October 2003 Volume 47 No. 8 Contents

OCTOBER 2003 VOLUME 47 NO. 8 CONTENTS

3 EDITORIAL by Very Rev. John Abdalah ◆ The Most Reverend 5 THE BALANCE BEAM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. by Fr. Michael Shanbour Primate The Right Reverend 9 ORDER OF ST. IGNATIUS Bishop Antoun, Auxiliary by Danna Lewis The Right Reverend Bishop Joseph, Auxiliary 10 MONEY AND THE CHURCH The Right Reverend by Ron Nicola Bishop Basil, Auxiliary The Right Reverend 12 DEPARTMENT OF MARRIAGE Bishop Demetri, Auxiliary AND FAMILY MINISTRIES Founded in Arabic as Al Kalimat in 1905 14 THE ANGELS by Saint Raphael Hawaweeny by Nabil Semaan Founded in English as The Word in 1957 17 DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRIES by Metropolitan Antony Bashir Editor in Chief 22 OYO REGIONAL EVENTS The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min. Assistant Editor 23 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW Editorial Board 23 DAILY DEVOTIONS The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. by Very Rev. George Alberts Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. 26 A LOOK BACK AT THE The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Linda Hopkins BEGINNING OF SOYO Anne Glynn Mackoul, J.D. by Edward Deeb Ronald Nicola Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. 28 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. Design Director 30 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Donna Griffin Albert Member 33 THE ORTHODOX WORLD The Associated Church Press Conciliar Press Ecumenical News International Orthodox Press Service COVER Editorial Office: The WORD MT. ATHOS photo by Fr. Michael Shanbour 635 Miranda Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15241 e-mail: [email protected] FAX: 1-412-831-5554 Subscription Office: 358 Mountain Road Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full PO Box 5238 name and parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 approved by the local pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity ◆ and space. All submissions, in hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Foreign Countries, $26.00 Single Copies, $3.00 THE WORD (USPS626-260), published monthly except July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631-5238 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: THE WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 VOLUME 47 NO. 8 OCTOBER 2003 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org.

2 The Word EDITORIAL

the need to achieve

SYCHOLOGISTS OBSERVE THAT HUMAN Our value is realized at our conception, and P beings have a need to achieve. This need is comes from the salvation that Christ prepared acknowledged by most behavioral scientists when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. Humans as ranking immediately after the basic needs for have great value because God loves us. Humans food and shelter on the hierarchy of human needs. have value because God chooses us. He chooses us Without a sense of accomplishment, one has a to share His life, He chooses us to share His min- hard time experiencing a general feeling of peace istry, He chooses us to be united to Himself and to or well-being. Without a sense of competency, one live forever. would have trouble feeling good about himself, and While we often forget God’s love for us and would have difficulty relating to others. In addi- busy ourselves with other things, God never ceas- tion, Western cultures place great value in materi- es to love us and to choose us. He loves us as a al and professional success and, for many, success mature and holy parent who is patient while we and value are so closely related that they are struggle and rebel. He shows unconditional love understood as the same. Without feeling success- even when we are rude or ignore Him altogether. ful or adequate, one would have trouble feeling He knows our needs, fears, pain and history. worthwhile and unable to accept God’s love. Nevertheless, He loves us unto His own death, Parents and parishioners have a responsibility to accomplishing everything we need. Indeed, He reveal God to His world. loved us even before we knew Him, and calls us For Christians, human value is not the same as home to Himself. skills or accomplishments. Human beings have We are united to God in Baptism. In Baptism, value that comes from God. God’s love and God’s when asked, “Does thou unite thyself to Christ?” acceptance are not dependent upon what people we profess our unity with Him. Now, this unity is say, do or have. Human value comes from God. our response to God’s love. His love is shown in

October 2003 3 EDITORIAL

is called to tend to the sheep of the Lord. We must nurture our children, siblings and peers. Perhaps nothing is more important than revealing God’s unconditional love to our children. They need to feel loved as they attempt to gain competency and self-esteem. When they sometimes feel unsuccess- ful or sinful and thus unlovable, our children need acceptance and our witness of God’s love. They need to learn that their value comes from God and not from what they are able to do. Among the most important aspects of God’s love which we are required to share is compassion. God’s compassion for us is so important because we are wounded people in a broken and damaging world. It is so important for us to share God’s love and compassion with each other when we are suffering, because God’s people reveal God’s presence in His world. Because God has united Himself to us, we must express God and our unity with Him everywhere we go. We must be ready to articulate the faith, and in hearing our siblings’ errors, to guide and correct with humility and love. This requires special study, sharpening of skills, and the mastery of theological language. And each of us who is baptized is called to feed the sheep of the Lord, the Lord who took on humanity and calls all of humanity home to Himself. This requires still more study, the post-resurrectional appearances of John 21, prayer and preparation, as well as courage to when He breaks bread and feeds the disciples, and speak and discernment to know when to speak. in the miracle of calling the fish into This year, at the Antiochian House the nets. God knows our needs and ◆ of Studies, we received record numbers takes cares of them. He then calls us EDITORIAL of men and women whom God is call- into His service. Our service in His ser- BY ing into His service. They are respond- vice is an expression of both His love Very Rev. John P. ing with hard work as they gather the for us and our unity with Him. This Abdalah tools necessary to serve the Church ◆ love takes the form of feeding and tend- and God’s people. They come eager to ing, paralleling Christ’s words to Peter: learn and ready to equip themselves feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. We and share with each other. I am awed by this phe- serve and we must serve, because God loves us nomenon of scores of people hearing and accept- and unites us to His ministry and His life. How ing God’s call, willing to sacrifice and humble great then is our value? Our value is joined to themselves in the process. Surely, our mighty God God’s own; it is from God and is independent of is ready and willing to act in His saints. The min- our own actions. istry of these men and women reveals their value Each of us who has put on Christ is called to to the world. share in His ministry. His ministry is one of wit- Three times Jesus asked Peter to express his ness to the Father who sent the Lord into our love, and three times Jesus called Peter to feed, world. This is a witness that requires us to pray tend and again to feed His flock. We who are bap- and study. This witness requires us to feed on tized into Christ are called, as was Peter, to express God’s Word, to interact with each other and to be our unity with God by caring for each other and nourished by the faith that we hear the true voice expressing God’s compassion and love. We are to of the Lord within. Each of us in Christ’s ministry feed each other and tend to each other’s needs.

4 The Word BALANCE BEAM

The Balance Beam of Righteousness: REFLECTIONS ON A JOURNEY TO THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF ATHOS

By REV. FR MICHAEL SHANBOUR

the invasion). It is THE JOURNEY said that by the 4th BEGINS century the area was completely Chris- t was the opportu- tianized. Despite the I nity of a lifetime good intentions of for one born in the scholars who have heartland of America, insisted that the never having tra- monastic life on versed across an Athos could have ocean or set foot on begun as early as the another continent. 9th century, recent Yet upon the invita- archeological digs tion of an Orthodox near existing monas- friend originally from teries have revealed Thessaloniki, with the buried founda- the blessing of our tions of large church- Metropolitan Philip, es or monastic struc- and by God’s inscrutable grace and physical presence and prayers in the tures dating from at least the 5th providence, the journey began from years after the Resurrection of century. the heartland of the new world to Christ (around 52 AD). As our Lady the “spiritual heart” of the whole and the Apostle John sailed from THESSALONIKI world and the heartbeat of Orthodox Jerusalem to Cyprus with the inten- Christianity — the Holy Mountain of tion of visiting St. Lazarus (the ur personal pilgrimage began Athos. friend of Christ and then Bishop of O in Thessaloniki, visiting some This most beautiful of three Cyprus), their craft was forced off of the many glorious churches of peninsulas jutting out from the course by a violent storm from the that city, both ancient and modern. region of Chalkidiki in southeastern Mediterranean to the Aegean Sea, Among the oldest and most awe- Greece is renowned for both the and washed ashore at the future site inspiring is the Church of St. breathtaking beauty of its flowering of Orthodox monasticism. The Demetrios, the resting place of the desert landscape and endless blue Theotokos, overwhelmed by its Great Martyr himself. The current sea, and as a heavenly “garden” beauty, asked her Son and Lord to structure erected in the 5th century which has produced some of the consecrate it and place it under her was built upon an older church ded- most fragrant flowers of Orthodox protection. For this reason the icated to the martyr, which itself spirituality throughout the cen- monks of Athos consider their agion was built partially upon the ruins of turies. Saints Athanasios and Peter oros (Holy Mountain), “the garden ancient Roman baths. The remnants of Athos, St. Gregory Palamas, and of the Theotokos.” of both are clearly seen in the innumerable others, known and Ancient geographers mention six underground portion of the temple. unknown, have been glorified by the towns on the peninsula in the cen- Within these catacombs, hiding Most Holy Trinity upon this isolated turies before Christ, and it is expli- places of the early Christians, is mountain. citly named for the first time in rela- built a small shrine on the very spot According to the oral tradition tion to the Persian expedition that St. Demetrius gave the ultimate associated with the life of the against the Greeks in 493 BC. (It is sacrifice and witness to the Resur- Theotokos, and the living tradition worth noting that the Persian fleet rection of the Savior. In a small of Athos, the mountain was conse- met with terrible disaster from bad chapel within the larger temple lies crated for future generations by her weather and was forced to call off his tomb, where he knelt in joy and

October 2003 5 BALANCE BEAM

prayed for his holy intercessions; in Thessaloniki are sprinkled with tan- able foundation of Orthodox Faith, another place his head is encased gible reminders of the Apostolic with deep roots planted long ago. It for veneration. Faith which act as a “leaven” raising was our blessing to attend Vespers at Another 5th century church tem- the heart to God and to eternal life. the Church of St. Charalambos, a ple in the heart of Thessaloniki is As one walks along the busy streets parish church owned by the the Archeiropoietos or Great of the city lined with cafes and dress Athonite monastery of Simonopetra. Church of the Theotokos, also built shops, it is not uncommon to find a Speaking casually with the priest’s on the ruins of a Roman baths com- small church tucked away incon- 18-year-old son after the service, we plex. This church holds the unfortu- spicuously as a prayerful refuge were struck by this authentic conti- nate distinction of being the first in from the noise and bustling of mod- nuity of living faith deeply woven in Thessaloniki to be converted into a ern life. Along the sidewalks outside the fabric of his family. The young mosque when the city fell to the of every Orthodox church stands man’s grandfather, late in life, had Ottoman Turks in 1430. It is one or more “parakleses,” a small, retired to a monastery on Mount adorned by beautiful ancient mo- covered icon shrine, where passers- Athos, with his grandmother living saics and intri- in prayer at a cately designed monastery in colonnades. A Thessaloniki; fresco of the an uncle also Forty Martyrs lives the life of dates from the prayer on 13th century. Athos; one of In contrast, his sisters en- the current tered the “Rotunda of St. monastic life at George” was age 14; he him- built by self desired to Galerius Caesar follow his in 306 AD as a father into the pagan temple. It Holy Priest- was converted hood; his fami- into a Christian ly line also con- church in the tained martyrs 5th century and for the Ortho- dedicated to the dox Faith. archangels. Traveling just Only very small outside Thes- remnants of saloniki we vis- icons and ited a new holy mosaics exist site, established today in the by a saint of massive open our times, the space of the Rotunda, which is by may duck in at any time during Elder Paisios from Cappadocia and crowned by a brick dome 30 meters the day or night to light a candle of Mount Athos (+1994). This won- in height, due to its conversion into a and pray on their way to work or derworking man of God, whose life mosque in 1590 and the earthquake school. How incredibly refreshing to was foreseen by St. Arsenios of which struck the city in 1978. This leave the confusion of this world Cappadocia who baptized him, beautiful, cosmically spacious temple behind and enter into the realm of founded the women’s monastery of is currently under reconstruction. the Kingdom of God, even if for a St. John the Theologian here. The city of Thessaloniki was liber- few minutes, to sanctify the time Speaking with one of the original ated from the Ottomans in 1912, and remember that all of life is to nuns, we found out that Elder and since that time a great deal of become a continual “sacrifice of Paisios took great pains to establish restorative work has taken place, praise” to God. How would our the monastery at the request of a with many churches being re- American culture be changed by small group of young women who opened for Orthodox worship and such simple incarnations of the love came to him for help and guidance new church temples and monaster- of God for mankind and the sacra- in the 1960’s. Revered as a Saint in ies being constructed. mental nature of life? his lifetime, he has come to be While centuries of Turkish occu- Despite the secularization which known and venerated by thousands pation as well as modern secularism has affected all of Europe, we found all over the world. have taken their toll, the streets of evidence of a relentlessly unshak-

6 The Word BALANCE BEAM

boat seemed to share in a quiet kin- whom he had met on Athos and THE HOLY MOUNTAIN ship and camaraderie. We who per- with whom he maintained a close OF ATHOS haps did not “belong” there were bond. Since St. Nectarios visited the received without a hint of conde- brotherhood several times, and con- oon it was time to prepare for scension or spirit of judgment by the tributed both financially and spiritu- S our journey on the Holy sea, or the terrain, or more especial- ally to the brotherhood from its ini- Mountain. A few necessary items ly by the inhabitants of this place. tial stages, he is considered the “first frugally chosen were placed into our Upon docking at our point of abbot” and patron Saint. backpacks, and we departed for departure, we strapped on our back- We were awestruck to discover Ouranopolis on the northeast side of packs and began a thirty-minute that we were walking on the same the peninsula of Athos. From there climb up a steep, twisting rocky ground that the highly revered and we journeyed southward along the path toward our first destination — God-bearing Nectarios had walked, coast by boat on the Aegean Sea, the Kalyve of Danielioi in the desert and we were moved greatly upon catching our first distant glimpses of region of Katounakia. This little venerating a precious and fragrant the breathtak- relic and skufia ing beauty (cap) of his. The which two of us chapel of had only read Danielioi is ded- about. The icated to All pages of a book, Saints of the however, cannot Holy Mountain, contain the and so it pos- spiritual light sesses the and anticipa- largest collec- tion, and the tion of relics of majestic, almost officially glori- surreal sight of fied Saints of large, ancient Mount Athos. monasteries Among other cloistered awk- relics we vener- wardly and yet ated were those somehow natu- of St. Peter of rally within the Athos, St. rocky land- Gregory Pal- scape, each amas, and St. with its own Nicodemus of history, its own the Holy Moun- story, its own tain. The cur- treasure of holy rent abbot (also relics, and its the cook and own venerable iconographer) list of holy ones. “brotherhood,” resting 300 meters and the priests of the brotherhood Complementing the large, jutting above sea level, had been founded tended to us with great warmth and monastic structures were many and built by the blessed Elder Daniel hospitality. We were treated as ones smaller enclosures and dwellings from Smyrna, with its church com- with an equal share in the Faith. We inconveniently tucked into rocky pleted in 1903. The elder had found- ate together, prayed together each crevices high up and swallowed up ed the brotherhood after many years day, and spoke at some length (to immediately by the surrounding of toil and prayer in the larger the extent that the schedule of the green brush and above by unending monasteries, and having his love for monks allowed) on practical and blue sky. In such a place where one God tried by the fire of many trials, theological topics. should feel uncomfortable, a visitor, for which God poured upon him Each day began at 4:00 am with a foreigner, the atmosphere was con- many gifts of grace. It is reported Orthros and Divine Liturgy, which genial and “earthy,” simple and un- that he knew the entire Philokalia lasted 4-5 hours. Despite struggling pretentious. The mountain seemed by heart. (See Contemporary with an occasional flood of fatigue, to welcome and humbly embrace all Ascetics of Mount Athos, Vol. One, we emerged from services refreshed those who were coming to her, St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood). and strengthened, with the sweet whether in prayerful reflection or He was supported and encouraged Byzantine melodies resonating in with the curiosity, skepticism, or by his contemporary and friend, St. our spirits. pride of a novice. All of us on the Nectarios, Bishop of Pentopolis, The monks spoke of the impor-

October 2003 7 BALANCE BEAM

tance of unity and charity within weight for our backpacks!) we con- Monastery on Mount Sinai for many the Church, above all else, while tinued our pilgrimage. Making brief years, and who spoke five languages, always being desirous to maintain stops at St. Anne’s Skete, where we including Greek, Arabic, and the Tradition which leads us to com- were blessed to venerate a relic of English. Earlier in our pilgrimage we munion with the living God. the mother of the Theotokos, and at had been fortunate to meet a “Everyone can fight, but not every- Dionysiou Monastery, where we Russian priest who serves at the one can love,” said one hieromonk viewed incredible 14th century fres- Diveyevo Monastery, founded by St. with a profound simplicity that cos of scenes from the Book of Seraphim of Sarov. could pierce one’s heart. Here there Revelation, we continued on to At St. Paul’s we were given a tour was no dichotomy or superficial sep- Agios Pavlos. The Monastery of St. of the monastery library, which held aration between the “external” several very ancient and inter- and “internal” life of Ortho- esting books and artifacts, by doxy. There was not the inces- the groundskeeper (the librari- sant questioning about “rules” an was on official business out- and “exceptions,” but rather a side the monastery). We were commonsensical and personal- joined by a group of German ized understanding of the way sightseers as well as two Ortho- that leads to Life. On the Holy dox Christians from Poland Mountain fasting was not some- (representing, as they said, only thing talked about, but done, 4% of their countrymen). Again whereas with many of us it is to we received blessing upon often the other way around. blessing by venerating the Gifts “Fasting is not the goal,” said of the Magi, the relics of the one monk, “nor is asceticism Apostles Andrew and Bartholo- the goal; nor is even our prayer mew, the hand of St. Damian rule the goal, but the goal is the Unmercenary Healer, and communion with God.” the foot of St. Gregory the Looking into his eyes, and Theologian. The monastery also hearing his words, it was clear had in its possession the icon that the love and grace of God which was venerated secretly which characterized his ges- by the Empress Saint Theodora tures, his countenance, and his during the reign of her icono- being had been forged in humili- clastic husband, Theophilus. ty and obedience through fast- One of the largest existing ing, asceticism, and prayer. He pieces of the Precious Cross of who lived out the Orthodox the Lord resides at this Tradition most strictly himself, monastery, and is brought out was the first to meet others with for veneration only once each understanding and flexibility year on the Feast of the wherever possible. Whereas we Exaltation of the Cross. often approach Orthodox life by Paul is mentioned in documents as After services the next morning imposing a “formula” upon an early as 972 AD. Here we met we continued on to our final desti- “imaginary person” without regard novices and monks from many nation, Gregoriou Monastery. to his or her understanding, ability, backgrounds. A former traveling lay Following the hike of all hikes, we or experience, we observed in this preacher of the Greek Church arrived and settled into the hieromonk a primary concern for showed us to our room and spoke monastery established in the middle the individual without disregard or enthusiastically of his upcoming of the 14th century. Gregoriou is compromise for the means of spiritu- tonsure to the monastic life. After known as one of the best organized al ascent. This approach is conso- Vespers we were unexpectedly of those on Athos. Services and nant with the quintessential ques- greeted with a smile and welcomed chanting were prayerful and orderly tion of the Gospel that each of us with words in both English and within the walls of a (relatively) must ask: “What must I do to be Arabic by a novice from Homs, small katholikon (main church), saved?” This is the way of balance Syria. The man, who was clearly beautifully adorned almost com- and spiritual progress, the way of the happy to have made his way to the pletely with frescos dating from the Cross — “the balance beam of right- Holy Mountain, was named after the latter part of the 18th century. (The eousness.” early martyr from his own town, original 14th century icons were After a bittersweet farewell, more Elian (Julian) of Homs. The same tragically destroyed by fire.) These gracious hospitality, and a shower of day we met a Russian priest who icons were written around the time gifts of icons and books (more had resided at St. Katherine’s the British colonies were becoming

8 The Word ST. IGNATIUS the United States of America! The Order of St. We were attended to primarily by a monk of ten years from England, a second generation Greek, who had Ignatius at one time sought to distance himself from the Church of his parents. of Antioch It was to my great surprise when, on the feast day of Ss. Constantine and Helen (old calendar), I was escorted Your Grace Bishop Demetri, The disciples took this meager offer- into the holy altar to concelebrate Reverend Clergy, Honored Guests, ing to Jesus, who blessed it and then Divine Liturgy at that holy place! Members of the Order of St. Ignatius told the disciples to distribute it to Still in the Paschal season, I was of Antioch, and Friends, the people. The people were all fed asked several times to sing Christ is ELCOME TO THE 2003 as the food was miraculously multi- Risen in English, and later was W Southeast Region Parish plied. There was even some left asked by one hieromonk to write Life Conference and to over. the Paschal Troparion for him in our this luncheon of the Order of St. Twenty-seven years ago, the hier- language. It seemed that it brought Ignatius of Antioch. archy of our Archdiocese was the monks great joy to know that In the planning phase of this con- approached with the many needs of the Faith of the Apostles is alive and ference, I was asked to be meal its people. I don’t want to be pre- well in America. coordinator for each organization. sumptuous, but maybe what hap- Among the great treasures there Therefore, my responsibility was to pened next went something like were the head of St. Photini, the choose a menu for you. Yet I stand this. The hierarchy approached God Samaritan woman at the well and before you today as an applicant for saying, “The people have needs. equal-to-the-Apostles, the forehead new membership, to be inducted What should we do?” God said to of St. Panteleimon, St. Anastasia of into the Order of St. Ignatius tomor- them, “You meet their needs.” It is Rome, and the hand of St. Makrina, row. Now how do you think that no coincidence that it was the sister of St. Basil and St. happened? I would like to take just Metropolitan Philip who said, just as Gregory of Nyssa. a moment to share how and why. his patron saint said so many years A few years ago my grandmother, ago, “Where will we get the money GOING HOME Mary Moore, at the urging of my to meet their needs?” And just as mother, Khouriyeh Dannie, joined the Lord answered St. Philip 2000 ow there was only the task of The Order and she has faithfully and years ago, He likewise answered our N going down from the moun- persistently promoted The Order in Metropolitan Philip. “Go to the peo- tain, a more formidable task than our parish. A couple of months ago, ple and see what they have to offer.” ascending it. To go back into the at a very unexpected time, God put Thus, Metropolitan Philip went to world, to remain detached from the the desire in my heart to join The the people and asked for their offer- snares of the devil and the flesh, and Order. When my mother approached ings. And people gave. This was the to be attached ever-increasingly to me, not knowing of my plans to join, beginning of the Order of St. the Holy Trinity, this is the “impos- and offered to help me financially Ignatius of Antioch. And people, sible” task (“with God all things are the first year so I could join because including you here at this luncheon possible”) that is given to most of God had put that on her heart, I meeting, continue to give your offer- us. May Christ our true God, who knew this was the right thing. ings to the Church. The Church said, “Without Me you can do noth- Some 2000 years ago, our Lord brings these offerings before God to ing,” equip us for such a task. To Jesus Christ sat on a hillside with be blessed and then distributes Him be glory, thanksgiving, and wor- His disciples, preaching to more them to meet the needs of its peo- ship, with His Unoriginate Father, than 5000 people. As the day pro- ple. And just as He did 2000 years and His All-Holy, Good, and Life-giv- gressed the disciples were ap- ago on that hillside, God continues ing Spirit. Amen. proached by people who said, “We to miraculously multiply what is dis- are hungry.” Yes, these people had tributed. Fr. Michael Shanbour is pastor of need. The disciples asked Jesus I am both humbled and grateful to Ss. Peter and Paul Mission, Topeka, what to do. Jesus said to them, “You be joining such an organization and KS. feed them.” It was St. Philip who I look forward to serving Christ with said to Jesus, “Where will we get the you, my brothers and sisters, in the money to feed these people?” Jesus years to come. then told them to go out among the people and see what they had to This welcoming speech was offer. There was one boy who had 5 delivered at the Order of St. loaves and 2 fish. He gave this to the Ignatius luncheon by Danna Lewis disciples, keeping none for himself. of St. Stephen Church, Hiram, GA.

October 2003 9 MONEY AND THE CHURCH

MONEY AND THE CHURCH

By RON NICOLA

ONEY AND THE evolved over the years that resulted blessings, but it was also about the “M Church” is the title of in a loss of knowledge of these giving of our time and our talents to an article the Depart- truths about the Orthodox Church, the work of the Church. All three of ment of Stewardship has used in its they nonetheless were ever-present these components, however, time, parish workshop programs for many pillars of our faith that needed to be talents, and resources, were given years, and the phrase is also the reestablished. not simply because they were focus of an initiative being launched An early initiative taken by this needed by the Church to fulfill its by this department. The author of department was to introduce the earthly mission, but to serve as the the article, Fr. James Worth, is iden- word “stewardship” and define its expression of our faith in God and tified in the article as the pastor of meaning in the Christian our thankfulness for the many gifts the Transfiguration of Christ Church context. “Stew- and blessings He has made possible in Denver, Colorado. The former co- ardship is what in our lives. director of the Antiochian Archdio- a person does “Stewardship is the offering of cese Department of Stewardship, after saying, ‘I one’s self as He Himself was the late George Dibs, introduced me believe,’ as offered to us.” to this article in the late 1970s or proof “Stewardship is the caring for early 1980s, and its clarity and style of the needs of one another.” fit beautifully with the workshop “Stewardship is being devoted materials we were developing. I and totally committed to serve never had the pleasure of meeting God and His church morally, spiri- Fr. James, but if his pastoral tually, physically, and financially as skills were reflective of this an individual and collectively as a beautiful article, I am sure he family unit.” served the Lord in a manner Teaching about the meaning of befitting our Orthodox teach- stewardship has been the central ings and traditions. focus of the Department of Steward- Money and the Church was ship since its inception. Many a subject the Antiochian parishes and missions in the Archdiocese had not system- Antiochian Archdiocese now have atically explored prior to stewardship committees. Parishes 1975. When Metropolitan Philip, regularly launch initiatives designed in his wisdom, established the to foster the giving of time, talent, Department of Stewardship in that that belief.” and resources to the Church. There year, a process began which contin- This definition was articulated and are countless indications that the ues to this day. Many assumed at explained by a dedicated servant of faithful understand stewardship is that time that money and the the church, Mr. Ernest Saykaly, the scripturally based and that it is Church belonged to two separate first chairman of the Department of because of our faith in God that we realms. The Church had its spiritual Stewardship. His excellent work laid understand the need to give. We mission, and to the extent money the foundation upon which this know that the Church has needs was needed to enable that work to department has operated for close to and that our giving helps meet those move forward, the faithful organized thirty years. Workshop exercises needs, but we want to grow in our to provide the needed financial and written materials were devel- understanding that the amount we resources. Introducing the concept oped which introduced the notion give should not be limited to the of Christian stewardship as a depart- that the word stewardship could, in Church’s needs. Truly, we must not ment within the Archdiocese was fact, be defined using many different give because the Church needs what done to begin an educational combinations of words as long as an we have to offer. We must give process focused on linking money awareness of certain truths were because God has given us so much. and the Church in a manner consis- expressed. Stewardship was not just not to give of these gifts freely, gen- tent with ancient Biblical teachings about money. Stewardship included erously, and cheerfully is to compro- of the Church. While practices had money, our financial resources and mise the expression of our faith.

10 The Word MONEY AND THE CHURCH

“The point is this: he who sows mortgage. It does not matter how heaven, where neither moth nor sparingly will also reap sparingly, much the church pays monthly in rust consumes and where thieves do and he who sows bountifully will utility expenses. It does not matter not break in and steal. For where also reap bountifully. Each one must if the priest is young or old, single or your treasure is, there will your do as he has made up his mind, not married, has one child or ten. What heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). reluctantly or under compulsion, for matters is what our faith teaches. If Much work needs to be done to God loves a cheerful giver. And God we give according to this practice, achieve progress with this new ini- is able to provide you with every all of the church needs will be pro- tiative. Years, even generations, of blessing in abundance, so that you vided in abundance. customs, traditions, and practices in may always have enough of every- “Freely you have received. Freely our parishes have led many to thing and may provide in abundance give” (Matthew 10:8). believe that the methods by which for every good work” (2 Corinthians “Honor the Lord with your sub- our churches raise and collect 9:6-8). stance and with the first fruits of all money are the only methods The progress made in the area of your produce; then your barns will allowed in the Orthodox Church. incorporating practices of Christian be filled with plenty, and your vats While never implying or challenging stewardship within our Archdiocese, will be bursting with wine” the good intentions or the faith of while significant since 1975, needs (Proverbs 3:9-10). our predecessors or those whom we to be accelerated when it comes to, “On the first day of every week, love as brothers and sisters in “money and the Church.” In the each of you is to put something Christ, we lovingly, patiently, yet article Fr. James Worth authored aside and store it up, as he may steadily must begin to educate our- many years ago, he wrote: prosper, so that contributions need selves with respect to money and “To ask, ‘How much should I give not be made when I come”(1 the Church. There is much to say, to the Church so that Her essential Corinthians 16:2). much to learn, and much to read on mission may continue?’ is perhaps “Do not lay up for yourself trea- this important subject. The not the correct question to ask at sures on earth, where moth and Department of Stewardship will the beginning. Rather, the rust consume attempt to further its mission by essential question must be: and where working to help this educational ‘How much have I been thieves break process, but all of us must first pray given?’ What has Jesus in and steal, on this important subject and real- Christ accomplished but lay up ize that the current way is not the for me? How much for your- only way. And it may not even be does the work of selves the right way. Money and the Christ and His trea- Church are truly one and the same, Church mean sures with our faith and the teachings of to me?” in the Holy Orthodox Church being The new ini- the bond that links them tiative being together. launched by the De- “And Jesus looked up partment of Steward- and saw the rich ship will challenge the putting their gifts into notion that we give to the Church the treasury, and he based on the needs of the saw a certain poor Church. We must be open-mind- widow put in ed, prayerful, and receptive more than all of enough to realize that this them; for they long-held notion needs to all put their change and we must revert surplus into to the true teaching found in the offering; the Bible and in the teachings but she out of the ancient Church fathers. of her pover- We give to the church because ty put in all so much has been given to us. that she had In the context of determining to live on” how much money an individual (Luke 21:1-4). gives to the church weekly, monthly or annually, it truly does Ron Nicola is Chairman not matter if the church needs a of the Archdiocese’s Department new roof. It does not matter of Stewardship. whether or not the church has a

October 2003 11 MARRIAGE & PARISH FAMILY MINISTRIES THE DEPARTMENT OF MARRIAGE & PARISH FAMILY MINISTRIES

ECENTLY, A MARRIAGE Corpus Christi, Texas. The span of something earthly, but as the image R Enrichment Weekend was married life varied from three of God Himself.” These words help held at the Antiochian months to 45 years! We learned a us to see our marriage as a living Village. It was a wonderfully refresh- lot from each other’s experience and icon of God. St. Clement of Alex- ing time away for the couples who made some new friends. It was in- andria called marriage the “House of attended. Fr. Don and Khourieh teresting how much we had in com- God” and applied Christ’s words, “I Maggie Hock were the retreat leaders. mon, especially our desire to deepen am in the midst of them” (Mt. Although “Romance in Marriage” our married relationship within an 18:20) to this union. was the theme, we also learned Orthodox Christian context. Since in the marriage relationship about the Orthodox perspective of Fr. Don taught how the under- heaven (the eternal) and earth (the marriage, challenges to romance in standing of an Orthodox Christian physical) are united, this relation- marriage and how to improve the

ship becomes our arena of salvation, Participants in the Marriage Enrichment Weekend May 2003 our path to holiness. The physical difficulties and the emotional con- physical dimension of our union. We perspective on marriage is crucial to frontations of marriage and family concluded the weekend with a fan- the health of the relationship. St. life are God’s tools to work out this tastic dinner and time of dancing. John Chrysostom wrote, “When a salvation. Understandably, we must The couples that attended came husband and wife are united in mar- recognize this reality and allow God from different states as far away as riage, they are no longer seen as to use these challenges in our lives.

12 The Word MARRIAGE & PARISH FAMILY MINISTRIES

Marriage Enrichment Weekends are goal is not the fulfillment of one’s wedded couple, wrote, “The meant to help us discover the tools needs; rather the goal of marriage Marriage Enrichment weekend was we can learn to make this path eas- is eternal: heaven! an inspiring one. Father Don and ier, to learn from those with expe- The couples who attended this Khourieh Maggie, as a result of faith, rience and skill to navigate the event had very positive com- extensive research and wide knowl- various stages of married life. As ments about the material cov- edge, tied together the emotional, John Chrysostom explains, “Use ered and the setting at physical and spiritual aspects of marriage chastely, and you shall Antiochian Village. Ziad and marriage in an exceptional way. be the first in the Kingdom of Claudia Bargharsh, our most Issues that are central to a married heaven.” newly couple, yet very sensitive and infre- As Orthodox Christians quently discussed, were approached we must approach the with openness and tact. All this in a sacrament of marriage charming place of meditation, with very different prayer and natural beauty. We met expectations than couples of all ages that added to the worldly unions. richness of the experience and with Many couples whom we shared our faith and aspi- enter married rations. This weekend set the life expecting roadmap for our future as a couple fulfillment of and gave us a new perspective to our personal needs, union. It clarified the fundamental often without the role of God in our Orthodox union understanding of the and inspired us in our everlasting mutual work and sac- love to each other and to our faith.” rifice that it Diane Moretti wrote, “The secular will take to world gives you every reason to make the think marriage is an individual marriage accomplishment or possibly even successful. merely the pursuit of a couple of The humans. But a cord of three strands Ortho- is not easily broken.” With a hus- dox band and wife working out their sal- couples’ vation with God at the center of their marriage, a marriage can be stronger than humanly thought possible. This applies not just to church life or prayer, but to practical issues ranging from conflict resolution to romance to finances. God can help improve any marriage at any stage and this weekend gave so many practical and spiritual insights to move in that direction. SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE: SAVE THIS DATE Marriage Enrichment Weekend May 21-23, 2004 “A Marriage Is Only As Strong As What It Costs To Protect It”

Display of participants’ wedding photographs

October 2003 13 The Angels

By NABIL SEMAAN

are filled with Thy glory, hosanna in maketh his angels spirits, FEAST OF ARCHANGELS the highest, blessed is He who comes and his ministers a flame of fire” in the name of the Lord, hosanna in (Hebrew 1:7). n the 8th of November, the the highest’ ”. They gather around The word angelos is Greek and O Orthodox Church celebrates the holy altar with the priest to serve means “who is sent” or “messenger.” the feast of synaxis of the with him the liturgy. This name is given to them by God Archangels Michael and Gabriel and So there is only one celebration, because of the function of serving the the rest of the archangels. The word one feast common between humans human race to be saved: “Are they synaxis means the gathering of and angels: “angels with humans not all ministering spirits sent forth believers to celebrate a feast, or to celebrate together, earthly with to minister for them who shall be make a remembrance of a saint. heavenly speak,”3 “through thy heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). This feast also has a special mean- cross our Christ our God, the angels ing; it is the gathering of the humans and humans become one church, CREATION OF ANGELS with the angels, “their union, their heaven and earth are united, O Lord gathering and standing in fear in glory to Thee.”4 The angels are he holy scriptures do not men- front of the creator.”1 After the fall of members of the Church, the body of T tion exactly when the angels the devil and his angels, this feast is Christ. The 8th of November is also were created, but the Church in its the celebration of “sobriety and a specific feast of Archangel Michael, holy tradition, through the writings unity” of the rest of angelic powers going back in history in celebrating of its holy fathers, chiefly St. John of who stayed loyal to God. “We cele- the memory of his church in Damascus, St. John Cassian, St. brate also the contribution of the Arcadia in Constantinople. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the angels and archangels and their help Theologian, St. Ambrose of Milan, and support in the war against the WORK OF ANGELS St. Dimitri Rostov, St. Dionysios the dark powers and the devil.”2 Areopagite, all of them believe that We celebrate this feast of unity From the book of Tobiah in the they were created from “nothing” between angels and humans, and Old Testament, the Archangel prior to the sensible material world this unity is not in the “life to come” Raphael reveals himself to Tobiah by and prior to humans. The angels — at the end of times — it starts in saying: “I will not hide from you the were created by God to glorify Him this world: the angels direct, guard mystery, when you were praying, and contemplate Him, “when the the sons of God who are struggling in you and Sarah, I was lifting your stars were created, all my angels this world; they are glad with every prayers to the Holy One … and now were glorifying me and praising me” sinner returning to God; they convey God sent me to heal your wounds … (Job 38:7). It is the Logos of God, the prayers to God’s throne. Hence, I am Raphael, one of the seven Who created them because, “for by there is a common liturgical work angels who lift the prayers of the Him were all things created, that are between angels and humans. The saints and serve the Throne of the in heavens, and that are in earth, angels offer a non-stop continuous Holy One” (Tobiah 12:12-15). In visible and invisible, whether they doxology and mental worship with this passage there is a description of be thrones, or dominions, or princi- humans to God. They offer to the the work of angels, which is mainly palities or powers, all things were Holy Trinity the Trisagion: “with to lift the prayers of the saints and created by Him and for Him” these holy powers, we sinners say help God, and they are sent by God (Colossians 1:16). the trisagion, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord to the humans to help them. of sabaoth, the heavens and earth “And of the angels he saith, whom

14 The Word ANGELS

a continuous attraction (eros) and Salaphael (Salaata-iil in Hebrew), DIVISION OF ANGELS5 “ecstasy” to God, to the extent that which means “prayer to God,” Orael they forget themselves. Every rank (Oura-iil in Hebrew), which means ccording to St. Dionysios the (and group) of angels, according to “God’s light,” Yajoudael (Yagoud-iil A Areopagite, the angels are divid- its closeness to God, partakes of the in Hebrew), which means “God’s ed into three ranks; each rank is gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of glory,” and Barakael (Baraki-iil), also divided into three groups. The wisdom and discernment, the Spirit which means “God’s blessing.”8 first rank is made up of the of power, fear of God. Furthermore, Seraphim, the Cherubim and their communion with the Holy NATURE OF ANGELS Thrones. The second rank is made Spirit is continuous. The angels do up of Dominions, Hosts and Powers. not have the feeling of jealousy and ccording to St. Dionysios the Finally, the third rank is made up of competition between them; they all AAreopagite, the angels were cre- Principalities, Archangels and have one will, which is to serve God; ated as humans in the “image and Angels. According to St. John of the angels of the lower ranks obey in likeness” of God. According to the Damascus, each group (and rank) love the angels of the higher ranks “image” because they have an intel- differs from the others in hierarchy as if in obedience to God. lect (mind) that generates thoughts and splendour, depending (ideas), and to the “like- on their closeness to God.6 ness” because the angels The Seraphim are the are directed and attracted highest rank, the closest to toward God.9 St. John of God. Seraphim is a Damascus says they are Hebrew word meaning creatures limited in space “fire,” and it symbolizes and time; they have their the heat of their love of own specific external God. The Seraphim have appearance. Compared to six wings; “I saw the Lord humans, they are bodiless sitting on a throne high due to the human’s “heavy and lifted up, and his train body,” but compared to filled the temple, above it God they have a body. “We stood the seraphim: each speak about the angels as one had six wings; with bodiless and immaterial two he covered his face, compared to us, but in fact with two he covered his everything is heavy and feet, and with two he did material compared to God, fly, and one cried unto to Whom nobody can be another, and said: ‘Holy, compared, because only holy, holy is the Lord of the Divine is non-material Hosts: the whole earth is full of his and bodiless.”10 He continues to say glory’ ” (Isaiah 6:1-3). ARCHANGELS that, “God created the angels Behind the Seraphim directly according to His own image and He there are the wise Cherubim, who he angels are also a “heavenly created them weightless and with are the “many-eyes” due to their Tarmy.” Their leader and head is heat” in order to be attracted to Him unceasing contemplation (theoria) Archangel Michael, who is one of the and to serve Him. He adds: “the of God. The word Cherubim is seven spirits in front of God’s throne. angel is always in motion, he has Hebrew and means “abundance of “O Holy Archangel Michael glorified, free will, gifted with an immortal wisdom;” it symbolizes perfection in God has placed you head of their nature. This nature is intellectual, knowledge of God. St. John of Hosts, Powers, Angels and thus he has a free changing will.”11 Damascus says that the food of Archangels, Dominions, and Princi- The angels do not need a tongue or angels is the contemplation of God.7 palities” (Exapostolarion of the feast). ears to communicate; they inter- Directly behind the Cherubim The archangels or head of all the change thoughts, and their food is comes the Thrones, and they are angels are seven in number. the theoria. the angels on whom God rests, as According to St. Dimitri Rostov, It is also important to note that St. their name indicates. they are Seraphim, the closest to John of Damascus emphasizes that, All these angels stand around God. They are Michael (Missa-iil in “The angels are not subject to repen- God’s throne in fear and great Hebrew), which means “Who is like tance because they do not have a respect of His glory; they contem- God,” Gabriel (Jibra-iil in Hebrew), heavy body, while humans can plate God and know His “energy” which means “God’s power,” repent because they have a body, and not his “essence” (oussia), Raphael (Roupha-iil in Hebrew), though it is weak,” and he continues since they are creatures. They are in which means “God’s mercy,” to say, “The angels are higher than

October 2003 15 ANGELS humans because they are bodiless hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah third of the angels and threw them and free from the passions of the 14:12-15). on earth.” Then, the Archangel body, but they are not free from The prophet Ezekiel symbolizes Michael cried in a loud voice, “let us other passions because only God has the king of Tyre with the fallen attend” not to fall with the devil and absolute impassibility.”12 Cherubim: “Thou sealest up the his angels. He did not dare to judge St. Macarius the Great says that, sum, full of wisdom and perfect in the devil, he just demanded atten- “The angels have a light body and an beauty, thou hast been in Eden the tion and vigil once, and from that external appearance of humans,”13 garden of God … Thou was perfect time the relation between the angels and St. John of Damascus confirms in thy ways from the day that thou loyal to God got stronger by grace this in saying that, “angels take dif- has been created until iniquity was and they were not subject to evil. ferent forms when they appear to found in thee … therefore I will cast From that time, there is a strong humans to convey to them the thee as profane out of the mountain war between the angels loyal to God divine mysteries … if it is God’s will of God, and I and the devil and his angels. All the to an angel to appear to one of the will gifts that were for the demons were saints, the appearance he takes dif- turned to evil. The devil was called fers and depends on the capacity of “Satan,” a Hebrew word meaning the person to see.”14 St. Ignatius “enemy,” which parallels the Greek Brianchaninov confirms that “our word diabolis, which means incapability to see angels is due “divider.” The word demon is to our fallen human nature. Greek and means “the fallen Adam and Eve before the fall angel.” were participating with the St. Ignatius Brianchaninov angels in giving glory to God, describes that, before the fall of and they were living with them Adam, the devil was wandering … That is why the saints look the sky having within him a forward to ‘be like angels of feeling of great emptiness. God God in heavens’ (Matthew allowed him by His great com- 22:30), and the monastic rank is passion and mercy to enter the called an equal to the angelic paradise of Eden in order to con- rank.”15 template its beauty and give him a Finally, the place or “home” of chance to repent. But he was jealous angels is heaven, “in the third heav- of Adam and Eve, tried with all his en where the archangels stand force to cast them out of paradise, before the throne of God, surround- and succeeded in casting Adam and ed by a countless heavenly army” destroy Eve out of paradise and even bring- (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4:5). thee, O covering cherub, from the ing them under his control. In that midst of the stones of fire … I will way the devil lost every hope of THE FALL OF ANGELS16 cast thee to the ground” (Ezekiel coming back to God. 28:12-18). This fall was as fast as the From the instance of the fall of irst of all, this event happened lightning described by the Lord man, there is a great conflict within F before the fall of man. The cause Jesus Himself in the gospel of St. the human person between the of the fall of some angels is that they Luke: “I beheld satan as lightning angels of light and angels of dark- rebelled against God. Their leader fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18). ness. The angels of light were sent was one of the most beautiful This fallen Cherubim attracted to by God to help the humans even Cherubim; he was gifted much more him a number of angels of different from the era of the Old Testament. than the others in divine grace, ranks, some from the higher ranks, We see the Archangel Gabriel in according to the prophet Isaiah: and he took them with him. They charge of Israel when they left “How art thou fallen from heaven, O were expelled from paradise, so they Egypt, Archangel Raphael helping Lucifer, son of the morning! How art wandered on earth. The Archangel Tobit, Michael sent to help Joshua, thou cut down to the ground, which Michael resisted the devil rebeller son of Nun, and arguing with the didst weaken the nations! For thou and his companions, and a war hap- devil regarding the body of Moses. hast said in thine heart, ‘I will pened in heaven. “Michael and his However, the devil was always trying ascend into heaven, I will exalt my angels fought against the dragon; to make humans sin, but without throne above the stars of God: I will and the dragon fought and his knowing he is doing the will of God, sit also upon the mount of the con- angels, and prevailed not; neither because every evil ends always with gregation, in the sides of the north, I was their place found anymore in goodness. The devil, then, became will ascend above the heights of the heaven” (Revelation 12:7-8). As St. an instrument of God’s trial to men. clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Ignatius Brianchaninov describes it, Yet thou shalt be brought down to “the devil carried with him one (Continued on Page 21)

16 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY The Department of Youth Ministry

transported from the cathedral in Eagle River to the SAINT JOHN — SUMMER CAMP 2003 Solid Rock campgrounds located in Soldotna, a major A GEM IN THE WILDERNESS fishing town on the Kenai Peninsula. Those campgrounds are situated on an attractive By Michael J. Purpura property that includes outstanding facilities and an Far away from the lower forty-eight states lies a land extensive waterfront. They serve as an idyllic backdrop of lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys — fabulous for Christian liturgy, leisure, and learning. prospects in every direction. Summers here are mild Liturgical activities range from singing of mealtime and winters dark, yet civilization flourishes all the praise to full participation in third hour prayers and compline services. This year, the Christian Education discussions centered on the Holy Sacraments. And for further spiritual development, campers got to dialogue their own topics directly, in small-group sessions with one of our priests. Team-building activities include soc- cer, archery, horseback riding and much more, all culmi- nating in a campfire and a bus ride back to the parish. Overall, the program provides campers with a light- hearted and spiritually unpolluted environment in which to benefit from their relationships with one another. It’s an extended retreat from the battles of same. In fact, this land has a fascinating and rich everyday life, and an opportunity to put on the whole Christian history. This is Alaska, and here our Lord has armor of God. hidden many treasures. Coordinating the St. John’s camping program is the Not the least of those Lourie family, whose treasures is the grace-filled high energy and good parish of the St. John will are positively con- Cathedral in Eagle River — tagious. Fr. Stephen a valuable part of our larger Lourie, his fellow American Orthodox Chris- priests at the Cathe- tian community, and what dral and the parish- some have called a gem in ioners who volun- the wilderness. teered their valuable Together with a host of time as the camp’s other ministries, their administrative staff parish runs a one-week are to be commended summer camping program. on their work. Each year in August, a re- Of course, none of markable group of youth is this program could

October 2003 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY run without dependable, cheerful, thoughtful, playful, At the first evening pro- sensible, humble, spirited counselors. They lead a gram, after getting ac- truly successful program. Theirs are the good works quainted and watching the campers will always remember. first-year coaches humiliate Naturally, all of this is made possible by and for a themselves on stage, every- group of truly gifted campers, who together are gaining one settled into their cab- uniqueness and power in Christ JESUS. Every one of ins and prepared for the them is growing into their adoption as children of God. intense training to come. In time, they will enter into the Spirit, they will The morning was cold become christs as He is the Christ, and they will be and everyone gathered bright and early to run together gods as He is God. around the track. The training continued as the day got Realize that these compliments are not written to hotter and hotter. Athletes broke up into their primary make them proud, but as a reminder that theirs will be sports after breakfast. Despite the intense heat and the the greater gifts and so theirs is a great responsibility. demanding tasks laid before them, the Athletes continu- Camp time is leisure time, and leisure well spent pro- ally worked hard and always had smiles on their faces. duces wisdom. It is a time when our youth can become No matter how well they performed each task, they were passionate, not only about our shared faith, but about always happy and always willing to help one another. our call to sanctify both our world and each other. If our minds are awake, then we will celebrate the opportunity they have been given to tune their spirits. Indeed, let us all express gratitude to the Anointed that we live in a prosperous nation, at a time conducive to perceiving the Majesty of the universe and discovering our gifts of the Spirit. The feeling it brings is one of hope: hope for a wholesome and pleasant future, hope that we will live to see an Orthodox Christian American Empire, hope for a generation of soldiers in Christ. May their experiences remind all of us that our pur- The Coaches were not the only ones teaching the pose on this earth is to attain freedom, becoming wit- Athletes. The Athletes also taught us. We learned some- nesses to and co-creators with our God. It is not something new everyday. The lessons began on the playing thing we can accomplish alone, but that we the faithful fields and followed us to our cabins. The competitors pursue together. are skilled in their primary sport and they shared their The youth of the St. John Cathedral in Eagle River, knowledge of the sport with their fellow Athletes. They Alaska had a top-notch session of camp this summer. returned to their cabins after a grueling day of training, They moved their hearts nearer to divinity. And they left their bodies worn down, yet their faces continued to with experiences worth remembering. In fact, the only radiate with joy. This joy reminds us of the gifts that unpleasant thing about this camp session is that it’s over God has given us to perform His holy ministry. — and that’s not something to regret, it’s only a pity. We want to thank both the Athletes and Staff of Special Olympics 2003. This past week was full of good SPECIAL OLYMPICS times and amazing memories. Had it not been for their tremendous commitment and dedication, this life- On Saturday afternoon Coaches from all over North changing experience would not have been possible. We America arrived at the Antiochian Village. Volunteers all hope to see you next year. from such places as California, Kansas, Massachusetts, On behalf of SOYO, God Bless you all. New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Ohio, Theodora Stevens Charles Abdelahad Illinois and Canada all settled into their own separate NAC SOYO Secretary NER SOYO President cabins. The absence of the Villagers gave the camp an “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, empty feeling. As soon as the 118 athletes arrived, the not knowing the things that will happen to me there, Village came to life. except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testi- fy to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:22-24).

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARENESS DAY

Each year our Teen SOYO members raise funds to lead and host the annual NAC Teen SOYO Special

18 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Olympics Sports Camp. Special Frank served on numerous diplomatic, refugee relief Olympics Awareness Day (SOAD) is and ecumenical initiatives. Further, he made many Sunday October 19, 2003. When our contributions to civic projects in Lowell and Warner. teens ask for donations please be gen- Frank Maria presided over the Federation (prede- erous in helping them raise the need- cessor to Senior SOYO) Convention in 1950. He repre- ed $35,000 for the 2004 Special sented the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese at the Olympics Program. Special donations may be sent to: World Council of Churches general assembly in 1983 The Department of Youth Ministry, PO Box 389, and served as a member of the Antiochian Archdiocese Westwood MA 02090. Please make checks payable to delegation to the National Council of Churches. Frank “NAC Teen SOYO” earmarked “SOAD.” Thank you. was Chairman of the Antiochian Archdiocese Department of Near East and Arab Refugee Affairs for FRANCIS MARIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND many years. Frank received the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Antonian Gold Medal in 1993. He was a 2003 Scholarships Granted at the Archdiocese founder of the American Arabic Association (AMARA) Convention to: and, in 1981, he received its Distinguished Public Service Award. The University of New Hampshire presented Frank an honorary doctoral degree in 1994. Dr. Maria established the Francis Maria Fund for Justice and Peace at the Antiochian Archdiocese prior to his death with a $100,000 donation. Following his death, the Francis Maria Foundation for Justice and Peace gave an additional donation of $125,000, bringing the current fund with interest earned to approxi- mately $280,000. The Maria Foundation expressed its Alexa Younes Sarah Hughes desire that 75% of the annual income from this fund be Daughter of Daughter of used to grant scholarships to young people attending Fr. Iskander and Fr. Edward and institutions of higher learning. Deborah Younes Anna Hughes Applications for the 2004 Francis Maria Educational Richmond Hill, Ontario Methuen, Massachusetts Scholarships will be on the Archdiocese website in $2,500 $2,500 December of 2003. Those wishing to increase this scholarship fund may Francis “Frank” Maria of make donations to the Antiochian Archdiocese ear- Pumpkin Hill, Warner, NH, marked for the “Francis Maria Scholarship Fund.” who established the Francis Maria Fund for Justice and ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX Peace, was born in Lowell, MA, CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE the son of Syrian immigrants. CONFERENCE THEME He earned a bachelor’s degree CREATIVE FESTIVALS TOPICS from Boston University and did AND INFORMATION advanced work through the 2004 BU/Harvard Extension Pro- Francis Maria gram. Frank Maria taught Conference & Convention Theme: English and coached basketball in Tewksbury, Lowell “Let the little children come to Me, and do not for- and Newton high schools in Massachusetts. He later bid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark served with the US Marines, for whom he developed 10:14). leadership training programs during World War II. After Bible Bowl: the war, Frank became personnel manager for the The Gospel of St Mark, as found in the Orthodox Merrimack Manufacturing Co., Lowell, which at that Study Bible time employed more than 7,500 people. Frank was known as an innovator and reformer, whose ideas bene- fited workers. Later, he became an independent consul- tant, teaching human relations and personnel policy. He also undertook special assignments for government, industry and health care organizations. A lecturer with international credits, Frank Maria devoted much of his life to enhancing international peace initiatives, both at the governmental and individual levels. Named by President Eisenhower to the US delegation for the UNESCO general session in 1960, Midwest Region Team — Winner of the 2003 Archdiocese Bible Bowl

October 2003 19 THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Oratorical: as your own relationship with Jesus Christ, the Church In light of the Conference Theme, “Let the little and those within your community. children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of Share in concrete ways how the reality of Christ’s such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14), and assum- statement changes your life and those around you. ing that the term "little children" can be applied to you, Please note: Complete topics and rules are available share what this means to you as a young person living online. Please download the complete set of Creative today in North America. Festival Topics, Rules and Church School Classroom Be sure to explore the deeper meaning of this verse, Guide for 2004 from the Archdiocese Web Site: as found in the Gospel of St. Mark, the other Gospels, http://www.antiochian.org/ go to the Department of and explanations by the Fathers of the Church, as well Youth and click on Creative Festivals.

The 2003 Inter-Orthodox Youth Worker Training Conference will take place November 7-9 at the Antiochian Village. Parishes are encouraged to send their Parish Youth Worker(s) to this conference. Register early, utilizing the Registration form above.

20 The Word ANGELS

(Continued from Page 16) repent. Finally the angel of prayer is the angel who helps us to pray. St. Clement of Alexandria says, “Even GLADNESS OF ANGELS17 when a person prays alone, he is accompanied by angels.” Tertullian re they not all ministering spir- commands the Christian not to sit “A its, sent forth to minister for when he prays in respect for the them who shall be heirs of sal- angel of prayer standing beside vation” (Hebrew 1:14). St. him. Archangel Raphael is John Chrysostom com- one of the seven angels who ments on this verse by say- “carry the prayers of the ing, “Look how God loves man so saints to God” (Tobiah 12:15). that He created Holy creatures to Origen writes, “Angels gather close serve the man created according to to the person praying to be united to His image.” Humans, although heav- if we do not cast him away by our his prayer. Moreover, each angel ier than angels by their body and in evil deeds.” St. Justin adds, “The contemplates the face of the Father a state of sin, death and corruption, angels’ duty is to accompany in Heaven and prays with us and when they are deified become higher humans as guardians and to accom- works for us for all our needs.” than the angels in divinity and holi- pany the spirit when it leaves the ness: “What is man, that thou art body until the second coming.” ROLE OF ANGELS IN OUR mindful of him? And the son of man, Origen says that “this angel directs SPIRITUAL LIFE that thou visited him? For thou hast our life toward God, he corrects our made him a little lower than angels, deeds, and he raises our misery he angels have a major role in and hast crowned him with glory everyday to our heavenly Father.” T the spiritual life of each person. and honour” (Psalm 8:5-7). The The guardian angel has three First of all, they convey all the spiri- example of this is the Theotokos, the duties: first, to be a help for our spir- tual gifts to the person and this mother of God, who became “More itual life; second, to guard the soul according to their rank and depend- glorious than the seraphim …” The from external and internal tribula- ing on the person’s spiritual stage: devil is jealous of the rank man took tions and to be responsible for the purification, illumination or deifica- after the incarnation. punishment of the soul when it tion. “The more we purify ourselves, St. Gregory of Nyssa says, “Angels drifts away from God; and third, to the more we know God, and the kneel in front of every man who is help the believer in his prayer and more we love Him” (St. Gregory the born again and celebrate the return to convey his requests to God. The Theologian). The spiritual person of men to the original grace through guardian angel has three names resembles the angels, as St. Gregory the Newborn, because they are glad according to these duties: the first of Nyssa says: “The spiritual life for every man who is saved from sin. one is the Angel of Peace (named by allows the spirit to enter the world This gladness of angels will not be St. John Chrysostom), the second is of angels.” During the purification complete until the second coming of the Angel of Repentance (named by stage, “We need an angel to help us Christ, for which the angels are Hermas the Shepherd), and the overcome our passions, since we are waiting.” third is the Angel of Prayer (named not perfect,” according to Origen. In by Tertullian). the illumination stage, the soul THE GUARDIAN ANGEL18 Regarding the angel of peace, St. enters the angelic world, to attain John Chrysostom says, “Be aware finally a life of union with God. or He shall give his angels that there are angels of peace, listen The angels contemplate how the “F charge over thee, to keep thee to the deacon repeating his prayer soul moves out of the darkness of sin in all thy ways” (Psalm 90:11). The for an angel of peace guarding our to a state of illumination and Grace major work of angels is to praise God, souls and bodies …” This angel and passes them over to the glory but their partial work is to guard helps us in our weaknesses and that the Logos granted to humanity humans and the universe that sur- temptations and during our war only in His union with the human rounds humans. The holy fathers against the devil. nature. The angels wait for a deified mention many cases in the Old and St. Cyril of Alexandria confirms person to be united to his prayer and New Testaments about angels helping this point in saying, “When the be lifted up more towards God. That humans. For example, when St. Peter saints are in tribulation, there are is why, “The angels wait for the death was delivered from prison, it was angels near them, who hear them of martyrs to lead their souls to its said: “This is his angel” (Acts 12:15). and encourage them; these angels place,” says St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John Chrysostom says that can stop the great unsupportable “they surround the martyrs on their “for every one of us has his angel;” temptations.” way to God and they accompany St. Basil the Great adds, “Beside The angel of repentance is the them to the holy of holies where the every believer in God, sits his angel, angel who teaches us and helps us to Holy Trinity is in the middle of

October 2003 21 ANGELS

Cherubim and Seraphim,” confirms St. John Chrysostom. OYO REGIONAL EVENTS CONCLUSION

hat prohibits us from living W like angels, if the angelic life is granted for every true sincere AC TEEN SOYO IS EXCIT- of the students in the Western and faithful? Many people ask why they N ed to announce the first Mid-Western Regions to give serious cannot see angels, and why the two OYO (Orthodox Youth consideration to these opportuni- angels do not help them, but they do Outreach) regional events. They’ve ties. At present, there are 35 open- not question if they are really free been scheduled for Friday, January ings at each ministry site. If you, or from the passions that darken the 2 through Sunday, January 4, in Los someone you know, would be inter- soul and the heart. The main goal is Angeles and Chicago. OYO has ested in participating please refer to to free ourselves from passions. We teamed up with the Center for the following requirements: must ask of God Light and an angel Student Missions (CSM), a short- 1. Applicants must be of SOYO of peace, who will direct and protect term, urban ministry agency out of age (7th-12th grade); our life and spirit and body. Dana Point, CA, to provide a net- 2. Applicants must have partici- Through the intercessions of our work of urban ministry sites pated in at least three “qualifying” Holy angels, may our God enlighten throughout the North American local service projects since January us and save us. Amen. continent. CSM has been hosting 2003; urban, short-term service projects 3. Applicants must have complet- Nabil Semaan, from Pierrefonds, for over 15 years and is considered ed the appropriate application, ref- QUE, is a student in the St. to be one of the most reputable pro- erence and consent forms. Stephen’s Program of theological grams in the country. CSM will pro- To obtain any of these forms or for studies. vide the ministry sites and the more information about what “quali- expert urban guides, while OYO will fies” as a local service project, log FOOTNOTES provide the leadership and program- onto www.OrthodoxYouthOutreach. 1 Synaxarion 2 Ibid. ming. We think it’s a winning combi- net. We will continue to update this 3 Liturgy of the Feast of Archangels nation! You can learn more about homepage with all the details that 4 Troparion of Wednesday Orthros CSM and the Los Angeles or Chicago students and parents will need to 5 St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, “Homily on ministry sites by surfing the web at know. If you would like to contact Angels,” Periodical No. 14, Archangel http://www.gospelcom.net/csm/losan someone directly about either of Michael Monastery, Lebanon. All quota- tions of the Holy Fathers from St. Ignatius geles.php or http://www.gospelcom. these events please feel free to call are without references. net/csm/chicago.php. or write: 6 St. John of Damascus, “Homily on angels The leadership of NAC Teen Fr. Kevin Scherer, OYO Director, and demons,” Periodical No. 2, Archangel SOYO is convinced that there’s no St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 7 Ibid. other more effective way of shaping Church, 501 Moraga Way, Orinda, 8 St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, “Homily on young hearts than through short- CA 94563, 925-4255, frkevin@ Angels,” Periodical No. 14, Archangel term missions. We’re encouraging all stjohnorinda.org. Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 9 Ibid. 10 St. John of Damascus, “Homily on angels and demons,” Periodical No. 2, Archangel Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 11 Ibid. Mark the dates now!!!! 12 Ibid. 13 St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, “Homily on Angels,” Periodical No. 14, Archangel Antiochian Village Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 14 St. John of Damascus, “Homily on angels and demons,” Periodical No. 2, Archangel Winter Camp 2004 Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 15 St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, “Homily on Angels,” Periodical No. 14, Archangel January 16-19 and February 13-16 Michael Monastery, Lebanon. 16 Ibid. for campers in grades 7-12 17 Taken from “Les anges et leur mission, d’apres les peres de l’Eglise,” Chevetogne, Cost: $130.00 — check out www.antiochianvillage.org/camp Jean Danielou; Periodical No. 8, Archangel Monastery, Lebanon. or call (724) 238-9565 for more info 18 Periodical No. 7, Archangel Michael Monastery, Lebanon.

22 The Word THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE

THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE

APPOINTED ORDAINED LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Archpriest JON BRAUN as Dean of Subdeacon JOHN BAIZE to the dia- Archpriest MATTHEW GEORGE, effec- the Southern California Deanery, conate on the feast of the tive September 1, 2003. effective August 15, 2003. Transfiguration, August 6, 2003, at Holy Transfiguration Mission in CORRECTION Protosyngelos as Dean PAUL DOYLE Hillsboro, KS. He is assigned to that Fr. was appointed to Emeritus of the Southern California JAMES COLES congregation. the assistant pastorate of St. George Deanery, effective August 15, 2003. Church, Houston, TX. APPOINTED ELEVATED Priest to the Fr. ELIAS EL-FERZLI was appointed to Father to the dignity of ROMANOS MALOUF DAVID SMITH assistant pastorate of the Basilica of the assistant pastorate of St. Mary Archpriest at the Can-Am Parish St. Mary, Livonia, MI, effective Church, Montreal, QUE. Life Conference on July 6, 2003. August 1, 2003.

RELEASED

Priest VLADIMIR TOBIN to the OCA Archdiocese of Canada, effective August 11, 2003.

DAILY DEVOTIONS NOVEMBER, 2003

1. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-13:8; MATTHEW 10;1, 5-8 19. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-8; LUKE 15:1-10 (FAST) 2. GALATIANS 1:11-19; LUKE 16:19-31 20. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:9-14; LUKE 16:1-9 (FAST) 3. PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23; LUKE 11:29-33 21. HEBREWS 9:1-7; LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 4. COLOSSIANS 1:1-2, 7-11; LUKE 11:34-41 (FAST) 5. COLOSSIANS 1:18-23; LUKE 11:42-46 (FAST) ENTRY OF THE THEOTOKOS INTO THE 6. COLOSSIANS 1:24-29; LUKE 11:47-12:1 TEMPLE 7. COLOSSIANS 2:1-7; LUKE 12:2-12 (FAST) 22. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-5; LUKE 9:57-62 (FAST) 8. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-13:8; MATTHEW 10;1, 5-8 23. EPHESIANS 2:4-10; LUKE 12:16-21 (FAST) 9. GALATIANS 2:16-20; LUKE 8:41-56 24. EPHESIANS 6:10-17; LUKE 21:12-19 (FAST) 10. COLOSSIANS 2:13-20; LUKE 12:13-15, 22-31 25. 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13; LUKE 17:26-37 11. COLOSSIANS 2:22-3:3; LUKE 12:42-48 (FAST) 12. COLOSSIANS 3:17-4:1; LUKE 12:48-59 (FAST) 13. HEBREWS 7:26:8-2; JOHN 10:9-16 26. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-12; LUKE 18:15-17, 14. COLOSSIANS 4:10-18; LUKE 13:31-35 (FAST) 26-30 (FAST) 15. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10; LUKE 9:37-43 (FAST) 27. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-8; LUKE 18:31-34 16. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16; MATTHEW 9:9-13 (FAST) (FAST) 28. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:9-13, 24-28; LUKE 17. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5; LUKE 14:12-15 (FAST) 19:12-28 (FAST) 18. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6-10; LUKE 14:25-35 29. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:1-6; LUKE 10:19-21 (FAST) (FAST) 30. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:9-16; JOHN 1:35-51 (FAST)

by Very Rev. George Alberts

October 2003 23 THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE

St. George, Lowell, MA 307.00 St. George, Upper Darby, PA 150.00 CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO St. George, Methuen, MA 225.00 St. Mary, Wilkes-Barre, PA 191.00 IRAQI WAR VICTIMS St. George, Norwood, MA 617.00 St. John, York, PA 87.00 St. George, St. Mary, Pawtucket, RI 371.00 Parish Amount W. Roxbury, MA 2,663.00 Christ the Savior, St. John, Eagle River, AK $325.00 St. George, Worcester, MA 920.00 Anderson, SC 50.00 St. Nicholas, Springdale, AR 69.00 St. Mary, Hunt Valley, MD 305.00 St. John, Memphis, TN 200.00 St. George, Phoenix, AZ 1,299.00 Holy Cross, Linthicum, MD 250.00 St. Elias, Austin, TX 508.00 Ss. Peter and Paul, Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Michael, Beaumont, TX 476.00 Ben Lomond, CA 100.00 Potomac, MD 1,444.00 Orthodox Mission, St. Stephen, Cupertino, CA 142.00 St. Mary, Berkeley, MI 200.00 College Station, TX 75.00 St. Timothy, Fairfield, CA 500.00 St. George, Flint, MI 152.00 Ss. Constantine and Helen, St. Luke, Garden Grove, CA 500.00 St. George, Dallas, TX 332.00 St. Athanasius, Goleta, CA 2,590.00 Grand Rapids, MI 344.00 St. Joseph, Houston, TX 170.00 St. Mark, Irvine, CA 420.00 St. Mary, Livonia, MI 1,000.00 St. George, Houston, TX 1,007.00 St. Nicholas, St. Nicholas, Kentwood, MI 679.00 St. Anthony, Spring, TX 225.00 Los Angeles, CA 1,000.00 St. George, Troy, MI 850.00 St. Gregory, Holy Cross, Palmdale, CA 120.00 St. George, Vicksburg, MS 200.00 Falls Church, VA 770.00 St. Andrew, Riverside, CA 250.00 St. Vincent of Lerins, St. Nicholas, Cedarburg, WI 500.00 St. Athanasius, Omaha, NE 25.00 St. Elias, La Crosse, WI 140.00 Sacramento, CA 150.00 St. Anthony, Bergenfield, NJ 500.00 St. Ignatius, Monoma, WI 275.00 St. Anthony, San Diego, CA 300.00 St. George, Little Falls, NJ 1,100.00 St. George, St. George, San Diego, CA 727.50 St. Stephen, S. Plainfield, NJ 327.00 Charleston, WV 1,026.60 St. Nicholas, Holy Trinity, Santa Fe, NM 260.00 St. Philip, Edmonton, AB 167.00 San Francisco, CA 700.00 St. George, Albany, NY 283.00 St. Anthony, Halifax, NS 748.00 St. John, St. Mary, Brooklyn, NY 874.00 St. Elias, Ottawa, ON 1,000.00 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 20.00 St. Nicholas, Brooklyn, NY 1,000.00 St. George, St. Matthew, Torrance, CA 406.00 St. Michael, Geneva, NY 715.00 Richmond Hill, ON 1,016.00 St. Michael, Van Nuys, CA 600.00 Archangel Gabriel, St. Ignatius, Windsor, ON 260.00 St. Michael, Whittier, CA 210.00 S. Glen Falls, NY 10.00 St. George, Montreal, PQ 1,000.00 St. Mark, Denver, CO 100.00 St. George, S. Glen Falls, NY 250.00 St. Mary, Montreal, PQ 200.00 St. Luke, Lafayette, CO 182.00 St. Elias, Syracuse, NY 393.00 St. Nicholas, Montreal, PQ 580.55 St. James, Wellington, CO 75.00 St. George, Utica, NY 75.00 Organizations St. George, Danbury, CT 300.00 Virgin Mary, Yonkers, NY 300.00 St. Elias St. George, Coral Gables, FL 350.00 St. Michael, Las Vegas, NV 250.00 Orthodox Fellowship 1,000 St. Philip, Davie, FL 611.00 St. George, Akron, OH 500.00 Individuals St. Andrew, Eustis, FL 132.06 St. George, Canton, OH 206.00 William Bacile 20.00 St. George, Jacksonville, FL 400.00 Holy Cross, Canton, OH 266.00 Mr. George Jabbour 1,000.00 Shrine of Regla, Miami, FL 50.00 St. George, Cleveland, OH 500.00 Dr. Raymond and St. George, Orlando, FL 112.00 St. James, Loveland, OH 100.00 Nicole Kyriakos 200.00 St. Nicholas, St. Matthew, Mr. Samuel Newey 500.00 St. Petersburg, FL 226.00 N. Royalton, OH 111.00 Laurie Schade 20.00 St. Elias, Atlanta, GA 565.00 St. Elias, Sylvania, OH 200.00 Dr. George and St. Thomas, Sioux City, IA 272.00 St Mark, Youngstown, OH 200.00 Brenda Farha 1,000.00 St. John, Post Falls, ID 374.25 St. Elijah, Fr. George S. Corey 50.00 St. George, Spring Valley, IL 125.00 Oklahoma City, OK 2,190.70 Philip and Paige Lemasters 800.00 Holy Transfiguration, St. Antony, Tulsa, OK 101.00 Ann Suchodolski 100.00 Warrenville, IL 100.00 St. George, Portland, OR 350.00 All Saints, Bloomington, IN 95.00 St. George, Altoona, PA 200.00 St. George, Indianapolis, IN 1,048.00 St. John, Beaver Falls, PA 200.00 St. George, Terre Haute, IN 278.00 St. George, Bridgeville, PA 200.00 St. Andrew, Lexington, KY 371.00 St. Mary, Chambersburg, PA 367.00 All Saints, Salina, KS 100.00 St. Paul, Emmaus, PA 100.00 St. Mary, Wichita, KS 535.00 St. Michael, Greensburg, PA 143.00 St. George, Wichita, KS 500.00 St. Mary, Johnstown, PA 200.00 St. Basil, Metairie, LA 594.00 St. Michael, Monessen, PA 92.00 St. Mary, Cambridge, MA 315.00 St. George, St. John, Dedham, MA 665.00 New Kensington, PA 471.12 All Saints, Hingham, MA 183.00 St. Philip, Souderton, PA 1,368.10

24 The Word Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Publications Department 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese phone (201) 871-1355 ¥ fax (201) 871-7954 Publications Department 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 Evening Divine Liturgies Phone (201) 871-1355 ¥ Fax (201) 871-7954 Phase I PLAYING IT UP FOR CHRISTMAS 10 Volumes $30.00 PLAYING IT UP FOR CHRISTMAS Playing It Up for Christmas contains six plays written by (individual copies not available) Natalie Ashanin of Indianapolis, Indiana and beautifully September 8 — The Nativity of the Theotokos illustrated by Claudia Coose of Austin, Texas. Each play September 14 — The Elevation of the Cross is accompanied by staging instructions. They are designed November 21 — The Presentation of the Theotokos to involve as many participants as possible. December 25 — The Nativity of Our Lord January 6 — Epiphany February 2 — The Presentation of Our Lord HOW ABOUT ADVENT! March 25 — The Annunciation of the Theotokos An Advent Calendar for the Orthodox Christian Family 40 Days How About Advent! is designed to guide the Orthodox After Pascha — The Ascension of Our Lord family from the beginning of Advent through the Feast of August 6 — The Transfiguration August 15 — The Dormition of the Theotokos the Nativity of Christ. This material is unique in that it has several levels of activities that allow a family to make Phase II decisions as to the depth of involvement. 12 Volumes $35.00 (individual copies $3.00 each) THE BIGGEST BIRTHDAY PARTY The Biggest Birthday Party can be used in a family or November 8 — Archangels November 14 — St. Philip church school setting. It is a wonderful, interactive December 6 — St. Nicholas Christmas program developed by the Antiochian December 20 — St. Ignatius Archdiocese Department of Christian Education. January 1 — The Circumcision of Our Lord/Memorial of St. Basil Please send the following items: January 17 — St. Anthony ( ) Copy(s) of Playing It Up For Christmas @ $9.00 per January 30 — The Three Holy Hierarchs April 23 — St. George copy May 21 — Ss. Constantine and Helen ( ) Copy(s) of How About Advent! @ $6.00 per copy June 29 — Ss. Peter and Paul July 20 — St. Elias ( ) Copy(s) of The Biggest Birthday Party @ $4.00 per August 29 — The Beheading of St. John the copy Baptist

I would like _____ copy(s) of Phase I Evening Divine Enclosed find my payment of $ ______. If order is Liturgies. under $20.00 please include $2.00 postage for US orders, I would like _____ copy(s) of Phase II Evening Divine or $4.00 for Canada and overseas. If order is $20.00 or Liturgies. more please include 10% postage for US orders, or 20% (If you are ordering individual copies of Phase II, please mark the services you want on the information above and for Canada and overseas. Send to: mail this entire form. Thank you.) Name ______Name: ______Address______Address: ______Please enclose your check payable to Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese (AOCA) for the full amount in US dollars as ______well as 10% postage and handling. Canadian and overseas orders, please include 20% postage and handling.

October 2003 25 SOYO A Look Back at the beginning of SOYO

By EDWARD DEEB

VER FIFTY YEARS AGO, was removed and replaced with a pockets. It was tough, especially for O during a St. Nicholas Day shining Cross. The Latin words on me with a new bride. Florence was Celebration, Metropolitan the shield were replaced with more very good and accompanied me on Antony Bashir sequestered the St. appropriate ones and the SOYO logo most of the trips. A quarterly Nicholas Cathedral (Brooklyn, NY) was born. Our letterhead proudly newsletter recording our activities Youth Group and our guests from St. proclaimed this banner with the was published and distributed. We George’s in Paterson (NJ) to the words Syrian Orthodox Youth called it the SOYO Digest. back room of the basement hall at Organization — Eastern Region on The caravans carried the same St. Nicholas Cathedral. His charge to the wreath, surrounding a shining message to all; we offered a program us was clear — don’t come out until Orthodox cross. Heralded by the in which we would discuss Sunday you have formed yourselves into a SOYO letterhead, we contacted the school, choir, social and athletic Youth Group similar to the one that sector parishes. We sent out ques- activities, and a plan for organizing a was organized in the western part of local chapter of SOYO, Eastern the country. Region. We presented a complete Most of us, recently returned from program with a speaker for each of World War II, were struggling to find the promoted activities. If the parish or renew our identities as Orthodox we visited already had ongoing orga- Christians. We embraced our Faith nizations, we would compare notes. with a thirst to lead and to build, so We made these weekend trips two or the Archbishop’s challenge fell on three times a month and went to fertile ground. With names like many parishes several times with Absey, Andalaft, Deeb, Dib, Gorab, follow-up visits. The parishes we vis- Nassor, Saleeby, Samaan, ited were very generous and we Zalmalkany, Zogaib and Zrake, we stayed in the homes of our contem- established the Syrian Orthodox poraries, where we enjoyed true Youth Organization, Eastern Sector. tionnaires asking for information Arabic hospitality. Lifelong relation- Not wanting to stay all night, we concerning their own youth group ships were begun. That is how formed an organization, elected offi- activities and spoke of our great George Nassor met Elsie (Solomon). cers and embarked on a program plans for a united Orthodox youth Parents put us up overnight, fed us that we hoped would satisfy His group movement. generously and we became close to Eminence. I had previously orga- We formulated a mission statement our brothers and sisters in the nized the “bus pick up” program for as to what our objectives were; the SOYO movement. Follow-up letters St. Nicholas Church School, was initial contact work was done by mail and articles in the SOYO Digest President of the Youth Group and and phone. We were persistent and kept up the interest and enthusi- worked with Father Dalack on other succeeded in obtaining invitations to asm. We shared the joy! programs. The added responsibility visit and speak at several parishes. By 1951, we felt ready to promote for this assignment didn’t bother SOYO members from St. Nicholas a general assembly of the parishes we me, but being engaged and going to and St. George, Paterson would meet had signed up for SOYO Eastern night school with a full-time job, on weekends in a caravan of several Region. Invitations were sent out ask- gave me pause about having time for cars (mine was a rebuilt 1946 Buick), ing for a convention sponsor and, this new adventure. and trek out to one of the parishes from the onset, it was evident that St. Our sector included both parishes for a face-to-face presentation with Mary’s of Wilkes-Barre, PA was clear- and missions from New York state to our sisters and brothers. These were ly the front runner. After a great deal Florida and as far west as Pittsburgh. the days before the interstate high- of planning and work on the part of How and where to start? We had no ways; the icy, winding roads made our staffers and St. Mary’s, our first money and only two committed travel difficult in winter, but the sum- convention was held in Wilkes-Barre parishes. We needed a presence, a mers were great and gas was 12 cents the fall of 1952 and attended by five logo. The roaring lion from the MGM a gallon. We met the expenses of parishes. The mayor welcomed us movies, wreathed in a golden shield, these weekly trips out of our own warmly with the key to the city,

26 The Word SOYO

which I accepted on behalf of SOYO come the problems of distance Metropolitan Antony Bashir and Eastern Region to start the proceed- between member chapters, financial Archbishop Samuel David. Each ings. The events of that weekend are worries, selecting capable leaders gave high praise for the work ably reported by Jim Shahin in the and scores of other woes that beset accomplished by the Wilkes-Barre 1952 issue of the SOYO Digest (fol- embryonic organizations. group. Speaking at the convention lowing this article). I would like to But, the baby is taking giant steps. banquet, His Eminence declared add that my wife Florence, who had It just celebrated its first birthday that “we must get to know our accompanied us on most of the trips this year. Complete with a birthday Church.” The steps we should fol- and attended the convention, was cake, delegates and friends con- low, he said, are: (1) go to church, now pregnant with our first child. I verged upon Wilkes-Barre, a coal (2) learn about the church, (3) help remember the events of the weekend mining community nestled in the our church. well, because George Nassor and friendly confines of the Appalachian President Edward Deeb, Brooklyn, other “friends,” who were partying, Mountains in Eastern Pennsylvania. presided over the general meeting. woke us up by banging on the door They came from Bridgeport, CT; The convention delegates were after we had retired early. I coun- Allentown, PA; Brooklyn, NY; Pitts- urged to limit debate and to act tered with a pitcher of cold water burgh, PA; Danbury, CT; Johnstown, swiftly on legislation. The major pro- over the transom. PA; Paterson, NJ; and Geneva, NY. posals passed, in less than three The rest of the story is best left to Of course, there was a large repre- hours, were: others because I then relocated from sentation from the home city of 1. The age limit of members Brooklyn, NY to New Jersey, bought Wilkes-Barre. would be left up to the discretion of a house, finished school, changed They came from near and far. But individual clubs. jobs, and with seven other Syrian this wasn’t anything new to them. 2. Local chapters would stage one Orthodox families started a new affair each year with proceeds divid- church in Bergenfield, NJ. I left the ed evenly between the regional trea- future of SOYO, Eastern Sector in sury and the seminary fund. the hands of its very capable slate of 3. The sector agreed to affiliate new officers. It is notable to add with the National Council, providing that, in keeping with the times, the the local chapters approved such a name was eventually changed from move by the first of the year. Syrian Orthodox Youth Organiza- Also, various committee reports tion to Society of Orthodox Youth were given, discussing the problems Organizations, and eventually to the of Sunday School, choirs, public Fellowship of St. John the Divine. relations, and social and athletic The original nine churches of activities. SOYO, Eastern Sector that attended Following the business session, the 1952 convention have now They had formed the Eastern Sector delegates elected officers for this become the 35 churches and mis- by travel. Grouping themselves into year. They include Isaac Abraham, sions of Eastern Region that attend- caravans of cars, ambitious persons Wilkes-Barre, president; Gabriel ed the Parish Life Conference of visited various towns in the East, Andalaft, Brooklyn, vice-president; 2003. The eastern sector, which selling them on the idea of SOYO. George Nassor, Hackensack, NJ, originally covered all the eastern Still, after the formation and ini- treasurer; Jean George, Allentown, states, now only covers states from tial meetings, it wasn’t sure if the PA, recording secretary; and Elsie New York to Washington, D.C. Eastern Sector would hold a conven- Solomon, Wilkes-Barre, correspond- tion this year. This seemed to give ing secretary. Edward Deeb is a member of St. rise to a challenge. And Wilkes- Sunday Divine Liturgy was attend- Anthony, Bergenfield, NJ. Barre accepted it. The local church, ed by upwards of 500 persons. St. Mary’s, was fortunate to have a The banquet and hafla later in the EASTERN REGION group of young people who were day put the finishing touches to the CONVENTION determined to see something done first annual convention. Persons — this year — something to prove attending the convention expressed By James Shahin that experience doesn’t necessarily extreme satisfaction with the Excerpted from stem from age. results. THE SOYO DIGEST 1952 This, then, was the problem con- They were remarkable. After all, it The baby is taking giant steps. fronting the Eastern Sector of was only a baby taking giant steps. Being the newest addition to an SOYO. And with concerted spirit, expanding family of SOYO, it wasn’t the problem was analyzed, attacked expected that the Eastern Sector and eventually solved. would show much for the first cou- Our church’s two highest officers ple or three years. It had to over- in this country were present —

October 2003 27 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

JUDGES’ CHOICE: Sarah Mashburn SOUTHEAST REGION

’VE TAKEN BALLET FOR THIR- So to illustrate, I’m going to use an opened not his mouth; like a lamb I teen years, and in that time, I analogy my sister once gave me. that is led to the slaughter and like a have worked my way into the She told me that God is like a pot- sheep that before its shearers is highest level at my school. That’s ter. Now this potter spends all day dumb …” Our Lord suffered on right, I hold the coveted position of every day making his pots and account of us, mere broken pots! a senior in Ballet 8. So what’s the ensuring that he forms every curve And He did it willingly! The best part about being on top? Well, perfectly and that there are no mis- Resurrection Troparion says, “For it’s not the relaxed dress code or takes. Eventually, since the pots are he willed to be lifted up on the cross taking from the best teachers. It’s still breaking sometimes, the potter in the flesh.” How can we ever ask really not even getting the best decides that he loves his pots SO for anything else after such an parts. The best thing about being in much that he’s going to have his son incredible gift? level eight is taking the level six So it’s settled. Christ did an amaz- classes. I walk into the studio, and ing thing in coming to serve. But every eye is on me. The younger what does this verse mean for us girls fight over who will give up their and our lives? Well, if you go back a space at barre for me and they few verses in Mark, Christ says that throw out compliments on my leo- “whoever desires to become great tard and hair, hoping to win me among you shall be your servant” over. I, of course, put on an air that (3:45). Kind of a first shall be last I’m above it all; I’m concentrating and last shall be first thing, right? on the movements, and I never Not always our favorite theme. What notice that the whole room watches is it that holds us back? That keeps me through every exercise. The us from reaching out to the person teacher asks me to demonstrate a that no one likes? It’s pride. St. John step for the girls, and I pretend it’s Chrysostom says, “You see how all in a day’s work, while inside I’m [Christ’s] humbling of himself did soaking up every bit of this ego not make him have less but pro- boost. But “even the Son of Man did duced countless benefits, countless not come to be served, but to serve deeds of virtue and made his glory and to give His life as a ransom for shine forth with greater brightness many.” … Why, then, are you afraid that Who am I to think that being at you will become less if you humble the top of a ballet class gives me any yourself?” right to be served when even the Obviously, the key is humility and King of kings, Lord of lords came Sarah Mashburn service. But who do we serve? And only to serve others? I should be how? We learned with the theme of walking into that studio with the become a pot as well. It’s ridiculous, the conference last year that by intent to help these younger right? We need to remember that serving those around us, we are dancers, to answer their questions that is how absurd it is that God serving God, and there are a million and be a loving example of a person Himself became man. How much ways we can be servants. There are and a dancer. does He love us that He would con- big ways, like when my brother So is this really a big deal that descend to having His own son be a made sandwiches on a rainy night Christ wanted to help us out? I POT? And He didn’t even send His and went looking for homeless peo- often forget how huge it is that son down to be the king of the pots, ple, or like my friend Megan that Christ even came to the world in the but to be their servant. It says in organized a tutoring program at an form of a person, much less that He Isaiah, chapter 53 that “He was inner-city elementary school and came with the intent of serving us. oppressed, and afflicted, yet he devoted her afternoons to those

28 The Word ORATORICAL FESTIVAL kids. But brothers and sisters, we cannot forget the simple way that Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Bookstore we can serve, and that is simply to 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 be icons, examples in this world of phone: (201) 871-1355 • fax: (201) 871-7954 the joy of having Jesus Christ. Just by loving God and rejoicing in Him, COLORING BOOKS: you will brighten days and spread Byzantine: Vol. 1 Sunday Gospels Qty. ______hope. And if we can keep God first ($3.95 ea.) Vol. 2 Liturgical ______in our lives, undoubtedly service will Vol. 3 Feast Days ______follow naturally. Vol. 4 Parables ______I don’t like to wake up in the Icon: The Miracles ______mornings. It puts me in a bad mood (5.00 ea.) Special Edition ______to have to get out of the covers. But The Old Testament ______Journey to Pascha ______every day, my mom does the great- The Nativity ______est service for me I can imagine. Great Feasts of the Church ______When she wakes me up, I’m think- also available: ing “shoot me now,” and she whis- The Icon Book ($7.00 ea.) ______pers, “This is the day which the Forty Saints Coloring Book ($3.00 ea.) ______Lord has made …” and puts it all in Please use this form to order; for orders within the US enclose 10% for postage ($2.00 perspective. I sigh and whisper minimum); for overseas and Canada, enclose 20% ($4.00 minimum). back, “Let us rejoice and be glad in I have enclosed US $______. Please ship to: it,” and my day is that much better NAME:______for having started off in the right ADDRESS: ______mindset. If we could remember that

time we would sit down, pulling back against the rope. And with all 20 people, it was easy even to stand back up again. Then slowly people would get taken off, and the task got more difficult. By the time it got down to 5 people, it was near impos- sible for the rope to support anyone. The body of Christ, the Church, is the same way. Every person is a vital part of that body, and if a part is severed, the body is not the same. It is missing something that it can’t grow back. Therefore prayer and confession and having a right relationship with God serve the world to an extent we can’t even imagine. We are called in all things to be Christ-like. Well, “even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” So then, we are called Oratorical Festival participants gather with Metropolitan Philip in Miami, FL. also not to look for what others can do for us, but always to be searching throughout the day, lives would be the street with a sign. And pray for for what we can do for others. The touched. yourself. We are all connected in the opportunities are there, brothers St. Seraphim said that if you can Church, and as hard as it is to and sisters. It is simply up to us to attain the Holy Spirit, 10,000 understand, your actions have an humble ourselves and take them. around you will be saved. What effect on the whole of the world. At greater service for mankind could Antiochian Village we used to do an Sarah Mashburn, 18, is a member one do? So then possibly the great- exercise to illustrate how our sins of St. John Church, Memphis, TN. est service you can do is to pray. affect others in which 20 of us Pray for your friends, your family, would hold onto a rope tied together your enemies, the world, the guy on at the ends. Then all at the same

October 2003 29 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

verted garage, then met in helps prepare after-Liturgy manual and pedal organ ST. COLUMBA a barn for several years “goodies”. One is our assis- from a local assisted living LAFAYETTE, CO and eventually moved up tant parish treasurer, who center was a “quantum to the present rented quar- recently joined the choir leap” for the music of a Alleluia, sing to Jesus! ters. We are now in the along with her elementary mission that started out His the scepter, His the process of building a new school-age daughter. Three with only a toy keyboard. throne. temple in a high-visibility are mothers of very young This instrument also made Alleluia, His the tri- location near booming resi- children, whom they deftly it possible for Peggy to umph, His the victory dential development. In manage while their hus- integrate her extensive alone. keeping with this history, bands serve at the altar as repertoire of sacred organ Hark, the songs of our musical endeavors Deacon, Subdeacon and works into the music of peaceful Sion thunder like started out small but have Reader/Acolyte. One of the Liturgy. Many of us will a mighty flood. expanded as the mission these also serves on the never forget the profound Jesus out of every has grown. For many years Building Committee, and impression made by the nation hath redeemed us only the organist and one another is very active in quality and spirituality of by His blood. or two cantors led the outreach and mission the music we encountered music of the Liturgy, with activities. on our first visit to Saint hese words from a the congregation singing The mission’s first organ- Columba’s. Peggy’s musical hymn by William the hymns, service music ist/choirmaster, Peggy missionary work from the ChattertonT Dix in The and responses to the minor Sandford, brought to her organ bench played a Saint Ambrose Hymnal propers. Gradually, though, task enormous energy and major role in bringing well express what it means in fits and starts, the num- talent. She was responsible many to Holy Orthodoxy to be a chorister in a ber of cantors has for making the plainsong in this church made up Western Rite Orthodox increased to the point of chants for the minor prop- entirely of converts. mission such as Saint constituting a choir. Cur- ers, or Scriptural texts, Building on Peggy’s won- Columba Orthodox rently, attendance at Sun- appointed for each Sunday derful foundation is our Church in Lafayette, day Liturgy typically and feast day available to present organist/choirmas- Colorado. It is our great includes about thirty of the the congregation in reusa- ter, Reader Clement joy and privilege to “sing faithful. Nearly a third of ble printed form, and for (Gary) Price. In addition into eternity,” glorifying these sing in the choir, and helping the faithful learn to the integral and exten- the Holy Trinity and par- that number is growing! to sing them. The acquisi- sive role played by the taking in the procession of The Choir of Saint tion of a used but free 2 organist in Western Rite the people of God into His Columba’s is a holy presence in the diverse group in Divine Liturgy. As mem- many ways. Al- bers of a Western Rite though the church Orthodox choir, we are itself is located in also humbly and gratefully Lafayette (north of aware that we perform our Denver and east of service in communion Boulder), choir with, and at the interces- members drive to sions of, a great company church from as far of saints for whom sacred away as Arvada music was an integral part (northwest of of life. These include Denver) and Lyons Prophet David, Ezra and (north of Boulder). Nehemiah, Saint Ephrem Almost every choir of Syria, Saint Romanos member is in- the Melodist, Saint volved in the life of Ambrose of Milan, Saint Saint Columba’s in Gregory the Great, Saint multiple ways. Five Aldhelm, Saint Ethelwald are members of the and Saint Dunstan. Parish Council. Saint Columba Orthodox One is a high Church started in a con- school student who The choir of St. Columba Church, Lafayette, CO

30 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

liturgies, Reader Clement chants, sings a hymn dur- the Creed setting as a can- While life and thought is responsible for selecting ing communion and offers didate for singing in har- and being last, the congregational hymns a choral Amen at the con- mony, and assigned to Or immortality endures. for each Liturgy with care- clusion of the Liturgy. The Dean the task of bringing ful attention to the mes- people of Saint Columba’s this idea to fruition. The sage of the minor propers, love to sing, and the depth result is a simple and NORTHERN Epistle and Gospel for the of their faith and commit- accessible, yet powerful CALIFORNIA DEANERY day, so that the Word of ment is evident in the high setting which can be sung God is reinforced on every degree of congregational in 4-part harmony by the possible level. He also participation in the chants, choir, with the congrega- HOLDS UNITY PICNIC rehearses the choir, ensur- hymns and service music. tion singing either in har- ing their musical prepared- The choir also partici- mony or on tone. As they n Saturday, June 21, ness for their role in the pates in Vespers associated had earlier with the 2003, the ten parish- Liturgy. Reader Clement is with major occasions and Magnificat of the Saint esO and missions of the a gifted leader of Gregorian feast days, chanting the Columba Vespers, the Northern California Dean- chant as well, ably leading Psalms for the day from choir couldn’t wait to “try ery of the Western Region the choir and congregation the new Saint Dunstan it in parts,” and succeeded held a first annual in the Psalms at Vespers. Plainsong Psalter, avail- admirably in rehearsal, Antiochian deanery picnic Another very important able from Saint Mark’s even on the first attempt. with the theme, “Building aspect of Reader Clement’s Orthodox Church in The Choir of Saint the Bonds of Unity.” Over ministry is the task of Denver. At some of these Columba’s looks forward to 200 adults, teens, and chil- familiarizing the choir and services, the choir leads many years of service to dren attended the all-day congregation with the the congregation in Dean Our Lord and His Holy event that began with ice many treasures of The Huff’s Saint Columba Church, especially in our breakers and mixers and Saint Ambrose Hymnal, Vespers, a 4-part harmo- new temple! In the words ended with Great Vespers. published by Saint nized chant setting incor- of Isaac Watts and John The event was held at Gregory the Great Ortho- porating the Magnificat, Wesley adapted from Kennedy Grove Regional dox Church in Washing- Nunc dimittis, versicles Psalm 146 in another Park in El Sobrante, CA. ton, D.C. and responses. Dean has favorite from The St. Conceived in the fall 2002 The Western Rite Divine composed or arranged sev- Ambrose Hymnal, with a proposal to the Liturgy offered at Saint eral other pieces for Saint I’ll praise my Maker deanery clergy by Joseph Columba’s is that of Saint Columba’s, including an while I’ve breath; Tershay, Western Region Tikhon. A typical Sunday original setting of the com- And when my voice is Religious Education Co- service includes the open- munion hymn “Of Thy lost in death, ordinator, the planning for ing plainsong chant Mystic Supper”, and the Praise shall employ my the event began in January Asperges me (Psalm 51:7 minor propers and proper nobler powers. 2003. The planning com- and 51:1) or Vidi Aquam, preface for the Feast of My days of praise shall mittee included dedicated (Ezekiel 47:1, 47:9 and Saint Columba. ne’er be past parishioners from each of Psalm 118:1) congrega- The Saint tional hymns, the plain- Columba’s choir song minor propers for the brings great enthu- day, and the service music siasm and dedica- or ordinary of the Liturgy tion to their min- (Kyrie eleison, Gloria in istry. One example excelsis, Nicene Creed, of this is the will- Sanctus et Benedictus, ingness with which Lord’s Prayer and the they “tackle” new Agnus Dei). The choir and music, most congregation also join in recently that for the communion anthem, the Nicene Creed. “Of Thy Mystical Supper”, Since the early which was arranged by Dr. garage days, the Richard Toensing of near- Creed has been by St. Luke’s and harmo- sung at Saint nized by St. Columba’s Columba’s on tone choir member and substi- (i.e., on a single tute organist Dean Huff. note) with organ The choir serves as the harmony. Reader cantors in the plainsong Clement identified Vespers at the Northern CA Deanery Unity Picnic

October 2003 31 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

the churches in the area. mittee members, clergy, occasion is open to Church Fathers, with a The picnic’s purpose was and parishioners who con- women, men and teens. concentration on St. to bring church school stu- tributed to its success. May The Saturday conference Maximos the Confessor, at dents, teachers, parents, the Lord God continue to for women will consist of the Catholic University of and parish members bless the unity in our two featured speakers and America in Washington, together for a day of unity beloved deanery, region, a variety of discussions DC. She is a member of and fellowship under His archdiocese, and among relating to Orthodox the faculty at Providence Grace Bishop Joseph. the Orthodox Christians of Christianity. Guest speak- College in Rhode Island. The schedule for the day North America. ers are Dr. Despina Fr. Milos Vesin is the included time for mixing, a Prassas, a widely known pastor of St. Michael Arch- bring-your-own-picnic- lecturer and spiritual re- angel Serbian Orthodox food lunch with a shared ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN treat leader, and V. Rev. Church, Lansing, IL., and dessert bar, followed by WOMEN’S Milos Vesin, pastor of St. a professor of Theology at small group discussions Archangel Michael Serbian the St. Sava School of around the picnic theme. Orthodox Church, Lan- Theology in Libertyville, During the small group dis- CONFERENCE TO BE sing, IL. IL. In addition, Fr. Milos is cussions, adults, teens, and HELD THIS FALL IN Dr. Prassas will address a frequent visiting lecturer children gathered in MILWAUKEE, WI the role of Orthodox and educator in American groups to reflect on the Christian women in the and European universities, meaning of unity. Fun n inter-Orthodox 21st century in the United teaching in the field of activities included a conference, “Serv- States. Fr. Vesin will dis- Eastern Orthodox spiritu- jumper and arts and crafts ingA in Faith,” addressing cuss the place, role and ality, psychology and musi- for kids, a water balloon spiritual and social issues dignity of women accord- cology. Born in Novi Sad, toss and relay races for all of interest to Orthodox ing to Eastern Orthodox Yugoslavia, he received his ages, folk dancing instruc- Christian women, will be theology. degree in theology from tion, and sports activities. held on Saturday, October Other conference topics the Theological Faculty in The day ended with a 25, 2003, in Milwaukee, include: Spirituality in the Belgrade, and was or- Great Vespers service for presented by the Orthodox Orthodox Church; the dained a priest in 1990 in All Saints Day, including Christian Women’s Asso- symbol and theology of the Serbian Orthodox an artoklasia (blessing of ciation: The Society of Icon writing; death and Church of the Midwestern five loaves) celebrated by Myrrhbearing Women dying in the Orthodox American Diocese. Fr. Kevin Scherer of St. (OCWA). The event will be Tradition; strategies for Fr. Bill Olnhausen, pas- John the Evangelist held from 8 am to 4 pm at youth and teens in discov- tor of St. Nicholas Antioch- Church, Orinda. Fr. David the Radisson Hotel Mil- ering the Bible; the Prayer ian Orthodox Church, Barr of Ss. Peter and Paul waukee West, 2303 N. of St. Ephraim in daily life; Cedarburg, WI, is a clergy Church, Ben Lomond led Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa. and liturgical music. Most advisor to the OCWA. the chanters. The conference empha- group discussions will be The cost for the Sat- The setting for the event sizes that individuals are facilitated by lay women urday conference is $65; was a beautiful eucalyptus members of the Orthodox and clergy who are mem- Friday banquet, $17. For tree grove and picnic Church as a result of faith bers of Orthodox parishes more information, call grounds located centrally and not ethnic heritage. in Milwaukee and Madison. Cathleen Callen at 414- between the deanery This marks the third time Dr. Prassas has repre- 442-1786; Calliope churches. Parishioners and that the OCWA has held sented the Ecumenical Thomas, 414-445-2621; or clergy came from as far as an educational conference Patriarchate of Con- Fr. Theodore Trifon, 414- an hour and a half or more in Milwaukee. The previ- stantinople on the Central 778-1555. to attend. Both the plan- ous events were conducted Committee of the World ning committee and the in 1997 and 1999. Council of Churches. participants expressed The conference will Currently, she represents interest in making the open on Friday, October The Greek Orthodox Arch- deanery picnic an annual 24, with an inter-Orthodox diocese of America at the event. Vesper service and ban- General Assembly of the Fr. Richard Ballew, dean quet dinner at St. Sava National Council of of the Northern California Serbian Orthodox Cathe- Churches of Christ and the Deanery, and Deacon John dral and the American World Council of Churches Dibs, the picnic coordina- Serb Memorial Hall, 3201 on an international dia- tor, wish to thank His W. Oklahoma Ave., logue with Pentecostals. Grace Bishop Joseph for Milwaukee. The service Dr. Prassas recently com- supporting this event, as will be held at 6 pm, fol- pleted her doctoral studies well as the planning com- lowed by the dinner. The in the writings of the

32 The Word THE ORTHODOX WORLD

THE ORTHODOX WORLD

Grants that have been in America. We feel that than 50 years. FARAH FOUNDATION made to Orthodox Christ- this is our mission and our “He put it on the reli- MARKS TEN-YEAR ian projects include sup- calling as stewards of the gious map of Britain,” Irina ANNIVERSARY port of mission work, the Farah Foundation. My Kirillova, who heads the restoration of ancient greatest regret is that so church’s diocesan council ne distinctive feature churches, orphanages, many worthy projects go and assembly, told ENI. O of the maturation of seminaries, cancer re- unfunded. This past year “Before, it was a few little the Orthodox Church on search, scholarly research we received 35 applications old ladies. He brought in this continent is ever and publications, including totaling $5.3 million. We younger people of Russian increasing and ever more the six-volume collected were only able to fund 11 of descent.” visible philanthropic activ- works of Bishop Kallistos them for $458,000. Our Anthony was born ity. Every few weeks an (Ware), monasteries, li- dream is an association of Andrei Borisovich Bloom Orthodox Christian makes braries, humanitarian con- Orthodox grant makers and in 1914, in Switzerland, to a million dollar plus gift to cerns, abused and neglect- philanthropists that could a Russian diplomatic fami- higher education, the arts, ed children, prison min- pool their resources and ly. After the Russian revo- cultural institutions, hospi- istry, the homeless, and information so that those lution,the family settled in tals and to the Church. Orthodox iconography. Orthodox Christians and Paris where Anthony Many Orthodox Chris- Most grant-making occurs institutions engaged in trained as a doctor. He tians, desiring to educate within the United States church service and human- served with the French their children in the prin- but some projects have itarian efforts could get the Resistance in the Second ciples and values of philan- been funded in Greece, support they deserve.” World War. thropy or wishing to Syria, Russia and Mexico. More information about Converted by reading undertake a more thought- In order to ensure the the Farah Foundation, the gospel according to St. ful and professional ap- highest probability of a together with application Mark, he took secret proach to giving, establish successful grant, the forms, can be found on the monastic vows and was family foundations. Foundation has learned Foundation’s website: ordained a priest in 1948, One foundation in par- through the years to look www.FarahFoundation.org. when he was posted to ticular deserves accolades for specific things in its Britain. Anthony rose for its careful, intentional grant applicants — trans- METROPOLITAN steadily through the ranks and professional approach parency and accountabili- ANTHONY PUT of the Orthodox Church to grant-making. In 1993 ty, good governance from ORTHODOXY ON and became metropolitan Virginia H. Farah, the the board, good manage- BRITAIN’S of the nominal diocese of daughter of an Orthodox ment from the staff, evi- “RELIGIOUS MAP” Sourozh, covering priest, endowed her foun- dence of strategic plan- England, Scotland and dation with a substantial ning, strong constituency By Cedric Pulford Wales, in 1966. gift when she fell asleep in support through annual He was also a moving the Lord. Her nephew, Eric giving and the planned ondon, 14 August (ENI) preacher in other Chris- Namee, an attorney and futurity of the project that L — Senior church and tian churches and was a faithful member of St. is funded. ecumenical leaders from member of the central Mary Orthodox Church in When asked to comment, Britain and abroad were committee of the World Wichita, Kansas, became Mr. Namee explained, “We among hundreds of Council of Churches from the president of the board. generally don’t give to oper- mourners who attended 1968 to 1975. Since that time the ational support. We expect the London funeral on 13 “He was a theologian who Virginia H. Farah Founda- the applicant to fund its August of Metropolitan never attended seminary tion has approved 119 ongoing operations. We like Anthony of Sourozh, wide- and a monk who never grants for $4.6 million. catalytic projects that can ly regarded as the best- lived in a monastery, and Their grant-making inter- be leveraged into accom- known Orthodox leader in became known as a person ests are very broad — plishing the most good for western Europe. who challenged assump- though interestingly, all the Orthodox Christian Anthony, who died aged tions and shook estab- are made to 501(c)(3) Church. We also like pro- 89 on 4 August, had served lished, cosy, faith,” said nonprofit institutions of jects that help promote the Russian Orthodox Alexander Belopopsky, the the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christian unity Church in Britain for more WCC’s Europe secretary.

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“Anthony represented ference will be held in defray expenses. Please Akunda, an Orthodox mis- the finest tradition of Cleveland, October 31 and contact the OCL office at sionary in South Africa Russian Europeaness … November 1. The Con- 313-794-8202 for further from Kenya sponsored by which was so brutally ference will provide the information, or visit our OCMC. interrupted by the Bol- opportunity for those who website: www.ocl.org. The current WCC gener- shevik resolution,” said are already in leadership al secretary, Rev. Dr. Belopopsky. “For him, roles in charitable and edu- THE ORTHODOX Konrad Raiser, recently Orthodoxy was simply a cational inter-Orthodox CHURCH IN GREECE expressed the value of full and unbroken expres- efforts, as well as those TO HOST WORLD Orthodox participation in sion of Christianity, which who plan on initiating such CONFERENCE ON ecumenical dialogue when could be manifested in any programs at the local level, MISSION & he said, “there is no doubt culture.” to network and to share EVANGELISM for me that the active pres- Belopopsky was the ideas and best practices. ence of the Orthodox WCC’s representative at An outstanding array of t. Augustine, FL — churches in the WCC has the funeral service in the speakers including Fr. S Athens, Greece is to be been essential in shaping Russian Orthodox cathe- Thomas Hopko, Fr. Peter the site of the next confer- the understanding of our dral in Knightsbridge, Gillquist, Fr. Anthony ence on World Mission and common ecumenical call- London. Scott, His Eminence Arch- Evangelism from May 12 to ing.” He also said a “major “Father Anthony,” as the bishop Nathaniel (OCA) 29 in 2005. The Com- Orthodox contribution to metropolitan was fondly and Brian Gerich and Eric mission on World Mission unfolding the self-under- called, was an inspiring Namee, two leaders from and Evangelism (CWME) standing of the WCC is in author and broadcaster. major existing Orthodox of the World Council of the establishment of a He was able to say things Foundations, will share Churches (WCC) received Christocentric affirmation that his colleagues living their insights on the ratio- official acceptance and of its Basis (the confession under Soviet rule could nale for and the mechanics welcome from the Ortho- of the Lord Jesus Christ not. of building successful orga- dox Church in Greece. and Son and Saviour) in a Sometimes this led to nizations. In addition This will be the first time Trinitarian setting (to the friction. In 1974, after only there will be presentations that an Orthodox-majority glory of the one God, a few years, Anthony gave showcasing successful country will host a WCC Father, Son and Holy up his post as exarch, or existing inter-Orthodox World Mission and Evan- Spirit).” high representative, of the ministries. We will also dis- gelism conference. Moscow patriarchate in cuss the newly established The theme of the 2005 IOCC, CHURCH western Europe. OCL Fund for Orthodox conference is “Come Holy GROWING HOPE, He remained popular Christian Ministries, which Spirit, Heal and Reconcile. OPPORTUNITY IN inside and outside Russia. has the goal of providing Called in Christ to be ETHIOPIA In the church’s elections seed money to encourage Reconciling and Healing for the patriarch of the growth of grass roots Communities.” Approxi- ahir Dar, Ethiopia Moscow in 1990 he was non-profits. mately 500 official partici- B (IOCC) — The monks proposed from the floor. Another outcome of the pants from all around the of Ethiopia’s Monastery of However, the foreign-born Conference will be the cre- world, including represen- the Archangel Gabriel on Anthony was not eligible. ation of a clearinghouse for tatives of WCC member Lake Tana are the proud The church’s current nonprofit inter-Orthodox churches, the Roman caretakers of a 16th centu- patriarch, Alexei II, organizations with a web- Catholic church and vari- ry copy of the Gospels described the death of site and an online directo- ous evangelical/Pente- written on goatskin. Root- Metropolitan Anthony as a ry of current and proposed costal/charismatic tradi- ed in a rich history, they great loss, “not only for the organizations. tions are expected. The also represent a beacon for faithful of Great Britain, We at OCL are quite ex- last World Mission and Ethiopia’s future. but for the whole Ortho- cited about the Cleveland Evangelism conference International Orthodox dox world.” Conference and invite you was held in 1996 in Brazil. Christian Charities (IOCC) and members of your Fr. Martin Ritsi, the is working with Ethiopian ORTHODOX organization to participate. Executive Director of the Orthodox monasteries, and CHRISTIAN LAITY We have tried to keep reg- Orthodox Christian Mis- other partners, in a istration and housing costs sion Center, is one of stepped-up effort to help s part of the imple- as low as possible to seven Orthodox represen- Ethiopia overcome the Amentation of the OCL encourage as many people tatives on the WCC effects of drought, soil initiative on “Inter- as possible to attend. In Commission of World depletion and deforestation. Orthodox Cooperation,” an addition there will be a Mission and Evangelism. “Ethiopians are focused, Orthodox Christian limited amount of financial Also serving on the com- spiritual people who want Ministries Networking Con- support available to help mission is Fr. Athanasius to break the chains of

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“We hope to foster self- reliance through greater investment in agriculture and development, in HIV awareness, and in education for inner-city kids,” Triantafilou said. “That’s where IOCC can have the biggest impact.” IOCC recently joined seven other international relief agencies in a public call for long-term solutions to break the grip of pover- Fr. Martin Ritsi (far right) and Fr. Athanasius Akunda (4th from left in back row) at a meeting of the ty and recurring famine in WCC Commission of World Mission and Evangelism in Geneva, Switzerland. Ethiopia. To learn more about poverty. That’s why we’re with its partner the Jeru- has staff in Addis Ababa to IOCC’s programs in focusing on long-term solu- salem Community Devel- develop a long-term plan Ethiopia and 13 other tions,” said IOCC Execu- opment Organization to and build the capacity of countries, please visit tive Director Constantine develop a comprehensive DICAC to respond to the www.iocc.org. M. Triantafilou, who re- agriculture and job train- food crisis. cently spent time in ing program that will help Ethiopia. Ethiopian young adults IOCC, the humanitarian improve food production aid agency of Orthodox for their communities. Christians, began support- The vocational program ing small-scale agriculture will be operated out of the projects in Ethiopia in 2001. Blue Nile Training and Out- Now, with the support of the reach Center in Bahir Dar, Greek Ministry of Foreign on the shores of Lake Tana. Affairs, IOCC is increasing “The Church and her its presence in Ethiopia at a partners are in an ideal time when more than 12 position to address agricul- million of its citizens are in tural and development need of food aid. issues that can reduce the In the coming weeks and effects of drought and months, IOCC plans to famine, and behavioral launch a series of agricul- issues that can stem the ture projects in concert spread of HIV infection,” with the Ethiopian Ortho- said IOCC Development dox Church’s Development Officer Dan Christopulos, and Inter-Church Aid who traveled to Ethiopia Commission (DICAC). The with Triantafilou. projects, centered at While in Ethiopia, the monasteries in the northern two also met with His Amhara and Tigray regions, Beatitude Patriarch Paulos will help Ethiopians meet of the Ethiopian Orthodox their food needs. Church and delivered a gift “IOCC has laid the foun- for the Patriarch’s HIV/AIDS dation for a strong partner- awareness campaign. ship with the Church,” “The Patriarch seemed said Dr. Nigussu Legesse, genuinely excited about DICAC commissioner. “We the possibilities of partner- look forward to our future ing,” Christopulos said. Ethiopian Orthodox Church officials and a village leader rejoice collaboration as we work In addition to pursuing at the startup of a new well and water pump in northern Ethiopia. to alleviate the suffering in projects, IOCC will offer The water source development project is the kind of long-term Ethiopia.” technical assistance to solution that Ethiopia needs and that IOCC seeks to support. IOCC also is working DICAC. IOCC currently Photo courtesy of IOCC

October 2003 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania PO Box 5238 Englewood, NJ 07631-5238