THE October 2018 Volume 62 No.WORD 8 EDITORIAL Volume 62 No.8 October 2018

COVER: THE HOLY TRINITY Icon handwritten THE by Janet Jaime WORD [email protected] TAKE 3 EDITORIAL by Bishop JOHN CONTENTS 5 THE ROLE OF THE PRIEST AS CHARGE SPIRITUAL FATHER IN THE ORTHODOX SPIRITUAL LIFE by Bishop THOMAS Joseph and Peter Schweitzer OF YOUR 11 JUSTIN MARTYR, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH by Fr. Dan Daly TIME 16 CREATING A DYNAMIC MARRIAGE by Fr. Aaron Warwick

19 GRIEF IS A FUNNY THING by Gregory Abdalah

20 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE

21 FR. NICOLA YANNEY: THE FIRST PRIEST ORDAINED BY THE FIRST BISHOP by Amy Hadley BISHOP JOHN

28 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS THIRD CONFERENCE

30 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

32 SCOUTING AWARDS

33 MAKE SOME MEMORIES AT THE ur father and chief shepherd to be realistic in what we expect of ourselves. ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION Metropolitan JOSEPH ­often Sometimes we may pair up difficult things with by Alan Abraham suggests to young clergy and fun or easy ones, so that we can provide our- 34 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL by Cassidy Lee Irwin those seeking a spiritual life selves with an incentive or reward to get the to take control of their time. more difficult things done first. If we have a I would like to ­reflect on this task that is daunting, or one we just don’t want Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the O author’s full name and parish. Submissions for “Commu- counsel a bit, because I am captivated by its to do, it may be better to get it out of the way nities in Action” must be approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All implications. This guidance carries the whole first. Then it won’t distract us as we do things ­submissions e-mailed and provided as a Microsoft Word text or editable PDF. Please do not embed artwork into the ­phronema of Orthodox spirituality and express- that are more pleasant or enjoyable. word documents. All art work must be high resolution: at least 300dpi. es it with precision and simplicity. While it Being deliberate also means making sure

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: sounds simple to the modern ear, it relays the that our tasks are appropriate to our high U.S.A. and Canada, $40.00 depth of our faith tradition. Christian calling, and that God would be Foreign Countries, $50.00 Single Copies, $3.00 Taking control of one’s time requires us to pleased to bless them. Not everything is good The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except be deliberate. To plan well, we should identify and beneficial. Anything that would distract us July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO our goals and responsibilities, and then priori- from living integrated and holy lives should be Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at additional mailing offices. tize them. This is best done after daily prayer: avoided. We can avoid sin by choosing to re-

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2 JanuaryOctober 2016 2018 TheThe WordWord 33 EDITORIAL

God through prayer. The name of the Lord has power in itself. Remember how, in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus said “I am” the soldiers fell The Role of to the ground like dead men. Calling on Christ and doing something good will protect and redirect us. the Priest as Taking control of our time means keeping our Christian calling always Spiritual Father in mind and using it as a guide as we set priorities and make decisions. We The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH are called to love God with all of our heart, mind and soul, to take care of in the Orthodox The Right Reverend each other­ , and to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name Bishop BASIL of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This last instruction The Right Reverend Spiritual Life Bishop THOMAS involves mission and evangelization, and these begin wherever we find our- Bp. THOMAS Joseph and Peter Schweitzer The Right Reverend selves now. Be ever ready and ­willing to witness, but wait for the circum- Bishop ALEXANDER stances to be most fertile. The Right Reverend Bishop JOHN Taking control of our time means being responsible. Our Church and our The Right Reverend families are relying on us to witness and work to the measure of the talents Bishop ANTHONY with which God blesses us. Our “fair share” in this is not a fraction of the The Right Reverend Bishop NICHOLAS whole – we need not fear that we will lack anything – as God blesses each of Founded in Arabic as us abundantly and calls us to serve out of that abundance. Serving allows us Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) to see God’s hand in His creation up close and personally, a great blessing. Founded in English as The WORD in 1957 Taking control of our time means being faithful. We need to be faithful by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) to God, ourselves and our neighbors. No one reading this needs to be re- Editor in Chief Bishop JOHN, D.Min. minded that our neighbor is everyone else, and that everyone includes even Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. family members who are sometimes most resistant to our witness or to what Design Director Donna Griffin Albert is reasonable. Nevertheless, we are called to be faithful. As a guide to being Icon handwritten by Janet Jaime [email protected] Editorial Board Fr. Michel Najm, Ph.D. Fr. Patrick O’Grady faithful, we can ask questions of ourselves like: What does God want us to Fr. Thomas Zain AS A WAY OF LIFE, RATHER THAN A RELIGION, ORTHODOXY PRESUMES AND Fr. Andrew Damick do? Who are we and what is our responsibility? What is reasonable, honest Fr. Nicholas Belcher and fair to both myself and the other? This “self talk” can be helpful in sort- PRESUPPOSES A PARTICULAR WORLDVIEW THAT IS UNIQUE AND CHRIST-CENTERED. IT Fr. John Oliver Kh. Erin Kimmet ing out confused thoughts and feelings. We often have conflicting ideals and IS A WAY OF BEING IN THE WORLD, A WAY OF INTERACTING WITH OUR BROTHERS AND Peter Samore Ann Bezzerides, Ph.D. goals, but this exercise of discernment is very helpful. SISTERS, AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE COSMOS. IT IS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT I WOULD LIKE Editorial Office: Taking control of our time means taking charge of ourselves. It is a kind TO SHARE A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PRIEST’S SPIRTUAL FATHERHOOD AND THE The WORD of ascetism that allows us to be deliberate and reasonable about how we eat, 2 Lydia’s Path MODE OF ITS EXPRESSION IN THE CHURCH. Westborough, MA 01581-1841 exercise, pray and work. It involves being deliberate about what we read and

e-mail: [email protected] see. We do have control of much of what we put into our minds, bodies and he notion of spiritual fatherhood has a The tradition reflected in this passage is one we Subscription Office: souls. Taking charge of what goes in will determine how we feed or starve 358 Mountain Road long and venerable tradition within the still practice today: our tradition of calling our dea- PO Box 5238 each of the many conflicting passions that are part of life in this fallen world. Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 holy Orthodox Church. We find Saint cons and priests “father,” and of referring to our Or- [email protected] Taking charge or control of our time is the way of the Christian life. It is Paul reminding the people of Corinth of thodox Christian spiritual elders through the centuries ascetic inasmuch as it calls us to be good stewards and exercise self-control. T his spiritual fatherhood and paternal care as “the fathers of the Church.” This concept has come Being deliberate is our best way of making good, holy and reasonable choic- for the people of Corinth. “I do not write these things under attack from all sides today. On the one hand, es. It will allow us to be faithful to God and each other. It is the only way of to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. we are witnessing a period of profound gender confu- integrity, honesty, peace, and joy, because it is the only way to be genuine in For though you might have ten thousand instructors in sion. Our young people are being taught that gender our Christian call. Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ is not significant and that male and female, father and Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. There- mother, are interchangeable. We are being bombard- Through the prayers of our Metropolitan JOSEPH, O Lord, have mercy fore I urge you, imitate me.” In reminding the Corin- ed on television and social media with the confusing on us and save us. thians of his spiritual fatherhood, Saint Paul affirms and dangerous message that we can choose or change the generative nature of the role. The fruit of their pa- our gender to accommodate our whims and feelings. ternal guidance is healthy Christians who are freed Obviously, this does significant harm to the notion of from the passions and illnesses associated with sin. spiritual fatherhood and is entirely incompatible with

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the Gospel and the Orthodox way of life. go from the image of God to the likeness of God. It not dare to accept the priesthood and the author­ ity an inner condition, it is a continuous dwelling in God On the other hand, some who study the Bible point can guide him to deification, which is in fact the heal- over souls, or to push himself to ­accept such!” and purity of the nous. Hesychasm is the way in which to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel ing of man, or, rather, which manifests this healing. Saint Dionysios the Areopagite emphasizes this the realm of the heart is revealed, the center of our ex- where He says, “Do not call anyone on earth your fa- The spiritual priesthood is characterized by the ability point by comparing the three degrees of the spiritual istence, that which we may term our person. This is the ther; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” to free people from their passions, to cleanse the nous, life (purification, illumination, and deification) to the only way in which people can be reborn spiritually and Taken out of context, this leads some to believe that and to acquire the Holy Spirit. This is such an awe- three degrees of the priesthood (deacon, priest, and have their hypostatic (personal) state emerge. Without calling a priest father is contrary to the words of Christ some enterprise that Saint John Chrysostom wrote to bishop). According to Saint Dionysios, ordination to this ascetic training, there is no point to the sacramen- Himself. Yet, as in all things, context is key. Saint Basil attempting to justify his refusal to be made any of these degrees of priesthood presupposes acqui- tal life of the Church, which can act towards perdition These words are found in Saint Matthew’s Gospel, a bishop. sition of the corresponding spiritual state. Metropoli- as well as salvation. Chapter 23, Verse 9. In this “call-no-man-father­ ” pas- Saint Gregory the Theologian writes, “It is neces- tan HIEROTHEOS comments on the Areopagite’s Elder Ephraim writes “It is the ONLY way in sage, our Lord is making a particular point for a very sary first to be purified, then to purify; to be made wise, teaching by writing: which people can be reborn spiritually . . . .” If we de- particular audience. He is contrasting His own living then to make wise; to become light, then to enlighten; Since the task of the deacon is to purify others sire to be spiritual fathers, we ourselves must live a truth with the teachings of the “scribes and Pharisees,” to approach God, then to bring others to him; to be of passions, he should himself, prior to ordination, life of asceticism and hesychasm. Hieromonk Alexios who were convinced that only they understood God’s sanctified, then to sanctify. . .” (Orations 2, 71). This have reached a stage of purification so that he is Trader, a monk of Karakallou Monastery on Mount Law and were fit to interpret it. Christ is accusing the is a prerequisite for true spiritual priesthood and an himself a living exponent of the practical philos- Athos and a former teacher at Saint Tikhon’s Semi- rabbis opposed to him of deliberately twisting God’s undeniable quality of the spiritual father. Thus, before ophy. Since according to the patristic teachings nary, points out: Word to suit their own desires. Christ stood in opposi- the spiritual father can guide and assist others in the it is the priest’s task to illuminate others, his or- Hesychasm is the Spirit of the Law that en- tion to those who seek to elevate themselves and place Christian life, he first needs to live it himself. He must dination presupposes that he has an illuminated livens the Law. It is the incense of sweet spiri- themselves before God. be a “prime example to the believers” (1 Timothy 4:2) nous, which, as we have seen, is a degree of theo- tual fragrance that makes asceticism more than Our Lord wants true teachers. He wants true spiri- and “fully living the gospel.” According to Saint Basil ria. Thus the priest must remember God unceas- self-denial and the divine services more than rites tual fathers who can take on the mantle of spiritual the Great, “his very life must reflect a prime example ingly in prayer, must know spiritual work, be flu- following detailed rubrics. Through hesychasm, leadership. But He only wants teachers and fathers­ by following every commandment of the Lord.” His ent in Holy Scripture and be able to contemplate asceticism and the divine services take on an who understand that they themselves are not the example must speak louder than his words. He must the inner principles of all created things. As for angelic radiance and the freshness of paradise. source of the Tradition which they are passing on, but inspire with his virtuous lifestyle. He needs to build the bishop, since his primary task is to perfect the Above all, hesychasm strengthens the mode of are instead conduits for the Tradition of God. people up with his love and fatherly affection, since ac- people of God by the inner principles of theology, faith and pur­ ifies the nous, so that one looks at Before we examine the qualities of priestly spiritual cording to Saint John of the Ladder, “a true shepherd he must experience the mystical theology, and live all the world, all one’s problems, all of creation shows forth or is proven through in communion with God. This close relationship from a new vantage point, the vantage point of For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do his love, because the Great Shep- with God makes him a prophet, a divine initiate the mind of Christ, which in the Greek is the not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. herd was crucified out of love.” capable of mystically imparting the word of truth nous of Christ, the highest, most noble, and most Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” The Holy Fathers are quite in- to the people of God. The form which the ordi- piercing vision of reality that the Saint can hope sistent on this point. Priests are nation of deacons, priests, and bishops takes is to gain. In this way, hesychasm offers the struggler fatherhood, we must inquire as to the nature of the to be spiritual fathers, and the qualities necessary for equally indicative of the spiritual condition which a way of coping with the thoughts that transforms priesthood. The priest is not a functionary ordained to them to perform the singularly important task of heal- they are assumed to have reached in or­ der to ful- the suffering into union with our suffering Savior dispense the holy Mysteries of the Triune God. Ortho- ing presumed their freedom from the passions. In- fill these essential tasks. For how can people be who through suffering opens unto us the gates of doxy is a therapeutic science which seeks the healing deed, Saint John Chrysostom writes that a priest has helped if the helpers have no personal experience paradise. of every person who approaches the Church. The right to have more attentiveness and spiritual strength even of the task which they are to carry out? practice of medicine requires a good physician, a pro- than the hermits themselves! For if the hermits, who Our invitations to “come and see” that we extend fessional physician, and this applies to spiritual heal- are freed from the city, the marketplace, and its people, This is daunting, I know. If we are not trembling to non-Orthodox will be fruitless unless we gradually ing as well. The priest is properly and foundationally are not secure in the spirit, how much more strength and filled with fear at the thought of our awesome re- draw them into this way of being in the world. If we a spiritual physician who cures. In his book, ­Orthodox and vigor needs to be exercised by the priest in or- sponsibility before God and His people, nothing can invite them without this, we are doomed to failure. All Psychotherapy, Metropolitan ­HIEROTHEOS der to be able to snatch his soul away from all infec- move us! Yet, I have just begun. This is merely an intro- too often our pastoral efforts are reduced to rational ­Vlachos notes that the priest has two roles: 1. to per- tion and keep its spiritual beauty inviolate. That is why duction to the topic of spiritual fatherhood. argumentation such as “We are the ­original Christian form the holy ­Mysteries, and 2. to heal people. For the he affirms that the clergy who live in the world need Before describing the qualities of a spiritual father, Church,” refutations of papal infallibility, or histori- priest to save his own soul and heal others, the spiri- even more purity than the monks. Metropolitan HI- it is necessary to discuss the indispensable role of as- cal reasons for our rejection of papal claims. The ratio- tual priesthood must be the foundation of the sacra- EROTHEOS Vlachos cites Saint Symeon the New ceticism and hesychasm in the life of the church and nal model doesn’t work bec­ ause we are not providing mental priesthood. What is this spiritual priesthood? Theologianin emphasizing this point. His Eminence of the spiritual father himself. These are not particular our audience with a new way of seeing. Father Alexios According to His Eminence, those who possess spiri- writes, “Anyone who has not abandoned the world and to the life of a monastic, but are essential tools for all writes, “Reason, unenlightened by the nous, continues tual priesthood have attained noetic prayer, which is to been counted worthy to receive the Holy Spirit as were Christians striving to live the life of faith. As Elder to produce thoughts that are based on reason’s own say that their nous has been cleansed of the passions, the holy Apostles, who has not undergone purification Ephraim of Vatopaidi wrote: self-preservation and self-glorification. In order for and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the nous and illumination and been found worthy to ‘contem- Hesychasm is not lived only by monastics and thoughts to be controlled and properly ordered, the makes healing possible. This priesthood helps man to plate the unapproachable light,’ – such a man would those who have foresworn the world. Hesychasm is nous enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit must

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be re-established as king of the human heart. The tra- ist exhorts us, “Be stouthearted and wait on the Lord!” and confession, thereby saving her, she dashed have killed me. You, Elder, are a good Father, but ditional path in which this takes place is known as (Psalm 27). As a spiritual father, the warrior must have against her like a lioness. And aided by other nuns, those nuns are criminals.” ­hesychasm.” the strength to perform ascetical feats for himself and she struck her in the face, on the head, wounded “Come, my dear child, and be not afraid, they A good father shows his children the way. He his children. He must be able to pray for them when her seriously, and with wild shouts and threats will not kill you, because I shall turn you over to teaches them through demonstration and example. they can’t pray, and fast for them when they don’t have drove her away. “Go away,” she kept telling her, Christ, and no one will be able to harm you.” – “In Let me give you an example. When you first teach the strength. A warrior must also be a leader who ex- “you foul harlot, who came here to the convent, to that case, Elder, since you are going to turn me your child how to ride a bike, you don’t take out an horts, cajoles, guides, and corrects when necessary. this holy place to defile it also. Go away, I will kill over to Christ, I am not afraid of them, because owner’s manual and begin to read from it. No, you get Dr. Constantine Cavarnos provides a wonderful il- you, to wash away the shame you have brought Christ is much more powerful than they.” on a bike and show the child how it’s done. The same lustration of some of the other qualities of a good spir- to our family.” She replied: “I erred, forgive me, After he had encouraged and consoled her, is true for us who are called to be spiritual fathers. We itual father. He writes, “The Holy Elder Philotheos my sister, don’t you share my pain?” – “No,” she St. Arsenios took her by the hand and led her up must be practicing asceticism and ­hesychasm, so that (Zervakos) points out the qualities of the good Con- replied, “you are not my sister, you are a harlot.” to the convent. And like another good Samari- the knowledge we pass on to our spiritual children is fessor or Spiritual Father using St. Arsenios of Paros – “Where shall I go?” asked her sorrowful sister. tan, by means of fatherly and affectionate words purified and enlightened. (1800–1877) as his exemplar. These qualities are par- “Go and drown yourself, go and kill yourself,” re- he exhorted her to repentance and confession. Catechesis is surely necessary, but it must be Or- ticularly the following: humility, gentleness, patience, plied the other. The miserable girl fled from the When she had repented sincerely and confessed thodox catechesis, and this means we begin with as- discernment, compassion and love. These virtues, he convent full of wounds and bloodstained. When candidly, he cleaned and dressed the wounds of ceticism and hesychasm. When we explain to them says, Father Arsenios eminently possessed. Thus, he she was about 800 yards away, she sat down by her body and soul. Having clothed her with clean fasting and standing for the long services, we place remarks, St. Arsenios received all with love and pater- the road, weeping bitterly; and groaning painfully garments, those of repentance, he introduced her those teachings in the context of these two great pil- nal affection, and gave to all with understanding and she said: “What shall become of me the wretch? into the spiritual fold of the convent and included lars. This is our way of life and it must be clear from discernment the ‘medicines’ necessary for the therapy Where shall I go, when even my sister, to whom I her with his other rational sheep. the outset. Do not be tempted to think these are only of their souls. Besides other necessary ‘medicines’ he hastened to seek help and consolation, drove me She made such progress in the monastic life for the advanced. The process of purification, illumi- used to give to all two common ones: the medicine away, wounded me, and filled me with despair? – in fasting, self-control, vigils, prayer, temper- nation, and deification are the only way to salvation in of repentance and the medicine of God’s compassion There remains nothing for me now but to go and ance and the rest of the virtues, and in the keep- Christ. If we wait to introduce these subjects for fear and love. He exhorted all to repent sincerely, and not drown myself in the sea! O my God, help me, the ing of the Commandments of God — that she of driving them away, we will surely lose them. They to despair on account of their many sins, but to have wretch.” surpassed all the other nuns. Thus there was ful- will walk away and “see” the ­Orthodox as a quaint, eth- hope in God’s immeasurable compassion, realizing Through the dispensation of God, Who does filled the saying of the divine herald Paul the nic enclave of people stuck in the past. that God accepts sinners when they repent. As proof not want the death of the sinner but his repen- Apostle: “Where sin abounded, grace did much In a world filled with anxiety, chaos, and disor- of God’s great compassion he cited the examples of tance, it happened that St. Arsenios was going more abound.” der, people are unknowingly clamoring for an alterna- the Prodigal Son, the Thief, the Harlot, the Publican, up to the convent. When he saw the girl crying Wishing to correct the nuns who had acted tive. For those in the world who are mired in the pas- and many others. Through love and gentleness Saint and wounded, he felt compassion for her, and ap- wrongly towards her, the Saint called all the nuns sions and unable to control burdensome and fearful Arsenios led many to repentance and salvation. proaching her he said: “What is the matter, my into the church of the convent and sharply re- thoughts, we have a life of joy and true hope to offer Father Philotheos Zervakos goes on to give a very child? Why are you weeping? Who has caused buked those who wounded her, especially her sis- them. This is the task of the spiritual father who lives moving example of how St. Arsenios acted as a ­Confessor. you the wounds?” – “My sister, Elder,” she replied, ter, saying: “The good father of the parable, upon the ascetic life in hesychasm. A certain girl from the island of Syros (one of “together with some nuns.” – “And why did they seeing from afar his prodigal son – who had spent In this context, what are some of the qualities, the Cyclades Islands, not far from Paros) went to wound you?” – “Because, Elder, some corrupt men his whole life living prodigally – returning to him, apart from the awesome prerequisites of which I have the Convent of the Transfiguration of Christ on and women led me astray, and I became a harlot. hastened to meet him, embraced him, kissed him, already mentioned, that make a spiritual father? First, Paros to visit her sister, who was a nun there. The But I realized that I did not do well and I came took him to his house, removed his old garments the spiritual father must be a warrior. He must be latter had previously been informed that her sis- to the convent to seek protection, help, from my and clothed him with new ones and new shoes. trained in the art of spiritual warfare and capable of ter had deviated from the right path; and when sister. And behold, Father, what they did to me. Is He rejoiced greatly, because his son was dead, engaging in battle on his own behalf and for his spiri- she was notified that her sister was outside the that the way nuns act, having fled from the world and was alive again, he was lost and was found. tual children. This means he must be able to recognize gate of the convent and wanted to see her, she at in order to save their souls? What do you, Father, Christ came down from Heaven not in order to and diagnose the passions and various illnesses that af- once began to scream and say: “Go away, go far counsel me? To go to the sea and drown myself, save the righteous, who have no need, but sinners. flict the modern soul. He must know the correspond- away from the convent, because you are defiled or to go and hurl myself down a precipice?” “My He came to save the lost sheep. He mingled, con- ing virtues that root out these passions. This requires and will defile the convent of the nuns.” And tak- child, I do not give you such counsel. I love you versed and ate with publicans, harlots, sinners, to- intimate and thorough knowledge of the Church Fa- ing along with her as helpers some other nuns, as my child, and if you wish I shall take you with wards whom he showed His love and affection. In thers. This should include such ascetics as Saints Bar- she went outside the convent. When she saw her me and heal the wounds of your soul and body.” this manner, that is, through His love, He saved sanuphius and John, Abba Dorotheos, particularly his sister waiting outside the gate, instead of feeling – “And where are you going to take me, Elder?” them. But you did the opposite. Although you work Practical Teaching on the Christian Life, and Saint compassion for her for having been wounded by – “To the convent, my child.” – I beg you not to knew that the incorporeal wolf, the devil, had se- John Climacus’s The Ladder of Divine Ascent as a start- the soul-destroying enemy, instead of sharing her take me to that convent, where my sister is to- riously wounded her soul, instead of feeling sorry ing place. The spiritual father­ as warrior must know pain, embracing, then kissing her, and taking care gether with those wicked nuns, because they will for her, and running to embrace and kiss her, to the weapons at his disposal, as well as when and how to heal her wounds, and leading her to repentance kill me – they declared this to me clearly, and if I rejoice, to save her from the danger of further sin, to use them. A warrior has manly courage. The Psalm- insisted on remaining there they would certainly you felt hatred for her and ran to kill her. And

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­because you were unable to kill her, you incited the duty of a spiritual father to speak the truth in love her to go and kill herself, to drown herself in the in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). As Na- sea. Now learn from me, your Spiritual Father, than the prophet confronted King David, and Saint that you are not nuns, you are not Christians, you Basil the Holy Fool chastised Ivan the Terrible, a spir- are not even human beings. If you had a sheep itual father must speak out against the false prophets and saw that it was at a precipice and was in dan- and the ravenous wolves that seek to do harm to his ger of perishing, I think you would have hastened­ spiritual children. The father as prophet does not de- to save it. Why? Because it is an animal. If you sire to be liked. In fact, such a desire diminishes his JUSTIN show so much concern for an animal, should you ability to be prophetic. There will be times the spiri- not have shown concern for your sister, who is not tual father must speak hard truths and prescribe bit- an animal, but a human being, has a soul, which ter medicine for the good of his children. This can’t MARTYR, is worth more than the whole world? She was be done if the father seeks popularity rather than the on the precipice of perdition, and although she health of the soul. DEFENDER came to seek your help, you pushed her so that she In order to do all of this, the lives of godly spiritu- might fall down faster. al fathers must be blameless and above reproach. Our Therefore, you are devoid of compassion, de- spiritual children must see in us a God-seeker and a OF THE void of affection, devoid of sympathy; you are God-pleaser, not a charlatan or a hypocrite. A spiritual murderesses. For this reason I impose upon you father must be a man of noetic prayer. He must carve FAITH the penance of not receiving Holy Communion out time for this before any of the various administra- Fr. Dan Daly for three years, if you do not recognize the great tive duties take his attention away from this essential sin which you inconsiderately fell into. Repent, spiritual work. confess your sin, sigh, weep bitterly, and ask for As spiritual fathers, we will have to give an ac- forgiveness from God, from me, your Spiritual count of our own lives, as well as the lives of our spiri- Father, and from those sisters who did not agree tual children whom we have begotten in Christ. Yet, to your sinful act. the thrice-holy God provides the grace with which Inasmuch as the nuns became aware of their we perform these awesome works. Moses was “slow sin, repented and wept bitterly, St. Arsenios for- of speech.” Isaiah confessed he was “a man of unclean Icon by Aidan Hart, www.aidanharticons.com gave them and moderated their penance. Upon lips.” The king and prophet David succumbed to adul- the sister, he imposed the penalty of not receiving tery and committed murder. ­Jonah fled from the God On the 22nd of February 156 A.D., one of the most important Christian Holy Communion for a year, because she provid- of Israel. None were perfect, but all were called to this ed the occasion and cause of the sin, while upon duty of spiritual fatherhood. Almighty God performs bishops of the First and Second Century was martyred in Asia Minor, the others, that of not partaking of Holy Com- the task through unworthy vessels of clay. We need St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna. St. Polycarp had been a disciple of munion for six months, because they shared in the only pray, fast, struggle. Consider the holy services to responsibility. be your lifeline, and not just only a Sunday or feast-day St. John the Apostle. He met with St. Ignatius of Antioch on his path to In this story, we witness a true spiritual father obligation. Commune frequently, with frequent con- martyrdom in Rome in about 110 A.D. He himself had been to Rome to demonstrating humility, meekness, discernment, and fession. Humble yourself. compassion. We also witness chastisement for the pur- Do not believe what the world tells you about self- meet Pope Anicetus over the date of Pascha. According to his own poses of correction, rather than punishment. Saint Ar- worth, and pleasure and meaning. The world lies to testimony, St. Polycarp had served the Lord for 86 years. The story of senios was a father who possessed deep humility, much you. Look to the church, and the Scriptures and the like Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Seraphim of Saints for your role models and instructions for living. his martyrdom is the earliest account of a Christian martyr after that of Sarov or many other saintly monastic elders. These When we enter before the dread judgement seat St. Stephen. The occasion of his martyrdom was very possibly the writ- never sought a name for themselves. In fact, they de- of God, we will be asked the following: Were you pu- sired just the opposite. True humility recognizes that rified in order to purify? Were you illumined so as to ing of the most important defense of the Christian faith in the Second illumine? Were you perfected in order to perfect? The we are mere vessels through which the Holy Spirit is Century, written by St. Justin Martyr.1 Although Justin is not the only working, and any benefit is not of our own making. yoke of spiritual fatherhood demands no less than this. Humility also requires that we are careful and prudent If our spiritual generation is to be fruitful, our father- apologist from the Second Century, he is the most important. His defense when we offer direction and counsel, never placing too hood must reflect the life of Christ. heavy a burden on a spiritual child, lest they break and May the Most Holy Theotokos protect you and of the Christian faith stands as an example for Christians of every era. fall into despair. may the thrice-holy God bless you and give you the He was a man of learning and great courage. Like St. Polycarp, he too Finally, the spiritual father must be prophetic. It is strength for the task at hand. would eventually suffer martyrdom.

10 October 2018 The Word 11 SAINT JUSTIN

t. Justin was born of pagan parents in ple of the Romans.”5 He hardly could have been more the pagan gods as human fabrications and as ­being yours.” If certain truths and values, however, are taught ­Flavia ­Neapolis, the ancient Shechem in open about his defense of Christians. He even admits ­actually demons.11 as coming forth from God, and are of divine authority, Samaria, about the year 100 A.D. As a to being one of the persecuted. At issue was the unjust WE WORSHIP THE TRUE GOD then, as the Lord says, “They will hate you.” That is as young man he chose the intellectual life persecution of Christians. Christian people were be- true today as it was in the world of St. Justin. S of the philosopher. The Second Century ing persecuted not for any crimes, but simply for being “But we have received by tradition [my emphasis] He insists that there will be a resurrection of the was replete with religions and philosophies. According Christian. “If anyone acknowledges that he is a Chris- that God does not need the material offerings which dead and that “those who lived wickedly” and who did to his own words, his search for wisdom began with tian, you punish him on account of the acknowledge- men can give, seeing indeed, that He Himself is the not believe what God has taught us through Christ the school of the Stoics, and continued with the Peri- ment.”6 “We demand that the charges be investigated, provider of all things.” “And we have been taught that will be punished. patetics and then with the Pythagoreans. He found and that, if they be substantiated, they be punished as He in the beginning did of His goodness, for man’s He ridicules the pagan divinities with their absur­ d none of these schools satisfactory. The Stoics could they deserve. But if no one can convict us of anything, sake, create all things out of unformed matter; and if and immoral behavior. What truth there might have not ­answer his questions about God; the Parapatetic true reason forbids you for the sake of wicked rumors, men by their works show themselves worthy of His been in the old religions was corrupted by the demo­ ns. teacher demanded payment “up front.” The Pythago- to wrongly blame us.”7 Justin asks that the Emperor be design, they are deemed worthy, and so we have re- THE PROPHETS ceived – of reigning in company with Him, being rean insisted that he first study music, astronomy, and “fair and equitable­ ….” “It is incumbent on the lover of 12 geometry. Not having the “prerequiste courses,” St. truth, by all means … to chose and do and say what is ­delivered from corruption and suffering.” Christians By his own testimony we know that Justin’s con- Justin moved on. For a time he found the philosophy right.” “By mere application of a name, nothing is de- are not atheists: they worship Jesus Christ, the Son of version was in large part due to the Old Testament of Plato ­appealing.2 cided, either good or evil….”8 It is a matter of justice. the Living God. “We reasonably worship Him, having prophecies. Chapters XXI to LIII of the First Apol- Shakespeare’s Ju- learned that He is the Son of the true God Himself, ogy are an exposition of the ancient prophecies. Jus- liet asked her famous and holding Him in the second place, and the pro- tin believes that the fulfillment of the prophecies in He insists that there will be a resurrection of the dead and that “those who lived wickedly” question “What’s in a phetic Spirit in the third….” Justin professes his faith the life of Christ are sufficient proof for those who and who did not believe what God has taught us through Christ will be punished. name? That which we in the Trinity before any ecumenical council, and be- understand them. Justin’s method is similar to that of call a rose by any other fore the canonization of the New Testament books. Christ Himself, who, “beginning with Moses and all name would smell as Faith in Christ brought about a complete trans- the prophets . . . explained to them what was written Most likely in the city of Ephesus St. Justin came sweet?”9 Second-century Christians would respond formation of life on the part of those who follow him. in the Scriptures about Himself ” (Luke 24:27). Justin upon an old man who, having first convinced St. Justin that there is indeed much in a name, and that the Whereas they were once a people who delighted in begins with Moses, who foretells that that the “scep- that the philosophy of Plato was not the answer, intro- name Christian has the power of both life and death. fornication, wealth, and magical arts, they are now a ter will not depart from Judah … until He comes for duced him to the Old Testament Prophets. “Straight- For Justin it meant his physical death, but eternal life. people of chastity, generosity and love for their ene- whom it is reserved….” As prophesied by Zephaniah, away a flame was kindled in my soul; and a love of the ATHEISM mies. Many men and women “remain pure [i.e., celi- Jesus entered Jerusalem on the foal of an ass. “And Isa- prophets, and of those men who are friends of Christ, bate] at the age of sixty or seventy.” Many “have re- iah another Prophet, foretelling the same things… ‘A possessed me.”3 The philosopher now turned to Christ. In the Roman Empire, atheism was more of a po- formed intemperate habits.” God calls the sinners to star shall rise out of Jacob, and a flower shall spring The fearlessness of death on the part of the Christians litical crime than a heresy. Allegiance to the Empire repentance. St. Justin then presents the Sermon on the from the root of Jesse’ – this Christ.” Isaiah foretold was very influential in his conversion. St. Justin trav- meant allegiance to their gods. Christians could not in Mount from Matthew 5. In injuries, Christians must that “a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son, and eled through Ephesus and eventually came to Rome, any way pay homage to pagan gods or worship them. be patient and forgiving. The faith must be more than they shall say for his name, ‘God with us.’” The prophet where he established a school. Like St. Polycarp, St. This unwillingness was seen as atheism. a profession of their belief in Christ. “Those who do Micah foretold that He would be born in Bethlehem. Justin would also end his earthly life as a martyr in the To the charge of atheism, Justin asks, “Were not the works shall be saved.” David spoke the words, “They shall piece my hands year 165 A.D. The record of his trial and death have some of the ancient philosophers atheists?” “And those St. Justin even assures the emperor that they ac- and feet,” but his did not happen to David. It was Jesus been preserved.4 who now adopt such instruction are not restrained by knowledge him as king and ruler of men. They are who stretched out his hands to be crucified. Though Although he was a prolific writer, only three of his you; but, on the contrary, you bestow prizes and hon- obliged to pay him “taxes both ordinary and extraordi- the Jews possessed the books of the prophets, they did ors on those who euphoniously insult gods.”10 nary.” “To God alone we render worship, but in other not understand. authentic works have been preserved. These are Apol- 13 ogy I, Apology II, and his Dialogue with the Jew Trypho. Justin admits that Christians are atheists as far as things we gladly serve you.” Justin insists that the Spirit of prophecy speaks (The two apologies originally may have been only one). the pagan gods are concerned, but they believe in the He admits that there are similarities between what predicting things that are to come to pass. Christ His willingness to defend the Christian faith stands as “most true God,” whom he identifies as the Father, the the ancient philosophers taught and what Christians would ascend to His Father and sit at His right hand. an example for Christians of all ages. Earlier Christian Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God they adore and teach. “If, therefore, on some points we teach the The Gentiles would worship him. If we believe in writings were addressed to the Christian communities. worship. If Christians are punished they must be pun- same things as poets and philosophers who you hon- the things predicted about Christ before they came With these second-century apologies, Christian writ- ished for evil deeds, not simply for being Christian. or, and on other points are fuller and more divine in to pass, “we must necessarily believe also that those ers now address the outside world. The odsg found in the pagan shrines are made by our teaching, and if we alone afford proof of what we things which are in like manner predicted, but as yet THE FIRST APOLOGY “carving and cutting, casting and hammering, fashion- assert, why are we unjustly hated more than others?” to come to pass shall certainly happen.” “Though we THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE ing the materials.” “And often out of vessels of dishon- Here, I believe, Justin speaks not only to the Emperor, but could bring forward many other prophecies, we fore- or [interesting remark], by merely changing the form, to people of our own times. So long as certain values re- bear, judging these sufficient for the persuasion of The First Apology is addressed to the “Emperor they make into what they call a god….” Here Justin main the opinion of philosophers or any other human those who have ears to hear and understand ….” Antoninus Pius, to his sons…and to the whole peo- is of the same mind as the psalmist, who r­idiculed agency, no one “hates” them: “My values are as good as

12 October 2018 The Word 13 SAINT JUSTIN

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP Here Justin clearly identifies being born again with receive Holy Communion, the recipient must have the somewhat unusual understanding of salvation is not 1. Robert M. Grant, baptism, and not simply with an act of faith. faith of the Church and must be living a truly Chris- unique to St. Justin. The intertestamental books of Greek Apologists of the In the final part of the First Apology, Justin takes Second Century (West- Following his or her baptism, the newly baptized tian life. “Closed communion” is not a modern rule. Enoch and Jubilees speak of the Nephilim as demons his readers into the sacramental life of the Church, minster Press: Phila- person receives communion for the first time. Again Immediately following his description of the bap- who remain on the earth to lead men astray. God does delphia, PA, 1988), p. specifically the rites of baptism and eucharist. Justin affirms that the sacraments are more than tismal rite and eucharist, Justin makes a most unique not destroy mankind because of the presence of faith- 53. For those interest- I will also relate the manner in which we dedi- ed in the defense of the ­symbols. gift to Christian posterity. Although many may not ful Christians. Despite the presence of demons in the faith in the apostolic cated ourselves to God when we had been made This food is called among us the Eucharist, of know where it originates, it has been quoted many world, each man retains his freedom of choice. In the period, Grant’s book is new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem a good source. which no one is allowed to partake but the man times. It is the description of the Sunday liturgy in end eternal punishment awaits the wicked. Justin con- to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As 2. Chapter 2 in the Dia- who believes that the things which we teach are the second-century Church. Although it was writ- cludes by asking­ that his “little book” be published, so logue with Trypho, The many as are persuaded and believe that which we true, and who has been washed with the washing ten for the world beyond the Church, Orthodox that others may be freed from their “erroneous notions Ante-Nicene Fathers, teach and say is true, and undertake to live accord- Vol. 1, edited by Al- that is for the remission of sins, and unto regener- ­Christians will find themselves very much at home in and ignorance of good.” ingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God his ­de­scription. CONCLUSION exander Roberts, D.D. ation and who is living as Christ has enjoined. For and James Donaldson, with fasting, for the remission of their sins that not as common bread and common drink do we And on the day called Sunday, all who live LL.D. (Hendrickson are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then The Lord told his followers that if the world perse- Publishers, Inc., 1999), receive these, but in like manner as Jesus Christ, in cities or in the country gather together to they are brought by us to where there is water, cuted Him, it would also persecute them. If they hated p. 195. our Savior, having been made flesh by the Word one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or and are regenerated in the same manner in which Him, they would hate his followers. This persecution 3. Ibid., p. 199. of God, had both flesh and blood for our salva- the writings of the prophets are read as long as 4. The Martyrdom of the we ourselves were regenerated. For, in the name has come in the form of murdering Christians by to- tion, likewise have we been taught that the food time allows; then, when the reader has ceased, the Holy Martyrs, Justin of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and talitarian regimes, or by other means such as econom- (and companions), The which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and president verbally instructs , and exhorts to the of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spir- ic or social persecution. There will always be the need Ante-Nicene Fathers, from which our blood and flesh by transmutation imitation of these good things. Then we all rise Vol. 1, pp. 305–306. it, they then receive the washing with water. For for prophetic voices who will condemn injustice to- are nourished is the flesh and blood of that Jesus together and pray, and as we said before, when 5. Justin Martyr, First Christ also said: ‘Except ye be born again, ye shall ward the followers of Christ. Certainly St. Justin was Apology, Ante-Nicene who was made flesh.15 the prayer is ended bread and wine and water are not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.’ And this such a man. He did not incite a mob to violence. He Fathers, Vol. 1, p. 1. brought, and the president in like manner offers 6. Ibid., p. 164. washing is called illumination because they who Here Justin affirms that the bread wine of the eucha- was, rather, a voice of reason who spoke the truth in prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, 7. Ibid., p. 163. learn these things are illuminated in their under- rist are not simply symbols of his body and blood, but his demand for justice. He made his voice heard in 8. Ibid. 14 and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is standing.” are in truth His true Body and true Blood. He also the most public of ways, addressing the Emperor, the 9. William Shakespeare, a distribution to each, and a participation of that Romeo and Juliet, II, ii, 6713 3x8reveals STUDYING IN the THEOLOGY_Layout practice 1 2/22/17 of 4:09the PM second-centuryPage 1 Church. To Senate and the whole Roman people. He reminded 1–2. over which thanks have been given, and to those his fellow Christians and us that our battle is beyond who are absent a portion is sent by the ­deacons … 10. See Justin Martyr, human depravity: it is with principalities and powers. First Apology, Chap- Sunday is the day we hold our common assembly He died for his convictions. It seems that our children ters V and VI. I ALWAYS WANTED TO STUDY 11. Psalm 95. because it is the first day of the week which God, are destined to live in a world increasingly hostile to ORTHODOX THEOLOGY! having wrought a change in darkness and matters, 12. First Apology, Chap- Christianity. They do not need critics of the shortcom- ter X.

WELL, NOW YOU CAN! and made the world; and Jesus Christ our Savior ings of their local parish. They need parents who are 13. First Apology, Chap- ‘ 16 on the same day rose from the dead. ter XVII. andand with some ofof thethe leadingleading apologists for our faith. We may not be defenders in THE SECOND APOLOGY 14. Ibid., Chapter LXI. orthodoxOrthodox theologians of our age.age. quite the public arena as was Justin, but we certainly 15. Ibid., Chapter LXVI. The Second Apology, which is considerably shorter can be willing to defend our faith in the presence of 16. Ibid., Chapter LX- ST. STEPHEN'S’ COURSE OF STUDIES VII. IN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY IS YOUR ANSWER than the first, is addressed to the Roman Senate. St. our children and friends. Fr. Dan Daly Besides our Theological Program, Justin condemns the Roman official Urbicus and oth- we are also now offering three new specialization tracks: Father Daniel is a retired Antiochian priest attached to er officials for the killing of Christians. These acts, he St. Elias Church Austin, Texas. He was the unnamed author of the Youth Ministry, Musicology and Iconology. article on St. John of the Ladder in the June issue of The WORD. These tracks are offered in a distinct insists, are inspired by evil spirits. St. Justin gives an Orthodox and Byzantine setting. account of a Christian teacher, Ptolemaeus, who had St. Stephen's Course, instructed a woman wishing to leave her dissolute hus- a three-year, directed reading program under the auspices band, who was condemned by Urbicus solely for being of the Antiochian House of Studies is open to both men and women. , a Christian. He further charges the pseudo-philoso- For Information and a catalogue, contact a b St.The Stephen’s St. Stephen’s Course Course,of Studies pher Cresens for knowing nothing of the Christian 385 IVY LANE, BERGENFIELD, NJ 07621 • Email: [email protected] • Tel.: (201) 569-0095 ✂ faith while he incites the mob against Christians. Please send me further information and application forms for St. Stephen’s Course of Studies in Orthodox Theology Justin attributes the cause of evil in the world to Name: ...... the demonic offspring of the angels who were capti- Address:...... City:...... State:...... Zip:...... vated by the love of women (Genesis 6). These demons E-mail:...... brought about all the evils in the world. The purpose of the Incarnation was the destruction of demons. This

14 October 2018 The Word 15 n organization called Mar- group of six to twelve couples taking the course riage Dynamics Insti- together. During this three-day training weekend, tute, a non-profit, multi-­ couples essentially go through a condensed ver- denominational ­ministry, sion of the entire eight-week course they will fa- offers a course calledcilitate, highlighting some of the key lessons and ­“Dynamic Marriage,” in focusing on creating a safe, affirming environ- A which over fifty thousand ment for all couples in the course. couples nationwide have participated. To my Thosewho are trained are also taught how to knowledge, however, our parish of St. Mary in identify couples who should not take the course. Wichita, Kansas, became the first Orthodox par- Marriage Dynamics Institute offers specialized ish to offer this course, in 2012. Since that time, courses led by trained professionals to help mar- my wife and I have facilitated a total of six courses, riages “in crisis.” While most married couples in CREATING A with 48 couples completing the program. While our parish will thrive in the Dynamic Marriage the majority of participating couples came from course, those who are quickly headed for divorce our own ­Orthodox community in Wichita, more need more personalized, professional assistance. than a dozen of the couples came from outside Once a couple is trained to facilitate the Dy- the Church and received their first exposure to namic Marriage course, they return to their parish Orthodoxy through this transformative ministry. and work with the clergy to promote the course. “ A few of them have since joined the ­Orthodox Each Dynamic Marriage course runs for eight DYNAMIC Church. Two other parishes in our Diocese of weeks and requires a minimum of six couples, Wichita and Mid-America just recently began with twelve couples being the maximum number offering Dynamic Marriage courses as well, and allowed. In addition to dealing with a few other the program has been met with great enthusiasm topics, the main emphasis of the entire course is there, too. learning to identify and meet our spouse’s emo- The Dynamic Marriage course is easy for any tional needs. Each week during the program, with MARRIAGE” parish to offer. All that is needed to begin is for help from the textbook and accompanying work- a couple to undergo one of Marriage Dynam- books, the couple works extensively on identify- Fr. Aaron Warwick ics’ bi-monthly, three-day, weekend training ses- ing their emotional needs and communicating sions. At our parish, my wife and I decided to do them to their spouse. Each spouse in turn com- the training. Many churches, including the other pletes workbook assignments to help them devel- two I mentioned from our diocese, have laypeo- op strategies to meet their spouse’s needs. ple trained to facilitate the course. This three-day In my pastoral marriage counseling, I have weekend itself did more to help my wife and I found almost all marital problems begin rather improve our marriage than any previous marital innocently, with each person trying to show love counseling. to their spouse the way they wish to receive it. So The focus of the training is to teach couples while the husband is trying to show love to his how to facilitate the Dynamic Marriage course. wife, his wife does not perceive his actions that This term facilitate is key. The trained couple nev- way. The Dynamic Marriage course helps couples er teaches the course, but merely facilitates. The overcome this problem. The husband learns exactly course is presented through books and workbooks how the wife likes to be shown love, and vice ver- designed by (Christian) trained professionals. In sa. Most couples who take the course end up find- addition, teaching occurs through interaction ing it relatively easy to show love to their spouse among the couples themselves, as well as with a once they find out how best to do it.F­ urthermore,

16 October October 2018 2018 The Word 17 MARRIAGE

couples who may have ques- Christians who realize we tioned how much their cannot “make excuses in sin,” spouse loved them quickly or blame others for our faults GRIEF IS A see their spouse cares about in our ­marriage. Instead, we them more than they ever must focus on improving imagined. Once your spouse ourselves and learn to over- learns to show love in a come our selfish thinking and FUNNY THING meaningful way, it becomes clear just how much he or desires in order to live for our spouse. In this way, the she loves you! course helps us live out the martyrs’ crowns we wear at Gregory Abdalah The final component of the Dynamic Marriage our wedding! course I wish to highlight is the group dynamic. Un- The group aspect of the course is structured to derstandably, this can be a scary aspect of the course, provide support from peers. In addition to provid- ecently I took my I stumbled to find an answer and could not. The and we have found a few couples who avoid the class ing dozens of opportunities to affirm one another, the wife to see Les best I could come up with was, “It’s like a scab that altogether because of this concern. While we recog- group component helps couples realize that they are Misérables.­ From sometimes gets picked off.” The reality is that it has nize the Dynamic Marriage program is not for every­ not alone in their pursuit of a godly marriage. And the first time I been ten years since my mom passed away. I feel one, couples who “graduate” from the program find we quickly realize that we are not the only ones who heard the mu- like I should be past the point of crying at ran- this component to be one of the most beneficial. Each struggle to achieve such a lofty goal! Many Dynamic sic, this had been dom, but every so often that scab gets picked off. week the couples meet in a group for about two hours. Marriage graduates have shared with us that while the one of my favor- What does it really mean to be “past” it, anyway? I The meetings are centered around each person an- homework assignments and discussions with each oth- ite musicals. I did am not depressed, I am not wallowing in sadness, swering four questions, all of which they know and er at home were of great value, the group compo­ nent not really understand all of the themes and top- but I do miss my mom. I do not think that is a bad Rics at first, often turning to my mom for explana- thing or something to be ashamed to admit. At the prepare for in advance. No one is pressured to share was the most valuable aspect of the course. This should more than they feel comfortable sharing, and facilita- come as no surprise to us as Orthodox Christians since tion as we were listening in the car. When asked to same time, I often feel funny when I talk about it, tors are trained to stop a person if they begin speak- we understand the value of community life, as opposed choose something to sing in an eighth-grade mu- even with my wife, as though I should not feel this ing negatively about their spouse (something my wife to the limitations and pitfalls of individualism. sic class, I naturally chose my favorite song: “Stars.” way. As though I’m less of a man if I get sad. We’re and I have not had to do in any of the courses we have We live in a world where more pressure exists on My mother cried, of course. “Stars” became my go- taught from a young age to “keep our chin up” and led). While the questions are not invasive, they are all marriages than perhaps ever in history. As a church to piece for anytime I needed something to sing – to not show any sign of weakness. The implica- personal. That is, they are not about the marriage or community, we seek to provide real pastoral care for from high-school musical auditions to a “Broadway tion is that any show of emotion is weakness. This about your spouse, but focus on what you are doing to marriages and family. It is not enough for us to coun- Night” performance in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, to lends itself to the idea that we need simply to “move become a better spouse, what you learned during the sel people to “stay together” just for the sake of staying my parents “requesting” that I sing for their friends on” and “get over it.” This idea, taken to extremes, week, or how you can improve to help your marriage. married. We should be training couples to help them during dinner in the Pope room at Buca di Beppo. threatens to turn us into hardened stoics, unable to In this sense, the course resonates with us as Orthodox reflect the love Christ has for the Church, as we read My mother cried each time, of course. It became a feel. On the flip side, I feel awkward posting drawn in the wedding Epistle lesson. running joke. I’d sing a few bars in the car, and then out, emotional rants on social media sites, worried My hope is that you, clergy and laity throughout stop and ask, “You crying, ma?” Nothing seemed a that others would see these things as empty cries our Archdiocese, will research the program and con- more fitting encore when choosing the program for for attention which threaten to stagnate a healthy sider being trained to facilitate a course in your lo- my college senior recital, the final for a degree in process of healing. The result is an internal conflict: cal parish. Please do not hesitate to contact me at vocal performance. And for those who are wonder- a struggle to find normalcy, holding together a need ­[email protected] if you have questions about ing…yes, my mom cried. So, much to my surprise, to move on with open grief. the Dynamic Marriage program. In addition to my when I took my wife to see Les Misérables, I got Grief is a funny thing. Not, of course, an amus- own testimony, I have dozens of parishioners who emotional during “Stars.” Then memories of the joy ing thing, but a weird feeling that can knock our would love to share about their experience with the shared through music flooded in: listening together legs out from under us when we least expect it. How course. What I have learned has made me a bet- in the car, singing in the choir, seeing concerts and do we begin to “deal”? To find “normalcy”? To be- ter husband and a better priest. I hope many others musicals and plays together. The next thing I knew, gin, I think we have to recognize that in situations throughout our Archdiocese will also benefit from this the cast started singing the reprise of “Do you hear of grief, there is no “normal.” Grief is an expression the people sing?” and I could not stop crying. I even of loss, and loss is a recognition that our commu- ­program and experience “dynamic marriages.” Fr. Aaron Warwick, Pastor had to stay in my seat during the standing ovation nity has changed. We are built for community and, St. Mary Church, Wichita, Kansas to compose myself! one hopes, we grow through our experience of com- It hit me like a ton of bricks: Grief is a funny munity. A shifting of that community, most espe- thing. It has the ability to creep up on you when cially when that shift occurs within our family, may you least expect it. While I was sharing this expe- require that we relearn how to function as a com- rience with a friend, he asked, “Does it feel fresh?” munity. It may require that we step outside of what

18 October 2018 The Word 19 GRIEF

ORDINATIONS Amy Hadley is comfortable, into something new, and unknown, and even scary. When we step outside of our com- COX, Peter, to the holy diacon- FR. NICOLA YANNEY: fort zones, however, we learn. ate by Metropolitan JOSEPH and This specific type of learning often comes Bishop JOHN on August 10, 2018, at THE FIRST PRIEST through experiences in our lives that are difficult. St. Peter Church, Fort Worth, Texas, For ­example, perhaps the most important lesson my during the Western Rite Conference. mother ever taught me came in the months lead- ­ORDAINED BY THE ing up to her death. In the May 2008 issue of The FALCONE, Deacon Jason, to the WORD magazine, the same month as she passed holy priesthood by Bishop BASIL on FIRST BISHOP away, she wrote “I ask God to reveal His will for August 26, 2018, at St. Luke Church, me.” How powerful a statement, mirroring Christ’s Erie, Colorado. He is assigned to that own prayer in the Garden of Gethsamane prior to parish. 1 His voluntary and life-giving death. As we fol- JOHNSON, Martin, to the holy low Christ’s way, we grow along His path. At St. diaconate by Bishop THOMAS on George in Phoenix, we call this “The Way of the August 5, 2018, at St. Elias Church, Warrior Saint”: a life that is practical, biblical, and New Castle, Pennsylvania. He is as- crucifixional, focused on sacrificing our own needs signed to St. Anthony Church, But- for the needs of others. Moments of self-offering ler, Pennsylvania. ­often manifest themselves through some form of PHILLIPS, Dom and Hiero- self-­denial. Ill-equipped to deal with suffering in deacon Theodore, to the holy priest- our lives, these moments teach us, little by little, hood by Metropolitan JOSEPH and how to handle suffering so that when it comes, we Bishop JOHN on August 8, 2018, at might be ready. St. ­Peter Church, Fort Worth, Texas, During the Paschal season, we sing, “Make a 2 during the Western Rite Conference. joyful noise to God all the Earth,” as a verse to the First Antiphon at Divine Liturgy. I often think ROSELAND, Ephraim, to the of my mother when I hear this. Even in her great- holy diaconate by Bishop BASIL on est suffering, she gave praise to God. She wrote me August 12, 2018, at the Church of St. an email of encouragement as I was finishing semi- Basil the Great, Kansas City, Kansas. nary, reminding me to pray each morning to put my He is assigned to that parish. mind at ease. She shared with me the Prayer of St. Philaret of Moscow, which ends, “Direct my will. Teach me to pray. Pray yourself in me.” My dad re- lated once that in her final weeks, mom was agitat- ed and uncomfortable for a few days and then was completely peaceful. She put her mind at ease, sub- mitted her will to God’s, and her death was “pain- less, blameless, and peaceful.” In His moment of suffering, Christ models a response to the suffering in our lives, which my mother passed on to me in or many of the scattered Syrian Nicola Elias Yanney was born to Elias and Cath- her suffering. Though this lesson is difficult to take, Orthodox flock in America during erine Yanney on February 5, 1873 (Julian Calendar), it is through learning that we grow. the early Twentieth Century, being in the small village of Fi’eh al-Koura in what is to- Gregory Abdalah, D.Min., Pastoral Assistant without a shepherd to guide them day northern Lebanon. During his youth, Nicola St. George Church, Phoenix, Arizona was especially bitter. A life bereft learned about Orthodoxy and also how to read and 1. Matthew 26:36–44. Fof the sacraments and of a spiritual guide was not what write at Deir al-Balamand (the ­Monastery of Bala- 2. Psalm 66:1. they had pictured when they set off for the golden mand). As he walked to the Monastery he also passed shores of the United States. There were, however, those through the village home of Mar­ tha George Al-Baik, few who faithfully endured through extreme hardship the woman who would become his wife. Martha was and even answered the sacred call to become a shep- the daughter of Nicola’s uncle, and the two had been

ARCHDIOCESAN ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE herd. One of those pious men was Nicola Yanney. promised to each other by their families.

20 October 2018 TheThe WordWord 21 21 FATHER NICOLA

On November 8, 1892, Nicola Yanney married grants to learn the English language and American Whoever reads this record and finds any mistake Martha. Nicola realized that in order to provide for his culture more quickly. in it, please correct it in God’s name, and God family, he would have to leave the only home that he While peddling was an easy trade for Nicola will correct his life in this world and in the life to and Martha had ever known. Turkish oppression and to take up, the travel demands were steep. He and come because no one is perfect except God, who a collapsing economy had crippled the area. Having ­Martha wanted other work as soon as possible. While has no mistakes. known others who had completed the arduous journey Nicola was gradually picking up the English language, Nicola, George, and Martha continued to work to America, Nicola decided that the best option would Martha was not. She felt very isolated and alone when hard, cultivating the land and providing for the family. be for both him and Martha to travel there together. Nicola was absent. This desire for change became even In the summer of 1899, baby Moses Nicola was born, Trusting God, they set foot on the steamer that would more intense when Martha became pregnant with the fourth child of the Yanney family. A few months carry them away from al-Koura, never again to return. their first child. following the birth, the family was rather startled by a Following a long voyage and the immigration Three days after their first wedding anniversary, surprise visit. In the middle of the night, the sounds process, they took up residence at 12th and William Nicola and Martha welcomed their son, Elias Nicola, of gunfire punctured the tranquility of the homestead. Streets in the “Syrian” section of Omaha, Nebraska. into the world. Nicola continued peddling while he After racing outside, Nicola realized that there was a sought a new location in which to raise his growing raucous group of men approaching their home, and family. By this time, Martha was pregnant once again, they were calling to him in Arabic. and they knew they wanted to get out of the city and Over a dozen people, yelling excitedly and back to their roots in farming. Nicola was then en- ­shooting pistols into the air greeted Nicola, Martha, couraged by a friend to move two hundred miles west and George. In their midst stood the dignified Syrian of Omaha to the town of Kearney. priest the Yanneys had so desperately wanted to meet, Mike Hayek, a fellow villager from Fi’eh who Archimandrite Raphael Hawaweeny. Unbeknownst to had also started out in the same peddling company, Nicola, one of the reasons for this cross-country visit had made his way to central Nebraska. Nicola visited was to find pious men who might be ordained to be the area, found a homestead to rent, and the decision able to serve the Orthodox Syrians scattered across this was made. After Martha gave birth to their daughter, The Yanney family, circa 1901. Left to right: Elias, Nicola, Moses, John, Martha, Anna. part of the country. This September midnight meeting Anna, in July of 1895, the family once again packed up would radically change the course of Nicola’s life. for another destination. This time, their home would be a two-room sod house in Buckeye Valley, approxi- of holding firm to Orthodoxy when no churches or “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one mately twenty miles northeast of Kearney. priests were available. These organic gatherings of like- who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf com- Not long after the family had settled in cen- minded Syrians were a welcome relief from years of ing and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf tral N­ ebraska, Nicola sent for his youngest brother, drought, but they did not completely fill the hearts of catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling George Yanney, from Canada. George had been alone the pious Syrians who longed for the sacraments. flees because he is a hireling and does not care for three years following an accidental separation Nicola’s friend John Shada, who was still living in about the sheep” (John 10: 12–13). from their brother John on their way to New York. Omaha, gave news that a Syrian Orthodox priest had The Yanney family continued to add to their mem- To ­Nicola’s delight, George agreed to come and join recently visited the city. Nicola and Martha had heard bers, with Simon Yanney, Nicola’s eldest brother, join- them. They were elated to be reunited with family, rumors about this priest. To know he actually existed ing them on the homestead. In the winter of 1902, but Nicola and Martha still longed for an Orthodox gladdened their weary hearts, but they doubted they however, great tragedy also struck. As the family pre- church in which to raise their family. Not since they would be able to journey to Omaha if he came a sec- pared for the birth of their fifth child, Martha became Yanney family 1897 had left their homeland had they been able to immerse ond time. They had a spark of hope to cling to, but the gravely ill. Giving birth too soon, she fell unconscious themselves in the daily life of the Church. two hundred miles to Omaha might as well have been and never awoke. To Nicola’s great sorrow, there was In order to pay off debts and to be able to help their On the Feast of the Ascension, 1897, the Yan- a thousand. Taking a secondhand Arabic Bible that no priest available to serve Martha communion be- families back home, Nicola immediately went to work neys’ third child, John Nicola, was born on the Yanney he had purchased, Nicola decided to begin recording fore her death or to serve at her funeral. To offer what as a peddler. While peddling was considered a lower- homestead. Not long after John’s birth, a small Syr- events and studying the Holy Scriptures more fervent- they could, the Orthodox community joined together class vocation in their homeland, the Syrians readily ian community began to form in central Nebraska. ly. If a priest would not come to them, at least he still to give condolences and to help. embraced the trade when they arrived in the United Friends from Fi’eh began to come to America and fol- had the ability to read the Scriptures. On one of the The baby girl was premature and weak. Nicola States. Peddling enabled the new immigrants to be low in the footsteps of Nicola and Martha. Nicola’s front pages he wrote: watched helplessly as her life faded and her condition employed while requiring little initial capital invest- best friend from Fi’eh, John Shada, and his brothers In God’s name and with His grace, this re- grew worse. In the absence of a priest, Nicola prayed ment. Traveling extensively throughout the region, had returned to America with their wives and c­ hildren. cord is written by His poor servant who longs for fervently over his daughter, naming her Nour. He they learned much about their new homeland while Even without a church home, this growing flock of His powerful Lord, Nicola Elias Yanney from anointed her with water to baptize her, having seen the making important business and social connections. Syrians began to come together to celebrate holy days. the Orthodox village of Fi’eh, resident of Buffa- rite many times. Nour’s was his first baptism. The fam- Peddling door-to-door also allowed the new immi- Nicola especially understood the immense ­difficulty lo County, Nebraska, United States of America. ily only had nine precious days with Nour before she

22 October 2018 The Word 23 FATHER NICOLA

The Gospel Book in too passed away. The family Bible was once again used munity, but they would prove their commitment. An- Father Nicola’s hand was to record events; this time, full of sorrow and grief: other problem still loomed, however. Including Father a gift given to him by his parishioners in Kearney in ­Raphael, only four Syrian Orthodox priests served the the year 1909. It remains Our uncle’s daughter Martha passed away on in St. George Orthodox Monday morning at ten o’clock on February 11th, entire continent of North America. Father Raphael Church in Kearney, instructed the Kearney community to choose from Nebraska to this day. 1902. She was buried on Tuesday in an Irish cem- The Arabic script above etery in the state of Nebraska...Our baby daugh- among themselves one who was worthy of ordination. is Father Nicola’s signa- The church building was the first condition to be ture: “al-Khoury Nicola ter Nour passed away on Wednesday morning, Yanney.”­ February 20th, 1902. fulfilled. A recently closed school building a few miles “I am the good shepherd; and I know My outside of Kearney would fit their needs nicely, once sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:14). it had been moved into town. On Pascha, the entire Syrian community met at John Shada’s home to cel- Only twenty-nine years old, Nicola was now a wid- ebrate the holiest day of the year. During this meeting, ower responsible for four young children, devoid of an the news of Father Raphael’s message and the school Orthodox church, and a world away from his home- building were excitedly announced. That very evening land. Even with his brothers there to console him, the a collection was taken, and they raised one hundred grief was such a burden. It was, in fact, a stark remind- twenty-five dollars, enough to purchase their soon-to- er for the whole Syrian community of their dire need be church building. for an Orthodox church and for a priest. They agreed As for the most difficult condition to fulfill, the that they would contact Father Raphael and plead Syrian community was also quick to come to a con- boldly for his help. sensus for a priesthood candidate: Nicola Yanney. Father Raphael agreed to make their community Many of the Syrians had grown up with him in Fi’eh. his fifth official church if they could provide a priest’s He knew more about Orthodoxy than anyone else in salary and procure a church building. These condi- the community, having been tutored by monks. Even tions would be difficult to meet for the small com- though he wrestled with grief over the recent loss of his wife and child, he still possessed an unfailing devo- tion to God. The people knew Nicola and trusted him to guide them. If Nicola accepted ordination, however, he would never be able to remarry. His children would never again have a mother. After much prayer and careful consideration, Nic- ola accepted the community’s request. Father Raphael was unable to come to Kearney to thoroughly examine Nicola, but he instead sent Archimandrite Meletios Karroum. Archimandrite Meletios recommended the waited for months, and then everything seemed jump fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear young widower be ordained with the condition that he into motion. My voice; and there will be one flock and one give up the family farm and move to town. The neces- Nicola left for New York, and he left his children in shepherd” (John 10: 16). sary examinations were complete, and Nicola and the the care of his two brothers. There were several ranks Bishop RAPHAEL entrusted his new priest with community waited for news from Father Raphael. through which Nicola had to pass in order to be or- a massive missionary territory. For not only was F­ ather In the meantime, the school building was suc- dained a priest – reader, subdeacon, deacon – and the Nicola assigned to pastor the newly formed St. George cessfully purchased. Throughout the fall and win- process took two weeks. Finally, during the Palm Sun- Orthodox Church in his hometown, he was also given ter, the community met in the small building which day Liturgy of April 3, 1904, the Reverend Nicola the task of pastoring all of the Syrian Orthodox in the was slowly being remodeled into a church. Finally as Yanney became the first priest to be ordained by the central United States who were also without a priest. spring drew near, a message was sent to Kearney with first bishop consecrated in the New World. The priest- Father Nicola’s missionary territory extended from the news that Nicola was to be ordained near the end ly vestments given to Father Nicola at his ordination Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the Rocky of Lent! The Syrian community rejoiced with the joy- were a gift from Tsar Nicholas II, as was an engraved Mountains to east of the Mississippi River – a daunt- ous news about Nicola and that he was to be ordained gold pocket watch. After his ordination, Father Nicola ing mandate, indeed. by Father Raphael himself. Not only that, but Father remained in New York at St. Nicholas Cathedral to On his return to Kearney from New York, Father Raphael was soon to be consecrated as their bishop; he complete his priestly training for a few weeks before Nicola began serving weekly services. He trained Elias would be the first Orthodox bishop to be consecrated returning home to Kearney. and several other boys to participate as altar servers. Father Nicola Yanney with his sons Elias, Moses, and John, circa 1908. in the entire western hemisphere. They had patiently “And other sheep I have which are not of this Overjoyed to finally have a church and priest, the

24 October 2018 The Word 25 FATHER NICOLA

Author Amy and husband, ­Syrians poured into the church, eager to worship in Yanney passed away from chronic heart problems. Fa- father’s last words: “Keep your hands and your heart Levi, have two children, ­Micah and Alexis. Amy their own language and to partake of the sacraments. ther Nicola had arrived after she had already fallen clean.” Father Nicola commended his soul to God at teaches ­Sunday School at St. George and teaches Sixth Several weeks later, George was married to Rebec- unconscious, and he was unable to tell her goodbye. forty-five years of age, a faithful and devoted servant Grade English­ at Sunrise ca, a member of the Shada family. Father Nicola was To lose yet another child was intensely heartbreak- of God until the very last breath. Middle School in Kearney. ­honored to be able to serve in their wedding cere­ ing, but Father Nicola’s faithfulness to God and to his His newspaper obituary reads, “Rev. N. E. ­Yanney mony before once again leaving on another mission- flock burned bright. In mid-June, shortly after serv- Is Victim of the Flu: Syrian Pastor Worked With His ary ­journey. ing Anna’s funeral on June 8, Father Nicola again left Parish Members to Last.” The obituary continues: Leaving his young children in the care of George ­Kearney to continue his missionary travel. “During the past week Rev. Yanney worked faithfully and his new wife, Rebecca, Father Nicola left his home The next several years were brimming with mis- among his parish members here, many of them being for up to six months at a time, traveling to small com- sionary visits, marriages, funerals, baptisms, chrisma- stricken with the influenza. Considerable exposure to munities of Orthodox faithful living in nineteen dif- tions, and the daily responsibilities of a parish priest the disease was inevitable and although he had com- ferent states. For the next few years, Father Nicola and father. According to Father Nicola’s available sac- plained of not being in the best of health he continued faithfully shepherded his missionary territory, but he ramental records, he served in 910 baptisms, 106 mar- his work uninterrupted until the last.” also worried about his family and church family when riages, 30 funerals, and 10 chrismations. These were “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down he was gone. during the course of at least 422 pastoral visits that Fa- My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Typhoid fever swept through central Nebraska, ther Nicola made to the flocks within his missionary Me, but I lay it down of Myself ” (John 10: 17–18). taking the lives of four church members. Father Nic- territory. Sadly, the year 1918 is not included in this Following the example of Jesus and of Bishop ola’s daughter Anna had also been suffering from a count. The sacramental records had not yet been trans- ­RAPHAEL, Father Nicola Yanney laid down his life heart condition, and there was seemingly nothing doc- ferred to the permanent record book, and his original in serving and nurturing the scattered flocks entrusted sacramental notes have not yet been to his care. His unwavering devotion and sacrifice will uncovered. forever be a holy example, worthy of emulation. Also during this time period, Amy Hadley St. George Church, Kearney, Nebraska in 1915, the beloved Bishop RA- PHAEL reposed, leaving the Syr- ians in America with a feeling of uncertainty about the future. Bish- op R­ APHAEL had been a shin- ing ­beacon for the Syrian Ortho- dox faithful, and his death was a heavy blow. ­Father Nicola, however, continued the missionary tasks that Bishop RAPHAEL had entrusted to him, giving sacrificially and lov- ingly to e­ veryone in his care. “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” (John 10:15). In October of 1918, as the Spanish Flu epidemic raged Father Nicola’s funeral on November 4, 1918. From tors could do for her. George and Rebecca had been through Kearney, Father Nicola faithfully ministered left to right: ­Father John Saba, Father Elias Sady, blessed with a son they named John Elias George Yan- to his parishioners. Like other states during the epi- Metropolitan Germanos. ney. Father Nicola was able to baptize the child, and demic, Nebraska enacted a quarantine, forcing all pub- Standing: sons John and Moses Yanney; nephew returned to his missionary journeys. Tragically, John lic gathering places, including churches, to close. Fa- Michael M. Yanney. ­Seated: son Elias Y­ anney Elias became ill and passed away, leaving the family ther Nicola brought the Holy Mysteries to the sick and brother George devastated. and suffering in their homes even though he too was Yanney. On June 4, 1907, Father Nicola was once again suffering from the sickness. Father Nicola continued called home from his missionary journeys because his ministering to his parishioners up until just hours be- daughter, Anna, was sicker than she had ever been. On fore his own death. June 7, six months shy of her twelfth birthday, Anna Gathered to his bedside, his children received their

26 October 2018 The Word 27 George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in ­Worcester, Spiritual nourishment and divine services during 1. Find us on the Web Massachusetts, tackled “The Hidden Sin of Lone- the daytime were complimented by exciting fellow- at https://www.oypc. Young Professionals’ org/ and follow us liness.” Sometimes, the choices people make alien- ship opportunities at night. They included a welcome on Facebook, https:// ate them from the community, while sometimes it is reception in downtown Denver, a fun evening at the www.facebook.com/ Third Conference – things that others do to them, Fr. Milad taught. Em- beautiful Red Rock Amphitheater, and dinner and oypc2018/ barrassment, shame and rejection – and even the fear dancing Saturday night with a group photo. With a 2. Go to http://ww1. antiochian.org/ of them – take people away from the love of Christ schedule allowing free time in the afternoon, attend- youngadult and follow and His Church. Serving and praying for others, along ees were able to connect and network with each other on Facebook at https:// with ­repentance and forgiveness, properly fills the void as they toured the city and its famous sites. www.facebook.com/ of loneliness. On Sunday morning, the attendees took buses to groups/Antiochian­ YoungAdultMinistry/ Workshop speaker Katrina Bitar, North Amer- St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church in nearby Ar- ica program director of YES (Youth Empowered to vada for Orthros and Divine Liturgy, where the pastor, Serve), stressed that emptiness can only be filled by V. Rev. George Shawarab, and the entire community being Christ to others and serving them – on the warmly welcomed them. After the beautiful services, streets, at work, and everywhere. She taught the young many of the attendees stayed for lunch at their Middle professionals not to fear rejection, judgment, harm and Eastern festival. OYPC was grateful to St. Elias and vulnerability. “The things that make us angry are not St. Herman of Alaska Church (OCA) in Littleton for what God intended for the world,” Katrina said, “so do loaning to the conference icons, a gospel book, candles something to heal them.” She also urged attendees to and a censer for divine services at the hotel. The conference would not be possi- ble without the help of the many com- mittee members and the financial support of sponsors. Special thanks go to the An- tiochian Archdio- cese, the Kulis Foun- dation, Charles and Marilee Ajalat, Fadi G. Madanat, Jamil Malone, St. Mark Antiochian Ortho- dox Church of Ir- vine, California, Peter pray about their service, so they know it is God’s will Mustian, Archdeacon Saed Rihani and Hani Abug- and not their own, and to be teachable so that they can hazaleh, for their generosity. Their Largest Yet. learn from the knowledge of others. The YPCO is most grateful for Fr. Milad, Proto- Another workshop speaker, Protodeacon Peter deacon Peter, and Katrina, for sacrificing their time, Danilchick, former Exxon Mobil Corporation exec- energy and expertise to ensure a successful and in- Whether working in big corporations, or trying to Adult Ministry2, August 16–19, 2018, in Denver, Col- utive and current trustee of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox spiring conference. The attendees were also thankful navigate the post-collegiate world, young profession- orado. In his letter to the attendees, His Eminence Theological Seminary, focused his teaching on “ser- for the efforts of the committee members, especially als regularly suffer loneliness for many reasons. No Metropolitan JOSEPH challenged them “to give vant leadership.” In this concept, Protodeacon Peter co-chairpersons Kyra Pelachik, Fadi G. Madanat, and one was lonely, however, at the third biennial Ortho- back, rather than to take, be it through your time or told the attendees to brace themselves for rejection, Irene Papas for making possible a memorable week- dox Young Professionals Conference,1 as a record-set- talents,” as their parents have done. Sayidna JOSEPH because Christ Himself was rejected. Yet, as leaders, end. They all look forward to reuniting at next July’s ting 200 participants gathered and dwelt in unity with urged them not to think of their faith and work lives we are to serve at the same time, and give care and Archdiocesan Convention in Grand Rapids, Michi- their Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. as separate entities, but to let the former influence the compassion no matter what rank – bosses or cowork- gan. The next OYPC will be in August of 2020, and Mark 10:45 (“For even the Son of Man did not latter, and to remember that they are the present of the ers. He added that servant leaders actively listen to possibly there will be a young adult retreat in Boston come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a Church. those around them, and desire no individual credit for in the fall of 2019. This would be at the invitation of ransom for many”) served as the theme of the OYPC, Serving as the keynote speaker and celebrant of the success. After all, “He is who great among you must be Fr. Milad, who said that he had made 200 new friends. sponsored by the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Young OYPC’s divine services, Rev. Milad Selim, Dean of St. your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

28 October 2018 The Word 29 One parishioner, who had heard of the famous Icon of ‘Our the Rev. Fr. Matthew Thurman, COMMUNITIES IN ACTION parked blocks away and was walk- Lady of Tender Heart,’ but nev- pastor of St. Luke, and the other er thought clergy, processing from the edge of we could the property to the building’s fu- MIDWEST DIOCESE­ nual Midwest Diocese Basketball George. We look forward to host- bring it into ture location on the property. His ­BASKETBALL Tournament, January 19–21, 2018. ing you again next year in Canton, St Antho- Grace, accompanied by Fr. Mat- TOURNAMENT­ Canton’s Teen SOYO initiated the so mark January 18–20, 2019 on ny’s. I knew it thew, then censed the perimeter tournament twenty years ago, and your calendar! would be felt of the future church building. His St. George Church, Canton, it has grown over the years to be- The winners of this year’s tour- by our com- Grace blessed a large wooden cross Ohio, hosted the Twentieth An- come a mini-convention, drawing nament are as follows: munity, but I to mark the future location of the youth from around the Diocese. Division I (Ages 12–15) never expect- altar. Fr. Matthew and Fr. Daniel His Grace Bishop ANTHONY 1. St. George, Akron, OH ed just how Rohan of St. Mark, Youngstown, presided over the weekend, ordain- 2. St. George, Canton, OH strong would assisted His Grace in planting the ing Anthony Westerman of Lou- 3. St. George, Flint, MI be its impact. cross. After Bishop ANTHONY isville, Kentucky, a deacon during Division II (Ages 15–18) Now we pray put the first shovelful of dirt into Sunday’s Hierarchical Divine Lit- 1. St. Matthew, North Royalton, that that same the base of the cross, he invited Fr. urgy. On behalf of His Eminence OH ‘force of grace’ Matthew, Fr. Daniel, and each of Metropolitan JOSEPH, Bishop 2. St. John, Fort Wayne, IN – precisely the other priests in turn to add dirt ANTHONY also presented the 3. St. George, Flint, MI that impact – to plant the cross. His Grace then Archdiocese Meritorious Service Division III (Ages 19–26) will continue blessed a flagstone with a golden Award to Mrs. Sadie Kannam of 1. St. George, Akron, OH to abide in the cross painted on it, using blessed Canton. Deacon Anthony pre- 2. St. Mary, Palos Hts., IL heart of our oil and holy water. The flagstone sented a retreat on Friday evening 3. St. Mark, Youngstown, OH life with each was then planted at the foot of the titled “The Armor of God,” tying other!” Fr. Mi- cross. in his own personal experience as MIRACULOUS chael Ibrahim, Finally, Bishop ANTHONY, a U.S. Marine. He is now looking ­WEEPING ICON VISITS Assistant Pas- accompanied by Fr. Matthew, forward to becoming a chaplain in ST. ANTHONY,­ tor, added, “All blessed the perimeter of the future the U.S. Navy. On Saturday, bas- NEW JERSEY­ ing to the church, was stopped by that I can say is this: I felt it was church building with holy water. ketball games were held among a homeowner who was wonder- Heaven on earth.” The service concluded with every- three divisions, with great excite- Some call it a miracle, others say ing what was drawing the crowds. one kneeling and His Grace offer- ment, cheers, and encouragement. it is a testament to true faith. Those The parishioner told him about the BISHOP ANTHONY ing the final blessing prayer for the Following Great Vespers on Satur- are among the reactions from peo- event and invited his family to join BLESSES ST. LUKE property. After the dismissal, His day evening, Canton SOYO Presi- ple who have been anointed by the them. The homeowner ended up THE EVANGELIST’S Grace offered a few remarks on dent Mareena Michael welcomed Theotokos Kardiotissa, or “Tender bringing many of his neighbors. ­PROPERTY how now the building was essen- everyone to the Awards Banquet Heart” icon of the Virgin Mary, Father Mark Leisure is the tially there and that it was now the and Hafli, capping a beautiful day which streams fragrant, healing Pastor of St. George Orthodox On the evening of Tuesday, May responsibility of the parish to pro- of great sportsmanship and fel- myrrh. Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania, 29, His Grace Bishop ANTHO- vide actual walls to complete the lowship. Serving with His Grace The icon has visited many par- the icon’s home parish. He told its NY blessed the six-acre property structure. Bishop ANTHONY on Sun- ishes across the country. On May story to an audience that stood in of St. Luke the Evangelist, Cha- Afterwards, the celebration day were Fr. Michael Corbin and 25, 2018, St. Anthony Orthodox line, in some cases for more than an grin Falls, Ohio, in preparation for continued with a dinner hosted Fr. Basil Shaheen of St. George, Church in Bergenfield, New­Jerse y hour, and answered questions the parish’s building construction by Chicago Deli in Solon. Bishop Canton, along with the Mid- hosted the Kardiotissa. It was a hot The Kardiotissa has been linked project. Approximately sixty parish ANTHONY spoke to the gathered west SOYO Spiritual Advisor Fr. and humid Friday night, and the to some awe-inspiring miracles. members, friends, and benefactor faithful about this historic moment Michael Sakran of St. John, Ft. start of a long holiday weekend. Or- One man says it helped him re- participated in the service. In addi- in the life of the St. Luke commu- Wayne, and Dn. Joseph Olas of St. ganizers of the event worried about cover from heart disease. A woman tion to the faithful present, twelve nity, and encouraged the parish to George, Indianapolis. This historic the timing of the event. The turnout claimed that it cured her cancer. A priests and one deacon assisted His complete the building project as and exciting weekend ended with was far greater than anyone could prominent oncologist now suggests Grace with the service. The clergy soon as possible. Gifts in excess a beautiful farewell luncheon! A have expected. Orthodox faith- his patients visit the Kardiotissa, as represented eight Orthodox par- of $2,600 were given ­towards the special thanks is owed to longtime ful came from miles away, joined part of their treatment. ishes from six jurisdictions in the building fund at the dinner. Tournament Chair Nick Michael, by people from the community All agree, it was a night to re- region. Sub-deacon Dr. K. J. Shaheen, and of many religions, who had heard member. St. Anthony’s Pastor, V. The blessings service began all the wonderful volunteers at St. about the myrrh-­bearing icon. Rev. Fr. Joseph Allen said, “I had with His Grace, accompanied by

30 October 2018 The Word 31 32 October 2018 SCOUTING AWARDS EOCS; Kotsonis, Scholarship Chairman, Contact: Dr. E. Miriam College Scholarships On ScoutingAwards CommitteeOrthodox 908-672-0001

[email protected]

; site atwww.eocs.org any ofthese topics, web- visittheEOCS Scouts.for For more about information threefers age-appropriate religious awards of troops,assists intheformation andof- thodox Scouting, Christian holdsretreats, (56 since1993),- Or publicizes theEOCS Along annualscholarships withgranting nationally. Scouts andGirl the Boy Scouts Church both for Orthodox of theEastern representative recognized as theofficially andserving program inAmerica Scouting Christian with coordinating theOrthodox of theUSA. Formed in1960, itistasked ­Assembl andplanstostudycomputerHill science. Carolina ofNorth atChapel University in herparish, community, Unit. Service attendthe andScouting Helenwill teams,on swimmingandcross-country herleadership for andwasrecognized withHonor,an APScholar tutored ESL andmathematicsclasses, competed as anongoing resource. as graduatedinthetop2percent ofherlarge She class produced anddelivered amulti-media curriculum, laterpostingiton awebsite novative Gold Award project dealtwithconcussion prevention, she which for lenburg HighSchool, unitis and her mostrecent Scout Troop 1133. Her in- ­O plans tomajorinengineering. and ledthem. Isaacattend will West thiscomingand fall University Virginia years,his highschool teams instatechampionshipchess andbothparticipated percent ofhisclass, active inhisparish, hasbeenvery all played sports varsity bank. food alocal for itemsbeingcollected food Hegraduatedinthetop3 service,munity project andamassive thatresulted EagleScout inover 12,000 program,Scout Brotherhood statusintheOrderofArrow, extensive com- badgeAmong merit intheBoy hismany distinctions are completion ofevery School, unitsare andhismostrecent Scout Troop 64and Venturing Crew64. ­O church, school, unit, Scouting andcommunity. faith through scholarship, leadership, service, intheir citizenship andpractical Christian ated on how demonstrated love of God and their Orthodox they dox religious Christian award, the Alpha Omega medal. were- Students evalu America, oftheUSA, Scouts andGirl - respectively) andthehighestOrtho (Eagle or Gold, organization highest award oftheir Scout of Boy for Scouts whohadnationwide qualifiedapplicants groupreceived boththe ofhighly ­Gabr of$1,000eachhaveannounce thattwo scholarships been awarded toIsaac rthodox Cathedral inCharlotte, Cathedral rthodox Carolina. North - Meck attendedSouth She inCharleston, Cathedral rthodox West Virginia. HeattendedCapitalHigh The EOCS is an agency of the ofthe isanagency The EOCS Helen Amelia McGinnisisacommunicant ofHoly Trinity Greek isacommunicant Abdalla of St.Isaac Gabriel George Antiochian is pleased to Scouting (EOCS) CommitteeOrthodox on The Eastern iel Abdalla andHelenAmeliaiel Abdalla McGinnis.from a They were selected y of Canonical Orthodox Bishops Bishops Orthodox y ofCanonical . celebr ber themonth: August. MyfatherandI f chian Village, where we life-long met and nurtured diocese Conventions were our generation’s Antio around thecountry. from friends SOYO andArch awaited oursummervacationstomeet eagerly and stayed inNashville). overnight MysistersandI we engineproblems had Miami (ontrip car which Y to, Boston (we stoppedatthe World’s Fair inNew ­ Memories. Ohio. convention, traveled toevery She aswe did. met mom’s Blair, good friend,Rachel ofCanton, to Washington, D.C., the Convention. for ThereI visited Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, before going and Nadia David and theirchildren. In 1963, we the Convention, Nespo andElsieKaleel, andMike by and, car once again, metthesamerelatives at and theAtlantic Ocean. Dad, mom, andItraveled Park,was Asbury NewJersey, along theBoardwalk ­Ev member oftheArchdiocese Board of Trustees. embedded inmymemory. honor. This wasmyfirst Archdiocese Convention, Danny blessed memory; Thomas wastheguestof the first time, Metropolitan ANTONY, of thrice- Youngstownfrom and Montreal. There for I met just myimmediatefamil liam Penn Hotelinnearby Pittsburgh. We were not Archdiocese Conventionan Orthodox atthe Wil and cousins. Then we drove tothe Antiochi Y mer. year,This particular we traveled to Make SomeMemoriesatthe riendships. More memories. ork City), Francisco, San Detroit, Pittsburgh, and oungstown, Ohio, tovisitaunts, uncles, ery year,ery we traveled toa convention. In1962it I remember theyear: 1961; Iremem The listofcities we toured isimpressive: Toron My father, AbeAbraham, wasalong-time ated birthdays together,ated birthdays sum every Archdiocese Convention y, butalsoauntsanduncles 2019 ------y eled totheconventions together. We took afew Then I got married, DebbieandItrav andmywife Frieje, Ron Nicola, Younes, Gary Rami Younes. because we love ithere.because Rapids. beginsinGrand It all “You’ll ItHere,” Love to thenearby beachesoffresh to breathtaking Mackinactravel Island, up north or of Pure Michigan,Explore the beauty whether you our home parishes. Have fun withyour friends. new Understand therole the Archdiocese in each of plays S cago, Angeles, Los Miami, Detroit, Montreal, Palm c oftakingour legacy family tinued theAbraham in Chr tion. Come andpray withyour brothers andsisters invite your you own andyourtostart tradi family Archdiocese Convention. and citiesthathave hadofhostingan theprivilege and proud toplace itsnamealongside thechurches Church Rapids, inGrand Michigan, ishonored vacation plans. St. Nicholas AntiochianOrthodox summer family bethebeginningoftheirnew will theirchildren,raise Rapids butIpraythatGrand so hildren toconventions inAtlanta, Toronto, Chi ears off as we started ourfamily,ears offas we started andthen we con prings. Moreagain. memories me of my best friends along theway: George me ofmybestfriends As co-chair ofArchdioceseAs co-chair Convention 2019, I Now my children years are off to taking a few lanta, Montreal, andLouisville, where Imet ist. faith. more aboutourOrthodox Learn Conventions inBoston, Angeles, Los At And Icontinued toattendArchdiocese different times on theArchdiocese Board. SOYO SOYO, andSenior two andserved As Igrewolder, active Ibecame in Teen water L ­ ake Michigan. Alan Abraham - - - - - The Word 33 and fellowship must be present in one’s everyday life. ­fellowship. Tradition would be lost without our con- 1. St. John Chrysostom, Judges Choice, the Oratorical Festival from It must manifest itself in one’s character. And must be nection to the Apostolic Fathers and their faith. Homily 7 on the Acts of the Apostles, http:// obvious to outsiders. I volunteer in the elementary Sunday school class- www.newadvent.org/ the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America Friends approached me after class, asking about es at my parish. Here, the children participate in the fathers/210107.htm Cassidy Lee Irwin Orthodoxy, and if our Church was anything like the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.” Catechesis en- discussion we had just had. Yes. There is so much gages the whole child – mind, body, and soul. The chil- about Orthodoxy that is sacred, because it has been dren walk into the class room, which is kept as a sa- My little sister lit a candle, and ven- In continuing the traditions of the Apostles, par- preserved in the steadfast continuance of the Apos- cred and quiet space, much like a sanctuary, where they erated an icon. She seemed so old, but taking of communion, and praying the same prayers tles’ doctrine. We were searching for the fullness of the act out several holy traditions. They first gather around she’s only eight. In that moment, she en- that have been prayed for thousands of years, we keep faith that St. Gregory had described. He had shown the teacher where they read a verse followed by per- tered into the life of the ancient church the Apostolic Faith alive. My little sister prayed the us that there was so much to the Christian faith that sonal meditation. Afterwards, they take turns sitting at – young but old. timeless prayers and she entered into the fullness of we had not been taught yet, and there is still so much a miniature altar, where they prepare the altar, light a In the Acts of the Apostles, we see the the faith. that I don’t understand. Yet the Apostles, my parents, candle, and pray in front an icon of Christ, creating an apostles spreading the Gospel through- We maintain the steadfastness of the early church, and my priest point to the pathway we should pursue. image of the preparation done before we take commu- out Jerusalem and, eventually, the whole for it is by this steadfastness that the church flourishes. Tradition lives on in us as a voice for students and a nion. The atmosphere in the room at this time is unlike world. In Israel, they baptize those they Immediately following their continuance in the Apos- generation seeking answers and growth. Just as Peter anything I have ever experienced. It is silent, but filled convert. After Peter preaches a sermon to tles’ doctrine, “fear came upon every soul, and many told the people of Israel, “For the promise is to you with the fervent prayers of children. Witnessing this the people of Israel, they ask him, “Men wonders and signs were done through the Apostles” and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as gave me hope for the future. I began to see that the and brethren, what shall we do?” They (Acts 2:43). This fear in the face of miracles is similar many as the Lord God will call.” He says to them that children were not only learning how to worship God, hear the Gospel and then ask the apos- to the fear of the Lord. Only after the people of Is- this faith is not just for them, but for everyone who is but they were learning what it looked like to live the tles, How are we supposed to respond to rael have followed in the Apostles’ doctrine does fear called by God. Therefore they must keep it alive. They fullness of the faith. It requires utmost attention and this revelation? Peter says, “Repent and befall the soul. Proverbs 9:10 states that “fear of the Cassidy Lee Irwin must continue steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and practice. Some children struggled. But their classmates let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The fear of God St. Paul Church, Katy, fellowship. They must enjoy the breaking of bread and were there to help them, just as the church is here to Texas Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive and growth in Christ for the people of Israel is contin- prayers for the sake of future generations who will fol- help me. When we are part of the body of Christ, the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the Promise is to you gent upon continuing steadfastly in the Apostles’ doc- low after them, seeking the fullness of a life in Christ. we are never alone. Children fellowshipped through and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as trine and fellowship. “Tradition is not a principle striving to restore the past, learned doctrine. They broke bread. And they prayed. many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38–39). At my Orthodox school, the student body is com- using the past as a criterion for the present. Such a The Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship must be fol- The people of Israel did exactly that: “They continued posed of many different denominations. We read conception of tradition is rejected by history itself and lowed steadfastly in order for the fullness of the faith steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in about the early Church Fathers and their writings. We by the consciousness of the Orthodox Church. Tradi- to be preserved for generations to come. Watching breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). discuss what the Church Fathers thought of the im- tion is the constant abiding of the Spirit and not only these children made that fact extremely clear for me. This is the incarnation of the Orthodox faith. St. portance of tradition and the actual person of God, the memory of words. Tradition is a charismatic, not The light of Christ shone through them all through- John Chrysostom writes, ­Jesus Christ. The effect this has on students who are a historical event,” says Fr. George Florovsky. In order out their class time. My sister lit a candle, reverenced not Orthodox is profound. Kids my age, including “And they continued,” it is written, “stead- to live the fulness of the faith, we must be constantly an icon, and stood timelessly with the Apostles in the myself, who have never encountered a text like Greg- fastly in the doctrine (or, teaching) of the Apos- and steadfastly following in the Apostles’ doctrine and fullness of the faith. So may I, so may we all. tles” [Acts 2:42]: for it was not for one day, no, ory Palamas’ Triads find themselves grappling with nor for two or three days that they were under the notions of the essence and energies of God. At teaching as being persons who had gone over to first we were baffled. Who knew God had something a different course of life. [“And they continued called an energy? During these classes, it feels like we with one accord in the Apostles’ doctrine,” etc.] have been transported to another time. The dynamics The expression is not, ὁ μοὕ, “together,” but ὁ in the room change and you know that what you are μοθυμαδὸν, “with one accord”; (and daily, he says grasping for is a Truth only revealed to those who wish [afterwards], they were ­continuing with one ac- to seek it. I was frustrated that I couldn’t understand cord in the temple,) i.e., with one soul.1 what St. Gregory was trying to say, but I knew that I could never fully understand without the context of a St. John acknowledges that the people who were life in the church that was performing the same func- baptized immediately began following in the Apostles’ tion and following the same doctrine that St. Gregory doctrine and fellowship. It did not take them a few did. I need my church and our traditions to supply me days or a couple of weeks to start. They began at once. with the setting for the discovery of the character of And they continued for the rest of their days. This is God. After a few hours of grueling conversations and why someone my sister’s age can be baptized and im- a few arguments, class had ended but our conversation mediately begin participating in the life of the church. never did. Even kids who are not yet Orthodox are still The new believers lived lives in which they would al- reaching for the true meaning of the essence and en- ways and forever continue in the Apostles’ doctrine. As ergy of God. God is what we long for, and through our St. John Chrysostom says, they did not continue for fellowship we reach the Apostles: students who incar- only a couple of days, but always. nated doctrine in fellowship. The Apostles’­doctr ine

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