Volume 50 No. 6 June 2006 VOLUME 50 NO. 6 JUNE 2006

COVER contents FROM THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES CHAPEL of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Los Angeles

3 EDITORIAL by Very Rev. John Abdalah

4 AN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT ON THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS by Fr. Michel Najim

6 THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES CHAPEL by Charles Ajalat

10 THE AUTHENTICITY OF The Most Reverend IN A POST-MODERN WORLD Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. by Andrew Nova Primate The Right Reverend Bishop ANTOUN 13 THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT The Right Reverend Bishop JOSEPH 15 THE FELLOWSHIP OF The Right Reverend ST. JOHN THE DIVINE Bishop BASIL The Right Reverend 17 PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT Bishop THOMAS The Right Reverend Bishop MARK 25 THE ORTHODOX WORLD The Right Reverend Bishop ALEXANDER 26 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE Founded in Arabic as Al Kalimat in 1905 29 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION by Raphael (Hawaweeny) Founded in English as The WORD in 1957 by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) Editor in Chief The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min. Assistant Editor Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Ronald Nicola Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. name and parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clar- Design Director Donna Griffin Albert ity and space. All submissions, in hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. Member The Associated Press ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Conciliar Press U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Ecumenical News International Foreign Countries, $26.00 Orthodox Press Service Single Copies, $3.00 Editorial Office: THE WORD (USPS626-260), published monthly except July and August, The WORD by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 635 Miranda Drive 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at additional mailing offices. e-mail: [email protected] Postmaster send address changes to: THE WORD, 358 Mountain Road, FAX: 1-412-831-5554 PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 Subscription Office: ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. 358 Mountain Road PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 2 The Word editor’s letter The Victory of Surrender In this issue of The WORD, there are several articles that deal with knowing God. Ultimately, to know God, and to open ourselves to recognizing that God knows us, we must surrender to God. In our competitive society, sur- render often has negative connotations, but when it comes to our relationship with God, we have the ultimate par- adox. Surrendering to God leads to salvation. Surrendering to God means sharing with Him His victory over death. Surrendering to God means peace, consolation and joy. Surrender means we win. Not to surrender means being enslaved by passion, habits and other influences of the fallen world. We are often aware when we face temptations from the enemies outside of ourselves. We sometimes recognize how busyness threatens our ability to pray and to be one with God. We sometimes are aware of the effects of sen- suous images that bombard us in almost everything that we see, everywhere we go. We even recognize our pas- sions when we become angry with one another. Yet, somehow we are blind to our internal fears and our mistrust of God, which threatens our relationship with Him. It should be no surprise that we mistrust God. After all, when we trust each other, and sometimes even our- selves, we are often disappointed. We have been disappointing each other and ourselves all of our lives. Yet God is ultimately not like us. Even though we were created to be like Him, He is not like us. He is uncreated, perfect love. We rebel; He does not. We get tired; He does not. We get bored and shift our priorities; He does not. God loves per- fectly, He is good, He calls us to salvation and He will not change His mind! We try to be like Him, often with great success, but a pot is not like the potter, nor is a painting, even a self-portrait, really like the artist. Our disap- pointments at the hands of each other must not be the basis of our level of trust for God. Trust is taught. We have learned not to trust because of failing one another. Now we must be untaught and then re-taught when it comes to trusting God. I believe that, like any other kind of learning, trusting God happens and grows with practice. We can make conscious efforts to identify things in which we think we can trust God, and then see that God will not fail us. Now, I know that we cannot test or manipulate God, and I even know that God will not always agree with me about what I think is best for me; yet I have learned that trusting God grows with every effort and experience. Only when I have failed myself and reached out to God have I found peace and joy. Only by surrendering my own will have I come to trust and have life. Self-reliance is valued highly in our culture. Surely, such self-reliance has its benefits and place. However, when it lets us think that we are ultimately self-reliant and don't need God, we lose God, peace and salvation. When we set our self-reliance aside in favor of surrendering to God, in everything, we find God. Perhaps, more accurately said, we recognize how God has found us. By living in this relationship of knowing each other, we will be more in reality, recognizing our needs and our limits, as well as the power and abilities of God. God has been working for our salvation from the beginning of creation. It is an awesome thing to fall into the loving arms of the Lord. Surrendering is the only way to victory. I pray that your time with the thoughts and images of this issue of The WORD will bring you to know God bet- ter, and to have the courage to surrender to our loving Savior.

by Fr. John Abdalah

The Word 3 An Antiochian Christian Viewpoint on the Gospel of Judas

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet you all with the Paschal greeting: Christ is Risen! Please pray for one another on the road towards Holy Pascha in the great joy and light of the Resurrection. For my part, I pray that this Holy Pascha will strengthen you and all the faithful to spread the spirit of philanthropy and self-sacrifice, so that our Risen Lord Christ will always reign in human hearts. In spite of the media’s relentless avalanche of anti-Christian propa- ganda concerning our Lord, I am confident that you are standing firm in your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Battling for our Orthodox Faith, which bears the Truth of Who Jesus Christ is, we must remain undismayed by attacks that the media launches against the accuracy and veracity of the four Gospels. The controversial publication of the Gospel of Judas, just a week before we celebrate Christ’s resurrection at , is sure to scan- dalize any faithful Christian. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the media is fascinated by Gnostic ideas that were popular in the days of early . Consequently, the media is seeking to resurrect these defunct ideas with this so-called Gospel of Judas as Christians celebrate the true Resurrection. Orthodox Christians, however, believe that the truth of the four Gospels stands eternally unwa- vering. We retain strong confidence in the authenticity of the and, in particular, of the four Gospels. Unfortunately, any discovery of an ancient text, especially one rejected by the early Church, is lavished with all kinds of media attention. This recent “new gospel,” better entitled the Judas Document, is neither “good news” (the meaning of Gospel) nor was it written by Judas Iscariot — nor is it even particularly “new.” Although this ancient manuscript was recent- ly found by some Egyptian peasants in the mid- to late-1970s, it was well known by the early . In fact, the Gospel of Judas was roundly condemned and refuted by the Fathers. For example, St. Irenaeus (ca. 125-202), bishop of Lyons, in his book Against Heresies mentions the doctrines of a Gnostic sect known as “Cainites,” who declared that Cain (the son of Adam who murdered his brother, Abel, in a fit of envy) and all of the “evil” characters of the Old Testament were to be venerated because of their “persecution” by God. According to historians, this sect never had many adherents, and by the beginning of the third century AD, Hippolytus of Rome barely mentions them while listing the heretical groups of that time.

4 The Word The final words on the last page of the codex read: Gospel of Judas. National Geographic Society © 2006

In the so-called Gospel of Judas, Jesus refers to Gnostic concepts such as “aeons” and the “eternal realm” of “emanations.” He explains the so-called eso- teric mysteries of the cos- mos, and He teaches about “the error of the stars; and … sent it … on the twelve aeons.” This document The Cainite heresy asserts that there are some sins that thus creates a false synthesis of ancient mythology and even Christ cannot cleanse with His blood, and that the scars Christian theology, syncretizing elements from many differ- left on the body and the soul by old transgressions are some- ent religions, Christianity being merely one of these. For this times so deep that they cannot be removed by the healing reason, this text is neither reliable nor authoritative, and it grace provided by Christ. What else is this but to say that contradicts historically and theologically the Faith once and Christ died in vain? St. Irenaeus reveals that this sect for all delivered unto the . produced the fictitious Gospel of Judas, now trumpeted St. Athanasius declared of our four canonical Gospels: everywhere in the media. While talk-shows and magazines “Let no man add to these, neither let him take out from assume this Gnostic text somehow gives us a glimpse at the these.” Whatever ancient document comes to light either now “real” Jesus, in reality this fanciful narrative reveals more or in the future, it cannot undermine the authority of the four about the ancient Cainites (and the modern media) than it inspired canonical Gospels, which were established forever in does about Christ. the biblical by the Church in its Ecumenical Councils. The Gnostics put emphasis on the dualism between the For this reason, the falsely-titled Gospel of Judas, written material and spiritual worlds. For this reason, Judas, accord- long after Judas’ death, does not merit the name “gospel.” ing to this “Gospel,” is selected to free Jesus from his physi- In celebrating the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, cal body, so that He can enter the spiritual world. Judas, my beloved brethren in the Lord, we need to carry today’s therefore, performed a service to Jesus by betraying Him to cross; for without the Cross there is no Resurrection. Our bib- those who could then crucify Him. Thus, He “liberated” Jesus lical and liturgical texts for are the greatest reply from His physical body, freeing Him to become pure spirit. we could give to the Gnostics of our time. Be assured that the Consequently, according to this Gnostic text, the enemies of the canonical Gospels will be “scattered like the Resurrection of our Lord’s body does not matter, but only that smoke” and will “melt like the wax before fire!” of the spirit. This is so preposterous that I will not even waste Christ is Risen! Truly, He is risen! any Christian’s time by explaining why this is false. The word gnostic derives from the Greek word for knowl- by Father Michel Najim edge, “gnosis.” Thus, Gnostics focus on secret and mysteri- Father Michel Najim is Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA. ous knowledge. In this document Jesus reveals secrets to Judas that have been kept hidden from the rest of humanity.

The Word 5 TheThe CloudCloud ofof WitnessesWitnesses ChapelChapel

6 The Word “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [saints], let us lay aside every earthly care and … run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” (Heb. 12:1-2).

The Word 7 The Cloud of Witnesses Chapel at St. Nicholas Cathedral, included four very large pictures. Los Angeles, was recently completed, filling a small entry The parish distributed a brochure containing (1) a area into the Church with ten large icon panels containing description of the lives of Christ and the thirty Saints, (2) thirty-one life-size of Christ and the Saints. The Chapel prayers regarding the saints, and (3) a description of the educates the faithful on the Saints, in words, in icons, and meaning of icons (summarizing the Goltz article from The through technology. One indeed feels “surrounded by so great WORD, January, 2006). For those who would rather listen in a cloud of witnesses” as one enters the Cathedral vestibule the car than read, the parish also distributed audio CDs of through this holy area from an outside passageway between the Saints’ lives. A touch-screen computer, next to the Chapel, the Church hall and the Church. The publicity surrounding allows the faithful to touch the icon of the Saint, see the icon the Chapel resulted in a very positive spreading of the good and hear a short description of the Saint’s life. (The reader news of Christ to both the Orthodox and non-Orthodox com- may get a feel for this technology by going to the parish web- munities. The Cloud of Witnesses Chapel was dedicated dur- site, stnicholasla.com, to “Cloud of Witnesses Chapel,” press- ing the celebration of Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers, where ing “play” and selecting any of the Saints by clicking the cur- Orthodox Christians from up to 50 Southern California sor on the Saint.) churches attended St. Nicholas. The Chapel and the Los Angeles Times article regarding The Los Angeles Times ran a two-page story on the Cloud it have had a wonderful evangelistic impact. Many have called of Witnesses Chapel and its iconographer in its Sunday edi- the parish priest, Very Reverend Father Michel Najim, asking tion the week preceding Sunday of Orthodoxy. The article was about Orthodoxy (including some asking if they could begin thorough and reflected accurately Orthodox Christian spiri- the journey to becoming Orthodox). Visitors have come just to tuality. Incredibly, the Times devoted almost a full color page see the Chapel, including a former protestant Seminary Dean on the first page of the California Section and a second and an Episcopal priest. The impact on the faithful as they almost full page continuing the story. The overall piece enter the Church has been even more dramatic. The sense of

8 The Word holiness as one enters the Church, surrounded by Christ and tion appropriately says: “[Since] we are surrounded by so His Saints, is palpable. great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every earthly Every inch of the small domed area is covered with the care …” In this small Chapel one precisely feels “surround- thirty-one life-size figures (Christ and His Saints) from all ed” by Christ and His saints. And the faithful know well, from over the world and all centuries, showing the catholicity and the liturgy, the biblical quotation, “Let us lay aside every teachings of the Church through the lives of the Saints, while earthly care.” also emphasizing the North American Church as well. The Similarly, as one leaves the Chapel to go outside, one Chapel covers two ten-foot walls, a lowered domed ceiling, faces the Great Martyrs George and Demetrius who appear to two small walls on either side of the door to the vestibule and say, “You must be prepared to take the faith seriously, take two small walls on either side of the door to the outside. The your faith out into the world and be ready to die for the faith famous iconographer Nicolas Magdalani wrote the icons, as we did.” The remainder of the Hebrews quotation above doing a masterful job, writing perhaps the best examples of all this door then appropriately says: “and … run with perse- his outstanding work. The project took an extensive amount verance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the of time: Nicolas worked full-time nine months in Lebanon, author and finisher of our faith …” (Hebrews 12:1-2). and spent a very full six weeks finishing them in Los Angeles. When going outside to the world, one looks up, one sees Over the doors entering and leaving the Chapel are the some of Magdalani’s best work in the Chapel: the four evan- portions of the quotation above from Hebrews 12:1-2. The gelists (and St. Prochorus, the /transcriber for St. first part of the quotation is seen as one enters the Church. John), who remind the faithful that we need to take with us You face the Archangel Michael on one side and the into the world “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Archangel Gabriel on the other, as if they are saying, “Be God” (Eph. 6:13-17). forewarned of the seriousness of your task as you go to meet On one ten-foot wall, Christ is surrounded by ten men your Lord in the .” Above the door, the quota- saints, five on either side of him. Four of the ten saints are from North America (Sts. Raphael, Innocent, Herman, and Peter the Aleut), and six are from the rest of the world from the unified Church (Sts. Ignatius, Philip the Evangelist, Christopher, Ephraim of Syria, Moses the Ethiopian and Sava of Serbia). On the other ten-foot wall, the and Christ are surrounded by ten women saints, beginning from 2000 years before Christ and from all parts of the world (Sts. Mary of Egypt, Helen, Suzanna, Christina, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nina of Georgia, Photini, Barbara, and Tackla). The stories of these Saints’ lives, emphasized to the faith- ful through the brochure, the CD, the touch-screen comput- er, and, for a national audience, stnicholasla.com, demon- strate holiness, repentance, evangelism, martyrdom and faithfulness to Christ in His holy Church. The Saints remind us that we must also, here and now, be living saints with a small “s.” Through the intercession of St. Nicholas and “of all thy Saints who from the beginning of the world have been well-pleasing unto thee,” may our Lord make us worthy to say to that reminder, “Amen.”

by Charles Ajalat

Charles Ajalat is Chancellor of the Archdiocese and a parishioner at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA.

The Word 9 The Authenticity of Orthodoxy in a Post-Modern World

Note: This short article was written specifically for The Orthodox Church through experiencing true worship, it must WORD magazine, and is a condensed version of “The be noted that many are discovering the authenticity of the Problem of Authenticity & Authority in Modern Church by way of vigorous study. The secularization and Christendom.” “watering down” of Orthodox Christians in Christianity in America has America are living in a very forced many to seek a deep- challenging era, yet at the er and more robust faith in same time are living in the Christ and are seeking an most exciting age of the How do we know authentic Christian Church Church. Americans have been to express their faith in. In blessed with the appearance this post-modern culture, of the Orthodox Church and when an idea is Americans are inundated its appearance couldn’t have with secular thought and come at a better time. With the anti-Christian ways of living saturation of various reli- from God everyday. With literally gions, sects, and forms of thousands of sects, cults “Christianity,” America has and various denominations become a sort of “anything to choose from, how can goes” Nation, religiously (i.e. authentic)? anyone know which of these speaking. However, despite ideas are from God, and the proliferation of the vast how can they know which amount of “spiritual beliefs,” What is authentic Church is God’s legitimate many Americans are search- representative? The authen- ing for truth and are asking ticity of the Orthodox the same question, knowingly Christianity? Church is the key. The beau- or unknowingly. How do we ty of our faith is a precious know when an idea is from gift from our Lord, evidence God (i.e. authentic)? What is of the seal of the Holy Spirit authentic Christianity? given to the Church, and is In 987 A.D. pagan Russian Prince Vladimir sent envoys out the visible fulfillment of Christ’s promise to the Body of Christ in search of a noble religion worthy of his adoption. These found in Matthew 16:17-18. Russian envoys recorded their impression of the Christian The typical answer that we Orthodox Christians generally worship at Constantinople’s Orthodox Cathedral, the Hagia provide to this question is “come and see.” To many, this is a Sophia. The envoys stated “We knew not whether we were in seemingly ambiguous response, or is seen as some sort of heaven or earth … We only know that God dwells there emotional coercion for conversion. This couldn’t be further among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies from the truth. Most Orthodox Christians respond in this man- of other nations.” What these envoys experienced was the ner because it is far easier for someone to experience the self- authenticity of Christian worship, and it is precisely this evident authenticity of the Orthodox Church than it is to authentic element which is drawing the attention of inquirers spend laborious hours reviewing the history of the Christian from all walks of life. While many converts have come to the faith. But this is precisely the problem for many Americans.

10 The Word The post-modern world stands in the 20th century attempting The mind of the Church teaches us to let go of our self- to look backward in time, sifting through mountains of theo- will (ego) and stop trying to re-invent the wheel. There is no logical opinions, hoping to arrive at some sort of consensus of need for us to struggle with issues that have already been what authentic Christianity is. The key to discovering authen- addressed by the Church, or the Saints. We have over 2000 tic Christianity isn’t by looking backwards through time; the years of Church history and the wisdom from our holy Fathers way to discover authentic Christianity is by starting at the to guide us in our thinking. This is our “spiritual gauge” that beginning of the Church and moving forward. helps us to determine if our ideas are from God or not. It’s that Only by moving forward through Christian history can an simple. As an example, the mind of the Church never divides enquirer see the authentic truths of our faith and find the itself, or divides “things” within itself. You won’t find our ven- answer to this troubling erable Bishops or holy question. But, how does this Fathers placing Tradition relate to the question of above scripture, or scripture knowing if an idea is from above Tradition. Why? God or not? For an idea to be from Because these are not things For an idea to be from which we place against each God, and therefore authen- God, and therefore other; scripture and tic, it must be part of, or from Tradition are both holy and God Himself. There is only authentic, it must be are both from God and are in one way to become a part of harmony (2 Thessalonians God, and that is by becoming part of, or from God 2:15 & 2 Timothy 3:16). The a member of His body (John Church is not just a place we 14:20). But which body of Himself. There is only go on Sundays, but a living Christ (i.e. church) and how organism that has existed do we know if the ideas one way to become a from the beginning and expressed in these various shares a synergistic relation- groups are from God? In this part of God, and that is ship with Christ. Christ does post-modern world, there not distinguish between are thousands of groups by becoming a Himself and the Church, and which claim to be “authen- from the lips of our Savior He tic” Christian churches. member of His body illumines our minds to this Contrary to many modern mystical union (Acts 9:5). beliefs and myths, the early (John 14:20). When we wonder if our ideas Christian Church has not regarding “doctrine” are ceased to exist but continues sound or not, do we not have to exist today, and Acts 11:26 the Holy Ecumenical is our starting point. I point people to Acts 11:26 because it is Councils and Saints like Saint to help the first place people were called “Christians,” paving the way us? If we wonder how we are to “interpret” scripture, do we for authentic Christianity. How did they know if their ideas not hear the voice of Saint Vincent of Lerins telling us were from God? How did they please God? In simple terms, we “Moreover, in the itself, all possible care can know if our ideas are from God or not by simply checking must be taken, that we hold that faith which has been our ideas against those who have pleased God for centuries: believed everywhere, always, by all. For that is truly and in the Saints and the universal Church. The Orthodox Church the strictest sense “Catholic,” which, as the name itself and calls this acquiring “the mind of the Church” and it is a stum- the reason of the thing declare, comprehends all universal- bling block for many in the West. The “mind of the Church” is ly. This rule we shall observe if we follow universality, antiq- a state of being which expresses the Orthodox faith in unity uity, consent.” and in harmony. When we think about the holy mysteries of the Church, do

The Word 11 we divide them into “parts” or “individual” ? God “gift” Paul is referring to is not symbolic. It is real and is a forbid! Just as the Church, Tradition, and scripture are Holy manifestation of God. In Timothy we read, “Neglect not the and share a mystical union with God which cannot be divided, gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with in the same way the mysteries of the Church should not divid- the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” As a young ed but are all interdependent. Scripture, Tradition, the Body of Bishop, Timothy is then warned about laying hands careless- Christ, worship, and our aescetic life are united and binding. ly in 1 Timothy 5:22; we read, “Lay hands suddenly on no We hear the voice of Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself “The experience of divine grace through the sacraments is pure.” It is precisely this authority and authenticity that is not independent of the ascetic life. Sacraments and asceti- conferred to the Church by God Himself, which warrants such cism are connected and cannot be understood apart from a warning and is to be used with caution, which naturally each other.” This constant theme of unity and harmony of all invokes our reverence. If we still have doubts, we should look things is precisely the mind of the Church. Father Georges to Acts 5:1-11. As we strive to bring our minds and souls clos- Florovsky states, “The ultimate authority, and the ability to er to God, our ideas will simply be an expression of that holy discern the truth in faith, is vested in the Church which is synergy. If at any time we find our ideas conflicting with the indeed a ‘Divine institution’ in the proper and strict sense mind of the Church, it is then that we will know that our ideas of the word, whereas no Council and no ‘Conciliar institu- are not from God. tion’ is ‘de jure divino,’ except in so far as it happens to be a May God have mercy upon us all and continue to illumine true image or manifestation of the Church herself.” His Church. Since the Church is from God and is in God, then authen- ticity can surely be found within Her. We just need to be will- by Andrew Nova ing to see the wisdom within Her and be willing to accept Andrew Nova is a member of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, CA Christianity in its most pure and unadulterated form. No mat- DONATION TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE ARCHDIOCESE ter what the topic is, we can look to the Church for an answer. Mr. Philip Saliba, New York, NY $10,000.00 But why all of this fuss about the Church? Isn’t the Church Dr. George Farha, Wichita, KS 10,000.00 just a bunch of Christians that worship together? The answer DONATIONS to The WORD Ibrahim and Viviane Touma $25.00 is an unequivocal “No.” If we begin to think in this way, we Sandra Arida 20.00 have surely departed from the faith and have adopted a secu- Nazmi Lawen 30.00 lar mind. How can the Church be the Body of Christ and not Joanna Marge 50.00 be authentic? If the Body of Christ is authentic, will it not John and Sandra Jaynes 25.00 Camelia Zakaib Bhalla 25.00 carry the authority of Christ with Her? This is where the rub- Walter and Grace Mary Parhamovich ber meets the road, so to speak. Determining if our ideas are In Memory of our daughter authentic is just the beginning. This entire topic is a two-sided Beverley Ann’s 9th year with the Lord 500.00 coin. You cannot have an authentic Church without having the Norman Kouri 100.00 Lillian Elias and Family 50.00 authority of the Church that naturally comes with it. As a for- James Rihbany 50.00 mer Protestant, I had doubts about the Church, as so most Larry and Cookie Rossy Protestants. However, a casual reading of Church history and In recognition of the 40 years of Pastoral leadership of Saidna PHILIP 1000.00 a few verses brought to light fixed that right up. I even won- Gloria Murrman 20.00 dered if these verses were somehow added to the Orthodox David and Elise Sumner 20.00 bible because I didn’t recall ever seeing them before! I found it Ronald and Kathy Zraick 50.00 ironic that a self-proclaimed “bible thumper” missed such Fr. Franklin Emmert 50.00 Danica Slijepcevic 25.00 obvious and powerful passages. When we kiss the hand of our Billy H. Nolas 50.00 Priests and Bishops, are we just being polite or loving? We Nora M. Corey 100.00 think not. This is proper and just reverence for the authority George and Brenda Farha 500.00 that comes with authenticity. I will close this paper with some Ramona Zakaib 40.00 Rev. David Thomas 100.00 very telling passages. Sami Azar 50.00 We need to look at 1 Timothy 4:14 and remember that the Odette Sawiris 25.00

12 The Word Department of development ENDOWMENTS—TITHING...PARADIGM SHIFTS

St. Mary of Pawtucket, Rhode Island is a medium-size At first, this concept was strange and for the most part parish as defined by the guidelines of our Archdiocese. Our uncomfortable for our parishioners to talk about. Death, church was established in 1910 by our immigrant ancestors, money and taxes are not subjects that most people openly mostly from Damascus, Syria. We have immeasurable pride in discuss. A subject uncomfortable to many; however, the Bible their accomplishments and deep gratitude for their many addresses these subjects frequently and we must take our difficult sacrifices. Although we as a church community are direction concerning the course of our life regarding these blessed in many ways, we typify the Antiochian Orthodox matters from Holy Scripture. Holy Scripture is our compass, churches with their multitude of challenges. As one might our road map toward these and all matters. With patience, expect, financial considerations weigh heavy upon the day-to- encouragement and non-judgmental conversations, fifty-one day concerns of our priest, our parish council, and the parishioners have committed to this model with an estimated parishioners in general, as they have for almost one hundred value of over $1,000,000.00 and approximately $150,000 in years. current assets. Action has power and grace in it, and this After 95 years of largely depending upon bazaars, mahra- would be a most appropriate action to take. jans, dinners, and special events to provide 50% of our budg- Our goal continues to have additional faithful find it in et, it is time for us to think differently about how we support their hearts to joyfully remember our church and our our churches. How much time does the priest, parish council Archdiocese through planned giving. The Department of and committees need to devote to fiduciary responsibilities? Development was re-established by Metropolitan PHILIP on Is it healthy for a church family, or any family, to be continu- January 1, 2005, with Ruth Ann Skaff as full-time director. ally engrossed in money issues? Dinners and fashion shows Please contact her to learn how to leave a lasting legacy for as activities are healthy and they should be continued; how- your church and our Archdiocese. We believe this program, in ever, they take on a different perspective altogether when they time, will lessen the financial stress and burden upon our are undertaken as a necessity to meet the operational expens- children and grandchildren and allow them to devote addi- es of the day-to-day existence of the church. tional time, energy and talent promulgating our Holy One idea to propel us away from event domination for our Orthodox faith. financial survival is for our churches to initiate endowment A second paradigm shift that needs to be openly dis- programs. This paradigm shift was put in place at St. Mary in cussed and eventually implemented is that of tithing. This 1994 with the blessing of Metropolitan PHILIP, with the intent may be more difficult to advance than the previous idea, but that parishioners would leave something of value in their again through education, patience, prayer, encouragement, wills, trusts or through insurance. We are suggesting that and non-judgmental dialogue this model as set forth for us in parishioners consider giving back a small portion of God’s Holy Scripture must eventually be embraced. I believe most of lifetime gifts to them. A journey begins with a single step and our faithful are aware of the Biblical mandate that supports we at St. Mary’s in 1994 took that step with the support and the concept of allocating 10% of one’s income to charity. The encouragement of the three priests who have served us dur- Archdiocese, through the leadership of our Metropolitan, is ing these past twelve years, Fr. Timothy Ferguson, Fr. preparing the way for this paradigm shift to take place. The Leonard Faris, and Fr. Isaac Crowe. It is extremely important Archdiocese for years has been gifting 10% of its income to to have the embrace these types of initiatives. support charities like orphanages, Food for Hungry Program,

The Word 13 and the Children’s Relief Fund. You cannot ask others to do that which you yourself are not willing to do. Saidna PHILIP, through the Department of Christian Education and its Chairwoman, Carole Buleza, is planning and developing an educational program for our children and eventually for adults and parish councils about tithing. Recently in Detroit, the General Assembly passed a mandate requiring the churches in the Archdiocese to return to the Archdiocese 8% of their income in 2006 and 10% by 2008. This paradigm shift, although initially painful and often misunderstood, is a nec- essary step in our evolution to reach the ultimate divinely- inspired solution in supporting our churches … that is, The Villagers Tithing. It will be a gradual shifting of attitude. We often become impatient with our brothers and sisters who are recent arrivals from the Middle East for their reluctance in adopting our present system of pledging to the church. For them to accept and participate in our present system is like those of THE VILLAGERS us born to this system readily accepting tithing. It is a totally different mind set for them and us. Yet our evangelical broth- HOMECOMING WEEKEND ers and sisters look at us and ask … “What is the problem?” just as we look at our recently arrived brothers and sisters and ask … “What is the problem?” Historical differences of July 7-9, 2006 culture, systems, attitude and experiences are segments of a Antiochian Village Camp complex answer; however, if we all become more knowledge- able about our faith and model ourselves, using Scripture as our guide, then the complex answer will become simple. Guest Speaker “The dynamic nature of this Archdiocese, which stands The Rev. Fr. Anthony Michaels against laziness and passivity, reminds us that nothing hap- pens by itself; nothing happens unless we make it happen. God is challenging us every moment, every hour and every Registration form day. Our salvation, therefore, depends on our response to this can be found at Divine challenge.” Metropolitan PHILIP www.villagealumni.org

by Dr. Joseph J. Samra If you have any questions, Dr. Joseph J. Samra is a communicant of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox contact Lauren Licata: Church of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He is chairman of the Department of Development, a member of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, and a member of [email protected] the Village Council. 2006 Alumni Weekend Chair Ruth Ann Skaff is Director of the Department of Development and can be con- tacted at 866-765-7001. Making the Village Experience a Lifelong Journey

14 The Word The Fellowship of St. John the Divine Lately, I am con- Diocesan or Archdiocesan level, it is sometimes easier to see fronted with ques- the work that the Fellowship is able to accomplish. Though tions about the you may not know it, you probably have either participated in Fellowship of St. John or benefited from at least one Fellowship project or program in the Divine — usually the past. what it is and what Ministry to all ages we do. To the surprise “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the of many, we have members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is been an active and Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). vital part of our Archdiocese for many years. Still, there is a bit We are the body of the Church. To paraphrase St. Paul of confusion. Through these Fellowship Footnotes, our goal from the book of Galatians — there is neither Greek nor Jew, has been to help demystify the enigma that is the Fellowship. neither young adult nor senior citizen, for we are all one in So, let’s start at the beginning … Christ Jesus. The Fellowship works to minister to the entire “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with church population. Our main focus is three-fold — minister- God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). ing to young adults, adults, and seniors as each group has dis- St. John the Divine wrote that. Wait a minute. I thought St. tinct needs. In addition, through these ministries, we are able John the Evangelist wrote that. Hmmm … to affect the lives of our younger generations as well. A Man of Many Names Through Young Adult Ministry, our hope is to keep our col- The Beloved. The Apostle. The Evangelist. The Theologian. lege students and young adults connected to the Church. We The Divine. Just who was this man? Why does he have so often dismiss the exodus of our high school graduates from many titles? And why do we call on him as our Patron Saint? the activity of the Church as a normal thing. “They will come It is no mystery that Saint John, whom we commemorate back to the Church once they have kids” is often seen as an as the Patron of our organization, took on many different roles acceptable compromise. This couldn’t be further from the throughout his life in service of the Church. While young men, truth. The truth is, in fact, that many of these young adults he and his brother James were called by Christ to follow Him. will not return to their faith. We must give them a reason to At His Crucifixion, Christ entrusted St. John to care for his stay involved in the life of the Church and to give them the mother Mary, the Theotokos. During his adult life, he direction and guidance for which they are searching. Kahlil preached the Gospel throughout Asia Minor. Not only did he Gibran, the great Lebanese poet, once said, “God has placed write the Gospel of John, but he also wrote several Epistles in each soul an apostle to lead us upon the illumined path. Yet and the book of Revelation. He lived to be 95 years old, and many seek life from without, unaware that it is within them.” served the growing Church until the end of his worldly life We must strive to make clear to those in our younger genera- amidst persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other tribulation. tions that the Holy Spirit dwells within each one of them as a As he grew in the life of the Church, his role changed many guide to salvation. times, though he always followed Christ. Similarly, we are With Adult Ministry, our job is to be a support to them as called as Christians to follow Christ. This is realized different- they mature in Christ. Just as our Patron Saint educated the ly for each of us. Regardless of our vocation or calling, there is early Christians, we find it necessary to continue the educa- a place in the Fellowship of St. John the Divine for each of us tion process. By offering our people workshops and resources to serve the Church. with themes that affect their everyday lives — relationships, The Fellowship of St. John the Divine is indeed active in parenting, marriage, financial struggles, and spirituality to every one of our parishes, though there may not be a formal name a few — we as the Fellowship are able to assist the cler- organization in every parish. Looking on a larger scale at a gy in feeding their flock with both spiritual and intellectual

The Word 15 nourishment. The Footlamps Workshop Series in the Diocese works that our Archdiocese is able to provide. of Worcester is a perfect example of this ministry. You may lis- In addition, Fellowship chapters throughout the country ten to any of these workshops on-line at http://www.antiochi- work with local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and dona- an.org/footlamps/. tion programs, assist Teen SOYO with OYO and other projects, Senior Ministry is vital, as it ministers to the generation and offer their generosity in many other forms to fulfill the who paved the way for us, educating us when we were commandment of our Lord. Our hope is that, by participating

word magazine word younger, being the role models who guided us on a straight in the lives of those we serve, we will transform our own lives path, and building up the Church while we were in our youth. for the glory of God. Through this ministry, the Fellowship can give back to the “For the judgment is merciless to one who has not shown Church’s senior population: “ … for I was sick and you visit- mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my ed Me …” (Matthew 25:36). brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Both directly and indirectly, we affect the lives of our teens Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to and children. By assisting parents in their spiritual journeys, wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, we are also helping to raise their children in the Church. In ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them addition, through various scholarships, endowment funds, the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, festivals, and other methods of support, the Fellowship of St. if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:13-17).

St. John the Divine John the Divine ensures a place in the Church for our teens. A Fellowship of Individuals, a Fellowship of The annual Bible Bowl, Oratorical festival, and other pro- Congregations grams at the Parish Life Conference are a direct result of the “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have tireless efforts of members of the Fellowship. fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Missions and Evangelism Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Every Diocesan Fellowship offers support in one way or As our title states, we are a fellowship — a close group of another to mission parishes. Though there is an entire depart- friends or equals sharing interests. On a local level, we come ment of our Archdiocese devoted to Missions and Evangelism, together as a fellowship of individuals, all sharing in service to the Fellowship plays a vital role in this ministry. Each Diocese the Church. Just as individuals make up our local Fellowship offers an endowment or a fund for mission support. In addi- chapters or parish ministry teams, on a Diocesan level, our tion, it supports and nurtures the growing missions of its parishes come together as a Fellowship of Congregations. Diocese and sees that their needs are met. Taking this one step further, our Dioceses then join together In addition, the Fellowship supports the greater works of on a national level to make up the Archdiocese. It is essential the Church by encouraging its members to attend mission for us to come together. By making these connections on a trips outside of their communities, to assist those in need local, diocesan, and national level, a community is developed, throughout the world. This year, the Fellowship is organizing and thus we can truly celebrate in Communion together. several trips. On an archdiocesan level, there is a team travel- My hope is that this article and articles from other ing to Kodiak, Alaska from July 31-August 11 to run an indige- Diocesan presidents (check out your WORD magazine nous summer camp, as well as to assist with the annual St. archives!) shed some light for you on what the Fellowship of Herman Pilgrimage. Also, in the Diocese of Worcester, we are St. John the Divine is doing in the life of the Church today. The planning a trip to El Salvador in the fall. Spots are still avail- tangible programs and initiatives that I highlighted are just a able for both, and I encourage you to get involved. small glimpse into ways that we as Christians can live out the Faith Without Works is Dead Gospel. I encourage you to get involved in the life of the “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua Church, participate in the ministry of the Fellowship of St. 24:15). John the Divine, and live your faith in Christ Jesus. For thirty-five years, the Fellowship has sponsored the Food For Hungry People Program, an offering to the poor by Jamil Samara

around the world. Though many good things have come from Jamil Samara is President of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, Diocese of our generosity over the years, there is room to grow, and we as Worcester. the Fellowship will work to increase the various charitable

16 The Word ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 Phone: 201-871-1355 Fax: 201-871-7954 Book List &Order Form 2006-2007 JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: CHURCH SCHOOL MATERIALS PRESCHOOL The Wonder of it All (Student) $ 7.50 The Wonder of it All (Teacher) 8.50 God, My Friends, and Me (Student) 7.00 God, My Friends, and Me (Teacher) 11.95 KINDERGARTEN Together with God (Student) 8.00 Together with God (Teacher) 9.00 Birth of Jesus (Picto-graph) 11.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE ONE God Loves Us (Student) 8.95 God Loves Us (Teacher) 13.95 Lenten Lotto 3.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Packages, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE TWO New Life in Jesus (Student) 8.95 New Life in Jesus (Teacher) 15.95 Making Things Right (Student) 5.95 Making Things Right (Activity Packet) 3.95 Making Things Right (Teacher) 10.95 God is With Us (Teacher/Parent) 8.00 We Return to God (Teacher/Parent) 2.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE THREE New Life in the Church (Student) 8.00 New Life in the Church (Teacher) 9.95 We Worship God in Church (Student) 7.50

PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE We Worship God in Church (Teacher) 8.00 The Icon Book (Student) 8.00 Forty Saints Text Book (Student) 3.00 Forty Saints Coloring Book (Teacher) 3.00 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE FOUR Jesus, The Promise of God (Student) 10.00 Jesus, The Promise of God (Teacher) 11.00 Icon Cards: Miracles of Christ (Student) 4.00 Icon Cards: Life of Christ (Student) 4.00 Finding Your Way Through the Bible (Student) 5.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE FIVE Our Life in the Church (Student) 7.00 Our Life in the Church (Teacher) 9.95 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE SIX In the Beginning (Student) 8.00 In the Beginning (Teacher) 8.50 Exploring How the Bible Came to Be 5.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00

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The Word 17 JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: CHURCH SCHOOL MATERIALS: GRADE SEVEN The Young Church (Student) $ 7.00 The Young Church (Teacher) 8.50 Acts Map and Chart (Teacher) 12.00 Biblical and Liturgical Charts 3.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE EIGHT Heroes for Truth (Student) 7.00 Heroes for Truth (Teacher) 8.00 Heroes Worksheets (Student) 2.50 Teaching Pictures (1 Packages, 4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE NINE New Frontiers (Student) 7.00 New Frontiers (Teacher) 8.00 Frontiers Worksheets (Student) 2.50 The Way, The Truth, The Life (Student) 15.95 The Way, The Truth, The Life (Teacher) 19.95 Teaching Pictures (1 Package/4 Sets) 35.00 GRADE TEN Celebration: Feast and Holy Days (Student) 8.75 Celebration: Feast and Holy Days (Teacher) 10.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package/4 Sets) 35.00

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR GRADES 1—8 Lenten Lotto 3.00 Teaching the Parables of Jesus 6.00 My Lenten Journey 7.00 The Icon Book (Student) 8.00 Divine Liturgy Flip Chart 15.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Set 10.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Text 7.00 The Divine Liturgy for Children ~ Activity Book 7.00 Birth of Jesus (Picto-graph) 11.00 Come Bless the Lord Icon Packet (Teacher) 20.00 Byzantine Coloring Books: *Volume 1 – Sunday Gospels 4.00 *Volume 2 – Liturgical 4.00 *Volume 3 – Feast Days 4.00 *Volume 4 – Parables 4.00 “Crayon” Icon Coloring Books: * The Miracles 5.00 * Special Edition 5.00 * The Old Testament 5.00

* Journey to Pascha 5.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE * The Nativity 5.00 Scope and Sequence Chart 2.00 Total Parish Education 6.00 Build Your Own Church (Exterior) 9.00 Build Your Own and Altar 9.00 Build Your Own Bishop, Priest and Deacon 9.00 The Children of Promise (Western Rite Catechism Book) 9.95 The Parables (Archbishop Dmitri) 9.95 Iconostasis (Paul Florensky) 10.95 Bible for Today’s Family 10.95 Praise the Lord: A Christmas Workbook 3.00 The Lenten Workbook 3.00 Biblical and Liturgical Charts (Student) 3.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything 7.00 To Teach All Nations 7.00 What Would You Do? Ethics Unit of 14 Lessons 7.00 The Earth is the Lord’s 7.00 God is Calling You 7.00 The First 800 Years 7.00 My Body, My Spirit 7.00 The Work of Salvation 7.00 SUB-TOTAL B

18 The Word JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL Getting Along With Parents $ 7.00 International Orthodoxy 7.00 What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything 7.00 God is Calling You 7.00 The Earth is the Lord’s 7.00 Reaching Out: Our Call to Minister 7.00 MATERIALS FOR YOUTH WORK Lifestyle Discipleship 12.00 Holy Cross Society 5.00 Reruns, Reruns 6.00 Second Helpings 1 5.00 Second Helpings 2 5.00 Retreat & Study Guide 6.00 Focus on You (6 Programs, 30 Sessions) 40.00 Film and Values (Supplemental program to Focus on You) 10.00 Him Again (Supplemental program to Focus on You) 12.00 Youth Dynamics Cassette Leadership Training 25.00 Sourcebook for Youth Work 7.00 Challenge Questions on Orthodoxy A to Z for Students 9.95 Sacred Symbols that Speak: A Study of the Major Symbols of the Orthodox Church ~ Volume 1 14.95 ~ Volume 2 14.95 The Story of Icons (Hallick) 14.95 Bible for Little Hearts 9.99 Child’s Garden of Bible Stories (Groll) 13.95 My Bible Story Book (Fletcher) 10.99 One Hundred Bible Stories 12.99 ADULT STUDY TEXTS Second Time Around 6.00 The Doctrine of Sanctification 8.00 Christian Community 4.00 Liturgy and Life (Schmemann) 7.00 Inner Way (Allen) 10.99 Pillars of the Church 6.00 New Apostles of Christ 6.00 MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS Teaching Dynamics Cassette Teacher Training 25.00 Teaching Dynamics Workbook 2.00 Playing it up for Christmas (6 Christmas Plays) 9.00 Children’s Literature 6.00 Foundations for Christian Education 12.95 Foundations for Christian Education (Cassettes) 7.00 Reading and Parish Library Guide 3.50 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Intentional Parenting (Cassettes ~ By Dalack) 24.95 The Growing Child in the Christian Home (Cassette) 7.00 YOUNG CHILDREN’S BOOKS Christina Goes to Church 8.50 You Are Special: An Alphabet Book for Children 8.50 My Orthodox Counting Book 8.50 Christina Learns the Sacraments 10.00 Byzantine Coloring Books: * Volume 1 – Sunday Gospels 4.00 * Volume 2 – Liturgical 4.00 * Volume 3 – Feast Days 4.00 * Volume 4 – Parables 4.00 “Crayon” Icon Coloring Books: * The Miracles 5.00 * Special Edition 5.00 * The Old Testament 5.00 * Journey to Pascha 5.00 * The Nativity 5.00 The Book of Jonah 13.95 The Story of Mary the Mother of God 13.95 Celebrate the Earth, Psalm 104 13.95 North Star, St. 15.95 The Praises: Psalm 148 16.95 Prepare O Bethlehem, The Feast of the Nativity 16.95

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The Word 19 JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE YOUNG CHILDREN’S BOOKS We Pray to God – A Prayer Book for Children $ 2.00 Bible for Kids 11.95 Read and Learn Bible 14.99 A Book About Jesus 8.95 FAMILY ITEMS How About Advent 6.00 Bible for Today’s Family 10.95 The Biggest Birthday Party (Family Advent) 6.00 Praise the Lord (Family Advent Workbook) 3.00 The Mystery of Love (Cardinal Basil Hume) 13.95 101 Questions Children Ask About God 11.95 103 Questions Children Ask About Right From Wrong 11.95 The Divine Liturgy – A Text for Students 2.00 Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home 15.95 The Great Bible Discovery: Discovering the Baby King (VHS) 12.99 The Savior is Born (VHS) 12.99 Contemplating Icons (VHS) 19.99 The Growing Child in the Christian Home (Cassettes ~ Boojamra) 7.00 The Icon Book (Student) 8.00 Teaching Pictures (1 Package, 4 Sets) 35.00 Encyclopedia of Major Saints and Fathers of the Orthodox Church (Eleftheriou) *Volume 1 14.95 *Volume 2 14.95 Women of the Bible. A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture (Spangler/Syswerda) 20.00 Mom’s Devotional Bible 24.95 Our Church and Our Children (Koulomzin) 15.95

CATECHISM MATERIALS Faith and Science (Limited Availability) 5.95 The Faith – Understanding Orthodox Christianity: 22.95 An Orthodox Catechism (Carlton) The Way – What Every Protestant Should Know About the 22.95 Orthodox Faith (Carlton) The Truth – What Every Roman Catholic Should Know About the 22.95 Orthodox Church (Carlton) The Life – The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation, An Orthodox 22.95 Catechism (Carlton) In Peace, Let Us Pray to the Lord. An Orthodox Interpretation of 22.95 the Gifts of the Spirit (Trader) Homeland of Your Heart’s Desire – The Orthodox Teachings on 9.95 How to be Saved (Carlton) Orthodox Christians in America (Erickson) 28.00

The Treasured Traditions and Customs of the Orthodox 14.95 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Churches (Hallick) The Orthodox Faith (Hopko): * Volume 1 – Doctrine 9.00 * Volume 2 – Worship 9.00 * Volume 3 – Bible and Church History 9.00 * Volume 4 – Spirituality 9.00 * Complete Set (Volumes 1-4) 33.00 Baptism (Lazor) 3.00 The of Holy Matrimony (Meyendorff) 2.00 & Holy Thursday (VHS Tape) 29.95 Great Friday & Resurrection (VHS Tape) 29.95 ** Set of Both VHS Tapes 50.00 Holy Matrimony (VHS Tape) 29.95 Baptism & (VHS Tape) 29.95 An Orthodox Catechism of the Antiochian Archdiocese 4.00 A Way of Life (Family Centered Activities) 16.00 Studies in the Greek Church 7.00 Renovation of the Heart (Dallas Willard) 24.99 The Gospel for Real Life (Jerry Bridges) 19.00 The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges) 11.00 The Pursuit of Holiness ~ Bible Study 6.00 The Orthodox Companion (Abramtsov) 9.00 Meeting the Orthodox (Hopko) 2.00

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20 The Word JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE CATECHISM MATERIALS Orthodox Catholic Instruction Books: * Book 1: Beginners’ Course $ 4.00 * Book 2: Primary Course 4.00 * Book 3: Junior Course 4.00 * Book 4: Intermediate Course 4.00 * Set of 4 Books 12.00 Orthodox Christian Catechism 12.00 The Orthodox Church (Ware) 16.00 The Orthodox Way (Ware) 12.95 Orthodox Study Bible – The New Testament & Psalms: * Hardbound 30.95 * Softbound 24.95 * Bonded Leather Edition 39.95 * Genuine Leather Edition 50.95 * Thumb-indexing per Bible, add extra 6.00 The Third Millennium Bible 36.00 Coming Home (Gillquist) 8.95 Becoming Orthodox (Gillquist) 13.95 Welcome Home, A Journey to Antioch (DVD) 13.95 Anglican/Orthodox Pilgrimage (Billerbeck) 4.50 One Lord, One Faith (Bakoyannis) 9.00 Suffering & Salvation (Bakoyannis) 6.00 Introducing the Orthodox Church (Coniaris) 16.95 Intentional Parenting (Cassettes—Dalack) 24.95

GENERAL SERVICE BOOKS The Divine & Holy Gospel Book 100.00 The Liturgikon: Book of Divine Services for the Priest & Deacon 50.00 TH Service Book of the Archdiocese – NEW 12 Edition 2006 13.00 Divine Prayers and Services (Nassar) 25.00 Service Book of the Orthodox Church (Hapgood) 23.00 Western Rite Service Book 23.00 The Divine Liturgy for Clergy and Laity 9.00 The Funeral Service Book 9.00 The Pocket Prayer Book—Paperback 4.00 The Pocket Prayer Book—Red Vinyl ~ or ~ Black Vinyl 5.00 Antiochian Village Camp Music Service Book 12.00 Current Liturgical Guide 20.00 Psalm Verses of the Orthodox Church 20.00 Old & New Testament—English 15.00

SPECIAL SERVICE BOOKS Evening Divine Liturgies—Phase I (10 Volumes) 30.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Evening Divine Liturgies—Phase II (12 Volumes) 35.00 Individual Copies for Christmas 3.00 Individual Copies for Epiphany 3.00 Individual Copies of Phase I or Phase II 3.00 The Office of the Typika – Completely Revised 2006 Edition 4.00 My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book 8.95 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael—Hardcover 15.00 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael—Softbound 12.00 Supplication Service to Our Father Among the Saints Raphael 5.00 The Complete Service of St. Raphael—Audio CD 15.00 Service of Chrismation of Converts into the Orthodox Faith 2.50

LENTEN SERVICE BOOKS The Service of Holy Unction 4.00 The Little Compline & Hymn 4.00 9TH Hour Typika and the Presanctified Liturgy—Music Book 12.00 Now the Powers of Heaven—CD of the Presanctified Liturgy 18.00 Set of Music Book and CD—Presanctified Liturgy 25.00 The Presanctified Liturgy of St. Gregory—Textbook Only 7.00 Liturgy of St. Basil the Great—Pastor’s Text 4.00 Liturgy of St. Basil the Great—Layman’s Text 3.00 Services of Holy Week and Pascha (Rahal) 23.00

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The Word 21 JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE BILINGUAL SERVICE BOOKS (ENGLISH / ARABIC) The Divine Liturgy for the Pews $ 8.00 The Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn 7.00 The Funeral Service for Lay People 7.00 The Funeral Service for a Bishop or Priest 7.00 International Bible (Hardcover—English/Arabic) 22.00

ARABIC SERVICE BOOKS The Arabic Service Book (Kassab) 45.00 The Small Arabic Service Book: Beirut Archdiocese, New Edition 15.00 The Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Black Vinyl) 12.00 The Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Hardcover) 20.00 The Great (Hawaweeny—Arabic) 20.00 The Small Euchologion with the Service of Holy Unction 15.00 The Divine and Holy Gospel Book (Arabic—For Altar Use) 100.00 Services of Holy Week & Pascha (Beirut Archdiocese—Arabic) 23.00 The Gospels and Epistles—Arabic Orthodox Lectionary 15.00 The Service of Holy and Great Pascha (Arabic) 5.00 The Little Compline & Akathist Hymn (Arabic) 4.00 The Life Application Bible (Hardcover—Arabic Study Bible) 22.00 Old & New Testament (Arabic Bible) 15.00

MUSIC BOOKS: BYZANTINE MUSIC PROJECTS (BY BASIL KAZAN) Byzantine Project # 1: Vespers (New Edition) 25.00 Byzantine Project # 2: Matins (New Edition) 30.00 Byzantine Project # 3: Holy Week (2 Volumes) 45.00 Byzantine Project # 4: (3 Volumes) 60.00 Byzantine Project # 5: Triodion (2 Volumes) 45.00 Byzantine Project # 6: (3 Volumes) 100.00

DIVINE LITURGY MUSIC BOOKS/SHEETS The Divine Liturgy for Clergy and Laity 9.00 Tchaikovsky Divine Liturgy (Meena) 5.00 Three Divine Liturgies (Hilko) 5.00 Hymns of Praise: Troparia & Kontakia (Meena) 5.00 Divine Liturgy (Abboud) 2.00

OTHER MUSIC BOOKS Hymns from the Festal Menaion, Karam-George 5.00 Orthodox Hymns in English 5.00 Great Friday Service of Lamentations (George) 5.00 The Resurrection Service (George) 5.00

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony (Meena) 3.00 PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE Vespers (Abboud) 3.00

BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS The (Abboud) 1.00 Duties of Church Members to their Church 1.00 A Brief History of the of Antioch 1.00 Guide to Monasteries of the Patriarchate of Antioch 1.00 A History of the Orthodox Church in America, 1917-1934 12.95 Lebanon: Twenty Poems for One Love (Tueni) 9.95 History & Rituals of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch 15.00 Christians in the Holy Land (Michael Prior & William Taylor) 16.95 Dying in the Land of Promise (Donald Wagner) 16.95 Orthodox , Holy Week & Easter (Hugh Wybrew) 10.95 Beyond the Walls: Churches of Jerusalem (Aviva Baram) 14.95 Jerusalem Easy Walks (Aviva Baram) 22.95 The Priest’s Guide: Constitutions & Bylaws 6.00 Altar Server’s Guide 5.00 A Beginner’s Guide to Prayer (Keiser) 10.95 Beginning to Pray (Anthony Bloom) 9.95 The Art of Prayer (Arabic—Adnan Tarabulsi) 15.00 On Prayer (Archimandrite Sophrony) 10.95 Prayer of Jesus – Prayer of the Heart 12.95 If We Confess Our Sins (Hopko) 3.00 Confession – Met. Anthony Khrapovitsky 9.95 SUB-TOTAL F

22 The Word JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS Partakers of Divine Nature (Arch. C. Stavropoulos) $ 12.95 Let Us Commit Ourselves (Coniaris) 8.95 Liturgy and Life (Schmemann) 7.00 Of Water and the Spirit (Schmemann) 12.95 Understanding the Orthodox Liturgy (Najim) 13.95 Harvest of Antioch—Lives of Antiochian Saints 4.00 NEW Antioch: Incarnational Theology & Ministry (Allen/Najim) 12.00 St. —On the Priesthood 13.95 St. John Chrysostom—On Wealth & Poverty 13.95 St. John Chrysostom—On Marriage & Family Life 11.95 St. —On the Divine Images 14.95 The Apostolic Fathers (Sparks) 14.95 Poets & Hymnographers of the Church 6.00 We Praise God (Tarasar) 2.00 Out of the Depths (Saliba/Allen) 10.95 Mystery of the Incarnation (Cardinal B. Hume) 13.95 Mystery of the Cross (Cardinal B. Hume) 12.95 Mystery of Fidelity (Allen) 6.95 Orthodox Synthesis (Allen) 14.95 The Church & Social Reform (Boojamra) 20.00 A Light from the East (Michael O’Carroll) 12.95 The Faith We Hold (Archbishop PAUL, Finland) 8.95 Feed My Sheep (Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba) 10.95 Inner Way (Allen) 10.99 The New Oxford Annotated RSV Bible with the Apocrypha 39.99 Metropolitan PHILIP: His Life & His Dreams (Softbound) 5.00 Metropolitan PHILIP: His Life & His Dreams (Hardbound) 10.00 Metropolitan PHILIP: And He Leads Them (Softbound) 20.00 The First 100 Years—A Centennial Anthology 20.00 The Centennial Jewelry Box (1895-1995 AOCA) 25.00 Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre (Hawaweeny ~ Arabic) 6.95 Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre (Najim ~ English) 6.95 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael (Softbound) 12.00 Our Father Among the Saints, Raphael (Hardbound) 15.00 The Ministry of the Church (Allen) 14.95 Twenty Parables of Our Lord 4.00 The Parables (Archbishop Dmitri) 11.95 The Miracles of Christ (Archbishop Dmitri) 12.95 Jesus, Politics and the Church (Tony Nassif) 13.00 Christmas Poems (John Hollander) 13.95 Emigration from Syria and Lebanon (Najib Saliba) 12.00 A New Era Begins: Proceedings of the 1994 SCOBA Meeting 7.95

PLEASE DO NOT TEAR OFF THIS PAGE PERIODICALS, CASSETTES, CD’s, & ICONS The Word Magazine (USA & Canada ~ Annually) 20.00 The Word Magazine (Overseas ~ Annually) 26.00 The Word Magazine (Individual Copies) 3.00 Joy of the Soul (Metropolitan PHILIP) Audio CD 10.00 Joy of the Soul (Metropolitan PHILIP) Audio Cassette 5.00 Bless the Lord O My Soul (English-2 Cassettes-Bitar) 18.00 God is With Us (English-Cassette-Bitar) 10.00 Orthodox Byzantine Hymns (Arabic-Cassette-Bitar) 10.00 Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Bitar ~ CD) 15.00 Divine Liturgy in Arabic (Bitar ~ Cassette) 10.00 Christ is Born: Music for the Nativity of Christ (Cassette) 12.00 The Complete Service of St. Raphael – Audio CD 15.00 Now the Powers of Heaven—Presanctified Liturgy CD 18.00 Antiochian Village CD 10.00 Antiochian Village Cassette 10.00 It is Truly Meet: Byzantine Chant: Arabic & English CD 15.00 Chants from Balamand—Audio CD 16.95 Orthodox Male Choir of Beirut: Byzantine Chants in Arabic CD 15.00 Orthodox Male Choir of Beirut: Paschal Hymns in Arabic CD 15.00 ICON: Synaxis of the Great Saints of Antioch 20.00 ICON: Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra 18.00 ICON: Saint Romanos the Melodist (Icon Card) 2.50

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The Word 23 JUNE 2006 ORDER FORM JUNE 2007 TITLE PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL COST FOR OFFICE USE PERIODICALS & AUDIO/VISUAL MATERIALS Seven Deadly Sins: The Human Person’s Struggle with Sin (Dr. John Dalack ~ Set of 8 Cassettes) $ 37.00 The Human Person in Orthodox Spirituality (Bishop KALLISTOS Ware ~ Set of 12 Cassettes) 53.00 Intentional Parenting (Dalack Lectures / 5 Cassettes) 24.95 AIDS: An Orthodox Perspective (VHS Tape) 19.95 Divine Liturgy Video (Holy Cathedral, NY) 29.95 Centennial Musical Video (1895-1995 AOCA ~ VHS Tape) 30.00 The Great Bible Discovery: Discovering the Baby King (VHS) 12.99 The Savior is Born (VHS Tape) 12.99 Contemplating Icons (VHS Tape) 19.99 Holy Matrimony (VHS Tape) 29.95 Baptism & Chrismation (VHS Tape) 29.95 Holy Wednesday & Holy Thursday (VHS Tape) 29.95 Great Friday & Resurrection Service (VHS Tape) 29.95 *** Both Holy Week VHS Tapes 50.00 The Ancient Church—DVD or VHS Tape 15.00

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24 The Word Join us for the 59th annual Diocese of the East Join us for the 53rd annual Diocese of the Midwest PARISH LIFE PARISH LIFE PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE July 5-9, 2006 Diocese of Ottawa Host Parish: Eastern Canada & Upstate New York St. Matthew the Evangelist Hosted by Host Parish: Orthodox Church St. George Cathedral, Oakland, PA St. George Antiochian Orthodox North Royalton, Ohio Rt. Rev. Bishop THOMAS Church, Toronto Very Rev. John Abdalah, Dean www.stmattroyalton.org June 29- July 2, 2006 The Pittsburgh Airport June 28-July 2, 2006 Marriott is holding a block of Sheraton Parkway Hotel Holiday Inn South guest rooms at a special rate 600 Highway 7 East For reservations call of $84.00 plus tax for Richmond Hill, ON single/double occupancy. 905-881-2121 216-524-8050 1.800.328.9297 Metropolitan PHILIP will be with by June 25, 2006 Group rates available until June 8 us to celebrate His 40th Year in Reference “Eastern Region Sheraton Parkway Wing: $119 + tax CDN the Episcopacy Parish Life Conference 2006 Best Western Hotel Wing: $99 +tax CDN rate.” The special rate is For more information visit Also celebrating with us will be www.stgeorge.com or e-mail His Grace, Bishop MARK available for two days before and after the conference. [email protected]

The Orthodox World His Eminence GERMAN, Archbishop of mutual understanding although they Kursk and Rylsk, the head of the Russian speak different languages. “There is only From the Russian Information Agency delegation, said at a press conference in one Orthodox Church in the world and its Novosti Damascus that the Russian and Syrian prayers are said in different languages,” Monument to Apostle Paul Antiochian Orthodox Churches came out he said. The Antiochian Orthodox Church Unveiled in Syria for consolidation of spiritual links was founded by Ss. Peter and Paul the Damascus — A monument to St. Paul between the two nations. “The Russian Apostles in 37 AD. The history of relations the Apostle created by a Russian sculptor and Antiochian Orthodox Churches have of the Russian and Antiochian Orthodox was unveiled in the suburbs of the Syrian always maintained close relations. The Churches dates back to the ancient times. capital, Damascus on Saturday, May 28. history of Russian-Syrian links has deep For instance, the first Orthodox metropol- The monument is located south of spiritual roots,” Archbishop GERMAN itan of Kiev, MIKHAIL SIRIN (or “Syrian”), Damascus near the Patriarchal said. According to him, the unveiling of was a disciple of Patriarch John of Monastery of the Vision of St. Paul, estab- the monument to Apostle Paul created by Antioch. The Russian Empire supported lished upon the site of the appearance of a Russian sculptor will promote bilateral Orthodox Christians in the Middle East for Our Lord to the Holy Apostle (Acts 9:1-8). relations. “We hope that we shall visit centuries. Christians account for 10% of The five-meter monument to St. Paul is a each other more often after the unveiling the Syrian population. Most of them are bronze sculpture of the apostle holding of the monument to the Apostle Paul and followers of the Orthodox Greek- the New Testament in his hands. The other religious events in Damascus,” the Byzantine Church. sculpture stands on a bronze pedestal. It archbishop said. Patriarch Alexis II of The Holy Apostle Paul is believed to be was made in Russia by order of the Moscow and All Russia is expected to visit the first man who brought Christianity Apostle Paul Spiritual Heritage Syria in 2007, he added. from the Palestinian territory to other International Foundation. The patriarchs According to His Grace MOUSA Al- countries. It was in Antioch that his disci- of the Russian and Antiochian Orthodox Khouri of the Antiochian Patriarchate, ples were called Christians for the first Churches approved the initiative. representatives of the Antiochian and time. Russian Orthodox Churches can find

The Word 25 archdiocesan daily devotions office JULY, 2006 1. ROMANS 3:28-4:3; MATTHEW 7:24-8:4 2. HEBREWS 9:18; MATTHEW 6:22-33 ! 3. ROMANS 9:18-33; MATTHEW 11:12-15 The Very Reverend Archpriest John George Khoury of West St. Paul, MN, pastor emeritus of St. George Antiochian Orthodox 4. ROMANS 10:11-11:2; MATTHEW 11:16-20 Christian Church of West St. Paul, fell asleep in the Lord at his home, 5. ROMANS 11:2-12; MATTHEW 11:20-26 (fast) Tuesday, May 2. Father Khoury was 76 years old. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vergeen, three sons, Elias, George and Antoine, 6. ROMANS 11:13-24; MATTHEW 11:27-30 and one daughter, Ferial of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by 7. ROMANS 11:25-36; MATTHEW 12:1-8 (fast) his beloved daughter Zarafat in February. Father Khoury had eight 8. ROMANS 6:11-17; MATTHEW 8:14-23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Father John Khoury was born on July 27, 1929 in Maarrat, Syria, 9. ROMANS 6:18-23; MATTHEW 8:5-13 the son of Father George Khoury and Zarafat Khoury. He was married 10. ROMANS 12:4-5, 15-21;MATTHEW 12:9-13 in 1951 and in 1952 ordained to the Orthodox priesthood at the 11. ROMANS 14:9-18; MATTHEW 12:14-16; 22-30 Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria by Archbishop Makarios, Archbishop and President of Cyprus. 12. ROMANS 15:7-16; MATTHEW 12:38-45 (fast) Father Khoury served parishes in his native Syria and Lebanon 13. ROMANS 15:17-29; MATTHEW 12:46-13:3 before coming to the United States in 1968. In 1968 he was named 14. ROMANS 16:1-8; MATTHEW 13:4-9 (fast) pastor of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, then located on the West Side of St. Paul. He supervised the building of the new buildings 15. GALATIANS 1:11-19; JOHN 10:1-9 and move to West St. Paul in 1972 and 1984. Father Khoury retired 16. TITUS 3:8-15; MATTHEW 5:14-19 from the active ministry in 1997 but remained active in the parish as pastor emeritus up until the time of his death. 17. ROMANS 16:17-24; MATTHEW 13:10-23 The special Priest’s Funeral Service was held on Monday evening, 18. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-19; MATTHEW 13:24-30 May 8 at 7:00 pm, and the Divine Liturgy and a second Funeral 19. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5-8; MATTHEW 13:44-54 Service were held on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am. All Services were held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, located at 1250 (fast) Oakdale Avenue in West St. Paul. The interment took place at the fam- 20. JAMES 5:10-20; LUKE 4:22-30 ily Church of St. Elias in Maarrat, Syria, where Father Khoury’s great- 21. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:5-8; MATTHEW 13:44-54 grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle, all priests of the Orthodox Church, are also interred beneath the altar table of the church. (fast) Condolences may be sent to Khouriye Vergeen and the Khoury fam- 22. ROMANS 9:1-5; MATTHEW 9:18-26 ily in care of Father John Mangels, pastor of St. George Church, West 23. ROMANS 15:1-7; MATTHEW 9:27-35 St. Paul, MN, at [email protected]. 24. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:13-18; MATTHEW 16:1-6 ELEVATED 25. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:20-7:12; McFEETERS, Priest Justin of Holy Ascension Church in Norman, OK to MATTHEW 14:1-13 the dignity of Archpriest by Bishop BASIL on April 20, 2006. 26. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:12-24; WINFREY, Priest John of St. George Church in Grand Rapids, MI to the MATTHEW 14:35-15:12 (fast) dignity of Archpriest by Bishop MARK on April 16, 2006. 27. 2 TIMOTHY 1-10; JOHN 15:17-16:2 ORDAINED 28. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:35-8:7; HADDAD, Deacon Mousa to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop MARK on MATTHEW 15:29-31 (fast) March 26, 2006 at St. George Church in Cicero, IL. 29. ROMANS 12:1-3; MATTHEW 10:37-11:1 30. ROMANS 15:1-7; MATTHEW 9:27-35 31. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:13-18; MATTHEW 16:1-6

Very Rev. George Alberts

26 The Word daily devotions AUGUST, 2006 SEPTEMBER, 2006 1. 2 CORINTHIANS 7:10-16; MARK 2:18-22 1. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:5-12; MATTHEW 16:6-12 (fast) (fast) 2. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:12-22; 2. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-29; MATTHEW 20:29-34 MATTHEW 16:20-24 (fast) 3. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-11; MATTHEW 19:16-26 3. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:28-11:7; MATTHEW 16:24-28 (fast) 4. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7-15; MARK 3:6-12 4. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:8-22; MATTHEW 17:10-18 5. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:16-9:5; MARK 3:13-19 (fast) 6. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:12-10:7; MARK 3:20-27 5. ROMANS 13:1-10; MATTHEW 12:30-37 (fast) 6. 2 PETER 1:10-19; MATTHEW 17:1-8 (fast) (fast) FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR 7. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:7-18; MARK 3:28-35 LORD 8. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11; 7. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:31-12:6; MATTHEW 18:1-11 (fast) LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 (fast) 8. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26; BIRTH OF THE THEOTOKOS MATTHEW 18:18-22, 19:1-2, 13-15 (fast) 9. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-9; MATTHEW 10:37-11:1 9. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-14:5; MATTHEW 20:1-16 (fast) 10. GALATIANS 6:11-18; JOHN 3:13-17 10. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-19; MATTHEW 20:17-28 11. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10-19; MARK 4:10-23 (fast) 12. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:20-13:2; MARK 4:24-34 11. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26-40; MATTHEW 21:12-14, 17-20 (fast) 13. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:3-13; MARK 4:35-41 12. ROMANS 14:6-9; MATTHEW 15:32-39 (fast) (fast) 13. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9-17; MATTHEW 14:22-34 14. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-24; (fast) 14. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-19; JOHN 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-35 (strict fast) MATTHEW 21:18-22 (fast) ELEVATION OF THE CROSS 15. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11; LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 15. GALATIANS 2:6-10; MARK 5:22-24, 35-6:1 DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS 16. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:4-12; MATTHEW 21:28-32 (fast) (fast) 16. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-29; JOHN 8:21-31 17. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-7; MATTHEW 21:43-46 17. GALATIANS 2:16-20; MARK 8:34-9:1 18. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:12-20; MATTHEW 22:23-33 (fast) 18. GALATIANS 2:11-16; LUKE 3:19-22 19. ROMANS 15:30-33; MATTHEW 17:24-18:4 19. GALATIANS 2:21-3:7; LUKE 3:23-4:1 20. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16; MATTHEW 17:14-23 20. GALATIANS 3:15-22; LUKE 4:1-15 (fast) 21. 2 CORINTHIANS 2:4-15; MATTHEW 23:13-22 22. 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14-3:3; MATTHEW 23:23-28 21. GALATIANS 3:23-4:5; LUKE 4:16-22 23. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:4-11; MATTHEW 23:29-39 22. GALATIANS 4:8-21; LUKE 4:22-30 (fast) (fast) 23. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:17-5:5; LUKE 4:31-36 24. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-6; MATTHEW 24:13-28 25. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13-18; 24. 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-15; LUKE 5:1-11 MATTHEW 24:27-33, 42-51 (fast) 25. GALATIANS 4:28-5:10; LUKE 4:37-44 26. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9; MATTHEW 19:3-12 26. GALATIANS 5:11-21; LUKE 5:12-16 27. 1 CORINTHIANS 9:2-12; MATTHEW 18:23-35 28. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:10-15; MARK 1:9-5 27. GALATIANS 6:2-10; LUKE 5:33-39 (fast) 29. ACTS 13:25-32; MARK 6:14-30 (strict fast) 28. EPHESIANS 1:1-9; LUKE 6:12-19 BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 29. EPHESIANS 1:7-17; LUKE 6:17-23 (fast) 30. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:11-16; MARK 1:23-28 (fast) 31. 2 CORINTHIANS 7:1-10; MARK 1:29-35 30. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:23-28; LUKE 5:17-26

Very Rev. George Alberts Very Rev. George Alberts

The Word 27 21st Sacred Music Annual Institute Antiochian Village, Ligonier, PA • July 12-July 16, 2006 (with chant classes) July 13-July 16, 2006 (without chant classes)

Place an “X” in front of the sessions in which you have an interest. ___ Byzantine Chant Class ___ Choral/Chant Pitching ___ Western Rite Music ___ Byzantine Choir Class ___ New Music ___ Talent Show ___ Theology of Kontakia ___ Conducting Classes ___ Using “Finale” ___ Daily Troparia ___ New Music for Akathist ___ Organizing Orthros ___ Vocal Techniques ___ Children’s Music ___ Divine Liturgy ___ Music Theory ___ Western Rite sight reading ___ Troparial Types Keynote Speaker: Mark Bailey, MM Yale School of Music, Lecturer St. Vladimir’s Print Name: ______(Telephone) ______Address: ______City: ______State/Province: ______Zip ______E-mail: ______Parish: ______City: ______Jurisdiction: Antiochian _____ Greek _____ OCA _____ Carpathian _____ Other _____ Room mate request: (name of person: ______) Attending chanting sessions on Wednesday: Yes _____ ; No _____ (check one) I plan to sign up for the talent show. Indicate type of performance.

Flight Information: Arrival time/date: ______Latrobe Airport: Yes ___ No ___ Departure time/date: ______Latrobe Airport: Yes ___ No ___ If not available at time of registration, please e-mail this important information to [email protected] as soon as possible. For those arriving from Pittsburgh Airport you may either 1) mail in an extra $30 with your application for the Village shuttle to and from the airport or 2) call Majesty Shuttle, which will drive you to the Antiochian Village. Advanced Reservations are required. Please call 1-888-794-3400. Or, if you wish, Enterprise car rental (1-800-736-8222), at the Pittsburgh airport will give a Village corporate discount. The corporate number is 40A4839. North West Airlines will now be serving the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA. All Latrobe flights will go through Detroit, MI for connections throughout the USA and world. For further information, visit www.nwa.com. Please note: Please check the appropriate occupancy, below. Cost includes registration. Check below Registration and room (single) and board with chanting classes $433 ______Registration and room (double) and board with chanting classes $317 ______Registration and room (triple) and board with chanting classes $277 ______Registration and room (quad) and board with chanting classes $261 ______Registration and room (single) and board without chanting classes $325 ______Registration and room (double) and board without chanting classes $238 ______Registration and room (triple) and board without chanting classes $208 ______Registration and room (quad) and board without chanting classes $196 ______Send non-refundable $25 deposit or total cost to Sacred Music Institute, Antiochian Village, 140 Church Camp Trail, Bolivar, PA 15923, 724-238-3677.

28 The Word that college students care and are will- communities in action ing to give up their Spring Break in order to spread the love and life of Jesus Christ.” OCF Real Break Program ing in Real Break also joined thousands Real Break has historically been a Achieves Milestone of other college students this year from time for great personal spiritual devel- throughout North America in The Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s opment, increased prayer, and fellow- Louisiana’s Gulf Coast through a Real Break program continued its ship. Above all, Real Break provides Hurricane Relief project to help amazing growth this year, reaching a each student with an opportunity to live Americans rebuild their lives after last significant milestone — 500 students the Gospel of our Lord, to grow into a summer’s two devastating hurricanes, — in the process. In late February and meaningful life in Christ, and hopefully Katrina and Rita. March, 2006, 101 college students, par- to contribute to their very own salva- Helping to assist in the on-going ticipating in nine trips, actively engaged tion. Traditionally, Real Break is a week clean up of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox themselves in this life-changing experi- of personal sacrifice that demands Church in New Orleans left a lasting ence. This brought the seven-year Real physical work, and a time for selfless- impression on eight OCF Real Breakers. Break total to 518 students who have ness. It provides each student with an “Our five days at Holy Trinity started chosen this college ministry as an alter- opportunity to look into the eyes of their when we began to wipe off the muck of native to the traditional warm weather brother, sister and each child they flood waters, and ended with the mov- Spring Breaks that college students encounter, and to know with great clar- ing of boxes and the beginnings of set- normally go on, often participating in a ity they have served their neighbor in ting up a new home, and a renewed life style which can limit personal spiri- Christ. A Real Break trip is indeed life- life,” one student recalled. “All in all, the tual development. changing. eight of us were all deeply affected by “It felt so good working hard all day Mr. Joseph J. Samra III, Program the tragedy we witnessed, but also by for someone else,” said Caroline Director for the OCF, has seen the the resiliency of those who have Dickinson, a senior at the University of growth of Real Break through its seven endured and fought to regain their pre- Michigan in Ann Arbor, who traveled to years. It astounds him to know that viously peaceful lives.” Project Mexico and St. Innocent hundreds of Orthodox Christian stu- Rachel Cattell, a junior at Penn State Orphanage. “To fall in bed at night, dents are forever changed because of University in State College, PA, who has exhausted and sore because I did some- their Real Break experiences. participated in previous Real Breaks thing important for my brother, is an “The importance of Real Break is sig- trips, was one of a group of students awesome feeling. To look around at nificant in the lives of so many young who traveled to Rafael House, a shelter everyone I was with, and realize that we adults, especially at such a critical time for children and families. Adding to the were all there for that same selfless pur- in their life,” he said. “Being able to students’ experiences this year was an pose, was overpowering.” offer our Orthodox students the possi- extended visit by the Rt. Rev. Bishop In addition to the three groups of stu- bility to participate in these short-term BENJAMIN, Bishop of Berkeley (CA), dents who traveled to Project Mexico mission trips will hopefully keep them, Diocese of the West (Orthodox Church and St. Innocent’s Orphanage in not simply connected to the Church, in America). Tijuana, Mexico, other work sites but inspire them to devote always a part “The whole week was amazing,” included Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage of or their entire lives to assisting those Rachel Cattell offered. “It was a once- in Guatemala (two groups), Rafael throughout the world who are in such in-a-lifetime experience to be able to House in San Francisco, CA, Holy great need. Real Break has a major role spend so much one-on-one time with a Monastery of the Twelve Apostles in in the landscape of the Orthodox bishop. Bishop BENJAMIN was washing Greece, and, for the second consecutive Christian college student. To be able to dishes and working right along with us. year, a group of students traveled to an say Real Break has had more than 500 He showed us that he is a real person. orphanage in San Salvador, El Salvador. students participate in just seven years In the process we were able to show Orthodox Christian students participat- is quite significant. We look forward to

The Word 29 the continued growth of this outstand- Spring Valley. A Lenten meal followed in back riding. Some campers challenged ing ministry.” the parish hall. themselves to new heights, literally, on a The Orthodox Christian Fellowship is The next day, Bishop MARK and the massive climbing tower and zipline that the official campus ministry program of clergy visited Elizabeth Abraham Forsa Camp Wapsie had installed less than a the Standing Conference of Canonical at the Spring Valley Nursing Home. year before. Orthodox Bishops in the Americas Elizabeth Forsa was one of the three Campers and staff gathered for (SCOBA). It is a pan-Orthodox effort sisters who typed the English transla- Matins each morning, chanting and which is overseen by an Executive tion of the service book. She celebrated singing with enthusiasm. Christian Committee and assisted by a Student her 100th birthday on April 8 of this Education followed Matins, with small Advisory Board. Additional information year. It was a moving moment when group lessons titled, “Who Am I?”, on Real Break and all OCF programs Mrs. Forsa presented an original copy of “Liturgy and Life” and “Our Father … can be found on the OCF website at the book to Bishop MARK. Father, bless!” followed by an arts and www.ocf.net, or by calling toll-free at crafts session. 800-919-1OCF (1623). Midwest Hosts Camp St. George Evening Program was preceded by daily Vespers, also chanted and sung by Last August youth from Michigan, St. George campers and staff. Evening Program Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa Spring Valley, IL had something for each camper — a traveled to their “Home away from western dance, flashlight tag, a pool His Grace Bishop MARK of the Home,” Camp St. George, a week-long party, a campfire and a hilarious skit Antiochian Orthodox Christian Arch- Orthodox camp outside Cedar Rapids, and song night. diocese of Toledo and the Midwest visited Iowa. Over fifty children and teenagers This year’s session was blessed by a the parish of St. George, Spring Valley, came to attend the camp’s fifth year at special visit from Sayedna MARK on Illinois, on the evening of March 21. YMCA Camp Wapsie. They were greeted Friday afternoon. After celebrating St. George, Spring Valley is a small by counselors and staff who enthusias- Vespers together, Sayedna asked the but historic parish of the Antiochian tically volunteered their time to provide campers about their week’s experience. Archdiocese of North America, which Midwest youth with an Orthodox Campers enthusiastically shared their was founded in 1918 by immigrant fam- Christian camping experience under favorite things about camp with him ilies from Syria and Lebanon. It is the the leadership of camp director, Father and later entertained him with cabin oldest of such parishes in Illinois and is Patrick Kinder. skits and songs during Evening the place where the major services of Within a few hours on registration Program. the Orthodox Church were first trans- day, returning campers had quickly Campers and staff both struggled to lated into English. The translation of reconnected with friends from earlier say their goodbyes on Saturday morn- this 1123-page book was accomplished sessions, while new campers had been ing. Renewed and newly formed friend- under the direction of the Archimandrite welcomed into the Camp St. George ships, strengthened faith and special Seraphim Nassar, the first full-time family. By the end of the opening night’s memories had been formed in one short priest of the parish. Three young women evening program, the nearby corn tas- week. God willing, this August 13-19, of the parish accomplished the typing of sels in neighboring farmers’ fields were 2006, campers and staff will be able to the manuscript. They were Mary, Sadie, shaking from the spirited cheering in make the trip “down a dusty road, along and Elizabeth Abraham. This large book, the camp dining hall. the Wapsie River, in a great field of which is often informally referred to as On Monday, campers celebrated the corn,” to Camp St. George’s sixth ses- “the Five Pounder,” was first published in Great Feast of the Dormition of the sion! Camp St. George’s web-site, Spring Valley in 1938. Theotokos with Divine Liturgy and a www.campstgeorge.org, contains addi- On his visit to the parish Bishop picnic later that day. By the afternoon, tional photo memories of last session, MARK celebrated the Lenten service of campers had started to explore some of camper and counselor applications, as Great Compline. Assisting in the service the various activities offered each day well as more contact information. were the Very Rev. Fr. Nicholas Dahdal — swimming, archery, ball sports, of Chicago and Fr. Gregory Buss of canoeing, arts and crafts, and horse-

30 The Word Following the ordinations, a luncheon in honor of Deacon George and Fr. Christopher was held in the monastery trapeza. The following morning, Fr. Christopher and Deacon George cele- brated the Divine Liturgy together at St. Mary’s in Wilkes-Barre. Concelebrating with them were Fr. David Hester, Fr. Orthodox Unity Put into Practice Metropolitan HERMAN presented Constantine Nasr, Fr. Michael Dahulich, at St. Tikhon’s Seminary Bishop BASIL with a beautiful panagia and Deacon John Karam. in honor of the historic occasion. On Sunday, February 18, 2006, His The theme of Orthodox unity was fur- St. Anthony’s, Bergenfield, NJ, Grace Bishop BASIL celebrated the ther underlined by the fact that the Recognized for Divine Liturgy in the monastery church ordinations took place in conjunction Environmental Stewardship at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. During this with a meeting of the Orthodox Inter- service, His Grace ordained George The civil authorities for whom we Seminary Movement, with attendees Shawareb of St. Elijah, Oklahoma City, pray each Sunday were there: the mayor from St. Tikhon’s, St. Vladimir’s, St. OK to the Holy Diaconate, and and the county executive; the assembly- Herman’s, Holy Cross, and, significantly, Christopher Morris, of All Saints, man and the deputy commissioner for Salina, KS, to the Holy Priesthood. Deacon George was sponsored by Fr. Michael Dahulich, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, and Fr. Constantine Nasr of St. Elijah. Fr. Christopher was spon- sored by Fr. Dahulich and Fr. Daniel Griffith of All Saints. This service was a powerful example of Orthodox unity in practice, as it marked the first time an Antiochian bishop has performed an ordination at St. Tikhon’s. Both His Beatitude Metropolitan HERMAN, primate of the OCA, and His Grace Bishop TIKHON, From left, parishioner Robin Robinson, pastor V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Allen, GreenFaith’s Rev. OCA Bishop of Philadelphia and Fletcher Harper, Bergenfield Mayor Richard Bohan, NJ Deputy Commissioner of Environmental Protection Adam Zeller. Eastern Pennsylvania, were present at the ROCOR seminary in Jordanville, NY. the liturgy, and Saidna BASIL commem- environmental protection. The media Saidna BASIL’s historic action stands orated them both during the service. At were there too, from the local communi- firmly within the tradition of North the conclusion of the service, ty periodical to a major regional news- American Orthodox unity that started paper. All came to celebrate St. with St. Raphael of Brooklyn, an Anthony’s of Bergenfield, NJ for its Antiochian priest who was placed under commitment to environmental steward- the jurisdiction of the Russian Church, ship. was sent to America and consecrated Shepherded by pastor V. Rev. Fr. bishop there by the Russians, and was Joseph Allen and spearheaded by the bishop who consecrated the ground parishioner Robin Robinson, on March for St. Tikhon ’s and celebrated the first 12 St. Anthony’s dedicated the 134 solar liturgy there. panels it had installed atop its roof to

The Word 31 draw energy from the sun. This is one of several energy-minded measures the parish has begun to implement. Speaking at the dedication was Rev. Fletcher Harper, the executive director of GreenFaith (greenfaith.org), a non- profit organization founded in 1992 that promotes interfaith environmental stewardship. Rev. Fletcher, an Episcopal priest, believes that installing solar panels is a great way to educate the public about the need for clean and reliable energy sources. He told the parish, “The religious community is uniquely placed to call our country in that direction.” Robin Robinson con- curred: “Mindful of the imperative God mature 12- and 13-year-olds. Many of and his father, a parishioner at St. has placed on us to watch over the our children enthusiastically entered George the Syrian in Canton, Ohio. Earth, we look forward to deepening our into this ministry. Since its inception, Mark became interested and started to relationship with the sacred in nature.” the Hospitalers has grown beyond 7th learn woodworking about one year ago. and 8th graders to involve many of our He had watched his father working in St. George Outreach Ministry adult parishioners and has logged hun- his basement shop as a youngster, but The Hospitalers dreds of hours of personal visitation. never really pursued working in wood Mr. Lengyel-Leahu continues to take seriously until one year ago. Mark’s The Archdiocesan theme for the our young people on Sundays after father made the Naj at his own church, Creative Festivals in 2002 was Liturgy for these visitations to the pres- St. George the Syrian in Canton, Ohio. “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as ent day. The commentary in the “When my own Abouna, Fr. Anthony you did it to One of the least of these, Orthodox Study Bible for James 2:14-19 Elbahou, visited my home I showed him My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matt. was studied and James 2:20 was, and is, what my father had done and in October 25:40). the guiding focus. Our hospitalers are of 2005 committed to do the project,” St. George Antiochian Orthodox not just Sunday Scholars but rather a said Shaheen. Church in Phoenix, AZ has continually dynamic, living expression of “Faith & Shaheen continued, saying that he tried to propagate the effectiveness of Works.” had to buy new tools because special hands-on ministry by being mindful of tools were needed to carve the Orthodox the old maxim: “Tell me and I will forget, A Labor of Love monograms. These special carving tools show me and I may remember, involve Sts. Constantine and Helen were necessary to make the carvings in me and I will understand.” Dallas, TX the dome to reflect the reality of Jesus In the hopes of living out the Gospel in the Temple. The base of the dome is of Jesus Christ, St. George created “The “When God made His Kingdom for us carved as a cross because temples are Hospitalers.” This is a hospital out- His children, He gave a vineyard in in the shape of a cross. reach ministry which tries to provide which to labor. It was a place where the Working eight months to complete the the opportunity for the faithful to visit air was clean and perfect and the fruit Naj, Shaheen prayed his way through sick and lonely people in a nearby local was sweet. The workday lasted 12 hours this “labor of love.” He prayed and hospital. Under the guidance and lead- but each minute was a labor of love.” worked day and night in much the same ership of Mr. Ted Lengyel-Leahu, our The above words were the thoughts of way as an Icon writer prays when com- 7th and 8th grade Sunday School Mark Shaheen, parishioner of Sts. pleting his work. The Naj was first used teacher, the ministry was initiated with Constantine and Helen, Dallas, Texas

32 The Word Santa Claus) with his huge bag of gifts. Saidna was awed by the tables full of gingerbread houses and heartily encour- aged the church school to continue making the education of its children such a joyful activity. The church school also gathered donations of baby clothing and supplies for local needy families. More subdued, but nevertheless happy, murmurs were heard in the afternoon when Bishop ANTOUN had lunch with the St. Nicholas Ladies’ Auxiliary. Among other topics he spoke about the importance of ongoing Orthodox educa- tion for adults. He suggested that at every meeting a woman in the Ladies’ on Holy Friday, 2005 and was officially less. The evening was filled with prayer Auxiliary should make a short presenta- donated to Sts. Constantine and Helen as well as festivity as Bishop ANTOUN tion about a spiritual book or article that on . blessed Subdeacon Richard’s home she had read. He also reminded them Mark has continued to pray about his chapel. Parish council members were that every contribution that each indi- time, talent and treasure and how he reaffirmed in their realization of vidual made was important for the can share with the Church, thus giving Saidna’s love for God and for the people health of the church and the archdio- back to God. Other projects around the of St. Nicholas as they spoke with him cese. Saturday evening the beautiful Church have arisen and because he about their concerns and their plans for sound of youthful chanting was heard in labors out of his “love for God,” he has the future. St. Nicholas Church when the teen done them willingly, setting an example On Saturday morning squeals of joy SOYO chanted vespers along with for all of us. could be heard as the children of St. Saidna. After the service the teens con- Nicholas decorated gingerbread houses gregated at the rectory to eat a fasting St. Nicholas, Bridgeport, CT together and anticipated the arrival of dinner and chat with Bishop ANTOUN. St. Nicholas himself (in the guise of He inspired all with memories of his The faithful of St. Nicholas in Bridgeport, Connecticut have had an eventful fall and winter! One of the high- lights of the parish’s year was the cele- bration of the church’s patronal feast day. The festive weekend of December 4- 6, 2005 was made even more joyous by the presence of Bishop ANTOUN, who spent many hours with parishioners of all different ages. Friday evening Saidna ANTOUN joined the parish council for a celebration which was hosted by Subdeacon Richard and Gigi Zogheb at their beautiful home. Fr. Noah took sev- eral extra turns in the car with Bishop ANTOUN on the way to the party, but other than that the evening was seam-

The Word 33 Missouri, the new church will serve the faithful in the greater Kansas City metro area. Located across the highway from major development in Wyandotte County, Kansas, the new home of St. Basil will be able to focus on its out- reach ministry, being a true light of Orthodoxy. The parishioners of St. Basil’s were joined by Father Nicholas Papedo, Father Timothy Sawchak, Father Alexander Bugarin, Father Paisius Altschul, Father Christopher Rowe and Reverend Deacon Jeremy Davis as well as Subdeacon Nicholas Issa, Subdeacon Anthony Hendren, teenage struggles and his conviction Ground-Breaking for Subdeacon Michael Summers and that some among them would follow in St. Basil’s Orthodox Church, numerous acolytes in realizing the cul- his footsteps, attending seminary and in Eastern Kansas since 2002 mination of years of hard work and becoming church leaders. Finally, on prayer. Many fund-raising efforts, plan- Eastern Kansas has Nebraska Sunday, the entire community joined ning sessions and holiday bake sales Furniture Mart, the Kansas Speedway together to accomplish the most impor- have brought the parishioners to this and Cabela’s. Soon it will have a new tant work: the Divine Liturgy. Children point, where final approval from the beacon of Orthodoxy. On Saturday, of the church formed a children’s choir Kansas City planning authority is pend- March 11, His Grace Bishop BASIL of and sang some hymns during the ing and building is about to begin. With Wichita and Mid-America joined Father Liturgy. At the end of the service Bishop the land paid for, the deposit placed on Elias Issa and clergy from surrounding ANTOUN inducted new members of the the building materials and loan Orthodox churches in breaking ground Order of St. Ignatius, and then a deli- approval from the bank, everyone hopes for the permanent home of St. Basil the cious feast was served in the parish hall. to be celebrating services in the new Great Church. With its prime location, It was a great blessing for the parish- Church before the end of the year. close to the KCI airport and western ioners of St. Nicholas to be reminded of the great love that their bishops have for them. Bishop ANTOUN must have gone home exhausted, but his labor of love was greatly appreciated! The New Year began with an exciting first in St. Nicholas history. On the eighth of January parishioners partici- pated in the outdoor blessing of the waters of the Long Island Sound. Three brave young men jumped in to retrieve the cross that Fr. Noah threw into the waves. It was a joy for us to reclaim the Atlantic Ocean for Christ!!!

34 The Word Church School, along with Christopher Kerge (Building Committee Chairman), Nabil Barbari (Chairman of the Parish Council) and Nabil Louh (Past Chairman); the Sunday School staff of teachers, and dozens of eager students followed from the former school to the new anticipating the prayers, joy, and feasting that lay ahead. Father Joe and Rose are that fine combination of leadership from whom grow an institution, innovation for liv- ing Tradition, heretofore molding into our children the love of Orthodoxy. In terms of morale, scholarship, and early twenty-first century technology, this Bishop BASIL, Fr. Elias Issa (3rd from left), and neighboring clergy pray before breaking ground new school came at the right time and for St. Basil’s Church in eastern KS. the right place. Not only is this new In just four years the Mission Church churches in Kansas and Missouri gath- beginning a tribute to the teaching staff, has grown from a few families brought ered together in worship and fellowship. Church Council, and congregation, but together in faith and a common heritage Even the unfavorable weather didn’t it is also a gracious nod to those in to a community reflecting a tradition of dampen spirits, providing a perfect day decades past. In the early 1920’s, Mrs. national and international diversity that for a ground-breaking on Saturday and Bahia Scordous, at the urging of the is united in love, oneness of heart and leaving the heaviest of rains until after Very Reverend Ayoub Salloom, made a like-mindedness. That heritage was evi- all services were concluded on Sunday. beginning. From this simple necessity dent in the services of Great Vespers, We are grateful to Bishop BASIL for his paraded an array of Superintendents Orthros and Divine Liturgy that fol- visit and remember his call to us to be and teachers, more than 90 years long. lowed the ground-breaking and contin- like Philip talking to Nathaniel about In the ground floor of St. George, ued on Sunday. We were delighted to Jesus — “Come and see.” The home of where once stood the church hall, now have our fellow Orthodox brethren with St. Basil of Eastern Kansas will be the stands the Church School, a marvelous us as we worshiped and shared Lenten same — “Come and see.” renovation. Its windows and lighting are meals. St. Macrina’s Ladies Society cheerful. All is new, floor to ceiling, from coordinated those meals, including NO SCHOOL LIKE A NEW SCHOOL computers and flat panel monitors, to many of His Grace’s favorites. With an St. George of Washington, DC furniture and chalk boards. Phone lines influx of new voices in the choir, Vespers assure communication between class Rare is the day, so rare in fact, that and Liturgy were truly inspiring and rooms and the internet. There is secure the moment must be savored with received praise from His Grace. It is our and easy access to the outside. The friends, and especially enjoyed in the hope that, on the next occasion His attached St. George Hall and bell tower Presence of the Holy Spirit. The Very Grace has to hear the choir, it will are monuments themselves. Reverend Joseph Rahal, resplendent in resound in our new Church. A yellow ribbon spanned the foyer to his joy, proceeded from St. George into Sunday, March 12 was the Sunday of the school rooms, as did a yellow ribbon the brilliant but frigid and blustery Orthodoxy and Bishop BASIL was the to each class room. One by one, the rib- Sunday, to bless our new Church presiding hierarch at Inter-Orthodox bons were cut. Flanked by his Altar School. With him on January 15th came Vespers, held at Holy Annunciation Boys, Fr. Joseph chanted the blessing the Altar Boys and Choir, meeting the in Kansas City, as the Choir responded. Other than entire school in front of the church. Kansas. Orthodox faithful from all of the Divine Liturgy, the spirituality of the Rose Fakhoury, Superintendent of our

The Word 35 ever, his father eventually came back to the Church and became a practicing believer. Fr. Suciu also addressed the topics, “Heaven Together or Hell Alone,” focus- ing on the paths to salvation in the Church, and “Baptism Revisited: Renewal of Our Commitment to Christ,” giving a detailed discussion of the rite of initiation into the faith. His lively speaking style, humor, wealth of knowl- edge, and personal experiences both as a youth and in seminary in Romania, as well as serving as a priest in Romanian, Antiochian, and Greek Orthodox parish- Sunday School Grand Opening: Cutting the ribbon: (L to R) Bill Barbari, Rose Fakhoury, Chris Kerge, and Nabil Louh, Washington, DC es in North America, kept everyone interested and engaged during the three moment was unmistakable, all the more Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in San sessions. to be enjoyed as this occasion had taken Antonio, Texas, was the retreat leader. A The retreat included Vespers on more than a generation to arrive. well-known speaker and retreat leader, Friday evening, and a Liturgy for the Tribute to Father Joseph and all those Fr. Suciu and his wife Delia escaped the first Saturday of the Souls on Saturday who supported him: in his six years as oppressive Ceaucescu regime in morning. our Pastor, at thirty-six years as a Romania in 1984 and have been serving WOCA holds two retreats annually priest, he saw the need and all else fol- parishes in Canada and the United and also sponsors the joint Sunday lowed, a measure of his patience, lead- States since then. He related his diffi- evening Vesper Services during Great ership, and true Faith. cult personal experiences growing up in Lent. The association is comprised of In 2008, our second 100 years begins. a Communist country with his very priests and from Orthodox To those that follow, what we have asked devout mother and atheist father who parishes around the state of of ourselves, we ask no less of you. actually persecuted Christians. How- Washington.

Washington Clergy Hold Pre-Lenten Retreat “Committing to Christ in an Atheist Communist Society” was the lead-off topic at the pre-Lenten Retreat spon- sored by the Washington Orthodox Clergy Association (WOCA) held in late February at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. Over 140 Orthodox faithful from parishes of various juris- dictions throughout the Puget Sound area participated in the two-day ses- sions. The Rev. Fr. Danut Suciu, a native of Fr. Danut Suciu makes a point during the Pre-Lenten retreat sponsored by the Washington Romania, and currently pastor of St. Orthodox Clergy Association at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Shoreline, WA.

36 The Word Gathering of the Clergy Brotherhood of St. Joseph of Damascus of the Diocese of Oakland, PA and the East His Grace Bishop THOMAS, of the Diocese of Oakland, PA and the East, gathered his diocesan clergy for spiritu- al study and refreshment at the Antiochian Village from February 28 through March 2, 2006. His Grace promptly set the tone of the retreat with opening remarks in which he encour- aged the clergy in attendance to see themselves, “not as an association or an The Clergy Brotherhood of St. Joseph of Damascus gather with Bishop THOMAS organization, but as a family and a brotherhood.” parish culture that should be defined by had requested him, and the Patriarch Fr. Boniface Black, pastor of St. enthusiasm, generosity, and welcome. had grown fond of him, St. Joseph was Philip’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Parishes where visitors and new ordained deacon and priest within one Souderton, PA, served as retreat leader. members feel welcome are more likely to week while he was only twenty-four. He Following Great Vespers on the first thrive in an increasingly mobile culture. grew as capable in articulating the evening, Fr. Boniface provided an The task, then, is not simply to nurture gospel as he had been in studying it, overview and initial discussion of the the parish faithful, but also to keep an and his skilled preaching earned for retreat theme, “Evangelism and eye toward replacing those who move him a reputation as “the successor of Stewardship.” “Evangelism,” he offered, on. These are the practical considera- Chrysostom.” “is about changing people; stewardship tions of ministry, and Fr. Boniface Of special note, though, was his deep, is about changed people.” The distinc- encouraged setting goals that provide sacrificial love for his flock. In the end, tion was helpful as clergy were chal- for both necessities. Establishing “min- the event of his martyrdom proved also lenged for the duration of the retreat to istry teams,” for example, can develop to be the clearest demonstration of his consider various strategies for nurtur- current members, while designating a pastoral sense. During the Damascus ing parishes distinguished as visitor- parish publicity coordinator can keep massacre of 1860, he hid his commun- friendly and financially healthy. the public aware of an active Orthodox ion kit under his sleeve while jumping Joy is key, Fr. Boniface suggested, and Christian option in their area. from one roof to the next toward the a positive attitude is critical to the suc- In addition to sound instruction on Cathedral. He spent an exhausting cess of any evangelism and stewardship evangelism and stewardship, the 2006 night comforting afflicted Christians to effort. “When you look out at your peo- retreat will be remembered for another receive bravely first the sword, then ple,” he asked during one discussion, achievement: the selection by Bishop their glory. On Tuesday morning, July “what do you see?” The clergy in atten- THOMAS of Hieromartyr Joseph of 10, the persecutors reached the dance were encouraged to see, in their Damascus as the patron saint of the Cathedral. Many faithful were slaugh- respective parishes, not problems or Clergy Brotherhood of Oakland, PA and tered and, moments before his own personalities, but “future choir mem- the East. martyrdom, Fr. Joseph found a silent bers, prospective members for the Born in May of 1793 to a poor but place to consume the last of the Body Order of St. Ignatius, camp counselors, pious family, St. Joseph distinguished and Blood of Our Lord from his com- monastics, priests.” Fear and discour- himself early as a lover of knowledge, munion kit. agement will erode such a positive with a special affinity for biblical stud- Such love for both Christian and vision, he explained, and threaten a ies. Because the parish in Damascus Christ is precisely the quality His Grace

The Word 37 Bishop THOMAS encouraged the newly- named Clergy Brotherhood of St. Joseph of Damascus — of the Diocese of Oakland, PA, and the East — to emulate.

Eleven Years of Proclaiming the Wisdom of the Ages St. Joseph the Betrothed Orthodox Church, Houston, TX We are a community that has been on the move for eleven years. We began with six families from St. George of Houston in a rented dance hall, then moved to a local office park. Fr. Joseph Shahda Exterior of St. Joseph Church (Pastor emeritus of St. George) and the presided over the events of that week- anointed with chrism and vested; so then Deacon Thomas (now Bishop end with many guests and friends in too, the church walls were anointed. THOMAS) helped the mission in its attendance. Then Archimandrite, now Four hours later we said our final embryonic phase. After ten months as a Bishop THOMAS, was also here to be Fr. “Amen.” That evening we had a Banquet mission station and seventeen families Matthew’s sponsor. They had worked to complete our celebration. later, our Fr. Matthew arrived with his together for years before Bishop It was a great honor to have Bishop family to Houston. We then became a full THOMAS was transferred to St. BASIL lead us through ten years of mission in 1994 with the name of St. Nicholas in Florida. growth and our joyous anniversary cel- Joseph the Betrothed. (We are the only Bishop BASIL met with the children ebration. He emphasized that our parish named for St. Joseph the of our community for brunch on church was now a sacred temple set Betrothed in Orthodox history.) Saturday morning. He explained to all apart for the service and glory of the In four years, we had grown to 33 the importance of a church’s consecra- Holy Trinity. He also reminded us that families and bought land and built our tion and that it only comes around once no one could claim ownership of the first building (a multi-purpose building: in a community’s life. Later that day, we temple. The temple was no one per- hall/sanctuary, office and Sunday prayed Great Vespers and brought in son’s, no matter how much time or School class rooms). By 2002 we had the relics (St. Blaise) for the consecra- money they may have given. Instead, grown to 45 families and began con- tion of the Altar. A Middle Eastern din- what we had created, by the grace of struction on our main temple (an ner followed with a silent auction. One God, was a gift “with no strings ancient Byzantine style cruciform of the items auctioned was an icon by attached.” We had given to God a new building with three apses and a dome). Dimitri Shkolnik, who had just complet- temple as our communal offering. Many We completed our temple and moved ed the large icon of the Theotokos over of our community helped bring about into it for regular worship in 2003. In the altar. Dimitri will be doing the icons this great day through years of prayer November 2004 we celebrated our 10th for our church in the months and years and good works. St. Joseph has always anniversary with the consecration of to come. enjoyed a vital and active membership our church building. In addition, our Fr. On Sunday, Orthros began at 8:45 am, pitching in: raising funds, designing our Matthew was elevated to archpriest and followed by the consecration and then a temple, baking dinners, and two members of our parish were Hierarchical Liturgy with an ordination. artoklasis, arranging flowers, singing ordained: Gregory (Richard) Gibson to In the same way that a person is and chanting services, sewing the the diaconate and Meletios Marx to sub- Baptized and Chrismated, so the Bishop’s savanon, acolyte and Altar deacon. Deacon Gregory now serves our church temple was initiated and made , making consecration book- new mission of St. Silouan the Athonite holy. The Holy Altar Table was washed, lets and coordinating all the activities, in College Station, TX. Bishop BASIL

38 The Word Wrubleski family. In 1996 we undertook the first expansion, tripling the struc- ture, adding worship space, a small kitchen and a hall in the basement. This current project will add a much needed fully-equipped hall, a larger kitchen and church school classrooms. Hopefully, this expansion will serve the needs of the parish for the foreseeable future. Following the ground-breaking cere- mony, a Lenten meal was served to an “overflow capacity” crowd in the base- ment of the church. Bishop ANTOUN Interior of St. Joseph Church took the opportunity to thank Father Stephen and his family for their dedica- meals and our banquet. We give thanks one with Saidna ANTOUN digging with a tion and to recognize Lloyd George, Joe to God for our blessings that allow us to shovel! In attendance at the ground- Keepers and the rest of the Building continue in His work. Our iconographer breaking ceremony were approximately Committee for their efforts over the past said he likes to return to the communi- 150 parishioners and friends, the two years to initiate this construction ty of his icons to see how the icons grow church’s architect and bank represen- project. in beauty and spiritual depth from the tative. While this latest expansion repre- prayer life of that parish. May our The new 10,000-square-foot structure sents a significant commitment, Fr. church of St. Joseph be a witness to will house a church hall, eight church Stephen has reminded us that, “What is such spiritual growth. school classes and a full kitchen, and impossible with men is possible with will double the church’s worship space. God” (Luke 18:27). “The church is the Ceremonial Ground-Breaking for This is an important milestone in the center of Orthodox worship and fellow- St. Stephen the Protomartyr history of St. Stephen’s. In 1978 our ship with one another. We are so fortu- original structure, a 20 foot by 20 foot The Parish family of St. Stephen the nate to have such a dedicated group of chapel without running water, was Protomartyr in South Plainfield, New parishioners who are committed to this donated to the parish along with land Jersey, joyfully welcomed His Grace project,” says Fr. Stephen. for expansion, by our neighbors, the Bishop ANTOUN to our long-awaited ceremonial ground-breaking on Sunday, November 27, 2005. The presence of God was felt as the usually cold late November day turned into a beautiful warm one for this historic outdoor occasion. To mark the special event, His Grace celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy along with Fr. George Kevorkian, Hierarchical Assistant, and Fr. Stephen Tewfik, pastor of St. Stephen Church. Following liturgy, the entire parish went outside for the ceremony led by Bishop ANTOUN. It was truly a joyous occasion Fr. Stephen Tewfik, Bishop ANTOUN and parishioners break ground for the expansion of and many photos were taken, including St. Stephen’s Church.

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