Volume 55 No. 10 DECEMBER 2011

VOLUME 55 NO. 10 DECEMBER 2011

COVER: ICON OF THE NATIVITY Written by Yuri Sidorenko

3 EDITORIAL by Rt. Rev. John Abdalah

4 FINDING REFRESHMENT AT THE ST. THEKLA PILGRIMAGE by Mother Alexandra

6 SEMINARIAN DINNER AT THE ARCHDIOCESE HEADQUARTERS

The Most Reverend 10 THE SYRIAN REGIME Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. by Dr. Najib E. Saliba Primate The Right Reverend 15 DEAN OF ST. TIKHON’S Bishop ANTOUN ADDRESSES CLERGY RETREAT The Right Reverend Bishop JOSEPH 16 ARABIC CULTURE The Right Reverend by Odeese M. Ghassa-Khalil Bishop BASIL The Right Reverend 18 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE Bishop THOMAS The Right Reverend 19 MEMORY ETERNAL: Bishop ALEXANDER FR. JOHN ESTEPHAN The Right Reverend Bishop JOHN 20 TOP 10 REASONS TO GIVE The Right Reverend THE GIFT OF CAMP Bishop ANTHONY The Right Reverend 22 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Bishop NICHOLAS Founded in Arabic as 32 METROPOLITAN’S SECRETARY RETIRES Al Kalimat in 1905 by Raphael (Hawaweeny) 33 HELLENIC COLLEGE Founded in English as The WORD in 1957 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) 34

Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. Bishop JOHN, D.Min. Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full name and The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by the local The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All ­submissions, in Ronald Nicola hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Design Director Donna Griffin Albert Foreign Countries, $26.00 Member Single Copies, $3.00 The Associated Church Press Conciliar Press The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Ecumenical News International Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Orthodox Press Service Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631- 5238 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial Office: The WORD Postmaster send address changes to: The WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 2 ’s Trail 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 Westborough MA 01581-1841 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. e-mail: [email protected] Canada Post Publications Agreement No. 40691029 Subscription Office: Return Canada address to: 358 Mountain Road AIM, 7289 Torbram Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8, Canada. PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

editor’s letter

How to Find Christmas Happiness & Joy December is the time when we worry about anxiety and discontentment. Whenever someone Christmas gifts. Everyone seems to agree that is not consistent with his own nature, he or she we overdo this gift-giving stuff. Everyone seems will feel such pain. to agree that it all has become too commercial The solution seems to me to be very clear. and less spiritual. We read so many sermons and Let’s “give in” to our nature, and give ourselves messages on the excesses of the season. What are to God and to each other. Let’s give cheerfully we to do? How would we go about putting Christ and generously to God through His Church, and back into Christmas? How do we make Christ the give to each other our time, caring and gifts. Let “reason for the season”? Or, is this really a prob- us indulge in sharing the love that God has for us lem at all? and we have for each other, and let’s do it abun- This year, I’m for gift-giving. God gave us His dantly. Let’s overcome our fears. If we are short gift: His only begotten Son. The Son gave us His of cash, let’s be creative. If we are short on time, gift of Himself. The Spirit brought us these gifts let’s fast from those activities that steal away our as His own gift for mankind. Why does God give? time and be with each other, instead of our televi- Because He loves us and because it is His nature sions and computers. Let’s live deliberately and to love and to give. If it is His nature to love and joyfully, giving fully and generously. Nothing less to give, and we know that we are created by Him will be from our nature, which in His own image and likeness, then it is our prop- is itself the Christmas gift er nature to love and to give. Christ gives Himself from God. to God the Father and to mankind. We, too, need to give ourselves to God and to each other. To do Fr. John Abdalah otherwise would be to act and live in a way con- trary to our very nature. Such living would cause dissonance and pain. It would cause depression,

The Word 3 Finding Refreshment at the St. Thekla Pilgrimage

From September 23 to 25, pilgrims traveled to A Saturday afternoon program was offered, Antiochian Village for the St. Thekla Pilgrimage with a choice of an informative tour of the icons and the Patronal Feast of the St. Thekla Mon- in the Peter and Paul Chapel, a hike to the astery, enjoying a weekend of prayer, refresh- monastery building site, or a visit to the Antio- ment, focus and fellowship. Pilgrims trickled in chian Heritage Museum. The Museum’s current exhibit, “Structure in Stone,” is of expeditions in on Friday evening after busy weeks of work and the early 1900s that examined the architecture the demands of daily life, and were offered hos- of dating back to 500 B.C. In the evening, pitality and a time to unwind and transition in we gathered for Great Vespers, dinner and con- prayer at Vespers. Following this, they enjoyed versation, followed by a talk and discussion on fellowship with one another, a movie, and a prayer by Mother Alexandra. The Pilgrimage discussion. Saturday was a full day, beginning closed on Sunday following Orthros, Divine Lit- with Orthros and the Divine Liturgy, followed urgy, the Blessing for Travelers and brunch. by brunch, and then workshops on Orthodox Our guest Hierarch for the Pilgrimage was Family Life, Living Faithfully Through Crisis, the His Grace Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Sacraments, and a discussion of the book Miles Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic. Sayidna Thom- to Go. After a break, we convened at the Shrine as provided us with practical, spiritual food to of St. Thekla, located at the Village Camp, and strengthen our minds and hearts for encounter- prayed the Supplication to St. Thekla. We were ing the daily demands of this world. He remind- ed us that St. Thekla was always prepared, unlike anointed, too, with the miraculous oil from the the unwise virgins in the Gospel, and to ask our- lampada that burns in the Shrine of St. Thekla in selves if we are prepared to meet Christ, not just Ma’aloula, Syria. when he at the end of the world, but in

4 The Word each day of our lives. We were grateful for Sayid- na THOMAS’s presence, providing many faithful the opportunity to meet him and speak with him. In addition, Fr. Anthony Yazge, Director of the Antiochian Village Camp, and many of our clergy from Pennsylvania were also with us until they needed to return to their parishes: Bishop-Elect Fr. John Abdalah, Fr. Donald Shadid, Fr. John Nosal, Fr. Stephen Lourie, Fr. Gregory Long, Fr. Joel Gillam, Fr. Fred Pfeil, Fr. Meletios Zafaran, Fr. James Purdie, and Dn. Michael Ibrahim. We thank them for their time, presence and ministry to us. Thanks are also extended to Paul Finley, Di- rector of the Antiochian Village Conference Cen- ter; Barli Ross, Director of Orthodox Programs; and the entire Village Staff for their hospitality which far exceeds food and lodging.

Mother Alexandra Saint Thekla Monastery

The Word 5 On October 11, 2011, His Eminence Metro- Seminarian Dinner politan PHILIP hosted the Annual Seminarian Dinner at the Archdiocese Headquarters. In at- at the Archdiocese tendance were all of the Antiochian seminarians and their spouses from St. Tikhon, St. Vladimir, and Holy Cross seminaries. Also in attendance Headquarters were the three Bishops-Elect who are prepar- ing to travel to in December for their consecrations. They are Bishop-Elect John (Ab- dalah), Bishop-Elect Anthony (Michaels), and Bishop-Elect Nicholas (Ozone). The evening began with a Vesper service in the Chapel of St. John Chrysostom at the Archdiocese Head- quarters. Following the Vesper service, everyone gathered in the large dining room for the photo group, which was then followed by dinner. Af- ter dinner, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP addressed the gathered seminarians and their spouses, discussing matters which are important to their future priesthood. He spoke about the importance of practical pastoral theology which touches the lives of people. His Eminence then asked each of the Bishops-Elect to address the students, and to speak of both their pastoral ex- periences as priests, and their expectations for their Episcopal ministry. Finally, we were treated to beautiful chanting by both Fr. Elias Bitar, and seminarian Rassem Al-Massih.

6 The Word

8 The Word The Word 9 The Syrian Regime Struggle for Survival and Implications of Its Fall Since the beginning of February, 2011, a great deal of international attention has been focused on the so- called “Arab Spring,” a term coined by the Western media and applied to the series of uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and then Syria. Unlike the regimes of Tunisia and Egypt, which depended for their continuity on Western backing, the Syrian regime drew its support from the loyalty of its armed forces, the Ba’ath party and political groups affiliated with the Ba’ath, and from the Arab nationalist ideology for which the Syrian regime has stood since the end of the French mandate, if not before. Of all the Arab states, Syria believes it has a spe- cial mission in the Arab World. It considers itself the heartbeat of Arab nationalism. This idea rests on historical factors and modern ones as well.

The Word 11 Historically, served as the capital of the Umayyad for almost a century. The Umayyad Caliphate prided itself on having been the most unadulterated Arab state in histo- ry, and controlled a sprawling empire stretching from central in the east to Spain, “Andalus,” in the west. Damascus was the administrative center of this empire, from which Syrians have drawn much inspiration, and in which they have taken great pride. The famous Umayyad Mosque, built at the beginning of the eighth century A.D., still stands in the heart of Damascus. A modern factor in the Syrian understanding of its role in the Arab world today is the rise of Arab nationalism. The idea of Arab nationalism may have begun in toward the end of the nineteenth century, but by World War I it had be- come centered in Damascus. The Damascus Pro- tocol, which formed the basis of Sharif Husain’s

secret negotiations with the British government in 1914–15, was put together in Damascus. The resolutions of the Syrian Congress of 1919, communicated to Woodrow Wilson’s King-Crane Commission, were passed in Damascus. It is important to realize that the Syrian Congress of 1919 was representative of all the people of Greater or Geographical Syria, with few excep- tions. Yusuf al-’Azmeh, Defense Minister of Amir

12 The Word Faisal, son of Sharif Husain, was the first Arab tion with a clear program is the Muslim Brother- defense minister, perhaps the only one, to die in hood, which is an offshoot of the original Muslim battle fighting French imperialism at the gates of Brotherhood of Egypt, established by Hasan al- Damascus in July 1920. These events inspired Banna, a schoolteacher, in 1928. Its objective, as and influenced Syria’s domestic and foreign poli- articulated by Banna, was, and perhaps still is, cy long before the Ba’ath party came to power in the establishment of a Muslim state based on the 1963. If we fail to take them into consideration, Qur’an and Shari’ah. Its slogan has always been then we fail to understand Syria’s behavior. These “Islam is the solution.” The Brotherhood has had very factors are also at play today in the current a violent history. It was banned and suppressed confrontation between the Syrian regime and its in Egypt, and is currently banned in Syria, where opposition, backed by the Western powers, name- membership in the Brotherhood carries a death ly the U.S., France, Britain, Italy, and so forth. sentence. In spite of this, the Brotherhood has Who is the Syrian opposition? What is it com- been the standard-bearer of the opposition to the posed of, and what does it stand for? The Syr- Assad regime. ian opposition is an amorphous assortment of Besides the Brotherhood, the opposition in- individuals and political-religious groups that cludes groups and individuals in exile. In the defy identification. It has no unity, no structure, U.S. there is the so-called “Reform Party,” led by and no united leadership to articulate its objec- Farid Ghadry, who reportedly visited more tives. The only identifiable part of this opposi- than once. In Paris, there is the “lslamist Move- ment for Justice and Development,” of unknown leadership. Paris is also the residence of the for- mer Vice President of Syria ‘Abd al-Halim Khad- dam, who had served President Hafiz al-Asad and his son loyally until he had a fall out with Presi- dent Bashar in 2005. Since then he has lived in Paris, where he established the “National Salva- tion Front” (2006), composed mainly of Mus- lim Brothers. On September 5, 2011, Khaddam called for foreign military intervention in Syria, claiming that “military intervention is not occu- pation.” In London, there is also an opposition group, which started a television program aimed at Syria not too long ago. Collectively, the Syrian opposition is not mono- lithic, and includes many shades of color, ethnici- ties, and opinions. Some are moderate and will- ing to enter into dialogue with the regime, while others are extremists and will settle for nothing short of the fall of the regime. At least two at- tempts have been made to bring some coherence and unity to the opposition movement. About three hundred opposition figures converged on Antalya, in southern , for a meeting in late May-early June. They came from many places: Europe, the U.S., Australia and Syria. They were predominately Sunni , as is the whole opposition movement, with little representation from other religious minorities (Alawites, Chris- tians and ). They tried to forge a united vi-

The Word 13 sion of the Syria of the future. Some argued that ern powers that back the Syrian opposition have Syria should be a democratic, secular state, with backed the Libyan rebels, and they have already equal rights and duties for all citizens under a sec- started bickering over the division of Libyan oil! ular constitution. Others objected, equating secu- Should it happen that the Syrian regime falls larism with atheism, and advocated a stronger to domestic forces, who will rule Syria? Clearly, role for religion in state and society. Attendees the Muslim Brothers are best positioned to be the could not agree, and the meeting ended without main beneficiaries. They are the most organized a joint statement. A second meeting took place and have been the most repressed. They may in Istanbul, but was no more successful than the form a coalition cabinet, but will it last? How long first. At the second meeting new cracks appeared will it take before the revolutionaries turn against in the opposition movement. Tension was appar- one another, as has happened time and again? If ent between dissidents in exile and those from the Ba’ath party is dissolved and purged from the within Syria. Kurdish delegates argued for the army and the people, as is likely to happen and as omission of the word “Arab” from Syria’s name: has happened in Iraq, we may have a long period The Syrian Arab Republic. When they failed to of instability, a settling of old accounts, and per- persuade the rest, they left the meeting. Secular haps a sectarian civil war. The Ba’ath Party has dissidents raised questions about Turkey’s inten- ruled Syria since 1963, and firmly, since 1970. tions in hosting both meetings. They suspected The new rulers will lack its expertise and experi- that Turkey had lslamist intentions. Preparations ence in government, as we have seen in Iraq. for a third meeting are currently underway. Should the Syrian regime fall as a result of for- Will the Syrian opposition bring the regime eign military intervention, then the implications down? Although it is difficult to foretell the fu- are enormous, not only for Syria, but the whole ture, I do not believe that the Syrian opposition is region. Lebanon stands to be affected first imme- capable of bringing the regime down on its own, diately and directly. The Lebanese population is unless there is a split in the armed forces, which almost evenly divided pro- and anti-Syria. Anti- at the moment seems unlikely. Despite some six Syrian forces are pro-Saudi Arabia and pro-West. months of demonstrations, propaganda, Western Their leader is Sa’d Hariri, the former Prime Min- sanctions and backing, the opposition has little ister. Pro-Syrian and pro-Iranian forces back the to show, besides remaining in the streets. The current Lebanese government under Najib Miqa- armed forces have maintained their solidarity, ti. The fall of the Syrian regime will encourage and there has been little or no disaffection within anti-Syrian and pro-Western forces to take to the the ­regime. streets, demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Furthermore, the Syrian regime is not without Miqati and his government, and the return of Sa’d support domestically. It is backed by the military, Hariri to the premiership. This may not happen as already mentioned, and probably by more than peacefully and will almost certainly lead to vio- fifty percent of the people, including Alawites, lence. There is already an ugly cold war going on Christians and Druze. Not even all Sunni Muslims between the two groups. In the case of an erup- are against the regime. The Sunni business class tion of violence, Hizbollah will be involved, and of Damascus and Aleppo, along with important probably Iran as well. Should this scenario, or Sunni clerics, back the regime. elements of this scenario, come to pass, it would Additionally, the Assad regime is not exclusive- be difficult to imagine Israel or the Western pow- ly Alawite. It has never been. Sunnis, Christians ers, or both, remaining uninvolved. The net result and Druze have always been part of the regime. may well be the re-division of the , as Moreover, Syrians question the nature and mo- happened in World War I. tives of the opposition. How can they entrust their Dr. Najib E. Saliba future to a disparate opposition, which can’t “get Dr. Saliba is a Professor of Middle East History at Worcester State University its act together” and present a coherent program? (This article was a paper first delivered at the Harvard Kennedy How can they trust an opposition that is backed School of Government on September 13, 2011.) by three Western powers with a negative history in the Arab world? Incidentally, the same West-

14 The Word Dean of St. Tikhon’s Addresses Clergy Retreat

Under the direction of His Grace Bishop selected portions of the biography of Fr. Sera- THOMAS, twenty-four priests in the Antiochian phim Rose. Fr. John Dixon spoke of the priest’s Archdiocese of the Diocese of Charleston, Oak- rule of prayer as a foundation for his ministry. Fr. land, and the Mid-Atlantic, and of the Diocese of Gregory Long addressed the question of how to New York and Washington, gathered for their an- get through the priest’s terror of being speech- nual clergy retreat at the Antiochian Village from less when he is needed. Fr. Joel Gillam noted how September 20 to 23. The priests from last year’s humbling and edifying it is to meet with fellow retreat selected the V. Rev. Fr. Alexander Atty, priests, while observing how the Lord has mani- Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Semi- fested Himself in their lives. Fr. Charles Baz gave nary, as the guest speaker for the week. a beautiful word on St. Joseph of Damascus, the Fr. Alexander gave a series of lectures pertain- patron saint of this annual clergy retreat. ing to “The Priestly Life.” He spoke of the priest The brotherhood ended the week greatly as a spiritual architect, a good shepherd, a con- encouraged and re-invigorated, ready to head fessor, and a husband and father. The priests were back to their parishes and knowing they had the very edified by his wisdom that came from many prayers and strengthened friendships of their fel- years of pastoral experience. low co-laborers. Sayidna THOMAS continued to In addition to these lectures, several priests stress his love for the brethren, and their calling gave intimate reflections on their personal expe- not to become “good” priests, but to become per- riences in the life in Christ as pastors. Kicking fect, even as our Heavenly Father is perfect (Mat- off the retreat, Fr. John Nosal led a discussion on thew 5:48).

The Word 15 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

ArabicDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Culture These promises are truths that have never been as evident in my life as they are today. I would love to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to share with you the wonderful beauty of God fulfilling his plans in my life, giving me hope and a very bright future.

16 The Word I am Odeese M. Ghassa-Khalil, an Antiochian I do with them. Orthodox, Arab-American parishioner blessed to Just recently, California University of Pennsylva- be a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox nia made history when the Pennsylvania State Sys- Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am also tem of Higher Education (PASSHE) and its Board blessed to be the very proud mother of two won- of approved the university’s bachelor’s derful young boys. As an Arab-American family, it degree program in Arabic Language and Culture. is very important to us that we stay in touch with With this decision, Cal U becomes the first state- the Arabic world, our roots and history. It is also owned university in the nation to offer an online my desire one day to see and hear my two won- four-year degree in Arabic Language and Culture. derful sons read the Holy Bible in Arabic. Because The Department of Modern Languages and Cul- of my family and my church family, who have sup- tures at Cal U, working with the university’s Global ported me and encouraged me to pursue and enjoy Online Program – ranked No. 1 in the nation for the many blessings and fruits the Lord had in mind Internet-based degree programs – now is offering a for me, I currently hold a position at California Uni- major, a minor and a certificate in Arabic Language versity of Pennsylvania as the program coordinator and Culture. The program began in fall 2011. What and instructor of a new bachelor’s degree program makes it so special is that it is offered completely in Arabic Language and Culture. online. This means that the program is open to Every first Saturday of the month, our parishio- students anywhere in the world, and that they can ners at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral obtain a degree from the comfort of their homes. gather for Divine Liturgy celebrated in the Arabic So if you are one of our parishioners who has language. After I have chanted the Communion the desire to learn Arabic, or if you want your chil- hymn, in Arabic, during Holy Communion at the dren to learn this beautiful language, this opportu- end of liturgy on Sundays and on the first Satur- nity is yours. Whether for work, for a future career, day of the month, I am blessed with comments or for your personal enrichment and interest, you such as, “Wow, God bless you; that was beautiful!” now can learn the Arabic language and explore “That was really beautiful!” and “Can you help me the rich Arabic culture from the comfort of your say this prayer in Arabic?” My brothers and sis- own home. What’s more, you can actually earn a ters in Christ, your interest in my native culture degree! In addition to learning about the beautiful and all of these wonderful words always bless me Arab culture, its history, its strong family ties and and brighten my day. Knowing that so many have structure, you can also meet a need in the Ameri- shown interest in the Arabic language and culture, can workforce. Research has shown that there is a I become consumed with the desire to take every- critical need among our federal agencies for em- one and anyone moved by my native tongue and ployees who can read, write and speak the Arabic teach them not only the prayers they want to say language and understand Arabic culture. in Arabic, but also how to read and write in Arabic If you are interested in learning Arabic, please on their own. It is this God-given desire that has let me know and I will be honored to help you get become my reality! on board. I would be blessed by the opportunity Today I am blessed with a job that allows me to work with you while you learn the beautiful lan- to share what I know about the Arab language and guage and culture of the Arabic world. Please feel culture. This has been important to me as a wife, a free to email me at [email protected], and I will be mother and a professional, but it is very significant more than happy to answer your questions. to me as an Arab-American woman. The Lord has Finally, I must admit that I had an idea of what blessed me with the opportunity to be involved in I might want in my life, but the Lord already knew designing, planning and implementing an entirely the desires of my heart and had a plan to fulfill Arabic Culture new language program, teaching the language and them in my life. Again, His words are truth, and I the culture that I call my own. It has been such a am proof of how He always fulfills His promises to great honor to be involved in such an endeavor. My help us prosper and to give us hope and a future.

excitement over having such an honor has been fu- Odeese M. Ghassa-Khalil eled by hearing and seeing the interest displayed St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland (Pittsburgh), PA by our parishioners, so I would like to share what

The Word 17 archdiocese daily devotions january 2012 office V. Rev. George Alberts

ORDAINED 1. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-13:8 COOK, Subdeacon David, to the holy diaconate by MATTHEW 10:1, 5-8 Bishop BASIL, on October 30, 2011, at St. George 2. COLOSSIANS 1:18-23; LUKE 11:42-46 Church in Houston, Texas. Deacon David is assigned (FAST) to St. Paul Church in Houston, Texas. 3. COLOSSIANS 1:24-29; LUKE 11:47-12:1 4. COLOSSIANS 2:1-7; LUKE 12:2-12 (FAST) FULTON, Deacon Michael, to the holy priesthood by 5. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12-18; LUKE 9:1-6 Bishop BASIL, on November 3, 2011, at St. Joseph 6. TITUS 3:8-15; LUKE 8:41-56 Church in Houston, Texas. Father Michael is in his 7. COLOSSIANS 2:13-20 final year of studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox LUKE 12:13-15, 22-31 Theological School in Brookline, Massachusetts. 8. HEBREWS 2:2-10; LUKE 10:16-21 TELSCHOW, Subdeacon Mark, to the holy diaconate 9. COLOSSIANS 3:17-4:1; LUKE 12:48-59 by Bishop BASIL, on October 30, 2011, at St. George (FAST) Church in Houston, Texas. Deacon Mark is assigned 10. COLOSSIANS 4:2-9; LUKE 13:1-9 to Holy Cross Mission in Midland-Odessa, Texas. 11. COLOSSIANS 4:10-18; LUKE 13:31-35 (FAST) ELEVATED 12. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10; LUKE 9:37-43 DAHDAL, Archpriest Nicholas, to the dignity of 13. HEBREWS 7:26-8:2; LUKE 10:25-37 Economos by Metropolitan PHILIP, before the Arch- 14. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5; LUKE 14:12-15 diocese Convention, at St. George Church, Cicero, 15. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6-10; Illinois. LUKE 14:25-35 (FAST) JACOBSON, Priest Peter, to the rank and dignity of 16. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16 Archpriest by Bishop ANTOUN, on February 27, 2011, MATTHEW 9:9-13 (FAST) at St. Basil the Great Church, Ocala, Florida. 17. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:9-14 LUKE 16:1-9 (FAST) HUNEYCUTT, Priest Joseph, to the rank and dignity of 18. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:14-19 Archpriest by Bishop BASIL, on November 3, 2011, at LUKE 16:15-18; 17:1-4 (FAST) St. Joseph Church, Houston, Texas. 19. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-5; LUKE 9:57-62 KRUSE, Priest David, to the rank and dignity of Arch- (FAST) priest by Bishop JOSEPH, on November 5, 2011, at 20. EPHESIANS 2:4-10; LUKE 12:16-21 (FAST) St. Raphael Mission, Thousand Palms, California. 21. HEBREWS 9:1-7 ISSA, Priest Elias, to the rank and dignity of Arch- LUKE 10:38-42, 12:27-28 (FAST) priest by Bishop BASIL, on October 2, 2011, at the MEETING OF THE THEOTOKOS IN THE Church of St. Basil the Great, Kansas City, Kansas. TEMPLE 22. 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13 APPOINTED LUKE 17:26-37 (FAST) SABA, Fr. Fouad, of St. George Orthodox Church, 23. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-12 Cicero, Illinois, as Spiritual Advisor to North American LUKE 18:15-17, 26-30 (FAST) Council (NAC) SOYO. 24. EPHESIANS 6:10-17; LUKE 21:12-19 (FAST) KINDER, Fr. Patrick, as Spiritual Advisor to the teens 25. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:9-13, 24-28 (FAST) of the Diocese of Toledo. 26. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:1-6 YAZGE, Fr. Anthony, as Dean of the Western Pennsyl- LUKE 10:19-21 (FAST) vania Deanery. 27. EPHESIANS 2:14-22; LUKE 18:18-27 Donations to The WORD, October 2011 (FAST) 28. 2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-10 Ms. Milka Torosian $100 LUKE 19:37-44 (FAST) Mr. James K. Wade $50 29. 2 THESSALONIANS 1:10-22 Mr. William A. Assaly $100 LUKE 19:45-48 (FAST) Anonymous $200 30. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16; JOHN 1:35-51 (FAST)

18 The Word The Very Rever- tory from St. Sau- end Father John veur Seminary and Es­tephan, retired the Center of Arts priest of St. George and Literature, a col- Antiochian Orthodox lege of the St. Joseph Christian Church in Jesuit University in Grand Rapids, Mich- Beirut. In addition igan, completed his to earning academic earthly journey on Father John Estephan accolades, he served May 1, 2011, at the Memory Eternal as Secretary of the age of 92. He has Lebanese Embassy left behind hundreds in Mexico from 1950 of families forever “I have fought the good fight, to 1959. During his grateful to him for I have finished the race, tenure there, he was his strength, com- I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). the Executive Secre- passion, commit- tary of the Lebanese ment and love. Union in Mexico and He is survived by Central America. In wife of 62 years, Khouria Soad, and their five chil- 1960 he led a delegation to Lebanon to attend dren: Salam, Salwa, Sanaa, Soad, and Elias, and the International Lebanese Congress in Beirut. their families, including 14 grandchildren and He published articles in the leading magazines of 16 great grandchildren. He faithfully served St. Lebanon and served as editor of two leading pub- George from 1962 to 2002, during which period lications in Mexico City. In 1967 the Academy of A dignified, intel- lectual man, Father he led our parish through two major renovations Arts and Science of the International Institute of John was like a and the addition of a stunning, award-winning Anthropology awarded him an honorary doctor- cedar of Lebanon, banquet and conference center. ate for his “Study of Man.” In 1975 he was pro- standing tall and As the leader of the oldest Orthodox church in moted to the rank of Archpriest in the Archdio- proud, a source of West Michigan, Father John was always a forward cese of the United States and was named Dean strength for all of us. thinker, encouraging women to read the epistle for the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Fluent in He will be forever remembered as and serve as ushers at St. George. In addition to Spanish, French, English, Greek and Arabic, Fa- a man of faith, love, being our spiritual leader, Father John was a well- ther Estephan was a teacher and lifelong learner. devotion and known leader in Grand Rapids, where he was of- The most important aspect of his life, however, inspiration. ten interviewed for news articles about our faith cannot be measured by diplomas and awards. and the Middle East. Rather, his greatest achievement is what he left To honor Father John Estephan’s memory, we behind in our hearts and minds. A dignified, intel- want to recall and acknowledge his many achieve- lectual man, Father John was like a cedar of Leba- ments and awards. Born in Mexico and educated non, standing tall and proud, a source of strength in Lebanon, Father John was an energetic, highly for all of us. He will be forever remembered as a motivated young man. He earned master’s de- man of faith, love, devotion and inspiration. grees in Arabic Literature and Middle East His-

The Word 19 editor’s letter cont’d from pg 3 Top 10 Reasons to Give the Gift of Camp

Summer Camp is truly a life-changing experience – one that provides a lifetime of memories and develops real life-skills needed to be a leader today. More importantly, the camping programs within our Archdiocese provide an opportunity for our youth to grow in their faith while making lifelong friendships. As we prepare for Christmas, consider these “Top 10 Reasons to Give the Gift of Camp”:

10. Gift-wrapping a pony has never been easy. Trust us, we’ve tried.

9. Your child will always be grateful for your gift after experiencing a summer at camp.

8. According to research from The Children’s Mutual, 41 percent of toys and presents given during the December holidays are broken by March.

7. No waiting in line! The average American spends 25 percent of holiday shopping time in line.

6. Camp is FUN!

5. Camp helps boost confidence! According to research from the American Camp Association (ACA), 92 percent of campers reported that camp helped them feel better about themselves.

20 The Word 4. First-hand experiences with nature! From insects to vegetation, and woodland critters to fish, the camp ex- perience surrounds children with nature and helps them develop a hands-on appreciation for the environ- ment and the natural world.

3. Camp helps stem summer learning loss. According to the National Summer Learning Association, most children experience some degree of learning loss in the summer months. Research has shown that participation in an 2. Friends come in all shapes and sizes, and experiential education program, like camp, has a positive from all different backgrounds. ACA research effect on children while helping to stem learning loss. indicated that 96 percent of campers made new friends, and 93 percent of campers met people who were different from them. The camp experi- ence helps develop authentic friendships and a sense of community, while making children more aware of the world around them. Research further shows that these friendships will be life- long, providing a network of Orthodox friends for your child as he or she grows.

1. The camping programs within our Archdiocese are intentional about helping your child grow in the Orthodox Christian faith, while also growing individu- ally as he or she journeys to adulthood.

Families ready to give the gift of camp can visit www.antiochian.org/camps for more information and a listing of camping programs within our Archdiocese. So give the gift of camp this Christmas — families can tuck it in a new backpack, roll it in a new sleeping bag, wrap it around a new flashlight, or put it in a traditional gift box, complete with colorful paper and a bow. No matter how it’s delivered, the gift of camp is the gift of a lifetime.

The Word 21 Communities in action Bishop THOMAS Visits and family to the faith. brief chat in the lounge, where St. Elias, New Castle, PA Fr. Kevin Gregory Long and His Eminence asked about the the parish community thanks Orthodox community in Mon- His Grace, Bishop THOMAS Bishop THOMAS for his prayer- treal and surrounding area, His visited Saint Elias in New Castle, ful and paternal love and care Eminence headed to the Shera- PA, on the weekend of August for us. We eagerly look forward ton Hotel, accompanied by our 19-21. Sayidna made pastoral to his next visit with us. Pastor and the Archdeacon. calls with Father Kevin Gregory That evening, Metropolitan to see a couple of parishioners. Metropolitan PHILIP PHILIP honoured the Parish He also visited with the children ­Montreal Celebrates St. Council by accepting their in- of the parish, ate a meal in the Mary’s 20th Anniversary vitation to dinner. The Pastor, parish hall with the parish coun- President and all the members cil and some guests, and went After more than a month of took the opportunity to speak to nearby Holy Transfiguration preparations, during which ev- about their projects accom- Monastery and visited with the eryone worried over every de- plished over the past twenty tail of the twentieth-anniversary years, and His Eminence gave festivities, the big weekend fi- valuable advice concerning the nally arrived. All the Orthodox vision for the upcoming years. community of Montreal and its His Eminence was impressed surroundings joined the parish- by the accomplishments and ioners of St. Mary’s Antiochian growth of the Parish during Orthodox Church to welcome that short time. The gathering His Eminence Metropolitan was like that of a family finally PHILIP for his historic visit. meeting its father after a long Parishioners had been waiting absence. for five years for this weekend On Saturday morning, Say- of September 9, 10 and 11. On idna met the bigger family rep- Friday, His Eminence’s plane resented by St. Mary’s organiza- landed at Montreal’s airport to tions. Entering the church, he a formal welcome. With the ap- was astonished by the beauty proval of the Ministry of For- that the chandeliers added to nuns there. eign Affairs, our Pastor, Very the church as a whole, especial- The kids sang a song that Reverend Father Michel Fawaz, ly the principal one (polyailon). they learned while attending Va- accompanied by His Excellency Those responsible from the An- cation Church School the week Khalil El-Habr, Consul-General tiochian Women, St. John the prior to His Grace’s visit. While of Lebanon and Dean of the Divine, Teen SOYO, and Chris- visiting with him, the kids were Consular Corps, welcomed His tian Education briefed him given the opportunity to ask Eminence at the door of the about their activities and future Sayidna questions. plane. Priests, ambassadors, plans. Then His Eminence ex- One of the high points of the and distinguished persons from pressed his appreciation for the visit was the hierarchical Divine the Orthodox parishes of Mon- devotion and meticulous work Liturgy. Bishop THOMAS’ ser- treal crowded the VIP Lounge, of the Antiochian Women, in its mon was inspiring and served waiting for our honored guest, spiritual, social and humanitar- as a call to take our faith seri- who was accompanied by Arch- ian aspects. Towards the end of ously and to bring our friends deacon Hans El-Hayek. After a this meeting, everyone felt free

22 The Word in the intimate, informal atmo- nence Bishop Youssef Habash; Eminence to Montreal. Finally, sphere to ask His Eminence His Excellency Ambassador His Eminence addressed the at- questions, and His Eminence Khalil Habr, Consul-General of tendees from the bottom of his answered with his well-known Lebanon; Ambassador Georges big heart in the language that he wisdom. Abou Zeid, Chargé d’Affairs of likes most, Arabic, and spoke of After the meeting His Emi- Lebanon; the Honorable Ted the special place that St. Mary’s in action nence was invited to the Ma- Opetz, Member of Parliament parish occupies in his heart, ronite Diocese, where His Grace and representative of the Prime noting that, when Fr. Fawaz be- Bishop Youssef El-Khoury (Can- Minister of Canada; Mrs. Bar- gan his great pastoral work, the ada Maronite Bishop) had pre- bara Pizany, representative of parish contained a few families, pared an Honorary Lunch for the Minister of Immigration; and now includes more than him in the presence of clerics the Honorable Maria Mourani, 900 families. He concluded his from different sects of Christi- Member of Parliament for Ahun- address by wishing the parish anity and Islam, and from the tsic; Lawyer Joseph Dawra, continued success and offering diplomatic, business and politi- representative of the Mayor of two certificates of recognition cal spheres as well. Among the Montreal; and Mr. Aaref Salem, to the two big donors, Salim distinguished guests, we could representative of the Municipal- Isber and Victoria Zreik. Mem- note the presence of Sheikh ity of St. Laurent. Among those ber of the Canadian Parliament Said Fawaz, Imam Sayed Nabil present were also pastors and Maria Mourani then presented Abbas, Sheikh Hasan Ezzedine, members of sister churches and an award to the parish, followed His Grace Bishop Yousef Ha- Antiochian Orthodox parishes by one from Mr. Opetz, repre- bash (North America Syriac in Montreal and Ottawa. sentative of the Prime Minister Bishop) and the Consul of Iraq Hani Qautami was in charge of Canada. At the conclusion Riad Altaii. His Grace Bishop El- of protocol for the event, with of the dinner, Bishop Ibrahim Khoury warmly welcomed our help in seating from Raymond Ibrahim spoke of his friend- honored guest and described Hajj, Jeanette Elias, Olym- ship with the Metropolitan in his pastoral work as exemplary pia Siderides, Ihsan Freiji and the past, and of his achieve- of the ideal. His Eminence then Georges El-Khal. The sound and ments. The last word was had replied by thanking the host of music system was operated by by Bishop Youssef Habash, who the event for his kind gesture Gaby Atallah. The entire event described the achievements of and then spoke of His Beatitude was photographed by Elias Ma- His Eminence, addressing the Patriarch Mar Beshara Boutros liha. Pascal Daher Abou Jaw- assembly in part with a poem in El-Raii, referring to him as a deh, serving as Master of Cer- Arabic. Finally, the organizers model in pastoral care, patrio- emonies, asked His Eminence distributed to all in attendance tism and devotion. He asked to bless the gathering and the a souvenir booklet containing God, the Almighty, to let peace food, and then asked the Very contained good wishes and ex- rain in our countries of origin Reverend Father Fawaz to wel- pressions of joy. and in the Middle East, and to come guests and participants. On Sunday His Eminence pre- give long days to the Maronite After our Pastor spoke of the sided over the Divine Liturgy, Diocese that it might remain a founders of the church and of one in which everyone felt that shining light of faith. those who continue the journey, the angels were attending as A formal banquet dinner was it was the turn of the President well, as if we were at the heav- organized for that evening at the of the parish council, Charles enly altar. His Eminence was as- Sheraton Hotel – Laval to honor Choucair, to describe the ac- sisted by our Pastor, Fr. Michel His Eminence in the presence complishments of the parish so Fawaz, Fr. Boulos Khayat, Fr. of high-ranking religious, dip- far and our vision for the future. Jean El-Murr, Archdeacon Hans lomatic, political, legal, medical Then Consul-General Khalil El-Hayek and Subdeacon Rob- and business figures. Among Habr addressed the assembly, ert Bayouk. With the blessings the distinguished guests were saying how much he appreci- of His Eminence, the choir of His Eminence Bishop Ibrahim ated all the accomplishments of the church performed extra- Ibrahim (Canadian Catholic the parish since it was founded, ordinarily, blessed with the sing- – Bishop); His Emi- and warmly welcoming His ing of chanter Tony Fadoul. In

The Word 23 Communities in Action

his sermon, the Metropolitan presented to a small group of handled by a very small group talked about the importance of people. An e-mail message of people. Only one of the six Our Lady the Virgin Mary in the sent by the then-Parish Coun- Parish Council members re- Church, insisting that she has cil president of St. James was mained. Early in the week I was the highest rank between the received by parishioners stat- contacted by the area Dean of saints and angels – more hon- ing that a change in leadership eastern Pennsylvania, Fr. Peter ourable than the Cherubim, and at St. James was imminent. Pier of St. John Chrysostom in more glorious than the Seraph- What was not exactly clear at York, Pennsylvania. He asked im. Then he tackled the mean- that time was how imminent. if I would be his point-of-con- ing of the cross in Christianity, Within the next twenty-four tact at St. James. With some insisting on the power of the hours, that message had be- hesitation, I agreed. “Do I have Holy Cross and the respect that come a reality. St. James was what it takes to do this?” and, we should all have for the Cross, without a priest. What followed “What have I gotten myself since the anniversary date lay immediately, and what seemed into?” were just a couple of the between the feast of the nativity to last for days, was a flurry of questions that I was asking my- of Our Lady the Theotokos Vir- e-mail activity among the pa- self. Four people attended the gin Mary and the Elevation of rishioners, some messages ex- Divine Liturgy that following the Holy Cross of Our Saviour. pressing anger, some express- Sunday. There was no question: Before giving the holy blessing ing sadness, and others asking, everyone who chose to stay at to the many faithful participants “What do we do next?” this point would have a hand in in the Liturgy, His Eminence ac- The following Sunday, the the missions’ success. With the cepted and blessed eleven new church was full of emotion, upcoming Thanksgiving and members in the organization of with parishioners seeking an- Christmas holiday’s approach- St. Ignatius of and of- swers. We were blessed with ing, could the mission at this fered them the cross of mem- the leadership of Fr. Gregory point really survive? bership. Following the liturgy, Mathewes-Green of Holy Cross The months of Sundays that everyone moved to the church Orthodox Church, in Linthi- followed provided many chal- hall where His Eminence shared cum, Maryland. Fr. Gregory lenges: a rotating schedule lunch with us, prepared with served the Divine Liturgy, and of visiting priests alternating devotion by the Antiochian then led a period of questions with a temporary priest; the Women. and answers. While Fr. Gregory re-establishment of a Parish His Eminence ended his visit answered all of the questions Council; various administra- by wishing the parish continued to the best of his knowledge, tive duties; and facility and fi- success in serving the Lord and the answers many sought were nancial concerns, among oth- the ever-blessed Virgin Mary. It unfortunately not what they ers. Many Sundays through the is true that, when His Eminence wanted to hear. As a result, winter months saw perhaps six left, we began to miss him, but many chose to leave the mis- people in attendance, includ- the great joy that he has planted sion, while a few chose to stay. ing the priest. Those in atten- in our hearts makes us feel that Without a doubt, our parish dance all learned to sing, read he is very close to us and we are was quickly becoming a par- the epistle lesson, take the col- already looking forward to his ish divided. The future of our lection, and assist the visiting next visit. mission was beginning to look priest wherever possible. Not a bleak. Sunday passed where six or so Raymond Hajj Youth Coordinator of the Parish, St. With our first Divine Liturgy people did not “make a joyful Mary’s Orthodox Church, Montreal without a permanent Priest noise!” And, since there were now behind us, we faced a no regular weekday services St. James, Westminster – week of significant uncertain- being offered at the time, Fr. The Making of a Mission ty. It was becoming clear that James Hamrick of St. John the Almost a year ago now, an the day-to-day functions of Baptist in Thurmont, Mary- opportunity like no other was the mission would have to be land, graciously hosted a Bible

24 The Word Study on Thursday evenings. was still light, but week to week that Bishop THOMAS, with the Fr. Gregory and the parishioners of St. Even on those evenings, when a few familiar faces were re- blessing of Metropolitan PHIL- James in Westmin- our furnace was failing and we turning. In addition, a few new IP, had appointed St. Vladimir’s ster, Maryland donned our finest winter coats, faces were visiting St. James seminarian graduate Fr. Rapha- his presence helped to promote for the very first time. Excite- el Barberg to be the Priest of St. fellowship between our fellow ment could be felt amongst us James. With the visit of Bishop churches, allow our facility to with the sanctuary occasionally THOMAS already scheduled for be open a little more often, and full of parishioners! the end of June, the upcoming most importantly, spread the While Fr. Gregory was still official arrival of Fr. Raphael, good word. leading the parish, the Pascha the departure of Fr. Gregory, As spring approached, we holiday came upon us, bring- and the chance for St. James had been under the temporary ing even more excitement. We to visit St. John the Baptist, leadership of Fr. Gregory Ole- could have chosen to limit our the mission’s schedule was ary for several weeks. A new schedule of Holy Week servic- definitely filling up. The month Parish Council was in place, es, but all were in agreement of June was going to be busy. under the guidance of Fr. Pe- that we should proceed with While we all had so much for ter, and monthly Parish Coun- the full week of services, just which to thank our good Lord cil meetings were being held. as we had done in the past. Af- in these past few weeks, there Further, talk of the assignment terwards, we were glad that we was a lot of work ahead of us to of a new priest was in the air, did. While it made for a tiring prepare for all these activities! visits from our priest, “soon-to- week, what a success and mile- Interim Parish Council discus- be” officially appointed, were stone it was for the mission to sions were had, schedules were happening, and a sense of nor- be able to offer these services reviewed, departure and arrival malcy had started to return. Fr. and to fill our sanctuary with celebrations were planned, and Gregory was also able to visit so many additional visitors and we worshiped in the regular most of our homes for our an- guests at this most holy time of weekly Divine Liturgy. At the nual house blessings. Even our year. end of June, Fr. Raphael was social hour was becoming, well, Shortly thereafter, the mis- officially installed as the Priest more social! Our attendance sion received official word of St. James.

The Word 25 Communities in Action

ries of it, and look forward graduates, their families and to Chapter 2. I will continue the parish of the Church of the to remember the parish in my Annunciation Calgary, Alberta, prayers.” Canada. Although graduates At the time writing, the mis- may have many different plans sion of St. James, under the or career paths, they are told pastoral leadership of Fr. Ra- to keep their focus on CHRIST. phael Barberg, is currently Sometimes, circumstances do vacating its current space and not make sense and the future taking occupancy in a larger, is uncertain, but the main focus multi-room, first-floor facility is to work hard. Therefore, no on Cranberry Road. It is on the matter the type or level of de- opposite (north) side of Route gree, graduates are advised al- 140 in Westminster, Maryland. ways to surrender to Christ and We look forward to hosting fu- serve him by using the gifts and Fr. Gregory reads So now it has been almost ture visitors there and encour- talents he has given to each of the Holy Gospel a year. Did people have their age all of you to stop by! them. doubts? Absolutely. Are we ready to move into the next Congratulations to Bishop ­THOMAS chapter in the life of St. James ­Graduates from Church of ­Celebrates ­Parish in Westminster? No question the Annunciation, Calgary, ­Nameday in about it! In a recent inquiry, Alberta ­Chambersburg Fr. Gregory remarked “I had a wonderful experience at St. Congratulations to the 12 As the parishioners of St. James and have good memo- high school and university Mary Church, Chambersburg, were concluding their obser- vance of the Dormition Fast in preparation for the Great Feast of the Dormition, their parish nameday, Bishop THOMAS ar- rived in Chambersburg to cel- ebrate with them. Fr. Ted Pulcini, St. Mary’s pastor, drove His Grace into Chambersburg during the af- ternoon of Friday, August 12. That evening Bishop THOMAS presided over the final Parak- lesis service of the Fast, lead- ing a group of parishioners in their supplications to the Mother of God. The next morning, Fr. Ted accompanied Sayidna to the St. Seraphim Center, a FO- CUS-affiliated ministry con- ducted by the parish to feed the needy in the Chambers- burg area. The Center serves lunch to some 35 to 45 guests

26 The Word twice a week (on Thursdays On Sunday, over a hundred Consecration of the Above left: Parishioners enjoying the barbecue and Saturdays), complement- parish members, led by His Church of the Virgin Mary fare under the tents ing the lunch schedule of the Grace, celebrated the Dormi- in Alsip, Illinois Above: Clergy and serv- local Salvation Army. The Cen- tion with Festal Orthros and ers after the Hierarchical For months we prepared for Divine Liturgy. Flanking ter will be observing its second the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Bishop THOMAS, Fr. anniversary this fall and is now with responses being rendered this Holy Event, and though we Ted Pulcini and Deacon Evangelos Prieston. In the well-recognized as a welcoming by the congregation, led by Lar- knew not what to expect, we front row: Altar servers knew we had to be ready! We Herman Makosky, Kosta community center in the Cham- ry Steele and the parish chant- Sideras, and Nicholas bersburg area. Since last fall, ers. That morning’s services built a new iconostasis. We had Kauffman; Subdeacon Joseph Merlina. the Center has also offered re- also included a churching and new icons written for the oc- cycled articles of clothing, free the traditional blessing of flow- casion. We re-constructed the of charge, to men, women, and ers brought in by the worship- altar area to be suitable for Or- children who need them. Bish- ers, recalling the sweet scent of thodox worship. We built a new op THOMAS commended the flowers that emanated from the altar table. Committees worked work of the Center and gave empty tomb of the Theotokos. hard to prepare for this holy his enthusiastic blessing to its The day’s festivities cul- and historic visit. And now the continued efforts. minated in the annual parish weekend was upon us. Sayidna That evening more than fifty picnic on the church grounds. PHILIP was to consecrate the parishioners gathered to cele- Even though weather forecast- Church of the Virgin Mary in Al- brate Great Vespers of the Dor- ers had consistently issued sip, Illinois! mition with Bishop THOMAS, warnings of heavy rains for Words cannot express our who presided over the service, the day, the clouds parted and happiness at having His Emi- which included a Litia and Arto- all enjoyed the pleasant after- nence, Sayidna PHILIP, con- clasia. Afterwards he had dinner noon (despite the humidity!). secrate our Holy Church. Our with Fr. Ted and a group of par- Together they broke their fast Pastor, the Rev. Father Mousa ish leaders at the Copper Kettle and socialized with one another Haddad, and the entire congre- Restaurant, operated by a local before bidding Sayidna THOM- gation had wanted him to visit Orthodox family. His Grace an- AS farewell, thanking him for us. Since this would be his first swered questions presented by taking the time to be present visit to our community, it was those at the dinner, focusing on for the weekend – and looking fitting, too, that he consecrate the significance of the election forward to his next visit. our house of worship. We wel- of three new bishop-candidates comed Sayidna PHILIP and we at the recent Archdiocesan were honored to have Sayidna Convention in Chicago. ANTOUN also join us. We were

The Word 27 Communities in Action

also grateful for the presence and assistance of Archdeacon Hans El-Hayek. Upon the arrival of his Emi- nence on Friday, May 27, one of our Parish Council members hosted a private lunch for His Eminence and His Grace. Lat- with this theme. Sayidna, too, Debke Troupe performed three er that evening, more than 50 was presented with a special dances for Sayidna’s enjoyment! generous members of our com- vigil lamp, honoring him as the The filet mignon and chicken munity attended a fundraising light to all the youth of our par- breast entrée were delightful, dinner, part of our fundraising ish and the Archdiocese. as well as the many remarks efforts for a desperately needed On Saturday afternoon we made by honored guests. In his church school building for the held a lunch with the Parish speech, Sayidna spoke of the growing number of children in Council, and Sayidna addressed highlights of his visit thus far, our community. encouraging words to the Coun- and especially his time with the On Saturday, the children re- cil. The theme of his talk was number of children in the com- ceived Sayidna with a program the children of the church and munity. to end our Church School year. the building of a new church Sunday morning could not The theme was “You are the school for them. have arrived any sooner; the cli- Light of the World.” The chil- Saturday evening brought the max of the long-awaited week- dren presented a program high- Grand Banquet, with almost end was upon us! A full house lighting how each of us can be- 400 in attendance! Clergy and of parishioners were waiting in come a light to the world! Each other guests from sister parish- anticipation for Sayidna’s holy child received a gift in keeping es joined us, and our Church’s hands to consecrate our Tem-

28 The Word ple! His Eminence Metropolitan the new icons. What a heart- PHILIP and His Grace Bishop warming experience! Even as ANTOUN were greeted by our the thunder sounded outside, Pastor, the Rev. Fr. Mousa Had- fierce rains poured down, and dad, along with the Rt. Rev. Fr. winds blew, one could only feel Nicholas Ozone from St. Phil- that the Holy Spirit descended ip’s in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, upon our church just as he had the V. Rev. Fr. Andrew Harrison descended upon the Holy Apos- from St. Luke’s OCA Church in tles in the Upper Room two Palos Hills, Illinois, and the Rev. thousand years ago! Fr. Malek Rihani, also from St. At the end of Liturgy, a small Mary’s in Alsip. It was a won- bag of mementos was given to derful celebration! all in attendance that day. This The service followed the tra- bag included an icon of the Dor- ditional ancient rites of the Or- mition (our patronal feast) and thodox Church for the conse- a piece of the savanon, which cration of a new altar. Sayidna was the robe worn by Sayidna New Book on explained each step as he pro- PHILIP as he consecrated the gressed, and we were honored church. Marriage ­Introduced in and blessed to have the follow- At the conclusion of the ser- Cedar ­Rapids ing relics placed in our Holy Ta- vice Sayidna inducted eight The faithful of Cedar Rap- ble: the relics of St. Raphael Ha- members of our community into ids, Indiana, welcomed home waweeny (given to the church the Order of St. Ignatius. the Very Reverend Constantine by his Eminence Metropolitan Following the Divine Liturgy, Nasr and his wife, Khouria Sha- PHILIP), the relics of St. Maxi- everyone enjoyed a luncheon ron, on Wednesday, August 24, mos the Confessor (given to the served by our ladies, and every- 2011. Following Daily Vespers church by the V. Rev. Fr. James one was able to greet Sayidna, and a reception of food and Ellison of St. Nicholas Church receive his blessing and thank fellowship, Father Constantine in Urbana, Illinois), and a stone him for being with us on our presented his new book Mas- from the wall of the original consecration weekend! As the tering the Art of Marriage, Church of the Dormition in Je- rain and winds subsided, Say- published by Conciliar Press, to rusalem (given to the church by idna was on his way back to the over a hundred members of St. the Rev. Fr. Fouad Saba of St. archdiocesan headquarters. We George Antiochian Orthodox George Church in Cicero, Illi- all felt a sense of sadness see- Church, as well as our neigh- nois). ing him leave, but we all knew bors from St. John the Baptist We baptized the new altar; that he didn’t leave us empty! , and we placed the holy relics into Through his holy hands, he St. An- the heart of the altar table; we brought to us the Holy Spirit, tiochian Orthodox Christian placed Holy Chrism on the en- Who will remain with us until Mission of Iowa City. Father tire altar and washed it as one the end of the ages. Constantine spoke for approxi- washes a baby at baptism. Then God bless you, Sayidna PHIL- mately an hour in our fellow- we dressed the altar with beau- IP, and may God grant you many, ship hall, the Michael G. Nassif tiful white covers, along with a many years! Education and Cultural Center. new tabernacle and vigil lamps. He reminisced about his time in Rev. Deacon Saed Rihani What a beautiful sight it was Church of the Virgin Mary, Alsip, Illinois Cedar Rapids, and joked about – as one would picture a new his first time meeting the teens baby clothed in a new baptismal of our church. gown! Then we processed with As his talk touched on the the altar servers as Sayidna contents of his book, he drew anointed the church walls, and

The Word 29 Communities in Action

upon his experience as a priest, New Book and vitality, pleased to be serv- as well as a married man. He ing God in this God-protected explained that marriage is not a Fr. John Morris, Pastor of St. Antiochian Archdiocese and fairy tale, that in fact it takes un- George’s Church in Vicksburg reaching out to this beautiful selfish love, commitment, and has written a new book. country of ours. We are grate- hard work – like three legs of a The Historic Church is a ful for our Fathers-in-Christ, tripod. Without one of the legs, survey of Christian history writ- Metropolitan PHILIP and our everything will fall down. After ten for Orthodox Christians by Bishop THOMAS, for the lov- 40 years of marriage, Father an Eastern Orthodox scholar. ing, intensely mission-minded Constantine observed, his mar- Although one can find many tone they have set, and we riage to Khouria Sharon is still excellent studies of Christian are working very hard to bear a work in progress as they con- history in the United States, fruit worthy of their examples. tinue to learn and grow within none of them considers the de- His Grace came for his annual their relationship. Following velopment of Christianity from archpastoral visit and gave us his speech, Father Constantine an Eastern Orthodox point of the challenging and joyful mes- and Khouria Sharon stayed and view. The work begins by lay- sage of following Christ robust- signed books purchased by the ing a foundation for the study ly and bringing people into the attendees with personal notes, of Christian history, discussing Kingdom of Heaven. and enjoyed more conversation the beliefs and practices of the Since we are well aware that and fellowship. ancient Church during the age we are “stewards of the mani- As someone who recently of the Fathers and the Seven Ec- fold grace of God” (1 Peter entered into marriage, I found umenical Councils. The author 4:10), we are “burning the can- Father’s speech incredibly in- then discusses the development dle at both ends,” laboring as sightful. My husband of two of Roman Catholicism and the much as possible to further the months and I discussed the theological and cultural reasons Good News of Jesus Christ and various points made in Father’s for the split between Rome and His continuing presence with speech for the entire trip home, Orthodoxy, and relations be- us in the Church. One end of and brainstormed how to incor- tween East and West following that candle is being faithful and porate his advice into our mar- the schism. He concludes his consistent in preserving what riage. We feel confident that work with a discussion of the God has given us, and our Sun- we can begin our union on the origins and historical develop- day School, Choir, Women’s Or- right foot, thanks to his guid- ment of every major Protestant ganization, Outreach Ministries ance. We look forward to read- group and tells how they differ and Parish Councils are going ing his book, and making more from Orthodoxy. very well, accomplishing much discoveries that we can incor- Available at Amazon.com, for God’s glory and building porate into our lives. Barnes and Noble.com, or your up the Church. (In outreach, Parents of two grown chil- local bookstore. the King’s Jubilee continues to dren, Constantine and Philip, grow in its Philadelphia mobile Father Constantine and Sharon Burning the Candle at soup kitchen operation.) There led the faithful of St. George, Both Ends is new “fire in the bones” of Cedar Rapids, from 1973 to our teens this year; while they Glory to God! We are so 1982, before relocating to continue with strong academic blessed to be living in Christ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performances, they are grow- as members of His Body, the where they have lived for the ing too in diocesan fellowship Holy Orthodox Church. Some- past 29 years. and opportunities for service. times we feel this great bless- Our Altar Boys have new cap- ing more fully than others. Christine Lenhardt tains, as the older ones have St. George, Cedar Rapids Thanks to a recent visit by graduated. It is nice to see Bishop THOMAS October 1–6, young ones stepping up and old we are refreshed in joy, peace, ones growing into other minis-

30 The Word try roles. It was a great bless- they join the choir after they ing for ten young parishioners have received Holy Commu- to attend Antiochian Village; I nion and lead the congregation think it gave them a taste of the through the rest of the Liturgy. “joy of salvation” (Psalm 50). I The young women of our par- am hoping we’ll have 15 to 20 ish are enjoying a sisterhood young people at Antiochian Vil- of service, prayer, and purity. lage, growing in their relation- They have hosted teas and in- ship with God and with other vited special guests so that young Orthodox Christians. they could speak to them about The other end of that candle various aspects of life in Christ which we burn is trying to be that are suited to women. Also, creative and forging new min- we continue to celebrate vari- easy to participate. It is also a istries to our parishioners and ous Akathists on Wednesdays good service to which to bring the community. So in 2011 I at 7 p.m. This service contin- a ­visitor! challenged each parishioner ues to offer a short, accessible, Fr. Noah Bushelli St. Philip Church, Souderton, to “bring someone to church.” mid-week boost, in which it is ­Pennsylvania Bishop THOMAS, during his visit, amplified that by saying we must invite someone ten WEST COAST times before they will begin to take us seriously. To that end, we have worked hard to sched- musicSacred institute ule interesting events to give Thursday, January 19th to Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 opportunities to invite people. The most noteworthy of these was our recent Sacred Arts Fes- “The tival. Twenty visitors enjoyed Theotokos free food, an engaging church and Mother tour, an edifying slide-show lec- of the Light, let us honor ture on the differences between and magnify Iconography and Western Reli- in song.” gious Art, as well as booths de- voted to iconography and litur- gical sewing. The Youth Choir The Role of the Theotokos What makes Orthodox Music Orthodox? will begin rehearsing soon for Hymns to the Theotokos Conducting Vespers and Artoklasia for St. Beginner’s Theory and Sight-Reading Courses Choral Rehearsal Techniques Nicholas. Also, every Sunday, Byzantine Chanting Vocal Techniques

La Casa de Maria • 800 El Bosque Road • Santa Barbara, CA 93108

For more information, please contact MARYFAITH WOODS AT [email protected] OR (831)331-8323 Metropolitan’s Secretary Retires

Kathy Meyer, Metropolitan PHILIP’s Secre- October 7, 2011 tary, retired on July 5, 2011, after 42 years of service to the Archdiocese and His Eminence. A The Most Reverend Metropolitan PHILIP, reception was held on the evening of Saturday, Trustees of the Antiochian Archdiocese, September 25, at the Archdiocese Headquarters clergy and friends, in Englewood, New Jersey. His Eminence pre- sented Kathy with a remembrance book of let- Your Eminence, ters, photos and notes collected from those who It is very important that I thank you from the bot- knew her over her many years with the Arch- tom of my heart for the most lovely Retirement diocese. Members of the Archdiocese Board of Party which you hosted for me on the twenty-fifth of September. It was a wonderful experience to be Trustees and people from around the Archdio- with you, my co-workers and many friends on that cese generously contributed to a retirement gift special evening. for Kathy. Kathy will move to South Carolina to It has been my honor and privilege to work as your live near her sister and brother-in-law and her secretary for the past forty-two years. Working with niece. She is already greatly missed and appre- you has been a special experience and a great joy. ciated. God grant you many years, Kathy, and My sincere thanks to all the Trustees who contrib- thank you for a ministry well done. uted to the special retirement fund. Their thought- fulness and generosity is indeed heart-warming. Last, but not least, I must thank my two co-work- ers, Joanne Hakim and Amy Robinson, for the beautiful book of messages which they assembled for me. This book is indeed a treasure. Finally, Your Eminence, I thank you again, very, very much for the wonderful party, and for the op- portunity to be your secretary for so many years. I am a most lucky person to have had this special position.

With much love and deep appreciation, 32 The Word Kathy Meyer Hellenic College & Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Hellenic College Holy Cross, the oldest and largest accredited Orthodox Christian institution of higher education in America offers theologi- cal, professional and liberal arts programs that integrate faith, learning and service. Hellenic College is a vibrant Orthodox Christian college offering six different majors. Students experi- ence its challenging academics that are further enriched by cultural opportunities in Boston and abroad. Hellenic College’s integrated approach to education, faith and service prepares men and women for leadership in their professions and in their communities. The faculties and students Literature/History. Hellenic College’s distinctive of both the undergraduate and graduate schools pedagogy fosters a holistic growth experience are engaged in the education and formation of for each student. Growing intellectually, spiritu- the future leaders of our Church and society. ally, socially and personally, Hellenic College is Hellenic College Holy Cross has grown into a place where professional occupations become one academic and ecclesiastical community sacred vocations. comprised of two distinct schools that have Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theol- evolved together. Holy Cross, the theological ogy has served as the only seminary of the Greek school of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Orthodox Archdiocese in America since it was America and member of the prestigious Boston founded in 1937 in Pomfret, Connecticut. Since Theological Institute, is the oldest and largest moving to Brookline Massachusetts in 1947, stu- Orthodox Christian school of theology in Amer- dents and faculty have benefitted greatly from ica, offering three graduate degrees; Master of the world-class educational resources and rich Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies cultural offerings of Boston. Holy Cross, rec- (MTS) and Master of Theology (ThM). Well over ognizing the growing needs of the Church, ex- 80% of the priests currently serving in the Greek panded in 1966. Its growth and maturation as Orthodox Archdiocese of America are graduates an academic entity allowed for the creation of of Holy Cross and Hellenic College Holy Cross a separate undergraduate school, which became has alumni throughout America and in over 20 known as Hellenic College. countries around the world. The beautiful 59-acre campus is perched on Hellenic College is the only accredited Ortho- a scenic hilltop overlooking downtown Boston. dox Christian college in North America. Its chal- Students, many of them married with children, lenging academic programs are also enhanced and faculties of both schools continue to share by a Hellenic classical education. Hellenic Col- the same facilities and form one academic and lege offers six majors: Development, Manage- ecclesiastical community. ment and Leadership, Elementary Education, Nayla Daly Institutional Advancement for Hellenic College – Holy Cross Religious Studies, Classics/Greek studies and

The Word 33 Speech from Oratorical Contest Finalist Virgin Mary Church, Yonkers, New York, Diocese of the East

St. John Chrysostom says, “The work of the saying, “Take this staff and with it establish and priesthood is done on earth, but is ranked among rule thy flock, seeing that thou must answer heavenly ordinances. And this is only right, for therefore to our Lord God, on the Day of Judg- no man, no angel, no archangel, no other cre- ment.” Do we really know what this means? Do ated power, but the Comforter Himself ordained we have any idea of the importance and severity this succession, and persuaded men, while still of this prayer, not to mention the responsibility remaining in the flesh, to represent the ministry of this prayer? of angels.” This prayer is a covenant in which the bishop What is this holy Mystery of the priesthood? is entrusted with the responsibility for the salva- Moreover, what is this “ministry of angels” St. tion of each member of his flock. John speaks of? In the Divine Liturgy we pray, As you can imagine, this is no easy task. In- “Protect O Lord, unto many years, him who deed, it puts great pressure on the priest or bish- blesses and sanctifies us.” op. This is not to say that the clergy have entirely As each and every one of us are God’s instru- different roles or must have a different lifestyle ments and used for many different purposes, the than that of the laity. This is a common mistake. clergy are given a special and unique gift that the The way of life for each and every Christian is laity do not possess: the Mystery of the priest- the same because we are all baptized into Christ hood (ordination). In the Mystery of Ordination and put on Christ, and we are called to holiness. there are three Holy Orders: the Diaconate, the The only difference is that the priest or bishop is Priesthood, and the Episcopacy (the bishop). ordained by God, and is the image of Christ on The deacon is like an angel who hovers earth, and should be an example. All should look around the church service, or as St. Chrysostom up to him, making his life, just as that of Christ, says, “the Deacon of the present day is a sym- a model of their own. bol [referring to the Holy Spirit] when he offers It is no wonder that we pray during Divine us the prayers.” For the Spirit also helps us in Liturgy that God may keep our clergy protect- our weakness, and thus St. Paul reminds us that ed. I believe that we, the laity, can add to the “deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, pressure of the clergy and forget the cross that not greedy for money, holding the mystery of they are entrusted to carry, both physically and, the faith with a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 3: more importantly, spiritually, by not grasping 8-10). the importance of our being in church and what The same goes for the priests and bishops. it means to be together at the Eucharist. God In the early church, and for the most part in the looks upon the ordained through the Holy Spirit, church today, there is no great difference be- and as St. Isidore of Pelusium writes, and I para- tween the priests and bishops. Both carry the re- phrase, the Spirit lights the priest up as a lamp sponsibility of the office of teacher and guide in and places him upon the lampstand of His light- the church, and again in St. Paul’s Letter to Tim- bearing throne. othy regarding the ministry of deacons, he says We, the laity, must fulfill our Christian duty regarding the bishops and priests: “The bishops by working with one mind and one heart with then must be blameless, temperate, sober-mind- our clergy. They are the instruments of God, ed, of good behavior, hospitable, not violent, not who transform within us all of our abilities and greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, talents into real and true works of the gospel, not covetous” (1 Timothy 3:2-8). just as the farmer who tills and weeds the soil, Allow me to dig a little deeper and elaborate. helping to produce more and better fruits and During the service of ordination to the episcopa- vegetables. It is the presence of the priest among cy, the bishops pray over the one being ordained, us that enables each one of us to be that fruit-

34 The Word producing tree. 2012 Jack G. Shaheen The clergyman is ordained to be an image of our Lord and to Mass Communications Scholarships be our comforters, especially during times of need and mourn- 15th Consecutive Year ing. On March 5th, 2011, we lost a beautiful young man. My Join the 50 previous winners! 24-year-old cousin never woke up from his sleep. His mother found him in his bed, not breathing, white as a ghost. This trag- Amount: $1,000 edy has not only brought our family closer together, but has also Eligibility: Junior or Senior college students, given us the opportunity to humble ourselves and let our lives or students enrolled in graduate school, for the rest in the hands of God, and to not only accept it but cherish 2012–2013 academic year, majoring in Journal- it. Our lives were altered dramatically that day. “Is this really ism, Radio, Television, and/or Film; minimum GPA happening? Am I dreaming? Why did God allow such misery to of 3.0; U.S. citizens of Arab heritage. happen to my family?” I found myself to be very naïve in thinking that something Please submit the following items to the ADC like this could never happen to someone so close to me. It wasn’t Research Institute: until I knew the love and support of my priest that I began to • A one-page statement on paper declaring comprehend that God has a plan, and my beloved cousin is now that you are a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage, in the kingdom of heaven that we will all enter, some earlier than explaining your goals, and stating why you others, just like my dear cousin did. The Lord said to the thief merit the scholarship; on the right, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me • Two original signed letters of recommenda- in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). It is in the church and through the tion from professors of mass communica- church that we find our way to repentance. It is the guidance of tions; our clergy that enables each one of us to come to the conclusion • Copies of your articles, videos, films, and so that nothing earthly matters and God comes first. on; (Note: The items cannot be returned to A saying by Elder Athanasios on the Holy Mountain reads, you); “Since God has made you worthy to become a priest, take care • Official academic transcripts, including your to participate in the Divine Liturgy with your whole soul. During GPA (hard copies); the time a priest is celebrating Liturgy, he should feel as if a lamp • Your permanent home address, phone num- were burning within him. He should keep that lamp unextin- ber, and e-mail address, and your phone guished until the next Liturgy. From his first till his last Liturgy number during the school year, on paper. the priest must keep that lamp kindled.” As I read in the February 2011 issue of The WORD magazine Deadline: April 1, 2012 (Incomplete or late ap- in an article written by Father Michael Nasser, “God didn’t cre- plications will not be accepted.) ate us to love and serve Him; He created us so that He could love and serve us.” This is a model for our relationship with Address your application to our clergy. As God loves us, so do they, and as we love God and honor Him, we should love and honor them. As their whole life is Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Schol- dedicated to the service of the flock, so is the life of the laity that arship should be dedicated to the service of one another in the church ADC Research Institute and the world. 1732 Wisconsin Avenue, NW And it is precisely for this reason that we must pray, “Be Washington, DC 20007 mindful, O Lord, of the Priesthood, the Deaconate in Christ, and every priestly rank.” For more information, call 202-244-2990, or e- mail [email protected]. Natasha Daibes Awards will be announced and presented in June 2012 during ADC’s National Convention in Washington, D.C.

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