VOL. 49 | NO. 4 | FALL 2019

In This Issue Bishop Nicholas Anniversary Memory Eternal Bishop John Elya Letter to a needful vineyard CONTENTS ophia SThe Journal of the Eparchy of Newton 3 50 Years in the Service of Our Lord for Melkite Catholics in the United States www.melkite.org 7 Memory Eternal Elya, Youssef and Hull Published quarterly by the Eparchy of Newton. ISSN 0194-7958. 10 Letters to the Editor Made possible in part by the Catholic Home Mission Committee, a bequest by the Rev. Allen Maloof and generous supporters of the annual Bishop’s Appeal. 11 SOPHIA - an award winning magazine MEMBER CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION

12 Holy Land Churches are more than a pilgrimage PUBLISHER Most Rev. Nicholas J. Samra, Eparchial Bishop 14 Campaign to bring food, medicine to Syria EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 15 Annual Synod of Melkite Catholic Bishops Archimandrite James Babcock COPY EDITOR 16 Eden to Eden: A 70-year retreat Jim Trageser

18 Letter to a Needful Vineyard DESIGN and LAYOUT Doreen Tahmoosh-Pierson 20 Why I take my kids to church SOPHIA ADVISORY BOARD Archimandrite Fouad Sayegh 21 Orientale Lumen Conference Archimandrite Michael Skrocki Fr Thomas Steinmetz | Fr Hezekias Carnazzo 22 Why I Decided to become Eastern Catholic Cary Rosenzweig 23 Pope Francis gives Orthodox patriarch relics SUBSCRIPTIONS/DISTRIBUTION Please send subscription changes to your 24 Pope Francis Beatifies7 Romanian martyrs parish office. If you are not registered in a parish please send changes to: Eparchy of Newton 26 The Power of the Cross 3 VFW Pky, West Roxbury, MA 02132

27 Melkite Catholic young adults find hope The Publisher waives all copyright to this issue. Contents may be distributed free and without special permission in publications that are distributed free. Wherever possible, 28 Bishop Nicholas’ Jubilee / please include a credit line, indicating the name of SOPHIA magazine. Unsolicited manuscripts, articles, and letters to St Peter the Apostle, Part 2 (Arabic) the editor are welcomed. The editors assume no responsi- bility for lost manuscripts or photos. The content of all ar- 34 Why did Early Christians prefer Codex? ticles, past, present and future, remains the expressed personal opinion of the individual author and may not reflect, in its entirety, the opinion of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton. 35 Dad with Down Syndrome inspires his son © 2019 SOPHIA Magazine.

38 Twenty Questions about the US Melkite Bishops Share Your Voice With Us! Have you ever dreamed of being a writer? Is there a 40 Around the Eparchy subject that you have wanted to address or a story that you are excited to tell? We would love to hear from 46 NAMW you! SOPHIA welcomes updates and photos from all of our parishes, and invites manuscripts, articles and letters to the editor from parishioners. Submissions 49 ByziKids The Service of Prayer will be subject to review by the editorial staff and only those approved by the publisher will be published. 49 Bishop’s Appeal Roll Call All submissions can be sent to: [email protected] 55 Navigating the Eparchy or SOPHIA Letterbox All materials (photos/articles/parish news) 3747 Vista Campana, #84 | Oceanside, CA 92057 SUBMISSIONS for the Winter issue of SOPHIA magazine 714 600 3660 DEADLINE are due November 1, 2019. 50 years in the Service OF OUR LORD

n October 3, 2019, His Grace, Nicholas Samra, Eparchial Bishop of Newton, will celebrate 50 years as a priest and 30 years as a Bishop. His remarkable journey Ofrom growing up as a boy in Paterson and Clifton, New Jersey where he delivered newspapers to serving as a bishop for the Melkite Catholics in the United States is most inspiring. Having completed his education at St. Basil Seminary in Methuen, MA, St. Anselm University in Manchester, NH, and St. John Roman Catholic Seminary in Boston, he requested ordination to the holy priesthood at the hands of His Grace, Archbishop Joseph Tawil, the new Exarch of the United States. Having been ordained to the diaconate at St. Joseph Parish in Lawrence, MA, on April 5, 1970, his ordination to the priesthood took place at St. Ann Parish in Paterson, NJ, May 10, 1970. At this same church, he was ordained to the hierarchy 19 years later on July 6, 1989. In 1970, following his ordination to the priesthood, the then-Father Nicholas was assigned to St. Anne Parish on the other side of the United States in North Hollywood, CA. The parish was then staffed by Archimandrite Michel Bardaouil who was assisted by Archimandrite Maximos Mardelli. As a newly ordained priest full of enthusiasm, he began working with the youth of the parish and organizing a religious education program. He formed an English-language choir, and in time presented the off-Broadway play “Godspell” which proved to be a huge success. Together with Fr Maximos, he helped found Holy Cross Mission in Anaheim, CA, (subsequently moved to Placentia) and a Mission in West Los Angeles. Sadly the successive clergy of St. Anne let this mission die – it was large enough for a parish. At Holy Cross, Fr Nicholas later assumed responsibility for its growth and development, where he was named administrator in 1978. While serving in California, Fr Nicholas served Continued on page 4

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 3 50 years in the Service Continued from page 3

as an instructor for adult education in eastern Christian studies for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and was a member of of the Archdiocese’s Ecumenical Committee and Adult Religious Education Board. He was a presenter at the Los Angeles Archdiocese Catechetical Conference in Anaheim where he celebrated the conference’s first Eastern Catholic Divine Liturgy. His sojourn in Southern California proved to be brief. That same year, 1978, he was named pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Northlake, IL, near Chicago. While there, he discovered a large community of Melkites living on the Illinois/Indiana border in the cities of Hegewich and Hammond, where he formed St. Michael the Archangel Mission. In 1979, and for the next eleven years, Fr Nicholas served as the chairman and coordinator of the annual Melkite Clergy Conference. In 1981, Fr Nicholas was appointed pastor of his home parish of St. Ann in West Paterson, NJ. (since renamed Woodland Park), as well as St Demetrius Mission in Nicholas with grandparents Cliffside Park, NJ, where he developed the sacrificial giving concept of stewardship Nicholas and Eugenie Balady, 1945 instead of constant fund raising events and bingos. In October of 1985, Fr Nicholas was granted the title of archimandrite by Archbishop Joseph Tawil, Eparchial Bishop of Newton. Four years later, on April 22, 1989, he was named auxiliary bishop of Newton with the Titular See of Gerasa by Pope John Paul II. In 1990 he founded and laid the groundwork for St. Nicholas Mission in Delray Beach, FL. The same year he was named rector of St. Gregory the Theologian Melkite Seminary in Newton Centre, Mass., where he served for one year before moving to Warren (Detroit) Michigan as regional auxiliary bishop. Over all these years, His Grace served various offices of the Diocese of Newton: • Diocesan Pastoral Council • College of Consultors • Personal Board • Liturgical Commission • Continuing Education Commission • Ecumenical Commission Pascha, 1946 From 1989 to 2005 His Grace served as protosyncellus, vicar general of the Eparchy of Newton. Since 1989, he has served a member of the United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). From 1995 until 2000 he served as president of the Eastern Catholic Associates (the Eastern Catholic Bishops in the USA). In 1995 he was appointed acting pastor of Our Lady of Redemption Parish in Warren, MI, where he oversaw the construction of a large classical new church. For the last 24 years, Bishop Nicholas has been an active member of the Orthodox/ Catholic Bishop’s Dialogue, United States Catholic Conference, as well as a member of the USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs. He was for three years a member of the USCCB Committee on Catechesis, and an adviser on the USCCB Monastic Inter-religious Dialogue and on the Committee on Relationships Between Eastern and Latin Catholic Churches. He also served as member on the USCCB Committee on Evangelization. In 1999 His Grace was the organizer and coordinator for the Encounter of the Eastern Catholic Churches of America and Oceania held in Boston, which was sponsored by The Sacred Congregation of the Eastern Churches in Rome. In the year 2000, His Grace participated in the Orthodox/Catholic Bishops’ Nicholas and Dialogue pilgrimage to Mount Athos and Crete. And since 2000 he has been a brother Basil, 1948

4 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 liaison from Eastern Catholic Associates (ECA) to the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED). From 2000 to 2011, His Grace was a member of the Orthodox and Catholic Ecumenical Committee in the Archdiocese of Detroit. In 2001, he was a representative at the Canon Law Symposium for the 10th Anniversary of the Promulgation at the Vatican. In 2003, His Grace was a member of the Catholic bishops’ visit to Armenia headed by Cardinal William Keeler upon the invitation of Catholicos Karekin II. His Grace in 2003 was a speaker at the International Catholic Stewardship Council’s Conference held at the Christian Brothers Generalate in Rome, where the presentation was “Stewardship in the Eastern Churches.” This was the same presentation given at the Council’s conference in Orlando, FL, several years before and was attended by all the Melkite clergy of the Eparchy of Newton. He celebrated the Melkite Liturgy at both conferences. Priestly Ordination – May 10, 1970 On January 11, 2005, His Grace submitted his resignation as auxiliary bishop of Fr Nicholas with parents and grandfather Newton, which was accepted by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. The following year His Grace served as organizer and coordinator for the Encounter of the Eastern Catholic Churches of Canada and the United States, which took place in Chicago. In 2012, His Grace served as the organizer and coordinator of the Encounter of the Eastern Catholic Churches of Canada and the United States titled “Together in Christ”, sponsored by the Eastern Catholic Associates which was held during that year in Cleveland, OH; Hillsborough, NJ, Los Angeles, CA, and Orlando, FL. On June 11, 2015, Bishop Nicholas was appointed eparchial bishop of the Eparchy of Newton by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and was enthroned as eparchial bishop of Newton by Metropolitan Cyril S. Bustros, Archbishop of Beirut, representing His Beatitude Patriarch Gregory III. Here are some of the other ministerial activities of His Grace: Co-consecrator of Bishops John Michael Botean for the Romanian Catholics in Canton, Ohio and George Gallaro for the Eparchy of Piana, in Sicily, Italy. Bishop John studied at St. Gregory Seminary. Bishop George was a priest of our Eparchy from Archbishop Joseph Tawil and Fr Nicholas the late 1970’s. Samra, May 10, 1970 • Retreat speaker for clergy, nuns and laity in the United States and Canada • Parish missions in USA and Canada and stewardship seminar • Presenter at church leadership seminar, USA • Speaker on eastern churches, liturgy, spirituality, ecumenism and stewardship (USA, Australia and Canada) • Archivist and historian of eparchy – preparing a full history of Melkites in the United States • Translator of books and articles from French to English on eastern church subjects 50 years a priest, 30 years a bishop! This remarkable life is being celebrated in Boston on Thursday, October 3, at Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral. Many years Sayidna! May God grant you many more happy and blessed years! Fr Nicolas Antiba, Archbishop Tawil and Bishop Nicholas – Lebanon, 1992

PUBLICATIONS Books: Ecumenical Reflections, translation of book by The Patriarchate of Antioch Throughout History: Melkites: Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholics Archbishop Elias Zoghby, Fairfax, VA: Eastern An Introduction, editor of the translation and of the Patriarchates of Antioch, Alexandria and Christian Publications, 1988, 84 pages. publication, by Archbishop Joseph Tawil, Boston Jerusalem, editor and publisher of translation of History of the Melkites Patriarchates, editor of MA: Sophia Press, 2001, 266 pages. Les Melkites by Archimandrite Ignatios Dick, translation (Translator of part) of 3 volumes by Christian Antioch, translation and publication Roslindale MA: Sophia Press, 2004, 223 pages Cyril Charon (Korolvesky), Fairfax, VA: Eastern in book format of Cyril Korolevsky’s article with bibliography. Christian Publications, “Antioche” in Dictionnaire d’Histoire et de The Courage To Be Ourselves: The Legacy of 1998, Vol. 1, 208 pages. Géographie Ecclésiastique (1924, vol. 3 cols. 563- Archbishop Joseph Tawil, editor and publisher of 1999, Vol. 2, 420 pages. 703), Fairfax VA: Eastern Christian Publications, writings of Archbishop Joseph Tawil, Boston, MA: 2000, Vol. 3, Part 1, 400 pages. 2003, 274 pages with maps and charts. Sophia Press 2009, 261 pages. 2001, Vol. 3, Part 2, 432 pages. Continued on page 6 | 5 Steward of the Mysteries, Various personal presentations and Continued from page 5 articles on Theology, Theotokos, Ecumenism, Liturgy, Leadership, 50 years in the Service Iconography, Evangelization/Church Growth and Stewardship, West Roxbury MA: Sophia Press 2010, 267 pages. Standing on Their Shoulders: Stories of the First Melkite Priests in America, researched and written by Bishop Nicholas Samra, West Roxbury MA: Sophia Press 2014, 193 pages.

Articles: “The Eastern Churches and Patriarchates,” with Prof. Philip Kayal, Take Light From the Light That Never Dies-A Byzantine Anthology, Philip Kayal, ed., West Paterson, NJ: St. Ann Melkite Church (1978) pp. 62-79. “Iconography in the Eastern Church,” Take Light From the Light That Never Dies-A Byzantine Anthology, Philip Kayal, ed, West Paterson, NJ: St. Ann Melkite Church (1978) pp. 111-114. “Stewardship for Melkites- A Real Commitment,” Take Light From the Light That Never Dies-A Byzantine Anthology, Philip Kayal, ed, West Paterson, NJ: St. Ann Melkite Church (1978) pp. 194-200. “Ecumenical Trends of the Greek-Catholic Church of Antioch,” Eastern Churches Journal, Fairfax, VA, Vol. 2:1, (1995) pp. 75-86. “The Melkite Initiative: A Profession of Faith to Heal,” Eastern Churches Journal, Fairfax, VA, Vol. 4:1 (1997) pp. 24-28. “Orientale Lumen A Melkite Reflection,” Orientale Lumen Conference 1997 Proceedings, Eastern Christian Publications, Fairfax, VA (1997) pp. 83-90. “Healing the Church of Antioch: The Greek-Melkite Initiative,” Catholic Near East, New York, NY (1997) No. 3, pp. 21-25. “Mary as Steward – Theotokos, Image of the Church and Perfect Steward,” Resource, Stewardship for Global Solidarity, Washington DC: National Catholic Stewardship Council (1999) 8/1, pp. 4 – 5. “Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom Homily,” Resource, Stewardship for Global Solidarity, Washington DC: National Catholic Stewardship Council (1999) 8/1, pp. 111-114. “Stewardship in the Tradition of the Eastern Churches,” Resource, Stewardship: a Disciple’s Response, Washington DC: International Catholic Stewardship Council (2000) 9/1 pp. 37-45. “A New Century: A New Challenge: A New Commitment,” Audio Tape of Keynote Address, 1999 Byzantine Congress, Easton, PA, sponsored by Diocese of Passaic; published in Eastern Churches Journal, Fairfax VA: Eastern Christian Publications, Vol. 7/2, pp.39-58. “Liturgical Translations in the Melkite Church,” Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, Vol. 39: 2-4 (1998), Ottawa: Sheptytsky Institute, pp. 225-240. “The Deacon in the Orthodox Church,” (translation from Le Lien), by Athenagoras Peckstadt, Eastern Churches Journal, Vol. 8:1(2000), Fairfax VA: Eastern Christian Publications pp. 39-58. “Welcome to Our Encounter,” Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, Vol. 40 (1999) nos. 1-4: Acta of the Encounter of the Eastern Catholic Churches of the Americas and Oceania, Boston, MA, Nov 7-12, 1999, Ottawa: Sheptytsky Institute, pp. 39-45. “The Centrality of the Lord’s Table: Eucharistic Perspectives,” Windows to the East: Eastern Christians in a Dialogue of Charity, Jaroslav Z. Skira and Myroslaw I. Tataryn, editors, Ottawa: Novalis: St Paul University, 2001, pp. 117-132. “Ecumenism and the Melkite Church of Antioch,” in Oriental Lumen Australasia-Oceania 2000, Proceedings, Melbourne Australia: Australian Catholic University, 2000, pp. 213-228. (Translated into Historical Articles in Sophia: Arabic and published in Al Macarat). US Melkite History Changed: Chicago Church, 1981 Vol. 11, No. 1. “The House of God, the Gate of Heaven,” Orientale Lumen Early Beginnings of the Melkite Church in the United States, 1983, Vol. 13, No. 2. Conference 2005 “Structure of the Church” Proceedings, Fairfax VA: St. George Melkite Church in Rugby, North Dakota, 1983, Vol. 13, No. 3. Eastern Christian Publications. Audio CD’s available from San Diego CA St. Savior-Omaha, Nebraska, Older Than We Realized, 1983, Vol. 13, No. 6. and Washington DC Conferences from same publisher. Du Bois Melkites, 1984, Vol. 14, No. 4. “Arabic Versions of the Divine Liturgy,” by Constantine Bacha, Pioneer Clergy – Fr Abraham Bechewate, 1985, Vol. 15, No. 1. BSO, translation and editing of “Notions générales sur les versions arabes Melkites of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1986, Vol. 16, No. 5. de la liturgie de S. Jean Chrysostome,” Chrysostomika (Rome: Liberia Fr Flavianos Kfoury – Early Visitor to America, 1991, Vol. 20, No. 1. Pustet, 1908) 405-71) in Eastern Churches Journal (Fairfax VA: Eastern Colorado Melkites and Fr Clement Sawaya, BCO, 1993, Vol. 21, No. 1 Christian Publications. Vol. 12 No. 1, 2005) pp. 25-54. Fr Abraham Bechewate: A Follow Up, 1989, Vol. 19, No. 3. “Mary: The New Eve – Theotokos,” in Chicago Studies, Vol.53, No. 2 Summer 2014 (Special Issue Light of the East: Insights for the West from Eastern Christianity), Archdiocese of Chicago, 2014. 6 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Memory Eternal

Bishop Emeritus JOHN ADEL ELYA falls asleep in the Lord

is Grace, John Adel Elya, BSO, Eparchial Bishop Emeritus of Newton, fell asleep in the Lord on July 19 at Holy Savior Mon- astery,H motherhouse of the Basilian Salvato- rian Fathers in Joun (Sidon), Lebanon, where lishing a newsletter, Melkite West, and while there, founded he had been residing for the last 10 months. missions in Temecula, Calif., San Diego, and Phoenix. His Grace passed on to eternal life while he watched the cel- In January 1991 he was appointed protosyncellus of the ebration of the Divine Liturgy in the monastery chapel from eparchy and on Nov. 25, 1993, was named eparchial bishop his bed. The funeral and burial took place at the monastery on of Newton for the Melkites in the United States. He was en- Tuesday, July 23, with His Beatitude Youseff, Melkite patri- throned in the Cathedral of the Annunciation on Jan. 25, 1994. arch of Antioch and all the East, presiding, along with Bishop Following his retirement on June 22, 2004, he resided at St Nicholas Samra, eparchial bishop of Newton USA, as well as Basil Monastery of the Basilian Salvatorian Order in Methuen other Melkite bishops from Lebanon until late 2018, when he was taken for nursing care at Holy Bishop John was born in Maghdouché, Lebanon, and entered Savior Monastery in Lebanon. the Melkite Basilian Salvatorian Order at age 12 – professing his Bishop John was actively involved in social and ecumenical solemn vows in 1949. He was ordained to the holy priesthood in endeavors. In the 1970s he was a member of both the Mas- Rome on Feb. 17, 1952. He arrived in the United States in 1954 sachusetts and New Hampshire Commissions for Christian and served as professor of moral theology as well as rector at St Unity. From 1964 through 1966, he founded and directed The Basil Seminary in Methuen, Mass. In addition, he served as parish Ecumenical Institute for Religious Studies at St Basil’s Semi- priest of Our Lady of the Cedars, Manchester, N.H., and St Jo- nary, Methuen, Mass. There, for the first time in the history of seph Parish in Lawrence, Mass., as well as rector of the Cathedral the area, Catholic and Protestant scholars taught Sacred Scrip- of the Annunciation in West Roxbury, Mass. ture jointly in the same Institute. He was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Eparchy of Newton He was a charter member and first executive secretary of The on June 29, 1986, by Patriarch Maximos V. In 1990 he was ap- Greater Lawrence (Massachusetts) Inter-Faith Institute (1967- pointed bishop of the Western Region of the Eparchy, residing 68). He served as secretary (1973-79) and later president (1979- at St Ann Church in North Hollywood, Calif. He began pub- Continued on page 8

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 7 Memory Eternal Continued from page 7

80) of the Clerical Fellowship of Greater Lawrence, Mass. He member of the Melkite Synod. He visited his hometown, served as spiritual director for dozens of Cursillo Weekends Maghdouché, every year. He also continued his pastoral work where he shared his preaching and love of the Scriptures, his and love of people, covering in parishes and attending religious pastoral zeal and sensitivity, and his charm, wit and joy. celebrations and festivities in the United States, Canada, and Bishop Elya saw his role as that of a “unifier” while encour- even Australia right up until God called him home. aging various pastoral and social initiatives in the service of Bishop John was a vibrant member of the local communi- the Melkite community. His consistent theme was to cooper- ty at St Basil Seminary where was faithful to offering Divine ate with the Spirit in bringing together the people of God. In Liturgy daily and praying his daily Divine Office, attending 1999, he created the Diocesan Development Office to assist Monday Night Liturgy, Cursillo openings and closing, ob- and direct the financial operations of the eparchy and of its taining papal blessings for his friends, and entertaining guests. various institutions and parishes. He was often seen on the grounds of St Basil taking his daily Bishop John was well known throughout the eparchy as a walk gathering flowers, herbs, weeds, and whatever to make bishop who is available to his clergy and all of his people, who his “bouquet” for his room. could reach him anytime day or night via the telephone or May he rest in a place of light, a place of peace, a place of email. He took as his work motto the ideal of St Paul who said: happiness, where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but ev- “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.” erlasting life. May his memory be eternal. † (1 Cor. 19:19) Even after his retirement, Bishop Elya remained an active The Rt. Rev. Martin Hyatt contributed to this article.

Memory Eternal FATHER CLEMENT YOUSSEF, BSO

eiromonk Clement Youssef, a member of the Basilian Salvatorian Order, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, May 31 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Boston were he was in residence. Father Clement Youssef was born on March 17, 1953 in Alex- andria,H Egypt. After completing his higher education he became an engineer. He then felt drawn to the monastic life at the ancient St Macarios Coptic Or- thodox Monastery where he became a disciple of the famous Saint Matthew the Poor. In 1985 Coptic Pope Shenouda ordained him to the holy priest- hood and sent him to organize the Coptic community in Rome, Italy. Later he went to Montreal, Canada. It was in Montreal that Father Clement joined the Melkite-Greek Catholic Church, and the Basilian Salvatorian Order. In 1997 he was briefly assigned to Saint Ann Melkite Church in New Jersey, and then became the pastor of Saint Joseph Melkite Parish in Law- rence, MA. While in Lawrence he spearheaded the raising of funds for the complete renovation of the church including the installation of an elevator. After six years in Lawrence Father Clement was transferred to St Elias Par- ish in Brooklyn (Cleveland), Ohio after its pastor, Father Ibrahim Ibrahim, became the Melkite Eparch of Canada. After spending about six years in Ohio, Fr Clement took a new direction in his ministry. He returned to Saint Basil’s Seminary in Methuen, and began a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Boston College. After earning this degree, he began full time hospital chaplaincy work in the Veterans Administration hospitals. He also began working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Andover-Newton Seminary. He received this degree on May 15, 2015. In November of 2014 Father Clement took up residence

8 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 in the Annunciation Cathedral Rectory while serving as a full- brother Adley from Egypt was visiting at that time, and Fa- time chaplain at the Veterans Hospitals in West Roxbury and thers Philip Raczka and James Koury were in the house also. Brockton, MA. He also assisted in the Cathedral parish as he Bishop Nicholas assisted by about one dozen of the New Eng- was able to on weekdays, especially leading the Wednesday land Melkite Clergy, and three Latin Rite priests from the VA evening Bible Study. Hospital, served Father Clement’s Funeral on Sunday evening, At the beginning of October, 2017, Fr Youssef was diagnosed June 2 at the cathedral. The following day Father Clement was with Glioblastoma, a fatal cancerous brain tumor. He stopped laid to rest in the Coptic Cemetery in Charlton, MA. He is working as a chaplain, and began chemotherapy and radiation survived by three brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and treatments. He was in remission from January through August nephews and their children, the members of the Basilian Sal- of 2018, but then the tumor became active again. Father Clem- vatorian Order, and numerous friends and fellow workers from ent passed away in the Cathedral rectory on May 31, 2019. His the VA Hospital. May his memory be eternal. †

Memory Eternal FATHER MICHAEL HULL A Personal Rememberance

By Fr Ezzat Batchouche

he death of a priest is unlike the death of any other: we feel it differently, deeply. We sense that in losing him, we have lost not only the man but also his unique way of Tmanifesting God. The voice that spoke of God has been silenced; hands that once blessed are impotent. Since a priest is the one who takes on the person of Christ, we are at somewhat of a loss in our very com- munication with the Lord. No one will ever again exemplify Christ for us in the singular way that this particular priest has done. Fr Michael H. Hull, Entered into his eternal rest Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at his home, at the age of 67 in Augusta, Georgia. Loving husband of Deborah A. Hull and father of Christina Hull and Michael Ross Hull and grandfather of Mackenzie, Dallas and Tyler Hull. Fr Michael was born in Arkansas on July 1, 1952 but he spent all his life in Texas. He became a priest on and was always ready to visit and to give hope and joy to the January 11, 1992. He lived in Denver Colorado and became suffering people. He gave many lectures at both Churches. He the priest of St Augustine Antochian Orthodox Church before has started the rally of praying and supporting the persecuted moving to Augusta, GA to become the pastor of St Ignatius of Christian around the world and invited many priests to talk Antioch Melkite Catholic Church. Fr Hull also assisted at St about the persecution and I had the honor to give two talks in Mary on the Hill Roman Catholic Church. He was beloved 2015 and 2016. priest, who was always smiling and laughing spreading joy ev- We will all miss Father Michael Hull, but we will rely on his erywhere, an active priest in Augusta – Georgia as he was be- continuous help from the next life. We will remember Father fore in many Churches in Texas. He used every possible way Michael in our prayers and Divine Liturgies, never presuming to spread the word of God through website, emails and Face- upon his merits, imploring the good Lord soon to grant him book. Fr Hull touched and changed the life of many people. fellowship with the saints, and unbounded happiness and ever- He lifted everyone he knew up closer to God by giving every- lasting union with Jesus and his beloved “Blessed Mary Virgin”. one a special time. He was the spiritual leader of the knight May the Lord have mercy on his soul and grant him rest of Columbus group. He was a visitor priest to many hospitals among the Saints. May his memory be eternal. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 9 LETTERS Fr James, Many thanks to SOPHIA TO magazine for articles in the THE EDITOR past two issues on divorce and “remarriage.” Other Mel- - kites should also be heard: Dear Fr James Babcock, Editor of SOPHIA: Archbishop Elias Zoghby and Patriarch Maximos IV from More than seven years ago, you asked me to work with you on SOPHIA maga Vatican II. Fortunately, a full zine. It has been my privilege and pleasure to do so as the magazine’s Copy Editor treatment of Zoghby’s inter- until my resignation in June of this year. The job suited my skills, training, and vention in that council can be experience exactly: some 55 years now as a journalist, with Bachelor’s and Master’s- found at melkite.org on the degrees in English literature and composition. page “The Melkite Church at We worked, I’m happy to say, in mutual respect and trust, with a shared vision for the Council: Chapter 15.” SOPHIA as a vehicle for informing, engaging, and educating its readers, the faith In 1965, the Archbishop ful people of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton. Under the guidance of His Grace, twice addressed the council Bishop Nicholas, the Publisher, we sought to publish a mix of official documents, fathers on the “the problem parish news, international church news, articles on Scripture and Church teaching, of the innocent spouse who, in spiritual and inspirational materials, and appropriate photographs. the prime of life and through We shared the idea of a magazine as a forum for discussion, based on the idea that no fault of his or her own, is people learn and grow in faith by encountering new ideas, asking questions, and left alone through the other considering unfamiliar information. Bearing in mind SOPHIA’s status as an official- spouse’s fault.” Zoghby was Church publication, we have taken care to make sure that nothing contrary to faith- addressing the specific situa- and doctrine was published. tion of adultery and abandon- But we also know that aside from essentials of doctrine, many theological ques ment by the guilty spouse and tions can have diverse answers, reflecting different perspectives and different in subsequent civil divorce. He sights, but all leading to greater understanding of God’s unchanging truth, which lamented that the only solu- we can never fully comprehend. A story about Archbishop Joseph Tawil of blessed tion the Church offers this in- memory illustrates this point. In a discussion with seminarians at our (now sadly nocent is to “to live alone and closed) seminary of St Gregory the Theologian, hearing three different opinions,- to practice continence for the His Grace responded, “You are right. And you are right. And you are also right.” rest of your life!” The truth does not change, but our comprehension and understanding of truth can Zoghby argued that the deepen and grow over time. Responsible church journalism contributes to this full Church has the power to grant er understanding by presenting various points of view from within Holy Tradition. divine mercy to Christian A longtime friend of mine, a veteran journalist who was also a veteran of the US spouses, while retaining the Navy in World War II, often told me, “The editor is like the captain of the ship. bedrock principle of the indis- His word is law.” The copy editor of a publication, then, may be like the first mate solubility of marriage: “The of the ship. His job is to execute the orders of the captain, the editor, not to make Church has certainly received decisions on his own. Ideally, the work of the copy editor is invisible: correcting from Christ sufficient author- grammar, punctuation, and spelling; making sure the text conforms to the style of- ity to offer all its children the the publication (for example, writing dates in the American fashion – July 11, 2019 means of salvation propor- – instead of the European fashion – 11 July 2019); clarifying the author’s ideas and tionate to their strength, and, organization without significantly changing the author’s “voice”; cutting out repeti of course, with the help of tions or unnecessary words; and so on. The copy editor does all of this under the divine grace. Heroism, the supervision and with the approval of the editor. The copy editor’s work aims to state of perfection, has never make the publication as clean and as readable as possible. been demanded by Christ Some authors, unfortunately, do not have the same understanding of the purpose- under pain of damnation.” of the magazine, the role of diverse opinions, or the authority of the editors. They The archbishop’s words insist that nothing in their writing can be changed, they oppose the publication of are certainly worth re- opinions they do not share, and they argue with the decisions of the editors. Ulti membering as the Church mately, such behavior can make the editors’ jobs so difficult that a labor of love be- enters into discernment comes a burden. When that happens, it is time to lay the burden down and move on. on the issue today. And so, with regret, I have resigned from the staff of SOPHIA, which has become an award-winning publication. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to that Gregory McKinney success along with you and our outstanding Graphic Designer, Doreen Pierson. McLean, VA May God always bless us and have mercy on us.

Father James K. Graham is Pastor of St Joseph parish, Lansing, MI, and former Copy Editor of SOPHIA.

10 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 THE CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION

2018 Award to Doreen Tahmoosh-Pierson for Design and Layout

Special thanks to Cary O’Keeffe for coordinating this year’s award submissions

PUBLICATION OF SOPHIA IS MADE POSSIBLE BY YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE BISHOP’S APPEAL – PLEASE BE GENEROUS THIS YEAR! The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 11 For Christians in the Holy Land churches are more than just pilgrimage sites By Matt Hadro – CNA

The spectacular Dome of the Rotunda just above the Edicule at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the old city of Jerusalem.

12 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 hurches, shrines and monasteries in the Middle East President Reuven Rivlin for their efforts to protect the holy are not only pilgrimage destinations, but also places sites, as well as “the continued and faithful custodianship over of sanctuary, identity and hope for local Christians the holy sites” of King Abdullah II of Jordan, and legislators in who are suffering existential threats, religious lead- the U.S. and the U.K. for their support. He drew attention to Cers from the region said. the July 11 prayer vigil attended by other patriarchs and heads “Christ dwelt among us in Bethlehem, in Egypt, in Galilee, of churches at Jerusalem’s Jaffa Gate, in the wake of the Israeli and, of course, in Jerusalem. And by His Holy Spirit, he has Supreme Court ruling against the Greek Orthodox Church in continued to be present down the ages in Jerusalem, the Mid- a controversial land deal that dates back to 2005. dle East, and to the very ends of the earth,” Greek Orthodox The deal involved the sale by the church, later disputed, of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem said. “Our holy sites tell hotels just inside the Christian Quarter of the city to Israeli the stories of God’s history with us.” settlers, a transfer of property that the patriarch said could af- “Few can deny that this region, the place of divine-human fect the “integrity” of the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem, and encounter in sacred history, is in fact the center of the earth,” possibly impede access of pilgrims to the holy sites. the patriarch stated of the Holy Land at a side event of a global A joint statement of the patriarchs and heads of local religious freedom gathering in Washington, D.C. in July. churches in Jerusalem called the deal “underhanded” and said Patriarch Theophilus addressed an audience of priests and it threatened the Status Quo agreement of the city. Patriarch civic and religious leaders at an event on “Christian Holy Sites Theophilos said he has asked local officials to join in support and Holy Places in the Middle East” on the side of the Minis- of Netanyahu and his work “to keep the pilgrim route open to terial to Advance Religious Freedom, hosted by the U.S. State all, and to maintain the historic, multiethnic, multicultural and Department from July 15-19 in Washington, D.C. mutireligious fabric of our great city Jerusalem.” The Ministerial was attended by religious and civic leaders Preservation of holy sites in the Holy Land as well as Syr- from around the world, including delegations from 106 coun- ia, Iraq and Egypt was discussed at last week’s event. Fr Alexi tries, meeting to discuss religious persecution and strategies to Chehadeh of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and advance religious freedom. All the East, told of how holy sites “all over Syria” have been Thursday’s event on the “Holy Sites” was sponsored by the In- destroyed during the country’s ongoing civil war. Hundreds of ternational Community of the Holy Sepulchre and the Hudson churches and monasteries have been fully or partially destroyed, Institute’s Working Group on Christians and Religious Plural- with billions of dollars needed to rehabilitate or reconstruct ism in the Middle East. Speakers focused not only on the spiri- them. The symbolic importance of the reconstruction of holy tual significance of pilgrimage sites throughout the Middle East, sites cannot be ignored, he and other Christian leaders insisted. but on their central importance to the Christians who live there. Many holy sites of the Patriarchate are churches dating back Theophilus is the 141st patriarch of the Greek Orthodox to the second or third century, he said. To rebuild them is “car- Church of Jerusalem, the most senior Christian leader in the Holy ing for the roots of Christianity,” Fr Chehadeh said, but it Land. At last week’s event, he warned that “attacks from radicals would also be “a sign of a peaceful environment” for Christians on Church properties in Jerusalem continue,” and that the groups to return to Syria. Around half of Syria’s Christian communi- “know only too well that every attack against a holy site poses an- ties left Syria during the civil war. other threat to our Christian identity.” The holy sites are threat- Patriarch Louis Raphael I, head of the Chaldean Catholic ened on multiple fronts, he said, including vandalism, “intimida- Church, gave orders to start the rebuilding process in Iraq’s tion from radical settlers,” and hostile policies in Israel’s Knesset. Nineveh region by focusing on the homes of the Christian geno- These policies would allow the municipal taxation of church- cide survivors, Fr Salar Kajo, a priest in Teleskov, Iraq, said. Yet owned property in Jerusalem, like hospitals and schools, which “the people insisted to start with the holy places, the churches could “bankrupt” the churches, the patriarch said; another bill and the monasteries,” Fr Salar said. “This is the only sign of would have allowed the state to confiscate land sold by church- hope that we have, and we will return because of these places.” es to private groups supposedly for the defense of the tenants. In Egypt, after the 2011 overthrow of President Hosni These policies were at the heart of the decision by Catholic, Mubarak, the Muslim Brotherhood “came after the churches,” Greek Orthodox, and Armenian leaders to temporarily close Nermien Riad, founder of the group Coptic Orphans, said. the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in February of 2018. Why did they target the churches? “We recognize that there’s “Enough was enough, and it was time to draw the line,” a gradual shrinking of public space for Christians in Egypt,” the patriarch said of the closure. “Forces beyond our control Riad said, as extremists want to remove public icons and statues; threatened the sanctity and integrity of our holy sites.” the exclusion of Christians from public spaces has reportedly “To keep just one pilgrim” out of the church “is a tragedy,” even reached sports, as Christians have reported discrimination he said, but he added that the solidarity of millions around the in joining soccer clubs and in making the national soccer team. world with the churches was heartening. The church was re- Thus, “churches have become the nucleus of the Christian opened after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened community,” she said, and “serve as a vital support center” for in the efforts to impose the tax policy, and the city backed off Christians and a “place of refuge” for them “from the insidious on the proposals. When the “solution was found,” the patri- messaging” of them as “second-class citizens.” arch said, “the light of the Resurrection shone bright.” “Most importantly,” she said, “it is the last remaining vestige The patriarch stated his gratitude to Netanyahu and Israeli that we exist.” †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 13 New campaign to bring food, medicine to Syrian Christians

Aleppo, Syria, in 2009.

Credit: Guido Camici via Flickr (CC by 2.0). Aleppo, Syria. Oct. 1, 2009.

ROME (CNA) – The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church this week that on the previous day, “several missiles fell in dif- in Need has launched a new fundraising campaign to aid Syr- ferent parts of the city of Aleppo and this has many people ian Christians, whose lives continue to be devastated by vio- quite worried again.” lence and poverty. Aid to the Church in Need will focus one of its new proj- “The war in Syria has still not ended, terrorism has yet to ects on obtaining food to distribute to the poorest Christian be defeated, and our brothers have more need of our aid than families in Aleppo, as well as access to cooking gas and fuel for ever,” said Alessandro Monteduro, the director of Aid to the electrical generators. Church in Need in Italy. The second project will be carried out in Damascus, focus- Much of the region is still reeling from the destruction left ing on purchasing medicine, much of it very expensive, for behind by the Islamic State, while the ongoing Syrian civil war sick Christians. This project is a personal request of the Greek – now in its ninth year – continues to bring fresh devastation. Melkite Patriarch Youssef Absu, who indicated that without The city of Aleppo, once the most populous city Syria and this aid, many sick Christians will be left without help. its main economic and industrial center, was reduced to ruins Since the beginning of the civil war in 2011 until 2018, Aid during a bloody siege from 2012 to 2016. to the Church in Need has donated around 30.4 million euros The number of Christians in Aleppo has fallen dramatically, ($34.12 million) to the local Churches in Syria. Among other from 180,000 before the civil war to 32,000 in early 2019. initiatives, this money has helped begin the process of recon- Facing high inflation, corruption, and a sluggish economy, struction of homes and churches for Christians families in the people of the city are struggling to rebuild. areas that are more stable. † In addition, the violence has not been completely eradicated This article was originally published by our sister agency, ACI Prensa. from the city. Local priest Fr Ibrahim Alsabagh told TV 2000 It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

14 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Melkite Catholic bishops from around the world gathered in Lebanon for their annual synod June 17-21, led by Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi. (CNS photo/courtesy Melkite Catholic Patriarchate)

MELKITE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CALL FOR PEACE IN SYRIA DURING ANNUAL SYNOD

By Doreen Abi Raad • Catholic News Service • Posted June 24, 2019

BEIRUT (CNS) — Melkite Catholic bishops from around the world, gathering in Lebanon for their annual synod, called for reconciliation and peace in Syria. “In Syria, the war is almost over, but the horizon is unclear,” the bishops said in a statement following the June 17-21 gathering, which was led by Melkite Catholic Patriarch Joseph Absi. The bishops stressed that economic sanctions “are weighing on people day by day.” The prelates demanded that “the countries involved in the war stop fueling conflict,” and urged the world’s leaders to strive for reconciliation and peace in Syria. In seeking peace, the bishops called on the faithful “to trust the promising future and steadfastness in their blessed homelands, which have witnessed the formation and prosperity of the church.” In the Middle East, the bishops lamented that they “feel the uncomfortable atmosphere that prevails in most of the countries where we have a presence.” The bishops also commended the “A Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” signed in Febru- ary in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar, a leading religious authority for many Sunni Muslims around the world. They said the document promotes “the values of tolerance, justice, goodness, beauty and rec- onciliation among all believers in religions, and between believers and unbelievers.” Regarding Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the Melkite bishops called for “more unity and coordination to facilitate their return and, until then to help them live in dignity and peace.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in its most recent report said nearly 1 million refugees live in Lebanon, but that thousands more who are not registered are in the small nation. Lebanon, in which one of six people is a refugee, has faced severe economic and social strains as it hosts the world’s highest concentration of refugees per capita. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 15 From Eden To Eden: Our Journey Through The Bible A 70-year Retreat

By Fr Hezekias Carnazzo Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

n the last article of our Eden to Eden Bible Study of Sal- proper understanding of the Babylonian Exile, cannot be over- vation History, we learned of the demise of the Northern stressed. We understand that the mission of Christ is of a cos- Kingdom of Israel – which had broken its political and mic nature, and the restoration of creation which he accom- religious ties to Jerusalem and the throne of David. We plishes on the cross resolves not only the political problem of Ialso learned of the eventual fall of Jerusalem, and the ruin of the fall of the house of David but more importantly the fall of God’s people in the catastrophic event known as the Babylo- mankind from Paradise. However, it is of paramount impor- nian Exile. As was stated in the conclusion of our last study tance to realize that Christ’s salvific work occurs within a his- here in the pages of SOPHIA, “The crisis of the Babylonian torical, geographic and political context, and that context must Exile is of such great importance in history of salvation, that be understood in light of the Babylonian Exile. without a clear understanding of its causes, one cannot possibly Sadly, today many Christians understand next to nothing understand the New Testament and the work and mission of about this time period and therefore are unable to see the work Jesus Christ.” of the Messiah as revealed in the Gospel accounts in its prop- This point, that the entire New Testament rests upon a er light: as a response to and a correction of the crisis which

16 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 caused the Babylonian Exile, and the disastrous effects on the 29:10). It was in the years just before the Exile and the years life of God’s people in the generations following. during the Exile that the Lord once again spoke to his people In the years leading up to the Babylonian Exile, the heart of through the prophets, and helped the people look forward to a God’s people grew cold, and rather than worshiping the one better day in which God’s law would be taken to heart, and his true God with their “whole heart” (DT 6: 5), the Davidic kings people would return to their relationship with him. led God’s people into idolatrous worship (cf. 1 KGS 11:1-7, 2 Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will KGS 16:1-4, 2 KGS 21:21). In effect, they denied the one thing make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house which set them apart from the other nations – belief in the one of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers true God. when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land Having lost their vision of God, they also lost their vision of of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was their their own identity made in the image and likeness of God. It husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant which I will must be remembered that the entire point of God’s forming a make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: nation from the family of Israel who were enslaved in Egypt I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their – the entire point of freeing God’s people from slavery – was hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. so that they might begin the restoration of freedom for all of (JER 31:31-34). humanity and the entire created order. They were to inaugurate For I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all freedom from slavery to sin, and from the dominion of the devil the countries, and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle – which had resulted from the ancestral sin of our first parents. clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your un- It is for this reason that God’s people were given strict laws cleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new which prohibited them from enslaving their brother, just as heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; they had once been enslaved by Pharaoh (LEV 25:39 ff). It is and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give also the reason why they were to celebrate a great Jubilee year you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and every 50 years so as to grant release and freedom to all those in cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my debt or servitude, as God had granted them release and free- ordinances. You shall dwell in the land which I gave to your dom in Egypt. fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God How important this point is for our proper understanding of (EZ 36:24-28). the identity of God’s people as made in the image and likeness After 70 years of retreat (in captivity), reflecting on and re- of the Lord. They were to be a shining light – the presence penting of their past sins, a most amazing miracle happened in of God himself to their fellow man – and therefore begin the the life of God’s people. King Cyrus the Persian, a pagan for- process of restoration which would ultimately be fulfilled in the eign ruler and the recent conqueror of the Babylonian Empire, coming of Christ. announced the release of the enslaved Jews: Sadly, the people of God (the nation of Israel) did not live up Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word to this high calling, and rather than serve as the source of free- of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accom- dom by which others would come to worship the one true God, plished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia Israel became like all the other nations – enslaving their broth- so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom ers and refusing freedom and release to those around them (cf and also put it in writing: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 1 KGS 11:28, JER 34:8-17). Enslaving their own kinsmen and ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the king- refusing to honor the Jubilee year was the ultimate result of doms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house Israel refusing to remain faithful in their worship of the God at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all who revealed Himself to them on Mount Sinai. his people, may the LORD his God be with him. Let him go Again, when a person loses his vision of God, he also loses up (2 CHRON 36:22-28). his vision of himself as made in God’s image and likeness, and With Persian gold and the recovered holy vessels which had the moral consequences of this blindness are often catastrophic been taken from the temple some 70 years prior, King Cyrus in his life. One need only look at our modern American soci- sent God’s people back to their land to re-establish their rela- ety today for evidence of this religious truth. Having turned tionship with the Lord, and with their brother whom they had our backs upon Christ in our formerly Christian nation, we enslaved. Again, this time of exile, the lessons they learned, and have lost our moral bearing: divorce is commonplace, the sin of the teaching of the prophets during this time form the founda- homosexual behavior is accepted as normal, contraception and tion upon which the people would establish their hope for the abortion have become human rights. future as they made their journey back to their homeland. To the extent that man ceases to serve the Lord, his under- Understanding this important moment in salvation history standing of his own identity and how he is to live his life will will allow the serious Bible student to see through the eyes of also cease to be in accord with God’s plan for him. those who were looking for the Messiah and ultimately to see As a result of the sins of God’s people in refusing to honor the the fulfillment of that hope in the person and mission of Jesus. Jubilee year and everything that this means, the Lord imposed Until our next meeting here in the pages of SOPHIA, it will his own Jubilee: a 70-year retreat for his people to rediscover be helpful to read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as well as their desire for freedom and their relationship with the only the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah. May you be blessed in One who could grant them that freedom (cf JER 25:11-12, your reading of God’s word. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 17 Letter to a NEEDFUL VINEYARD (adapted from the original letter sent to the Clergy of Newton)

My dear Brother Priests and All Melkites,

Christ, the High Priest, is among us! These humble thoughts come after the experience of viewing the physical body of the recently-deceased Fr Michael Hull, of blessed memory, in Augusta during his funeral. Praying with our Bishop Nicho- Archimandrite las, Fr Ezzat Bathouche and the many John Azar Roman rite clergy who joined the three Director of the of us in prayer for the blessed repose of Office of his soul, I was shaken to the fact of how Vocations a priest’s life changes suddenly. Once sponse to the need for more vocations. My initial Power Point again, as in other emotional instances of presentation at a clergy conference attempted to reiterate that the past, I was very much present, physically and mentally, at pressing reality and need to demonstrate how much we truly the final prayer services in church of one of our Melkite priests hope for the numbers to increase. whose priestly service ended. Our American church community Every time a brother priest retires or falls asleep in the Lord, again, as before, has lost the love, spirit, dedication, service and the need for our Church becomes even greater. Yes, there have blessings of another in the ranks of the priesthood. been many ordinations that followed. However, the reality of It is, by no means, an unfeeling experience to be beside the cas- many more worthy replacements to the ranks, underscored by ket of the lifeless body of one of our brother priests. Depending on the lagging catching up, echoes the caution once given to us. the level of the relationship we each have with our brother minis- Rather than boast, let us actively seek out more. ters, the emotion follows suit. Yet, there inherently rise up feelings Undoubtedly, society is very much different today. So many of loss and sorrow, mixed up with faith and joy. Periodic glances distractions, temptations and competing voices call out to to the body and the final box that holds him, while attempting the young and older men to pursue other avenues in their lives. beautiful and inspiring chants, conjured up all kinds of thoughts, And yet, we all, hopefully, continue to trust, pray and work for confessions and questions. Witnessing the final anointing with the Call to be heard and acted upon. We are confident in the Holy Oil, sprinkling of the body with ashes and placing of the unfailing love of the Master of the Vineyard. We trust that He chalice veil of over his face, faith in a new life reminds each of will bless our work and inspire others to join us. us of a future experience for all priests. We thank and remember However, the trust must be equally met with the real and him to the eternal memory of God. “Well done, good and faithful evidenced work of others, clergy and laypersons. It behooves servant, enter into the joy of your master.” very much now, more so than ever before, for each of us to Thoughts moved to days gone by. Years back in the days of step up and commit ourselves to the work of vocations. But re- the original once-shepherd-less community in the U.S., fol- spectfully, my brothers and sisters, understand this well: No, it lowed by the years of successive hierarchs ordaining men to the won’t just be merely numbers that we anticipate but rather the holy priesthood, I don’t think we ever anticipated the reality of ongoing seeking out, encouragement and guidance of a, God- where and what our Church community here now faces. Sure- willing, abundance of those who really love our Church to be ly, over the years, the special Call of Christ blessed this God- shown the beauty, joy and reward of serving Him as a priest. protected Church. All of our parishes were worthily served We need God to bless us again and again with holy priests. for years by men from the Near East, along with native-born Our emotional feeling of sorrow at the loss of a priest will be and multi-cultural citizens of this country. Why, some parishes replaced with the justified pride in your eventual presenting of even boasted of having the added benefit and blessing of as- men for the altars of the Eparchy of Newton. Our own honor- sistants. That latter boast is minimal at present. We can both able and inspiring actions, as priests and lay persons, will be the dream and work for that boast to return. best poster we can ever develop. Years back, we were cautioned by the late Rev. Fr Aidan Ka- We are thankful and bless the memory and work of all of our vanagh, OSB, of the sad statistics of both our lay community priests who have served, gone to their rest or retired and for those and our ordained presbyters. Somehow, we didn’t heed heartily who still are in the fields harvesting souls for the Kingdom. † enough of that caution. Over the years, our former Vocation Directors each offered Fraternally in Christ God, their individual talents and services to bring about a genuine re- Fr John

18 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 We are grateful for your generous gift, your charitiable contributions to the Bishop’s Appeal help to support SOPHIA MAGAZINE RELGIOUS EDUCATION DIVINE WORSHIP PASTORAL SUPPORT RETIRED PRIESTS VOCATIONS PATRIARCH YOUSSEF MIDDLE EAST CHARITIES and more!

Please give generously ••• BISHOP’S APPEAL . 802 Rifle Camp Road . Woodland Park, NJ 07424 Make checks payable to DioceseT ofhe Newton. Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 19 WHY I TAKE MY KIDS TO CHURCH

By Presvytera Nijmeh Curren

ince I had kids I have been bringing them to church every RELY ON mentally , something that strengthens them and keeps Sunday. My husband serves behind the altar so I am basi- them going when everyone else won’t. cally a single mom on Sunday’s. Somewhere they can go when they do wrong and find forgive- I have been asked so many times “doesn’t make sense! ness and a place to belong. SAre you even praying?” Someone who loves them unconditionally , even more than I do Nope. Not always. They are not easy kids. no matter what they do: CHRIST. “So why do you do it?” Here is why! Life is unpredictable, I can’t protect them from hardships, but I teach my girls a lot of things. We eat healthy, we workout al- what I can do as a mother is direct them to where these tools are most daily infront of them, we read books together , do activities that will serve and save them. together and we watch TV or do game nights. That’s why I take them. And we pray together. Kids learn from what their parents do, what’s important to you They are body AND soul. will eventually be of value to your offspring. I only have my kids for the first 18 years of their lives, when I I can assure you that I don’t do this because ”I’m a priest’s wife , send them off to college I want them to have a backbone. and I have to “(I have been told that). I have been like that all my Something CONSTANT that doesn’t rely on a culture that life, I cherish every thing my parents taught me about the church changes every 5 years or even less. Something that carries them either at home by watching them pray or through them taking me through difficult times like it did with me. Something they can to church. †

20 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 ne city equals one bishop” was the topic dis- rusalem and fourth-century pilgrim Egeria on the duties of the cussed at the 23rd Orientale Lumen Con- bishop. They wrote that the bishop was to be the teacher of the ference in the nation’s capital June 17-20. people and the leader of the people in prayer. They mentioned The phrase refers to canon 8 of the Council that only one bishop was commemorated in the Divine Liturgy. of“O Ephesus (AD 431) which prohibited a bishop or metropoli- Deacon Galadza said the role of the bishop today is to pre- tan to infringe on the territory of another bishop by ordaining side over the Divine Liturgy and to unify his people by keeping or otherwise exercising authority in the other’s territory. It also in contact with them and their needs. When dealing with the made reference to the apostolic canons (numbers 35/36) which question of one bishop in one city, one must keep in mind the forbade a bishop from ordaining in cities or places not subject current duties of the bishop. to him. Canon 8 of the Council of Nicea (AD 325) also stated Fr Andriy Dudchenko of the autocephalous Orthodox that there should only be one bishop in one church. Church of Ukraine in Kiev spoke about the situation in The panel of presenters explained the significance of these Ukraine. Kiev has six bishops with a population of just un- canons and discussed whether they are still applicable in 2019. der 3 million people. The autocephalous Orthodox Church Adam DeVille, associate professor of theology at the Uni- of Ukraine has two metropolitan bishops; one is retired. The versity of St Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., said early cities were Ukrainian Orthodox Church also has a metropolitan, as does much smaller in area and population compared to cities to- the Moscow Patriarchate. Ukrainian Greek Catholics and Ro- day. For instance, London currently has more than 8 million man Catholics also have bishops based in Kiev. people and Los Angeles has a population of more than 4 mil- Dominican Fr Hyacinth Destivelle, head of the Eastern lion. As bishops should visit their parishes regularly, DeVille relations desk at the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of questioned how one bishop Christian Unity, ex- can care for so many people. Orientale Lumen Conference: plained the concept of Orthodox Fr John Er- territory. Originally, ickson, former dean at St the church was an Vladimir’s Theological ONE BISHOP PER CITY assembly of be- Seminary, said the city lievers in a par- for the early Romans ticular place to was an urban center in celebrate the the commonwealth Eucharist. A ca- of cities they called nonical territory an empire. For them, implies one bishop a bishop was the in one city. But to- head of the church in day, with the spread an urban center. He of Christians all over went on to explain that the globe in a dias- a bishop in early Ireland pora, there are many was the religious head of a exceptions to that rule. tribe, not a city, which leads The existence of many to the possibility that a bishop churches under different could be the head of a specific bishops in the same territory group of people, such as is what currently exists and a particular ethnic group, By has to be taken into account or of a particular Marianne Nagrant concerning the one bishop, religious group, such one city rule. as the Society of Jesus. In video presentations, Anastacia Wooden, a recent doctoral Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for graduate of The Catholic University of America, in her presen- Promoting Christian Unity, and Eastern Orthodox Archbish- tation answered the question, “What is church?” In the early op Kallistos Ware of Diakleia also commented on the confer- centuries, the local assembly of Christians who celebrated Eu- ence theme. Cardinal Koch said the principle of one bishop charist together, was the church. Eucharist makes Christians per city is less important today; however, “it would probably one body, and each assembly is always the whole church be- be dangerous to alienate the territorial criterion.” Archbishop cause Christ is wholly present in each Eucharist, she said. In Ware said the primary role of the bishop is Eucharistic and not those early years, the role of the bishop was the role of a priest bureaucratic. † today. Parishes, as such, did not exist. So “one bishop, one city” referred to one parish per city. As published in Horizons, newspaper of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Deacon Daniel Galadza, a fellow Aug. 4, 2019. at the University of Regensburg in Germany, gave a historical Orientale Lumen Foundation sponsors an annual conference in Washington D.C. presentation on the role of the bishop. He cited St Cyril of Je- For additional information go to: olfoundation.net

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 21 faith more seriously. I began to read the Church Fathers and hunger for the ancient faith. I read “On the Incarnation” by St Athanasius, the works of the Apostolic Fathers, including the Epistles of St Ignatios of Antioch, and Eusebius’s Church His- tory. With few exceptions, the style of Theology I encountered as a Roman Catholic was very Balthasarian. The closest thing to a Patristic Theology I encountered in high school was a Tra- ditionalist Roman Catholic Theology teacher who taught me about Scholastic Theology, St Thomas Aquinus, and the beau- ties of the Traditional Latin Mass, which I could appreciate but this still wasn’t what I was yearning for. Close to where I lived there was a Greek Orthodox Church called Holy Trinity-Holy Cross. I had long attended their an- nual Greek Food Festival. I would often tour the church and speak with the Priest. I learned that Orthodox Theology was essentially Patristic. I was invited by the Priest to attend Divine Liturgy and Catechism classes at this Church. I fell in love with the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom and the Theology of the Orthodox Church. I was received into the Orthodox Church by Chrismation on Holy Saturday of that year. I was happy to be an Orthodox Christian. My Priest asked me to WHY I DECIDED start serving at the Altar which I came to enjoy very much. I read “The Orthodox Church” and “The Orthodox Way” by Bishop Kallistos Ware, “The Way of the Pilgrim”, and several TO BECOME books by Fr John Meyondorff and Archdeacon John Chrys- savgs. I became convinced that the Greek East and Latin West EASTERN ORTHODOX were irreconcilable. Then I began to discover the Melkites. Suddenly the divide IN COMMUNION between East and West began to thin. One advantage of going to my Catholic high school is that we learned about the East- WITH ROME ern Catholic Churches. In my Junior year, my class took a field trip to experience Divine Liturgy and the Middle Eastern Food Festival at St George Melkite Greek Catholic Church. After that school trip, I began coming to St George for Vespers and By Jonathan Jackson speaking with Archimandrite Frank Milienewicz and others at St George about what it meant to be Melkite Catholic. My next he phrase “Orthodox in Communion with Rome” Liturgy at St George was on Pentecost Saturday, where Abouna is thrown around a lot in Eastern Catholic circles. Frank preached on the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth Like with any unofficial appellation it can have both of the Church. For some reason, I immediately felt I was home. negative and positive connotations, usually depend- One resource that was a great help to me was the website Ting on who you ask. For me, it helps describe my journey into “From East to West: Introducing the West to Eastern Catholi- the Melkite Church. cism” run by Ukrainian Catholic Deacon, Dr. Anthony Dra- I was Baptized as a young child in the Latin Rite and raised gani. Dr. Dragani’s articles explained how although Greek and Roman Catholic. I and my twin brother were raised by a single Latin Theology have completely different languages and em- mother who had converted to Roman Catholicism from a Bap- phases they agree on the essential content of the Catholic faith. tist background. Sunday Mass and Christ in the Eucharist were Archbishop Joseph Tawil’s “The Courage To Be Ourselves” a big part of my life growing up. I was raised mainly at the Ca- and the works of Archbishop Joseph Raya, a former pastor of St thedral of St Paul for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama George Parish, have become favorites of mine. I’ve found the and a small Parish called St Barnabas where I was Baptized and online resources of the Sheptytsky Insitute of Eastern Chris- attended elementary school. Both Parishes celebrated Mass very tian Studies invaluable. I and my family have felt so welcomed reverently. Then came high school. My teenage years brought at St George and have developed lasting bonds of friendship challenges to my spiritual life as a Catholic. I went to a Catholic with many in the Parish. I have become a proud member of our high school, which had its advantages and disadvantages. One Melkite Association Of Young Adults. After attending Liturgy, of the disadvantages was that Mass was offered in the gymna- Bible Study, and receiving the Sacraments regularly for a few sium in a style that did not communicate the same sense of rev- years and receiving guidance from Fr Justin Rose and Fr Dea- erence and tradition I had become accustomed to growing up. con Seraphim Ritchey I was formally received into the Melkite In my Sophomore year, I slowly but surely began to take my Church in June of 2019. †

22 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In what Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople described as a “brave and bold” gesture, Pope Francis gave the patriarch a famous reliquary containing bone fragments believed to belong to St Peter. The only time the bronze reliquary has been displayed publicly was in November 2013, when Pope Francis had it present for public veneration as he celebrated the closing Mass for the Year of Faith, opened by Pope Benedict XVI. The bronze case contains nine of the bone fragments discovered during excavations of the necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica that began in the 1940s. In the 1960s, archaeologist Margherita Guarducci published a paper asserting that she had found St Peter’s bones near the site identified as his tomb. While no pope has ever declared the bones to be authentic, St Paul VI announced in 1968 that the “relics” of St Peter had been “identified in a way which we can hold to be convincing.” Pope Paul took nine of the bone frag- ments, commissioned the bronze reliquary, and kept the relics in his private chapel in the papal apartments. Pope Francis removed them from the chapel June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Patriarch Bartholomew had sent a del- egation led by Archbishop Job of Telmes- sos to the Vatican for the feast day celebra- CNS photo / courtesy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople tions. After the solemn Mass, Pope Francis and Archbishop Job went down to St Peter’s tomb under the high altar to pray. Then, the archbishop recounted, Pope Pope Francis gives Francis asked him to wait for him because he had a gift for his “brother” Patriarch Bar- Orthodox Patriarch tholomew. The pope came back and led the archbishop to his little blue Ford Focus and they were driven to the Apostolic Palace. relics of St Peter They entered the chapel of the old papal apartment, where Pope Francis chose not to live, and “the pope took the reliquary that his predecessor Paul VI had placed in the little chapel and offered it to his guest,” ac- cording to Vatican News. “For us, this was an extraordinary and un- expected event that we could not have hoped for,” Vatican News quoted the archbishop as saying. He phoned Patriarch Bartholomew as soon as he could to tell him the news. Arrangements quickly were made for Msgr. Andrea Palmieri, undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Chris- tian Unity, to accompany the relics to the Phanar, the Orthodox patriarchate’s head- quarters in Istanbul. It was “another gigantic step toward con- crete unity,” Archbishop Job said. At a ceremony June 30 to receive the rel- ics and venerate them, Patriarch Bartholomew said, “Pope Francis made this grand, fraternal and historic gesture” of giving the Orthodox fragments of the relics of St Peter. “I was deeply moved,” the patriarch said, according to the news published on the patriarchate’s Facebook page along with 15 photos. “It was a brave and bold initiative of Pope Francis.” †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 23 Pope Francis beatifies 7 Romanian martyrs

Pope Francis with an icon showing the seven beatified martyrs together with the Virgin Mary (ANSA) By Hannah Brockhaus – CNA

ROME — His Holiness, Pope Francis, recently beatified seven Each of these bishops was arrested and held in prisons and Greek-Catholic bishops of Romania who were killed by the camps until they died, often from isolation, cold, hunger, dis- communist regime between 1950 and 1970. ease or hard manual labor. Most were never tried or convicted These martyrs “have given all to defend the Church. And at and were buried in unmarked graves, without religious services. the cost of their lives, they did not accept the situation; they did A year before his death, Bishop Hossu was named a cardinal not deny their very faith,” a Romanian Greek-Catholic priest “in pectore.” After spending years in isolation, he died in a hos- told CNA. pital in Bucharest in 1970. His last words were: “My struggle is Father Vasile Man, the postulator of the bishops’ causes over; yours continues.” for beatification and vice rector of the Romanian seminary in In addition to imprisonment and isolation, Bishop Aftenie Rome, said, “These bishops were already considered martyrs was tortured at the Interior Ministry, later dying from his by the faithful for their witness of faith, for their courage, and wounds on May 10, 1950. for their fidelity to the Holy Father and the Church of Rome,” “This is not of small importance” for the Catholic Church in and they were, “above all, pastors.” Romania, Father Man said. “We hope that with the visit of the Bishops Valeriu Traian Frentiu, Vasile Aftenie, Ioan Suciu, Holy Father and with their beatification, [their example] can Tito Livio Chinezu, Ioan Balan, Alexandru Rusu and Iuliu reinvigorate the faith of the people.” Hossu were declared in March to have been killed “in hatred of He pointed out the importance of the martyred bishops’ ex- the faith” between 1950 and 1970, during the Soviet occupa- amples in a world of increasing attachment to relativism and a tion of Romania and the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. subjective understanding of truth. Their beatification took place June 2 during a celebration of “We need figures that teach us steadfastness, fidelity and the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Pope Francis in Blaj in the proper principles, that teach us to be firm in [our] position,” he Transylvania region of Romania. said, noting that each of the venerable bishops could have been Father Man said it is very significant for Romanian Catholics released from prison had they abandoned the Church and be- that the beatification was proclaimed by Pope Francis instead come Orthodox under the regime’s “Church unification” plan. of a papal delegate, as is ordinary practice for beatifications. He said they also teach people to “accept the will of God in It is an honor, he said, and, moreover, a sign of the Holy every situation,” even intense persecution, which is important See’s recognition of the more than 40 years the laity, priests because, “in the end, every one of us will have our place, our and bishops of the Greek-Catholic Church in Romania spent time in which we will have to give witness to our values.” underground while imprisoned, persecuted and outlawed by Despite increasing secularization in Europe, including Ro- the Communist regime. mania, the country remains very Christian, primarily Eastern

24 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Six of the seven martyred bishops who will be beatified in Blaj, Romania, June 2, 2019. Courtesy photos

Orthodox, which makes up around 70% of the population, Fa- Pope Francis’ visit included meetings with the Latin Cath- ther Man said. olic community in Bucharest, with Hungarian Catholics at a But the country’s Catholics, numbering no more than 6% Marian shrine in Miercurea-Ciuc – which before 1920 was a of the population, are more diversified, which makes speaking part of the Kingdom of Hungary – and with the Romanian about the Church in Romania “very complex,” he explained. Greek-Catholic community in Blaj. The majority of Catholics in the country are of the Roman Encounters with Eastern Orthodox were more limited. Fran- Catholic Church, and come from Romanian, Hungarian and cis met privately with Patriarch Daniel of Romania and with a German language and ethnic groups. small group from the Holy Synod, finishing with a quick stop There is also the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, to at a newly constructed Orthodox cathedral, where they prayed which the soon-to-be beatified bishops belonged, which is a the Our Father together. Byzantine Church in communion with Rome. Father Man said the relationship of the Eastern Orthodox The Church’s unity and faithfulness to Rome was part of the and the Catholic Church in Romania is “very delicate” and “not reason for its persecution under the communist regime. “Dur- very friendly.” Though it has improved since the early 1990s, ing communism, the Church was banned, because the Com- when there was conflict over the returning of Greek-Catholic munistic government did not support a Church which could properties given over to the Orthodox under communism, the not be controlled…which had as its head a pope who was out- “urgency” of that period is not as strongly felt. side the borders of Romania,” Father Man explained. “Bit by bit [the Orthodox] started to give back the churches,” He said the relationship between Eastern and Latin Rite he said, though “the question of patrimony is not resolved.” Catholics is very good: “On the liturgical level, there is a great Twenty years ago, when St John Paul II visited the country, difference, but as Catholics…when there is an event, everyone things were still “very tense” between the Orthodox and Greek participates.” “There is a good understanding” between the Catholics, he noted. two, he said. “It is normal because we have the same faith; it is John Paul II wanted to visit Greek Catholics in Blaj during just that the faith is manifested in a different way liturgically, as his trip in May 1999 but was restricted to staying only in Bu- the faith is the same.” charest because of Catholic-Orthodox politics. †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 25 THE POWER OF THE CROSS

n September 14, we cel- ebrate the Exaltation of the Cross of Christ and at the end of the Liturgy we carryO the Cross in procession around the interior of the Church proclaim- ing its power for our salvation! Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918- 2008), the Russian Orthodox author and Nobel Prize winner who spent many years in the gulags of Siberia under Communism, once told the fol- lowing story that bears witness to the power of the Cross even today: After long suffering in a work camp in Siberia, he fell into despair. Like other prisoners, his days were filled with backbreaking labor and slow starvation. One particular day, the hopelessness of his situation became too much. He saw no reason to continue living, to continue fighting the Soviet system. He thought that the rest of his life was meaningless since he would most likely die in this Siberian prison camp. His life made no difference in the world. So he gave up. Laying his shovel on the ground, he slowly walked to a crude work-site bench and sat down. He knew that at any moment a guard would order him to stand up, and when he failed to respond, the guard would beat him to death, probably with his own shovel. He had seen it happen to many other prisoners. As he waited in the cold, head down, he felt a presence. Slow- ly, he lifted his eyes and saw a skinny, old prisoner squat down next to him. The man said nothing. Instead, he took a stick and drew it across the ground at Solzhenitsyn’s feet, tracing the sign of the Cross. The man then got back up and returned to his work. As Solzhenitsyn stared at the sign of the Cross, his entire perspective changed. He knew that he was only one man against the brutal Soviet empire. Yet in that moment, he knew that there was something greater than the evil that he saw in the prison, something even greater than the Soviet Union. He suddenly knew that the hope of all mankind was repre- sented in that simple Cross. And by the power of the Cross, anything was possible. Solzhenitsyn slowly got up, picked up his shovel, and went back to work. Nothing outwardly had changed, but inwardly, in his heart, he had received the most precious gift of all: hope. It was that hope, he went on to say, that sustained him for the remaining years of his imprisonment, enabling him to survive. Years later, Solzhenitsyn’s writings like One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Candle in the Wind, Cancer Ward and The Gulag Archipelago in three volumes, enlightened the entire world, telling us not only about the horrors of the Soviet prison The Exaltation of the Holy Cross - ancient painting of 17th century camps, but also witnessing to the power of the living God and the hope that can only be found in the Cross of Christ. †

26 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 BEIRUT - Full of zeal for their faith, 920 Melkite Catholic we’re all united in Jesus; this is why it’s so special. It’s great to young adults from the Middle East gathered in Lebanon for meet new people, have fun and encourage and support each the first conference especially for them. other to continue our message in our countries. I’m hoping Meeting under the theme, “To You I Say Rise,” the partici- more people get to know Jesus.” pants, ages 18-35, came from the Occupied Palestinian terri- Even though it is forbidden in Egypt to preach in the streets, tories, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon for the Aug. she said, Christians “are a witness by the way we act.” 9-13 event, hosted by the Melkite Catholic Patriarchate. “The youth, when they come together are very strong,” Edward Nazarian, 22, a student in medical devices engineer- Achaia told Catholic News Service. “They can do a lot.” ing from Aleppo, Syria, said the conference restored hope for As Christians living among Muslims in the Middle East, he young people, particularly those from Syria. said, “we have to be a light. We’re taking this light from Jesus, “After going through so many years of war, we fell into de- and we reflect it, first in our self, and then onto the others.” spair. We are here to renew that hope, that confidence and For 32-year-old Khaldoon Al Haddad, who works at the faith,” he told Catholic News Service. Central Bank in Amman, Jordan, the gathering was a chance Melkite Father Kamil Melhem, spiritual director for young to exchange and share ideas. He told CNS one of the biggest adults, told the group at the opening that the conference would challenges of working with a youth group in his parish is to en- “be the first spark that will illuminate the paths of our faltering gage teens, amid all their activities and the “noise of the world.” lives in the East.” The main venue was the Liqaa (“gathering”) “I hope to come back (to Jordan) with new ideas, new ways Conference Center, located in a valley beneath the Melkite Pa- and methods to bring youth back to the Church,” he said. triarchate in Rabweh, 12 miles north of Beirut. During lunchtime the first day, horns bellowed from three The event combined prayer, educational workshops - includ- buses signaling the arrival of 110 young adults from Damascus,

More than 100 young adults from Damascus, Syria, pose Aug. 9, 2019, after arriving at the Liqaa Conference Center near Beirut. Meeting under the theme, Melkite Catholic “To You I Say Rise,” more than 900 Melkite Catholic young people from the Melkite Catholic Middle East gathered in Lebanon for the first conference especially for them, youngyoung adultsadults inin hosted by the Melkite Patriarchate. MiddleMiddle EastEast findfind hopehope atat gatheringgathering

BByy DDoreenoreen AAbbii RRaaaadd –– CCNSNS ing communication and social media - and presentations re- Syria, after more than 10 hours of travel. The journey, under lated to the Melkite Catholic identity. Participants also visited normal circumstances, should not exceed three hours. How- holy sites of Lebanon, including Harissa, Our Lady of Leba- ever, because of their large number, procedures at the border non, the tomb of St. Charbel and the biblical coastal cities of crossing between the two countries caused their delay. Tyre and Sidon in South Lebanon. Emerging from the buses, the Syrians’ weariness transformed His Beatitude, Melkite Patriarch Joseph, told participants in into exuberance at the celebratory welcome. A group of Jorda- his opening address, “You came carrying a variety of flags, but nians played traditional bagpipes and thundering drums. There one banner unites you, the banner of Jesus Christ.” was cheering, clapping and waving of Syrian flags. Young adults He continued, “There are many voices and noises in your joined arms for the step-and-stomp traditional dabke dance. life, attracting you, disputing you … tiring you, but today the Dina Fares, 26, an English teacher from Damascus, told voice of Jesus is calling each of you.” CNS: “We are so tired. But we are so excited to be here… His Beatitude advised the young adults: “Open up to each We’re here to say, ‘There are Christians in Syria. We’re still other and communicate. Show each other your dreams and as- here (in Syria), and we’re not going anywhere.’” pirations, and share your fears and concerns. Unite, because Inside the venue, Absi posed for selfies and group photos you are the power that can create a new Pentecost.” with the newcomers from his native Damascus. Emphasizing that young people are precious to the Church, Elsewhere, Natalie Abou Sada, a 21-year-old graphic de- His Beatitude told them: “Thank God you are here. You have signer, was one of 11 young adults from Occupied Palestinian. heard the voice of Jesus Christ who says, ‘Rise!’” “I’m very proud to represent my country. From here to Pal- “It’s great to see the unity of the church,” said Nadine Zayat, estine, I want to bring back a message of peace and love. Peace 24, a recent graduate in sociology from Cairo. “Even though is most important,” she told CNS. “We always pray for a bet- we’re from different countries and different backgrounds, ter life.” †

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 27 28 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 29 30 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 31 32 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 33 Why did early Christians prefer the Codex to the scroll? By Marek Dospeˇl

n a late Byzantine (c. 1300 A.D.) wood panel icon, John the Baptist is identified in the top right corner with his tradi- tional epithet, “the forerunner (of Christ).” Though most often depicted by artists as a man of the wilderness, this iconO shows him as a calm and noble figure. Interestingly, the tied scroll in his left hand demonstrates the persistence of the bookroll in visual arts long after this format had been superseded by the codex in actual practice. (Damaged by woodworm and flaked in three of the corners, the icon is currently on display in the British Museum.) The books of the Hebrew Bible were originally all written on scrolls – which they had adopted from the ancient Egyptians. And the scroll has remained the preferred book form in the Jewish liturgical use of the Torah to this day. On this late Byzantine (c. 1300 C.E.) wood panel icon, John the Baptist As the word suggests, “scroll” is a rolled-up book, made up of any is identified in the top right corner with his traditional epithet, “the number of sheets (of papyrus, parchment, or paper) glued together to forerunner (of Christ).” Though mostly depicted as a man of the wilderness, this icon shows him as a calm and noble figure. The tied produce a horizontal row of writing support that can be rolled from bookroll in his left hand demonstrates the persistence of the bookroll in either end. The word “volume” (from Latin volvere, “to roll”) still visual arts long after this book form had been superseded by the codex. reflects this etymology, although the connection to the bygone book Damaged by woodworm and flaked in three of the corners, the icon is form is long lost. currently on display in the British Museum (#1986,0708.1). Photo: When we say “book” Public domain image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. today, we generally mean a tome of bound pages. Known as the “codex,” this common book form has always (over the past two mil- lennia, anyway) looked the same – like any book on your desk. While the origins of the codex are not historically documented, evidence shows that the preserved early Christian manuscripts are more often codices (plural of codex) than the then- established scrolls. Why? The codex first appeared around the same time as the early Christian Church, first showing up in 1st century Rome. Some argue that the codex had a technological advantage in that people could check different Biblical passages within a bound tome more readily than they could in a book- roll, which had to be rolled from one side to the other every time someone wanted to look up a passage. Another practical benefit of the codex was in its larger capacity by use of having writing on both sides of the sheet – whereas scrolls were only written on one side. This was also a significant financial benefit, as parchment and papyrus were both quite expensive. By using both sides of the page, one volume a codex could contain all four Gospels or all Tiny scraps are often all that remain of the Pauline epistles or even the entire New Testament in a smaller, more easily transported for- early Bible manuscripts. mat than could be done with scrolls. And the lower cost meant that more Christian commu- This papyrus fragment nities could afford to own more books of Scripture in codex form than they could in scrolls. (Rylands P52) likely One unintended effect of the ascendancy of the new format was that the codex most likely dates as early as the second invited the imposition of a fixed order to the books it contained. While a Bible on scrolls would century C.E. Containing a few verses from the Gospel of John, have each book of Scripture on its own scrolls, then stored in a cabinet, a codex copy of the it is the earliest known manuscript Bible would have to arrange those books in some order by the very nature of the format. of the New Testament. Photo: Public Continued on page 36 domain image, licensed under PD-old.

34 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 DADDAD WITHWITH DOWNDOWN SYNDROMESYNDROME INSPIRESINSPIRES HISHIS SONSON andand teachesteaches usus allall toto re-examinere-examine ourour assumptionsassumptions

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Jad Issa’s son Sader is studying dentistry and is proud of his father’s achievements.

ad Issa has Down syndrome, but his life isn’t what you anything he wants might expect. Just ask his wife (who doesn’t have Down … When you see a Jsyndrome) – or his son, who is studying to be a dentist. person, perceived Jad’s story recently made headlines when his son Sader spoke by the commu- about his father in a video published on Facebook, which led to nity as a vulnerable a series of stories and interviews about this remarkable family person or a person (including an article in our Italian edition, which inspired me who is dependent to write this). on the community, who is working A loving father and a responsible provider hard and trying to Sader – a strapping young man who enjoys swimming, body- do everything to building, studying, and spending time with his friends – lives secure everything I with his parents in Syria. He’s proud of his father; in the video, need as a small kid … This will of course push me to do all I can he says that even if he could, he’d never want to pick someone to be the best person [I can be].” else to be his father. “I’m proud of him, the same way he is proud of me,” he says. This feeling is well-founded; Jad is the A husband and a friend family’s main breadwinner, and despite the difficulties of his Jad hasn’t only been a good father; according to his son, he’s condition, he “tried to do everything to secure a normal life for also a good husband. In his relationship with his wife, “They [me] like any other child,” Sader says. “During my studies, he may disagree sometimes, or not. They have a life full of love, was the biggest supporter economically, psychologically, and in simplicity, and humility in all respects.” In short, Sada says, all respects.” their relationship is like that of any other couple. As Sader explains in the video, the pride is mutual: “One of Outside the home, Jad has been working at a local wheat the things that I am proud of is when he introduces me to a new mill for 25 years, and he has good relations with his neighbors person for the first time, and he says, ‘My son is a doctor.’ You and coworkers. “His social relations are simple and pure be- can see the pride and joy in his eyes. It’s like he’s saying: ‘I have cause he loves everyone and anyone, and in return, all people Down syndrome, but I raised my son and did everything to help love and respect him, and treat him like any ordinary person,” him become a doctor who treats people. I’m proud of him …’” Sader explains. Clearly, Jad and his wife were able to provide a more than adequate environment for Sader to grow up healthy, happy, and Re-examining what Down syndrome means smart. In Sader’s own words, “A child who grows up in the lap All of this should make us think twice. When most people of a person with Down syndrome will have all the love and ten- think of Down syndrome, they think of a life full of mental derness that anyone can offer. This will lead up to a person who and physical disabilities, of social isolation, of total dependence is emotionally and socially well balanced and is able to achieve Continued on page 36

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 35 DAD WITH DOWN SYNDROME Continued from page 35 on other people’s care, of being a burden…In short, a life they life of a person who isn’t able to function as well as Jad – consider not worth living. This is so common a view that in someone who is truly dependent on others due to disabilities, many countries children prenatally diagnosed with Down syn- and may never have the joy of being a husband or father – is drome are aborted. a life not worth living. This attitude is profoundly inhuman, Yet, this view is profoundly and tragically mistaken in at least because the value of each person isn’t what they can do, but two ways: who they are: a human being, deserving of love and care, and The first is the assumption that people with Down syndrome of the opportunity to develop whatever possibilities they have, are doomed to misery. In reality, people with this condition can as limited as they may be. have a wide range of abilities. Jad is clearly on the high end of As Christians, we recognize in every human being the image the range of functionality, and the fact that he was able to have and likeness of God. Sometimes it’s an image that reminds us of a son is highly exceptional. However, in reality there’s no way Christ during the Transfiguration, radiant with power and good- for us to know ahead of time what a person with Down syn- ness; other times, it’s the image of Christ on the cross, wounded, drome – or anybody else, for that matter, with or without dis- rejected, and dying. Jesus told us (Mt 25:40-45) that what we do abilities, money, social privilege, etc. – will be able to achieve. to those in need, we do to him. People who are disabled, sick, or Abortion means cutting off any possibilities, ending a life out disadvantaged, are an opportunity God sends us to learn how to of fear and misunderstood mercy. love, and to do so with greater purity of intention. Again, Sader says it best: “As a child who grew up with a We need to build a culture where every child who is con- father with Down syndrome, I know exactly how pure-hearted ceived is accepted and welcomed as a mystery whose future and loving they are but also that they have ambition and drive potential only God can foresee; a society in which frightened and deserve a decent life and do not deserve to be aborted.” and confused parents don’t feel they need to face an uncertain In the video, he adds, “For many people, the idea of a woman future alone, without support or the necessary resources. Our pregnant with a baby with Down syndrome may be the worst task is to love every child and to help them develop their full scenario…If my grandmother was convinced of this idea, I potential, as great or as small as that may turn out to be, not to wouldn’t be here with you.” cut their life short because we lack the vision to recognize their The second way this view is misguided is the idea that the value or the generosity to give them a chance. †

Christians prefer the Codex to the scroll? Continued from page 34

In his Archaeological Views column “Early Christian Dilem- ma: Codex or Scroll?” in the November/December 2018 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, Larry Hurtado presents his answers to the intriguing question of why the early Christian texts are over- whelmingly (and progressively) in the form of a codex. A scholar of the New Testament and Christian origins, Hurtado diligently reviews the hard data on early Christian manuscripts, remarking on the growing percentage of codices among the identifiably early Christian texts. “It seems to me that the more cogent view is that the ancient Christian predilection toward the codex served to distinguish Christian books,” Hurtado writes about arguably one of the most culturally significant innovations of Late Antiquity – the transition from bookroll to codex as the standard book format. Tiny scraps are often all that remain of the early Bible manu- scripts. The papyrus fragment Rylands P52 likely dates as early as the second century A.D. Containing a few verses from the Gospel When pictured with a book, Jesus is often identified by the Biblical verse John of John, it is the earliest known manuscript of the New Testament. 8:12 as “the light of the world.” More light still needs to be shed on the begin- When woodblock printing presses that could mass-produce books nings of the codex, as it remains unclear why the codex (and not the bookroll) was the preferred book form to record the early Christian texts. were developed 12 centuries later, the codex’ primacy as the book format of choice was sealed – except, as mentioned, for religious This mural mosaic of Christ Pantokrator (“Almighty”) in the Cefalù Cathedral, uses of the scroll in the Jewish faith. † on Sicily, dates to the 12th century. Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad/Wonders of Sicily.

36 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 37 TWENTYTWENTY QUESTIONSQUESTIONS about the Melkite Bishops of the USA By Abouna Yacoub See how much you and yours know about your faith and traditions by completing this quiz. You can find the correct answers on the bottom of the opposite page. In this issue, Abouna Yacoub comes up with twenty questions about the bishops who have shepherded the Melkite faithful in the United States:

1. Who was the first bishop for the Melkites in the 4. When was the first bishop for the Melkites in the United States? USA appointed? A. Justin Najmy A. 1965 B. Joseph Tawil B. 1966 C. Ignatios Ghattas C. 1967 D. Joseph Raya D. 1969

2. Who was the only American-born Melkite bishop? 5. Which bishops of the Melkite Church in American also A. Nicholas Antiba served as parish priests in the US? B. John Elya A. Tawil, Ghattas, Elya, and Bustros C. George Gallaro B. Najmy, Ghattas, Elya, and Samra D. Nicholas Samra C. Najmy, Tawil, Elya, and Bustros D. Ghattas, Elya, Bustros, and Samra 3. How many bishops have led the Melkite Church in America? 6. In what year did the Apostolic Exarchate for the Melkites A. Two in the USA become the Eparchy of Newton for the B. Four Melkites in the USA? C. Six A. 1967 D. Eight B. 1969 C. 1975 D. 1976

38 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 7. Who was the bishop of the Melkites in the USA for the 14. Which bishop began to ordain as deacons men who did shortest time? not intend to become priests? A. Ignatios Ghattas A. Joseph Tawil B. Justin Najmy B. Ignatios Ghattas C. John Elya C. John Elya D. Cyril Bustros D. Cyril Bustros

8. Who was the bishop of the Melkites in the USA for the 15. Which bishop founded St Gregory Seminary to train longest time? American Melkite priests? A. Nicholas Samra A. Joseph Tawil B. John Elya B. Ignatios Ghattas C. Joseph Tawil C. John Elya D. Ignatios Ghattas D. Cyril Bustros

9. Who were the two auxiliary bishops of the Eparchy 16. Which bishop served as Rector of Annunciation of Newton? Cathedral? A. John Elya and Nicholas Samra A. Joseph Tawil B. Ignatios Ghattas and Nicholas Samra B. Ignatios Ghattas C. Ignatios Ghattas and John Elya C. John Elya D. None of the above. D. Nicholas Samra

10. In what year did His Grace Nicholas Samra become 17. Which bishop served as Rector of St Gregory Seminary? the Eparchial Bishop of Newton? A. Joseph Tawil A. 1989 B. Cyril Bustros B. 1999 C. Ignatios Ghattas C. 2007 D. Nicholas Samra D. 2011 18. Which bishop served as pastor of St Basil the Great parish 11. How many parishes did Bishop John Elya serve before in Rhode Island? becoming Eparch of Newton? A. Nicholas Samra A. Six B. John Elya B. Two C. Justin Najmy C. Five D. Ignatios Ghattas D. Three 19. Which bishop wrote “The Courage to be Ourselves”? 12. How many parishes and missions did Bishop Nicholas A. Justin Najmy Samra serve before becoming Eparchial Bishop of B. Joseph Tawil Newton? C. Ignatios Ghattas A. Six D. John Elya B. Two 20. Which bishop served as pastor of the parish where C. Five he was baptized? D. Three A. Nicholas Samra 13. Which bishop ordained the first married man as a Melkite B. Cyril Bustros priest in the USA? C. John Elya A. Joseph Tawil D. Ignatios Ghattas B. Ignatios Ghattas C. John Elya ANSWERS

D. Cyril Bustros C 18. A 15. A 12. A 9. D 6. C 3.

A 20. D 17. A 14. D 11. C 8. B 5. D 2.

B 19. C 16. C 13. D 10. B 7. B 4. A 1.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 39 EPARCHYEPARCHYAround the

St Nicholas, Rochester, NY Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine

The warmer months of the year are often a time of travel and exploration. While theme-parks, Hollywood, and the local stadium provide the summer distractions for a distracted society, the summer months offer a deeper opportunity for spiritual renewal, for walking with the saints, for fixing our eyes on Christ. Parishoners of St Nicholas have taken one such opportunity to make a pilgrimage together. It is not always possible, nor the only option, to visit sites across the globe in the Holy Land or Europe despite their great importance. There is another type of pilgrimage, an urgent call to visit sites tied to our own present homes. Holiness is realized in the details of daily life, in the places where we live and work. We must know and grow close to the faithful witnesses who, in their sweat and blood, have prepared and consecrated the places that we now occupy, those who have already striven, who ran the race and received their crowns on the same ground that we live and strive on. Striving in our tradition has one preeminent model. Byzantine worship is built on the martyrs: those who hand over their bodies, sharing Christ’s passion so as to share in His Resurrection on the last day. Their relics sanctify our Holy places, their feasts fill our calendar, the Church raises them up so that we may imitate them in whatever way Christ desires to be glorified in us. North America was consecrated by such witnesses. The “North American Martyrs” were Catholic missionaries who accompanied the French explorers and early settlers. They were the most talented scholars of their age who traded every honor and comfort for dirt, poverty, and rejection. They became the Gospel passages that we hear each Sunday, too often with sleeping ears: they became the beggar, the deaf man, the blind man, the paralytic, the good Samaritan and the man left for dead that he saved. Finally, they became Lazarus waiting in his tomb and Christ raising Lazarus to new life. Their desire to bring Christ to the Native inhabitants brought them every conceivable hardship, struggling to decode native languages, choking on the thick smoke of the longhouses with frozen limbs, rats and disease as companions. They lived as martyrs and died the most brutal deaths imaginable, unmatched even by the stories of martyrdom from the first centuries: fingers gnawed off and tongues cut out in hatred of their sacred work; skinned, burned, eyes gouged out and filled with hot coals, doused with boiling water in mockery of Holy Baptism, heart removed and consumed in envy of the power to endure without even a cry of self-pity, which only Divine love made possible. They consecrate the soil that we walk on. They belong to us and intercede for us. On August 3rd, St Nicholas parish was honored to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and visit Auriesville, New York, the site of the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, one site among several, where three such souls brought Divine Grace to us. It is no coincidence that the spiritual malaise of our society occurs at a moment of unprecedented distraction. Jesus told us that the light of the eye reveals the inner life of the soul. Technology has people’s eyes and attention darting everywhere, a million directions adding up to no direction. Our tradition provides the remedy in the eyes of the martyrs: fixed and immovable on one face both on earth and in eternity. The time is given us to share their company and to seek the face that they sought. Whatever we really love is where our eyes will be fixed.

40 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Our Lady of Mercy Mission Allentown, PA

Seven hundred people attended the Feast of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. His Grace, Bishop Nicholas, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and led the procession with the amazing marching band and different youth groups two miles to the new parish hall. The youth also performed a recreation of the Mystical Supper, including a replica meal that Jesus shared with His disciples. The Good Friday procession was featured on the front page of The Morning Call, Allentown’s daily newspaper. Recently the community presented its annual Food Festival featuring Arabic music and traditional Syrian food. This very active mission is led by Fr Victor Hanna, always ready with new ideas of how to grow and increase our faith. Jovian Rabih contributed to this article

St John of the Desert, Phoenix, AZ

A new dome for St John of the Desert Church? NO! After enduring the scorching sun of Phoenix for fourteen years, the once beautiful blue dome on top of the bell tower had badly faded and had lost its shine. It was time to do something about it: replace it or refurbish it? Well, God bless the four young (and not so young) men of the parish who volunteered to give it a shot and repaired it. Paul Davis, Sam Haddad, and Zaky Ghazal woke up at the crack of dawn for quite a few days and worked a couple of hours on the dome before the sun became too hot. Faithfully, they completed this work before going to their daily jobs and responsibility. They were joined sometimes by Baren Dingott when his schedule permitted it. What a fantastic and professional work! The dome is now fixed and back on the bell tower, shining and looking spanking brand new! Don’t you agree? Great job guys, God bless you and the work of your hands. Sallem Dayatkom!

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 41 EPARCHYEPARCHYAround the Great Lakes Protopresbyterate

By Fr James K. Graham Pastor, St Joseph Parish, Lansing, MI

Eight priests and three deacons attended the annual clergy retreat of the Great Lakes Protopresbyterate at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington, Mich., from June 17 through 21. The priests celebrated a variety of Divine Services daily, including vespers, compline, typika, orthros, and the Divine Liturgy. The schedule provided opportunities to lead services that are seldom celebrated in many of the parishes. Everyone joined in the chanting and reading. Fr Steven Hurd, SJ, led four lively discussions on topics the fathers identified last year as deserving attention as they relate to priests’ lives: sexuality, authority, money, and self-care. He introduced each topic with references to Holy Scripture, tradition, and contemporary events. The discussions continued at meals and in conversations outdoors by the fountain, where the smokers and non-smokers both could gather to share experiences, questions and ideas. On Wednesday afternoon, Fr Michel Cheble gave a tour of nearby Our Lady of Redemption Church, where the new iconography, baldacchino, and iconostasis were much admired In retrospect, the customary dinner on Thursday evening at Sterling’s Bistro in Sterling Heights, Mich., was a bittersweet event, because it turned out to be the last time the Great Lakes clergy saw their brother Fr Michael Hull, who joined in this retreat for the fifth year. Less than a month later, everyone was stunned and saddened by the news of Fr Michael’s sudden and unexpected passing at home in Augusta, Ga. May his memory be eternal! The Great Lakes Protopresbyterate comprises Melkite parishes in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and western New York. The following priests and deacons attended: Fr Ezzat Bathouche (St John the Baptist, Northlake, IL), Protopresbyter Fr Michel Cheble (Our Lady of Redemption, Warren, MI), Fr Michael Copenhagen (St Nicholas, Rochester, NY), Protodeacon Joseph Daratony (St Joseph, Lansing, MI), Fr Elie Eid (St Michael, Plymouth, MI), Fr James Graham (St Joseph, Lansing), Deacon David Herr (Our Lady of Redemption, Warren, MI), Fr Ignatius Harrington (Holy Resurrection, Columbus, OH), Archimandrite Eugene Mitchell (St Joseph, Akron, OH), Deacon Rick Trabulsy (Our Lady of Redemption, Warren, MI), and guest Fr Michael Hull (St Ignatius, Augusta, GA).

42 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Holy Cross, Placentia, CA

By Father François Beyrouti, PhD/D Th

Our youth meet weekly at Holy Cross, and are very active. On May 19, we had the Eastern Christian Formation graduation for our children from kindergarten through grade 8. On July 7, the children enjoyed outdoor activities, and on June 9, we had a special appreciation Divine Liturgy for all the teachers. From July 14 to Aug. 18 the children met every Sunday to learn the hymns of the Divine Liturgy. In other news, Deacon Elias Kashou presented “Serving the Lord through the community of the Church” on May 5. On May 12, David Paddison led a session on “Putting your SPARK into action,” and on June 9, along with Lydieth Najeral, discussed with the youth and their parents strategies for preventing prescription-drug abuse. Robert Fragnito led discussions on Matthew Kelly’s books “First Christian Prayers” and “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity” on May 26. On June 2, Gabriel Kassaseya led a meeting with the youth and their parents on the topic of “Understanding Mental Illness in Adolescents Within Orange County.” On July 19, the youth and parents attended the youth celebration “The Kingdom is Here” on the occasion of the dedication of Christ Cathedral. On Monday, July 29 Michael Nassar presented to our college students a talk on the Nicene Creed. The young adults went kayaking on May 5, and watched “Les Miserables” on May 16. On May 31, we attended the 13th annual Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Christian Unity at St Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine, Calif. On July 6, we joined the St Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church Pro-Life ministry to pray for an end to abortion at the Planned Parenthood facilities in Orange, Calif. Fr Francois attended the 2019 Project Faith in Youth, Youth Summit at the Waymakers Orange County headquarters on June 1. On June 27, he visited the Catholic Answers headquarters in El Cajon, Calif. He also attended the 50th anniversary of the founding of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church (Anaheim) on July 20. During his very busy summer, he also gave an evening talk on “Spiritual Discipleship” at Saint Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, Canada. We were blessed for a second year to welcome seminarian Mikhael Naddaf. He was with us from May 21 to Aug. 18. As part of his seminary formation program, he registered in a full- time Clinical Pastoral Education practicum at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Orange. On June 16, he presented a talk titled: “By His Stripes We Are Healed.” We will continue to pray for him, our other seminarians, and more vocations to the priesthood.

Fr François Beyrouti is Pastor of Holy Cross parish in Placentia, CA.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 43 EPARCHYEPARCHYAround the St Michael Church, Plymouth, MI

Originally built as a Baptist Church in the old and historical town of Plymouth, MI, in 1852, our church has been the home of St Michael Melkite Community now for 10 years. From a small number of families it has now grown into a full-size community. The Community now brings together families from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan. With strong Christian values, humble in nature, the congregation is open and welcoming to visitors with their generous hospitality. Recently the community has welcomed many Syrian refugees as well as Americans who made a visit on an average Sunday for Liturgy. The traditional Melkite services have made an impact on the growth of the church over the last 10 years with the services and homilies given by Fr Elias Eid, the pastor. They are loved by the members and have been inspirational to many. Lenten services are held on Wednesdays and Fridays and throughout Holy Week. St Charbel novenas and many more important feast days are also celebrated during the year even by those who do not speak nor understand the Arabic language. In 2010, Saint Michael’s Community formed a youth group of its own, bringing together fifteen youth from ages 13 to 18. Participation in National Association of Melkite Youth for Saint Michael’s was a moment of achievement for the group. For the two years they had participated in the N.A.M.Y. retreats (Clarkston, MI, and Chicago), they returned with the trophy for the best skit performance, whether it was performed by 15 members in 2012 or down to three in 2014. The youth group remains active meeting Sunday mornings before Liturgy to discuss the Word of God. Many members of the youth group have now matured into adults. Still, there are many children who have become a major importance in the life of the church. Children have grown to love the annual activities organized for them, such as an Easter egg hunt and Christmas story time with St Nicholas. Many elders not only attend Sunday Liturgy, but during the winter, they make time at least once during the week for an enlightening evening for Bible study. Fr Elias brings out inspirational passages from the Bible, explaining in depth what is preached. Whether topics from the Bible or messages from Saint Charbel, parishioners grow their knowledge, becoming closer spiritually and emotionally with the Scriptures. Many families of this congregation have become closely knit friends. With love and respect for the church, the community has created events and activities of their own within the church and for the church. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the St Michael’s Feast Day party are key events. Recently they have expanded upon ideas to form a club where families could spend quality time sharing laughs and memories on cold Friday nights in winter when no one wants to stay home. St Michael Community today has become one large family.

44 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Holy Transfiguration, McLean, VA

Parishioners from Holy Transfiguration Parish gathered for Divine Liturgy for the feast of St Elias. Fr Joseph Francavilla spoke during his homily of how beloved the saint is among the Christians in the Middle East. In particular, he highlighted the miracles St Elias performed for the widow from Sidon (Lebanon) who sheltered him, multiplying her last measure of flour and oil as long as he stayed with her, and even raising her son from the dead. The importance of hospitality in the Middle East is legendary, and here we see how that virtue was richly rewarded by God. After Liturgy, Father Joseph led a procession through the parking lot, chanting and blessing the cars with holy water in memory of the fiery chariot that brought St Elias to heaven. Later, several of the women in the church exhibited their own commitment to hospitality by serving a delicious lunch. The children then gathered outside on the church grounds to remember more miracles of St Elias. Lighting sparklers, we retold the story of St Elias praying for fire to come down from heaven to consume the sacrifice on Mount Carmel, putting the false idols to shame. Then we remembered how he prayed and brought rain on Israel after three years’ drought, blowing bubbles to symbolize the water. It was a beautiful celebration for all who attended. St Elias, pray for us!

Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association

The June Meeting of the Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association (ECPA) of Greater Atlan- ta. From l to r: Fr Kidanemariam Gebrehiwot, Perpetual Help Eritrean Church; Fr Lewis Rabayda, Epiphany of Our Lord Ruthenian Byzantine Church; Archimandrite John Azar, St. John Chrysostom Melkite Church, and Fr Volodomyr Petrytsya, Mother of God Ukrai- nian Church, where the mtg. was held. Missing were the Maronite & Syro-Malabar Clergy.

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 45 by Susan Elek namw president

NAMW congratulates Bishop Nicholas for 50 years as a priest and 30 years as a bishop. We thank him for his continued support of NAMW. Our Eparchy is truly blessed to have him as our leader. May God grant him many years.

As our seminarians prepare for another year of study, we urge everyone to pray daily for their success.

Lord Jesus, I ask your special blessing on all young men preparing for the priesthood in our seminaries. I pray that they will grow in faith, hope, and charity. May their hearts overflow with your compassion, understanding, and generosity, and may their desire to serve you, inspire others to answer your call. Lord Jesus, give our seminarians the grace to follow you more perfectly. When they are lonely or discouraged, fill them with your peace. Let them be encouraged by the fact they are never alone. . . Jesus meek and humble of heart, make the minds and hearts of our seminarians like yours. Amen (aprayerforseminarians.com) NAMW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

SUSAN ELEK To join or renew your membership in the National Association of Melkite Women, President complete and mail this form with your dues check for $10.00 made payable to NAMW to: Our Lady of Redemption COLETTE SABAK . 17870 Maple Hill Drive . Northville, MI 48168 586-939-0650 [email protected] PLEASE PRINT:

SYLVIE NAJDARIAN NAME______Vice President Annunciation Cathedral ADDRESS______339-364-1380 [email protected] CITY, STATE, ZIP______

COLETTE SABAK TELEPHONE______EMAIL______Treasurer PARISH______Please circle one: NEW MEMBER RENEWAL Our Lady of Redemption 313-683-1085 Remember to keep our need for vocations in your prayers. Be an advocate, [email protected] encourage our youth to participate in your parish. NAMW CONTACT INFORMATION NAMW CONTACT

46 SOPHIA | Fall 2019

BISHOP’S APPEAL

y Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it gives me great joy to express my profound gratitude to all those whose names are inscribed in grateful remembrance in this Honor Roll of Benefactors as generous contributors to the Bishop’s Appeal 2018. Thank God, you have answered the Lord’s call to come to the aid of our Melkite Church in America even in these times of economic sacrifice. Through your generosity and support, the Lord has blessed us! MIt is my fervent prayer that all the members of our Church in America will see your good works and give glory to our Father in Heaven and that all the faithful of our Eparchy will follow your good example and take an active role in the necessary duty of the monetary support of our Melkite Church in America! May Christ our Heavenly Benefactor bless and reward your generosity abundantly and may He bestow upon you the riches of His grace unto eternal life. In Christ God,

ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL ROBERT E DEXTER, JR Melkite Sponsor IMAD & GHADA HAZZAN Cedars Club West Roxbury, MA JOYCE SARROUF Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS JOSEPH AYROUTH Cedars Club MR AND MRS ANTHONY PERFETTI Melkite Sponsor RAJA MARJI Cedars Club MR & MRS EDWARD MALOUF Pious Helper MR AND MRS JOSEPH SOUSSOU Melkite Sponsor GEORGE & ROSE SEMAAN Cedars Club MR & MRS ELIAS ANJIM Pious Helper ASSAAD & SUZANNE NASR Melkite Sponsor MARY ARANKI Cedars Club OLGA TEEBAGY Pious Helper MR & MRS EDMUND BANDAR Melkite Sponsor AKL & SABAT KOZHAYA Cedars Club MRS LAURICE CHAHINE Pious Helper DR NICHOLAS BUSABA & PETER & CHRISTINE GAMBINO Cedars Club SANDRA EKNOIAN Pious Helper DR MAHA FARHAT Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS HAYDEN SHEA Cedars Club MRS ADELE METTA Pious Helper MS ADELE HAJJ Eparchial Benefactor GEORGE & ELHAM AROUK Cedars Club MR AND MRS FADI HOMSY Cedars Club GEORGE AND EILEEN MALOUF Eparchial Benefactor LUCY LUTFI Antioch Circle MS ELINOR O’NEIL Cedars Club ROBERT D MOSES Eparchial Benefactor JAMES AND CAROL KEARNS Antioch Circle MR & MRS JACK ATAYA Cedars Club MR AND MRS PATRICK MOSESSO Eparchial Benefactor CHARLES AND KOHAR ZAHER Antioch Circle MRS JEANNE HANDY Cedars Club DR & MRS SAMIR KASSISSIEH Eparchial Benefactor DR GEORGE & HARRIET HAJJAR Antioch Circle MICHAEL & NAJWA AWAD Cedars Club MR HENRY SMITH & SUN-JOO SHIN Eparchial Benefactor ELIE AND ROSEMARIE NASR Antioch Circle PAUL & MARIE WILLIAMS Cedars Club MR AND MRS SIDNEY HAJJAR Eparchial Benefactor PAULA MIHALOW Antioch Circle MR & MRS JAMES O’KEEFE Cedars Club ALAN & PATRICIA CREDE Eparchial Benefactor JAMES & NADIA BETTENDORF Antioch Circle MR & MRS HABEEB MOURAD Cedars Club MR & MRS RAYMOND BANDAR Eparchial Benefactor EORGE AND TEREZA KILZI Antioch Circle MR & MRS ALBERT ELIAN Cedars Club FREDERICK & NICOLE HAMWAY Eparchial Benefactor SHAKER AND MAJIDA SALMAN Melkite Sponsor GEORGE REZK Cedars Club MR & MRS CHARLES HAJJAR Patriarchal Patron FR FRANCOIS BEYROUTI Melkite Sponsor ELIZABETH TAMER Cedars Club SAID AND JOYCE SIGNOR Patriarchal Patron JOHN & ZEINA SKOURY Melkite Sponsor DR SAMUEL MALOOF & FAMILY Cedars Club ANTOINE & ANITA WAKIM Founders Society WADID & NELLY FATTOUCH Eparchial Benefactor ABDUL-KARIM RAFEQ Cedars Club MR AND MRS MICHEL KASHOU Founders Society BEDE BIDLACK Cedars Club MR & MRS SALEEM LAHLOUH Founders Society MR & MRS OMAR KASSIS Cedars Club ANNUNCIATION MISSION SIMON & PIERETTE SEMAAN Sublime Steward MS SANDRA PEPE Cedars Club Covina, CA BRYAN KELLY Cedars Club DENNIS & MARJORIE SARDELLA Cedars Club REV GABRIEL AZAR Cedars Club HOLY RESURRECTION HABIB SIOUFI Cedars Club MR & MRS SALIM CHALHOUB Cedars Club Columbus, OH MR & MRS ANTOINE & DELLA SKAF Cedars Club ANNA FIANI Cedars Club DR TONY & AIDA HANNA Antioch Circle DR TONY & MAY SAAD Eparchial Benefactor MRS LYLA MERZ Pious Helper MR JOHN AND JAY ALLAM Antioch Circle DCN & MRS GEORGE SAYEGH Patriarchal Patron GREGORY & KAREN RIETEMA Pious Helper GEORGE & JAKLIN SAIKALI Antioch Circle NAWAR SAIEG Cedars Club MR AND MRS JAMES DAILEY Antioch Circle MR & MRS FRED MALOOF Cedars Club MR VINCENT KENNEALLY Antioch Circle CHRIST THE SAVIOR MR AND MRS DAVID RITCHEY Cedars Club PHILLIP AND ROBERTA WILLIAMS Antioch Circle Yonkers, NY DR NIKOLA ALAIN Cedars Club DERRYL HANDY COBBETT Antioch Circle REV IGNATIUS HARRINGTON Cedars Club SUSAN DOLABANY Antioch Circle MR AND MRS ZIAD MARJI Pious Helper DR & DR SAMIR & RAZAN KAHWASH Antioch Circle MR & MRS MICHEL MOUHANNA Antioch Circle MR & MRS JERIES MARJI Cedars Club PHILIP AND GLORIA ABSI Eparchial Benefactor MS MARGARET DOMANEY Antioch Circle MR & MRS SALIM AILABOUNI Eparchial Benefactor MRS MARGARET MOSES Antioch Circle JULIA AILABOUNI Eparchial Benefactor RIGHT REVEREND PHILIP RACZKA Antioch Circle HOLY CROSS MR & MRS CHARLES HURST Antioch Circle Placentia, CA MS LEZA SARROUF Antioch Circle HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MR AND MRS MAGED ANTOUN Antioch Circle HAITHAM & NAJWA ARANKI Cedars Club McLean, VA MS JACQUELINE MALOUF Melkite Sponsor SALEM & LINDA SAIKALY Cedars Club MR KENNETH SLIBY Melkite Sponsor TOUFIC AND LAURICE SEMAAN Cedars Club REV JEFFREY SAMAHA Pious Helper MR ROBERT C FERRIS Melkite Sponsor HANNA AND KHALIDA HADDADIN Cedars Club SAMIRA BAILEY Pious Helper

48 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Sublime Steward: $10,000+ . Founders Society: $5,000-9,999 . Patriarchal Patron: $2,500- $4,999 . Eparchial Benefactor: $1,000-$2,499 Melkite Sponsor: $500-$999 . Antioch Circle: $250-$499 . Cedars Club: $100-$249 . Pious Helpers: $1-99

MR TRISTRAM CARLISLE Pious Helper PAUL ABRAHAM Pious Helper DR ELIAS GENNAOUI Eparchial Benefactor MRS GINA SAMAHA Cedars Club MRS PATRICIA ABRAHAM Pious Helper MR AND MRS GEORGE TOHME Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS GEORGE KHOURY Cedars Club MARY RIZK Pious Helper DR PIERRE & MRS NAWAL ZAYAT Eparchial Benefactor ROSS AND RAMONA FIORANI Cedars Club LISA JAGIELSKI Pious Helper MR & MRS MICHAEL & NAJAT KALIL Eparchial Benefactor JOHN AND AIDA SAMAHA Cedars Club MR AND MRS ANTONIO SOLITRO Pious Helper RICHARD AND AMY HABIB Patriarchal Patron MR AND MRS ANTHONY KANAKRY Cedars Club MR AND MRS ROBERT G LIAN Pious Helper DR RICHARD & MRS KAREN RAAD Patriarchal Patron MR & MRS WALID MAALOUF Cedars Club KATHERINE M THOMAS Pious Helper STEPHAN COSTANZO Cedars Club MR THOMAS SYSESKEY Cedars Club STUART KOEHL Cedars Club MR AND MRS FRANK BOYDA Cedars Club OUR LADY OF THE CEDARS SAM SAWAYA Cedars Club RICHARD & ANTOINETTE ESPER Cedars Club Manchester, NH MRS MARIANNE TAHHAN Cedars Club SUSAN ARRAJE Cedars Club MRS AIDA SAADA Cedars Club MR & MRS JOSEPH NAJEMY Cedars Club KENNETH POST Pious Helper MR ROBERT CLANCY Cedars Club JEANNE & TED NADER Cedars Club DENNIS SHEHEEM CLOW Pious Helper MR & MRS THOMAS KALIL Cedars Club DAVID RIZK Cedars Club MATTHEW LOMANNO Pious Helper MR & MRS MARCIN GIERDALSKI Cedars Club DR AND MRS JAMES ESPER Cedars Club WISSAM HAIDAR Pious Helper MISS MARIA CALDERON Cedars Club MR ROBERT GHIZ Antioch Circle MR & MRS THEODORE SHIEPE Cedars Club DR & MRS NADIM HADDAD Cedars Club MARIA K FILEWICZ Antioch Circle JACQUES BORCOCHE Cedars Club MR & MRS CRAIG HORTE Cedars Club HON JOSEPH & MRS LORRAINE LIAN JR Antioch Circle JOSEPH & SHERRY NEHME Cedars Club MR & MRS E. ALNER Cedars Club MR DENNIS J DESPLAINE Melkite Sponsor MR & MRSTHEOHARIS LAZOS Cedars Club MRS FERNANDE SABA Cedars Club RT REV PAUL G. FRECHETTE Melkite Sponsor MR KENNETH MONTY Cedars Club ANDREW & JULIA CHEMOTTI Cedars Club DR AZAR DAGHER Patriarchal Patron MRS RITA TUTUNDGY Cedars Club MISS ELIZABETH ASHOOH Cedars Club MR AND MRS ROBERT KALADISH Cedars Club JUDGE WILLIAM & DARLENE CONNELLY Antioch Circle TERRI O’KEEFE Cedars Club MR AND MRS NADIM HADDAD Antioch Circle OUR LADY OF REDEMPTION MAURICE PARE Cedars Club MR & MRS EDWARD BARBARA Antioch Circle Warren, MI TIMOTHY ERMATINGER Cedars Club MR & MRS RONALD FARRAH Antioch Circle MARYANN STEINMETZ Cedars Club MR AND MRS ROBERT KARCZEWSKI Antioch Circle NICHOLAS ZAWASKI Pious Helper JOHN & MARIE HANNA Cedars Club MR JOHN VERNOSKI Antioch Circle MR & MRS ANDRE & TERESA DAHER Pious Helper GRACE FREIJE Cedars Club MR & MRS JOHN NOORY Antioch Circle DR AND MRS WADGI CREDI Pious Helper REV DN & MRS MICHAEL MACOUL Cedars Club MR & MRS ABDALLAH BSEIRANI Antioch Circle MR AND MRS RICHARD SALLOUM Pious Helper JOSEPH & JENNIFER ASHOOH Cedars Club REV EPHREM & MRS JUDY HANDAL Antioch Circle RAKAD AND LAILA ARRAF Cedars Club KENNETH kOMISAREK Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL COE & FAMILY Antioch Circle REV DEACON AND MRS DAVID HERR Cedars Club SALAM & MARTHA DAGHER Antioch Circle ERIC ORTIZ Antioch Circle MR & MRS JAMES SOLOMAN Cedars Club DR JAMES TENN Melkite Sponsor KIMBERLY METZGER Antioch Circle MR AND MRS NABIL MAREI Cedars Club MR AND MRS PAUL KEARNEY Melkite Sponsor MRS LANETTE KANAKRY Antioch Circle KAREN CHRISTNER Cedars Club PAUL ST GERMAIN Melkite Sponsor DR GEORGE SAMMAN Antioch Circle JANET MAROUN Cedars Club MR AND MRS MARK FREGEAU Melkite Sponsor MISS KRISTEN BERG Melkite Sponsor MS. MARGARET NOUHAN Cedars Club REV ROGER BOUCHER Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS WILLIAM KLIMON Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS SLEIMAN GEORGES Cedars Club REV & MRS THEOPHAN LEONARCZYK Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS GEORGE ARRAF Cedars Club OUR LADY OF THE CEDARS CHURCH Eparchial Benefactor P & J ROSENBAUM Melkite Sponsor JULIA DAVID Cedars Club STEFAN & JEANINE NOTTER Eparchial Benefactor MR DONALD TWOMBLY Eparchial Benefactor IBRAHIM SAFADI Cedars Club REV & MRS THOMAS STEINMETZ Eparchial Benefactor DEACON AND MRS DAVID BLACK Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS JOHN ELEK Cedars Club RT REV JOSEPH FRANCAVILLA Eparchial Benefactor NAJAT GIZE Cedars Club DR ROBERT SHALHOUB Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS JOSEPH AMMAR Cedars Club ST ANN MR PHILIP WOLFF Eparchial Benefactor ANTHONY SOLOMAN Cedars Club Danbury, CT ANONYMOUS Eparchial Benefactor VIOLET KALIL Cedars Club MR & MRS ELLIOTT DORHAM Patriarchal Patron RICHARD & DIANE BOYLAND Cedars Club DR YOUSSEF AND JOANN HORANIEH Pious Helper MR FREDERICK HADEED Founders Society MR & MRS JOSEPH BASSIL Cedars Club MR NAZIH ANTONIOS Pious Helper KATHY ELRIACHI Cedars Club HALIM BOURJEILI Cedars Club REV DN & MRS RICK TRABULSY Antioch Circle MRS NUHAD HADDAD Cedars Club LAS VEGAS OUTREACH MRS ROSE AMMAR Antioch Circle MRS TINA HAJJ Cedars Club Las Vegas, NV LUCILLE COUREY Antioch Circle FRED RANDAZZO Cedars Club JOSEPH, MARY & GEORGE ZAINEA Antioch Circle MS GEORGETTE AYOUB Cedars Club WISSAM & RITA DAGHER Pious Helper MRS FREDA ALIBRI Antioch Circle REV DN NICHOLAS & LAILA BOURJAILI Cedars Club BLUGIS - GORDON Cedars Club MR & MRS RICHARD MICHAEL Antioch Circle MR AND MRS AUGUSTINE DELUCA Cedars Club MR EDWARD AND PAULA RIZK Antioch Circle MR AND MRS GEORGE FELGENAUER Antioch Circle MR & MRS JAMES & NICOLE CIPRIANI Cedars Club MR& MRS BRANDON RIZK & FAMILY Antioch Circle JOHN SARDY & FAMILY Antioch Circle MR & MRS WILLIAM MICHAEL Cedars Club MICHAEL AND JULIA THOMAS Antioch Circle MR & MRS EDWARD STOLLER Cedars Club WILLIAM AND JULIE MCEVOY Antioch Circle MR & MRS RAYMOND & NAJLAH ANTOUS Cedars Club OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP MR JACK RIASHI, JR Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS BRUCE SYPHER Cedars Club Worcester, MA JOSEPH AND SAMIRA AJLOUNY Melkite Sponsor MOTHER OF GOD OF TENDERNESS Cedars Club WILLIAM AND LYNN SEMAAN Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS JOSEPH & LAURIE ANTOUS Antioch Circle MS KATHLEEN ANEZ Pious Helper MR & MRS MICHAEL & LORI PILLES Melkite Sponsor MR RICHARD ZALOUM Eparchial Benefactor

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 49 Sublime Steward: $10,000+ . Founders Society: $5,000-9,999 . Patriarchal Patron: $2,500- $4,999 . Eparchial Benefactor: $1,000-$2,499

NABIL & HIND TAKLA Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS LOUIS ASBATY Cedars Club GEORGE & PAMELA HADDAD Antioch Circle NAHOM FAMILY FOUNDATION Eparchial Benefactor NICHOLAS AND CAMILLE BALDO Cedars Club REV & MRS DENNIS MCCARTHY Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS LOUIS SAYAD Cedars Club MR AND MRS GEORGE DOLLING Cedars Club ST ANN MR & MRS GREGORY APRILE Cedars Club ST ANNE Woodland Park, NJ JOSEPH AND JOYCE VERNIERI Cedars Club North Hollywood, CA MR AND MRS JOHN BSARANY Cedars Club RAYMOND & SUSAN ROWEK Pious Helper MR & MRS JOSEPH & NANCY BARBARY Cedars Club MS DARLENE LORENZ Pious Helper MR & MRS ANTHONY PERRI Pious Helper GEORGE & JOANN FAKHOURY Cedars Club MR AND MRS GAMIL BABA Pious Helper BRIAN AND GAIL ROBINSON Pious Helper TONY & FRAN NAJJAR Antioch Circle MR AND MRS MUFID KAWAR Pious Helper JEAN TAHAN Pious Helper MR AND MRS FRED LOZY Antioch Circle MR GEORGE SIDHOM Pious Helper MS PATRICIA FATTELL Pious Helper EUGENE AND GEORGENE WAWRZYNIAK Antioch Circle MELANY WALKER Pious Helper MRS AGNES STRASSER Pious Helper MR AND MRS JOHN T OBEJI Antioch Circle MRS ROSE CHAWKI Pious Helper MR AND MRS KENNETH COLLURA Pious Helper MR AND MRS JOHN HELLMERS Antioch Circle MR & MRS VINCE FARHAT Pious Helper MR AND MRS KAMAL BAHRI Pious Helper MR AND MRS KARIM KASPAR Antioch Circle MR & MRS OSAMA KAWAR Cedars Club MARY BARBARY Pious Helper MRS LAURA DIKDAN Antioch Circle MRS VALERIE NIXON FLORMAN Cedars Club BASHAR & MIRNA KATAT Pious Helper REV DN EDWARD & GEORGANN BSARANY Antioch Circle MR AND MRS PIERRE MAKHOUL Cedars Club CHRISTOPHER SHALHOUB Cedars Club BASIL KAYAL Antioch Circle MR AND MRS EDWARD HOVSEPIAN Cedars Club PETER AND MARISSA SHALHOUB Cedars Club RAY & SANDRA FOSTER Antioch Circle MR AND MRS GERALD FRAZEE Cedars Club MR AND MRS MICHAEL KAYAL Cedars Club MR AND MRS FADI CHAABAN Antioch Circle MS. HELEN NAHOM Cedars Club MR AND MRS JOSEPH KHONEISSER Cedars Club RT REV KENNETH SHERMAN Antioch Circle RON AND DIANE BULARZ Cedars Club MR JOSEPH TOBJY Cedars Club MR AND MRS GABRIEL SINKI Antioch Circle MR & MRS NABIL GAHEL Cedars Club MR AND MRS GEORGE STRONGHILOS Cedars Club GREGG & MICHELE KATTINE Antioch Circle MR AND MRS SAGER FARRAJ Cedars Club GEORGETTE HANNOUSH & FAMILY Cedars Club JOHN & DEBRA GORNY Antioch Circle MR & MRS WAJDI SUNNAA Cedars Club RAYMOND AND MARILYN SHENEKJI Cedars Club MR & MRS EAMON DOHERTY Antioch Circle MR & MRS GEORGE KHAIR, JR Cedars Club MR ROBERT GORAYEB Cedars Club JOHN AND DIANE NAGEL Antioch Circle JOSEPH J AND MARY ANN TURKMANY Cedars Club PATTI TAHAN Cedars Club MR & MRS BASIL BARDAGHJI Antioch Circle MR EDWARD ELIAS RAHEB Cedars Club WILLIAM BSARANY Cedars Club DEACON ROBERT & TANIA SHALHOUB Melkite Sponsor MRS MARIE CHABAREK Cedars Club MR AND MRS JOSEPH MURRAY Cedars Club MS STELLA ISGRO Melkite Sponsor REV DEACON & MRS GEORGE KAROUT Cedars Club JOSEPH AND MARIE ASHEY Cedars Club JOSEPH AND DIANE ROWEK Melkite Sponsor REV SHAUN BROWN Cedars Club MS BARBARA JAROSZ Cedars Club GABE & MARY ANN RAAD Melkite Sponsor MICHAEL HOVSEPIAN Cedars Club MR AND MRS JOSEPH KAYAL Cedars Club ROBERT & CYNTHIA ASHEY Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS PHILLIP DAHDOUH Cedars Club MS JULIE MOLLOY Cedars Club JOSEPH & BARBARA FIERRAVANTI Melkite Sponsor MS ELIZABETH HOVSEPIAN Cedars Club JOSEPHINE CHIDIAC Cedars Club MR AND MRS ALAN BLUEMER Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS MIKHAEL KHOURY Cedars Club LOUIS AND AMELIA DAHDAH Cedars Club LOUIS & JENINE LONG Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS LEO FAHMIE Cedars Club MR AND MRS BENNY MARGHERITA Cedars Club ROBERT AND MICHELLE SORGE Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS JOSEPH ZARRAHY Cedars Club GEORGE RAAD Cedars Club MR AND MRS ELIAS SAYAD Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS GEORGES RAFFOUL Cedars Club KENNETH AND CAROL SPILKER Cedars Club MR AND MRS CHARLES CATHCART Eparchial Benefactor ELIAS & RAND HAWATMEH Cedars Club DOUGLAS AND LINDA DIFALCO Cedars Club JOHN AND DONNA LOZY Eparchial Benefactor MRS ALICE NASSANEY Cedars Club LORICE ZELHOF Cedars Club MR ANTHONY G SHENEKJI Eparchial Benefactor MRS MELISSE BOUZIANE-LOPES Cedars Club VLADIMIR & JUDY SWETLISCHNYJ Cedars Club DR AND MRS GEORGE M AJJAN Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS HONEIN MOUAKKAD Cedars Club ALBERT & GEORGINA DAHAB Cedars Club REVEREND BASIL SAMRA Eparchial Benefactor RENAI EFFARAH Cedars Club RAMY & AMIRA NASSER Cedars Club MICHAEL AND VIVIAN MASSOOD Patriarchal Patron MRS ANNE CLIFFORD PETACH Cedars Club BARBARA BERLIN Cedars Club St ANN MELKITE CHURCH Patriarchal Patron MR SABIH LAWRENCE Cedars Club GEORGE & MARILYN BARBARY Cedars Club MR & MRS HAYEL HAWATMEH Cedars Club MR & MRS HENRY G RAAD Cedars Club MR & MRS GHATTAS HILLO Cedars Club GEORGE AND JOAN DAKAK Cedars Club DR & MRS ISHAK BISHARA Antioch Circle NANCY AKSHAR Cedars Club ST ANN MR AND MRS JOHN BONANO Antioch Circle GEORGE AKSHAR Cedars Club Waterford, CT MICHAEL & MARGARET RAYA Antioch Circle MRS RITA HARAKA Cedars Club MR & MRS ZAHI FARANESH Antioch Circle MR AND MRS KEVIN FEARON Cedars Club MRS TEKLA HAGE Pious Helper MR & MRS FAROUK DARWISH Antioch Circle JOSEPH & ANNA SHACKOOR Cedars Club GERARD E EGAN Cedars Club REV MUSIL SHIHADEH Antioch Circle BARBARA LOTA Cedars Club EDMOND NAJIM Cedars Club MRS JAMIL EFFARAH Antioch Circle LAURICE G KAYAL Cedars Club JOANNE & PATRICK MOUKAWSHER Cedars Club MR & MRS CLIFFORD SHIEPE Antioch Circle ANDREW & JESSICA SHALHOUB Cedars Club JOSEPH ZIZIK Cedars Club GABE & PAT SAYEGH Antioch Circle JAMES SHALHOUB Cedars Club RAYMOND & ANNA SOBANSKI Cedars Club MR & MRS GEORGE SAIKALI Antioch Circle KATHLEEN LEIZ Cedars Club ANDREA HALL Cedars Club RIGHT REVEREND FOUAD SAYEGH Melkite Sponsor THOMAS & SANDRA WOODS Cedars Club MR & MRS JOHN JALONSKI Cedars Club MR AND MRS KHALIL KHOURY Melkite Sponsor STEVEN & RENEE SOUS Cedars Club MR & MRS ALBERT DORO Cedars Club MR & MRS SALAMEH DUGUM Melkite Sponsor RIAD & DALAL HOMSI Cedars Club CATHERINE YOST Cedars Club MR ALBERT SMIGIELSKI Melkite Sponsor REV DN & MRS ROLAND BASINSKI Cedars Club MICHAEL FLAHERTY Cedars Club MR ANGELO PALAZZO Melkite Sponsor JAMES & SHIRLEY SOTTOSANTI Cedars Club MR & MRS FAOUZI HAGE Cedars Club St ANNE CHURCH Melkite Sponsor GEORGE & LEE ANN BETAR Cedars Club ANONYMOUS Cedars Club MR & MRS KHADER AZZUZ Melkite Sponsor ELIZABETH KATTAK Cedars Club GERARD & LAURA MASSAD Antioch Circle MR & MRS JOSEPH SELBAK Melkite Sponsor ARLENE BAKER Cedars Club DAVID HADDAD Antioch Circle MR & MRS GEORGE SCHWARY Melkite Sponsor

50 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Melkite Sponsor: $500-$999 . Antioch Circle: $250-$499 . Cedars Club: $100-$249 . Pious Helpers: $1-99

MR AND MRS JOHN GERRO Eparchial Benefactor DR & MRS BISWA PAUL Antioch Circle FAYE JUDITH MALOOF Antioch Circle DR NABIL & RAGHIDA KHOURY Eparchial Benefactor ROBERT AND JUDY AZAR Antioch Circle MR & MRS KALEEL ABDALLA Antioch Circle MRS MARGARET HALLECK Eparchial Benefactor MS CATHERINE KANDO Antioch Circle DR AND MRS BECHARA HATOUM Antioch Circle MR THOMAS JEBBER Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS LOUIS ALLAM Antioch Circle MR & MRS MICHAEL ATOL Antioch Circle MR AND MRS MENES BISHARA Eparchial Benefactor DR AND MRS NABIL TOUBIA Melkite Sponsor KELLEY RIZK Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS JEAN HADDAD Eparchial Benefactor DR & MRS ANTHONY AZAR Melkite Sponsor JEROME RIZK Melkite Sponsor CAROLANN CAVEN Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS ANTHONY NASSANEY Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS SHADI SANBAR Patriarchal Patron MR GEORGE & DR SHERINE MUSSALLI Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS ANTOINE HADDAD Patriarchal Patron DR AND MRS GILBERT ALTONGY Eparchial Benefactor ST ELIAS CHARLES & DEBRA MITCHELL Eparchial Benefactor San Jose, CA MR & MRS THOMAS SOUCAR Eparchial Benefactor ST BASIL THE GREAT MR & MRS PATRICK SAGGAL Eparchial Benefactor KEVIN PINSON Pious Helper Lincoln , RI DEACON AND MRS EDMOND B RAHEB Eparchial Benefactor MR JOEL DAVEL Pious Helper MR AND MRS ANTHONY G MARDO Patriarchal Patron MRS OPHELIA DRAKE Cedars Club MR DENNIS DAKAKE Pious Helper DR JOHN NAZARIAN Patriarchal Patron MR AND MRS NABIL MATTA Cedars Club MR & MRS JOHN KAYATA Pious Helper FATHER ADEL GHALI Cedars Club FATHER DANIEL NASSANEY, O M I Pious Helper MRS LAURE KELLEY Cedars Club MRS ALBERTA MARDO Pious Helper ST BASIL REMON AND LINDA KALDANI Cedars Club MR & MRS NORMAN DAKAKE Pious Helper Utica, NY TONY GHAZAL Antioch Circle RT. REV EXARCH JOSEPH HAGGAR Cedars Club MR AND MRS KAMAL NEIMAT Antioch Circle DR & MRS STANLEY BALON Cedars Club MARCIA REESH Pious Helper DAVID CLAYTON Antioch Circle MRS JANE JABREN Cedars Club BARBARA ANN DUNLEVY Pious Helper DEACON AND MRS ROBERT LEATHERS Melkite Sponsor MRS OLGA CASWELL Cedars Club MR KENNETH KAKATY Pious Helper REV & MRS SEBASTIAN CARNAZZO Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS GEORGE HARRAKA Cedars Club WILLIAM AND JANET CHANATRY Pious Helper DR & MRS WILLIAM CARNAZZO Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS BRUCE BALON Cedars Club MICHELLE & JOHN ROTH Pious Helper MICHEL & AVELINA ACCAD Melkite Sponsor MRS PATRICIA NAZARIAN & FAMILY Cedars Club ROBERT S LALLI Cedars Club DEACON DOROTHEOS ROSE Founders Society MRS IRENE BALON Cedars Club ROBERT AND LAURA ZALOOM & FAMILY Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL KANAKRY & FAMILY Cedars Club MARY ANN ASTOUR Cedars Club MR & MRS JOSEPH SAGGAL & FAMILY Cedars Club FREDERICK J. & CHERYL KOPYT Cedars Club ST GEORGE MRS MARGARET SABBAGH Cedars Club MR AND MRS DAVID GEORGE Cedars Club Birmingham, AL LENA AZAR DAME Cedars Club JUAN THOMAS Antioch Circle MR AND MRS GEORGE SACKAL Cedars Club EUGENE & DORIS HUTCHINSON Antioch Circle DEACON PAUL ARENA Pious Helper MRS LILIANE NASSER Cedars Club REV & MRS SABA SHOFANY Antioch Circle MR FRED SHUNNARAH Pious Helper MISS MARY AZAR Cedars Club ST BASIL MELKITE CHURCH Antioch Circle MR & MRS JAMES BASISTA Pious Helper MR AND MRS WAYNE RAWAN Cedars Club COSTANZO AND SHIRLEY LARUSSA Pious Helper SHIRLEY MOON LEMAY Cedars Club MR T J & MARY KASSOUF Cedars Club MR & MRS JAMES ALLAM Cedars Club ST DEMETRIUS MR LARRY PHARO Cedars Club MR & MRS KENNETH SABBAGH Cedars Club Cliffside Park, NJ MR WILLIAM RITCHEY Cedars Club MR AND MRS V EDWARD FAYAN Cedars Club MR NELSON & MARIE SALEM Cedars Club MR AND MRS MICHAEL O’ROURKE Cedars Club MAYASER FARES Pious Helper MR STEVE RITCHEY Cedars Club MICHAEL & ELIZABETH MASSUD Cedars Club ANTOINE & SOUAD ISSA Cedars Club MS. MARIE ADAMS Cedars Club MR JOSEPH BERETTA Cedars Club ALBERT & SAMIRA ISSA Cedars Club MR & MRS JOHN FINNEY Cedars Club MR & MRS WILLIAM HADDAD Cedars Club KATTOURA FAMILY Cedars Club MR CHASE AJLOUNY Cedars Club MR & MRS PHILLIP BAROODY Cedars Club WASEF & LAYLA FADDOUL Cedars Club MR ALEXANDER SHAHID JR. Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL MASSUD Cedars Club JOSEPH & MONA FARES Antioch Circle MR NICK ZADEN Antioch Circle MR & MRS KENNETH MARTIN Cedars Club REV CHOURKI & ANTOINETTE SABBAGH Antioch Circle DR KHALIL AWAD Antioch Circle MR & MRS JUSTIN BOUDJOUK Cedars Club GEORGE AND JANETTE NAOUM Antioch Circle MICHAEL & NATALIE JOHNSON Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS DOUGLAS ALLAM Cedars Club AYOUB AND MIRNA NAHASS Melkite Sponsor DR SARA KOZIOL Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS BASSIL YOUAKIM Cedars Club MR & MRS ALBERT RITCHEY Melkite Sponsor DR JENNIFER SARKAS Cedars Club MR EDWARD ABRASLEY Melkite Sponsor JOSEPH AND LISA MELKOUN Cedars Club ST ELIAS MRS JAMELY HALL Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS MICHAEL RAHEB Cedars Club Cleveland, OH MR JOSEPH & ANN RITCHEY Eparchial Benefactor HON THOMAS LAZIEH Cedars Club MR & MRS NASEEM AJLOUNY Eparchial Benefactor PAUL ZAYDON, M D Cedars Club MRS JOAN KASSOUF Pious Helper REV DN & MRS ANDREW BAROODY Eparchial Benefactor MR JOSEPH NAJJAR Cedars Club MRS THERESE SELIM Cedars Club BEN & ANNE OWENS Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS GEORGE DECKEY Cedars Club MR & MRS RAFIC ABDALLAH Cedars Club MR JOE MALUFF Eparchial Benefactor MRS MARIE NASSER Cedars Club ELIZABETH UNIS CHESKO Cedars Club MRS FRANCES DAVID Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS ATANAS SALEM Cedars Club MR AND MRS JOSEPH ABDELNOUR Cedars Club MRS LORRAINE GRENIER & FAMILY Cedars Club CHARLES JOSEPH HAKAIM Cedars Club MR AND MRS WAYNE H LACY Antioch Circle MRS NANCY MILLER Cedars Club ST GEORGE DR & MRS YUSUF MUSSALLI Antioch Circle DR AND MRS IMAD NOUNEH Cedars Club Milwaukee, WI MR & MRS NICHOLAS HINDY & FAMILY Antioch Circle GEORGE MALOOF Cedars Club MR AND MRS CHRISTOPHER LIBUCHA Antioch Circle MR & MRS GEORGE HAMWAY Cedars Club MRS HENRY F. LOOK Pious Helper MR AND MRS ELIAS DEEB Antioch Circle REV NAIM KHALIL , BSO Cedars Club NABIL & MANAL WAHHAB Cedars Club MR & MRS VINCENT SOUCAR Antioch Circle DR GRACE CATER Antioch Circle DR AND MRS MARK SPANKOWSKI Cedars Club

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 51 Sublime Steward: $10,000+ . Founders Society: $5,000-9,999 . Patriarchal Patron: $2,500- $4,999 . Eparchial Benefactor: $1,000-$2,499

KATHLEEN TOMAZ Cedars Club PAUL AND JANICE PETERSON Cedars Club FAHIM & BERTA SHADID Cedars Club DR & MRS JANE ECKS Cedars Club THOMAS AND EVELYN WHALEN Cedars Club YACOUB & MARTHA RAYYAN Cedars Club BETH RODWELL Cedars Club MS MARY ELLEN HUGHES Cedars Club MRS REINE RABBAT Cedars Club ANONYMOUS Cedars Club ARCHIMANDRITE JOHN AZAR Antioch Circle MR AND MRS ODEH MAKHLOUF Cedars Club CHRISTINA NORA Cedars Club DR AND MRS SHAJIH MUHANNA Antioch Circle RIAD & AIDA KASH Cedars Club REV JOHN PAUL Antioch Circle MARGARET ALEXANDER Antioch Circle MR GEORGE FAKHOURI Cedars Club MR PAUL STAMM Antioch Circle MR AND MRS TONY GHAWI Antioch Circle MR AND MRS ELIAS MAKDAH Cedars Club JANET S TAYLOR Antioch Circle MR AND MRS KAMAL NASSAR Antioch Circle VICTOR NIJMEH Antioch Circle BENJAMIN NEWMAN Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS ANTHONY JABALEY Antioch Circle ANTOINE & ANNIE KARAM Antioch Circle LEONARD N WEYDERT Eparchial Benefactor LOUIS VIC MALOOF Antioch Circle ALBERT AND DAED HADDAD Eparchial Benefactor DEACON AND MRS ELIE HANNA Melkite Sponsor DOLORES MAULOFF Eparchial Benefactor EDWARD ABRASLEY Melkite Sponsor ST GEORGE ERIC AND MARIE HANSEN Melkite Sponsor Sacramento, CA MR AND MRS BASIL KIRMA Melkite Sponsor ST JOSEPH DEACON & MRS SAMI JAJEH Melkite Sponsor Akron, OH MR AND MRS ANTHONY FRENN Cedars Club MR AND MRS GREGORY M PHARO Melkite Sponsor MAHER & RANA DABBAGH Cedars Club MS ELIZABETH ETOLL Melkite Sponsor TERRY AND LINDA AJAMIE Pious Helper ELIAS & SONIA ZUMOUT Cedars Club JOSEPH JABALEY Melkite Sponsor PAUL SALEM Pious Helper DR AND MRS ROGER SIOUFFEY Cedars Club VICTOR AND MARIE SAYOUR Eparchial Benefactor JOSIE NEMER Pious Helper ANTOINE DIPSIA Cedars Club DR AND MRS NABIL MUHANNA Eparchial Benefactor CHAKER FADEL Pious Helper DR ANDRE & MRS YVETTE MONIER Antioch Circle VILMA MCMULLEN Pious Helper STEVEN AND CARY ROSENZWEIG Antioch Circle MR AND MRS RAYMOND HANNA Cedars Club MR & MRS DAVID PHILLIPS Antioch Circle ST JOHN OF THE DESERT PAUL AND NANCI SCHLEGEL Cedars Club EMAD & RANIA SWEIDAN Antioch Circle Phoenix, AZ MARWAN & TRACEY TOUMA Cedars Club ANDREW KIRK Antioch Circle MIKE & CECILE MONIER Melkite Sponsor MARY ISHAK Pious Helper ERIC CLARK Melkite Sponsor MAURICE EL KHOURY Pious Helper ST JOSEPH DR & MRS W. CARNAZZO Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS ROBERT ESTES Pious Helper Lansing, MI ANDREA SPENCE Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS GHASSAN ISHAK Pious Helper GARO AND HELEN DORANIAN Eparchial Benefactor JOSEPH AND GERARD LUTFY Pious Helper MR AND MRS JAMES BUTLER Pious Helper REV DN DOROTHEOS ROSE Eparchial Benefactor MRS MUNA HADDAD Pious Helper NOHAD EID Pious Helper REV HEZEKIAS & LINDA CARNAZZO Eparchial Benefactor GEORGE ISHAK Pious Helper STEVEN BAKER Pious Helper BRUCE & JUDITH WAELBROCK Eparchial Benefactor MRS ARLETTE KHOUZAM Pious Helper MR AND MRS LOUIS KURI Pious Helper MR & MRS MILAD ISHAK Pious Helper MR AND MRS JAMES DESPELDER Pious Helper MR & MRS VINCENT ANTONIOS Pious Helper CHARLENE JONES Pious Helper ST IGNATIOS OF ANTIOCH MR & MRS NICHOLAS GANEM Pious Helper MICHAEL & PAULA JOSEPH Pious Helper Augusta, GA MR & MRS ADIB HANNA Pious Helper MR & MRS BESHARA JADA Pious Helper MR & MRS JOE ABYAD Cedars Club MR AND MRS RALPH FARHAT Cedars Club PHILIP & CYNTHIA GERRARD Pious Helper MARYANN WEIRICK Cedars Club WISSAM & MAGGIE JADA Cedars Club DR & MRS TERRI LAWLESS Melkite Sponsor MR AND MRS SAMIR M SABBARA Cedars Club CAROLYN K NAKFOOR Cedars Club JAN MUNN Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS BASSAM ISHAK Cedars Club TANIOS DAHER Cedars Club MR & MRS JAMES O’MEARA III Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS FREDERICK ABOOD Cedars Club NIMER HADDAD Cedars Club MR BASHAR DABABNEH Cedars Club GLORIA RAHALL Cedars Club MR & MRS JOHN DAVIS Cedars Club FAYROUZ RAAD Cedars Club ST JACOB ENAS DABABNEH Cedars Club FAWAZ FAWAZ Cedars Club San Diego, CA BEREN & LEIA DINGOTT Cedars Club KHALIL RAHME Cedars Club WAEL AND FADIA ISHAK Cedars Club ANN HENDERSON Cedars Club SALLY PROVENCIO Cedars Club MRS KAY WISKIRCHEN Cedars Club MR CHARLES RAHALL Antioch Circle EIHAB & LIZETH SHAHTOUT Cedars Club DEACON MARION & JOYCE RIMMER Antioch Circle MS SIMONE AYOUB Antioch Circle FAREEZ & ABER MAAYAH Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS IRAZ HATTAR Antioch Circle REV JAMES GRAHAM Melkite Sponsor RIGHT REVEREND JAMES BABCOCK Eparchial Benefactor DCN & MRS ZYAD ABYAD Antioch Circle DR RAMI MARIA Eparchial Benefactor MR AND MRS MARK LOEGERING Antioch Circle REV DN ANTOINE & NAWAL KABBANE Eparchial Benefactor CARLOS & KAREN TALIAFERRO Antioch Circle ST JOSEPH MRS KATHLEEN RICHARD Antioch Circle Lawrence, MA MR SAMI HADDAD Antioch Circle ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM REVEREND AND MRS PETER BOUTROS Melkite Sponsor SOUAD ROGALSKI Pious Helper Atlanta, GA DR & MRS GEORGE RIZK Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS JOSEPH NOUJAIM Pious Helper DR AND MRS FAROUK A HABRA Eparchial Benefactor JAMES NOLAN Pious Helper MR AND MRS WALTER DOOLAN Cedars Club MR & MRS PAUL DAVIS Founders Society MR ARMAND PERSICHETTI Cedars Club NICOLE HATOUN Cedars Club MR & MRS DAVID BESHARA Cedars Club MR JEAN LEON Cedars Club MR AND MRS GEORGE KFOURY Cedars Club MR JOHN CHAMBERS Cedars Club ST JOHN THE BAPTIST MR & MRS ELIE KHOURY Cedars Club MR CONRAD ZIMME Cedars Club Northlake, IL MR& MRS ROY HAGGAR Cedars Club MR & MRS SCOTT SCHREIBER Cedars Club MR & MRS THOMAS & GRACE BUSTA Cedars Club MR AND MRS RANI GHAWI Cedars Club MR AND MRS DAVID SCHLUP Pious Helper MR & MRS NOEL FARAH Cedars Club

52 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 Melkite Sponsor: $500-$999 . Antioch Circle: $250-$499 . Cedars Club: $100-$249 . Pious Helpers: $1-99

MR & MRS EMANUELE MOSCUZZA Antioch Circle REV DEACON DOROTHEOS ROSE Eparchial Benefactor VIRGIN MARY REV DEACON & MRS ZIAD LAYOUS Antioch Circle PATRICIA TOBON Patriarchal Patron Brooklyn, NY MR AND MRS ELIAS KHOURY Antioch Circle FRED SHAHEEN Antioch Circle MS. BARBARA GLAYAT Pious Helper ATTY & MRS ROBERT KFOURY Antioch Circle ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL MR & MRS VICTOR SAMAHA Pious Helper KASPER AND JOYCE KFOURY Melkite Sponsor Hammond, IN MR JOSEPH BOSTANY Pious Helper DR AND MRS EDWARD HASSEY Melkite Sponsor MS LEILA BADRAN Pious Helper REV & MRS BRYAN MCNEIL Melkite Sponsor DR AND MRS FARES GENNAOUI Antioch Circle MR & MRS FRED ELSAYAD Cedars Club RT REV MARK MELONE Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS ENSIMOS HADDAD Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS NAJI KHAWAJA Cedars Club REV DEACON & MRS JOHN FLESHMAN Melkite Sponsor DR AND MRS ARVIN J K GALLANOSA Eparchial Benefactor MRS GLORIA A DJAHA Cedars Club MRS JULIE BEHETTE Cedars Club MR AND MRS GEORGE BALADI Cedars Club ST JOSEPH ST MICHAEL MR & MRS SAMUEL KIRDAHI Cedars Club Scranton, PA Plymouth, MI MR & MRS ANTHONY DEAK Cedars Club MR LOUIS KHLAT Cedars Club MR STEVEN BARTNICKI Pious Helper VICTOR & RAIDA SAFADI Cedars Club MS VIOLET HAJJAR Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL DESSOYE Pious Helper ELLEN KANDAH Cedars Club MR & MRS ELIAS SHAKKOUR Cedars Club MR & MRS CHARLES SIMON Pious Helper MALFINAH MASHNI Cedars Club MRS YVONNE COLABELLA Cedars Club MR & MRS ADAM MENARD Cedars Club EMIL & RITA SABBAGH Cedars Club MRS RICHARD CHALLED Cedars Club VERONICA BONNIE BOLUS Cedars Club ST MICHAEL MELKITE CHURCH Eparchial Benefactor MRS LILY JALINOS Cedars Club MRS LOIS CIANCI Cedars Club MR & MRS JACK ADJAMI Cedars Club REVEREND CHRISTOPHER MANUELE Cedars Club DR JOHN MAALOUF Cedars Club MRS BARBARA ALBERT Cedars Club ST NICHOLAS MR AND MRS EUGENE MULLALY Cedars Club MRS MARIE BARRON Cedars Club Delray, FL DN & MRS NAJI YOUSSEF Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL MILEWSKI Cedars Club MR AND MRS FRANCIS LUPO Cedars Club MR & MRS MICHAEL FREIN Cedars Club MR GABRIEL LABBAD Pious Helper MRS LAURICE LUTFEY Cedars Club MR & MRS JAMES ABDA SR. Cedars Club NELSON MORCIGLIO Cedars Club MR & MRS TONY TOOMA Cedars Club DR & MRS RAYMOND KHOUDARY Cedars Club MR AND MRS ANTHONY AJAKIE Antioch Circle PRISCILLA & GEORGE MATOUK Antioch Circle MR AND MRS JAMES DAVIS Cedars Club MR AND MRS SAMIR RISK Antioch Circle ELIAS NEMNOM Antioch Circle MRS KAREN KANE Cedars Club DR & MRS AUGUST ANTAKI Eparchial Benefactor GABRIEL NASSER Antioch Circle DR AND MRS MICHAEL KAYAL Antioch Circle MR AND MRS ELIAS KHOURI Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS MICHAEL KAWAS Antioch Circle DR PATRICK AND DR JENNIFER CLARK Antioch Circle ANDREW CURRY Antioch Circle JEMILLE A ZAYDON Antioch Circle MR & MRS RICHARD NASSER Antioch Circle DR ANNE CLARICE ZAYDON Melkite Sponsor ST NICHOLAS DR & MRS PIERRE HELOU Melkite Sponsor MR EUGENE ASSAF Melkite Sponsor Rochester, NY REVEREND AND MRS ROMANOS RUSSO Melkite Sponsor DR JOSEPH ZAYDON Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS ISSA BACONI Melkite Sponsor ATTY. & MRS JAMES ZAYDON JR Melkite Sponsor MR & MRS SALVATORE MANUELE Pious Helper DR & MRS JOSEPH FARRAYE Melkite Sponsor GREGORY THE GREAT ACADEMY Patriarchal Patron MARY LAPLACA Pious Helper MISS BARBARA GERMACK Melkite Sponsor WILLIAM AND MARGARET NOLAN Cedars Club MRS ALICE KOURBAGE Melkite Sponsor ANN NEALON Cedars Club MR & MRS ELIAS KHABBAZA Melkite Sponsor ST JOSEPH MISSION DONALD & JEANETTE COPENHAGEN Cedars Club THERESA AND EMILIE AGAMI Melkite Sponsor Seattle, WA REV FREDERICK HELFRICH Cedars Club MR AND MRS JOSEPH SHABOUK Eparchial Benefactor MICHAEL STEINMETZ Cedars Club MRS SANDRA JERRO Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS VERN SMITH Pious Helper REV DN & MRS ELIAS SARKIS Cedars Club MR & MRS GREGORY LUTFEY Eparchial Benefactor PATRICIA A PIAZZA Antioch Circle DR & MRS ALBERT GOSEN Eparchial Benefactor MR & MRS RAYMOND SHAHEEN Melkite Sponsor MR RICHARD J. ZALOUM Eparchial Benefactor ST JUDE DR AND MRS FOUAD SURUR Eparchial Benefactor Miami, FL MR JOSEPH HAJJAR Patriarchal Patron ST PAUL MR & MRS CHARBEL TAGHER Patriarchal Patron St JUDE MELKITE CHURCH Pious Helper El Segundo, CA MR ALBERT DOUMAR Patriarchal Patron MRS HELENE HART Pious Helper MR GREGORY OUSSANI Sublime Steward ESPERANZA ALFARO Pious Helper FRANCOIS & HYAM SHAMMA Cedars Club MR & MRS WADE MALOUF Cedars Club MR AND MRS STANLEY HILLYARD Cedars Club XIOMARA & RACHEL SANCHEZ Cedars Club ANNE CLIFFORD PETACH Cedars Club VIRGIN MARY ST JUDE MELKITE CATHOLIC CHURCH Cedars Club ANNA MARIA ZUGHEIBRE Antioch Circle Temecula, CA ADOLFO F BLANCO Cedars Club AMIN & EVA BISHARA Melkite Sponsor MARCELLO AND JENNIFER CALI Antioch Circle GABRIEL SHABO Cedars Club MR AND MRS RAFFOUL AJAMI Antioch Circle SAMIR & MIMI JARROUS Cedars Club MR & MRS ALBERT NAHAS Antioch Circle ST PHILIP HENRY FAKHOURI Cedars Club MARGARITA OSMAN Antioch Circle San Bernardino, CA MARGARET MCCAFFEY Melkite Sponsor DR THOMAS ZAYDON JR. Melkite Sponsor VELAZQUEZ FAMILY Pious Helper JACQUES WULFFAERT Eparchial Benefactor SHARON M. KOENIG Eparchial Benefactor ELSA ROBINSON Eparchial Benefactor

The Journal of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy | 53

APPEAL PARISH TOTALS EPARCHIAL DONATIONS PARISH TOTAL OUR LADY OF GRACE ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL - WEST ROXBURY $37,875.00 ITALO-BYZANTINE MISSION Pious Helper BYZANTINE FRANCISCANS Pious Helper CHRIST THE SAVIOR MELKITE CHURCH - YONKERS $200.00 REV CHRISTOPHER ZUGGER Pious Helper HOLY CROSS MELKITE CHURCH - PLACENTIA $26,350.00 MR GEORGE APPLEYARD Pious Helper GASTON SAMAHA Pious Helper HOLY RESURRECTION MISSION - COLUMBUS $4,165.00 MR RICHARD LONG Pious Helper HOLY TRANSFIGURATION CHURCH - MCLEAN $24,545.00 REV TED WROBLICKY Pious Helper REV AUGUST DEASIO Pious Helper OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH - WORCESTER $5,940.00 NAJLA M. BONAHOOM SLADER Pious Helper OUR LADY OF REDEMPTION CHURCH - WARREN $17,625.00 MR WILLIAM J PETERS Pious Helper OUR LADY OF THE CEDARS CHURCH - MANCHESTER $10,680.00 MICHAEL & DONNA CERVENAK Pious Helper WILLIAM & CHERYL KOURY Pious Helper ST ANN MELKITE CHURCH - DANBURY $6,500.00 MR DOMINIC BURTON Pious Helper ST ANN MELKITE CHURCH - WOODLAND PARK $31,574.00 MR & MRS MITRI GADAH Pious Helper MARIE WALKER Pious Helper ST ANN MELKITE CHURCH - WATERFORD $2,750.00 KATHLEEN POIRIER Pious Helper ST ANNE CO - CATHEDRAL - NORTH HOLLYWOOD $25,580.00 REV ROBERT PIPTA Pious Helper ST BASIL THE GREAT CHURCH - LINCOLN $22,955.00 JAMES THOMPSON Cedars Club REVEREND JOSEPH J KOURY Cedars Club ST BASIL MELKITE CHURCH - UTICA $1,975.00 DR AND MRS ANTHONY J DUBEN Cedars Club ST DEMETRIUS CHURCH - CLIFFSIDE PARK $1,700.00 REV PAUL-ALEXANDER SHUTT, OSB Cedars Club REVEREND GEORGE PRUYS Cedars Club ST ELIAS MELKITE CHURCH - CLEVELAND $3,450.00 RIGHT REVEREND RONALD GOLINI Cedars Club ST ELIAS MELKITE CHURCH - SAN JOSE $8,620.00 MR ROBERT ARKO Cedars Club RICHARD D PARRY Cedars Club ST GEORGE MELKITE CHURCH - BIRMINGHAM $11,520.00 VALENTINE ZDILLA Cedars Club ST GEORGE MELKITE CHURCH - MILWAUKEE $3,050.00 SUSAN GALLAGHER Cedars Club ST GEORGE MELKITE CHURCH - SACRAMENTO $7,900.00 REV DN GREGORY HADDAD Cedars Club MR JOSEPH HOLLISTER Cedars Club ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH CHURCH - AUGUSTA $1,550.00 MR JAMES CAMPBELL III Cedars Club ST JACOB MELKITE MISSION - SAN DIEGO $4,800.00 DAVID BIRO Cedars Club JEREMY RHIZOR Cedars Club ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM MELKITE CHURCH - ATLANTA $9,075.00 JOSEPH C LEVERT Cedars Club ST JOHN OF THE DESERT CHURCH - PHOENIX $11,665.00 MR AND MRS TERRY BUCKLEY Antioch Circle ANTOINETTE BONOMI Antioch Circle ST JOHN THE BAPTIST MELKITE CHURCH - NORTHLAKE $3,330.00 REV MSGR. MICHAEL SOUCKAR Antioch Circle ST JOSEPH MELKITE CHURCH - AKRON $505.00 DR EDMOND CABBABE Antioch Circle ST JOSEPH MELKITE CATHOLIC CHURCH - LANSING $2,415.00 WM P KALOSIEH Antioch Circle MR MIKE INTRIERI Melkite Sponsor ST JOSEPH MELKITE CHURCH - LAWRENCE $4,925.00 RONALD AND MADELINE NASHARR Melkite Sponsor ST JOSEPH MELKITE CHURCH - SCRANTON $7,196.00 REV & MRS KHALED ANATOLIOS Melkite Sponsor ANONYMOUS Melkite Sponsor ST JUDE MELKITE CHURCH - MIAMI $9,685.00 MR & MRS WADE GEBARA Melkite Sponsor ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH - HAMMOND $3,300.00 LORI-KAMLEH AJLOUNY Melkite Sponsor ELIE AND VERA SAYEGH Melkite Sponsor ST MICHAEL MELKITE MISSION - PLYMOUTH $1,500.00 CARMELITE MONASTERY Eparchial Benefactor ST NICHOLAS - DELRAY BEACH $3,245.00 BARBARA H LEONARD Eparchial Benefactor ST NICHOLAS CHURCH - ROCHESTER $1,800.00 RT REV LAWRENCE GOSSELIN Eparchial Benefactor REVEREND DONALD SAWYER Eparchial Benefactor ST PAUL - EL SEGUNDO $1,300.00 MOST REV PETER LIBASCI Eparchial Benefactor ST PHILIP MELKITE MISSION - SAN BERNARDINO $25.00 PATRIARCHAL ORDER Eparchial Benefactor REV ALAM ALAM Eparchial Benefactor VIRGIN MARY CHURCH - BROOKLYN $33,760.00 MOST REVEREND NICHOLAS SAMRA Eparchial Benefactor VIRGIN MARY - TEMECULA $450.00 NADDAF FAMILY Eparchial Benefactor REV DN & MRS ANDRE NASSER, MD Patriarchal Patron ANNUNCIATION - COVINA $3,800.00 ST JOSEPH MELKITE MISSION - SEATTLE $50.00 LAS VEGAS MELKITE OUTREACH - LAS VEGAS $650.00 NO PARISH $22,081.00 Sublime Steward: $10,000+ Melkite Sponsor: $500-$999 Founders Society: $5,000-9,999 Antioch Circle: $250-$499 Patriarchal Patron: $2,500- $4,999 Cedars Club: $100-$249 $382,061.00 Eparchial Benefactor: $1,000-$2,499 Pious Helpers: $1-99

54 SOPHIA | Fall 2019 | 55

NAVIGATING THE EPARCHY chy par ) E Y M tholic NA a : ( ) (MAYA

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A e irector

M t onsul Spiritual Advisor D C the irector elki oung

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hancellor tion orma chial par C ion cellos rotosyn F ournal tion t E P ebsite oca J ia V of c W

he FR BRYAN MCNEIL FR BRYAN Father Antoine Rizk T eacon sso ssocia Exarch Joseph Haggar, Exarch Joseph Haggar, JULIANA JADON Co-Chair A Archimandrite John Azar D

MARIE BAROODY Co-Chair 617 323 5242 | [email protected] 617 323 5242 | [email protected] Father Thomas Steinmetz A FR THOMAS STEINMETZ Archimandrite Alexei Smith Archimandrite Philip Raczka 305 546 6049 | [email protected] ollege FR THEOPHAN LEONARCZYK FR THEOPHAN Archimandrite Michael Skrocki Archimandrite Michael Skrocki 617 323 9922 | [email protected] 617 323 9922 | [email protected] ARCHIMANDRITE JOHN AZAR 404 373 9522 | [email protected] 978 314 1962 | [email protected] C 205 542 9947 | [email protected] 603 623 8944 | [email protected] ional ARCHIMANDRITE PHILIP RACZKA PHILIP ARCHIMANDRITE FR MUSIL SHIHADEH fficer t elkite a O M N ) inance W

ch ierar F M H

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DEACON ROBERT SHALHOUB DEACON ROBERT e and oordina ffice ouncil

icar t BISHOP NICHOLAS SAMRA NICHOLAS BISHOP C O C V 973 785 2433 | [email protected] ublica elki agazine tion P M M 617 323 9922 | [email protected] 617 323 of

ress udicial 617 323 9922 hancery J WEBSITE Bryan McNeil P 714 600 3660 570 343 6092 617 323 9922 Editor in Chief 703 504 8733 C ion ophia onference SUSAN ELEK resbyteral t S vangeliza P ia C SAIDEH DAGHER c E ophia [email protected] [email protected] S SAIDEH DAGHER sso of Most Rev. Nicholas J. Samra; Nicholas Most Rev. Archimandrites Philip Raczka,

A James Babcock, Damon Geiger, James Babcock, Damon Geiger,

lergy FR HEZEKIAS CARNAZZO Kenneth Sherman, Alexei Smith; Kenneth Sherman, Alexei Smith;

C 586 939 0650 | [email protected] FR CHRISTOPHER MANUELE melkite.org | [email protected] Mark Melone, Eugene Mitchell, BSO, Mark Melone, Eugene Mitchell, Frs. Francois Beyrouti, Peter Boutros, Frs. Francois Beyrouti, Peter Boutros, Michel Cheble, Theophan Leonarczyk, Michel Cheble, Theophan Leonarczyk, ffice

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