantly, to sin and the dominion of the the Resurrection. However, they are much more devil. We are a people that has experienced than an introduction and an announcement; the revelation of God, no longer written on they are meant to help us understand the en- stone tablets, but carved in the flesh of the tire mystery of Pascha and the meaning of Son of God. We are a people that has our life as Christians. been given a homeland as an in- Certainly, many are aware heritance—this time not an that the phrase “Let God earthly city, but the heavenly arise and let his enemies be Jerusalem. scattered” comes to us from In other words, Pascha is not Psalm 68 and is traditionally ascribed the end of our journey; it is only the to the authorship of King David. Reading beginning. And to mark this new this verse in the context of the entire psalm, beginning, we cry out with all our however, the attentive reader will notice that strength, “Let God arise and let His King David is writing of an earlier event, that enemies be scattered.” And as on any great jour- of the Exodus, and is in fact quoting directly from the Book ney in this life, if we prepare ourselves well and are constantly of Numbers. In this Old Testament book, the author tells the readying ourselves for the struggles ahead, if we remain faith- second half of the story of the Exodus, in which we learn of ful to our original mission, then we will reach the goal of our the journey of God’s people from Mount Sinai to the Promised pilgrimage and enjoy the reward that is the fruit of our labor. Land of Israel. If you haven’t read this wonderful story of God’s Therefore, Saint Paul tells us, “Lift up your drooping hands faithfulness to His people, I encourage you to take out your and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your Bible and read Numbers 10:11-14:45. feet,” for “you have drawn near to Mount Zion, and the city of the Remember, after Moses and the people of Israel were led out living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:13, 22). Before of Egypt and after they had experienced the theophany on Mount us there are certainly struggles to be endured and a race to be run Sinai, they set out on the final leg of their journey toward the and battles to be won. But if we remain faithful, those battles will Promised Land. As the Book of Numbers relates, whenever the be won, for Christ our God has run the race before us and has people of God set out from their camp, the Ark of the Covenant already conquered the enemy, for He is truly risen from the dead was carried at the front of the procession. and death no longer has dominion over Him (Romans 6:9). The Ark was a sign of God’s presence among His people and it Let us today be joined more closely to the Victor, to Christ contained within it all those things closely associated with God— our God, and proclaim with Saint John Chrysostom, “O Death, the manna, which was the daily bread that strengthened the people where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is for their journey; the staff of Aaron, which was the revelation of risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons God’s support of Moses and Aaron as leaders of his people; and the are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, stone tablets engraved with the ten commandments, the revela- and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the tion of God’s will for Israel. In the book of Numbers, we read that grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the “whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O LORD, and let first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and your enemies be scattered; and let those that hate you flee before dominion unto ages of ages. Amen.” †

16 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 n January 2014, well over a hundred Eastern Catholic faith- clergy and laity, became the forum for ful and clergy from around the country gathered for four some of the talks, as well as for prayerful days of encounter through prayer, teaching, and fellowship encounters with Christ, both privately at ENCOUNTER 2014 in Orlando, FL. Attendees came and publicly according to the Byzantine Ifrom the Melkite, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Armenian, Syro-Mal- (Ukrainian, Ruthenian, and Melkite), abar, and Maronite Churches. Eastern Catholic Bishops John Maronite, and Syro-Malabar rites and Kudrick, Nicholas Samra, Mar Jacob Angadiath, and Kurt Bur- traditions. At one point, Bishop John nette and Roman Catholic Bishop Peter Libasi helped lead the Kudrick also led the attendees in the conference. This Encounter was the fourth in a series presented prayerful reading and singing of the Jesus Prayer, which helped across the country, with more than a thousand total participants. to lend a retreat atmosphere to the weekend focused on draw- Sponsored by the Eastern Catholic bishops of the USA, the ing closer to God and to one another in Christ. theme of this weekend was “Encountering Jesus Christ,” and The Orlando Encounter was staffed by many wonderful the many speak- volunteers, some ers focused on the local and others central message of from a distance, building an inti- as well as by sev- mate relationship eral vendors who with the Lord as traveled hun- the foundation for dreds of miles to our spiritual, litur- serve our East- gical, and ecclesial ern Catholic par- lives, as well as our ishes and faith- EASTERN CATHOLIC ENCOUNTER 2014:

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) By Deacon Daniel G. Dozier driving purpose for ful. Dr. Barbara the New Evangeli- Lutz, who helped zation in the world. to spearhead the Some of the event, even moved topics and speak- to Florida several ers were “On the weeks in advance Road to Emmaus: Encountering Christ in the Scriptures” with to help ensure the overall success of the Encounter. Father Jack Custer, “Come Follow Me: Encountering the Call Many of those attending commented on how grateful they to Discipleship” with Sister Michelle Yakymovich, SSMI, “Who were for the work of the Encounter 2014 conference, and the Do You Say That I Am? Confessing Christ in Our Daily Life” sense of inspiration and challenge to go deeper and be even with Fr. Deacon Alex Wroblicky, “Go and Teach All Nations: more engaged in their parish life. Proclaiming Christ in Our Society” with Bishop Peter Libasci of Eastern Catholic Spiritual Renewal blogger Ric Ballard ob- the Roman Catholic Diocese of New Hampshire, “An Encoun- served, “I found all of the speakers at the event inspiring. But Fr. ter Challenge” with Bishop Nicholas Samra of the Melkite Epar- Deacon Sabatino’s statement about ensuring that our churches chy of Newton, and “Casting Our Nets: Preparing Our Parishes become places of discipleship instead of simply Eastern Catholic for the Next Generation” with Fr. Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo. clubs really spoke to me. When he said ‘If you want to see your The conference, structured with one part for clergy and the church on fire then you need to set yourself on fire,’ I knew that if other for both clergy and laity, began with a prayer service and I am going to be any help to my church I need to change.” a welcome led by Bishop John Kudrick of the Ruthenian Epar- Let us pray that the Encounters continue to kindle such a chy of Parma, who also serves as the President of the Eastern fire for the New Evangelization in the clergy and faithful of our Catholic Bishops. Eastern Catholic parishes! † Prayer was very much at the heart of the Orlando Encoun- ter. One of the larger rooms at the Renaissance Airport Hotel, Rev. Deacon Daniel G. Dozier is a deacon in the Ukrainian Greek Catho- converted into a full chapel through the volunteer work of local lic Eparchy of St. Josaphat, and the director of Holy Apostles Institute.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 17 Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the President of CINF USA, I am happy to announce that my Foundation has reached an agreement with Manhattanville College, where I hold the Mary T. Clark Chair of , which will allow young Middle Eastern Christians to study at the college at heavily discounted rates. Christians in Need Foundation USA is a new Foundation. It was recent;y established by me and a group of professional American women, each of whom belongs to one of the ancient Middle Eastern Christian Churches. Our goal is three fold: it is at once to protect the lives and cultures of our Christian brothers in peril, to help educate the future leaders of the com- munities to which they belong, and it is to make Americans aware of the plight of the presecuted Church. My dream as a professor and chair is to include in my college a significant contigent of Syrian and Lebanese Christians not just so that I and my colleagues will be able to give them a thorough liberal arts education, as well as a peaceful and nurtur- ing environment. My dream is that this contingent of Syrian and Lebanese Christians interact with my own present students both so that they can forge direct contacts with Americans and understand the American mentality, and so that they can teach Americans about the plight of the church in the Middle East and enlist their support. Like Saint Francis, I believe that the strongest lessons are taught by example. CINF USA presently works on two fronts. First, we negotiate discounted rates with institutions of higher learning in the US. Second, we search for prospective students in the Christian communities in peril. We ask interested students to fill out an application form and send us the required documents. We gather the application forms and process them. We then forward the application forms to those institutions of higher learning which offer heavily discounted rates. We hope in the very near future to begin to offer full scholarships. In the meanwhile, Manhattanville College is an historic American college in the New York City area. It offers a full array of undergraduate degrees, and some graduate degrees. For more information see www.mville.edu. The cost per year for an undergraduate degree is $32,500. This price includes tuition, room and board. It is a 40% discount on the college’s present rates. What is most important is that Manhattanville College will expedite the issuance of I-20s, which will allow Middle Eastern Christians to receive student visas in the US. The I-20 will be issued within 3 weeks of a student’s acceptance. At present, students will have to cover their own costs. We hope in the very near future to begin to offer full scholarhips. I and my board will stay in touch with those students whose entry in US institutions of higher learning we facilitated. We will extend our moral and legal support to them. Please visit our website or write us for more information.

Yours in Christ, Siobhan Nash-Marshall GOOD MEMORIES OF FR. ARAKTINGI

Dear Editor: Answers to The article about Fr. Araktingi (SOPHIA, Winter 2014) was not only very interesting but also What’s Your conjured up very pleasant memories of my childhood and Fr. Araktingi, my first pastor. I was also Melkite IQ? one of his altar servers. from page 26 Aside from that, I have the same background experience and come from the same area described 1. B 11. B by Julia Coriaty. I also attended Saint Paul’s grammar school. Although Brooklyn is a very large 2. A 12. B borough of New York, the Syrian and Lebanese community was small and concentrated there. 3. B 13. C

LETTERS Due to our growing up in the same area and having the same experiences, I felt that I surely must 4. D 14. C know Julia or that we must have mutual friends. 5. A 15. C I tried to find Julia’s phone number but to no avail. May I impose on any reader ofSOPHIA either 6. D 16. A to give her my number—609-330-3233—or to advise me of her number if she is willing to hear 7. B 17. C from me? 8. B 18. D 9. B 19. C George Gennaoui—Glassboro, New Jersey 10. B 20. C

18 SOPHIA | Spring 2014

20 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 21 n several occasions when I have spoken with Muslim co-workers, the topic of Jesus Christ has come up. OQuite often, a co-worker has pointed out to me that Muslims accept Jesus too. They have been taught to explain how their faith shares with Christians that Jesus had a special birth, produced miracles via God, and he was a prophet. When Muslims explain this belief, however, they mean that they possess Jesus equally as part of their tradition in the same way that Christians do. If you agree to this statement, then there is no point to sharing more about what the Bible or Christians have said about Jesus Christ. So if you encounter such claims, it is important for you emphasize that there is much more to what Jesus Christ said and did than what is in the Qur’an. In fact, you should say that you have access to this knowledge and you would like to share that story with your Muslim acquaintance. A second problem with accepting that Muslims and Chris- tians both know about Jesus is that it makes it seem like the Islamic Perspectives on the Resurrection: How Melkites can Share the Good News By ‘Abd al-Masih

Bible and the Qur’an are on equal ground regarding their teaching about Him. But of course Christians hold the Bible as the final witness that explains the life, death, and Christ—the Gospel (Good News). First, one might emphasize that the Bible was written by eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life and the Qur’an was written six-hundred years later. In other words, the Qur’an was as close to the Bible as we are to the year 1400! Second, one might want to mention that given this large gap between the two accounts, it might be worthwhile to look at the Bible and other literature that was written between the first century and the sixth century, especially since the Qur’an refers to these texts in its verses. Rarely do Muslims actually read the Bible in its own context. They have been taught that the Qur’an supersedes the Bible; therefore it doesn’t need to be studied. Because of this bias, I try to address simple biblical or historical points that my Muslim co- workers rarely encounter. Further, most Muslims are not familiar with the biblical and post-biblical stories to which the Qur’an refers in its verses. Instead, Muslims have explained the Bible to me as told through the Qur’an or through Muslim polemics (verbal attacks against Christian faith and practice). This gap is a great place for Christians to begin sharing the Gospel with Muslims. While Muslim acquaintances have mentioned their agreement with me about certain key topics such as Jesus’ birth and mir- acles, they have been much more reticent to speak with me about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is because they know that these are points of dispute between Christians and Muslims. Even more, there is a lack of consensus among Muslims about the circumstances of Jesus’ resurrection. Was Jesus saved from the cross and brought up bodily into heaven? Or did only his soul rise to heaven? Or did he not rise at all? Or did he die victoriously then rise into heaven as Christians claim? One can find individual Muslims supporting all of these positions, so every encounter with a Muslim acquaintance is unique. But why do Muslims express such an indecisive attitude about the resurrection of Jesus Christ? It is because they have a long legacy of polemics against Christians and because they do not have a consensus about the Qur’an’s references to the resurrection.

22 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 When starting a discussion on the resurrection of Jesus, To address the resurrection with there are several key passages to be familiar with in the Qur’an. Muslims, we need to understand their First, look at Q 3:55 (The chapter is called “Āl ‘Imrān” meaning perspectives about prophets. Muslims “The Family of ‘Imrān.” He is known as Amram in the biblical believe that prophets were always pre- book of Exodus as the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.): served by God from evil, theologically speaking (this comes from later doctrines “Remember when God said: ‘Jesus, I am going to make and not explicitly from the Qur’an). If you die and raise you up to me. I shall purify you of those who this is true, then from an Islamic per- disbelieve. I am going to place those who follow you above spective Jesus’ death on the cross would be a tragic image that those who disbelieve at the Day of Resurrection. Then your God failed. The problem with this view is that it does not fully return will be to me, so I may judge between you concerning appreciate the fact that Christians proclaim Jesus’ victory over your differences.’” death and the opening of eternal life via the resurrection. The resurrection as God’s sign of victory over death is absent from .Islamic narratives and needs to be stressed in conversation َنِم َكُرِّهَطُمَو َّيَلِإ َكُعِفاَرَو َكيِّفَوَتُم يِّنِإ ىَسيِع اَي ُهَّللا َلاَق ْذِإ -So what can Christians do if the Qur’an affirms the resur ِةَماَيِقْلا ِمْوَي ىَلِإ اوُرَفَك َنيِذَّلا َقْوَف َكوُعَبَّتا َنيِذَّلا ُلِعاَجَو اوُرَفَك َنيِذَّلا rection but Muslims do not realize its full implications? You -might try opening your Bible and beginning to read the resur َنوُفِلَتْخَت ِهيِف ْمُتْنُك اَميِف ْمُكَنْيَب ُمُكْحَأَف ْمُكُعِجْرَم َّيَلِإ َّمُث rection narratives with Muslims. You can start with the Qur’an, In Q 19:30-33 (“Maryam” meaning “Mary”), Jesus speaks and then ask what the Qur’an means by the statement that Jesus from the cradle after His birth: is risen and with God. Then, you might ask to compare this with the Gospel narrative in Luke or John. “[Jesus] said: ‘I am a servant of God. He has given me the When you read the resurrection stories with Muslims, you Scripture and made me a prophet. He has made me blessed might emphasize several points from the Bible and from history wherever I am. He prescribes prayer and almsgiving as long as I in conversation. First, you can mention that we have historical live and to be good to my mother. He has not made me a tyrant references from eyewitnesses to the empty tomb and Jesus’ ap- or miserable. Peace be upon the day I was born, and the day I pearance in resurrected form according to the Gospels. die, and the day I am raised up alive.’” Further, Paul quotes a creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: “For ,I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received اًكَراَبُم يِنَلَعَجَو اًّيِبَن يِنَلَعَجَو َباَتِكْلا َيِناَتآ ِهَّللا ُدْبَع يِّنِإ َلاَق that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, -that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in ac ْمَلَو يِتَدِلاَوِب اًّرَبَو اًّيَح ُتْمُد اَم ِةاَكَّزلاَو ِةاَلَّصلاِب يِناَصْوَأَو ُتْنُك اَم َنْيَأ cordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas اًّيَح ُثَعْبُأ َمْوَيَو ُتوُمَأ َمْوَيَو ُتْدِلُو َمْوَي َّيَلَع ُماَلَّسلاَو اًّيِقَش اًراَّبَج يِنْلَعْجَي (Peter), then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than In Q 5:117 (“al-Mā’ida” meaning “The Table”), Jesus says: five-hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, “I only said to them [His disciples] what you commanded then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he me: ‘Serve God, my Lord and your Lord.’ I was a witness to them appeared also to me.” as long as I was among them. But when you cause me to die, you Second, you might mention that the disciples would not became watchful over them, and you are witness to all things.” have believed in the resurrection unless it had occurred. The point of the Gospel stories about Jesus is that the disciples mis- understood Him to be a prophet and that it was only after His ُتْنُكَو ْمُكَّبَرَو يِّبَر َهَّللا اوُدُبْعا ِنَأ ِهِب يِنَتْرَمَأ اَم اَّلِإ ْمُهَل ُتْلُق اَم resurrection that they realized His identity. In other words, the ْمِهْيَلَع َبيِقَّرلا َتْنَأ َتْنُك يِنَتْيَّفَوَت اَّمَلَف ْمِهيِف ُتْمُد اَم اًديِهَش ْمِهْيَلَع -Muslim claim that Jesus is only a prophet is to act like the dis ٌديِهَش ٍءْيَش ِّلُك ىَلَع َتْنَأَو ciples before His resurrection. Before the crucifixion they were an ignorant, scattered, and scared flock, but after Jesus’ appear- Q 4:158 (“al-Nisā,” meaning “The Women”), affirms His ance they became motivated for the Gospel and to preach that resurrection again: Jesus Christ had overcome death. Third, you might point out that the Qur’an calls Jesus “the “No! God raised [Jesus] up to himself. God is mighty, wise.” Messiah” (“al-Masiḥ”). You can ask: what might this title mean in the Bible and history? You might suggest that Christians also اًميِكَح اًزيِزَع ُهَّللا َناَكَو ِهْيَلِإ ُهَّللا ُهَعَفَر ْلَب call Jesus “the Messiah” because of the descriptions of Him If we read these verses given the clear context, it appears in the Old Testament. In fact, the apostles’ Gospel preaching that they all affirm that God raised Jesus from the dead and He would not have been effective unless it had clear prophecies ascended into heaven. However, Muslims are not unified about about the Messiah in the Old Testament. To deny Jesus’ death what these verses mean related to Jesus’ death and resurrection. and resurrection would be to deny the clear prophecies of Isa- Their main contention concerns whether Jesus was crucified or iah, Psalms, and countless other testimonies—the Jews were not—if Jesus was not crucified and did not die, then how was searching and hoping for the Messiah, who came as anticipated He resurrected? But if we set aside the issue of His crucifixion in their Scripture. and death for now, it seems very clear that the Qur’an teaches In a similar way, you might search out with your Muslim that Jesus’ resurrection happened. Continued on page 20

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 23 Islamic Perspectives Continued from page 19 friends some of the messianic verses in the Old Testament As Christians, we base our hope on Christ Jesus as a sign and ask what they might mean about Jesus’ identity as Mes- and a model of our future heavenly resurrection. Jesus truly siah. One good place to start is with the “Suffering Servant” died and He is risen from the dead to bring us out of sin narrative of Isaiah 53. Another story to share is the Book of and into eternal life. Christians should be willing to share this Jonah. Jonah spent three days of darkness in a whale, and joyful Gospel story with Muslims. By reading the Christian then he was spit out alive. Early Christians saw this story as a scriptures together, we might better understand the Qur’an’s prediction of the Messiah. Finally, Luke’s Acts of the Apostles message that Jesus died, went to heaven, and will return on refers to Psalm 16 as a prophecy regarding Jesus. Reading the Day of Resurrection. This points us to further knowledge both Psalm 16 and its interpretation may help to discuss the of Christ in our Scripture. Ultimately, we place our hope in resurrection and how early Christians saw it as an anticipa- the historical foundation of the resurrection by which God tion of our own salvation. grants us His compassionate grace and mercy. †

A Visit to St. Anne, CA

by Fr. John

Eparchial Vocation Director Fr. John Azar’s visit to St. Anne Melkite Church, North Hollywood, CA. Following the Divine Liturgy, he spoke to the Youth Group and other youth of the parish. Entertaining questions from the youth, he shared with them that they all have a call in their lives. He encouraged them to take the time periodically to pray to God to ask for His help in fi nding what their individual call might be. At the invitation of the pastors, Fr. John hopes to travel to the various parishes of the Eparchy.

24 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 An Amazing Day for Scranton: Deacon Michael Jolly ordained as a priest unday, July 28, 2013, was an amazing day for parish in Scranton, PA. The parish had not had an episcopal visit in more than six years and had been without a priest for the last two years, since Fr. Christopher Manuele was assigned to St Nicholas church in Rochester, NY. AlthoughS Deacon Michael Jolly was administrator and the Divine Liturgy had been celebrated in the church every Sunday, our eparchy’s priest shortage was well known. When a visit from Bishop Nicholas was announced the rumors started flying. Would the parish be closed? Would we be getting a priest? Were we just to go on as before? Everyone was curious to hear what Bishop Nicholas might say about the future of the parish. An episcopal visit is always a big event, but the first sign that this was to be a truly extraor- dinary day was that, in addition to Bishop Nicholas, we enjoyed the presence of three priests, Archimandrite Philip Raczka, eparchial Protosyncellos, Archimandrite Michael Skrocki, pastor of St Ann parish in Danbury, CT, and Fr. Philip Altavilla, rector of Scranton’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. The Holy Place was further blessed by the service of our Eparchy’s Chancellor, Deacon Paul Leonar- czyk, and Chief Financial Officer, Deacon Robert Shalhoub. With altar servers and Deacon Michael, the Holy Place was more crowded than at any time since Patriarch Gregory’s visit in 1997. Following Orthros, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy began with no further indication of what was to come. When Sayedna emerged to give the homily, there was a palpable feeling of excitement and expectation. Bishop Nicholas was very direct. “I have come to give you a priest and a pastor,” he said. Pointing to the overflowing Holy Place, he joked, “Maybe you’d like to do some window shopping.” When he then declared, “I have come to give you a priest and a pastor but I have no priests,” there was a real sense of disappointment until he surprised the community by saying a third time, “I have come to give you a priest and a pastor, and so I will ordain Deacon Michael Jolly and name him your new pastor.” Following an audible gasp and enthusiastic applause, Sayedna went on to acknowledge Dea- con Michael’s almost twenty-seven years of diaconal service in our eparchy, his almost five years as administrator at Saint Joseph, and his completed post-graduate studies in theology. Bishop Nicholas graciously thanked Deacon Michael’s wife, Marie, for her support through all of these years and her willingness to support him in his new role as priest. The rest of the homily was dedicated to the role of the priest and explaining the sacrament of Holy Orders. At the appointed time, just after the Great Entrance, Deacon Michael was presented for ordination by his brother deacons. As he was led up the aisle, stopping three times for the bishop’s com- mand, “Kyrie Eleison” echoed through the church. Then, while the cantors chanted “Dance O Isaiah,” he circled the altar, escorted by his priest sponsors, stopping to reverence the bishop each time. Following the prayers of Ordination, Bishop Nicholas presented the presbyteral vestments and the church resounded with “Axios” for the first priestly or- dination in recent memory. Father Michael addressed a luncheon in Bishop Nicholas’ honor following the liturgy. He stressed that his life has been abundantly blessed by the Lord and expressed gratitude that he had been privileged to discover the Melkite Church at our parish of Saint George in Milwaukee, then to serve as deacon at Saint Ann in New Jersey and now in Scranton. Embracing his new role, he thanked Bishop Nicholas, the clergy, his family, and the community of Saint Joseph for their support, love, and the oppor- tunity to continue to serve. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 25 WHAT’S YOUR MELKITE IQ? A Self-Assessment for Your Fun and Enlightenment By Abouna Dimitry

See how much you and yours know about your faith and traditions by completing this self-quiz. You can find the correct answers on page 18. Do some research to learn more about the topics that especially interest you.

1. Which book of the Old Testament describes the escape 5. Which of the following was a real person and not a of the Jews from Pharaoh and the Egyptians? person from a parable of Christ? a. Genesis a. Samaritan woman at the well b. Exodus b. Prodigal son c. Leviticus c. Publican and Pharisee d. Numbers d. The Good Samaritan

2. Who was the man of great patience whom God 6. Who are the /Mothers? allowed to be tested by Satan? a. All priests and of the Church a. Job b. Those who passed on the true doctrine of the b. John the Baptizer Church as taught by the Apostles c. Jeremiah c. Teachers of the Church from the apostolic age d. Daniel until the 8th century d. All of the above 3. Which prophet proved that the true God was greater than the pagan god Baal? 7. Which of the following saints is most noted for his a. Isaiah defense of the use of icons in the church? b. Elijah a. Saint Andrew of Crete c. Elisha b. Saint John of Damascus d. Daniel c. Saint John of the Ladder d. Saint Simeon the New Theologian 4. In the Genesis story of creation, the Tree of Life, which held the forbidden fruit, reminds us of what in 8. In what year did Christianity become legal in the the New Testament? ancient Roman Empire? a. The withered fig tree a. In 215 b. The tree climbed by Zacchaeus b. In 313 c. The dogwood tree c. In 1724 d. The cross of Christ d. In 1054

26 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 9. The Holy Bible is 15. According to the Bible, quoted in the Liturgy, a. The history of the Jewish people “For God so loved the world that He gave us” what? b. The life of Jesus Christ a. The Divine Liturgy c. A writing composed by Peter and Paul b. The chance to live a holy life d. The Word of God c. His only-begotten Son d. The Holy Sacraments/Holy Mysteries 10. What event do we commemorate on the Thursday immediately after Palm Sunday? 16. The sources of the Eastern Christian faith are a. Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem a. Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition b. Last Supper of the Lord b. The Old and New Testament c. Holy Transfiguration c. Judaism and Greek mythology d. Raising of Lazarus d. The New Testament and the Lives of the Saints

11. Name the feast day: The celebration of the discovery 17. The greatest of all prayers is of the true cross of Christ. a. The Trisagion Hymn a. Sunday of Orthodoxy b. The Troparion of the Resurrection b. Exaltation of the Cross c. The Lord’s Prayer c. Good and Holy Friday d. The Jesus Prayer d. Sunday of the Relics 18. Which Divine Liturgy do we celebrate on the Sundays 12. Which of these is not one of the twelve major feast of the Great Fast/Lent? days of the Melkite Church? a. Saint John Chrysostom a. Nativity of the Lord/Christmas b. Saint James the Apostle b. Good and Holy Friday c. Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts c. Theophany/Epiphany d. Saint Basil the Great d. Holy Pentecost 19. The divine service most essential to the life of the 13. Who founded the Church? Church is a. Patriarch Abraham a. Orthros/Matins b. John the Baptizer b. Evensong/Vespers c. Jesus Christ c. Divine Liturgy d. Holy Apostles d. Akathistos

14. Which of the following is not an accurate 20. The administration of Holy Orders (Ordination) description of Jesus? can be done by a. Only-begotten Son of God a. The deacon b. Son of Man b. The priest c. Spirit of God c. The bishop d. Word of God d. All of the above

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 27 n January the Southern California Melkite youth enjoyed a weekend retreat at Celebrity Ranch in Temecula, Cali- SoCal Melkite Teens fornia. The ranch is owned by Mr. Mike Farah, a parishio- ner of St Anne Parish in North Hollywood. He graciously enjoy retreat at Ioffered us the 82-acre ranch free of charge. Teens from St. Anne Church in North Hollywood, Virgin Mary Community in Temecula, and St. Jacob Community in Celbrity Ranch San Diego participated. We were blessed to have Fr. Fouad Sayegh and Fr. James By Deacon Tareq Nasrallah Babcock come to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and Vespers on and Linda Haddadin all three days. Rising early on Saturday, retreatants got to feed the animals in the ranch’s small zoo, which has donkeys, buffalo (bison), camels, zebras, yaks, goats, horses, and many other creatures. After the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning, Fr Fouad explained the Divine Liturgy at our spiritual meeting. This gave everyone a much better understanding of what the various parts of the Divine Liturgy mean. The teens then went on hayrides all over the ranch and tried archery for the first time. At night we gathered for Vespers with Fr James, and after dinner we had another meeting, called “Stump the Abounas,” with Fr. James and Deacon Tareq. The teens asked them any questions they wanted, and the clergy took turns answering. After all that, everyone went up the hill and gathered around a bonfire on a very beautiful Southern California night, told scary stories, and enjoyed marshmallows and s’mores. On Sunday morning, Fr. James celebrated the Divine Lit- urgy, and after breakfast everyone said their goodbyes, which is The retreat, as usual, manifested many new friendships; the always the hardest part. youth are still texting, and talking to each other on Facebook †.

The Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring Commemorated on Friday of Bright and New Week here is a beautiful church in Constantinople venerated as a saint on 20 January and the Life-Giving Spring dedicated to the Mother of God, the Life-Giving is remembered on New Friday (the Friday after Pascha). Spring. The original church was built in the fifth After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church century by the holy Emperor Leo the Great out- was torn down by the Moslems, and the stones were used Tside the City walls. to build a mosque. Only a small chapel remained at the site The story is that as a mere soldier Leo was walking in of the church. Twenty-five steps led down into the chapel, a wooded area when he met a blind man who was thirsty which had a window in the roof to let the light in. The holy and asked Leo to help him find water. Though he agreed to spring was still there, surrounded by a railing. search for water, Leo was unable to find any. Suddenly, he After the Greek Revolution of 1821, this little chapel heard a voice telling him that there was water nearby. He was destroyed and the spring was buried under the rubble. looked again, but still could not find the water. Christians later obtained permission to rebuild the chapel, Then he heard the voice saying, “Emperor Leo, go into and work began in July of 1833. The builders uncovered the the deepest part of the woods, and you will find the water foundations of the earlier church and the spring. The Sultan there. Take some of the cloudy water in your hands and give allowed not just a chapel but a new and beautiful church to it to the blind man to drink. Then take the clay and put it on be built on the foundations of the old one. ON THE COVER his eyes. Then you shall know who I am.” Leo obeyed these Construction began on 14 September 1833 and completed instructions, and the blind man regained his sight. They re- on 30 December 1834. The church was consecrated on 2 Feb- alized it was the Mother of God who performed the miracle. ruary 1835 and dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. Later, Leo became emperor, just as the Theotokos had The Turks desecrated and destroyed the church again prophesied. He built a church over the site at his own ex- on 6 September 1955. A smaller church now stands on the pense. The waters of the spring continued to work miraculous site, enclosing the spring-fed pool. The waters of the Life- cures. Therefore, it was called the Life-Giving Spring. Leo is Giving Spring still continue to work miracles. †

28 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 EPARCHYEPARCHYAround the ZYAD ABYAD ORDAINED DEACON IN PHOENIX

Axios! Worthy! Mustahiq! Sub-Deacon Zyad Abyad was or- dained to the Holy Diaconate by the laying-on of hands of our Eparch, Bishop Nicholas, on January 12, 2014, in a glorious ceremony long awaited by the parishioners of St. John of the Desert in Phoenix, Arizona. This is the first answered call to ordained ministry in the parish since its founding. Sayedna explained each step of the ordination beforehand. After the ceremony all in attendance were invited for a delicious lunch offered by the Ladies Guild. Deacon Zyad was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the youngest of four children born to Joe and Amal Abyad. His paternal grandparents were parishioners at St. Ann Melkite Church in New Jersey. He attended Catholic schools and was active in marching bands. He graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Recruited to Arizona by Honeywell immediately after graduating from college, he took root in the aerospace industry. Deacon Zyad and Jocelyn Estes married in 2009 at St. John of the Desert. They are the smart, sharp, and loving parents of Grace, Maddie, and Isabella. Active in the parish, Deacon Zyad holds the positions of President of the Pastoral Council and Liturgical Coordinator. Diaconissa Jocelyn coordinates the educational programs of the parish and does an exceptional job with children’s education. The apple does not fall far from the tree, or perhaps the apple falls close to its tree! Amal, Zyad’s mother, heads the Ladies Guild and the whole community benefits from her coordinating abilities. Deacon Zyad and his family are blessed and they share their blessings. As good stewards they contribute to the growth of the parish and the Melkite Church.

OUR LADY OF REDEMPTION MAYA HOSTS ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY By Catia Sabak

The Melkite Association of Young Adults (MAYA) of Our Lady of Redemption par- ish in Warren, MI, celebrated with friends and family of the parish at its annual Valentine’s Day party on February 15. In its eighth year, the event was bigger and Continued on page 30

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 29 Around the EPARCHYEPARCHYContinued from page 29

better than ever. Dinner, musical entertainment, and dancing his band, and a DJ. The Social Club hosted a Valentine’s par- contributed to a fun and lively evening. The photo booth in ty featuring singer Farah Ibrahim and his band and DJ-mix which guests captured some of their favorite moments from International music. the event proved very popular. The very active Ladies League has a new board. Recent MAYA Board President Patrick Moussawer notes that activities included the Thanksgiving bake sale and a Christ- the popular Valentine’s Day party is “a chance for our mem- mas party attended by more than 110 people. Bishop Issam bers to show what they can do, and with each year, we exceed Darwich of Zahle honored the League with his presence at expectations.” OLR MAYA emphasizes a welcoming and in- its luncheon. At the January meeting a nutritionist addressed clusive environment in which members of its parish family the group and in February the League toured the newly re- can gather and celebrate. As OLR MAYA’s mission states, the opened Huntington Library and rose gardens. members hope to continue their contributions to the parish On January 25, 2014, many members of St Anne par- community through faith, service, and culture. ish joined with friends and family of Odette Bouziane to cel- OLR MAYA is grateful for the support it has received ebrate her 95th birthday. Odette’s affiliation with St. Anne and continues to receive, and looks forward to many more Church dates back to 1951, when she was asked to leave her years of this anticipated and appreciated annual event. native home in Brazil and accompany Msgr. Michel Bard- aouil to his new assignment at a Melkite church in the USA. Msgr. Bardaouil and Odette soon found themselves at St. Anne Church on Hoover Street in Los Angeles. Odette assumed many responsibilities, including choir director for the church as well as housekeeper and cook ST ANNE for Monsignor. She was one of the original 12 women who founded the Ladies League of St. Anne Church and remains NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA the only survivor of that group. She showed her artistic tal- By Nina Kasbarian ent helping with the mosaic icons installed in the new church built in the 1960s in North Hollywood. Over the years, she St Anne Church in North Hollywood, CA, experienced many was also called upon to create backdrops for musical produc- celebrations and events in the last half of 2013 and the first tions created by the League, and also arranged centerpieces few months of 2014. for many events in the church hall. Odette touched many The Food Festival attracted about 10,000 people from all lives in the St. Anne community. We wish her many more over California on the weekend of the Elevation of the Holy years and good health. Cross in September. On October 19 the rededication of the refurbished par- ish hall featured many guests, including Bishop Nicholas and dignitaries from the different Eastern communities, at the unveiling of a plaque that reads, “Beautified and dedicated SAN BERNARDINO PARISH to the eternal memory of Frederick T. & Yvette K. Frann,” whose gift made the renovation possible. Several parishioners received icons for their service and dedication to the church: HAS AN the late Mr. & Mrs. Fredrick T. & Yvette Frann, the late John Caven, the late Mrs. Afife Chahayed, Mrs. Fadwa Hawatmeh, ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE the late Mr. Paul Jabour, Mrs. Lauries Elias Khoury, and Mr. By Cathy Spencer Issa Khoury. The Music and Sunday School classes under the direction We at St. Philip the Apostle Mission in San Bernardino are of Mr. Issa Shousha presented a Christmas program of Christ- focusing on the attitude of gratitude this Great Lent. We mas Songs and instrumental music followed by a luncheon. have so much to be thankful for! The Christmas Liturgy was celebrated with the presence of At the end of the year we will celebrate our 25th anni- Cardinal Roger Mahony, Emeritus of Los Angeles. versary as a small, yet lively community. A lot has happened After the Divine Liturgy on New Year’s Eve, more than since Abouna Philip Raczka started us off on the right foot. 300 people welcomed 2014 with singer Samara Al Samara, We now number about 50 families and are working hard to

30 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 pay off our mortgage before the end of the year. Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with His Grace were Worship continues to be the center of life at St. Philip’s. Archimandrites Philip Raczka and Michael Skrocki and Fr. We are thankful that Abouna Justin Rose and our deacons pro- Philip Altavilla, rector of the cathedral of the Diocese of vide a great number of ways for us to grow spiritually . . . even Scranton, with Deacons Robert Shalhoub, Paul Leonarczyk, if there are only a few people who can attend any particular lit- and Michael Jolly, Administrator of St Joseph parish. Readers urgy or event. Protodeacon Stephen Ghandour not only serves Michael Simon, John Fitzgerald, and Jacob Simon enhanced our parish but also travels to other local Melkite parishes to our liturgy with their voices. Parishioners and many invited assist in ministry. guests enjoyed our bishop’s inspirational homily. Throughout most of the year we start our week on Satur- At the coffee hour provided by the Ladies Society in the day evening with Great Vespers, followed on Sunday morn- hall, everyone was eager to greet Sayidna. A luncheon was ing with Orthros and Divine Liturgy. After Divine Liturgy held later in the day at the Radisson Hotel. we have some coffee and maybe some sweets with others in St. Joseph parish also recently welcomed the local com- the church hall. munity to the 12th annual Lebanese-American Food Festival. During this time there is religious education for our chil- Guests were treated to two days of homemade ethnic foods, dren. The older children take time to consider how God re- pastries, local picnic favorites, a basket raffle, kids’ games, our veals His love for us and the younger children focus on learn- in-house DJ Michael, and a live band. ing the basics of our faith, using liturgical music and sacred The young adults of the parish stepped up this year to icons to guide the way. High school youth meet once a month leadership positions and attendees noticed the presence of with Abouna Justin for their religious education experience, many young people. Tyler Milewski, 20, and Katie Patchos- which sometimes involves bowling! ki, 23, oversaw the food preparation and advance planning, In the middle of the week Deacon Jacob Pesta leads us in and Paul Patchoski, 26, chaired the picnic. Additionally, Morning Prayer at 8 am. Slowly but surely we are mastering young adults Liz Zaydon Dessoye, Alicia Patchoski, and Lisa a variety of the music. On Thursdays Deacon Mike Mobley Milewski DosSantos chaired special tables. organizes the Lazarus Hospitality Ministry. Roman Catholics Everyone worked tirelessly to provide a good time for and Coptic Orthodox join us in cooking and serving dinner to all. St. Joseph community is grateful to and proud of all our about 120 working poor and homeless in our neighborhood. volunteers, young and old, who gave of their time, talent and When Great Lent arrives we begin celebrating the Pre- treasure. The food fest is a huge task for our small parish, but sanctified Liturgy. Our community enjoys the Presanctified all Scranton looks forward to this event each year, as it is well so much that Abouna Justin leads us in it twice a week. We publicized in local media. also pray the Akathist Hymn each Friday, followed by Bible Parish Webmaster Salvatore Zaydon, 20, added “Like study with Abouna Justin. In Great Lent, as in the Nativ- Us” on Facebook and invites you to visit their website at ity Fast, we have two Bible studies on Saturday nights, one www.melkitescranton.org to view photos and updates of events. in Arabic with Subdeacon Adham Fallouh, and the other in English with Deacon Jacob. We have much to be thankful for as we focus on prayer, fasting, and good works in preparation for Pascha. We are striving to spread our attitude of gratitude!

SCRANTON PARISH NEWS By Betsy Zaydon

Saint Joseph parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania, recently wel- comed Bishop Nicholas Samra to an appreciative community. More than seven years had passed since an eparchial visit and the parish was excited to see Sayidna Nicholas.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 31 Byzantine Catholic Seminary Gains Seven-Year Accreditation By Dr. Betty Radvak Shovlin, Director, Seminary Self-Study

ith gratitude to God and to all who worked priest of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, is Profes- so diligently to bring it about, the Byzan- sor of Canon Law and Acting Rector of SS Cyril tine Catholic Seminary of SS Cyril and and Methodius Seminary. The previous rector, Fr Methodius has been re-accredited by Kurt Burnette, was recently ordained bishop and en- Wthe Association of Theological Schools for seven years. throned as Eparchial Bishop of Passaic. The ATS Board of Commissioners, at their meeting The Byzantine Catholic Seminary was first accred- in August 2013, wrote to the rector, Fr. Kurt Burnette “to ited in 2007 for a period of five years. The second ac- reaffirm accreditation of Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS creditation, for seven years, indicates that the seminary Cyril and Methodius for a period of seven years (Fall 2019), has continued to progress. The next self-study and re-ac- and to approve the degree programs of Master of Divinity creditation will occur in in 2019. (M.Div) and Master of Arts in Theology (MAT).” The ATS Standards for effective theological schools The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and guide the seminary in examining its mission, degree pro- Methodius is a school of theology whose primary mission grams, curriculum, student life, faculty, library, board is to prepare candidates for priestly ministry in the Byz- of directors, and administrative operations. antine (Ruthenian) Catholic churches of North America. A volunteer committee of thirty-three people with The academic programs of the seminary are open to quali- varied credentials was invited to serve as the self-study fied off-campus students whether lay or religious, men or team to examine and provide evidence of the seminary’s women, who would like to enroll in or audit courses in the- progress. They made recommendations for further ology, spirituality, liturgy and scripture. growth and development, and wrote the self-study re- The seminary was established in 1950 after the port submitted to ATS. communist suppression of the Byzantine Catho- In November 2013, a peer evaluation team lic Church in Eastern Europe. It is gov- was sent by ATS to spend four days at the erned by the Board of Directors under seminary, where they determined the the leadership of the Metropolitan of accuracy of the self-study report, in- the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Lo- terviewed all constituencies of the cated on the North Side of Pitts- seminary and wrote a report of- burgh, PA, SS Cyril and Metho- fering their recommendations dius has educated more than for what should be done to re- four-hundred men as Byzantine main a highly effective school Catholic priests. of theology. The Seminary also serves The ATS Commissioners as a resource to diverse commu- read all the reports, voted on nities. It has persisted through the re-accreditation, and set cultural changes and challenges the time for the next accredi- to the Church and continues to tation. enroll men of the highest moral The faculty and staff of the and ethical caliber as seminarians, seminary are now responsible for without regard to race, national origin, planning how to implement recom- or age. With a commitment to con- mendations and improvements in the tinue as a Byzantine Catholic center next seven years. This process aims to of learning, the seminary also pre- keep the seminary on a path of im- pares men and women for other provement and excellence for all ministries of the Church. of its students and to ensure that Since the effective closing of the training of these students ul- the Melkite eparchial seminary of St Gregory the Theologian timately will benefit the Church. more than ten years ago, Melkite candidates for priesthood in To obtain more information about the seminary, the Master the USA have been enrolled in SS Cyril and Methodius. One- of Arts in Theology program, or Byzantine On-Line courses, or seminarian for the Eparchy of Newton, Tom Moses of New if you are interested in making a donation, please call 412-321- Hampshire, is currently studying there. Fr George Gallaro, a 8383 or email [email protected]. †

32 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 By Rosemary Shabouk

Dear NAMW Members and Friends, Christ is Risen! He is Truly Risen! Now that the hard winter is behind us and we are healing from the aches of shoveling snow and ice throughout most of the United States, we are truly ready to celebrate Pascha—Easter—Springtime of the Church and of nature. The warmth of the sun gives the body strength and the promises of the Son give our souls new life. Carol, our Treasurer, has been sending a monthly stipend to Thomas Moses, our seminarian. Here’s what we hear from him:

Dear Carol, Thank God all is well. I worked hard last semester and it paid off. I gained a lot of knowledge and insight and received high marks. I am really looking forward to this semester. So far I have enjoyed our classes and the readings we are assigned. I am from New Hampshire so the weather here in Pittsburgh feels pretty mild compared to how I grew up! Luckily my car is safe in the snow. I can’t wait for spring! I want to wish you and NAMW a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Sorry I am so late doing so; I have been so busy settling back into Seminary life and before I left for break I was up to my eyes in papers. Thank you so much for your generous fi nancial support and the surprise Christmas gift. I can’t ex- press how much help it is to be able to focus on discernment and schoolwork rather than fi nancial pressures that come with surprise expenses and the slow but constant dwindling of savings. If there is any way I can thank you or anything I can do, let me know. Until then be assured of my prayers for all of you and your families. In Christ, Tom Moses Keep up the good work, Tom. Our prayers are with you for continued happiness and success in your studies.

MAY 4: FEAST OF THE MYRRH-BEARERS

Happy Feast Day to All Women myrrh who came to the tomb of Christ early in the morn- n this Sunday, NAMW celebrates together. Plan your an- ing to fi nd it empty, but it also Onual liturgy, pray for our living and deceased members, includes Joseph of Aramathea and especially pray for vocations to the priesthood and diacon- and Nicodemus for their roles ate for the Eparchy of Newton. in Jesus’ burial. They are also If you haven’t had your annual fundraiser or special col- celebrated on this day. lection to benefi t vocations, now’s the time to do it. Send the The references to the proceeds to Carol Caven, Treasurer, as soon as possible. Her women are brief with very address is on the Membership Form. The next issue of SOPHIA few details, but putting to- will again have the list of all of the parishes with membership gether what we do have, we see that the love, loyalty, and faith and donations. Will your parish be on it this year? of this group must have been more than we can imagine. According to the four Gospels, there were eight women. They Who Were the Myrrh Bearing Women? may have had different roles in Jesus’ life, arriving at different times The pages of Jewish history are full of heroic matriarchs, too but staying with Him right through to the Cross and at the Tomb. numerous to list now. Women often played important roles in They are Mary Magdalene, Mary the Theotokos (the Vir- Jewish society, so it would not be unusual for this group briefl y gin Mary), Joanna, Salome, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Susanna, discussed here to have been key fi gures in the ministry of Christ. Mary of Bethany, and Martha of Bethany. The term “myrrh bearers” refers to the individuals men- The women who were wealthy and are described as provid- tioned in the New Testament who were directly involved in the ing for Jesus out of their own possessions were Mary Magda- burial of Jesus or who discovered the empty tomb following the lene, Joanna, Susanna, and Martha and Mary of Bethany. They Resurrection. The term traditionally refers to the women with were together a lot during Jesus’ three-year public ministry.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 33 They had faithfully followed ELECTION OF NAMW OFFICERS Him from Galilee to Jerusalem According to the Association By-Laws, Article 7, “the offi cers (Matthew 27:55, Mark 15:40- shall be elected at the annual meeting held during the National 41, Luke 23:55). Melkite Convention. Each shall serve a two-year term not to These women were more exceed two consecutive terms.” courageous than the Apostles. At the last annual NAMW meeting in 2012 in Detroit, MI, After Gethsemane, the Apostles left. Peter denied Him. It was there was discussion regarding the fact that there was no sched- the women who followed Him to the Council of Pilate and on uled convention in 2013 and therefore, no meeting at which we the road to Calvary. They saw Him fall under the weight of the could hold scheduled elections. Bishop Nicholas Samra, who Cross. Veronica wiped His face with her veil which became the was in attendance, declared that the current offi cers were to be fi rst icon bearing the image of Christ. held over for the extra year in our positions until we could meet It was the women who watched as Jesus took His last breath again in Chicago, IL, in 2014. and then they watched to see where He was laid in the tomb. The current offi cers have completed one term and are eligi- They are named in Matthew 27:55 as Mary Magdalene, the ble for a second term if this is the consensus of the membership. Virgin Mary, and Salome. They are Rosemary Shabouk, President; Margo Sayegh, Vice- The women were rewarded for their faithfulness by being President; Carol Caven, Treasurer; and Susan Elek, Secretary. the ones to whom the Resurrection was revealed, as the Apostles Nominations are being opened for all positions. Please remained in hiding. They were given the task of telling the Apos- submit name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, quali- tles, making them apostles to the Apostles. They, especially Mary fi cations, parish affi liation, and a note of acceptance from Magdalene, are sometimes referred to as “Equal to the Apostles.” your nominee. The nominee should be a member of her par- It is a special honor that we are celebrated on this our feast ish in good standing and a member of NAMW with a work- day. We must take our roles seriously as we follow the example ing knowledge of the organization and its mission. She should of the Theotokos and the women in the life of Christ. be present at the meeting/election at the National Convention At different stages of our lives we are called to be the Myrrh in Chicago. When you submit a nomination, please sign your Bearing Women of Today. As daughters, mothers, wives, educa- name and provide your contact information. tors of our children, and caregivers to our elders, we must tend Send nominations to Mrs. Adele Bache, 127 Lindenwood to our Church as those holy women tended to Our Lord. This is Rd., Staten Island, NY 10308. Email: [email protected]. a blessed vocation. It is with faith, love, and charity that we must accept the challenge and set the example for generations to come. According to the By-Laws, Article 8, the duties of the offi cers are these: The President shall preside at all meetings of the association and oversee all duties assigned by the organization; The Vice-President PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS CONTEST ENTRY shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and assume The following prayer for vocations was submitted by the Grade the offi ce of the President in case of a vacancy. She shall also oversee 5-6 Religious Education Class of Our Lady of Redemption the recruitment of new members; The Treasurer shall receive all Church, Warren, MI: funds, acknowledge all donations, maintain appropriate account- “Lord Jesus, bless the men and women in our church commu- ing records, and disburse funds as authorized; The Secretary shall keep records of all proceedings and perform such duties and make nity. Help us open our hearts, minds, and souls; to know our reports as required by the organization; All offi cers shall forward ap- paths and hear Your call. Let us pray that when we are called, propriate records to the next offi cers elected in order to keep a sense we will be ready.” of continuity and reference of past activities and decisions. NAMW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

ROSEMARY SHABOUK To join the National Association of Melkite Women or to renew your membership, President complete and mail this form with your dues check for $10.00 made payable to NAMW to: [email protected] Carol Caven, NAMW . 2030 N. Glenoaks Boulevard . Burbank, CA 91504 718-748-1235 (NY)

PLEASE PRINT: MARGO SAYEGH, Vice President [email protected] NAME ______626-359-3976 (CA) ADDRESS ______Treasurer CAROL CAVEN, CITY, STATE, ZIP [email protected] 818-842-5193 (CA) TELEPHONE ______EMAIL ______

SUSAN ELEK, Secretary PARISH ______Please Circle one: NEW MEMBER RENEWAL [email protected] Remember to keep our need for vocations in your prayers. Be an advocate, encourage our youth to participate in your parish. 586-939-0650 (MI) NAMW CONTACT INFORMATION

34 SOPHIA | Spring 2014 Hierarch BISHOP NICHOLAS SAMRA 617 323 9922 | [email protected]

Bishop Emeritus Judicial Vicar BISHOP JOHN ELYA, B.S.O. ARCHIMANDRITE

978 683 2471 | [email protected] GERASIMOS MURPHY NAVIGATING THE EPARCHY 352 683 7637 | [email protected] Chancery Office SAIDEH DAGHER Chancellor Secretary DEACON PAUL LEONARCZYK 3 V.F.W. Parkway | West Roxbury, MA 02132 617 323 9922 | [email protected] 617 323 9922 | Fax. 617 323 0944 Chief Finance Protosyncellus Officer ARCHIMANDRITE PHILIP RACZKA DEACON ROBERT SHALHOUB 617 323 5242 | [email protected] 973 785 2433 | [email protected]

Office of Faith Formation Melkite Association of Young Adults (MAYA) DEACON SABATINO CARNAZZO NAJEEB HADDAD 540 635 7155 Board Member & Co-Chair [email protected] 773 780 1549 [email protected] Sophia Magazine RT. REV. JAMES BABCOCK RICHARD McNEIL Editor in Chief Co-Chair 714 600 3660 978 407 238 [email protected] [email protected] Website: usmaya.org Sophia Press Publications SAIDEH DAGHER National Association of 617 323 9922 Melkite Youth (NAMY) FR. THOMAS STEINMETZ WEBSITE 603 623 8944 melkite.org | [email protected] [email protected]

National Association of Melkite Women (NAMW) Vocation Director ROSEMARY SHABOUK ARCHIMANDRITE JOHN AZAR 718 748 1235 404 373 9522 [email protected] [email protected]

Ambassadors Deacon Formation Director ROSA AILABOUNI ARCHIMANDRITE PAUL FRECHETTE 614 975 7672 508 752 4174 [email protected] [email protected]

Clergy Conference Coordinator Development Director FR. CHRISTOPHER MANUELE ED NAHOM 585 426 4218 203 948 7783 [email protected] [email protected]

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 35 Office of Communications, Diocese of Newton NONPROFIT 3 VFW Parkway U.S. POSTAGE PAID West Roxbury, MA 02132 HACKENSACK, NJ ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 56