2 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 Official Nos. 464/465 MAR/APR 2006

„ ORDINATIONS Tikhon and attached to the Diocese of the West/ July 31, LETTEN, The Rev. Nicholas is released from duties ABETTI, Caleb was ordained to the Holy Diaconate 2005. at Holy Apostles Mission, Portland, OR and granted by Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley on behalf of Metropoli- VASSIOUCHKINE, Alexei was ordained to the Holy retirement/ April 23, 2006. tan Herman at Three Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Diaconate by Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and the LUKASHONOK, The Rev. Alexander, who was Seminary, Crestwood, NY. He is under the omophorion Archdiocese of Canada at Annunciation Cathedral, awaiting assignment, is attached to Holy Trinity Cathe- of Metropolitan Herman/ April 8, 2006. Ottawa, ON, Canada. He is under the omophorion of dral, Chicago, IL/ March 7, 2006. ANTONESCU, Deacon Cosmin Gheorghe was or- Bishop Seraphim and attached to the Archdiocese of [LYSAK], Priestmonk Vladimir is attached to Bishop’s dained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Nathaniel Canada/ November 13, 2005. Chapel of St. Silouan the Athonite, Johnstown, ON, of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate at St. George „ RECEPTIONS Canada/ April 10, 2006. Cathedral, Southfield, MI. He is under the omophorion [LYSAK], Priestmonk Vladimir is canonically re- MATHEWS, Deacon Justin R. is attached to Three of Archbishop Nathaniel and attached to the Romanian ceived into the ranks of clergy of the Orthodox Church Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, Episcopate/ December 25, 2005. in America by Metropolitan Herman from the Orthodox NY/ April 9, 2006. [BERGER], Hierodeacon Calinic was ordained to the Church of Finland. He is under the omophorion of MAYOL, Deacon Isidor is attached to Holy Trinity Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and Bishop Seraphim and attached to the Archdiocese of Cathedral, San Francisco, CA/ July 30, 2005. the Romanian Episcopate at St. George Cathedral, Canada/ April 10, 2006. MAYOL, The Rev. Isidor is attached to SS. Peter and Southfield, MI. He is under the omophorion of Arch- „ ASSIGNMENTS Paul Church, Phoenix, AZ/ July 31, 2005. He is also bishop Nathaniel and attached to the Romanian Episco- ABETTI, Deacon Caleb is attached to Three Hier- assigned to the Phoenix Spanish Mission Station, pate/ March 12, 2006. archs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, Phoenix, AZ/ December 8, 2005. BRUNER, Gregory was ordained to the Holy Diaconate NY/ April 8, 2006. OGAN, The Rev. David, who was suspended, has by Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern PA on ANTONESCU, The Rev. Cosmin Gheorghe awaits his suspension lifted and is returned to active duty. He behalf of Metropolitan Herman at Three Hierarchs assignment/ December 25, 2005. He is appointed Pastor is appointed Co-Rector of St. Sophia Church, Bethel, Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY. He of Holy Trinity Church, Youngstown, OH/ March 25, AK/ March 3, 2006. is under the omophorion of Metropolitan Herman/ March 2006. POWOROZNIK, The Rev. Ronald Victor Paul, who 5, 2006. BABICH, The Rev. Yves is released from duties at was Priest-in-Charge, is appointed Rector of St. COWAN, David Scott was ordained to the Holy Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, OH Athanasius Mission, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada/ Diaconate by Metropolitan Herman at St. Tikhon of and appointed Rector of SS. Peter and Paul Church, April 1, 2006. Zadonsk Monastery Church, South Canaan, PA. He Lakewood, OH/ March 8, 2006. TAKAHASHI, The V. Rev. John is released from is under the omophorion of Metropolitan Herman/ Feb- [BERGER], Priestmonk Calinic awaits assignment/ duties St. Nicholas Church, Saratoga, CA and appointed ruary 4, 2006. March 12, 2006. He is appointed Pastor of Holy Cross Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA/ GARIANO JR, Patrick was ordained to the Holy Church, Hermitage, PA/ March 25, 2006. April 1, 2006. Diaconate by Metropolitan Herman at St. Luke Church, BRUNER, Deacon Gregory is attached to Three Hier- VASSIOUCHKINE, Deacon Alexei is attached to Christ McLean, VA. He is under the omophorion of Metropoli- archs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, the Savior Sobor, Toronto, ON, Canada/ November tan Herman and attached to the Diocese of Washington NY/ March 5, 2006. 13, 2005. and New York/ March 19, 2006. COWAN, Deacon David Scott is attached to St. Tikhon VISOVAN, The Rev. Viorel Vasile is released from HOLSTE, Hermogen was ordained to the Holy of Zadonsk Monastery Church, South Canaan, PA/ duties at St. George Cathedral, Rossford, OH and ap- Diaconate by Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and East- February 4, 2006. pointed Rector of St. Andrew the Apostle Mission, North ern PA, on behalf of Metropolitan Herman, at Three DONOVAN, The V. Rev. Daniel is released from du- Hollywood, CA/ February 19, 2006. Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, ties at Nativity of St. John the Baptist Church, Philips- WOODILL, The V. Rev. Joseph, who was on a Leave NY. He is under the omophorion of Metropolitan Herman/ burg, PA and granted retirement/ April 1, 2006. of Absence, is restored to active duty and attached to March 4, 2006. GARIANO JR, Deacon Patrick is attached to St. Luke St. Nicholas Cathedral, Washington DC/ March 6, KOSTICK, David was ordained to the Holy Diaconate Church, McLean, VA/ March 19, 2006. 2006. by Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Diocese of the HOLSTE, Deacon Hermogen is attached to Three „ LEAVES OF ABSENCE Midwest at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Minneapolis, MN. Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, KLAAR, The Rev. Josef von is granted a six month He is under the omophorion of Archbishop Job and NY/ March 4, 2006. Leave of Absence. He is attached to the Nativity of the attached to the Diocese of the Midwest/ February 26, JANNAKOS, Deacon Nicholas is released from du- Virgin Church, Madison, IL/ March 8, 2006. 2006. ties at St. Herman of Alaska Church, Littleton, CO and „ RETIREMENTS MATHEWS, Justin R. was ordained to the Holy from the Diocese of the West. He is transferred to DONOVAN, The V. Rev. Daniel is granted retirement. Diaconate by Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley on behalf the omophorion of Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas and He is attached to St. John the Baptist Church, of Metropolitan Herman at Three Hierarchs Chapel, attached to the Diocese of the South, where he awaits Conemaugh [Johnstown], PA/ April 1, 2006. St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY. He is under assignment/ March 15, 2006. LETTEN, The Rev. Nicholas is granted retirement. the omophorion of Metropolitan Herman/ April 9, KLAAR, The Rev. Josef von is released from duties He will remain attached to Holy Apostles Mission, Port- 2006. at Christ the Good Shepherd Mission, St. Louis, MO land, OR/ / April 23, 2006. MAYOL, Isidor was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and granted a six month Leave of Absence/ March 8, „ DEATHS by Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley on behalf of Bishop 2006. SOKOLOV, The V. Rev. Victor, Dean of Holy Trinity Tikhon of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West at KONDRATICK, Protopresbyter Robert is released Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, died March 12, 2006. Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA. He is from duties as Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in May his memory be eternal! under the omophorion of Bishop Tikhon and attached America. He remains attached to St. Sergius Chapel, „ PARISHES to the Diocese of the West/ July 30, 2005. Oyster Bay Cove, NY/ March 16, 2006. BULGARIAN DIOCESE/ New Mission. St. Andrew MAYOL, Deacon Isidor was ordained to the Holy KOSTICK, Deacon David is assigned to St. Mary’s the Apostle Mission, 11921 Saticoy St., North Holly- Priesthood by Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley on behalf Cathedral, Minneapolis, MN/ February 26, 2006. wood, CA 91605. Office/Fax: 818/982-8294. The Rev. of Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco, Los Angeles LASHBROOK, The Rev. Philip, who was Acting Viorel Vasile Visovan, Rector, 1032 N. Wilton Pl., Los and the West at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francis- Rector, is appointed Rector of St. Thomas the Apostle Angeles, CA 90068; Home: 323/463-0560/ February co, CA. He is under the omophorion of Bishop Church, Kokomo, IN/ March 15, 2006. 19, 2006 Q MAY/JUNE 2006 3

The InThisIssue rthodox hurch O C VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 „ MAY/JUNE 2006 The Orthodox Church [ISSN 0048-2269] is published bimonthly by the Orthodox Church in America, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791-0675. O Heavenly King... Come and abide in us!

Periodical postage paid at Brentwood, NY and 5 Challenged by a Blessing additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box Accepting the Holy Spirit’s challenge. 675, Syosset, NY 11791-0675. 6 Jesus Laughing? There’s really nothing new about the “Gospel” of Judas. His Beatitude, the Most Blessed HERMAN Archbishop of Washington and New York 7 An 1800-year-old controversy Metropolitan of All America and Canada Background on the “Gospel” of Judas Primate of the Orthodox Church in America 8 Acceptance Reconnecting Archpriest John Matusiak the disconnect between what we say Managing Editor and what we do. Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky 9 Books, recordings: Best picks Editor Just released... Lydia Ludemann 10 The Holy Spirit Everywhere present, filling all things! Circulation Director 12 OCA News, Notes, Notices EDITORIAL OFFICE • Metropolitan Herman chairs spring session of Holy Synod. Articles and photos should be sent by e-mail to • Metropolitan council members accept loan proposal from PA bank. [email protected] or by mail to the following address. • SVS dean ordained to priesthood. One Wheaton Center #912, Wheaton, IL 60187 • FOCA generosity funds three OCA youth internships. 630.668.3071 • [email protected] • Board of theological ed meets. • Fr. Dresko begins parish visitations. SUBSCRIPTION/CIRCULATION • FOCA to hold 80th convention. OFFICE Subscriptions: $30.00/year US, $40.00/year 16 Our seminaries: Educating tomorrow’s leaders. elsewhere. Subscription requests and changes of 26 World briefs address should be sent by e-mail to [email protected], • Pope drops “Patriarch by calling 516.922.0550, by sending a fax to of the West” title, meaning... 516.922.0954, or be writing to the following address. • Archbishop Christopher TOC Circulation Office PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791-0675 elected Primate of Czech- Slovak Church. • Moscow Patriarchate retires The Orthodox Church clearly identifies official state- ments and positions of the Orthodox Church in America. UK’s Bishop Basil. All other materials represent the viewpoint of their 28 North America authors and should not be interpreted as expressing the policy of the Orthodox Church in America or The • The union of man and woman. Orthodox Church. • Ground broken for OCMC training center. • SCOBA hierarchs plan October 2006 gathering. • ROCOR hierarchs adopt draft of act of canonical union with Our Cover the Moscow Patriarchate. A recent seminary grad- FEATURES DEPARTMENTS uate is ordained to the holy 2 Official 18 Christian Witness & diaconate. 4 Editorial Service Your generous 5 Wisdom 19 History & Archives response to the 11 In Memoriam 20 Military Chaplaincies OCA Seminary 31 Communities 21 Christian Education Appeal is vital 22 Evangelization to the Church’s 24 Youth, Young Adult, future! Photo by John Mindala and Campus Ministry 4 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6

Editorial FATHER LEONID KISHKOVSKY

UK diocesan crisis tests Church’s mission to all

mmediately after the Orthodox celebration of the Resurrection of to Bishop Basil, calling on him to continue the ministry of Metropolitan Christ in April 2006, a new crisis confronted the Orthodox Church. Anthony, in the same unity with the Russian Orthodox Church which I Bishop Basil [Osborne] of Sergievo, the Administrator of the Rus- was maintained by the late Metropolitan; Bishop Basil wrote to the clergy sian Orthodox Diocese in the United Kingdom, wrote to Patriarch Aleksy of his diocese, freeing them to seek canonical protection outside the II of Moscow to request a canonical release and to Ecumenical Patriarch Diocese of Sourozh; by decision of Patriarch Aleksy, Bishop Basil was Bartholomew I to request acceptance into the Patriarchate of Constantinople. sent into retirement, and Archbishop Innokenty of Korsun (hierarch of The story of the emergence of this crisis (which is known and can be the Moscow Patriarchate residing in Paris and responsible for parishes described), as well as the story of the response to the crisis (which cannot in Western Europe) was appointed Temporary Administrator; the Patriarch yet be fully known), yet again reveal fundamental questions of ecclesiology of Moscow appointed a commission of inquiry composed of Archbishop and mission which are in urgent need of common Orthodox reflection and Innokenty of Korsun, Archbishop Mark of the Russian Orthodox Church action. Outside of Russia (residing in Germany), and two priests of the Depart- During the second half of the 20th century, Metropolitan Anthony ment of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate; approxi- [Bloom] made the presence of the Orthodox Church in the United King- mately half of the clergy of the Sourozh Diocese petitioned the Greek dom a dynamic reality. His ministry encompassed English-speaking seek- Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira (residing in London) for acceptance ers who found their spiritual home in the Orthodox Church as well as into his canonical jurisdiction and received favorable responses; Ecumeni- people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds who found their new cal Patriarch Bartholomew met with Bishop Basil at Chambesy, Switzer- home in Great Britain. Metropolitan Anthony’s teaching and preaching land. found its way to the diverse Russian-speaking people in the Soviet Union, The present crisis offers a new opportunity to address an important both in the course of his periodic visits to the USSR, and through radio challenge faced by contemporary Orthodoxy. There are, without any doubt, broadcasts of BBC. various Orthodox “diasporas” in many parts of the world. These are The persecution and humiliation of the Russian Orthodox Church by Greeks, Russians, Romanians, and others who now live outside their cul- the communist regime strengthened the bonds of affection and solidarity tural homes and who are tied by bonds of affection and affinity and nostal- which connected Metropolitan Anthony with the Russian Orthodox Church. gia to the countries and cultures from which they come. There are – equally He was made diocesan bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in the UK, without any doubt – Orthodox people and communities in such places as and his diocese became known by the name of “Sourozh,” an ancient France and Great Britain, the United States and Canada, who do not under- episcopal missionary see in the Crimea whose title was given to him as stand or feel themselves to be in diaspora. These are descendants of immi- archbishop and finally as metropolitan. grants of many decades ago and these are converts to the Orthodox Faith In the UK the distinct and dynamic witness of Orthodoxy was not a and their descendants. matter of numbers, but a matter of spiritual integrity – integrity manifested On the level of pastoral care the Orthodox Church bears responsibility both in the voice of Orthodoxy to society at large and in the internal life of for both dimensions of Orthodox life. The two dimensions require differ- the diocese led by Metropolitan Anthony. There was a period during ent pastoral approaches, different languages, different cultural sensitivi- which his views and words were sought out in the same way as those of the ties. On the level of ecclesiology, however, there is one Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Canterbury [Church of England] and the Archbishop of with one sacramental life, united in the one Orthodox Faith. The Orthodox Westminster [Roman Catholic], although Metropolitan Anthony’s flock, Church is spacious enough to embrace all diasporas. No diaspora is spa- by comparison, was numerically a tiny one. In ordering the life of his cious enough to encompass the Orthodox Church. diocese, Metropolitan Anthony was guided by the Church of Russia’s Today’s Orthodox consciousness tends to be held captive by the needs Moscow Council of 1917-1918. In accordance with the vision and norms and requirements of the Orthodox diasporas. Let it be clearly understood of this Council, clergy and laity were seen as collaborators of the bishop, that the large and often growing Orthodox national and cultural diasporas and not as the bishop’s “subjects.” of today are worthy of pastoral care and missionary work. This is not only When in the 1990s the communist regime in the USSR collapsed, the a legitimate concern of the Orthodox Church – it is an inescapable respon- Russian Church was liberated from oppression, a revival of religious life sibility. Yet it must also be well-understood and accepted that the Ortho- began, and Orthodoxy could be heard and seen in public life. At the same dox Christians of Western culture and Western languages are equally wor- time, many Russians found their way to Western Europe, North America, thy of pastoral care. And if the “universality” or “catholicity” of the Ortho- and other regions. In the UK there are now many thousands of Russian- dox Church is to be evident today, the ability of Orthodoxy to be more than speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union, with estimates ranging an “immigrant” Church is critically important. from 60 or 70 thousand to 250,000. Sadly, when faced with serious questions and challenges of contempo- Tensions between the ecclesial “orientation” and “style” of the Diocese rary life and mission the Orthodox Church is either in a state of paralysis of Sourozh and many new Russian immigrants were painfully evident long and immobility, or in a state of crisis and confrontation. Questions are not before the death of Metropolitan Anthony in 2003, and became progres- answered and solutions are not found at either one of these extremes, but in sively deeper and more acute. It was this trajectory of tension and mutual the middle ground of reflection and thoughtful common action. Will the alienation which led to the letters of Bishop Basil to the Patriarchs of answers to the current painful questions found within the very small Dio- Moscow and Constantinople. In addition to Bishop Basil’s letters, the cese of Sourozh and within the Patriarchates of Constantinople and Mos- chronology of developments includes the following: Patriarch Aleksy wrote cow offer signs of impasse and stagnation, or signs of hope? Q MAY/JUNE 2006 5 W I S D O M That’stheSpirit FATHER VLADIMIR BERZONSKY

from the Fathers We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, Saint Athanasius because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of Inasmuch as there is in the Holy you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of Trinity oneness of essence and you among the churches of God. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3 equality in rank, who, then, would dare to separate either the Son from the Father, or the Spirit from either the Son or the Father...? Just as the Son is the only-begotten, Challenged by a so also the Spirit, given and sent by the Son, is one and not many; nor is He one comprised of many, but He alone is the Spirit; for, since the Son, the living Word, is one, Blessing so also must His sanctifying, enlightening, and life-giving Gift be one, perfect, and complete – the ow here’s a challenge to set before one’s entire parish as an inspiration and an Gift Who is said to proceed from aspiration! It appears in reading the whole epistle that Saint Paul may have been the Father, because He shines forth N exaggerating in ending his second letter to the Church in Thessalonica. He spent from and is sent from and is given much of the contents explaining that they must be vigilant. They must not waver, nor by the Word, Who is confessedly fall prey to false teaching. Rather, he made it clear to them what they might become in from the Father.... Christ. He praised them with great wisdom, letting them know what they could be with The Spirit, then, being estab- the help of the Holy Spirit. He set a goal for them: never be satisfied with your present lished in us, the Son and the state – reach for your highest potential. “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Father come; and they make their or what’s a heaven for?” as Robert Browning wrote. dwelling in us. For the Trinity is And Saint Paul intends his blessing for us also, though he never made it to America. indivisible, and its Godhead is one; We need not assume the apostle to the Gentiles is not praying for us now, because he is and there is one God over all and more alive in the Kingdom than while on earth. And it’s not just Saint Paul who is through all and in all. This is the praying for us, but all the apostles who had been commanded by Christ to “go forth and faith of the Church, for on the Trin- teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the ity the Lord founded it and rooted Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Further, like all it, when He said to His disciples, of the Lord Jesus’ churches, an angel has been assigned to oversee us and to pray for us. “Go, teach all nations, baptizing In his report to the Holy Trinity about our status, the following should be included. them in the name of the Father, and Spirit to 30 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Saint Cyril of Alexandria [Saint Paul says:] “My little children, of whom I am again in travail, until Christ shall have been formed in you.” He is formed in us by the Spirit, Who regenerates us to God through Himself. Since, therefore, we are formed to Christ, and He is signified in us and His image beautifully worked in us by the Spirit in a likeness according to nature, surely the Spirit of God, the Spirit Who transforms to God, not as rendering assistance through grace, but as dispensing participation in the divine nature, by Himself, to those who are “From generation to generation” worthy. Q A continuous personal commitment of faithfulness, affections, and constancy. 6 InSites

Father Steven Tsichlis

n April 6, 2006, the National Geo- graphic Society published an En- O glish translation of an ancient Gnos- tic text called The Gospel of Judas, and then JesusJesus followed this up with a television special that aired the following Sunday, April 9. A carefully planned marketing ploy, it was certainly no accident that the National laughing? Geographic Society chose to air their televi- laughing? sion program on Palm Sunday for Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians, one of the most important of all Christian holidays. Let’s face it: religion sells. In a frenzy of media coverage occasionally bordering There’sThere’s on sensationalism, newspapers around the country carried front are a page stories with titles like that of an article found in The Balti- lot of sec- reallyreally more Sun: “Gospel of Judas rattles beliefs. Newly translated an- ond, third and cient documents challenge orthodox teaching on Jesus and his fourth century nothingnothing newnew betrayer.” Or an article in The Washington Post: “Ancient Gospel gospels attrib- about the of Judas translation sheds new light on disciple.” uted to various about the Why these headlines? Because the anonymous author of The apostles. We don’t “Gospel”“Gospel” ofof Gospel of Judas – unlike the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, really assume they and John found in the New Testament – writes that Judas alone give us any first cen- Judas!Judas! among the 12 disciples received a special revelation and under- tury information.” stood the true meaning of Jesus’ teaching; and that Jesus Himself In an interview asked Judas to hand Him over to the Romans for execution, mak- that appeared in The ing Judas a sympathetic figure rather than a traitor. Boston Globe, Ro- But what is The Gospel of Judas? binson stated that, The Gospel of Judas is part of a poorly preserved papyrus in his opinion, some codex discovered in the 1970s in a cave near El Minya, Egypt. participants in the Also found in this codex were several other Gnostic documents National Geographic effort “are making the sly suggestion that such as The Apocalypse of James, The Letter of Peter to Philip, The Gospel of Judas is more or less equally valid” with the New and what scholars are, for now, calling The Book of Allogenes, all Testament Gospels, and that it “contains things that could pull written in Coptic, an ancient Egyptian language based on Greek the rug out from Christianity as we know it.” Robinson’s blunt that is still used among the faithful of the Coptic Church, a perse- response: “This is just ridiculous.” In fact, Robinson speculated cuted minority in today’s overwhelmingly Muslim Egypt. On that the timing of the release of The Gospel of Judas was aimed at the basis of careful examination of the codex, scholars are in gen- capitalizing on interest in the film version of The Da Vinci Code, eral agreement that the text of The Gospel of Judas, released by a fictional story by novelist Dan Brown that centers on ancient the National Geographic Society may be dated to the beginning Gnostic texts and a conspiracy by the Roman Catholic Church to of the fourth century, between 300 and 340 AD, roughly the same cover up a marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. time as the Roman emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, Because, as all scholars agree, The Gospel of Judas is a Gnos- called the First Ecumenical Council, and established the city of tic document, perhaps the most important question to be asked is: Constantinople, and therefore some 300 years after the encounter what is Gnosticism? The root of the word Gnosticism is the Greek of Jesus with Judas in Jerusalem during the third decade of the word gnosis, meaning “knowledge.” Gnosticism is an umbrella first century. Basically, The Gospel of Judas is just another noto- term that modern scholars use to describe a number of religious riously unhistorical Gnostic gospel, like some of the texts that movements in the ancient Roman world, many of which were not were found at Nag Hammadi in Egypt some 60 years ago. at all related to Christianity, all of which had several common Therefore, it must first be clearly stated that The Gospel of themes: that the members of various Gnostic sects had a secret Judas is not a gospel written by Judas himself. In an Associated knowledge not available to others; that there exists a series of Press interview, one of the world’s foremost experts on Coptic lesser, mediating divinities and luminaries sometimes called Ar- manuscripts and Gnosticism, Prof. James M. Robinson, an emeri- chons, sometimes called Aeons; and a dualistic outlook, an an- tus professor at Claremont Graduate University, was asked whether tithesis between matter and spirit, body and soul, and a hatred of or not this text goes “back to Judas,” and his unequivocal answer the physical world that was often believed to have been created was simply, “No.” Expanding on this point, he adds, “There not by God, but by a lesser, evil demigod to imprison the souls of MAY/JUNE 2006 7 InSites human beings. In Gnosticism, human beings are literally trapped bishop of Smyrna in modern Turkey; and Saint Polycarp, as a in their bodies; the content of salvation is to be released from the child and young man, had learned the Christian faith from no less body “that clothes me,” as the Jesus of The Gospel of Judas says a figure than Saint John the Evangelist, who had eventually settled to Judas. Only the Gnostics, those “in the know,” understand this. in the city of Ephesus, also located in modern Turkey. None of these beliefs are Christian. But there is no clearer way to understand that The Gospel of Early Christian teachers like Saint Irenaeus, the martyred Judas is not a Christian text – and in some ways not even a Gospel bishop of what is today Lyons, France, wrote a series of books at all – than to simply read it, and not merely all the media hype called Against Heresies, refuting the teachings of various Gnostic surrounding its release. One of the good things about the Na- teachers. In one of them, he even mentions The Gospel of Judas. tional Geographic Society web site promoting the sale of DVDs Around 180 AD, Saint Irenaeus wrote of the Gnostic sect of the of their television special and the two books on the subject that Cainites, who attempted to “rehabilitate” a number of Biblical National Geographic recently published, is that you can down- villains such as Cain (who murdered his brother Abel), the load the entire Gospel of Judas in both its original Coptic form Sodomites (the inhabitants of the city of Sodom, notorious for and a seven page English translation. Yes, that’s correct: the their sexual immortality), Esau (who sold his birthright to his entire Gospel of Judas in English translation is only seven type- brother for a single meal), Korah (who led a revolt against the written pages long, a far cry from the length of even The Gospel of leadership of Moses) and Judas, turning them into spiritual he- Mark, the shortest of the four canonical Gospels found in the roes. In order to do this, they produced what Saint Irenaeus called New Testament. And, unlike the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, “a fictitious history... which they style The Gospel of Judas.” and John, there is little actual history in The Gospel of Judas, You may ask: what are Saint Irenaeus’ credentials as a teacher no real telling of the story of the Lord Jesus from birth to death of Christianity? Why should we pay any attention to what he has and resurrection. to say? According to Eusebius of Caesarea in his History of the Instead, The Gospel of Judas begins just before Jesus’ last Church, probably written in 326 AD, Saint Irenaeus as a young Passover in Jerusalem, as the disciples are offering a prayer to God man had heard the preaching and teaching of Saint Polycarp, the Judas to 8

The Gospel of Judas: An 1800-year-old controversy

uring the second and third centu- pel of Judas in his anti-Gnostic work, worshipped as heroes all the Biblical D ries AD, various semi-Christian Against Heresies, nothing that there figures that had sought to discover and non-Christian groups composed are some who “declare that Cain knowledge or challenge Yahweh’s texts that often bore the names of derived his being from the Power authority, while demonizing those who apostles, patriarchs, or other notewor- above, and acknowledge that Esau, would have been seen as heroes in a thy individuals mentioned in the Bible Korah, the Sodomites, and all such more orthodox interpretation. or Jewish apocryphal literature. The persons, are related to themselves.... The Gospel of Judas belongs to a Gospel of Judas is one of these texts. They declare that Judas the traitor school of Gnosticism called Sethian- The only known manuscript that was thoroughly acquainted with ism, a group who looked to Adam’s includes the text of the The Gospel of these things, and that he alone, son Seth as their spiritual ancestor. Judas – a leather-bound papyrus docu- knowing the truth as no others did, As in other Sethian documents, Jesus ment – surfaced in the 1970s in the accomplished the mystery of the is equated with Seth: “The first is Seth, Egyptian desert. The papyri on which betrayal; by him all things, both who is called Christ.” The Sethian the Gospel is written are fragmentary, earthly and heavenly, were thus authors of this text maintained that with some sections missing. In some thrown into confusion. They produce Judas acted as he did in order that cases, there are only scattered a fictional history of this kind, which mankind might be redeemed by the words; in others, many lines. The they style The Gospel of Judas.” death of Jesus’ mortal body. For this manuscript was radiocarbon dated Saint Irenaeus writes in reference reason, they regarded Judas as to between 220 and 340. to the Cainites, a Gnostic sect that worthy of gratitude and veneration. The Academics who have analyzed worshipped Cain as a hero. The Gospel of Judas does not describe any The Gospel of Judas believe that it is Cainites, like a large number of Gnos- events after the arrest of Jesus. probably a translation from an older tic groups, believed that the God of Some two centuries after Irenaeus’ Greek work dating to AD 130–180. the Old Testament, Yahweh, was evil, complaint, Epiphanius of Salamis, The controversy surrounding this and a quite different and much lesser Bishop of Cyprus, criticized The Gos- work, however, is hardly something being to the deity that had created the pel of Judas for treating Judas as one new! In about the year 180 AD, Saint universe, and who was responsible for who, by betraying Christ, “performed Irenaeus of Lyons mentions The Gos- sending Jesus. Such Gnostic groups a good work for our salvation.” Q 8 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 InSites

Judas from 7 over the dinner table. Watching them do this, Jesus laughs at group of people trying to create a false amalgam between Greek them. Interestingly enough, in none of the canonical Gospels mythology and far Eastern religions with Christianity.” It was does Jesus ever laugh. But in The Gospel of Judas, He laughs “written by a group of people who were alien to the mainstream of often, usually a sardonic how-little-you-know kind of laugh. The early Christianity.” Such “texts are neither reliable nor accurate.” disciples become furious with Jesus for laughing at them – all The furor over The Gospel of Judas will continue to be hot and except Judas, who says to Jesus, “I know Who You are and where heavy for some time to come. But, as Professor Robinson said in You have come from. You are from the immortal realm of Barbelo.” his Boston Globe interview, The Gospel of Judas is, in the end, “a Who is Barbelo, you may ask? In ancient Gnostic texts, Barbelo tempest in a teapot.” Q is the Divine Mother of all and the Forethought of the Infinite Fr. Tsichlis is rector of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, One. Confused? If you are at all familiar with the story of Jesus, Irvine, CA. This essay originally appeared on the web site of you should be. But things only get more obscure and confusing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which has a as you continue reading the text. number of excellent resources at www.goarch.org/en/special/ Because of Judas’ “knowledge” that Jesus comes from “the DaVinci and www.goarch.org/en/special/gospel_of_judas. immortal realm of Barbelo,” he is promised a revelation “about secrets no person has ever seen.” Cutting to the chase, here is the last part of the “revelation” that the Gnostic “Jesus” gives to Ju- Mary Ann Bulko das. Brackets indicate gaps in the text. Notice just where “Christ” appears and Who He is in this text. Acceptance “The multitude of those immortals is called the cosmos – that is, perdition – by the Father and the 72 luminaries who are with the Self-Generated and his 72 Aeons. In Him the first human Reconnecting the disconnect appeared with his incorruptible powers. And the Aeon then ap- between what we say and what we do peared with his generation, in whom the cloud of knowledge and the angel is called El. […] aeon […] after that […] said, let 12 n a recent early Sunday morning, one of my young, free- angels come into being to rule over chaos and the underworld. spirited grandchildren came bouncing down the stairs, And look, from the cloud there appeared an angel whose face O ready to jump into the family car. As she whizzed by to- flashed with fire and whose appearance was defiled with blood. wards the front door, her mother noticed the outfit she had chosen His name was Nebro, which means rebel; others call him to wear. “Oh, no you don’t young lady! That outfit is totally Yaldabaoth. Another angel, Saklas, also came from the cloud. So unacceptable for church.” So, back to her room she went to change Nebro created 6 angels – as well as Saklas – to be his assistants, into something more suitable. and these produced 12 angels in the heavens, with each one re- What is acceptable regarding our offerings, our worship, and ceiving a portion in the heavens. The 12 rulers spoke to the 12 our appearance before the Lord? In Genesis 4:3-5, we read that angels […] the first is Seth, who is called Christ. The second is Cain had brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground Harmathoth. The third is Galila. The fourth is Yobel. The fifth is which he had tilled, while his brother Abel brought a firstling Adonaios. These are the five who ruled over the underworld, and from his flock of sheep. The Lord accepted Abel’s offering and first over all chaos.” had regard for him, while He found Cain’s offering unacceptable. This is the “truth” of The Gospel of Judas. Little wonder that Yet Cain was given another opportunity, or so it seems, to get it no Christian would consider The Gospel of Judas to be a Chris- right, for the Lord says to him, “Why are you angry and why has tian text. It is clearly a Gnostic text, this particular codex written your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be ac- nearly two centuries after The Gospel of John, the last of the four cepted?” [Genesis 4:6-7]. Cain was further forewarned by the canonical Gospels in the New Testament to be written. And, as Lord about sin, and how he must master it. It seems that Cain can be seen from actually reading it, The Gospel of Judas has could once again gain the Lord’s acceptance, but only if his mo- virtually nothing in common with the four Christian Gospels or tives and intentions remain right and pure. We know how that the Christian faith, except the use of the names Jesus and Judas. story ends; Cain commits the first murder and, although his life is Adam Gopnik, writing in The New Yorker, summarizes the spared by God, he lives in exile, forever alienated from the Lord. place of The Gospel of Judas: “Orthodox Christians will point “What can I offer to the Lord, for all His bounty to me?” When out, correctly, that there is no new challenge to the Church in the we think about our offerings to the Church, we need to focus on Judas Gospel, much less a crisis of faith. This is an ancient heresy, the complete picture – not simply on what we place in the collec- dealt with firmly... throughout Church history. The finding of tion plate or basket, but what we offer in terms of our overall this new Gospel, though obviously remarkable as a bit of textual support and means for funding the ongoing work of the Church. history, no more challenges the basis of the Church’s faith than By the same token, not only the funding but the actual work the discovery of a document from the 19th century written in should be discerned and also must be acceptable to the Lord. Ohio and defending King George III would be a challenge to the My flesh tends to cringe when I see a church sign that promi- basis of American democracy.” Or, as Metropolitan Bishoy, a nently announces “Saint Mary’s Casino Night.” Unfortunately, bishop and spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church has said, while our society seems to be inundated with lotteries, raffles, and The Gospel of Judas is “non-Christian babbling resulting from a other gambling venues, church and school communities often MAY/JUNE 2006 InSites RESOURCES Books, recordings: Best picks follow in tow, utilizing these methods to raise monies. Can we Christian Faith really justify funds received from gambling and games of chance  and Same-Sex as an acceptable means of supporting the Church of God? Attraction: Eastern There are Church canons that explicitly forbid anyone, cleric Orthodox Reflections. or lay person, to play dice. Other canons forbid participation in Fr. Thomas Hopko; Conciliar horse racing. The fact that lots were cast by the Roman soldiers to Press. see who would claim the cloak of Christ following His crucifix- In this volume, Fr. Tho- ion [Mark 15:24] offers a poor precedent for participation in raffles mas Hopko, dean emeritus and games of chance, especially by those who call themselves of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, “Christian.” The concept of betting on an uncertain outcome is draws on the wisdom of the out of balance with the idea of the faithful stewardship of one’s Orthodox Christian Church time, talents, and treasures. The motivation for gambling thrives and Holy Scripture to help us on a fallen human nature and the temptation or weakness for suc- understand same-sex cumbing to greed and/or addictive behavior. It basically under- attraction, with both com- scores the growth and popularity of casinos and lotteries that passion and clarity. Com- attract clients with the chance, albeit a very slim one, to “get rich bining theological and pastoral insights, this small gem quickly.” Gambling hardly seems like an acceptable way to sup- will aid pastors, those who experience same-sex port the work of Christ’s Church. In a way, and forgive the com- desires, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of parison, casinos have become the “fishers of men,” luring in people the nature of our identity and our sexuality. with free rooms, food, and a myriad of gimmicks! Order on-line at www.conciliarpress.com. We need to be more vigilant with regard to the way we support the Church, lest we be thrown out as the unacceptable money Lay Aside All changers in the temple of old. As the Lord has said, “My house is  Earthly Cares: a house of prayer” [Matthew 21:12-13]. Any activity that is de- Orthodox Choral meaning should cease. Works by Fr. Sergei Our worship also needs to be acceptable. In Ecclesiastes, we Glagolev. Cappella read that “the preacher sought to find pleasing (or acceptable) Romana, Portland, OR. words,” writing or speaking with words of truth. And in our wor- Sung by Cappella ship, “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings [are Romana under the direction to be] made for all men... that we may lead a quiet and peaceable of Dr. Vladimir Morosan, Lay life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is Aside All Earthly Cares acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” [1 Timothy 2:1-3]. features the pioneering original works of Fr. Sergei Liturgical services require our attentiveness, not simply our Glagolev, characterized as an “effective style of compo- attendance. Reverence needs to be restored. It’s difficult to teach sition that vividly recalls aspects of the Russian tradition youngsters not to chat in church when adults carry on personal while using the natural cadence of English as his conversations in the middle of Divine Liturgy! starting point.” The CD is the first of a three-part series Our worship is intertwined with our appearance or dress. made possible by a grant from the Farah Foundation. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Hear sound samples and to order on-line at God, which is your spiritual worship” [Romans 12:1-2], Saint www.cappellaromana.org. Paul writes. There undoubtedly could be some discussion on what constitutes “appropriate attire” for liturgical services. But The Divine Liturgy. we need to bear in mind that even the altar itself, in which the St. Nicholas Church sacrifice is offered, is draped or arrayed and covered in fine mate- Choir, Bethlehem, PA. rial. If our bodies are the living temples of God, made in His very Under the direction of image, should not they be modestly covered? We are like living Mr. Nicholas Lezinsky, stones destined to build a spiritual house, according to Scripture, St. Nicholas Choir recently to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to released this exceptional God through Jesus Christ. As such, we should be vested appropri- CD recording of the Divine ately and tastefully, both young and old alike. Liturgy as a companion to Again in the words of St. Paul, “Do not be conformed to this its earlier recordings of world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you Orthodox Nativity and Lenten music. may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable Order for $18.50, including postage and handling, from and perfect” [Romans 12:1-2]. Q Mr. Nicholas Lezinsky, 941 Place Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18017; 610/868-9468; [email protected]. Q Mary Ann Bulko is a member of Holy Trinity Church, Randolph, NJ and a frequent contributor to The Orthodox Church. 10 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 InSites

Father John Breck Spirit. Then, Saint Basil quotes from Psalm 32: “By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the Spirit of His The Holy Spirit mouth.” The specific work of the Spirit, he says, is to perfect and strengthen, to produce “perfection in holiness, which expresses Everywhere present, filling all things itself in an unyielding, unchangeable commitment to goodness.” That goodness characterizes God in His innermost being. “No here is an extraordinary beauty in Orthodox Trinitarian one is good but God alone,” Jesus declares. And readers of the theology. I all too easily lose sight of that beauty, but it Gospel recognize that by that very fact Jesus Himself is essen- T came back to me again the other day after a conversation I tially good. It is this goodness, expressed as sacrificial love, that had with a non-Orthodox friend. motivates the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity to work out the To his mind, God is beyond any formulation we can make of world’s redemption. “When we speak of the plan of salvation for Him. He is the “wholly Other,” taken literally: a God beyond all men,” Saint Basil continues, “accomplished in God’s goodness creation and all imagination. I had the feeling he could have by our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who would deny that it added, beyond all revelation. His problem, as he describes it, is was all made possible through the grace of the Spirit?” with the Church’s traditional doctrines, to which he referred with God is good, God is light, God is love, God is Spirit. And that a slight edge of hostility as “dogmas,” that appear to “put God in Spirit, Who is God, fills all of creation, including every human a box.” Formulas such as “One in Three,” or “three Hypostases life, in order to lead it to perfection, to sanctify and render it holy. united in a single divine Essence,” strike him as artificial and Thereby He offers to creation, as to us, the possibility of sharing woefully inadequate. He reads them as nothing more than hu- forever in that goodness, that light, and that love. man constructs designed to impose on believers a uniform ortho- This is why Trinitarian theology is so important: because it doxy. expresses God as He actually is – as He reveals, manifests and This is especially true of formulas concerning the Holy Spirit. confirms Himself to be – in the experience of those who love Him Why, he wanted to know, do we Orthodox make such an issue of and know they are loved by Him. God is indeed the “wholly the “filioque,” the clause added to the Nicene Creed that affirms, Other,” infinitely beyond created reality. Yet this same God shares “[I believe] in the Holy Spirit... Who proceeds from the Father and fully in every aspect of that reality, filling it with His goodness, the Son”? Who, he added, can presume to say anything at all His light, His love, His Spirit. As a trinity or threefold unity of about this most unfathomable aspect of the Godhead? divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit dwell in an When I got home, I took out Saint Basil the Great’s fourth inexhaustible communion of mutual love. That love is so abun- century treatise On the Holy Spirit. Opening it at dant that it overflows the limits of divine life, to em- random brought me to where I wish I had been brace and transfigure the entire creation. Nothing during our conversation. In chapter 16, Saint lies outside the warmth of that embrace: not sin, Basil speaks about the absolute unity of na- not death, not even my friend’s well-inten- ture, purpose, and work shared by the Three tioned agnosticism. Persons of the Trinity. “In everything the If I could have left him with Holy Spirit is indivisibly and in- anything in this season of Holy separably joined to the Father Pentecost, it would have been and the Son.” This is re- this: That, in the depths of vealed most fully in cre- his being, he know and ex- ation itself. “When you perience trinitarian consider creation I advise dogma, not as abstract you to first think of Him formulas, but as liturgi- Who is the first cause of cal poetry which speaks everything that exists: ineffable truth, and that namely, the Father, and he see God and come to then of the Son, Who is know His Spirit, not as the Creator, and then the infinitely beyond this Holy Spirit, the universe, but as “every- Perfector.” The Author where present and filling of Creation, the creative all things” closer to him, Agent, and the Perfector in fact, than his own or Sanctifier of all heart. Q things. “The Originator of all things is One: He Fr. John Breck chairs creates through the Son the OCA Medical/Ethics and perfects through the Commission. MAY/JUNE 2006 11 InMemoriam Editorial request: Please inform the TOC editorial office by phone [630/668-3071] or e-mail [[email protected]] when a death occurs so announcements may be made on the OCA web site and in TOC in a timely manner.

Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan Human Sciences. to work in a match factory in Manhattan. She CRESTWOOD, NY – Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan, Among his countless activities, professional continued to work there until the family moved world class Church historian and theologian, and personal, Dr. Pelikan served as a member of to Portland, Oregon in 1953, where Father Dimitri fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday afternoon, the seminary’s board of trustees. Three Hierarchs became pastor of Saint Nicholas Church and May 13, 2006, after a lengthy battle with can- Chapel remained his “parish home” since the time Matushka taught in the Saturday school. She cer. of his reception into the Church. also pursued studies at Portland State Univer- For decades, Dr. Pelikan served as an histo- Funeral services were held at the seminary’s sity. In 1957, the Gisettis were reassigned to rian, theologian, professor, author, and ordained Three Hierarchs Chapel on May 16-17. Holy Virgin Mary Church [later cathedral], Los minister in the Lutheran Church. He and his wife A detailed personal reflection on Dr. Pelikan’s Angeles, CA. Except for short trips, Matushka were received into the Orthodox Christian Church life and work written by the Rev. John Erickson, Margarita would remain here for the rest of her in Three Hierarchs Chapel at Saint Vladimir’s dean of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, may be found life. In 1960, she earned her Bachelor’s degree Seminary, Crestwood, NY, in 1998. at www.svots.edu/Events/Summer-Institute/ and in 1962, her Master’s in the Russian Lan- Dr. Pelikan was recognized by many as the 2003/readings/Pelikan-Legend.html. guage at UCLA. most noted Church historian of our times. Born May Dr. Pelikan’s memory be eternal! Q For the next 20 years she would teach Rus- in Akron, OH, the son of a Lutheran pastor, he sian, first at UCLA, then at USC during the week. joined the Yale faculty in 1962 as the Titus Street Mat. Margarita Gisetti She also devoted a great deal of time teaching Professor of Ecclesiastical History, and in 1972 LOS ANGELES, CA – Matushka Margarita Russian grammar, history, and literature to the he was appointed to the Sterling Professorship. Romanovna Gisetti, wife of late Very Rev. children of the parish. Summers meant Church In 1995, he was named Sterling Professor Emeri- Dimitri Gisetti, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully summer camps and short vacations, either in the tus. He served as acting dean and then dean of at home on Thursday, April 6, 2006, after a mountains or at the beach, which she loved. the Graduate School from 1973 until 1978 and lengthy battle with cancer. When Father Dimitri became ill in 1973, was the William Clyde DeVane Lecturer from Born in Viborg, Finland on May 28, 1923, Matushka Margarita was his sole caretaker for 1984 until 1986 and in the fall of 1995. His more the younger of two children and the only daugh- 14 years. She continued to serve her church, than 30 books include the acclaimed five-volume ter of Roman [Robert] Bang and Catherine Bang, teaching in the Saturday school, baking prosphora, work The Christian Tradition. nee Knyazhna Ourousoff, Matushka Margarita and doing most of the Church Slavonic reading Dr. Pelikan’s numerous awards include the and her family moved to Talinn, Estonia a few for the services. She was widowed in 1989, but Graduate School’s 1979 Wilbur Cross Medal years later, where she finished her education at continued doing all she could for her church, and the Medieval Academy of America’s 1985 the Russian Gymnasium in 1940. In 1939, she adding in later years purchasing produce and sup- Haskins Medal. In 1983 the National Endow- went on a group pilgrimage to Valaam Monas- plies for the cathedral Sisterhood. ment for the Humanities selected him to deliver tery, organized and chaperoned by Father Matushka Margarita was diagnosed with can- the 12th annual Jefferson Lecture in the Humani- Alexander Kiselev, fondly remembered by His cer in January 2006, which had already metasta- ties, the highest honor conferred by the federal Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy II of Moscow, who sized throughout her body. Treatment would not government for outstanding achievement in the spent time with the group as a young boy. She have helped much, so she decided that she did humanities. In 1992-93 he presented the Guifford briefly attended University at Yuriev, Estonia, not want to go through a painful process with Lectures in Scotland, an honor considered com- during World War II. little or no hope of cure. Her daughter-in-law, parable to winning the Nobel Prize. He has been After her brother was killed in action in Matushka Maria Gisetti, came to live with her so editor of the religion section of Encyclopedia the war, Matushka Margarita and her family fled that she could remain in her home until the end. Britannica, and in 1980 he founded the Council the advancing Soviet armies to Munich, Ger- She was able to go to church until the last month of Scholars at the Library of Congress. His nu- many, where they resided at the Good Samaritan of her life. merous professional affiliations also includes the House organized by Father Kiselev. She under- Her repose came much in the way she wished American Academy of Arts and Sciences, of took the nursing courses offered there and it — she went to Confession and received Com- which he is president. During the administration formed a lifelong bond with the other nursing munion the weekend before her death. The Canon of President Bill Clinton, he was appointed to students. for the Departure of the Soul was read with her serve on the President’s Committee on the Arts On November 16, 1947, she married Dimitri on Monday, April 3, 2006, and the regular and Humanities. Gisetti, an acquaintance from Talinn, who was evening prayers were offered the next day. Dr. Pelikan was appointed chairperson for ordained to the diaconate and priesthood the fol- Funeral services were celebrated at Holy Vir- the Orthodox Church in America’s Department lowing year. Father Dimitri and Matushka gin Mary Cathedral on Tuesday, April 11 with of History and Archives in 2002. His lifelong Margarita’s relationship extended beyond simple His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of San Francisco, Los experience as a renowned historian served to guide support of his ministry and was truly a partner- Angeles, and the West presiding. and inspire the department’s work. In a presen- ship in service to God. Matushka Margarita is survived by one son, tation to the Holy Synod of Bishops in October Following the birth of their only child, Sera- the Very Rev. Seraphim Gisetti, pastor of Saint 2003, he eloquently addressed the importance phim, in 1949, the Gisetti’s, together with Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church, Arvada, CO, of history in Church life and the necessity of Matushka’s parents and a great aunt, immigrated and his wife Masha; and three grandchildren: proper archival preservation in the Church at all to the US in January 1950. Father Dimitri was Andrei and wife Jacque, Anna and her husband levels. soon assigned to assist Father Kiselev in Astoria, Jonathan, and Alexandra. In 2004, Dr. Pelikan received the John W. NY, while Matushka Margarita, like so many May Matushka Margarita’s memory be eter- Kluge Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the other newly arrived Russians in New York, went nal! Q 12 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 OCANewsNotesNotices

cusations and allegations, aggravations and assumptions. They range from the demand for accountability in the area of Metropolitan Herman chairs financial management and practice, from an increase in parochial isolation and disunity, to an increasingly evident con- spring session of Holy Synod flict rooted in competing ecclesiologies and visions, as they relate to the very na- Hierarchs called to address issues “squarely, ture of the Church’s administration and ministry. firmly, appropriately, and openly” “During our deliberations, we will con- sider in detail the ongoing investigation t their regular spring session held at magazine format of The Orthodox Church of our financial practices, past and present, the Chancery in Syosset, NY May has been received with extremely posi- as well as the growing number of serious A 23-25, 2006, the members of the tive comments. The essential life of our concerns that have surfaced as a result of Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church, rooted in worship and revealed in the findings,” Metropolitan Herman said. Church in America, under the presidency service to God and His People, remains “It is my conviction that, if all issues are of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, strong and vibrant, thanks to the devotion not addressed squarely, firmly, and appro- reviewed a number of issues presently fac- of countless clergy and laity who labor, priately, and dealt with openly and forth- ing the Church. often in the midst of difficult circumstances rightly, we will face an even deeper crisis “Since our last regular session in the and growing tensions, for nothing other than we presently experience, one that will fall of 2005, much has transpired in the life than the glory of God. In these, and in take years, if not decades, to reverse.” of our Church,” Metropolitan Herman countless other areas of our Church’s life, Metropolitan Herman also reported on stated in his opening address. “New mis- there is much for which we indeed may various aspects of the ongoing audits and sions have been planted. Young men have rejoice. investigation into allegations that have been ordained to the holy diaconate and “At the same time, however, it has been been raised during the past several months holy priesthood. Our Church-wide depart- painfully obvious to me that since our and on recent steps to resolve all related ments and offices, in most cases staffed by 2005 fall session, our Church has faced a concerns. talented volunteers who freely offer their multitude of intensely serious issues that In addition to receiving numerous re- time and talents to the Church, continue to have dampened our joy, shaken our faith ports from the OCA’s dioceses, departments, strengthen existing ministries while devel- and hope, and in far too many instances offices, boards, and commissions, the hier- oping new ones. Our widely acclaimed hardened our hearts to the love of God,” archs considered the following issues. web site attracts a growing number of visi- Metropolitan Herman continued. “It is no Q The Very Rev. Paul Kucynda, act- tors from around the world, while the new secret that we are facing a multitude of ac- ing treasurer, discussed the Church’s cur-

THE HIERARCHY OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA From left: Bishop Benjamin, Bishop Tikhon of Eastern PA, Bishop Nikolai, Bishop Tikhon of the West, Archbishop Nathaniel, Archbishop Kyrill, Metropolitan Herman, Archbishop Dmitri, Archbishop Job, Bishop Seraphim, Bishop Nikon,

Bishop Irineu, and Bishop Alejo. John Mindala John MAY/JUNE 2006 OCANews rent financial situation. He distributed the draft of “Best Practices” that was sent to the members of the Metropolitan Council. The draft will be reviewed, discussed, and proposed for adoption at the June 2006 meeting of the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Steve Lamos from the accounting firm of Lambrides, Lamos and Moulthrop, gave an oral report about the Year 2004 Audit, and the ongoing review of the annual and special appeals for the years 2001 through 2004. Mr. Lamos noted that his role as an accountant is to examine documentation in support of transactions and not to put forth possible allegations of wrongdoing, which he noted are the The Holy Synod meets at St. Sergius of Radonezh Chapel at the OCA Chancery. responsibility of legal counsel. The mem- John Mindala bers of the Holy Synod, upon receiving a versed in civil law, thereby requiring suffi- ous charitable programs to benefit all final report after all accounting work has cient time for including contributions from needy Albanians, regardless of religious been completed, could decide to pursue the others in the Church’s administration. affiliation, and discussed the ongoing matter with legal counsel, should it appear Q The participation of all OCA hier- building of new churches and monaster- necessary. archs in the conference of all Orthodox ies. [A report on Bishop Nikon’s visit will Q His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of San bishops in America, to be sponsored by the be featured in the July/August issue of The Francisco, Los Angeles, and the West an- Standing Conference of Canonical Ortho- Orthodox Church news magazine.] nounced that he would retire from active dox Bishops in the Americas in Chicago, Q A skills conference offering train- ministry on November 14, 2006. IL in October 2006, was affirmed as a means ing in a variety of Church ministries of- Q His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri of of witnessing to our vision for a united Or- fered by the OCA’s numerous departments Dallas and the South, requested that thodox mission in North America. and offices is being planned for 2007, with Igumen Vladimir [Wendling], currently rec- Q At the recommendation of His Grace, the date, location, and topics yet to be de- tor of Saint George Cathedral, Chicago, IL, Bishop Nikolai of Sitka, Anchorage, and termined. be named Auxiliary for the Diocese of the Alaska, the name of the “Late Vocations Q Bishop Nikon, OCA pension board South. Until the time of his formal elec- Program” was changed to the “Diaconal chairman, reported to the hierarchs on the tion and consecration to the episcopacy, Vocations Program” to clarify the primary OCA’s pension, insurance, and personal as- he will work as a member of the Chancery purpose of the program. The hierarchs re- sistance programs. He noted that the pen- staff in Syosset. affirmed that attendance at an Orthodox sion plan was in overall good condition Q His Eminence, Archbishop Nathan- seminary remains the norm for candidates and that more frequent financial reports iel of Detroit and the Romanian Episco- preparing for ordination to the holy priest- will be issued in the future. pate, reported on the work of the Joint Com- hood. The regular fall session of the Holy mission of the Romanian Episcopate of the Q In the area of external affairs and Synod will be held at the Chancery Octo- Orthodox Church in America and the Ro- inter-Church relations, the hierarchs re- ber 24-26, 2006. manian Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of viewed recent developments in the Rus- In addition to participating in the Romania, charged with reflecting on the sian Orthodox Church’s British Diocese of Synod sessions, the hierarchs attended the present relationship between the Episco- Sourozh, the All-Diaspora Sobor of the Divine Liturgy in Saint Sergius Chapel on pate and the Patriarchate. He noted that, Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Wednesday, May 24. having completed its work, the commis- and a number of other current issues and Also attending the session were His sion had been dissolved. events. His Eminence, Archbishop Kyrill Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and Q With regard to the Holy Synod’s of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, and the Midwest; His Grace, Bishop Seraphim decision to convene the 15th All-Ameri- the Bulgarian Diocese will represent the of Ottawa and Canada; His Grace, Bishop can Council in 2010, it was affirmed that OCA at the celebration of the Feast of Saint Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Penn- sufficient time was necessary to review the Andrew in Bulgaria later in 2006. sylvania; His Grace, Bishop Irineu of entire Statute of the Orthodox Church in Q His Grace, Bishop Nikon of Boston, Dearborn Heights, Auxiliary of the Roma- America and undertake appropriate revi- New England, and the Albanian Archdio- nian Episcopate; His Grace, Bishop Ben- sions to ensure that it conforms to canoni- cese, reported on his visit to Albania in jamin of Berkeley, Auxiliary of the Dio- cal tradition as well as civil law. This time- early May. He noted the tremendous cese of the West; and His Grace, Bishop consuming process relies on the volunteer progress made by the Church since the fall Alejo of Mexico City, Auxiliary to the work of competent canonists and those of communism, spoke of the Church’s vari- Metropolitan. Q 14 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 OCANewsNotesNotices Metropolitan council SVS dean ordained to priesthood members accept eacon John Erickson, loan proposal from D dean of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY, PA bank was ordained to the holy priesthood by His Beatitude, he Metropolitan Council of the Ortho- Metropolitan Herman, semi- T dox Church in America, under the nary president, at Three Hier- chairmanship of His Beatitude, Metropoli- archs Chapel on Sunday, May tan Herman, met in extraordinary session 7, 2006. via teleconference call on Thursday, May “For Father John, this was 18, 2006. the completion of a path that The members of the Metropolitan Coun- began in 1964, when he was cil voted to accept a loan proposal con- received into the Orthodox tained in a commitment letter from The Church in the Saint Vladimir’s Honesdale National Bank, Honesdale, Seminary chapel,” said Ms. PA. Sofia Lopoukhine, SVS com- When finalized, the loan in the amount munications officer. of $1.7 million, will be used to consolidate Protopresbyter Thomas the Orthodox Church in America’s exist- Hopko, dean emeritus, led Axios! Metropolitan Herman vests the newly ing external and internal debts. Deacon John around the altar ordained Fr. John Erickson, SVS dean. After a motion to postpone action was table before Metropolitan defeated, a motion to accept the terms con- Herman offered the prayers of ordination. trios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese tained in the commitment letter was ap- Later that day, Father Thomas, as the of America; the Very Rev. Alexander Ab- proved. master of ceremonies at the ordination ban- ramov of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, New It is anticipated that the closing on the quet, observed that “our dean’s ordination York, NY, on behalf of the Moscow Patri- loan will take place on or before July 3, gives us a chance to gather and think about archate; and Prof. Alexander Dvorkin of 2006. the work of the seminary: its past, its Saint Tikhon University, Moscow, Russia. At the conclusion of the nearly two hour present, and its future.” A letter of congratulations also was read teleconference meeting, Metropolitan “It was a special blessing that along from His Eminence, Metropolitan Laurus Herman thanked those who participated with Metropolitan Herman, His Eminence, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside and those who, while unable to participate, Metropolitan Philip of the Antiochian Russia and the brotherhood of Holy Trin- submitted proxy votes concerning the Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North ity Monastery, Jordanville, NY. „ loan, for their love of Christ and their de- America shared words of appreciation for votion to the mission of His Church. The the achievements of Saint Vladimir’s Semi- RESOURCES Metropolitan emphasized that these are nary,” Ms. Lopoukhine added. “He con- difficult and painful days in the history of cluded his speech by presenting Father Visit the liturgical our young, autocephalous Church in John with a beautiful pectoral cross, and as America. he handed it to him, he proclaimed, ‘Axios, music chatroom Metropolitan Herman also challenged my friend.’” nterested in discussing music, the members of the Metropolitan Council Father John expressed gratitude to all I hymnology, vocal techniques, to join him in refocusing energy and re- who offered him spiritual encouragement rubrics, and related topics with sources on the Church’s primary task of and direction during his years of associa- others? Log on to the Department witnessing to and generously sharing our tion with the seminary. With great opti- of Liturgical Music and Translations’ Orthodox Christian Faith with all people mism, he reflected on the future of the liturgical music chat room on in North America and to make a firm com- Church, the many individuals who seek the first and third Tuesdays of mitment to this end. that which Orthodox Christianity offers, every month at 8:30 p.m. EST. “We can anticipate that we will con- and the next generation of seminarians, David Drillock, department tinue to face more dark and stormy clouds,” who carry “the spirit of Saint Vladimir’s, chair, moderates the discussion stated Metropolitan Herman in reference which is a devotion to truth that is never and welcomes guest speakers. to recent events in the life of the Church, limited to parochialism or nationalism, into Enter the chat room at www. “but because of God’s mercy and love for the world.” oca.org/MDchat.asp?SID =13. us, we will emerge to see the light that He Read during the banquet were messages Q will provide to illumine our way.” „ from His Eminence, Archbishop Deme- MAY/JUNE 2006 OCANewsNotesNotices

FOCA generosity funds three OCA youth internships

hrough a generous $9,000.00 grant provided by the T Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA], three OCA seminarians will serve as interns for the Ortho- John Mindala dox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry during the summer of 2006. Board of Theological Ed meets The summer internship provides seminarians interested in youth ministry with an incomparable opportunity to put embers of the Orthodox Church in America’s Board of into practice knowledge gained in their seminary studies. M Theological Education met at the Chancery in Syosset, Through the FOCA’s generosity, the department will en- NY on May 22, 2006, under the chairmanship of His Eminence, gage three summer interns. Archbishop Kyrill of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania and Two of the three seminarians – Stephan Sollogoub and the Bulgarian Diocese. Olga Beletchkova – will undertake their internships at OCA Also participating in the meeting were His Grace, Bishop Sera- camps and youth rallies across the US and Canada, sharing phim of Ottawa and Canada; His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Phila- their experiences, helping to network the camps, and ex- delphia and Eastern Pennsylvania; the Very Rev. Gregory Safchuk; changing and sharing themes, methodology, and camping and the Very Rev. David Brum. curricula. The third intern – Mecky Machnee – will de- Under the direction of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, velop materials for the youth theme selected by the Holy the Board of Theological Education establishes, maintains, and Synod of Bishops for 2006-2007 – “Defenders of the Faith” oversees the general standards and curriculum for the education – and develop resources and articles for the department web and formation of clergy in the Orthodox Church in America’s site at yya.oca.org and for The Orthodox Church news maga- three seminaries. It also oversees the general standards and cur- zine. riculum for the Church’s Diaconal Vocations Programs, evaluates Each of the interns, all of whom are students at Saint those who complete such programs, and offers recommendations Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY, brings to the position on the ordination of individuals completing such programs. „ a wealth of youth ministry experience on the parish, na- tional, and international levels and will be make a positive Fr. Dresko begins parish visitations impact on the camps in which they will participate. Photo galleries and reports from the interns will be posted he Very Rev. on the OCA web site at www.oca.org and the OCA youth T John Dresko, site at yya.oca.org. „ OCA Director of Development and Stewardship, recent- ly began a series of FOCA to hold 80th convention parish visitations at Saint John the Bap- he 145-acre Kingston Plantation Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC, tist Church, Roches- T will be the site of the 80th national convention of the Fellow- ter, NY. ship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] August 31-Sep- After concelebrat- tember 4, 2006. ing the Liturgy with The annual gathering is being hosted by the FOCA’s New the Very Rev. Ken Jersey District. James Stavrevsky, Fr. Stavrevsky welcomes “The convention committee is working diligently to make the rector, Father John Fr. John Dresko [right], OCA Director first convention to be held in Myrtle Beach a memorable one,” offered an informa- of Development and Stewardship, said Mr. Michael Steffaro, convention cochairman. “An ideal tive program on the to Rochester’s St. John Church. destination for families, couples, and singles interested in min- OCA’s various minis- gling with fellow Orthodox Christians in fellowship, fun, and tries and departmental work. He also shared information on the worship, Myrtle Beach offers something for everyone – fishing, Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, donating appreciated stock, golf, shopping, fun in the sun, nightly entertainment, restaurants, estate planning, and the possible tax benefits one can achieve and much more!” through a planned gift. To register, call Kingston Plantation directly at 843/449-0006. Father John is available to conduct workshops on planned Additional information is available on the New Jersey FOCA Dis- giving and parish and individual stewardship upon request. To trict web site at www.njfoca.org or by contacting Mr. Steffaro at schedule a parish visitation, workshop, or retreat, contact Father [email protected]. „ John at 516/922-0550 or by e-mail at [email protected]. „ 2006 SEMINARY APPEAL

Dearly Beloved in the Lord, “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things?’” [Romans 10:14-15]. These words of Saint Paul express clearly one of the great challenges that faces our Orthodox Church in America. As we seek to bring the true faith of Christ to the people of this continent, we need more individuals to respond to the call to pursue theological education and spiritual formation, to seek ordination to the diaconate Did you know... and priesthood, and to serve as lay leaders in our parishes. Every year, I call upon you to pray for more voca- X that the annual Seminary Appeal provides tions to labor in the vineyard of Christ, and to encourage financial assistance to offset the rising those who are being called by Him to serve Him and His cost of educating those who have People. Likewise, I request of your Christian charity a accepted the call to proclaim the Gospel gift of financial support to assist our three theological across North America – and beyond? schools. I am pleased that, by the grace of God, our seminaries X that, with over 300 new parishes, missions, are experiencing a record enrollment. However, this and institutions planted by the Orthodox necessitates greater funds to maintain the outstanding Church in America during the past three caliber of each seminary’s education programs, faculties, and ministries. It is my prayer that you will generously decades, the need for more theologi- provide what is needed to continue the sacred work of cally trained clergy and lay persons training those who will bring others to Christ in Holy continues to grow? Orthodoxy! Your contribution to the 2006 OCA Seminary Appeal X that seminarians do not receive full is an investment in the future of our faith in this land. It scholarships and are responsible for will help ensure that there will be clergy to guide our funding their own tuition, housing costs, parishes for decades to come. It is a commitment to and other expenses – a serious burden for strengthen and expand the mission of our theological married students? schools to equip workers for the vineyard. Please give as generously as you can from the blessings that God X that support of the Seminary Appeal is an has given you, for His glory and for the ongoing growth investment in your parish’s future and of the Church. the future of the Church on this Thanking you in advance for your generous re- continent? sponse, I remain X that our seminaries do not possess With love in Christ, large endowments, but rely instead on the generosity of the faithful and + HERMAN friends for financial support? Archbishop of Washington and New York Metropolitan of All America and Canada Visit www.oca.org for more information on the 2006 Seminary Appeal. Your generous response to the 2006 Seminary Appeal helps to educate the leaders of tomorrow’s Church – today!

ST. VLADIMIR’S SEMINARY “Being able to learn more about Crestwood, NY our faith through the wonderful instructors and staff is very Since it was founded in 1938, important to me. I hope to teach St. Vladimir’s Seminary has what we have learned here and to understood theology to be the share it with others. I’m hoping foundation for the life of the Church to help people in any way I can, as a whole, rather than the exclu- whether through teaching Church sive domain of the clergy. Over the school, mission outreach, and in years the seminary broadened the other ways.” diversity of its programs and out- Anastasia Nicolai reach, making it an internationally St. Herman’s Seminary recognized center for Orthodox Class of 2009 Christian theological, educational, ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY and musical training, spiritual South Canaan, PA nurture, and ecumenical dialogue. Established by resolution of the The seminary offers programs Sixth All-American Sobor in 1937, leading to Master of Divinity, St. Tikhon’s Seminary has become Master of Theology, and Master of a genuine center of theological and Arts degrees. The seminary also spiritual enrichment, playing a offers an annual pastoral institute unique role in the preparation of and other educational fora. candidates for the priesthood and other ministries vital to the ongoing life and growth of the “The two things that have been Orthodox Church in America. very important while at seminary In its close relationship with are the guidance and direction St. Tikhon Monastery, the seminary liturgically and spiritually. nurtures the vocations of its stu- Liturgically – a lot of hands-on ST. HERMAN’S SEMINARY dents and faculty, who teach and Kodiak, AK experience in serving in the study Orthodox theology in the con- Founded in the early 1970s to meet chapel as well as a willingness to text of their daily experience of a the unique needs of the Orthodox answer questions as they come rich spiritual and liturgical tradition. up. Spiritually – there has been Church in Alaska, the identity of a willingness to take time with The seminary offers a Master of St. Herman’s Seminary is inher- me as I dealt with various things Divinity program, a Diploma in ently bound to its patron. From the that came up while studying at Orthodox Theology/Certificate in arrival of Orthodox missionaries on the seminary.” Priestly Formation program, Kodiak Island in 1794, education Fr. Christopher Foley/ cooperative programs with neigh- has been a priority of the Church’s St. Vladimir’s Seminary boring colleges, and the Extension mission in Alaska. Like St. Herman Class of 2006 Studies program. of Alaska, the seminary is devoted to the propagation and proclama- “I was able to save some money tion of the ancient, undivided before I entered seminary, but Church. It is fully committed to an the responsibility of paying tuition understanding of theological has depleted this savings. education that embraces all Additional assistance in paying aspects of the person. tuition would enable me to focus The seminary offers a variety of on my studies more, and less on programs to prepare readers, financial burdens.” deacons, priests, teachers, and Jason Franchak/ others desiring to minister. St. Tikhon’s Seminary Students also receive substance Class of 2008 abuse counseling training. 18 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 Christian Witness & Service

4. Hold classes in the parish hall. This opens the doors of the parish to the broader community and sends a signal that the Church is interested in everyone, and not just “its own people.” On occa- sion, take students into the sanctuary for conservation. “This is a door” can easily lead to “these are the Royal Doors,” just as “this is a picture” easily leads to “this is an icon.” While the ultimate goal of a lit- eracy program is to improve the students’ language and life skills, occasional con- versations in the church building can spark an interest in the Orthodox Faith. Never give the impression that the parish offers literacy programs strictly as a means of obtaining converts; it is not uncommon to find immigrants who have had negative ex- Saturday mornings finds volunteers from this midwest parish giving the gift periences with other religious bodies that of literacy to recent immigrants from Mexico, Vietnam, Ethiopia, China, Korea, may have pressured them to make a com- and other lands. mitment to the faith community “in ex- change for” free classes, food parcels, es- sential services, etc. Certainly students will form an opinion of Orthodox Christianity Giving the gift of literacy through their contact with you and your parish, but teachers must never project the speak teach attitude that “we're teaching you English If you can English, you can English! because we ultimately want to convert you.” Genuine ministry is conducted un- ith many parishes experiencing 1. Contact local agencies conditionally, with “no strings attached.” an influx of new immigrants, that assist new immigrants. Ask 5. Get your parish teens in- W the possibilities for expanding what programs are currently being offered. volved, especially in teaching immigrant lay community ministries are endless. If literacy programs are already being con- children or other teens. And since many Whether it be helping a refugee family ducted, parishioners can volunteer to teach. teens are required to chalk up community from Eritrea navigate the complexities of If no programs are available, ask what re- service hours for school, encourage them suburban American life or assisting a cen- sources are available for funding a parish- to share their language skills while receiv- tral European couple find work or hous- based literacy program. If no funding is ing credit for their efforts. ing, there are countless gifts we can offer available from local agencies, consider 6. Be prepared to offer addi- others in our parish and surrounding com- funding from within the parish itself. Of- tional ministries as the needs of your munities. fering literacy programs is not an expen- students emerge. As you get to know your One of the greatest gifts one can offer sive proposition. Basic textbooks, dictio- students personally, you’ll discover other is that of literacy. New immigrants often naries, pens and paper, notebooks, and needs you and your parish can fill, such as fail to adjust to their new surroundings be- other supplies are well within the budget food distributions, charity collections, cause their knowledge of the English lan- of any parish. medical and immigration information re- guage is minimal, if not totally nonexist- 2. Explore funding possibili- ferrals, and even catechesis in the Ortho- ent. A number of parishes have initiated ties from local, county, or state agencies dox Faith! Listening to the hopes, fears, English classes, at no cost, to parishioners that often offer grants for literacy programs. and needs of the students and displaying a as well as members of the wider commu- 3. Explore local resources willingness to address them is critical to nity. The primary requirement for initiat- for training teachers. Since most this ministry, and to the ministries that ul- ing this type of ministry – native English literacy programs are conversation-based timately will emerge. speaking volunteers willing to offer a few rather than grammar-based, teachers need 7. Make every attempt to hours each month – can already be found minimal training. Essentially, any native get the entire parish involved. in the typical parish. English speaker with good grammar, dic- While a literacy program can be conducted Here are a few guidelines for starting a tion, and pronunciation is able to conduct easily with a handful of teachers, classes ministry that will enable members of your literacy classes with minimal training and should not be held without the knowledge parish to give the gift of literacy. preparation. Witness to 30 MAY/JUNE 2006 In this section History and Archives 18 Christian Witness & Service 19 History & Archives 20 Military Chaplaincies The day the earth shook 21 Christian Education Cathedral was destroyed in 1906 SF quake 22 Evangelization 24 Youth & Young Adult Ministry

ALEXIS LIBEROVSKY Orthodox population on the east coast, Archbishop [Saint] Tikhon, had moved the In the disaster’s aftermath, Father Theo- s the faithful of San Francisco’s Holy diocesan headquarters to New York City’s dore immediately turned his attention to Trinity Cathedral were celebrat- recently built Saint Nicholas Cathedral in the material and spiritual welfare of the A ing Bright Wednesday, April 18, September 1905, just months before the many Orthodox Christian faithful who had 1906, their joy quickly turned to horror as quake. been directly affected by the earthquake. the historic earthquake that struck the city According to an eyewitness account by Archbishop Tikhon himself made the first on that day completely destroyed their the Rev. Theodore Pashkovsky, cathedral contribution to a diocesan-wide appeal for church. dean at the time [he would later become the victims. Built in the 1880s, the original Holy Metropolitan Theophilus], the cathedral’s In 1909, construction of the present Trinity Cathedral served as the hub of Or- historic bells and iconostasis were miracu- Holy Trinity Cathedral was completed. The thodox Christianity in North America. Its lously saved as, just days before the earth- new cathedral was built at another loca- destruction, however, profoundly affecting quake, they had been removed from the tion on a piece of land that Archbishop the city’s Orthodox community. For more cathedral and safely stored in anticipation Tikhon had purchased for the Church some- than three decades, San Francisco had been of structural upgrading of the building. time earlier. „ the diocesan see of the ruling bishop of the After the quake struck, many vestments, Orthodox Diocese of the Aleutians and sacred vessels, liturgical books, and the Alexis Liberovsky is the archivist of the North America. With the growth of the reserved Eucharistic gifts were also saved. Orthodox Church in America.

Built in the 1880s, the original Holy Trinity Cathedral on Powell Street was a stately building surmounted by several cupolas.

Old photos show the extent of the damage at Holy Trinity Cathedral. 20 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 Military Chaplaincies

hile most Orthodox Christian faithful were celebrating the “Their proclamation has W Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha, surrounded by family, friends, and famil- iar traditions, several Orthodox chaplains gone out unto all the earth” brought the joy of the Resurrection – and a bit of “home away from home” – to mili- Chaplains celebrate Pascha on the front lines tary personnel serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Qatar. The Rev. Eugene Lahue, Ch, Capt, spite the increase in life-threatening inci- tions. USAF, celebrated Holy Week and Pascha dents, Father Eugene continued to travel Meanwhile in Afghanistan, the Very with troops at Balad Air Base, Iraq, where around Iraq, celebrating Paschal and Bright Rev. Alexander Webster, Ch, maintained he is stationed. During Bright Week, de- Week services for troops in several loca- an equally harrowing schedule as he cel- ebrated services for Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday with the Rev. Dragos Dumitru Ciobotanu, CH (1LT), an Ortho- dox chaplain from Romania, in the beau- tiful Orthodox chapel in Khandahar. Father Alexander celebrated Holy Week and Paschal services at Blessed Sacra- ment Chapel at Bagram Airfield. On Bright Monday, he flew aboard a C-12 aircraft to Qatar, where he celebrated the Paschal Lit- urgy on Bright Tuesday at Camp As Sayliyah and the following morning at Al Udeid Air Force Base. In a sense, the proclamation of the Res- urrection in these regions reminds one of the psalm verse chanted on the feasts of the apostles: “Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the universe!” Q Fr. Eugene Lahue celebrates Great and Holy Friday services at Balad Air Base, Iraq. During Bright Week, he celebrated services in several other locations. Fr. Alexander Webster poses for a photo after Holy Wednesday services with CPT Alyssa Astphan, CPT Christopher Lekas, and CSM David Warner.

At Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Fr. Alexander Webster distributes antidoron at the conclusion of the Bright Tuesday Pascha Divine Liturgy. MAY/JUNE 2006 Education

VALERIE ZAHIRSKY

t’s an unpretentious volume, just 67 pages in length. But Walking in Won- I der by Elizabeth White is filled with numerous thought-proving patristic and scriptural quotations aimed at teachers, par- ents, and caregivers of children under the age of eight. In the first few pages of the book, Ms. White quotes Saint Theophan, who says that the goal of every human life is “to walk toward God on the path of Christ.” She also quotes his statement that “of all holy works, the education of children is the most holy.” A goal for teachers and care- givers. Ms. White’s goal is to help teach- ers and caregivers find practical ways of Orthodox Christian tradition offers a wealth of opportunities for children to instilling in children the desire to walk to- “walk in wonder” along “the path of Christ.” ward God on the path of Christ. In that sentence we find one of the book’s many insights: our children can’t be forced onto the path of holiness; even our own example Walking in wonder may not be enough, by itself. Our task is to guide our children in ways that will make them want to strike out on the path of Christ, A great resource for parents, teachers, everyone of their own free will. What do children need? As a A child, arriving in the morning, scanned the disorder by failing to teach a child to Montessori teacher, Ms. White has paid the room and exclaimed, “Wow! Some- be still and silent because they believe the close attention to what young children do thing has happened here!” child is not capable of being so. and need. One thing they don’t need much She also encourages those who work Ms. White suggests many helpful ways of, she says, is fantasy. For a child of three, with children to be aware that all the of “finding quiet.” Among these is a “Si- it is much more valuable and meaningful adult needs to do is give the child oppor- lence Game” that can be used in school or to explore the real world, so new and magi- tunities to experience wonder and beauty; at home. She describes her own experi- cal to a little one. Fantasy and pretending the ability and the desire to do so are al- ences using this game with children, and have their place, but personal interaction ready there. tells about the peacefulness and self-aware- with the things that God has actually cre- Silence and stillness. Another ness it can engender in them. Eminently ated teaches the young child more than striking quotation, this one from Saint John practical, she cautions that the best mo- hearing about mythical creatures. As of Kronstadt, is found in the chapter on ment for the Silence Game is not the mo- Ms. White points out, young children will cultivating stillness. Saint John said, ment when the children’s soccer team has usually choose “play” that is based on “Jesus, by His silence, shamed Pilate; and just won a big game! real things – washing dishes, caring for a man, by His stillness, conquers vain- Goodness, compassion, faith. dolls, building with blocks. They like to glory.” Perhaps what Saint John means by The next chapter of the book suggests ways examine seashells or rocks, and will hap- “vainglory” is the self-important attitude that adults can help children develop their pily study and find shapes in the clouds. of some adults that leads them to believe self-control and will to do good. Obedi- They are eager to learn about animals, that what they have to do is urgent and ence is an important part of this—not obe- faraway places, and people who live in other immediate, and that they are just too busy dience in order to avoid punishment or to lands. ever to slow down. This attitude can begin please someone, but obedience practiced The sense of wonder. One thing in childhood, if parents and caregivers in order to feel the “inner satisfaction that children do need is to have us nurture their model it for children. Ms. White contends comes from being good.” This kind of obe- innate sense of wonder. Even simple things that the commonly held notion that little dience leads to the ability to repent of sin, can show us this. Ms. White tells the story children are physically incapable of being and ultimately to trusting submission to of a teacher replacing the plastic trays that still is false. She writes, “The truth is, a God. had held classroom supplies with attrac- child who cannot ever sit still is in a disor- Ms. White goes on to talk about devel- tive natural-fiber baskets and wooden trays. dered state.” And often adults reinforce Education to 26 22 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 Evangelization

Greeters. The greeter’s ministry is crucial, as they help Who’s that knockin’? color a visitor’s first impression of a parish community. It’s a simple ministry, requiring a few people who have a gift with people. An important part of the greeter’s ministry is to make There’s only one chance visitors feel comfortable in what may very well be “new terri- to make a good first impression! tory.” After making “initial contact,” greeters should follow up after services by inviting visitors to the fellowship hour, introducing FATHER ERIC TOSI them to others with whom they might have something in com- mon, and offering basic information about the faith in general vangelism begins at the front door of the church. It begins and the parish in particular. Greeters should also introduce when someone has gathered the courage to enter to gain a visitors to the parish clergy and ask them to fill out a visitor card. E sense of a parish’s “fabric” and “texture,” so to speak. A As research and experience has shown, such simple expres- visitor has many options, but he or she chose to visit your church sions of hospitality say a lot about a parish’s openness to new- instead of others. But just what will he or she find, however? comers. “Front door evangelism” offers the single greatest opportu- Visitor cards. Asking visitors to fill out a card with their nity for an Orthodox Christian community to make a connection, name, address, and telephone number sets the stage for appropri- a “first impression,” with visitors and inquirers. It stands at the ate follow-up. Visitor cards should be readily available at the intersection of their decision and our response, offering an oppor- entrance to the church, or may be handed to visitors by greeters. If tunity to connect them, educate them, and welcome them – but a visitor seems reluctant to fill out a card, never force him or her to not to overwhelm them. do so. So how do we welcome visitors and inquirers without over- A visitor card should request a visitor’s name, address, phone whelming them? So here are few suggestions for making a posi- number, e-mail address and a few simple questions that can be tive first impression. checked as applicable, such as “Are you of the Orthodox faith,” Customer service 101 for parishes

ustomer service” seems like tional communities mushrooming all “making it too difficult to belong and “C an odd concept when talking over North America – as well as count- to participate” because it fails to see about the Church. But in a recent less restaurants cashing in on itself through “customer eyes.” article published by Religion News Sunday brunch! – are thriving on “As computer makers discover or Service titled “Customer Service 101 people driven away from the Church die, brand loyalty doesn’t just happen,” for Churches,” author Tom Ehrich by relentless bickering about Ehrich notes. “People want hope, not makes some interesting points that everything from The DaVinci Code to a doctrine on hope. They want to know growing parishes should take to heart. judicatory spending. God, not be required to navigate “No business can afford to make On the grass roots level, Ehrich barriers. They want to ask basic purchasing its products difficult,” observes that too few congregations questions of faith, not be embroiled in Ehrich observes. “This is the way are “user-friendly.” never-ending control battles over many churches seem to all but a few “They don’t intend that, but what church property and power.” insiders – user-unfriendly, concerned else happens when an individual or Inquirers and potential converts with processes and power struggles family shows up at church, isn’t wel- seek an encounter with God, not an serving institutional needs, but not comed, cannot find Sunday School, ecclesiastical wrestling match. attuned to the actual needs of doesn’t understand the local protocols, “A few care deeply about who wins people.” cannot follow the service, and seems the latest battle, but most aren’t While quick to add that churches little noticed by people making a bee- interested, especially when the fight may experience such growth-inhibit- line for coffee and cliques,” Ehrich gets in their way,” Ehrich concludes. ors quite unintentionally, Ehrich notes asks. “What else should we expect “Few people will attend a church that that the conflicts that so often domi- when the faith-hungry receive news- is trapped in stale dispute or seems nate Church life, even when combat- letters that focus on money, visit web uninterested in their presence.” ants believe their causes are just, can sites that show buildings and not Now there’s something every send inquirers packing. people, and place telephone calls to parish should think about, knowing “I wish zealots would consider the automated answering systems?” that the nondenominational estab- impact of their fighting,” Ehrich writes, The answer, according to Ehrich, lishment down the street already has adding that the many non-denomina- is that too often the Church is done just that! „ MAY/JUNE 2006 23 Evangelization MISSION “Would you like to learn more about Orthodox Christianity possible!possible!possible! and/or our parish,” and “Would you like a priest to call.” Armed with this information, the priest or appointed lay persons can begin the process of follow-up, which is essential – and most “The fullness of time” effective when accomplished within 24 hours of a visit through a telephone call. FATHER TIMOTHY HOJNICKI Offer a variety of “freebies.” Many visitors know little about Orthodox Christianity or the parish, but would like to MECHANICSBURG, PA – The first time I walked into learn more. Free tracts, pamphlets, booklets, and other introduc- “Mission Central” – the United Methodist disaster distri- tory literature on various aspects of Orthodox Christian faith and bution center, the lobby of which we rent for services at life should be readily available, visibly displayed, and gener- Holy Apostles Mission here – my first flippant thought was, ously distributed. [Nothing can turn a visitor off more than ex- “There’s no way this is going to work!” pecting payment for introductory literature; this is akin to a It was the eve of Pentecost 2005, and it was my very first restaurant requiring a pa- weekend serving at the mis- tron to purchase a menu!] sion. Entering the facility and A series of camera-ready seeing a big lobby full of tracts that can easily be re- tables, chairs, poster boards, produced locally is avail- whimsical decorations, and able from the Orthodox the like, my initial reaction Christian Publications was one of panic: “What am Center [click the OCPC I doing here?!” However, link on the OCA web site within 10 minutes, my new at www.oca.org], while family in Christ, many of the OCA Office of Com- whom I had not yet met, be- munications is complet- gan arriving and started to ing a series of full-color work. I literally was in awe pamphlets that will soon at the way this ordinary room be available in PDF for- was transformed before my mat on the OCA web site. eyes into the abode of the Conciliar Press [www. Glory of God! It is amazing conciliar press.com] also what a few well-placed icons, has a wealth of excellent A growing flock Fr. Timothy Hojnicki with three new a candle or two and some in- introductory resources. converts who embraced Orthodox Christianity on Pascha. cense can do to a place! And It’s also a good idea to de- so our journey together began. velop a “first impression piece” about the parish, listing its minis- “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth tries, services, organizations, and other aspects of the community’s His Son.” This verse from Galatians 4:4 sums up the de- life. velopment of Holy Apostles Mission. In the 1960s, Christ Maintain a presence on the internet. Properly the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, PA – our “Mother Church” utilized, the internet is perhaps the greatest gift to evangelism to – was forming under the leadership of Father Daniel come along in centuries. A simple web site with basic informa- Ressetar. Even within the early stages of the parish’s devel- tion about Orthodox Christianity in general and the parish in opment, the plan for a mission that would one day be planted particular creates a “pre-first impression,” positive or negative, by their parish was being formulated. When the “fullness and can encourage or discourage visitors. A key element in par- of time” arrived, the mission was sent forth to preach, to ish web sites is simplicity. The information a visitor or inquirer is teach, and to baptize; and so here we are today, attempt- likely to want – names, addresses, directions, phone number, ser- ing to bring the fullness of the faith to the people of south- vice times, listing of ministries – should be prominently featured central Pennsylvania. on the home page. On June 22, 2004, the dream for a mission became a It is also crucial to keep a parish web site up-to-date. Clicking reality. With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropoli- a link titled “This Week’s Bulletin,” only to find that the bulletin tan Herman, the faithful of Holy Apostles Mission cel- featured dates back to December 2002, sends a loud and clear ebrated the first Divine Liturgy ever to be served in message about a parish – and it’s not a positive one. Mechanicsburg. The energetic and enthusiastic faithful, In the next issue, we’ll take a look at some of the obstacles that comprised of people from different walks of life, ethnic visitors can – but shouldn’t have to – face. „ backgrounds, and personal journeys of faith, have taken on the heavy burden of starting a new parish in an area where Fr. Tosi is rector of St. Paul Church, Las Vegas, NV, and Orthodoxy is relatively unknown. The mission has been co-chairperson of the OCA Department of Evangelization. Time to 24 24 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 Evangelization B E C O M E Time from 23 The fullness of time whawhatt yyouou are!are! blessed by many talented people, an ex- cellent choir, a competent mission coun- Uncrossing life’s mixed signals cil, and a group of faithful ready and will- ing to manifest the name of Christ to the FATHER DAVID SUBU community. ecome what you are,” Saint Gregory of Sinai wrote in the 14th century. By God’s grace, we have received sev- “B “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be,” Nirvana sang in the eral families from the surrounding area who 1990s. Separated by six centuries, these two passages at first may seem oddly have joined our mission and rejoice that similar. Nirvana’s “Come as you are” presents us with a list of mixed signals, they now have a local Orthodox commu- seemingly contradictory commands, and double talk: “Come as you are, but be nity. This was one of the factors for our want I want you to be; take your time, hurry up, it’s your choice, don’t be late.” On mission’s formation – the long distance the one hand, Nirvana tells us to “be free,” to “express ourselves,” and to “pursue many had to travel to Christ the Saviour our own dreams;” on the other hand, their message is dominated by pressure to Church. We also have received three indi- conform, to submit, to go along with everyone else, to “be yourself as long as you viduals in the last year into the Orthodox fit in, and as long as you don’t offend or hurt others’ feelings.” It is the terrible Church, and there are several others who paradox of a crowd of thousands standing and chanting in meaningless unison: “We are all unique! We are all individuals!” It is the terrible tragedy of a society are preparing to be received in the coming in which the only thing some of us feel we have in common with any-one else is an months. utter sense of isolation – the same pointless emptiness that compelled Nirvana’s Our hope and prayer now is that we will Kurt Cobain to commit suicide well over a decade ago. find a permanent meeting place to set down On the “flip side” we find Saint Gregory of Sinai, a monk living in the desert, roots and form a stable haven for many who instructing us to “become what you are.” Think of what assumptions he had to are seeking the stability and the Truth make in order to utter these words. First, affirms that what we are is essentially that Orthodoxy readily provides. While good, that God made each of us in His own image and likeness. No other creature this is not the easiest task, the faithful are can make this claim, even though the devil tries! Second, he asserts that we often committed to establishing a beacon of faith conceal, deny, or resist our true being and nature. What God created “good” in this community. As Saint Paul wrote cannot lose its goodness, but its goodness can be distorted, hidden, obscured. to the Galatians, we are just waiting for “the How do we lose that likeness? How do we obscure that good image? How do fullness of time” for this next stage in our we fall short of becoming what we are called to be? Think about it. Why do we fall relatively young parish life to manifest it- short of doing anything in this life, or fail to achieve the things we wish, or stop self. before we even start? Is it not because of fear? When I think of the things I regret Almost a year later, I often look back in my life, I recall things I didn’t do or didn’t try because I was afraid. But I also and reflect on my first experiences at Holy know I have forgiveness in Christ Jesus and that He can turn even my misdeeds into valuable lessons. At the same time, the best things I did in my life required me Apostles. Now, setting up the chapel is a to face my fears and to try my best, most of all by putting my trust in the Lord. given – even more efficient due to a dili- I’m sure you can think of all the good and worthwhile things you have already gent crew of organizers and strategists. done in your life and see that one of the main reasons they were so important was Having to setup and take down several because they challenged you to go beyond what you thought you could do, who times during Holy Week and Pascha was you thought you could be – indeed, to “become what you are…” This is how our less than fun. But the joy in experiencing fears sabotage us. Our fear tells us, “You could never do that,” or “They’ll never my first Pascha here with a loving commu- approve/accept you,” or “That’s just not the kind of person you are....” nity made all that seem trivial. I cannot Only God knows what kind of person we are capable of becoming. Only His stress enough how amazing it is for a simple acceptance matters. And He wants us to become who we are, and stop hiding our room to have the feel of the greatest cathe- beauty from Him and the world! Everything He has, He shares with us – and, in dral with a little effort, love, and a whole fact, He is already doing just this, whether we know it or not! „ lot of prayer! Even now, when I meet with the supervisor at “Mission Central” to dis- cuss meeting dates, I still make the Sign of food for thought... the Cross knowing that in this mild man- 1 What do I really believe about God and His relationship to me? How does nered place the Divine Mysteries are cel- that belief affect my everyday decisions? My ability to say no to temptation? ebrated weekly. 2 What do I believe about myself? How did I get that idea? Do I really believe Please remember our mission in your that God “thinks and feels” the same way? Why or why not? prayers as we strive to follow the example 3 In order to become the best Christian I can be, what beliefs about myself of our patrons, the Holy Apostles, by mani- and God do I need to challenge, change, or reject? How can I begin making festing the name of Christ in South Central the changes I need to make? Pennsylvania. Q MAY/JUNE 2006 25 Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry Arts contest winners announced Youth explore theme through artwork, creative writing, and music

inners in the 2006 “Celebration of Faith” creative arts Church, Lansing, MI, received an honorable mention. contest were announced at the Fellowship of Ortho- Danielle Jurichko, Saint Mary Cathedral, Minneapolis, W dox Christians in America’s national basketball tour- MN, received an honorable mention in the photography competi- nament hosted by Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, tion. OH on the weekend after Holy Pascha. All entries were displayed at the tournament, in which over The annual contest is conducted in cooperation with the 400 youth and adults participated. Winners received a $100 US Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young savings bond from the FOCA. Adult, and Campus Ministry. All youth, regardless of the juris- All entries may be viewed on the FOCA web site at diction to which they belong, were invited to submit entries www.orthodoxfellowship.org. „ based on the contest theme, “Our Church and the Future: Become What You Are.” In the visual arts category, Alexis Steffaro, Saints Peter and Paul Church, South River, NJ, took first place in the under 10 division. Ibtisam Matta, Saint Andrew Church, Lansing, MI; Alastriona Kroll, Holy Myrrhbearers Mis- sion, St. Cloud, MN; and Jelena Paripovic, also of Saint Andrew Church, Lansing, won in the fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and tenth through twelfth grade categories. Aleksandra Petelski, Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY, won first place in the fourth through sixth grade literature competition, while Rafael Perez of the same parish won the seventh through ninth grade honor. Alexandra Gregory, Saints Peter and Paul Church, South River, NJ, received an honorable mention in the tenth through twelfth grade division. Winning first place in the under 10 music division was Daniel Ames, Holy Transfiguration Church, Livo- nia, MI. Anna Jensky, Saint Stephen Cathedral, Phila- delphia, PA, took first place in the tenth through twelfth grade division, while Nevena Paripovic, Saint Andrew

Alastriona Kroll’s winning watercolor [above] was among the many entries viewed by youth at the FOCA national basketball tournament [left] on the weekend after Pascha. Pope drops “Patriarch of the West” title, meaning...

Bishop Hilarion of Vienna In the Byzantine epoch, there were unity, according to many Orthodox theo- four Eastern Patriarchates: Constantin- logians, is the teaching on the primacy he mass media recently reported ople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusa- of the Bishop of Rome. It is this teach- that in the 2006 edition of Annu- lem. The Patriarchate of Rome was con- ing that will be discussed in the frame- T ario Pontificio, the Pope’s title sidered as “first among equals” in the work of the Mixed Commission. “Patriarch of the West” has been dropped. diptychs up until 1054, when the eccle- In this context unacceptable and even Now the official list of titles includes siastical relations between East and West scandalous, from the Orthodox point of “Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, were interrupted. Thus, in the West, there view, are precisely those titles that re- Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, was only one Patriarchate of Rome, while main in the list, i.e. “Vicar of Jesus Christ, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, in the East, there were four Patriarchates. Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metro- The Patriarchate of the West, together Supreme Pontiff of the Universal politan of the Roman Province, Sover- with the four Eastern Patriarchates, con- Church.” According to Orthodox teach- eign of the State of the Vatican City,” stituted the so-called “pentarchy.” ing, Christ has no “vicar” who would and “Servant of the Servants of God.” It is the title “Bishop of Rome” that govern the universal Church in His name. Some analysts saw in this omission remains the most acceptable for the Or- The title “Successor of the Prince of the desire to improve the relations with thodox Churches, since it points to the the Apostles” refers to the Roman Catho- the Orthodox Church. The former pre- Pope’s role as diocesan bishop of the city lic teaching on the primacy of Peter that fect of the Congregation for the Oriental of Rome. The title “Archbishop and was passed on to the Bishop of Rome Churches, Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, Metropolitan of the Roman Province” and that submitted to him the universal is reported to have said that the deletion shows that the Pope’s jurisdiction in- Church. This teaching has been criti- was a “sign of ecumenical sensitivity” cludes not only the city of Rome, but cized in Orthodox polemical literature on the part of Pope Benedict. The cardi- also the province. The title “Primate of from Byzantine time onwards. nal said that in the past some people used Italy” indicates that the Bishop of Rome The title “Supreme Pontiff” [Pontifex the title to provoke negative compari- is “first among equals” among the bish- Maximus] originally belonged to the pa- sons between the claims of universal ju- ops of Italy, i.e., using Orthodox lan- gan emperors of Rome. It was not re- risdiction by the worldwide “Patriarch- guage, Primate of a Local Church. With jected by Emperor Constantine when he ate of the West” and the more restricted this understanding, neither of the three converted to Christianity. With relation size and jurisdiction of the traditional titles would pose any problem for the to the Pope of Rome, the title “Supreme Orthodox patriarchates. According to the Orthodox in case of the reestablishment Pontiff of the Universal Church” points cardinal, the Pope’s gesture “is meant to of the Eucharistic communion between to the Pope’s universal jurisdiction, stimulate the ecumenical journey.” East and West. which is not and will never be recognized However, it is not at all clear how the The model of Church unity between by the Orthodox Churches. It is precisely removal of the title could possibly ame- East and West will be discussed by the this title that should have been dropped liorate Catholic-Orthodox relations. It Mixed Catholic-Orthodox Theological first, had the move been motivated by seems that the omission of the title “Pa- Commission that will meet after a six- the quest for “ecumenical progress” and triarch of the West” is meant to confirm year break in the fall of 2006. It is clear desire for amelioration of the Catholic- the claim to universal Church jurisdic- that this model will be hypothetic, since Orthodox relations. „ tion that is reflected in the Pope’s other there remain many obstacles, both of titles, and if the Orthodox reaction to the dogmatic and of ecclesiological charac- Bishop Hilarion [Alfayev] is the gesture will not be positive, it should ter, for the restoration of the full com- Representative of the Russian Orthodox not be a surprise. munion. However, the main obstacle to Church to the European Institutions.

Education from 21 she mentions. She says that children need prayer, good role- modeling, love, sound guidance, and discipline. In addition, Walking in wonder adults must refuse to “abandon offspring to the influences of an oping compassion, and then faith, with the same practical but anti-Christian culture” and must establish and protect an envi- deeply spiritual advice she offers in the topics presented in the ronment that “nurtures the spiritual life and allows it to thrive.” book’s earlier chapters. Anyone who agrees that these things are essential for the For each of the book’s chapters there are suggested activities, spiritual growth and development of children and who wants to and at the beginning of each there is a series of objectives, or improve his or her parenting and nurturing skills would benefit things that the reader should realize after reading the chapter. from reading and taking to heart the wise counsel in Walking in These make the book easy to follow and offer the reader points to Wonder. look for while going through its pages. Another excellent feature Walking in Wonder can be ordered on-line at www. is the set of end notes, which offer a good bibliography. conciliarpress.com. „ We might summarize Walking in Wonder by quoting Ms. White’s own words about what a child needs adults to provide in Valerie Zahirsky, a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, is order that the child can find and stay on that “path to God” cochair of the OCA Department of Christian Education. MAY/JUNE 2006 27 WorldBriefs

C Z E C H R E P U B L I C & S L O V A K I A G R E A T B R I T A I N Archbishop Christopher elected Moscow Patriarchate Primate of Czech-Slovak Church retires Bishop Basil of Sergievo is Eminence, Archbishop Christo- saw the work of the Church’s Metropoli- pher of Prague and the Czech Lands tan Council. is Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy II of Mos- Hwas enthroned as the Primate of the A participant in numerous theological H cow and All Rus retired His Grace, Autocephalous Orthodox Church of the conferences, Metropolitan Christopher is Bishop Basil of Sergievo, who since the Czech Lands and Slovakia at death of His Eminence, Metro- Saints Cyril and Methodius politan Anthony [Bloom] had Cathedral, Prague, on Sunday, served as administrator of the May 26, 2006. Patriarchate’s British Diocese Archbishop Christopher of Sourozh. was elected at an all-Church The Patriarch’s action came council on May 2. He succeeds in response to Bishop Basil’s His Beatitude, Metropolitan expressed desire to leave the Nikolaj, who entered eternal Moscow Patriarchate and align rest on January 30, 2006 after himself and those clergy and a lengthy illness. parishes of the Sourozh Dio- Metropolitan Christopher cese wishing to follow him with was born in Prague in 1953. the Ecumenical Patriarchate of He was ordained to the dia- Constantinople. conate and priesthood in 1974. Patriarch Aleksy’s decision He completed his studies at to retire Bishop Basil was an- the Orthodox Theological nounced in London’s Cathe- Faculty in Presov, Czechoslo- dral of the Dormition and All vakia, in 1979. He pursued OCA represented at enthronement Saints on Sunday, May 14, graduate studies at the Mos- 2006. rchimandrite Zacchaeus [right], dean of the OCA’s cow Theological Academy, In a letter to Patriarch Ale- A Representation Church of Saint Catherine in from which he graduated in ksy that triggered the action, Moscow, represented His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman 1984. In 1987, he completed Bishop Basil had complained and the Orthodox Church in America at the enthronement additional theological studies that the Moscow Patriarchate of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Christopher, in Prague at the Theological Faculty of favored ministry to recent im- May 28, 2006. He joined representatives of all the University of Athens, migrants from the former Soviet autocephalous Orthodox Churches at the celebration. Greece. Union at the expense of the At a festive banquet following the enthronement Liturgy, In 1985, he was tonsured to descendents of earlier immigra- Archimandrite Zacchaeus read the congratulatory monastic orders at the Holy tions and the growing number message of Metropolitan Herman and presented a Trinity-Saint Sergius Monas- of British converts desiring to panagia, a gift from the Orthodox Church in America, tery in Sergiev-Posad [then worship in English. It is esti- to Metropolitan Christopher. „ known as Zagorsk], Russia, „ mated that since the collapse taking the name Christopher. of communion, some 100,000 Two years later, His Beatitude, Metro- well known for his pursuits in the fields of immigrants from the former USSR had made politan Dorotheus, Primate of the Ortho- theology and philosophy. He is fluent in Great Britain their new home. dox Church of Czechoslovakia, elevated several languages, including Russian, Replacing Bishop Basil is His Emi- him to the rank of archimandrite. In Greek, German, and English. nence, Archbishop Innocent, who heads 1988, he was consecrated to the episco- Upon learning of Archbishop the Moscow Patriarchate’s parishes in pacy and elected Bishop of Olomouc and Christopher’s election, His Beatitude, Met- France. Archbishop Innocent was also ap- Brno. ropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox pointed to head a commission to investi- After the repose of Metropolitan Doro- Church in America, sent congratulatory gate the problems and tensions the Sourozh theus in 2000, he was named Archbishop greetings on behalf of the clergy and faith- Diocese has been facing for a number of of Prague and the Czech Lands and over- ful of the Church. „ Source: OCA years. „ Source: ENI 28 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6 NorthAmerica

does not so much modify or even weaken marriage as abolish it. The danger this be- The union of man and woman tokens for family life and a general condi- tion of social justice and ordered liberty is hard to overestimate. Metropolitan Herman, Archbishop Demetrios “Therefore, we take the unprecedented among US religious leaders affirming marriage stand of uniting to call for a constitutional amendment to establish a uniform national as “a universal, covenantal union of a man and definition of marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman. We are woman intended for personal love, support and convinced that this is the only measure that will adequately protect marriage from those fulfillment, and the bearing and rearing of who would circumvent the legislative pro- cess and force a redefinition of it on the children.” whole of our society. We encourage all citizens of good will across the country to is Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman stressed by the world’s great monotheistic step forward boldly and exercise their right of the Orthodox Church in America religious traditions and is, today, increas- to work through our constitutionally es- H and His Eminence, Archbishop ingly confirmed by impeccable social sci- tablished democratic procedures to amend Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Arch- ence research. the Constitution to include a national defi- diocese of America were among dozens of “Long concerned with rates of divorce, nition of marriage. We hereby announce US religious leaders who issued a strongly out-of-wedlock births, and absentee fa- our support for S.J. Res.1, the Marriage Pro- worded letter defending traditional mar- thers, we have recently watched with ex- tection Amendment. riage on April 26, 2006. treme alarm the growing trend of some “May God bless all marriages and all The complete text of the letter reads as courts to make marriage something it is those who labor to protect the sanctity and follows. not: an elastic concept able to accommo- promote the goodness of marriage through- “Throughout America, the institution date almost any individual preference. This out this nation.” „ of marriage is suffering. As leaders in our nation’s religious communities, we cannot sit idly by. It is our duty to speak. And so Ground broken for OCMC training center across the lines of theological division, we have united to affirm, in one voice, the fol- rthodox Christian At the festive lun- lowing: O mission efforts cheon that followed, “For millennia our societies have rec- abroad received a major Bishop Dimitrios high- ognized the union of a man and a woman boost on May 5, 2006, as lighted the historic sig- in the bond of marriage. Cross-culturally ground-breaking cer- nificance of the event, virtually every known human society un- emonies for the Ortho- noting that the new derstands marriage as a union of male and dox Christian Mission building – the first per- female. As such marriage is a universal, Center’s new missionary manent building erect- natural, covenantal union of a man and a training and support cen- ed by a SCOBA agency woman intended for personal love, support ter were celebrated by – will strengthen Or- and fulfillment, and the bearing and rear- His Grace Dimitrios of thodox missionary out- ing of children. Sanctioned by and or- Xanthos, general secre- reach. As such, he dained of God, marriage both precedes and tary of the Standing Con- noted, the missionary sustains civil society. ference of the Canonical training center will serve “Marriage is particularly important for Orthodox Bishops in the Bishop Dimitrios of as a physical symbol of the rearing of children as they flourish best Americas. Xanthos blesses site for the unity that exists be- under the long term care and nurture of their The day opened with new OCMC training center. tween the various Or- father and mother. For this and other rea- an overcast sky, but as thodox jurisdictions in sons, when marriage is entered into and the ground breaking services began, the the US. gotten out of lightly, when it is no longer sun shone brightly. Faithful from Ortho- The Rev. Luke Veronis, OCMC mis- the boundary of sexual activity, or when it dox communities throughout the country sionary for ten years in Albania and Africa, is allowed to be radically redefined, a host joined local dignitaries, OCMC benefac- elaborated on the building’s significance. of personal and civic ills can be expected tors, board members, staff, and missionar- He spoke of how the center will play an to follow. Such a point has always been ies, to mark the historic day. important role in inspiring and preparing MAY/JUNE 2006

future missionaries for cross-cultural min- istry. The ground breaking event was held in conjunction with OCMC’s semiannual board of directors meeting May 3 – 5. The board is composed of 46 clergy and laity representing SCOBA’s member jurisdic- tions. More information on OCMC’s interna- tional missionary programs and a com- plete photo gallery of the ground breaking Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Christopher hosts SCOBA hierarchs at ceremonies may be found at www.ocmc. New York City’s St. Sava Cathedral. org. „

The Very Rev. David Brum, secretary tion of the Serbian Orthodox Church to the SCOBA hierarchs to His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, US. represented the Metropolitan at the meet- Also attending the meeting were His plan October ing. Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, Greek His Eminence, Metropolitan Christo- Orthodox Archdiocese of America, SCOBA 2006 gathering pher of the Serbian Orthodox Church in chairman; His Eminence, Archbishop An- the USA and Canada, hosted the meeting thony, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the t a May 2, 2006 meeting of the Stand- at New York City’s Saint Sava Cathedral. USA; His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph, A ing Conference of Canonical Ortho- Besides regular agenda items – reports Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church; His dox Bishops in the Americas [SCOBA], from the Orthodox Christian Mission Cen- Eminence, Archbishop Nicolae, Roman- member hierarchs and jurisdictional repre- ter, International Orthodox Christian ian Orthodox Archdiocese of America and sentatives were briefed on the theme, lec- Charities, and other SCOBA agencies – the Canada; His Grace, Bishop Basil, Antioch- turers, and coordinators of the forthcom- hierarchs and representatives expressed ian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of ing pan-Orthodox conference of all Ameri- concern for the suffering Serbian faithful North America; and His Grace, Bishop can Bishops, slated to convene in Chicago in Kosovo and Metohija and discussed Dimitrios of Xanthos, SCOBA general sec- October 3-6, 2006. the spring 2006 visit of an official delega- retary. „

ROCOR hierarchs adopt draft of act of Bishops’ purview would be made in of canonical communion with MP agreement with the Patriarch of Moscow and the Holy Synod of the Russian Or- he Council of Bishops of the Rus- was instructed “to reach agreement on thodox Church. T sian Orthodox Church Outside of the joint publication of the draft ‘Act on The “Act on Canonical Communion” Russia [ROCOR], which met under the Canonical Communion’ even before its will take force upon its adoption by both chairmanship of ROCOR’s first hierarch, final confirmation in order to inform the the Holy Synod of the Russian Ortho- His Eminence, Metropolitan Laurus of clergy and flock in both parts of the Rus- dox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate Eastern America and New York in San sian Church of its contents,” the report and the ROCOR Synod of Bishops. Francisco May 15-19, 2006 after the says. ROCOR hierarchs issued an epistle conclusion of the IV All-Diaspora Coun- The enactment of the document will to the faithful at the end of their session, cil one week earlier, adopted and ap- mark the restoration of the full-scale ca- highlights of which read as follows. proved a draft “Act on Canonical Com- nonical communion between ROCOR • “Basing our decision upon the sup- munion with the Moscow Patriarchate and the Moscow Patriarchate, headed by port of the IV All-Diaspora Council and [MP],” as reported on ROCOR’s web site. His Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy II of Mos- expressing its unanimous desire, we have The draft was adopted despite certain cow and All Rus. taken certain positive steps towards points that have yet to be resolved. The ROCOR would be independent in achieving the desired ecclesiastical formal signing of the final version of the pastoral, administrative, economic, prop- peace within our Local Russian Ortho- document has been conferred upon the erty, and civil matters. The Council of dox Church. With God’s help, general Synod of Bishops. Bishops would be vested with the su- agreement has been reached on the In addition, the Commission on dis- preme authority within the ROCOR. step-by-step development of canonical cussions with the Moscow Patriarchate Decisions beyond the ROCOR Council ROCOR to 30 30 VOLUME 42 „ 5/6

Spirit from 5 ROCOR from 29 Challenged by a blessing ROCOR hierarchs adopt draft 1. Our faith continually grows and develops. Have we among and Eucharistic communion between the sundered parts of the us some who haven’t made an honest commitment to Christ? Let one Russian Church. The Commission on talks with the corre- us find them – not to criticize or humiliate them, but to shore up sponding Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church of the their convictions. When we offer the invitation, “Let us lift up Moscow Patriarchate has been given specific tasks for immediate our hearts,” are some of us sunk in despair or fluctuating between consideration at the next joint session to resolve remaining ques- service to God and a commitment to the things of the earth? We tions. can’t move on to the Kingdom while leaving some of us behind. • “It has become especially clear to us what we were witnesses 2. Our love for one another increases the longer we go on of the visible influence of the Holy Spirit upon the members of the worshipping our loving Lord in the Liturgy. It has to mean some- IV All-Diaspora Council, which revealed to us that unity in Truth thing that our being together is not an accident. Everything is and love is the will of God, and all human endeavors must submit part of the Lord’s greater plan. He wants us to know one another to it. We do not intend to idealize the situation; without a doubt, and to pass our love through our parish. Maybe we were brought there are problems in both parts of the Russian Church which to church by loving parents, and we now come as a “duty.” Per- demand correction. Let us then heed Christ, Who said to us: ‘And haps our spouse is caught up in the Spirit and we simply tag why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but along. By our love for the lukewarm, we can fire up these souls. considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?’ [Matthew 7:3], 3. And our faith, embraced by love, goes on and on. There is and act in accordance with the instruction of the Apostle [Paul]: no end to our commitment. In this time of transition, in which so “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” many promises fail fulfillment, marriages dissolve, youngsters [Galatians 6:2]. lose their affection for their parents, and so many think that they • “We, the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside can go through life scrapping old obligations like used kleenex, of Russia, are not simply attempting to capture and take into let us strive to make God’s Church the one stable refuge where His consideration the mood of our flock, in order to maneuver upon children will go on maturing and developing from one age and the waves of ever-changing majority opinion, but must more than stage to another, filled with the awareness that Jesus never fails, anything else seek the will of God will in prayerful concentration, nor do His followers. and in the spirit and not the letter of the Gospel, of the Holy It’s an overwhelming privilege to be a member of the People Fathers and of the Church Canons.... A pastoral approach dictates of God called “Orthodox Christian.” May it be not a boast, but a that we proceed prudently upon the path of reconciliation with self-evident fact that this spiritual community manifests the faith- the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, so as fulness, affections, and constancy Saint Paul proposed to the not to ‘break a bruised reed’ [Matthew 12:20]; yet prudence by no Church of Thessalonica, and may each member of every parish means signifies a reversal of direction or a setting aside of the take as a personal commitment making this happen. Q God-pleasing task of reconciliation. No deadlines established or prescribed by anyone dictate our actions. We intend to achieve Visit the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards the unity of the Russian Church without delay, upon the satisfac- tory and mutually acceptable resolution of remaining problems. link at www.oca.org to learn how you They are well known and clearly outlined. We have no intention and your parish can help expand of putting forth new pretensions. the work of the OCA’s departments! • “And so, we turn to our dear flock with the prayerful call to set aside quarrels and differences, and to join together for the Witness from 18 salvific task of reestablishing the unity of the Russian Church. As King Solomon said: ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth Giving the gift of literacy all sins’ [Proverbs 10:12]. The Word of God teaches us that the of the entire parish. Inform parishioners of students’ needs for times are changing: ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to food, financial and legal assistance, clothing, furniture, and friend- every purpose under the heaven’ [Ecclesiastes 3:1]. There was a ship! In one midwest parish that has offered literacy classes for time for resistance; now the time has come for reconciliation. The several years, a student informed his teacher that his sister in Mexico world which lies in sin requires testimony to our unity, to the fact was in need of, but could not afford, a wheel chair. The teacher that we who are in the diaspora and our brothers and sisters in our informed the parish clergy, who brought the need to the attention renascent Homeland are truly ‘of one body, and one Spirit... one of the faithful. A special collection was taken to purchase the Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Who is wheel chair, after which the student and his entire family attended above all, and through all, and in you all’ [Ephesians 4:4-6]. And the Sunday Liturgy to thank the parishioners for their generosity, we archpastors appeal to you, our flock beloved of God-beloved, thereby “putting a face” on those being helped by the parish. imploring you, in the words of the Apostle, ‘that ye walk worthy Never overlook the fact that, while the vast majority of parish- of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and ioners may not be able to volunteer to teach, they certainly can meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, get involved in providing assistance to needy students and to the endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ follow-up ministries that will surely emerge. Q [Ephesians 4:1-3].” Q Source: ROCOR, Interfax MAY/JUNE 2006 31 Communities

FOCA hosts leadership seminar Indiana scout receives A-O award

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH – Eighteen young adults MERRILLVILLE, IN – Archbishop Job of Chicago and the representing the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in Midwest recently presented the Alpha-Omega scouting America’s Midwest, New Jersey, and Colonial districts award to Samuel Ely of participated in a leadership training seminar at Archangel the Protection of the Vir- Michael Church here on April 28, 2006. gin Mary Church here. The seminar was held in conjunction with the FOCA’s na- Sam completed the tional basketball tournament during the last weekend of April. program under the guid- At the FOCA’s 2005 national convention, it was decided ance of Fr. Peter Bod- that the organization’s executive board should sponsor the nar, rector. seminar to inform, inspire, encourage, and support the An altar boy, Sam is development and involvement of future leaders of the FOCA. very active in Church The presenters – Michael G. Herzak, Laura F. Johnson, life. He regularly attends Paul Fedoronko, Michael Steffaro, Robert Steffaro, and Dr. St. Vladimir Camp in Alice Woog – brought a wide variety of experience to the Ohio and serves as vice seminar as former FOCA presidents, district governors, and president of GOYA national committee members. chapter at SS. Constan- The seminar featured a powerpoint presentation address- Samuel Ely receives award tine and Helen Greek ing leadership needs on the district and national levels; from Archbishop Job. Orthodox Church, reviewed the responsibilities of leaders and board of trustee Merrillville, IN. Q members; and explored the qualifications required for those pursuing leadership positions. Also reviewed were the characteristics of effective leaders; ways leadership in the Michigan scout achieves Eagle FOCA can enhance and support leadership in a chosen rank, receives A-O award profession, the Church, and other community activities; tips for getting involved in leadership positions; the need to ROCHESTER understand and employ parliamentary procedures; and HILLS, MI – points for conducting effective meetings. Steven Sack, a ”The dialogue among the participants and with the member of St. presenters was informative and engaging,” according to Dr. Mark Church Woog. “This group of young adults demonstrated a sincere here, recently interest in understanding the operation of the FOCA and learn- achieved ing how to develop their talents and interests as potential scouting’s high- leaders of the FOCA and Orthodoxy in North America.” est rank – Eagle Plans for another leadership training seminar in the Scout – and re- future will be discussed by members of the FOCA executive ceived the Alpha board at their summer 2006 meeting. Q Omega Orthodox scouting award. Former FOCA president Michael Herzak shares his A member of experiences with young adults. Washington Township Boy Steven Sack with Scout Troop 256, Fr. Andrew Yavornitzky. Steven designed, planned, and lead others in landscaping St. Mark Church as an Eagle Scout requirement. Work consisted in developing flower beds, planting shrubs and perennial flowers, and trumming with mulch. Downspouts and drainage were rede- signed and a concrete cross was fabricated and installed in the garden area. Steven solicited the help of other St. Mark youth and parishioners. Presenting the Alpha-Omega award to Steven was Fr. Andrew Yavornitzky, rector. In addition to his scouting activities, Steven has been an altar server for 10 years. He plans to remain active in the life John Mindala John of the parish when he begins his college studies in the fall.Q 32 Communities Send photos and news to TOC Communities, One Wheaton Center 912, Wheaton, IL 60187 or to [email protected].

STS choir visits Chicago area BURR RIDGE, IL – The choir of St. Tikhon’s Seminary sang responses at services at two suburban Chicago parishes during the first weekend of May. On Saturday, May 6, the choir sang the responses at Great Vespers at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Burr Ridge, IL. Archbishop Job and several Chicago deanery clergy concelebrated with Fr. Stephen Karaffa, rector. The following morning, hundreds of faithful filled St. Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL, as the seminary choir sang the responses at the hierarchical Divine Liturgy at which Arch- The Holy Myrrhbearers sisterhood with Archbishop bishop Job, assisted by the parish clergy, presided. The Anthony and several of the concelebrating clergy during seminarians were honored at a banquet after the Liturgy the community’s annual pilgrimage. and were treated to an evening of sight-seeing in Chicago. Fr. Michael Dahulich, STS dean, accompanied the choir. Over $4,000 was collected by faithful of the two parishes Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery for the ongoing needs and work of the seminary. Q celebrates 29th anniversary OTEGO, NY – His Eminence, Archbishop Anthony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA presided at services during the annual pilgrimage to Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery here May 6-7, 2006. Archbishop Anthony also tonsured the community’s newest entrant, Sr. Mary, to the rank of riassophore. Also participating in the pilgrimage were Frs. John Udics, Stephen Kopestonsky, Vincent Saverino, Jason Kap- panadze, John Eissmann [Sr. Mary’s parish priest], Zenovyi Zharsky, Frank Estocin, and Timothy Holowatch, together with the faithful of the neighboring St. Innocent Mission and many, many pilgrims from neighboring parishes. “We’ve completed 29 years of community life on that week- end,” said Mother Raphaela, abbess, “and we look forward to next year’s 30th anniversary. Q