ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005 Nativity Message of His Diocese assembles Grace, Nikon in Southbury Report of His Grace, Bishop Nikon Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their Diocesan Changes and Assignments flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord We have experienced a number of pastoral stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone changes over the past 12 months with reference around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then to our and there are now several vacancies the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for and we anticipate that there will soon be a few behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which other vacancies. will be to all people. For there is born to you At the present time, Waterbury remains this day in the city of David a Savior, vacant with the transfer of Fr. Matthew Searfoorce. who is Christ the Lord.” Fr. John Dresko works diligently to make sure (LUKE 2:8-11) that the parishioners of The Nativity of the Virgin Mary receive pastoral care while a suitable NATIVITY 2005 candidate may be found to fill this position.

To the Reverend Clergy and Faithful of the REPORT TO 4 Diocese of New England Dearly beloved: Bishop’s Installation Christ is born! Glorify Him! December 16 (Holy Trinity Cathedral) What a joy it is to greet you with these words in Vespers, 6:00 P.M. my first archpastoral message to you as diocesan bishop. We have journeyed by fasting to the December 17 feast of the Nativity of Christ through all the Hours, Greeting of the Hierarchs distortions and the distractions of our society, Divine Liturgy, 9:00 A.M. which tries to change this wonderful day of the Gift to a day of consumption and “gifts.” Reception at D’Arbeloff Hall (lower level of the Cathedral)

The simple country shepherds referred to by the Banquet at Elements Cafe, 1:30 P.M. Evangelist Luke saw the glory of the Lord shin- ing round them, and they were “greatly afraid.” December 18 Would that we, and those around us, had the Hours, Divine Liturgy, 9:00 A.M. same healthy awe as we are invited to the house- hold of God to be His children and heirs. The Tickets for the Enthronement Banquet are $60.00. Gift of the eternal Son of God is an unimagin- Find forms and more information at: able act of love and sacrifice. We are called to accept that Gift in humility and to make Him http://www.holytrinityorthodox.org alive in our lives and in those whom we encoun- A Souvenir Program Book is being prepared to ter. honor His Grace, Bishop Nikon, to commemo- rate this milestone in our Diocese. Your parish or The angel announced the good tidings of great any individual parishioners may add their names, joy about the birth of a Savior. My prayer, for a donation of $25.00, to those who will be beloved brothers and sisters, is that we each are congratulating His Grace, Bishop Nikon as he blessed to hear the same glad tidings and that we takes on his new responsibility in the Vineyard of Christ. Please contact Rev. Vasily Gilbert by MESSAGE TO 12 Friday, December 9, 2005.

Diocese of New England • Orthodox Church in America ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND NEW ORTHODOX Volume 15 • Number 11 • December 2005 http://www.dneoca.org -1- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND O.N.E. (ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND) Diocese of New England, Orthodox Church in America ON THE DOCKET Published monthly except for July-August A listing of upcoming events in the Diocese. His Grace, Bishop NIKON Please forward any dates you wish to be included to the Editor. The Very Reverend John J. Dresko, Editor Advertising: This publication will accept advertisements. December 2-3, 2005 However, we reserve the right to refuse any advertising that we find unacceptable for a publication of this type. Rate: Connecticut Bible Lecture Series $50.00 per quarter page, $100.00 per half page, $175.00 St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans per full page. Fr. Paul Tarazi Subscription: Distributed free of charge to diocesan Christ the Savior Church, Southbury, CT members. $10.00 per year or any part thereof for others. Subscription outside of U.S.: $15.00 (U.S. Currency). December 8, 2005 Editorial Office: Connecticut Deanery Meeting, 7:00 P.M. E-MAIL: Three Saints Church, Ansonia, CT FAX: US MAIL: December 16-17, 2005 DIOCESAN WEBSITE: http://www.dneoca.org INSTALLATION OF HIS GRACE, BISHOP NIKON ONE STEWARDS: PO Box 1182, Torrington, CT 06790-1182 Holy Trinity Cathedral, Boston, MA Hardware: This issue was composed on an Apple Power Macintosh G5 with 1.5 gb RAM, a Umax Astra 3450 scanner, and a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5MP laser printer. Software: Microsoft Word X & PageMaker 6.52. Reproduction done at GT Graphics, Forestville, CT. Farewell The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors. Dogmas of the Church, or Official Statements, will be so labeled. Materials in ONE (Orthodox New England) It is time for me to say farewell to the readers of may be reproduced with acknowledgment of the source. Orthodox New England. After fifteen years as editor of the diocesan publication, I will be assuming new duties in service to Christ and the Church. On January 1, 2006, I will become the full-time Director of Development, O.N.E. Press Fund Planned Giving and Stewardship for The Orthodox Church in America. I will be relieved of all my parish, YES, I enjoy the articles, correspondence and deanery and diocesan duties. His Grace, Bishop Nikon, editorials of O.N.E. (Orthodox New England) and will be appointing two new editors of Orthodox New would like to contribute towards the expenses England. I am sure they will do well and I wish them the of publishing this periodical. Find enclosed my best. check made out to “Diocese of New England.” Over the past fifteen years it has been a joy to edit the diocesan newspaper, but especially to write on topics of NAME interest to the average Orthodox parishioner and to get to know so many of you personally. I want to offer my thanks to everyone who acted as correspondents over the years. ADDRESS Your assistance made the timely publication of ONE possible. I want to offer a special thanks to Job, Metropolitan Theodosius, Metropolitan Herman, and PARISH Bishop Nikon for their confidence in me and that the issues would actually be published. I also want to offer a special thanks to my dear friend and our former Chancel- AMOUNT OF DONATION: lor, Fr. Michael Westerberg, who offered much counsel and support over the years. Please add a subscription to O.N.E. in my A very special thanks goes to my parish of Holy name with this. ($10.00 per year – free to Trinity in New Britain. They have a very expansive and diocesan members) deep vision of the Church and always saw my work in NEW publishing ONE as part of my work for the parish and Church. RENEWAL Finally, brothers and sisters, I ask your forgiveness if anything I have written or published over the years has Please mail donations and subscription caused offense. Any fault is mine and mine alone. Please requests to: V. Rev. William DuBovik, pray for me as I begin my new ministry in the Church.

Father John Dresko -2- ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005 Around the Parishes

Ansonia, Connecticut

This fall was a very eventful time for us at Three Saints Church. Our Sunday School is back in action and our new superintendants, Stacy Pimpinelli and Gloria Timpko are doing a great job coordinating activities for families as well as the children. In October, after Divine Liturgy, Fr. Timpko had a procession along with the Altar Servers, down to the new bookstore for blessing. The Sunday School children and teachers joined in, and now the items that are sold there are also blessed. There were goodies at coffee hour in celebration of the new bookstore as well. Our Food & Craft Fair was held November 11 and 12 with an assortment of homemade ethnic foods, new crafts and goods for sale, and even an update Fund Drive Raffle. Instead of the traditional grocery store gift certificates, Blessing of the new bookstore in Ansonia parishioners made up themed baskets and chances were bought on the baskets — a list of winners will follow. Endicott, NY. Our Senior Group continues to meet on it’s own as A number of parishioners and friends from Claremont well as there are many meeting for weekly Bible Study attended a concert presented by the Anchiskhati Choir in Westminster West, VT on October 24 in front of a full and most appreciative audience at the town’s community church. OUR PEOPLE This was the initial concert of the group leading off a PLACES tour of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. of over twenty EVENTS presentations, concluding at St. Nicholas Cathedral in IOCESE Washington on November 20. D The ensemble comes from the country of Georgia in the Caucasus and is the leading exponent and conservator with Fr. Timpko. Some of the ladies will begin to prepare of Georgian polyphonic music, featuring ancient sacred making lap robes, and scarves for homebound hymns from the Georgian Orthodox liturgy and secular parishioners as well as people in need abroad. songs, such as work songs, funeral laments, historical ballads, and love songs and expressing the emotional and – submitted by Julie Craft spiritual culture of a deeply musical people. It seems that 2005 has been a year of many baptisms Claremont, New Hampshire at Holy Resurrection parish. Father Andrew baptized Cassia Mary, daughter of Reader Ambrose (Chip) Powell escorted four young Rowan and Talia Sheehan of Vermont on October 9th parishioners to Education Day at St. Vladimir’s Seminary before the Divine Liturgy. Cassia’s godparents are Father on October 1st. They were John and Dan Powell, Ihor Dimitry and Mary Perez of Pennsylvania. A reception Nikolajchuk, and Nikita Eremine. attended by many relatives, parishioners and friends The group stayed overnight in Englewood, NJ and followed in the parish hall. traveled the next morning to attend the hierarchical liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Herman, two – submitted by Lawrence Johnson attending , a number of presbyters and deacons and two choirs. Hartford, Connecticut The customary food service of foods from many ethnic traditions came after the liturgy and that was We rejoiced at All Saints Church as we gathered with His followed by the keynote address of Bishop Savvas of Grace, Bishop Nikon, and Paul Nimchek, Troas and a number of workshops. for a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the blessing of our While at SVS, the group met up with Caleb Abetti and new ramp. His Grace, on behalf of the parish, presented Sarah Krajcik, HROC seminarians at SVS. Also from an icon of Christ healing the Paralytic to David Vargas in Claremont were Tim Tregubov and Justin and Anna DeMoulin from Claremont and Alexandra Karlgut of PARISHES TO 10 -3- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND

REPORT FROM 1

Meriden still yearns for a permanent pastor, although Meriden is being faithfully pastored by Fr. Sergius Halvorsen ever since Fr. Timothy Lowe accepted a teaching position in the middle-east There is in fact, a shortage of clergy and this makes it increasingly difficult not only to fill pastorates, but to give our current clergy a chance for a much needed retreat or vacation. Psychologists today will tell you that one of the most stressful occupations is that of pastor. We certainly want to do all we can to aid our pastors in their most holy work. At the Holy Synod meeting last week, the bishops were given the following list of vacant parishes or parishes where the pastors or parish councils have requested a change. His Grace, Bishop Nikon, delivers his report These include: Albanian Archdiocese Worcester, MA Vladimir’s are Caled Abetti, Sarah and Albanian dioceses. Krajcik, Jennifer Mosher, Fr. Joshua This should not discourage our Diocese of the Midwest Mosher, Andrey Sukharev, and Dn seminarians from applying for the St. Louis, MO John Zarras. There are none listed scholarships that we offer. Nor should Desloge, MO from our diocese at any other semi- it discourage us from offering the Lakewood, OH nary. However, Dimitry Kaluzhny is scholarships. I posed the scenario, that if I visit Diocese of New England with us during this assembly and he is the seminaries and find promising Waterbury, CT studying at St. Tikhon’s and doing students and offer to pay their Meriden, CT very well. tuition, would that then be a guaran- Pittsfield, MA We certainly congratulate our tee that they would be returned to Salem, MA students and the clergy and lay leaders who support all initiatives in our diocese. The Metropolitan said Romanian Episcopate fostering vocations. We do offer no — but he would certainly be thank- Alexandria, VA modest scholarships to our seminar- ful for the donation to the seminary. ians and we encourage them to Diocese of Washington and New York apply. Our policy is that they must Health Waterveliet, NY apply each semester. We are more than joyous that Cohoes, NY Although we assume that our those in our diocese who have under- Saddlebrook, NJ seminarians will return to our gone surgery or medical treatments Diocese of the West diocese, this is not always the case. are all doing very well and are on Eureka, CA During the deliberations of the Holy their way to recovery. We are most Redding, CA Synod, it was pointed out that while grateful for your prayers. The Chico, CA in seminary all students are under the Matushki have expressed their thanks Menlo Park, CA protective Omophorion of the to us and all appear to be doing very Metropolitan, and rightfully so. well, and personally I think they’re Diocese of Western Pennsylvania However, it does not follow, that looking wonderful. Masontown, PA. seminarians from one diocese will Fr. Nicholas Timpko is recover- automatically return to the diocese ing extremely well following his sur- Seminarians from which they came, unless that gery. Unfortunally Fr. Paul Burholt For our diocese, we do anticipate diocese has paid the full tuition and was healed so well, via our prayers, some relief from this problem in a fully supported that particular that he has requested a transfer to the few years. According to the official student. At the present time the only Diocese of the South. We wish him listing given to the members of the dioceses that fully take care of well in this new endeavor serving a Holy Synod, our seminarians at St. seminary tuition are the Antiochian mission under the protective -4- ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005

Omophorion of Archbishop Dmitri. have recently begun meeting with necticut, celebrated their 90th these students at UCONN. Anniversary as did Holy Transfigu- Representations and Youth In Boston I also hosted a ration Church in New Haven, I was privileged to serve with the visitation of crossroads, a youth Connecticut. His Beatitude, SCOBA hierarchs on the 50th Anni- orientated program where college and Metropolitan Herman, was able to versary of the Central Massachusetts high school students from around the participate in the festivities and Clergy Association on the Sunday of country gather together and visit celebration in New Haven and His Orthodoxy. SCOBA is the Standing local churches and speak with the Eminence, Archbishop Job, joined Conference of Canonical Orthodox clergy and hierarchs. us for the 100th Anniversary of Holy Bishops in America. Trinity Church in Springfield, Another gathering of all of the Visitations & Representations Vermont. bishops in America is planned in Since my last report to you, I These celebrations are more than October or November of 2006. have visited every parish in our milestones — it is important for us to OISM is the Orthodox Inter- diocese — some more than once — realize that our communities have Seminary movement. Each year and every parish in the Albanian offered spiritual guidance and care seminarians gather for a lecture by diocese. Along with the scheduled for decades, spanning several one of our senior pastors or visitations I also represented our dio- generations of our faithful. hierarchs. I was most honored to cese at an awards banquet honoring We wish them many more years address the OSIM gathering this past former Senator Bob Dole in New of service in the Lord’s vineyard and fall. The president happened to be York. I also had the opportunity to have the prayerful support of all of the student living across the hall from make a courtesy call on Governor their sister parishes in our diocese. me while I was living at St. Tikhon’s, Romney in Massachusetts. In addition to these Anniversa- preparing for Episcopal consecration. In addition, during the past twelve ries, St. Tikhon’s Monastery That seminarian, Paul-Gabriel months, I attended a reception for celebrated its 100th Anniversary and Ericson, also accompanied the Sitka Bishop Sean O’Malley, the new I was again privileged to participate icon of the Theotokos to several of Roman Catholic hierarch in our area in this most important event in the our parishes. Holy Trinity Cathedral as well as making a courtesy call on life of the church in America. in Boston and Holy Transfiguration Metropolitan Methodius of the Greek in New Haven. Orthodox Archdiocese. USA Travel In addition, whenever possible, I This past August we celebrated attend the OCF meetings. The OCF Parish Highlights the 35th Anniversary of the glorifica- is the Orthodox Christian Fellow- Several of our parishes have tion and canonization of St. Herman ship which is the official campus min- celebrated anniversaries this year; St. of Alaska. I traveled to Alaska istry for all Orthodox in America. I Nicholas Church in Norwich, Con- representing both the Diocese of New England and the Albanian Archdio- cese at this most important and glorious event in the life of our church. His Eminence, Leo, Archbishop of Karelia and Finland, along with his entourage, accompanied us for this celebration, bringing with him the Icon of the Theotokos of New Valaamo. The Valaamo monastery is the monastery where St. Herman began his monastic life and was sent as a missionary to America. On the return travels, His Beatitude asked if I would accompany His Eminence, Leo, to Ground Zero in New York. We laid a wreath and celebrated a very mov- ing and prayerful memorial service at the site.

I continue to be the Episcopal

Fr. Leonid Kishkovsky was the featured speaker on Friday at the Assembly. REPORT TO 6 -5- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND

REPORT FROM 5 many dates have already been sched- The theme of the council was one uled through next year. Sometimes that mirrors the theme of most of our moderator of the OCA’s Pension Plan adjustments or changes have to be diocese – “Our Church and the Fu- and Fr. Michael Westerberg contin- made to the schedule, but I prefer ture” ues to serve as group leader. adjusting an existing schedule, rather Finances were certainly than a “catch as catch can” type of discussed, but the emphasis was International Visitations schedule. geared toward the church’s ability to Just as it is the responsibility of the One of the major aspects of my fund numerous programs of our diocesan bishop to make visitations is the visible presence that church – such as the seminarian in- Archpastoral visitations to the par- our church is hierarchal. The bishops ternship projects. ishes in his care; similarly, it is the are responsible for their flocks and The full and complete minutes of responsibility of the Metropolitan to more importantly, the bishops serve the council may be accessed through make visitations to the other 14 as pastor to the pastors and their the OCA website at www.oca.org. autocephalous churches throughout families. Without Archpastoral care, It was gratifying to have so many the world. I was privileged to accom- the church simply is not the church. from our diocese participate in these pany the Metropolitan on his recent Where the bishop is – there too is the deliberations. visitations to St. Petersburg and Mos- church – no matter who the bishop is. The next All American Council cow for the 10th Anniversary of St. During Great Lent a clergy will be held five (5) years from now in Catherine’s, St. Catherine’s is our retreat for the Northern Deanery was 2010. A five year span was necessary representation church located in the held in St. Johnsbury and it was hosted as changes in the statutes are being heart of Moscow. Fr. Zachaeus, the by Protodeacon Alexis Bona. We are suggested, recommended and pastor of St. Catherine’s, I know has most grateful for his Orthodox updated. been most helpful to some Albanian hospitality and he is a great cook. couples while adoption procedures R & R took place in Russia. All American Council Anticipating a much needed During our visitation, His Holi- Over 1700 clergy and lay vacation, just a few days in Florida ness, Alexei, Patriarch of Moscow delegates attended the 14th All Ameri- during last winter’s storm seemed to celebrated with us and I received the can Council held this past July in be the best bet for me. However, His Order of St. Alexis (3rd degree) from Toronto. This is where the whole Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri of Dal- His Holiness. church gathers. All hierarchs, all las and the South was unable to travel On the same journey, we visited dioceses, all clergy and representa- to Florida for the Anniversary of His Eminence, Leo, Archbishop of tives from all parishes, gather to guide Christ the Savior Cathedral in Karelia and Finland and the monas- the church. Miami. teries located throughout the country. We were housed at New Valaamo Monastery. The system in Finland is a good one, but one that we probably not be able to employ here in the United States. Ten percent of one’s salary is automatically sent to the church of their choice. The women’s monastery in Finland hosts 20,000 pilgrims per year and they support themselves by mak- ing and selling candles. They sell one million candles per year. Since these international visita- tions are part of the Metropolitan’s obligation, all expenses for him and for the accompanying hierarchs are assumed by the national church.

Local and National Church Responsibilities I have again asked each pastor of both dioceses to meet with me during our respective assemblies to sched- Protodeacon Paul Nimchek and His Grace, Bishop Nikon, ule my visitations for 2006, although serve the opening Molieben for the Assembly -6- ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005

Knowing that I was in Florida at administrator, I was someone famil- information via snail mail. the time, Bishop Dmitri called and iar and known. To keep in contact with him for asked if I wouldn’t mind covering for No clear candidate received a any and all activities occurring in him for this occasion. required two thirds at this assembly. your parish communities not only Thus, during the largest snow So, a resolution, forfeiting our right informs but fosters a closer relation- storm in decades, most of the New to vote and nominate a candidate, ship between our three deaneries. England parishes were closed and was passed and the resolution most of the parishes in the Albanian basically petitioned the Holy Synod Conclusion Archdiocese were also closed due to to appoint and elect a hierarch for the Setting goals and defining a the weather. diocese. vision for our diocese is the responsi- It occurred to me, that I was the We propose names, the Synod bility of the hierarch and our clergy. only one working during my vaca- elects. Bishops elect Bishops. Prior to formal installation, serving tion. But in all seriousness, it was my As you are already aware, at our as administrator I have concentrated pleasure to serve at Christ the Savior meeting last week, I was elected as on visitations, establishing better on behalf of Archbishop Dmitri, who ruling bishop of the Diocese of New communications between the served so many years as administra- England. The new title is Bishop of parishes and the hierarch. tor of both the New England and Boston, New England and the Alba- And following the formal Albanian diocese. nian Archdiocese. Boston is of installation, the first order of historical signifignece for both the business is to try and find suitable Recognition Diocese of New England and the Al- pastors to fill the vacancies in our I wish to especially thank our banian Archdiocese. diocese. Treasurer, Protodeacon Paul Formal installation will take place Nimchek. He does a fine job and I at Holy Trintiy Cathedral in Boston Thus, to begin again together – accompanied him to a joint Diocesan on December 16th and 17th. That is a Better communication Fair Share presentation and retreat in Friday and Saturday. Filling vacancies – Clinton, CT I know it is a busy time of year, And encouraging vocations – In addition to Fair Share, the just before the Feast of the Nativity, FOS department has a new director, but we hope that most or many of our Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Fr. Eugene Vansuch. I have given my clergy and faithful will be able to has charged and expects us to fulfill blessing for him to visit our parishes participate in the installation services. our mission on this continent. To at the invitation and discretion of the His Beatitude, Metropolitan grow, establish new parish pastor. FOS has now become a major Herman, will naturally be the communities, expand our existing part of the National Church budget. celebrant and Archbishop Job will parishes and spread the Good News, At the present time, fifty percent of also be in attendance. He asked if he preaching the Gospel. our parishes are FOS subscribers. could come and I did invite him. As And with the help, experience, Certainly there may be individuals in you may remember, Archbishop Job and guidance of my fellow pastors all of our parishes, but Fr. Eugene’s was the bishop of our diocese for and parishioners, I have every goal is to have all of the OCA many years and he has fond memo- confidence that we will define and parishes become members of FOS. ries of his tenure in New England. re-define the vision for our diocese – and become visible witnesses — and New England Election Communication vehicles of new and expanded ways, Last October during our Assem- Communication is a key factor in which we have answered and bly, we petitioned the Holy Synod to for any organization. Sometimes we continue to answer God’s call and declare the See of Hartford and New feel disconnected from eachother fulfill our mission England vacant so that we may simply because we are not “in touch” proceed with the election of a ruling with each other. O.N.E. is our official To teach all nations.... bishop. organ of communication. Each On June 23, 2005, a special parish should have a communication Assembly was held at All Saints coordinator, so that information may Church in Hartford. We are grateful be sent to Fr. Dresko for inclusion in to the community of All Saints for O.N.E. This is an ideal network and PUBLICATION their hospitality on this occasion. source of information and ideas. We DEADLINES Although I had been adminis- are doing ourselves a disservice when trating the diocese, I could not be a we do not send pertinent information January Issue candidate according to the Statutes to our communications director. st of the OCA. I know that Fr. John prefers to December 1 One diocese cannot nominate or receive information via e-mail, elec- elect a bishop of another diocese. tronically, but he would be equally or February Issue Naturally after more than a year as almost equally joyful to receive the January 1st -7- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND Report of the Chancellor Diocesan Life done in this place and we pray for the ordained to the holy priesthood at parish’s continued growth and matu- Holy Transfiguration Church. He is n October 19th, at its fall rity. in his senior year of studies at Saint session, the Holy Synod of -In January, Father Vladimir Vladimir’s Seminary. O Bishops of the Orthodox Eremine, who had been attached to -Two parishes are vacant at this Church in America, elected His Holy Trinity Church, New Britain, time: Saints Peter and Paul Church, Grace, the Right Reverend Bishop CT, at his own request, was granted a Meriden, CT, – Father John Dresko Nikon to be the ruling bishop of the leave of absence. He is presently is administrator of the parish; and the Diocese of New England. Though we teaching in Keene, NH. Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, have never been without hierarchi- -In March, Father John Bernardi Waterbury, CT, and I am the cal care and support the New was received into the OCA, in retired administrator of the parish. England Diocese has not had a status, by His Grace, Bishop Nikon, -Two diocesan clergy underwent residing ruling bishop for more than and attached to the Nativity of the serious surgeries during the past year. thirteen years. We joyfully receive Virgin Mary Church, Chelsea, MA. Father Matthew Searfoorce the decision of the Holy Synod and -In April, Father Paul Burholt, of underwent double hip replacement, we greet Bishop Nikon with respect Holy Resurrection Church, Clare- and Father Nicholas Timpko and affection. We pray that God will mont, NH, at his own request, was underwent knee replacement. grant him many years. We also need transferred to the Diocese of the Father Nicholas required two to be mindful of the fact that His South. subsequent knee surgeries to correct Grace will have ideas and plans. -In August, Father Matthew a complication. By God’s grace and There may be new programs and Searfoorce was released from the by the prayers of many, both Father initiatives for the good of the diocese. Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church Matthew and Father Nicholas are now I call on all to have a spirit of Waterbury, CT, and from the doing well. openness and cheerful cooperation Diocese of New England, and Matushka Evelyn Kreta is now and a willing spirit in working for the transferred to the Albanian Archdio- doing well and recovering her up-building of Christ’s holy Church cese for assignment in Philadelphia. strength following the serious health within the diocese. -In August, Father Timothy difficulties of the past year-and-a-half. Eight diocesan parishes attained Lowe, of Saints Peter and Paul Matushka Karen Dick continues to landmark anniversaries in 2005: Saint Church, Meriden, CT, at his own experience serious medical issues. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre Church, request, was granted a leave of We pray that our Lord grant His Clinton, CT and Saint Jacob of Alaska absence in order to accept a teaching strength and His perfect healing to Church, Montpelier/Northfield Falls, position in Ramallah, in Palestine. His servants. VT – ten years • All Saints of North -In September, Deacon Joshua -In 2005 the following clergy America Mission, Salisbury, CT, – Mosher, of Holy Transfiguration awards were approved by Metropoli- fifteen years • Holy Resurrection Church, New Haven, CT, was tan Herman and the Holy Synod: • In Church, Berlin, NH, Saint Nicholas Church, Norwich, CT and Holy Transfiguration Church, New Haven, CT – ninety years • Holy Trinity Church, Springfield, VT – one-hun- dred years • Three Saints Church, Ansonia, CT – one-hundred-ten years On June 4th, Christ the Savior Mission, Southbury, CT, formerly located in Woodbury, CT, was consecrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, His Grace, Bishop Nikon, and many assembled priests, deacons and faithful. With the consecration of the church building the status of the Mission was formally changed to that of ‘Church’. And, as you well know, Christ the Savior is the host parish for this year’s diocesan assembly. We rejoice in the work that God and his faithful have Ordination of Deacon Joshua Mosher to the Holy Priesthood in New Haven. -8- ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005

June, Protodeacon Paul Nimchek very salvation of the faithful who will violated the law. Parish financial marked the 25th anniversary of his be called to give an account to the officers should be particularly ordination to the diaconate and was Master of the vineyard both for what concerned about this serious matter. presented was a Synodal Gramota • is given and for what is held back. And this point takes on another Fathers Paul Burholt, Alexie Understand, also, that although dimension when we turn our atten- Kalushnyi, Michael Korolev and the parish priest needs to be a part of tion to clergy pensions. George Tyapko were awarded the stewardship education efforts, such In the second week of Novem- nabedrenik and skufia • Fathers efforts will never be successful if they ber, Metropolitan Council delegates Vladimir Aleandro and Vladimir are placed entirely on the shoulders will consider a proposal to base Horoszczak were awarded the Gold of parish clergy. Parish clergy and lay pension remittances on the same Cross • Father Dennis Rhodes was leadership who fail to speak about aforementioned social security awarded the Jeweled Cross. (Though stewardship matters neglect a serious figure. This is a significant upgrading the Holy Synod had awarded the aspect of Christian life. Responsible of pension benefits and it will be Jeweled Cross to Father Vasily stewardship is not a money issue but reported again and discussed at the Lickwar in 2004, as reported last year, a Gospel imperative, and it is the time of the Pension Plan report. the Jeweled Cross was presented to work of all. Though I do not wish to presume or Father Vasily in 2005.) Two weeks ago, at the fall take for granted the favorable action meeting of the Holy Synod, it was of the Metropolitan Council, it is National Church Life decided that the 15th All-American anticipated that the Council will pass Council is to be held in five years, this proposal. It will then become In July, our Church assembled in rather than three, that is in 2010. effective as of January 2006. Parish Toronto, Canada, for the 14th All- With five years to prepare and to budget planning should make allow- American Council. The work of the save, it is my hope that parishes will ance for this change. Council was far ranging and the set funds aside annually so that our discussions and deliberations dealt diocese will have full representation ONE Stewards and Stewardship with a multitude of topics. Council and participation in that council. decisions and actions are posted on The goal of our diocesan stewardship the OCA website and ought to have Parish Administration program, ONE Stewards, is to provide been reported to parishes by their full funding and support for youth respective delegates. I will not deal In my report last year, I called to work, for scholarships, for diocesan with the work of a week-long your attention an important point of support of the national Fellowship of triennial council in this brief report. parish finances — this is the matter of Orthodox Stewards [FOS], and for However, just as we in our parish tax reporting for social security pur- the educational, charitable and meetings and diocesan assemblies poses. At the end of each calendar missionary work of our diocese. Fair must always give attention to year, on either the W-2 form or the share assessments pay diocesan bills, financial matters and adequate 1099 form, parishes are required, by but voluntary giving through ONE support for the functioning of our federal statute, to report the cash Stewards provides for the Christian diocese and parish, so too, the All- housing allowance for those who re- life of our diocese. American Council considered ceive cash. Through the ONE Stewards budgetary needs of the North For those who live in parish program we foster and support American Church. owned housing the fair market value Christian conduct and programs on a When we turn our attention to of provided housing must be reported. diocesan level. I call on each the budget we will notice a fair-share This amount — either cash or value — assembly delegate and observer, increase reflecting the minimal needs is itemized separately from salary. clergy and lay, to be a member of of our Church. Whenever finances The amount is not taxable income ONE Stewards and to make a are discussed and increases enacted but, by law, it is included in comput- commitment of support. I call on there are grumblers and cynics; and ing social security taxes. Parish each of you as representatives to this those who want to keep the most councils and parish financial officers assembly and as parish leaders, to while paying the least will probably have a fiduciary responsibility, a work within your parish to meet or always be among us. Nevertheless, it legal obligation to meet this federal exceed the minimal goal of 25% mem- must be understood that our requirement. It is not optional in the bership in ONE Stewards from every ‘legislated and required’ support both law. diocesan parish and mission. for our diocese and for the Church is Some of our parishes are not in This year we had raised the bar minimal and in many cases no more compliance with federal law in this and we fell short of meeting our ONE than token. matter. These are not ‘diocesan rules’ Stewards goal. It is much to be pre- Parishes that have not already and they are not optional. Keep in ferred that rather than dues, taxes or done so need to pursue stewardship mind that there is no insurance assessments, we increase our volun- education programs — not for the coverage and no diocesan bailout for sake of the ‘bottom line’ but for the parishes or parish officers who have CHANCELLOR TO 12 -9- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND

PARISHES FROM 3 help the family and the Mercy House. Wednesday, October 19 the Wonderworking Sitka appreciation of David’s work on the accessibility project, Mother of God Icon from Alaska was available for venera- which includes the ramp and a bathroom on the main tion at the 7:00 P.M. Akathist. This icon is on a two-month floor of the Church. Following Liturgy, parishioners pilgrimage across the nation that began on September 7, gathered at Angellinos Restaurant in Wethersfield for in Seattle. The icon resides at the Archangel Michael dinner. Fr. William thanked the benefactors of the project, Cathedral, Sitka Alaska, since the mid-1800s. which include the Altar Sisterhood, Russian American Sunday, October 23 at twelve noon, we enjoyed the National Center, FOCA-R Club and parishioners. Yale Slavic Chorus. Sunday, October 30 Parish Open The parish welcomed Jonathan Christopher, infant House was held from 3 –5 P.M. with conducted tours and son of Suzanne Bartley and Joseph Cabral, who was explanation of our iconography. received into the Church through the Sacraments of Our sincere thanks to all who helped host these Baptism and Chrismation. Many Years! We also events. All had a wonderful time. Thanks to our generous welcomed our two newest members Matthew and Laura parishioners, our hospitality tables were overflowing. Nimchek. Many Years! Alexis Swan is in charge of the annual Christmas Our Church School High School Class presented a Stocking Program, which provides modest gifts to brunch to benefit the Orthodox Church in America’s orphaned and impoverished children. Christmas Stocking Project. The students also are selling At the Diocesan Assembly, our starosta, Daniel paper stockings upon which donors put their names and Crosby, Esquire was elected as the New England then have them decorated and hung in the auditorium. Diocesan representative to the Metropolitan Council.. The school year began with a molieben welcoming stu- Congratulations and Many Years. dents and teachers for another year of learning about our faith. Speaking of learning, Father also reinstituted his 50 - submitted by Barbara Ann Dixon minute adult discussion, which is held monthly during coffee hour, giving persons and opportunity to discuss Southbury, Connecticut and learn more about our faith and its application in our lives. Wow! October was an extremely bust month at Christ the Savior Church. Following are some of the activities. – submitted by Fr. William DuBovik Christmas bells were ringing and our children were dressed in their finest red and green outfits in October. New Haven, Connecticut Were we a little early in our celebration? Actually, our Live Wires were collecting money for Project Christmas During our 90th Anniversary celebration and in recogni- Stocking, and raised $667! tion of Father Michael and Matushka Lydia’s 25 years of A member of our Live Wires Sunday School group, service to our parish, the parishioners presented them Paul Krayniy was baptized on October 23. It was a joyful with a beautiful Waterford Crystal Bowl. day of celebration for our community and most especially October was a very busy month for us. Wednesday, his family. October 12 we hosted the Stremsky Family Children’s A future Live Wires member was born on Saturday, Choir from Russia. Following Daily Vespers, the children October 22 during the Divine Liturgy. Emi Elizabeth preformed a choral concert of Russian sacred and folk Whitfield joined her Mother, Manna, Father Lee and music. All proceeds from this concert were donated to sisters Ayame and Mia. We are so happy for this special family – may God grant you many years! As some of you may know, our parish hosted the Diocesan Assembly this year. Many people worked very hard to bring together all of the details. We think it went well! This year we began a new tradition, which we hope will continue; Stewardship Day. During coffee hour we considered our time and talents, and signed up for those areas of stewardship where we could help. Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating Fr. Paul Tarazi’s return for another installment in the Connecticut Bible Lecture Series. Father Paul will be joining us on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 for a discussion on the Book of Romans. We hope that you will be able to join us. Please feel free to contact Father Vladimir at (203) 267-1330 for further information. The oldest parishioner Sonya Tetmeyer and the youngest parishioner, Natalie Ciarleglio (daughter of Tanya and Gary)sitting together at the banquet celebrating the 90th anniversary of Holy Transfiguration Church. – submitted by Sarah Cole -10- ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND DECEMBER 2005 Springfield, Vermont

October 5, 1905 Fr. Alexander Hotovitsky served the Divine Liturgy in a house on Valley Street for the very first time in Springfield, Vermont. True to his commit- ment, 100 years later, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church celebrated Divine Liturgy on October 8, 2005 to celebrate the anniversary. Springfield has been a center of the Orthodox Church of America for all of its existence. Many people have worshiped here over the 100 years. Those of importance and those of whom we know little of. In the 1920’s an orphanage existed at the church. Chil- dren who needed help were provided for. Visitors over the years included: Tolstoy’s nephew, Sigorsky and many metropolitans. Speakers have been: Fr. Alexander Schmemann, Fr. Thomas Hopko and many others. The parish has always tried to maintain a full His Grace, Bishop Nikon, His Eminence, Archbishop Job liturgical life. Years were lean during the 50’s and 60’s. and concelebrants in Springfield, VT Life revitalized in the 70’s and to date the parish, though small, maintains a full liturgical cycle. Membership is small and lately many people from that generation have passed away, but through the Holy Spirit with many FORCC News frequent visitors and committed members keeps on go- ing. Our 12th Annual Benefit Banquet was held on Sunday It was our delight that His Eminence, Archbishop October 2 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Job, and His Grace, Bishop Nikon, attended and along Bridgeport. The Fairfield High School Ensemble pro- with eleven other priests from around New England vided entertainment. Beautiful chamber music was per- helped celebrate this anniversary. There will more than formed by quartet members Caroline Anaya (Viola I); likely never be a more precious point in history for this Lauren Dever (Viola II); Jillian Churchill (Viola) and church and for those in New England who attended this Derek Leslie (Cello). We enjoyed an excellent meal ca- celebration. tered by Smolen’s Catering. The next “Big One” will probably be two hundred Father Costas Sitaras, Executive Director of St. Basil years and there are none of us who will be there. Make no Academy, was the guest speaker. The topic of discussion mistake, there will be people in another hundred years at was The Orthodox Family. Very enlightening, especially HTOC to celebrate and we hope their commitment and when Father Sitaras spoke about the children at St. Basil th dedication is as fervid as ours was for the 100 . For us at Academy. HTOC this was Pascha. The anticipation, the worship, the Thanks to William Balamaci, Father Michael and love and the celebration were equal. Thanks to all who Matushka Lydia Westerberg for preparing and proofing made this happen. the layout for the banquet book. Special thanks to George

Children working hard for the OCA’s Christmas Stocking Project at Christ the Savior Church in Southbury, CT Fr. Dimitrios Rachachinas blesses an icon of the Protection of the Theotokos which will be the patronal feastday of FORCC. -11- DECEMBER 2005 ORTHODOX NEW ENGLAND

CHANCELLOR FROM 9 three deaneries: Father Robert Arida, FORCC FROM 11 Father Mark Sherman, and Father tary giving in support of the Church John Dresko, and to the dean of our Fatse for donating and printing the on every level- in our parishes, our diocesan missions, Father John Kreta. banquet book, and to Matushka Lydia diocese and in our Orthodox Church Those of you with a long tenure Westerberg of Holy Transfiguration in America. in New England will remember that Orthodox Church in New Haven for Thanks to Matushka Cindy when we had a ruling bishop residing directing the singing of the prayers Voytovich, ONE Stewards director and in our diocese a separate chancellor’s and national anthem. to Deacon Paul Nimchek, ONE report on diocesan and church life The Senior Living Committee is Stewards treasurer and record keeper. was unnecessarily redundant. currently investigating the various Having spoken with His Grace, types of facilities and services avail- Diocesan Council and Officers and being in full agreement, at future able for seniors (senior housing com- assemblies there will be no separate munities to full service nursing The Diocesan Council met four times chancellor’s report. Rather, the homes). since our last assembly to conduct hierarch’s report will address matters Preliminary discussions have be- regular diocesan affairs, to insure the of parish, diocesan and national gun regarding a second Sunday continuing effective operation of the church life. To that end, and to the School Seminar to be held next various diocesan departments and relief of all, this year’s report is briefer spring. committees, and for the fulfillment of than usual. I pray that our diocesan its many responsibilities for the life of family will grow in faith, in love and – submitted by Barbara Ann Dixon our diocese. in spiritual understanding. “Thank you!” to the members of And I ask your forgiveness if I MESSAGE FROM 1 the diocesan council and especially: have offended or sinned against receive them with the same great joy. to diocesan treasurer Protodeacon parishes, clergy or diocesan faithful Paul Nimchek, and to diocesan sec- during the course of the year. May As we begin our journey together in retary Father John Hopko. Thanks the life-giving Holy Trinity continue the Diocese of New England, I ask to Father Steven and Matushka Cindy to bless and guide the life of the you to pray that the newborn Child Voytovich for leading the diocesan Diocese of New England, her enliven all of us and that the humility choir director training program. parishes and missions, and all her of the manger, rewarded in the glory Thanks to Father John Hopko, dioc- faithful. of the coming of Christ, be manifest esan youth director and Youth Rally in our lives. administrator. Thanks to Father John Respectfully submitted, Dresko, director of diocesan commu- Christ is born! Glorify Him! nications, including our diocesan Archpriest Michael Westerberg, newspaper- Orthodox New England, Chancellor, Diocese of New England With love in Christ, and “Thank you!” to all the members of the diocesan council, diocesan †NIKON committees and departments. Bishop of Boston, New England “Thank you!” to the deans of our and the Albanian Archdiocese

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