Volume 59 No. 10 December 2015 VOLUME 59 NO. 10 DECEMBER 2015 COVER: NATIVITY ICON by the hand of Kh. Erin Kimmett, [email protected] contents

3 EDITORIAL Models of Parenting for by Bishop JOHN 5 PRIESTS BENEFIT FROM THEIR RETREAT Clergy and Parents AT ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE

6 THE JOY AND CHALLENGE OF EVANGELIZATION by Fr. Anthony Roeber or this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to 8 CHIEF AMONG SINNERS his wife, and the two will become one  esh.” is is a profound mystery – by John R. Gresham, Jr. but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also 10 FATHER JOHN NAMIE: HEAR THE VOICE AGAIN must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. 12 PREPARED HANDS, PREPARED HEARTS, Ephesians 5:31–33 The Most Reverend PREPARED PEOPLE Metropolitan JOSEPH by Edith Humphrey, Ph.D. The Right Reverend St. Paul uses the family relationship of a husband that of the parent to the adult child, but, for my pur- Bishop ANTOUN 16 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE and wife to describe the relationship of Christ and His poses here, I don’t think that this changes the value of The Right Reverend Bishop BASIL 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF Church. We also use our relationships in the Church to this study. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Right Reverend understand better our family relationships.  is is le- Authoritative parents have high expectations for their Bishop THOMAS 21 IT’S TIME TO SPREAD ORTHODOXY gitimate, because both family and Church are gifts from children, but are supportive, kind, gentle and under- The Right Reverend by George Khouri III God and present models of reasonable and holy behav- standing.  ey explain why and how they come to their Bishop ALEXANDER 22 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL ior. Further, Christ uses the metaphor of a good father to conclusions, appealing to authority outside of them- The Right Reverend Bishop JOHN describe how God as Father relates to us.  e purpose of selves to guide and teach their children.  ey say things 24 WHAT DOES FOCUS MEAN TO YOU? The Right Reverend parent-child relationships, as well as pastor-parishioner like “the wisdom of my grandmother,” or “the time-test- Bishop ANTHONY 25 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION relationships, is for us to respond to the incarnate God ed method experienced by everyone,” rather than things The Right Reverend who, by His Spirit, lives with us now. In these holy rela- like “Do it because I said so.” Questions and discussion Bishop NICHOLAS 34 THE WHEEL: A NEW INDEPENDENT JOURNAL tionships our primary relationship is with our God, and are welcomed.  e parent avoids threatening the child, Founded in Arabic as by Tim Clark Al Kalimat in 1905 this relationship is realized in our families and parish and the child is shown great respect and love. Children by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) life, and nurtured by them. I would like to explore how who grow up with this style of parenting are typically Founded in English as The WORD in 1957 models of good parenting can build holy and produc- secure, con dent and creative. by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) tive relationships between a pastor and parishioner. (A A pastor who uses this parenting style is secure in his Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. Bishop JOHN, D.Min. model relationship of a healthy pastor and parishioner mandate and understands that he is not competing with Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. can build healthier family relationships, too.) I apolo- his parishioners; his success is dependent on their suc- Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. gize from the start that my study “paints with a wide cess. He prepares his messages appealing to the wisdom Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. brush” or is simplistic. I also write knowing that every of the Church as expressed in her tradition of Scriptures Ronald Nicola parent uses many styles of parenting, depending on what and the writings of the Fathers. He reminds the  ock Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full name and parish. Submis- is appropriate to the situation. Each style has positive that Christ often says that we are not to be afraid, be- Design Director Donna Griffi n Albert sions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for and negative aspects, depending on a number of circum- cause the Father loves us.  is pastor understands that Member purposes of clarity and space. All submissions, in hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double- The Associated Church Press spaced for editing purposes and provided as a Microsoft Word text. stances. I also confess, up front, that my bias is for the people will make their own choices; his job is to give Ancient Faith Publishing authoritative parenting style. them the information, love and the formation to make Ecumenical News International ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Orthodox Press Service U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Psychology text books describe four major parenting good choices. He maintains a community informed by Editorial Offi ce: Foreign Countries, $26.00 styles: authoritative, neglectful, permissive, and authoritar- the teachings that lead to holy living and he preaches The WORD Single Copies, $3.00 ian. Each one carries di erent characteristics and brings truth in love. He calls people together to understand 2 Lydia’s Path Westborough, MA 01581-1841 e WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the about di erent responses from the children as they re- how to live in ways based on the teachings of Christ. e-mail: [email protected] Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 late to the parents. While every parent-child relationship He lives with the people as an example of Christ-guided Subscription Offi ce: and at additional mailing o ces. 358 Mountain Road is di erent, it is helpful to understand how these styles living, without needing to be boss. His  ock responds, PO Box 5238 Postmaster send address changes to e WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, elicit predictable responses. So let’s take a look at these secure in what they have learned and in their own rela- Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 styles and see how and when they might apply to the tionships with Christ. ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. priest and parishioner relationship. I do this fully aware Neglectful parents are unaware of what their chil- Canada Post Publication Agreement No. 40043404 Return Canada address to that the priest-parishioner relationship is most often like dren are doing.  ey let the children  gure out things American International Mail, STN A – BOX 697, Windsor ON N9A 6N4, Canada

2 December 2015  e Word 3 Editorial

teach obedience and lessons. While children feel loved, they don’t feel respected.  ey have problems with au- thority because they don’t understand why decisions are authoritative made and assume that there are no good reasons other than the power of the authority  gure. Children of these families have trouble getting along with others and are neglectful often aggressive or contrary.  ey often have low self- esteem and poor communication skills. Pastors who use this style are often frustrated when permissive their parishioners  nd ways to work around them.  ey speak of the authority of their o ce instead of using logic and appealing to God’s revelation.  ey become authoritarian overly concerned with obedience and have less tolerance for themselves.  ey don’t teach their values and skills. for personal expression. Parishioners will respond pas-  ey don’t challenge their children. Children of such a sively, sometimes just by staying away or avoiding the parenting style are often angry and insecure because they pastor.  ey will also choose not to accept roles of lead- can’t trust the family to guide them and they lack the ership or responsibility. Others will match the pastor’s knowledge and skill necessary to navigate. zeal in a  ght. Clergy who use this parenting style often feel unable As both a parent and a pastor, I confess that I have to in uence their parishioners.  ey don’t feel like they unconsciously used each of these parenting styles. As I are part of their community.  ey seem to lack con - look back at my life, I know that my children and pa- dence in their position to guide and lead.  ey allow rishioners can report my many shortcomings and mis- others to assume responsibility for the parish.  ey avoid takes. Had I had an awareness of these parenting styles, pastoral relationships with parishioners and feel discon- perhaps our lives together would have gone smoother. nected. Parishioners of neglectful pastors lack con dence Yet, there are times, such as when a child runs out into in their understanding of the faith and don’t understand tra c, when an authoritarian “Stop now!” is appropri- why the Church gathers or what she teaches. ate.  ere are other times when we need to be permis- Permissive or indulgent parents care about their chil- sive, and let our children make their small mistakes. In Priests Bene t from  eir dren and are involved in their lives, but are less demand- this way they can grow to be wise adults. Perhaps there ing or directive.  ey tend to avoid confrontation and are times when we even need not to ask about certain Retreat at Antiochian Village allow the children to set their own goals and standards. things, so that our children can discover something for Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for breth- in the cemetery a memorial for Metropolitan PHILIP Few rules exist, and when those rules are broken, per- themselves. From where I sit today, however, authorita- ren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 134:1) and a supplication to St. Raphael. missive parents are inconsistent about responding, or in tive parents and pastors who teach, love, support, and  e priests of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, We had our pastoral vision refocused by a presenta- the consequences they impose. While these children feel simply live well among their children and  ocks do and the Mid-Atlantic enjoyed a few days of “Indian Sum- tion of Deacon Paul Abernathy about his ministry in loved, they don’t trust the family to protect them. Chil- better than those who generally apply the other styles mer” at Antiochian Village.  is came at the perfect time Pittsburgh’s inner city FOCUS Center. He related that dren feel insecure and don’t understand the appropriate of parenting. for me, after the crown of the Church’s New Year and all of Christian life, especially ministry, requires a step boundaries. Children from these families also tend to be We don’t need to be right all the time. We can show re-energizing the ministry programs after the summer. of faith. He told stories demonstrating how we must very self-centered. each other value and respect, always apologizing, being I especially appreciated the time in discussion and listen to people before we can help them. He reminded Indulgent pastors often think that the people in their patient and kind, loving, caring and witnessing. At the fellowship with our beloved Bishop THOMAS, and all us that we can’t be afraid to preach the truth, even in care will not accept their advice concerning their lives end of the day, the parent is still the parent and the pas- our brother clergy.  e Village is a perfect setting for the face of our national crises, social ills, and the need and fear losing the parishioner.  ere are few rules and tor is still the pastor. It is not the children who make this, with serene and scenic trails, comfortable gather- to raise money. no consequences to actions. Indulgent pastors are often the parent, nor the parishioner who makes the pastor. ing spaces, and the grounds hallowed by the relics of As our time together came to a close, we were people-pleasers and worry about how they are perceived Fighting for one’s position only leaves the position open saints, the resting place of our beloved hierarchs, and blessed to be joined at the Conference Center by the by others. Parishioners don’t know or understand the to negotiation. As parents and pastors, we need to listen, the prayers of campers. If all of this free exchange of Orthodox Institute of Christian Education. I’m taking teachings of the Church and build in their own minds teach, guide and love.  is will not always convince our ideas weren’t enough, we, “the shirts,” came back to beat back to my ministry a stronger awareness that secular- their own sense of what the Church is. Parishioners of children, but it o ers a model that builds healthy and “the cassocks” in bocce on the back lawn! ism (a faithless public square) is the biggest enemy of indulgent pastors often have trouble with authority. mature Christian o spring. Authoritarian parents, also called strict, are demand-  e services were beautifully celebrated, with hearty the Church and we must purposefully combat this with ing but not responsive.  ey allow little open dialogue Bishop JOHN singing, and punctuated with very profound sermons. I excellent Adult Educational Programs. yet have high expectations; relying on punishment to am especially grateful that in the sunset service we had Fr. Noah Bushelli

4 December 2015  e Word 5 opportunity to learn more about the meaning of episcopal warning of the danger of acedia, “spiritual sloth.” If anyone collegiality and their experience of synodality” (184) from should ask to what model this bishop of Rome points his the Orthodox. From the Bishop of Rome’s understanding people for acquiring the interior life, the entirety of Chap- of the Church, he insists that it is “not advisable for the ter 5 reminds them of “the need to create an interior space Pope to take the place of local bishops” (16). e proper which can give a Christian meaning to commitment and locus of evangelization and preaching is the Eucharist and activity” (194) and it is the eotokos, Mary the Mother Christ – it is not the preacher or presider who is to be the of God, whose life of thanksgiving and intercession will be center of attention. A Church that cultivates the art of familiar to Orthodox readers. listening is a Church that allows itself to be evangelized e pope, however, is not willing to leave this exhorta- and this growth begins with a profound study of the Bible tion within the sanctuary, or be misunderstood as though that is the obligation of the local church – the bishop, his he is concerned solely about the individual soul. His con- presbyters, deacons, monastics and laity alike (109–137). nection of evangelization to sharp criticism of economic, Quite clearly for Pope Francis, joyful and courageous social, and political ills in contemporary society is unspar- evangelization, while rooted in individual prayer and re- ing and unqualied. In this, he draws upon a long tradi- ection upon the scriptures, occurs in the “beauty in the tion of Catholic social teaching and, in truth, does not liturgy” (23), for the Church itself is evangelized through really break new ground. Still, the Orthodox can only the beauty of liturgical worship. e centrality of liturgi- applaud his statement (163) that “I am interested only in cal worship in the local church, however, depends upon a helping those who are in thrall to an individualistic, in- prayerful people, not “a self-absorbed group made up of a dierent and self-centered morality to be freed from those chosen few” (26). “Each particular Church, as a portion of unworthy chains . . . .” (163). Structural reform in politics the Catholic Church under the leadership of its bishop,” and society, one that attacks gross exclusion and economic he insists, centers on the diocesan [bishop] and the core of inequality (“the root of social ills,” 160), is essential and the bishop’s role is the proclamation of the Gospel whose must accompany individual repentance. Christians, and e Joy and Challenge of own core is the Resurrection (31–2). What could be more the world as a whole, are threatened by what he accurately Orthodox? denounces as the growth of a self-centered paganism (154), e careful reader also cannot miss Pope Francis’s focus a disease that can and does infect even the churches them- Evangelization: on the interior life, a renewed personal, ascetic discipline selves. Too often, he laments, we Christians demonstrate AN ORTHODOX PRIEST’S REFLECTIONS ON THE VISIT OF POPE FRANCIS and openness to encounter with God that ows naturally a “lack of spiritual care” (158) for the poor, the marginal- from “the dignity bestowed upon us by his boundless love” ized, the forgotten. “I prefer” he writes, “a Church which Fr. Anthony Roeber In observing the rst visit to this country by Pope Fran- will occur unless laity and clergy of Catholic and Orthodox (4). Again, this emphasis upon the image and likeness of is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out in St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, cis, Orthodox Christians in the U.S., as much as any other traditions strive for a deeper understanding of their own God and its restoration is bound to resonate in Orthodox the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from Johnstown, Pennsylvania Professor of Early group of non-Catholics, have been reminded in the last respective traditions, and the traditions and teachings of ears. Unfortunately, Pope Francis writes, an absence of this being conned and from clinging to its own security” (41). Modern History and year or so of his concerns for the plight of Middle East- their conversation partners. interior renewal can create “Christians whose lives seem As the Orthodox reect on their own oft-repeated insis- Religious Studies, Penn State University, ern Christians. He has also expressed his worries about the One of Pope Francis’s most signicant and useful writ- like Lent without Easter.” (7) Evangelization, in other tence upon the importance of fasting, prayer, and alms- University Park, increasing signs of ecological damage and climate change, ings that can aid that process of mutual understanding words, is not an individual undertaking but has to remain giving, it is encouraging to see the bishop of Rome cite the Pennsylvania and the threats these things pose, especially to the poor appeared in November 2013: Pope Francis’s exhortation, rooted in history, memory, and tradition, since the believer book of Tobit (152) to remind us all that it is almsgiving and marginalized in the world. Before those issues, early “e Joy of the Gospel.” In what follows, I suggest only a is one who remembers (9–13) – and this focus on anam- that purges away sin – in plain language, faith that is active in his ponticate, however, he emphasized the importance few of the useful insights from the exhortation that should nesis is also authentically Orthodox. It is only a Church in concrete love, not pious generalizations. of missionary outreach to millions who still do not know prompt Orthodox Christians to study the entire document that is characterized by interior renewal marked by repen- ere is much more in this exhortation that deserves Christ. at missionary zeal must not only announce the to appreciate better the perspective and the concerns of the tance and humility that will be able to evangelize those be- comment and careful consideration. I urge Orthodox as Gospel, but also put its implications into practice. e Ro- Roman Catholic leader, concerns that in many cases reect yond the church – and to do so by attraction (15) – not well as Catholic Christians to read and ponder carefully man Catholic hierarch shares those concerns with His All his deep appreciation for the Orthodox faith.1 by polemics, apologetics, or denunciation of sin alone, or what Pope Francis has written. From an Orthodox perspec- Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew. At their ere is a great deal to like, to applaud, and to emulate even primarily. One cannot help here but be reminded of tive, it is not so important to focus upon the personality or meeting at the Phanar on November 30, 2014, both hi- in Pope Francis’s exhortation. How could the Orthodox the wisdom of St. Seraphim of Sarov: “Acquire a peace- charm of the very rst Bishop of Rome ever to invite the erarchs signed a Joint Declaration in which they pledged not be pleased about the focus of this pope’s call to under- ful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved.” Pope Patriarch of Constantinople to be present at his enthrone- renewed eorts toward promoting unity “especially” be- stand the “Joy of the Gospel” that results in a Church de- Francis’s identication of proper humility and repentance ment. Rather, it is Pope Francis’s delity to the working 1. Page references in what follows are to the o cial tween Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Impor- voted to evangelization, to the proclamation of the Gospel emerges again in his invocation of St. John Chrysostom’s out, in fear and trembling, of the implications of the Res- text of Evangelii Gaudium tant though such meetings and declarations between the rooted in the joy of the Resurrection? In his ecclesiology, insistence that failure to share one’s worldly goods with the urrection in our lives as the basis for true evangelization available at: http://www. vatican.va/evangelii- hierarchs are, little genuine progress toward healing long- that is, his understanding of the Church, the Orthodox poor is nothing other than theft – our goods are in fact, that commends the study of his reections, reections that gaudium/en/ (accessed standing divisions between these Christian communities can only rejoice when he writes that Catholics “have the theirs (55). e pope draws on Orthodox spirituality in command Orthodox respect and a rmation. September 30, 2014).

6 December 2015 e Word 7 faggots, bulldaggers, perverts, abortionists, hypocritical Christians, self-righteous Christians, atheists, liberals, Chief Among Sinners conservatives, Tea Party members, Obama supporters, Muslims, or anyone else we don’t like). I am a tithing member of my church who only listens to Christian “…that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief …” music, reads only Christian books, and watches only 1 Timothy 1:15 Christian TV.” What we fail to realize is that by our self- righteous attitudes, we are making ourselves into Phari- “O God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have never done anything good in thy sight.” sees, enemies of the very Christ we proclaim. First Prayer of Saint Macarius the Great We need to have the attitude of the tax collector in “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” this parable. Like the Pharisee, he does not hear a verbal conviction from God. Unlike the Pharisee, however, he e Jesus Prayer, based on Luke 18:9–14 feels the presence of God and is convicted by it. He is “I believe, O Lord, that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who didst far from the apparently righteous people and does not come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” even lift his eyes toward heaven. e tax collector does From the prayer before the Holy Eucharist in the Orthodox Divine Liturgy not oer one word of the good he has done nor of how much he is better than anyone else. His words are the core of humility and repentance: “God, be merciful to It is hard enough to admit one’s wrongdoing. It is moment, Macarius ed deeper into the Egyptian des- me, a sinner!” harder still to declare oneself to have committed the ert. We see the depth of this man’s humility and repen- In fairness, it may be that the Pharisee was as good worst of crimes, and nearly impossible to still see oneself tance as we oer his words in our prayer books: “I have as he said he was and didn’t do anything wrong. Like- continuing to be the worst of oenders. is is the main never done anything good in thy sight.” Despite the wise, the tax collector may have charged no more than problem in America of both sexes, and every race, politi- fact that he was one of the holy desert fathers, Macarius assigned by the Roman and Judean o cials, and have cal opinion, region, and so forth: no one admits to being seemed to compete with Paul in admitting to being chief collected no more than was needed to live simply with chief among sinners. among sinners. his family. Let’s just say that neither man did anything It is easy to look at the story of the Apostle Paul and Here is the beauty of what Jesus taught in His story outlandishly bad. e dierence is in their attitudes. see what a terrible man he was before his conversion. As of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: he who is truly One man exalted himself, while the other humbled him- Saul of Tarsus, he watched the martyrdom of Deacon humble and repentant before God is the one who is jus- self. We see no direct punishment for the Pharisee’s ar- Stephen with approval and became notorious for perse- tied by God. Oh, the Pharisee was a good man who rogance, but if we believe that our Lord does not lie, we cuting Christians with the blessing of the Chief Priest. obeyed all of the rules and did no wrong. At least, he know that his attitude will get him into trouble sooner After his conversion, Saul rejected Pharisaic Judaism and didn’t admit to any wrong, unlike those who were about or later. Likewise, there is no quick reward for the tax was ordained in Syria to spread the Gospel in Asia Mi- to stone a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. collector for his humility. Since we believe the words of nor, Cyprus, Greece, and Rome. Despite his wisdom in When Jesus told them that only “he who was without Jesus are true, we know he will be blessed at some point. living the Christian life, and obviously being a changed sin” could cast the rst stone, they all went away, real- We can raise our voices in anger all we wish against man, Paul still addressed himself to his disciple, Timo- izing that they had sinned. Perhaps if this Pharisee had whatever we see to be oensive to God, or defective as thy, as chief among sinners. Although he went from be- heard the same command from God, he would have Christianity around us. As temporary citizens of Amer- ing a cruel persecutor of the faith to an apostle of the knelt deeper, beat his chest harder, shed more tears, and ica, however, and ultimately citizens of the kingdom of truth, and despite the fact that there are no records of cried out in deeper anguish than the tax collector, whom God, we have to confront our own demons and weak- any immoral acts, this holy and righteous man still con- he thought himself better than. In this parable, God nesses and live the opposite of our own faults. Paul and sidered himself the chief among sinners. does not speak words convicting either the Pharisee or the apostles, Macarius and the early fathers and mothers Macarius was a man like Paul. Not much is known the tax collector. understood the need to point the nger at themselves about him before he became a monk, except that he was is is how too many Americans are before God. rst and foremost. is is why the early church fathers a camel driver. Early in his monastic struggle, he was We don’t hear him convict us. Perhaps a preacher might taught us to consider ourselves as they did, chief among falsely accused by a woman of impregnating her. Rather step on our toes every once in a while. Like the Pharisee, sinners. Unless I, as a “good Christian” do and act like- than trying to plead his innocence, he worked hard however, we are deaf to the sound of God crying out to wise, any complaining and protest I oer in this tempo- to weave baskets to make money to support his “wife us to repent and walk in His ways. Instead, we speak ral nation will fall on deaf ears. If I prove to be hypocriti- and child.” When the woman admitted that she lied, to God of what we accomplish and how we are better cal, I won’t even make it into the kingdom to come. the entire village went to his cave to apologize. Rather than the obviously sinful. “God, I thank you that I am John R. Gresham, Jr. than stay and relish his well-deserved “I-told-you-so” not like other people, (racists, crackers, ghetto slugs, Virginia Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black, https://desertfathersdispatch.wordpress.com/

8 December 2015 e Word 9 ria Anna Hughes, Khouria Janet (Abdalah) Shadid, of our new Metro- Khouria Leila (Dalack) Elias, and many wonderful lay politan JOSEPH and people. e future Bishop JOHN (Abdalah) also took Metropolitan PHIL- time from his parish duties to minister to us at camp. IP of thrice-blessed ere were campers as well that year who now serve the memory. Church both as clergy and lay leaders. is good seed, Decades later, through the miracle of modern tech- comprised of about nology, the recording made from that very well-made twelve faithful Or- JVC cassette recorder (still working!) is now being made thodox Christians, available on audio CD. is quality digitized recording has grown into a features the commanding and unmistakable voice of Fa- congregation of ther John, who inspired a whole generation of young over forty Orthodox Orthodox Christians to “seek rst the Kingdom of God Christians, with an- and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). other fteen or more preparing for entrance into the e recording of the Divine Liturgy includes a spe- Holy Church. All of this has taken place in a cloistered cial bonus. Unlike the usual Sunday Divine Liturgy dur- little valley, previously oblivious to the existence of the ing the camping season, Father John delivered a sermon. Orthodox Church, and instinctively averse to “new” (or And what a sermon it was! in this case, old) or dierent things. ose who knew him would not be surprised to hear Our little Christ-loving community recently com- that the message that day was not full of congratulations pleted payment of $280,000 for 1.7 acres across from for a good camp year, or sentimental reminiscences. the Wenatchee Cemetery, with hopes to build a tradi- Rather, the consummate teacher of the principles of Or- tional Orthodox temple and fellowship hall on the site. thodox Christian life chose to speak about “Fasting and After worshipping and gathering for almost ve years in the Mother of God” – two topics which he wove togeth- a rented storefront property in downtown Wenatchee, er into one beautiful and eloquent testimony of the true this will be a great blessing as well as a great accomplish- faith, leaving his listeners with a vision of what it means ment! FATHER JOHN NAMIE to follow Jesus Christ. At the end, we had a moment of Your purchase of the newly oered recordings will, Fr. John’s soft side: a beautiful personal expression of his in some sense, make you a “founder” of a new Orthodox love and appreciation for us who had oered our whole church temple. Please see below for more detailed infor- soul, mind, and strength to communicate God’s love to mation on how to acquire your copies! the children in our care. Hear the Voice Along with this liturgical recording, another very Order and Purchase at: www.wenorthodox.com/shop dierent CD from the Village is also available for the Audio CD: Fr. John Namie & Sermon, Again rst time. e collection begins with the original “Rick Divine Liturgy, 1981: $20.00/ea. For thirty-four years now I have been carrying a great and valuable and Alan” recording of six songs from 1984, the year Audio CD: Village Musical Collection: “Coming Home” was written and rst recorded. An- 1984*: $20.00/ea. treasure – from Pennsylvania to Wichita, Kansas; from Wichita to Livo- other twelve songs include nine live recordings from a Combination Value Pack (both CD’s): $35.00/ea. nia, Michigan; then to Omaha, Nebraska, and back to Topeka, Kansas; very special Village “Welcome Night” in 1984, along Free Shipping with three other previously unreleased surprises. e Book Store Orders: to Spokane, Washington and finally to Wenatchee, Washington. What CD concludes with “Take Me Back to the Village” from Email “[email protected] or call 509-263-6441 is this treasure? No, it’s not a chest full of gold and precious stones. It’s the Living in an Orthodox World CD. Even if you are not (A great Christmas gift!) a part of the Antiochian Village family, you will truly Visit www.wenorthodox.com to experience the community of much more valuable. Three Hierarchs in Wenatchee enjoy this music. In 1981, my rst year at the Antiochian Village summer – to say goodbye to our best friends in Christ, And now we come full circle to the present: the pro- *Village Musical Collection: 1984 Camp, as a camp counselor I recorded the nal Divine and to return home. ceeds from both of these recordings will be donated to Original “Rick & Alan” Cassette: Herod John the Baptist Alleluia Liturgy of the season with Father John Namie, of blessed at year’s counseling sta was chock-full of future the building fund of the ree Hierarchs Antiochian In Him Natural Energy memory, presiding. By that Sunday we had already said “stars” of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese; bish- Coming Home I Have a Friend Orthodox Christian Mission in Wenatchee, Washing- Crucified Savior In Him goodbye to all the campers. e only task left was to ops, priests, khouriye, and others. Amongst the ranks ton. ree Hierarchs is a small but dynamic and grow- Elijah Goodbye for the Last Time Goodbye for the Last Time celebrate for one last time, the Holy Liturgy – the glue were the future Bishop THOMAS (Joseph), Bishop ing mission parish of the Archdiocese, located in north- Bonus Songs: Welcome Night 1984: Live Abba Father that had held all of us counselors and sta together that ANTHONY (Michaels), Father Edward Hughes, Khou- central Washington State. It began with the blessing Coming Home Joyful Image Elijah On the Cross Best Friends Take Me Back to the Village

10 December 2015 their daily routines, going to join this strange prophet in  essalonians 5:23). We may, then, be emboldened by Prepared Hands, Prepared the desert, and punctuating their life by being plunged the past work of God, while remembering, as Jesus puts into the Jordan. In His own teaching, Jesus told that it, that the Father is always working! uncomfortable parable about the bridesmaids (Matthew Yet boldness to call God Father is not the same as Hearts, Prepared People 25:10–11), or the wedding guest who was not ready. As presumption and carelessness. And the grace of God is Edith Humphrey, Ph.D. we hear His word, that such an unprepared one should not magic! God does not work against our wills. So the be removed from the party, perhaps it sounds harsh, and fact remains that, personally, corporately and liturgically, The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, circle of life.” Old and young, awkward and beautiful, opposed to our usual understanding of grace! Why did we need to be prepared to enter God’s presence. It was The world and those who dwell therein. open and closed eyes, near and far: these contrasts show the foolish virgins need oil, why did the guest need a to Christians who had already heard the good news that For He has founded it upon the seas, us life with all its complexity and simplicity. We have wedding garment? the writer to the Hebrews gave the warning, “Since we And established it upon the waters. been wooed by wonder, by the unabashed anticipation Clearly, though God’s generosity is indescribable, are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? of the cartoon animals. there is something required of us humans – we are not to thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence Or who may stand in His holy place? When we are together, gathered for prayer and the be presumptuous, but to do what we can to prepare for and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming  re’” (Hebrews The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, mysteries, we are, not in imagination like this movie, what God is preparing for us!  en there is His warning 12:25–29). So we have bequeathed to us numerous aids Whose soul is not lifted up to vain things, but in truth, in the presence of the only King! In our to His disciples “You also be ready: for the Son of Man from the wisdom of the Church to help us prepare to and who has not sworn deceitfully. worship we have “come to Mount Zion and the city of will come unexpectedly” (Luke 12:40). Let us not forget, meet with each other, and to meet in His presence. Our That one shall receive blessing from the LORD, the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to innu- too, His generous explanation to the sleeping disciples, entrance into the time of Lent is, of course, the most saving justice from the God of his salvation. merable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly after they had failed on that heart-breaking night: “ e obvious provision, helping us to be prepared for the awe Such is the generation of those who seek Him, of the  rstborn who are enrolled in heaven and to the spirit is truly ready, but the  esh is weak” (Mark 14:38). of Holy Week and the joy of Easter. who seek the face of the God of Jacob! judge who is Lord of all” (Hebrews 12:22). No doubt In all these passages, the theme of preparation sounds. We know, by means of all the careful liturgical mo- Lift up your heads, O you gates! we are not fully prepared, even though we have spent Most luminous is that last night of our Lord’s ministry: ments that we see and go through, that preparation for And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! some solemn time together at Vespers and Orthros, in  rst, in John 13:10, Jesus speaks to the Apostle Peter of entering God’s presence is not something to be accom- And the King of glory shall come in. prayer already. As people of the Twenty-First Century, the importance of washed feet (even for those who are plished quickly and at the last minute. It is to be our Who is this King of glory? we may not as easily grasp the importance of prepara- already largely clean!); later, in John 15:3, He speaks of entire way of life, as it was for Mary, who found the The LORD strong and mighty, tion for worship as did our brothers and sisters from past His disciples as branches who must be purged, or made one thing necessary at Jesus’ feet. We have been given The LORD mighty in battle! generations. We are so used to instant results, from fast clean by God’s word. this gift, a liturgical time of the year in which we are Lift up your heads, O you gates! food to mail-order diplomas.  ose of us who are book- In Psalm 24, the psalmist speaks about being pre- invited to “ramp up” the preparation that is to be an Lift them up, you everlasting doors! worms don’t even have to wait if we own a Kindle: a few pared to enter God’s majestic presence by having “clean integral part of our entire life. In history, God spent a And the King of glory shall come in. touches of the keyboard, and I have the new release that hands” and a “pure heart.” Did you also notice that the good deal of time preparing His people for the Advent Who is this King of glory? so interests me. Instant grati cation! Psalm speaks both about each of us personally and about of the Messiah, through their life-story, and through the The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. We know, however, that the most important things a “generation” of those who seek the face of the LORD? commentary and instruction of the Law and the Proph- Psalm 24 in life take a good deal of preparation – nine months Each of us and all of us together need to be ready for ets. Similarly, Jesus called His disciples to prepare for the in the case of a new baby, discernment in the case of a worship – physically (our hands and the rest of our events that would befall them (and especially Him!) in Picture for a moment the opening sequence of the vocation or a possible marriage, years of nurture in the body), internally (our hearts and minds), and together as Jerusalem. Disney movie,  e Lion King.  e music, with its Zulu case of our children. And the entire Bible, Old and New a group. How then, are to be prepared for this encounter Recently, I have been reading in snatches, and in chant, communicates a message of anticipation and wel- Testament, emphasizes preparation, just through the that is far more signi cant than all other meetings? French translation, the work of a Russian theologian come. Here is a translation: “Here comes a lion, Father! richness of its vocabulary. In Hebrew, there is one word  e good news is that the radical preparation has (Boris Boborinsky) on the mystery of the Church. He O yes, it’s a lion! We’re going to conquer!” Animals of associated with preparation for a meal, another for ritual been done in the God-Man, Jesus, who is not ashamed says something I have found very helpful: “ e Church every kind have gathered, coming across the plains and readiness before con ict, one that evokes stability and to call us brothers and sisters, and who has made us bold relives this Old Testament waiting period, an anticipa- jungles for miles.  e music swells, coming to a climax as  rmness, and another that depicts “turning” or poising to pray, “Our Father.”  e good news, too, is that He is tion that is both joyful and sorrowful… . We are taught the priestly primate presents the newborn prince to the oneself.  e New Testament uses at least three terms, even now interceding with us before the Father, while to prepare ourselves in view of the coming of the Sav- host of animals far below. “Oh yes, it’s a lion; we’re go- one having to do with eagerness, one picturing a soldier the Holy Spirit intercedes in and among us when we are iour.  is waiting for the Incarnation is a basic dimen- ing to conquer!”  e crowd is ready.  e prince-cub on or worker who is well-equipped, and one that refers to weak. As the striking scene of heavenly worship depicted sion of the Church’s life and a principle of the spiritual the crag far above them is presented ceremoniously. He supplying what is necessary for a task. in Hebrews 12 unfolds, we  nd that we have come not life, too, [as we remember] that the beginning of wis- looks down, wide-eyed, as animals of every kind stamp It’s not just a matter of the biblical words, is it? only to a judge, but “to the spirits of just ones made dom is the fear of the Lord.” Fr. Boborinsky was talking for joy. A ray of glory from the unveiling cloud-cover is From the beginning of the gospel through to the end, perfect and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant!” about Advent in these words, but what he said applies trained upon the young messiah, and the whole assem- we hear about the importance of being ready. We be- (Hebrews 12:23–24). Indeed, the new covenant, the equally to Easter. Our waiting for Holy Week, our awe at bly bows the knee and closes their eyes in reverence.  e gin with the Baptist’s task, which is to “make ready a new agreement forged by our Lord gives us hope that what was accomplished there for us, our waiting for the  rst time I saw this, its joyous sobriety brought tears to people prepared for the LORD” (Luke 1:17–18).  e He will preserve us, body and soul and spirit, blame- grand celebration of Easter, and our anticipation of our my eyes, despite the accompanying trite lyrics about “the people from around the countryside came, interrupting less for that time when we shall see Him face-to-face (1 own resurrection when He comes again – such waiting

12 December 2015  e Word 13 Prepared Hands

requires patience and discipline, and it is a principle of from Lent to think about Mary Magdalene on that Eas- cosmic proportions, God speaks His words, addresses ese songs issue both a warning and encourage- the spiritual life. ter morning, that great turning point of the life of the His questions, to us. It was this way at the beginning ment. e message comes both for each one of us and Awe, fear, respect: we are back to the scene of the world. Remember how early she went, with the oth- of our dying world: “Adam, where are you?” “Woman, for all of us together “Rouse yourself! Prepare! Turn!” We Lion King. And we know from history that the coming ers, to the tomb. Had she been up all night, preparing what have you done?” (God, however, asks no question need to be continually realigned, for the esh – what we of the Lord was not greeted with uniform preparation, for the ordeal of preparing Jesus’ body, or was her sleep of the serpent, since there is nothing left to do but render are as fallen human beings – is weak. was it? Oh, some had prepared, as well as they could, troubled in the wee hours of the morning by dreams that judgment where that character is concerned.) So, then, let us prepare, both personally and corpo- their lives, their hands, their hearts, their imaginations matched the emotional turmoil of the past few days? e Here again on the resurrection morning, at the dawn rately, when we come into God’s presence. e Liturgy –Zechariah, Simeon, Anna, Mary. As for our Lord’s day before had been the rst Sabbath that she had spent of a new world, a new creation, the living One engages itself blessedly leads us, by singing and prayer, by hear- death, the Apostle Peter thought that he was prepared: without the presence of Jesus for a very long time. No the one He loves, one of His own, with questions, invit- ing and response to the Word, by repentant and contrite “I will never deny you!” Yet when the light dawned and doubt it seemed like no Sabbath at all. Her master and ing Mary into His council: “Who are you looking for?” words said together, and then by the Mysteries them- when the Savior showed the extent of His love, human healer had released her from the torment of the demon- Mary, however, is intent upon her own program, and selves, the Eucharist. As Jesus declared, the Word makes determination was exposed as frail and feeble. at is ic. Perhaps the agony, the void, and the darkness now continues in the train of thought that He has sought us clean (John 15:3). en, cleansed by His proclaimed the way it is with us human beings – we are full of con- made her question whether her sanity was temporary, to interrupt. Where is the body? Mary is looking for a Word, we enter into His life, receiving from Him. We tradictions. God has prepared a place for us before the or whether it even really mattered. ere was no rest for body; the risen One invites her to look for a person. Her help each other in the service, as we come together foundations of the world, and so we cannot expect to St. Mary and her devastated friends, for they no longer grief prevents her from hearing Jesus’ question, and so before the Lord. ere is both kneeling and standing, match that glorious place instantly, and without eort. enjoyed the presence of the One who came to gave them He calls her by name. As He names her, she knows Him, postures of penitence and boldness before our Father. So, let us commit ourselves to the attentiveness con- rest. Whether completely sleep-deprived, or only partly whom she is bound up with, and who He is. She was Proclaiming peace (and if need be, asking forgiveness) Repentance, in the stantly enjoined upon us in the Liturgy, and embrace so, Mary went to the tomb while it was still dark. No looking for a dead man, and is surprised by joy. Here is with each other is a requisite to the great event itself. Scriptures and in the Tradition of the Church, the disciplines of each penitential season to help us in doubt the whole thing seemed surreal, the happenings something for which she was not consciously looking: e entire Liturgy is, as Fr. Alexander Schmemann put is not simply an en- this watchfulness. Certainly, it is possible to use these of the past week like a dream from which she wished here is the One who makes all things, including herself, it, one great action of entrance, and entrance, and even trance requirement to resources mechanically, as if rote prayers and abstinence she could awake. Moreover, she was hardly prepared for new. Yet if she had not kept the Lord in her heart, if she more entrance. Like C. S. Lewis’s Reepicheep in the land the following of Jesus, from food were a magic key, unlocking the gate to God’s what would happen! And, indeed, this was the pre-dawn had not gone to the tomb, if she had not believed that beyond Narnia, we are called “further up and further in.” but it is ongoing house. At our best, we will respond instead to the Spirit’s not only of Mary’s awakening, but of the awakening of there was something worth keeping, she would not have As we leave behind our worries, we do not leave behind work, and cry with the Psalmist, “I will prepare Him my the whole world. It was dark, but the evangelist tells us had the privilege of being that woman who played apos- the world that we love, but carry it in our prayers before heart.” Such inner preparation includes what our bod- it was the rst day of the week, that day that would soon tle to the apostles! She was as prepared as anyone could God’s throne. ies are doing, for we are made with bodies, souls and become the day of the Lord. reasonably expect, for her heart was turned towards the Lent (and Advent) are a gift, then, a time when we spirits joined. ese resources highlight the mood, the It was dark, but there was the hint of light on the Lord she thought she had lost. can focus upon the work that God has laid out for us: mechanics, the vehicle of our praise, rather than point- horizon. It was dark, but soon she would be face-to-face is Easter vignette can be a poignant hope for us preparation of our hands, our minds, our hearts, and ing to the LORD. What a dierence if every day we have with the One who had the power to pronounce, “Let during this time of Lent. At this time of year we deal our communities, to come deeper and deeper into the been seeking the Lord, and then if we come to worship there be light.” She arrives at the inexplicably opened with the dark and the cold, as Mary did: spring seems presence of that One who has shockingly entered the together with quiet hearts, determining to set aside com- tomb; had she, in her grief, mistaken where they had months away. Yet we know that the light is coming. We world He made, as a human being who was to die. He peting thoughts, and to enter into worship from the be- laid Him? No, this is it: what on earth has happened? remember the inevitability of that coming light in the has made for us a revolution, a turning. Each of us, day ginning! e words of the Preacher are salutary: “Guard In disbelief, she is compelled to enter, and there, in the Bridegroom services, as we “try on” the two identities of by day, and all of us together, may seek His face and turn your steps when you go to the house of God…. Draw darker shadows of the cave, she glimpses a vision of two the bridesmaids: away from idle things. at Teacher, the one true Master, near to listen…. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let angels. ey ask her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the has laid a pattern. He has given the Holy Spirit, so that your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God What a bizarre question! Why wouldn’t she be crying? night, and blessed is that servant whom He shall nd we might walk the true course to greet Him, and open is in heaven and you are on earth. erefore let your en she turns away from the inner darkness, and looks watching; and again unworthy is the one whom He shall wide all the doors that have handles turned towards us: words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2). outside towards the world. She sees a gure standing, in nd heedless. Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be “Open up the gates! Open up the doors!” at dying, ere are, of course, a few words that are helpful be- silhouette against the early morning light: yet she does overcome with sleep, lest thou be given up to death, and risen, ascended and coming Jesus is Himself the Lord fore God; for example, that little phrase, “I am sorry” – not know Him. Why would she expect to see a slain man be shut out from the Kingdom. But rouse thyself and of hosts, the King of glory who is our strong defense in sorry for my brashness, for my carelessness, for all those standing? Why would she expect to see the dawn after an cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy art ou, O God; through the our daily battle against evil and sin – in ourselves, in the things that I have done both deliberately and unwitting- eternal night? Again comes the question, this time from Mother of God, have mercy on us.” Church, in the world! We, too, can proclaim, in hope, ly. Repentance, in the Scriptures and in the Tradition of Him, “Woman, why are you weeping?” en another We see the same sober realism in that song where we “We’re going to conquer!” For He has done so already. the Church, is not simply an entrance requirement to question: “Who are you looking for?” take on the plight of the undressed wedding guest, and Edith Humphrey, Ph.D. the following of Jesus, but it is ongoing. In the Gospel of Our Lord is the consummate teacher. He instructs ask for God’s own garment of light: St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland (Pittsburgh) John, for example, there isn’t a single turning point, but by startling Mary with His presence, by speaking to her, y bridal chamber, O my Saviour, do I behold all Professor of New Testament, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary multiple turnings towards the Lord; even on the resur- even in the darkness, by asking us questions. At a mo- adorned, and a garment I have not that I may enter rection morning, when Mary Magdalene, omas and ment when we think that all is over, that there is noth- therein. Illumine the garment of my soul, O Giver of Peter, several times are led to turn around. ing left to hear, He silences us with astonishment, and Light, and save me! Let us pause, just for a moment, and ash forward teaches us to listen again. ough what He speaks is of

14 December 2015 e Word 15 SHARING THE FAITH ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE BELOVED BROTHERS may also phone 724-238-3677, extension 406. ORDAINED SHADID, Priest James, to the dignity of Archpriest by AND SISTERS, Works-in-progress previously mentioned: e most Bishop BASIL at St. George Church, Houston, Texas, ABERNATHY, Paul, to the diaconate by Bishop likely to appear rst are the OrthoFAQs, then the Faith on November 1, 2015. “ is then, is our task: to edu- THOMAS at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, cate ourselves and our children and Culture Page, and nally, “I Came”: Jesus, in His Own Antiochian Village, on November 8, 2015. Deacon RETIRED in godliness” Words (HS). Paul is attached to St. George Church in Bridgeville, SCOTT, Archpriest Olof, effective July 31, 2015, as Resources: For the coming Nativity, besides those Pennsylvania. – St. John Chrysostom Dean of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Charleston, “zines” oered by our own bookstore, the Greek Ortho- In my article in the October is- ELEVATED West Virginia, after 39 years of pastoral ministry, and dox Archdiocese has the “zine” for grades 5 and above, sue of e WORD, I urged those who wished to advance as Chairman of the Department of Inter-Orthodox For Unto Us A Child is Born. e lessons go beyond the BELL, Deacon Stephen, to the dignity of Proto- in spiritual maturity to begin by saying, “ank You,” to and Inter-Faith Relations. Nativity, so it is worth considering even at this point. Also Deacon by Metropolitan JOSEPH at St. Luke Antio- God, all the time. As I explained, it is not just a “polite” newly printed is the zine, What is the Church? e OCEC chian Orthodox Church, Garden Grove, California, on ASSIGNED gesture, but rather profound – an act true to our hu- October 18, 2015. has done a nice job in revising the seventh-grade text, now HENRE, Priest Patrick, as Pastor of St. John the Theo- manity. e other day I heard a TED talk on happiness. called e Story of the Young Church, Parts I and II. CARTER, Deacon Joseph, to the dignity of Archdea- logian Church, Rapid City, South Dakota, effective e rst part urged “living in the moment,” that is to con by Bishop BASIL at St. George Church, Houston, October 1, 2015. say, turning o the preoccupations of your mind that so Attendance Certificates. We need to recognize those Texas, on November 1, 2015. you can be fully attentive to your surroundings, and the children/families who make the eort to get their children people who need you. e second part stated that happi- consistently to Church School. I have created an atten- ness comes from gratitude. God’s ways are always in our dance certicate that reads “For Exemplary Attendance.” best interest! It will allow each church school to decide which standards they choose to I wrote on the subject of knowing your faith, and the im- 2016 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarships adopt. A note can portance of getting our children to Church School every always be hand- 19th Consecutive Year Sunday. e topic of this issue is “Faith Knowledge,” and written on the Join the 63 previous winners! we include an article on the Incarnation that I hope will certicate if a child Award Amount: $2,500.00 give you a few thoughts over the holy season. On the sub- has perfect atten- ject of Church School, please see the note about Church dance. On the one Purpose – To honor Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies. School Attendance Certicates. shown, there is Eligibility – Junior or Senior college students or graduate school students of Arab-American background, A Blessed Nativity and eophany to All, room for teacher(s) with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who are enrolled in the 2016–2017 academic year and majoring in journalism, radio, television, and/or lm. Carole A. Buleza and pastor to sign. On the website, under Resources, you will nd one that also has room for the Director to sign. Applicants – Send the following items to ADC’s Research Institute (hard-copy applications only): I also have one that simply reads “Certicate of Atten- * A one-page statement explaining why you merit the scholarship, presenting your goals, and declaring that you are a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage; dance” for the little children. You can start using these * Two original signed letters of recommendation from professors of Mass Communications; DEPARTMENTAL NOTES for this January until May, or wait until next year. Let me * Copies of your articles, DVDs, lms, and so forth (these items will not be returned to you); Sale on Nativity Educational Materials. If you’ve been know what you think. * O cial academic transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA); on the Departmental website looking at the “featured * Your permanent home address and phone number, e-mail address, and your phone number dur- event,” you have learned that the Publications Depart- “AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE ing the school year, if dierent. ment is having a sale on several nice items. Don’t miss this SHALL SERVE THE LORD” Joshua 24:15 Deadline: Wednesday, June 1, 2016 opportunity! In case you’re not aware of the change, the Creative Festivals 2016 Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted; only hard-copy applications will be accepted. Publications Department is no Submit all materials to longer at the Chancery, but at By Rosemary Shumski, ADC Research Institute Antiochian Village. It accepts Departmental Assistant for the Creative Festivals Attention: Mr. Nabil Mohamad, ADC Vice President for payment VISA, Master- e Department of Christian Education Web page, www. 1990 M Street, NW, Suite 610 card, American Express, and antiochian.org/festivals/cf, provides numerous Festival Washington, D.C. 20006 Discover. OCEC Curriculum resources, including an explanation of the theme, les- If you have any questions, please call 202-244-2990, ordering information is on the son plans, possible interpretations of the theme, posters, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Publications Department web- theme song, and ideas for using the theme throughout Awards will be presented at ADC’s 2016 National Convention page at antiochian.org. You the year. If you haven’t begun using the theme and pro- in Washington, D.C. Award winners are encouraged to attend.

e Word 17 Department of Christian Education

moting the Creative Festivals in your parish yet, it’s not mix of books, saints, ways to grow in touches his heart and makes him excited to return to the St. Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 295 to 373), the defender too late! You can start the New Year by introducing the the faith, and general helpful ideas monastery to learn more. It is a simple, thoughtful intro- of the divinity of Jesus Christ, was the long-suering and theme, teaching your students the theme song, and deco- for parenting and teaching. Our Pin- duction to the creation of sacred imagery for children of stalwart foe of the Arians. As Patriarch of Alexandria, he rating your classroom with posters and bulletin boards terest site also continues to grow in all ages. (Reviewed by Leslie Atherholt.) was exiled ve times by those supporters of Arius who depicting the theme. followers as well as resources. Check slandered his name, and spent only the last seven years The Incarnation and Salvation of his life in tranquility. A native of Egypt, his inuences Implementing the Festivals. With a deadline of April it out! Part I: Nativity and eosis included St. Anthony of the Desert and Greek classical 1st, there are three months for the students to create their We welcome your ideas and sugges- education. He was present at Nicaea in 325 as an assistant entries and submit them for judging. Sometimes church tions for these communities! ank “ e Virgin brings forth today the Omnipotent One, and the to his bishop, and he was friends with St. Basil and St. school directors and teachers say they don’t have time for you for joining us, and for sharing earth oers a cave to the Unapproachable One. Angels give Gregory of Nazianzus. “In praising Athanasius,” said St. the Festivals, but there are many dierent ways they can both your ideas and our posts! May glory with shepherds, and the magi journey with the star; Gregory a few years after his death, “I shall be praising be implemented. e theme can be discussed and entries we encourage each other so that we when for our sakes was born as a new babe, He who is from virtue . . . because he had, or, so to speak more truly, he can be created as part of the regular lessons. A list cross- can all grow in the faith and help the eternity God.” Kontakion of the Nativity. has embraced virtue in its entirety. . . ” (Athanasius, 23). referencing the theme with the OCEC text lessons can be children in our care to do the same. If you succeed in rising above the hyper-holiday Christ- found here: www.antiochian.org/festivals/cf/cross-refer- God Became Man to Recreate Humanity Kristina Wenger mas mania, there is a loveliness to the season captured ence-2016. Teachers can use an art or writing assignment His famous work, On the Sta Assistant for Social Network Ministry particularly in the traditional carols. Some of my favorites during class to reinforce the lesson, and that could also Incarnation of the Word, was are “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and serve as the student’s entry. At Facebook.com written when St. Athanasius “O Holy Night.” When we think of traditional Christ- Orthodoxchristianparenting was young. It is addressed to Another option is to have a separate session to create en- mas carols, the lyrics dier considerably from our liturgi- Orthodoxchristiansundaychurchschoolteachers his friend, Macarius, to ex- tries on a Saturday or Sunday outside of class. Find people cal hymn above. How many Christmas carols speak to the Orthodoxchristianchurchschooldirectors plain Christianity, and it be- in your parish who may be artistic or have an interest in reality of the Incarnation? writing or photography. Set up a station for each of the At WordPress.com gins with the Creation and Introduction Festivals. Students can receive guidance from the adult for Orthodoxchristianparenting the Fall. Without much prep- the category of their choosing. Another idea is to encour- Orthodoxchristianchurchschoolteachers e Incarnation is the back-story to the Nativity. e aration, he states this major age older students to take photos on their phones that www.pinterest.com/aodce Incarnation, God-become-Man, is the Mystery on which point to his friend: “We will relate to the theme to enter in the Photography Festival. Church School Directors – Join us on Facebook! Leslee the Christian faith stands. e Orthodox, always sensitive begin, then, with the creation ese are just a few ideas. With a little ingenuity, every Abud is monitoring the page, “Orthodox Christian to paradox and wonder, grasp the depth of the event and of the world and with God its Maker, for the rst fact student should be able to submit something in at least Church School Directors.” Share your ideas; ask ques- present it clearly with the Kontakion: “a new babe, He that you must grasp is this: the renewal of creation has one of the categories, learning about their faith while be- tions; get inspiration. who is from eternity God.” e event of the Nativity of been wrought by the Self-same Word Who made it in ing creative. Christ, in its most profound aspect, is the coming to birth the beginning. ere is no inconsistency between creation of the Incarnate God, “Emmanuel,” “God-With-Us.” and salvation; for the One Father has employed the same Book Review Agent for both works . . .” (26). At this point, two thousand years after the Nativity, most AODCE SOCIAL A Gift for Matthew By Nick Muzekari, Illustrated by Masha Lobastov, Ancient Faith Publishing traditional Christians do not debate the idea that God You know what happens when a portrait that NETWORK MINISTRY became man in Christ. In fact, most probably don’t think has been painted on a panel becomes obliterated Brother Justin teaches Matthew about more than just To nurture the children God has placed in our care! about it much. “God became man,” however, is still an through external stains. e artist does not throw sacred art during his visit to the monastery. Matthew’s astonishing thing to say, and worthy of reection. e away the panel, but the subject of the portrait has For Parenting and For Church School Teachers: quiet heart doesn’t go unnoticed by the gentle Monk message of the Incarnation is all about humanity, and to come and sit for it again, and then the likeness is Earlier this fall (September and October), the blog posts who teaches him to appreciate God’s gift of color as Mat- the imagery the Church Fathers use to explore this fact re-drawn on the same material. . . . He, the Image were focused on the Nicene Creed. Each post looked at thew watches an icon come is wonderful. As the Incarnation is crucial both to the of the Father, came and dwelt in our midst, in order one phrase of the Creed, delving into the meaning of to life. Following Brother Jus- Nativity and the Paschal events, this essay will be in two that He might renew mankind made after Himself . that phrase and suggesting ways to tin through the steps to cre- parts: “Nativity and eosis”; and “Crucixion and Im- . . . is also explains His saying to the Jews: “Except learn more about it together with ate the icon, Matthew learns mortality” (in the April issue of e WORD.) e quo- a man be born anew . . . .” He was not referring to a children. If you missed these posts, about sketching, gilding, tations are from e Incarnation by St. Athanasius (SVS man’s natural birth from his mother, as they thought, nd them at our blog sites (tagged pigments, brushes, egg tem- Press, 1953) and e Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos but to the rebirth and re-creation of the soul in the “Faith”or “Belief”). Since then, the pera, and patience! A special Ware (SVS Press, 1979). Image of God (Athanasius, 41–42). blog posts have featured their usual gift awaits Matthew, one that

18 December 2015 e Word 19 DIOCESAN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Department of Christian Education COORDINATORS Eastern Dioceses Fr. George Alberts, 203.798.1771, [email protected] Toledo and the Midwest Robert Snyder, 330.285-3688, [email protected] Ottawa, Eastern Canada, Upstate New York Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall, 519.807.2986, [email protected] Scripture speaks of Christ as the second Adam, “us it body, but opinions varied as to whether there were one or likeness, or godliness, in the way that is uniquely our Wichita and Mid-America is written, “e rst man Adam became a living being”; more other components – such as mind, spirit, and soul. own. eosis is both the journey and the destination; that Vasiliki Billie Oldziey, 512.694.7073, [email protected] the last Adam became a life-giving spirit”(1 Corinthians Christ, being the union of divine and human natures, it is possible in this life is shown by the saints. Worcester and New England Kh. Anna Timko-Hughes, 978.686.3274, [email protected] 15:45). Human nature was puried by the Incarnation, taught us that humankind has both human nature and a What we look forward to is the promise that we are to Miami and the Southeast and humanity was recreated. We say the human race was spiritual nature. Furthermore, He taught us why we have be “partakers of the divine nature” by grace (2 Peter 1:4). Kh. Betty Randolph, 864.261.6058, [email protected] being recreated so that it could be readied for immortality. a spiritual nature: so we can be connected, or united to Los Angeles and the West and also at theosis, also called divinization or deication, was Eagle River and the Northwest is is the rst of three achievements of the Incarnation. God in theosis. indeed made possible by the Incarnation is a rmed by (Carole Buleza, 717.747.5221, [email protected]) God Became Man to Heal the Ancestral Sin eosis is described by the phrase, “God became man so Metropolitan Kallistos. that man could become god,” most often attributed to e sin of Adam and Eve separated them from God. We Christ enables us to share in the Father’s divine glo- of part one of this essay. In summary, through the union St. Athanasius. e doctrine rests on the scripture, “Let inherited the consequence of their sin, namely a world ry. He is the bond and meeting-point: because he is of his divinity with our humanity, Christ accomplished Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” where we cannot help but be touched by evil and partici- man, he is one with us; because he is God, he is one three things: He recreated humanity, He healed the God- (Genesis 1:26). e understanding of two words, image pate in it, a world where death reigns. Sin is manifested with the Father. So through and in him we are one human separation, and He opened the way to theosis. in brokenness, illness, separation, and destruction. When and likeness, is important. with God, and the Father’s glory becomes our glory. After reading St. Athanasius, I will always remember the God became man, in the person of Christ, He took on Image God’s Incarnation opens the way to man’s deication Incarnation as part of the Nativity. e babe in swaddling our sinful and broken humanity. By uniting our broken (Ware, 74). An image is what we see in the mirror; it is not the origi- clothes belies the power of Christ and what was achieved humanity to his divinity, the separation between God and nal, but it shares certain of its characteristics. e two are is description of theosis, so eloquent, is the capstone by the Incarnation. humankind was healed. connected. In like manner we who are made in God’s im- is notion of salvation as sharing implies two things age share characteristics with God; freedom, rationality, in particular about the Incarnation. First, it implies and love, for instance. e “image of God” marks us as that Christ took not only a human body like ours human beings. e image can become stained, even bad- but also a human spirit, mind and soul like ours. Sin ly, but we can never be anything other than human. e . . . has its source not from below but from above; it shared characteristics make for a connection between God It’s Time to Spread Orthodoxy is not physical in its origin but spiritual. e aspect and human beings, and that connection makes our spiri- George Khouri III of man, then that requires to be redeemed is not pri- tual and sacramental lives possible, which includes theosis. marily his body but his will and his center of moral Humanity’s Potential. At the 52nd Antiochian Archdiocese Convention Two thousand years ago, the only ways Orthodoxy choice (Ware, 74, 75). in Boston, Massachusetts, His Eminence Metropolitan could be spread were by talking face to face, or writing let- We are born with the “image of God” as a given, but it is JOSEPH told a story about going through security at ters. If Saints Peter and Paul, two of the three people who Christ, that is to say, saves us by becoming what we slightly dierent with the “likeness,” as that involves our the airport. When questioned by a TSA O cer about played huge roles in establishing the Antiochian Ortho- are; he heals us by taking our broken humanity into actions. e “likeness of God” is similar to a blank book. his crown, Sayidna said, “My hat.” en, the TSA o cer dox Church, didn’t talk to people or write letters about himself, by “assuming” it as his own, by entering into When we strive to walk the way of light and the path of asked if he was a prince, and Sayidna said, “Higher.” e the Orthodox Faith, then the church would be very close our human experience and by knowing it from the salvation, and participate in the sacraments, prayer, and o cer kept doing this, going from prince to king to ruler to being extinguished. ey knew this is what Christ inside, as being himself one of us. But had his shar- the life of the Church, we will grow in the “likeness of and more, until the o cer nally gave up, and asked who wanted them to do, so they did it. In the Gospel of Mark, ing of our humanity been in some way incomplete, God.” Our life will ll up the blank book, so to speak. he was. In reply, Sayidna JOSEPH uttered these humble Jesus says, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gos- then man’s salvation would be likewise incomplete. “Growing in god-likeness” is a phrase used to dene theo- words: “I am a servant of the Orthodox Church.” ey pel to every creature” (16:15). Christ wants us to preach If we believe that Christ has brought us total salva- sis. St. Athanasius writes that God even came down to our had a long conversation. e man asked questions and the gospel to everyone and everything, because that is the tion, then it follows that he has assumed everything level to help us with this task. (Ware, 75). Sayidna answered them, and that was a good day. way Christianity can be spread and known to everyone, Wherefore, in all naturalness and tness, desiring to One of the greatest abilities and strengths of the especially the next generation. One is doing God’s will by Metropolitan Kallistos made the point further on that the do good to men, as Man He comes, taking to Him- human mind is the ability to learn facts, to remember preaching the Gospel to all people. phrase from Scripture, “God has made him who knew no self a body like the rest; and through His actions them, and to associate them with certain things, events, All of us should be encouraged to spread Orthodoxy, sin to be sin for our sake” (2 Corinthians 5:21) should not done in that body, as it were on their own level, He or occurrences. When this agent hears anything about not by bragging and boasting like the Pharisee, but like be understood as a juridical transaction. Rather, by the teaches those who would not learn by other means to Orthodoxy again, he will remember the day he met that the humble and faithful publican. Spreading Orthodoxy sharing of our humanity from the “inside” He knew sin know Himself, the Word of God, and through Him humble Orthodox servant. at knowledge may stick in is really preaching the Gospel and proclaiming God’s without being culpable. the Father (Athanasius, 42–43). his mind as long as he lives, and he may share what he Word. Do not be afraid to share your faith with others, God Became Man to Reveal Our Spiritual Nature and We have been given God’s image, and we have received learned about Orthodoxy to a few others. All this may just as Saints Peter and Paul did two thousand years ago, the Possibility of eosis among us God Incarnate. Our response is to “put on spring from one meeting at the airport. whether by letters, phone, or e-mail. e world will pres- e ancient philosophers knew that man was made of a Christ,” and to live united with God, growing in god- ent you with opportunities to share your faith. Will you?

20 NovemberDecember 2015 e Word 21 said of Saint Raphael: “Have you not worked in the that they were unworthy of Him if they loved father, Rebekah Bandy, 16, is from St. Elias Church in ORATORICAL FESTIVAL Lord’s eld so that your seeds have brought forth fruits mother, sister, or brother more than they loved Him. Atlanta, Georgia. and yielded ten-fold? …Have you not suered grief, Anyone is unworthy who loves anything more than 2015 Judges Choice, Rebekah Bandy persecution, hunger, nakedness, even arrest, for Christ’s God: money, shoes, their job, One Direction. Saint sake? And in all this, you stood rm.” Raphael’s life was a series of instances in which he dem- Diocese of Miami and the Southeast e last pillar, Fellowship, can be dened as “the onstrated how much he loved God more than anything unity of believers through Christ.” is was Saint Ra- on this earth. phael’s mission in all of his work in North America: My non-Orthodox friends are always a bit skeptical sually, when we think of the saints, we is leads into the next point; the selessness and to unify the Orthodox and give them a place to be to- when I tell them that our church has saints. ey ask, think rst of people like St. Basil the humility of Saint Raphael. He rejected the position of gether. He understood that the church is the Body of “Do you worship them?” Before reading this book, I Great, St. ekla, St. Nicholas, the early bishop in Russia early on in his work because he knew Christ, and did not give up on strengthening it. He didn’t know what to say, or how to explain saints to martyrs, and the others who lived in the it wasn’t what was best for the church. He declined op- spread the banner of love over the Orthodox all across my peers beyond having roles as intercessors for our rst few centuries after Christ and helped portunities to return to his home so that he could help Ushape the church in its beginnings. Some the people of America. He was peaceful even when “In thee, O Mother of God, I place all my hope. of the most celebrated saints even have their own holi- slander was being spread about him. From a young age days in the secular world, but Saint Raphael of Brook- he was drawn to teach others. ough exhausted by his lyn was not one of those. While he was a child in the travels across the continent, he still refused to take a Keep me under thy protection.” middle-east, Abraham Lincoln was the president of the break; he insisted on nishing his task. United States. While Saint Raphael was nearing the irdly, Saint Raphael never failed to look to God America. Today, this fellowship continues, and is es- souls, but now, I challenge them to read it too, and to end of his life, the First World War was beginning. It in times of need. When he was denied admittance to a pecially visible in the youth. We are connected by our walk away unchanged and uninspired. Saint Raphael can be tempting to look at the Bible and think “that school because of nancial issues and later poor health, faith and, through the church and its programs, are provided an example for us to follow through his perse- book was written thousands of years ago; times have young Saint Raphael prayed. Sure enough, he was soon able to develop relationships with like-minded teens verance, selessness, and faith. Today, 100 years later in changed since then,” but Saint Raphael is an example of accepted. In extreme illness that came later in life, he from all over North America. 2015, it is our chance to “work in the Lord’s eld” and how that doesn’t make as much of a dierence as one prayed the same prayer we read at the end of a com- In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told his disciples follow St. Raphael’s example as a leader and a servant. might think. pline service: “In thee, O Mother of God, I place all my St. Raphael lived in a time of trains, cars, tele- hope. Keep me under thy protection.” Again, he re- phones, electricity, lm and photographs, and the ra- gained his health (though it was a temporary recovery). dio. Born in Lebanon in the year 1860, Saint Raphael As teens, we can look to Saint Raphael as an ex- had already ed persecution once. roughout his life, ample in four more areas, also known as the pillars of he was forced to move many more times. is lifestyle, SOYO. e rst of these is Worship: “the adoration however, shaped him into the Christian he became, of God through participation in the services of the and without the work he did in North America, we church.” He not only participated in the church, but would not be here at this conference today. As seen in made it so that so many others could as well. St. Ra- the Old Testament story of Joseph, “man meant it for phael encouraged and enabled others to worship with evil, but God meant it for good, to accomplish the sav- him. Upon the completion of St. Nicholas Church’s ing of many people.” St. Raphael provided an example construction in New York City, Saint Raphael did not for us to follow in all areas of life, but especially these hesitate to give all the glory to God. three: diligence, selessness, and faith. Witness, or spreading the glory of God by word One characteristic of Saint Raphael that is hard to and deed, is the second pillar of SOYO. Many who overlook was his diligence in all he did. Hebrews 1:21 were nearly lost were drawn back to the church by says that we must “run with perseverance the race that Saint Raphael’s eorts. He made many of what were is set before us,” and he did. He remained focused on essentially missionary trips across the country, visiting God during di cult times in childhood, theological both smaller and larger communities every few days. school, and adulthood. When he publicly disagreed Service, the third pillar, is absolutely necessary for with a man named Spyridon, he stood by his opinion us as Christians, because faith without works is as use- despite what others were saying. To quote the text, “this less as a screen door on a submarine. He sacriced his was the one constant of his ministry: his willingness to own comfort, health, and “normal” life for people he endure hardships in order to bring the Gospel and the didn’t even know. How many of us here today would sacraments to the faithful.” do that? e head of the American Diocese in 1907

22 December 2015 e Word 23 What Does FOCUS Mean to You? COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Day in and day out, Orthodox Christians of all ages and walks of life give to FOCUS as an expression of their love for Christ and their love for their neighbor. Some roll up their sleeves and work hands-on, others faithfully give of their fi- Bishop THOMAS Visits and for the first time in many and our beloved parish. nances. Here, three loyal FOCUS supporters share what FOCUS means to them. St. Mary, Wilkes-Barre years, some new people moving His Eminence into Wilkes-Barre were becoming Metropolitan JOSEPH Visits For Dr. Rocco Adams, FOCUS was an answer to he ever imagined what a labor of love it would become, members of the parish. St. Ignatius Church in Twin Falls prayer. e year was 2011 and Dr. Adams was looking to he says, “I never worried about where it was going to Bishop THOMAS Visits Saint donate his time, talent and nancial support to a worthy take me. e door was open to me and I was going to Mary Antiochian Orthodox On the weekend of August 22–23, organization. A few weeks after asking God to guide him, walk through it and just take it as it comes.” Church, Hunt Valley, MD 2015, His Eminence Metropolitan he felt his prayer answered one Sunday in church, when JOSEPH graced with his presence * * * September 8 is always a very spe- he heard an announcement about the FOCUS Center in our little parish of St. Ignatius of Sylvia began volunteering at the Orange County cial and blessed day for our par- Pittsburgh’s Hill District. He attended a meeting at the Antioch Orthodox Church in Twin FOCUS Center not long after it was established in ish. It is then that we celebrate center and soon joined its board of advisors. Not long Bishop THOMAS visited St. Mary Falls, Idaho. Our father and chief 2009. She began by preparing and serving dinner at a the nativity of our Mother and after, he and other volunteers began spearheading an ef- Antiochian Orthodox Church over shepherd celebrated the baptism local motel on Sunday nights. As the Center grew, so the Mother of the Lord. This year fort to develop FOCUS’s rst free medical clinic. did the opportunities to serve. In the years since, she’s the weekend of August 22 and of our newest member, Maximus Over a period of several years, Dr. Adams and other helped serve through many kinds of activities, including 23. During his visit he presided Joseph Habib, the new infant son dedicated professionals met weekly to lay the ground- sorting shoes at the warehouse for Operation Lace Up over Great Vespers, which was of Fr. Michael and Khouria Masha work. Giving countless hours of their time, they built re- (literally tens of thousands of pairs of shoes!), shopping followed by a covered-dish din- Habib. lationships with local hospitals and established medical ner provided by parishioners. On at the local food bank, distributing backpacks to local Special guests attended from malpractice insurance coverage for the clinic’s volunteer Sunday he served the Hierarchical youth, sorting canned food, and organizing fundrais- throughout the Orthodox commu- health care providers. e process was long and labori- Divine Liturgy, which was followed ers. She continues to cook and serve a weekly meal, and nities in our area, as well as many ous, but it paid o: the clinic opened its doors in 2014. by the annual Parish Picnic. During pitches in as needed. others, both Orthodox faithful and Now he serves as its Medical Director, overseeing poli- his visit he visited with many of his “I volunteer with FOCUS to fulll Christ’s non-Orthodox. The visiting clergy cies and procedures, quality assurance, and interviewing cousins from Wilkes-Barre. He also commandment to love one another as He loves us,” says included Father Mark Fenn, Arch- and credentialing all of the medical volunteers. He also went to Abe’s Restaurant, where Sylvia. “FOCUS gives me an opportunity to do that on deacon George Shishim, Deacon dedicates ve hours every other week to seeing patients. he enjoyed hot dogs served by a consistent basis. e meal I serve is a vehicle to reach Mark Townsend, Deacon Christo- All of this was in addition to maintaining his own full- his cousin; Sayidna and his family my brothers and sisters. After the meal we take a couple pher Payne, Deacon John Mah- time practice as a physician. had eaten there from the time that of hours to share our struggles, pain and joys. We are not fouz, Sub-deacon Thomas Rice, When asked why he volunteers for FOCUS, Dr. he was a young man. During his much dierent from each other. I found that it doesn’t Sub-deacon Peter Samore and Adams says it’s an opportunity to give back. “I think visit, Sayidna had the opportunity take much for God’s love to ow through us to ‘one of Sub-deacon Matthew Romero. it’s the least I can the least of these.’ is love restores the humanity of to think about many of the good we were even more blessed by On Saturday, August 22, the do. It’s a way of us both.” times he had spent in Wilkes- the visit of our beloved Bishop church was overflowing with more expressing my * * * Barre. On Sunday, his cousin Am- THOMAS. Together, we moved to than ninety people when the Met- gratitude to God Unlike Sylvia and Dr. Adams, Cameron doesn’t live ber Hyder conducted the choir, to our new church building. Togeth- ropolitan arrived. Parish members for what he has in close proximity to a FOCUS Center. He supports which his cousin Birdie Hyder be- er, too, we shared the joy of our joyfully rang the bells and the choir given me. ere’s FOCUS’s mission with a monthly contribution, which longed. Sayidna was glad to learn newly purchased nineteen-acre lot sang, “Blessed is he who cometh no greater joy than is matched by his employer. How did he choose FO- that the parish was having some (surrounding our current six-acre in the Name of the Lord,” and “Eis serving others, no CUS? He writes, “Although there are many needs in this infants baptized into the Church, lot), which was graciously donated polla eti, Despota,” as they and all greater comfort, world, FOCUS North America addresses many of the by four of our friends, Mr. Nick those present welcomed Sayidna no greater peace concerns that are close my heart…. I must emphasize and Mrs. Jeanne Tsakalos, and Dr. for the first time as Metropolitan. than from serving that I am personally enthusiastic about the FOCUS George and Mrs. Anna Lazar. This Although we were crammed into people. We really outreach method in that it addresses community needs lot will open the door, God-willing, our little church, we were excit- don’t have peace through Christian inspiration, rather than taking advan- to a new era in the life of St. Mary. ed to witness the sacraments of unless we are in a tage of people’s misfortune in an eort to push a specic All the glory be to the Lord, and Baptism, Chrismation and Eucha- servant’s mode,” he dogma upon them…. When I read the updates on the God bless our dear Archdiocese rist being bestowed upon little says. When asked if recent FOCUS endeavors, it exceeds my expectations.”

24 December 2015 e Word 25 Communities in Action

elevation to the sub-diaconate. Our trip began by leaving Fr. Mi- had flown up to join us. The group hosted at the St. James House at Gregory Panatopoulos, a tonsured chael behind in Twin Falls because had lunch with His Grace, Bishop a wonderful dinner by Deacon reader and senior choir member of the early arrival of his son, Maxi- DAVID (OCA Bishop of Alaska). Daniel and Theresa Gray. The tra- for many years, was called forward mus. Flight cancellations caused He related more of the history of ditional Alaskan meal consisted by His Eminence to receive this the delayed arrival of half of the Orthodoxy in Alaska, along with of caribou stew, moose sausage, much-deserved elevation. During group in Alaska. On June 1, Fr. information about customs and life salmon and various side dishes. his homily, Sayidna reminded us Innocent Dresdow, Dean of Holy in Alaska. We attended Great Vespers at St. of the importance of attending the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral John Cathedral, located on 56 We traveled by car to Homer, and divine services of the church, and (OCA) hosted half of our group in acres at the base of the Chugach the following day enjoyed sight- how babies are full members of his home. The next day, the rest of Mountains, 12 miles outside of An- seeing and a lovely lunch with Dea- the church. Lastly, he spoke about the group arrived in Kodiak. The chorage. The property contains an con Andrew and Sharon Bardwell his ministry as the Metropolitan whole group, minus Fr. Michael, elementary school, a guest home, in their home. That evening, we to save souls as a servant in the enjoyed a beautiful day of sun- a chapel dedicated to St. Sergius attended the Paraklesis service at church. shine, bright blue sky, and bald of Radonezh, the St. James House, All Saints of America Orthodox eagles and terns soaring gracefully and a cemetery. What a glorious weekend for all Mission. What a picturesque set- above us. We met Fr. Innocent at who were present! Non-Orthodox ting for a picturesque church! We Sunday morning, we drove 45 min- the boat dock on the bay for a day who came commented on the were especially blessed to be able utes to Wasilla to attend services of island touring. blessings they received by being to venerate the relics of our patron, at St. Herman Church. They were with us, and the faithful of St. Ig- We crossed the bay to Nillus Island St. Ignatius of Antioch, there at the beautiful services in a humble and natius were made aware of the op- to visit St. Nillus Island Skete. We church. We toured the grounds, welcoming atmosphere. Fr. Mi- portunity they had been given to were shown many things around viewing the cemetery and trapeza. chael was asked to bless the new share the fullness of their Orthodox the monastery, including their We took in the awesome panoram- handicap ramp and the dip nets Christian faith with others. small wooden temple. The sisters ic views, which are so common ev- that are used to catch salmon dur- We thank our beloved Metropoli- live a simple life, working and pray- erywhere in Homer. ing the annual run. What a joy to ing and sustaining their existence experience the blessing of the tan JOSEPH for celebrating the On Saturday morning, we headed in a very remote place. We left Nil- nets! After lunch, we went back baptism and spending invaluable back to Anchorage. On the way, lus Island with our sights on Spruce into the church with Fr. Matthew time with us. We congratulate Fater we stopped to see a beautiful Island. As we traveled, the wind Howell, pastor of the church. He Michael and Khouria Masha on the church in Ninilchik (the most pho- picked up. Fr. Innocent, a licensed gave us the history of the church Maximus Joseph by our Metro- baptism of their first child, Maxi- tographed church in all of Alaska). sea captain, told us he could get us and its property, and his work serv- politan. mus Joseph, into the one, holy, The Transfiguration of our Lord to Spruce Island but would not be ing God and his people there. Our Shortly after the baptism, Father catholic and apostolic Church, and Russian Orthodox Church is a white able to get us off. Disappointed, time spent with him was both en- Michael and Khouria Masha hosted offer our prayers and love to our wooden structure with the typi- we returned safely to Kodiak. riching and filled with laughter. a splendid reception at the Stone new Sub-deacon Gregory Panato- cal onion-style golden dome. The House, a short drive from the poulos and his wife, Mary Lou. May The next morning we celebrated property included the church and That evening, we drove into An- church. That evening, His Eminence God grant you all many years. the Atkathist to St. Herman at his a very old, well-filled cemetery sur- chorage to see Holy Transfigura- reliquary at Holy Resurrection Ca- rounded by a white picket fence. tion Greek Orthodox Church. The presided over Great Vespers, after Parish Pilgrimage to Alaska thedral. We were given a history church was built about two years which the Parish Council had din- Upon arriving in Anchorage, we “I want to go to Alaska some day; lesson regarding the Cathedral and ago. This traditional Byzantine Or- ner as well as a warm visit with our met Fr. John Zabinko, the Dean of it’s on my bucket list,” said one Orthodoxy in Alaska. Later, we met thodox structure is very impressive, much-beloved chief shepherd. St. Innocent Cathedral (OCA). He member of our parish to Father up again with Father Innocent for a with beautiful tile floors that look On Sunday morning the bells once told us the history of St. Innocent Michael Habib in early summer of tour that included Pillar Mountain like marble. again joyfully rang as His Eminence of Irkutsk, for whom the Cathedral 2014. By August, Father Michael and Monashka Bay. is named. The large Cathedral con- Leaving there, we traveled to St. entered the church to preside over had secured the blessing of His dral in San Francisco. Its beauty On Thursday Fr. Innocent met us at tained many beautiful icons and Tikhon’s Church (OCA) where we Orthros and celebrate the Hierar- Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH is unique. The walls of the church the Cathedral, allowing us to ven- relics of saints. were greeted by Fr. Daniel An- chical Divine Liturgy. Just before and planned a pilgrimage to Alas- are adorned with iconography that erate the relics of St. Herman. Fol- drejuk. Entering the Nave of St. the beginning of Liturgy, one of ka for the parish members of St. We continued on to St. John Ca- tell the story, beginning with the lowing this, we left for Anchorage, Tikhon’s gives one the same sense our founders and most faithful Ignatius Orthodox Church, Twin thedral in Eagle River, pastored by presentation of the child Mary into were we found Fr. Michael who as walking into the OCA Cathe- members was surprised by his Falls, Idaho, for June 2015. Fr. Marc Dunaway, where we were the Temple, the Annunciation, and

26 December 2015 e Word 27 Communities in Action

the Nativity of Christ, and continuing There is a small chapel in the build- adult and infant baptisms. Fr. George Al-Dehneh Great Vespers was served. Then Dehneh’s brother Magid Assaleh on all four walls of the Nave, ending Becomes Archpriest ing, which he said was very special. The next morning, Monday, June 8, the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch and wife Sherri, and friends of with Christ’s Resurrection. Fr. Daniel On Sunday, August 2, 2015, St. There is an altar to serve smaller it was time to return to Twin Falls. enjoyed dinner with Bishop BASIL Archpriest George Al-Dehneh who then took us to an outdoor wooden liturgies for fewer people, such as George Church of El Paso, Texas, Thank you, Fr. Michael, for a won- at Como’s Italian Restaurant. travelled from Arizona, Elias Mousa structure that houses the bells. It was weekday services and a baptistery, was blessed to see His Grace Bish- derful and memorable pilgrimage. and wife Lama and children Gergi like a wooden gazebo with a bell an amazing hexagonally shaped op BASIL raise our beloved priest, On Sunday, the Hierarchal Divine We thank our merciful Lord for giv- & Lana. The master of ceremonies tower. We toured the fellowship hall. structure that can be used for both the Rev. Fr. George Al-Dehneh, Liturgy was celebrated, during ing us this opportunity to visit a part was Sub-Deacon Michael Sifuen- to the rank of Archpriest. After 10 which the elevation of Fr. George of our country that is so rich in Or- tes. The benediction was given by years of service to the one, true Al-Dehneh to the dignity of Arch- thodox history. His Grace Bishop BASIL, which was and only Holy Orthodox Church, priest took place. That evening we then followed by dinner. Orthodox Christian he is truly worthy. Axios! Mustaheq! held a banquet in celebration of Mission Center Fr. George’s elevation in the Sum- Following dinner, teens Christo- The three days of events in honor mit Hall, which was wonderfully pher Al-Dehneh, David Dayoub, Late this summer, I led a short-term of His Grace Bishop BASIL’s visit decorated by Annette Haddad Jonathan Jarjour, J. R. Padilla, Orthodox Christian Mission Center and the elevation of Fr. George be- and Marilyn Drahan, and superbly and Sam Salloum, under the di- (OCMC) team to Indonesia. The Or- gan on Friday, July 31. The Parish catered by Selma’s Kitchen. Guests rection of Dr. Hassan Salloum, en- thodox Church of Indonesia, under Council, representatives from the in attendance were His Grace tertained us with a humorous skit. His Eminence Metropolitan KON- organizations, and the Elevation Bishop BASIL, The Very Rev. Fr. Je- Following introductions, His Grace STANTINOS of the Holy Metropolis Planning Committee had dinner had Michael (Pastor Emeritus), and Bishop BASIL, Very Rev. Fr. Jehad of Singapore and South Asia, asked with Bishop BASIL at the Coronado Khouria Salwa, The Rev. Fr. George Michael, and Rev. Fr. George Sha- for a group of Orthodox to come and Country Club. On Saturday morn- Shawareb of St. Elias Antiochian wareb each offered reflections on teach at their “clergy-laity” event, ing, the Ladies Society hosted a Orthodox Church in Arvada, Colo- Archpriest George Al-Dehneh and and at an Orthodox-run theological brunch in the Church Summit hall. rado, and Khouria Raghad. Also Khouria Mageda. Salma Isaac, Par- school. We had a great response His Grace had the opportunity to in attendance were Archpriest ish Council President, showed a from our people: Greek, Antiochian visit the Ladies Society, Sunday George Al-Dehneh’s children Lil- picture montage, nicely prepared and OCA faithful applied. We had School, and Teen SOYO members, ian and Christopher, the Rev. Fr. by Dr. Raed Aldouri, showcasing an amazing time teaching and shar- answer questions, and entertain George Shawareb’s children Fadi Fr. George’s service to the Church. ing our faith. Presbytera Renee Ritsi discussions. On Saturday evening, and Faris, Khouria Mageda Al- A DVD of the picture montage was presented to Fr. George. Ms. Isaac then presented Khouria Mageda with a gold cross on behalf of the Parish Council. In celebration of our beloved Fr. George’s elevation, each of the Church organizations presented him with a special gift of love. Fr. George gave his closing remarks, which were followed by all singing, “God Grant You Many Years.” Sub-Deacon Michael Si- fuentes gave closing remarks, and His Grace Bishop BASIL gave the closing prayer.

How fortunate we are to have witnessed this blessed occasion in the history of our St. George Church! God grant you many years, Abouna!

28 December 2015 e Word 29 Save the Date!

Antiochian Village 2016 Alumni Reunion

Celebrate the Feastday of St. Raphael and join us for the 15-year memorial of Fr. John Namie [November 4 - 6, 2016 ]

Stay tuned for registration information and schedule for the weekend— COMING SOON …and plan to bring the entire family!

www.avcamp.org | (724) 238-9565

30 December 2015 Thursday, February 25, to Sunday February 28, 2016

Antiochian Village Summer Camp 2016

Registration is open!

Orthodox Music in North America Metropolitan JOSEPH’s Vision to Elevate our Sound Headliner - Composer, Director & Jazz Musician NAZO ZAKKAK

2016 Session Dates: · Featuring Music composed by Visit www.avcamp.org & get ready for the best two weeks of summer!  June 19 - July 1 Modern Day Composers

Antiochian Village Summer Camp is for campers ages 9-17. Our program  June 19 - 26 (1-week) · Vocal production, blend & sight-singing sessions seeks to bring campers closer to Christ and their faith, develop important life  July 3 - 15 · Private voice lessons skills in young people, provide an experience of nature and God’s creation, · Byzantine Chant and so much more. If you haven’t sent your child to camp yet, now is the  July 17 - 29 time! Sessions fill quickly, so please don’t delay.  July 31 - August 12 · Teaching Methods that get Results Sacred Arts Camps: · Directing, pitching and theory sessions

 Byzantine Chant Camp: · Youth Music Ministry-Encouraging Antiochian Village check website for dates Teen Participation  Iconography Camp: · Spiritual Enrichment, Fellowship & Mentorship www.avcamp.org July 17 - 25 Hosted by st. john the e va ng el ist, or in da, ca “The Village is an amazing place where I made new friends, For more info please contact | Check WWW.ANTIOCHIAN.ORG/MUSIC for updates discovered new things about myself, and most importantly grew closer to God.” Find us on Facebook: Department of Sacred Music, - Jad, 13 years old Antiochian Orthodox Church of North America

e Word 33 e Wheel: A New Independent Journal Most Orthodox Christians understand their local a broader awareness of the Orthodox Church’s world- parish community to be the heart of their spiritual lives wide history, theology, and culture. It strives to give its and engagement. In general, we are primarily concerned readership the opportunity to explore, in an appealing with the goings-on of our own congregation, or, at most, and accessible format, not only the great theological and with some of the broader cultural and ecclesial details institutional issues of the Church, but also an awareness of our own Orthodox jurisdiction and cultural heritage. of the quotidian and little-remarked – but nevertheless  is local focus is both unsurprising and frequently ben- vitally important – activities, relationships, and opinions e cial: if we cannot care for with those who stand im- of local Orthodox Christians throughout the world. mediately around us and share communion with them, By presenting these stories from our past and pres- then why should we show interest in those far removed? ent, e Wheel also strives to help readers imagine Sometimes, however, in the midst of all of our pa- various ways in which the worldwide Orthodox com- rochial concerns it is di cult to remember the breadth munion might adapt itself to our changing times, with and depth of the worldwide Orthodox communion, their rapid globalization and dramatic technological and or to appreciate how the experience of the full Church cultural transformation, while still maintaining that has shaped our present engagements and can help us which de nes us as Orthodox. It features reports on ele- to chart an informed path to the Church’s future. Of ments of the Church’s life that might otherwise go unre- course, what we do locally is crucially informed by the marked. So it has recently published articles on, among broad tradition of the Church throughout time and other things, Orthodoxy and public discourse, the tradi- space. Moreover, it is not only the formal theological tion of Pontic Greek pilgrimage tales, and Christianity Sign up for Winter Camp 2016 pronouncements and liturgical practices of the Church’s considered as poetics. Its interests extend to all corners priests and teachers that are important to our faith today. of the worldwide Church. It eagerly seeks enlightening February 12-15, 2016  e daily activities, trials, and experiences of Orthodox authorial perspectives and insights from and about the Christians in all places and walks of life throughout the Church in every place across the globe, drawn from ev- centuries have shaped us today. ery possible cultural con guration in which the Church It is easy to give lip service to this simple and obvi-  nds itself. e Wheel’s pages are not limited to history, Speaker: Fr. Ben Kjendal, pastor of St. Michael ous fact, since the Church’s liturgical life is heavily in u- cultural studies, and theology; it has and will continue the Archangel Orthodox Church, Cotuit, MA enced by commemorations of leading lights among its to publish high-quality works of poetry and  ction that theologians, saints, and martyrs, and by remembrances touch on the life of the Church.  e unifying theme of of the Orthodox throughout the world.  e Church all of its articles and stories is a mission to illumine for throughout time, however, is so vast and complex that its readership the various possibilities for understanding coming to grips with the immensity of its culture and one’s life as an Orthodox Christian, and to suggest strat- theological vision is a challenge even for professional egies for advancing with integrity as Christians into the theologians and historians.  is is even more the case future of our changing world. with local clergy and parishioners, occupied as they are with many daily activities that demand their atten- e Wheel is always seeking new contributors – read- tion and concern. Yet gaining an appreciation for the ers, subscribers, and authors – to join in its mission of diversity and abundance of the Church’s traditions can exploring the endless compelling facets of Orthodox enrich the faith that we express concretely in our local theology, history, art, and culture. Explore the website Visit our website for more information environment. at www.wheeljournal.com to see more about its publica- If you have questions, please contact Chris Shadid at It was in order to bring these stories to life, and to tions, mission, and history, and for information about give people in the Church an intimate view of how the ways to become involved in this new venture into our [email protected], or call 724-238-9565 (ext. 505) Body of Christ has expressed itself in other times and common heritage. places, that e Wheel was conceived at the beginning of Tim Clark this year. An independent publication, produced both Editorial Staff, The Wheel in print and online, e Wheel is devoted to advancing

34 December 2015  e Word 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238