SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism ______Number 200: May 31, 2012 Washington, DC

The Eastern Orthodox Churches cerns is vital. We hope that they will con- tions on our native island of Imvros, tinue to inspire churches around the where so many of our properties were world, especially as we prepare our own unfairly confiscated over the last century, HE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 10th Assembly that will focus precisely on and, later, in the historical Theological (WCC) CONGRATULATES ECUMENI- these dimensions under the theme ‘God of School of Halki in Turkey, which was CAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW I T life, lead us to justice and peace’,” added forcibly closed forty years ago. Over the OF CONSTANTINOPLE FOR RECEIVING THE Tveit. last two decades, we have consistently – FREEDOM OF WORSHIP AWARD OF THE The renowned Dutch theologian Wil- albeit humbly and respectfully – defended FRANKLIN AND ELEANOR ROOSEVELT lem A. Visser 't Hooft, who took up office the fundamental rights of our Church to INSTITUTE which acknowledges his efforts in promoting religious freedom, dialogue in the WCC as its first general secretary in train its leaders and educate its clergy in and environmental concerns. 1948, also received the Freedom of Wor- order to maintain the spiritual legacy of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and ship Award in 1982. the Church of Constantinople for over prime minister Mark Rutte will present This year along with Bartholomew I, seventeen centuries. this award to him in a ceremony on 12 other recipients of the Four Freedoms Our childhood reminiscences of dis- May in Middelburg, the Netherlands. Awards include Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, cussions in our parents’ village coffee Bartholomew I was nominated for former president of Brazil, Ela Ramesh shop and our memorable formation this award for his immense contribution to Bhatt, human rights worker from India, through worship and study in our alma dialogues between Christianity, Islam and Hussain Al- Shahristani, deputy prime mater on the mountaintop of the quaint Judaism in his native Turkey, and else- minister for energy in Iraq and the Al- island of Halki, instilled in us the desire where. His call to the churches to work for Jazeera Television Network. – WCC Press and advocacy for religious tolerance and environmental progress has earned him Release, May 9. freedom. This is much more than simply a the title of “the green Patriarch.” theory or ideology; it is a conviction and a The Four Freedoms Awards are pre- HIS IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE way of life, learned through conversation sented to personalities whose achieve- REMARKS OFFERED BY PATRIARCH and deliberation as a small minority in a ments have demonstrated a commitment T BARTHOLOMEW UPON RECEPTION predominantly Muslim nation. And we to the principles which United States pres- OF THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT FREE- know that such an exchange can bear fruit ident Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed as DOM OF WORSHIP MEDAL in the Nether- precisely because we have lived the re- essential to democracy in his historic lands on May 12: sults of good will and moral integrity, speech to Congress on 6 January 1941: To worship freely is to breathe. which can sometimes silently accomplish freedom of speech and expression, free- In the fourth century, our venerable far more than political pressure or legal dom of worship, freedom from want and predecessor on the Throne of Constanti- coercion. freedom from fear. nople, St. Gregory the Theologian, identi- The second dimension that shaped Bartholomew I has been engaged fied the capacity to remember God in our ministry with regard to freedom of with the WCC in the promotion of unity prayer with the ability to breathe. worship is the mission of the Ecumenical among churches and in addressing many Your Majesty, Esteemed Mrs. Anna Patriarchate through the centuries. Søren concerns of the ecumenical movement. Eleanor Roosevelt, Honorable board Kierkegaard once said: “The most tre- This relationship has deep historical roots, members of the Roosevelt Foundation, mendous thing granted to the human being as the Ecumenical Patriarchate is a found- Beloved fellow laureates, Distinguished is choice, freedom.” Indeed, authentic ing member of the WCC. brothers and sisters: humanity is only realized through the free While congratulating Bartholomew I It is a profound privilege and sincere act of relationship with others. Freedom is on his award, the WCC general secretary delight to stand beside other esteemed a natural and inherent trait; however, it is Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said, “We ap- recipients of the Franklin D. Roosevelt also a divine gift and an ongoing task ac- preciate the recognition His All Holiness Freedom Awards in order to accept the quired through much effort and dialogue. Bartholomew I is being given through the Freedom of Worship Medal. Three di- Freedom is never solitary but always so- ‘Freedom Award’ for his contribution to mensions of our life and ministry have cial. As we stated after the tragedy of Sep- inter-religious dialogue and his efforts to inspired us over the years to pursue with tember 11 on the site of “ground zero” in promote ecological and environmental sacred passion the goal of religious free- New York City: “On this planet created by justice.” dom. God for us all, there is room for us all.” “His All Holiness Bartholomew I’s The first dimension is the experience The Ecumenical Patriarchate has his- engagement with these ecumenical con- and expression of the Orthodox Christian torically assumed a pioneering role in faith and spirituality under difficult condi- establishing and encouraging theological dialogues with other Christian confessions might be forced to close down if authori- Patriarchate of Moscow; V. Rev. Proto- and religious deliberations with other faith ties continue to impose higher taxes. presbyter Prof. Dr. Viorel Ionita, from the communities. We consider it true to the The monks’ revenue “is just about Patriarchate of Romania; H.E. Metropoli- Orthodox tradition – despite the fact that sufficient to cover repairs to buildings, tan Dr. Isaias of Tamassos and Oreini and we often face severe criticism and slander their basic daily needs and food and lodg- Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Nikolaides (Consult- – diligently and deliberately to avoid any ings for visitors,” the community said in a ant), from the Church of Cyprus. V.Rev. form of propaganda or proselytism. What statement issued after its members con- Prof. Dr. Viorel Ionita and Dr. Jennifer we seek at all times is honest encounter vened to discuss the matter. Wasmuth were not able to attend. and humble engagement with every hu- The taxation of the properties owned First the Committee discussed the man being as our neighbor. After all, the by the monastic community repeals the understanding of Ministry/Priesthood in identity of our Church as “ecumenical” “special institutional treatment” that had the Holy Scriptures. Papers were present- implies an opening of windows to other been reserved for it, the monks said. They ed by Prof. Dr. Turid Karlsen Seim and churches and religions. Surely this is an argued that this special status should con- Prof. Dr. Miltiadis Konstantinou. Atten- essential feature of relating “free worship” tinue to apply otherwise several monaster- tion then turned to the Patristic approach to “breathing.” ies will be unable to keep operating, add- to Ministry/Priesthood in the early Finally, the third dimension that has ing that the monks had made a significant Church, introduced by papers from H. E. guided our tenure is the appreciation of contribution to society over the years, by Metropolitan Dr. Isaias of Tamassos and the beauty of God’s creation. This is why accommodating refugees displaced fol- Oreini and Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Nikolaides we have perceived and proclaimed the lowing the expulsion of the Greek popula- and Dr. Jennifer Wasmuth (read in absen- intimate connection between the natural tion from Asia Minor in 1922, for exam- tia). environment and freedom of worship; for ple. – KED, May 15. Discussion of these papers identified “the heavens declare the glory of God.” areas of agreement between the two tradi- (LXX Psalms 18.1) Our inter-relationship N PREPARATION FOR THE 16TH SESSION tions on these topics and also a considera- as human beings not only embraces all our OF THE LUTHERAN-ORTHODOX JOINT ble number of open questions and differ- fellow humans but also extends to the I COMMISSION, THE PREPARATORY ences. A Statement was drafted which will entire created order. Humankind and the COMMITTEE MET IN LONDON, GREAT help the plenary meeting in 2014. In this natural world comprise a seamless gar- BRITAIN, FROM 5-10 MAY 2012, under the draft Statement the Committee discussed ment, which we can perceive when we auspices of His Eminence Archbishop the approach to Ministry/Priesthood from open the eyes of our heart to the beauty of Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain a Lutheran and an Orthodox understand- the world as created by God, who “saw (Ecumenical Patriarchate). This meeting ing. everything that He had made and, behold, begins a new phase in the work of this On Sunday 6 May the Committee it was very good” (Genesis 1.31), alto- Commission, dealing with the issue of attended a Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral gether beautiful. There is a cosmic aspect Ministry/Priesthood in the Church. Church of Saint Andrew, Kentish Town to freedom of worship; in the seventh cen- At its 15th plenary meeting in Luther- (London) celebrated by His Grace Bishop tury, St. Maximus the Confessor spoke of stadt Wittenberg, Germany, in June 2011, Chrysostomos of Kyanea. On Tuesday 8 “cosmic liturgy.” the Commission decided as the topic for May the Committee visited the Orthodox We have persistently emphasized that its next preparatory meeting, “The Under- Cathedral Church of Agia Sophia, the roots of the so-called “ecological cri- standing of Ministry/Priesthood in the Bayswater. On Wednesday 9 May the sis” are not primarily economic or techno- light of Holy Scriptures and the early members of the Committee were enter- logical, but spiritual and ethical. The crisis Church.” The meeting in London was to tained to lunch by His Eminence Arch- lies not so much in the environment itself, explore this issue and to prepare a draft bishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great but in our awareness and treatment of our for the next plenary session. Britain at the Archbishopric residence. planet’s resources. Therefore, there is a Representing the Lutheran World Archbishop Gregorios addressed the direct link between the way we relate to Federation at this meeting were: Bishop Committee, very warmly welcoming the the creation and the way we worship God. Dr. Donald McCoid (Co-President), USA; participants and bestowing upon them the The world is nothing less than a gift of Bishop Prof. Dr. Christoph Klein, Roma- blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- God and a sacrament of divine presence. nia; Prof. Dr. Kenneth G. Appold, USA; tholomew. In his address he referred to the Dear friends, none of us has the right Prof. Dr. Turid Karlsen Seim, Norway; history of the Dialogue between the Or- to withhold the fundamental birthright and Rev. Prof. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson, thodox Church and the Lutherans which innate prerogative of every human being France (Consultant); Dr. Jennifer Was- goes back to the theological conversations to worship freely. To stifle religious free- muth, Germany; Prof. Dr. Joachim Track, between the Lutheran Theologians of Tü- dom is to deny human life. For, to worship Germany (Acting Co-Secretary); and from bingen and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in freely is to breathe. May God bless you the Orthodox Church: H. E. Metropolitan the 16th century. He emphasized that this all. – Website of the Ecumenical Patriar- Prof. Dr. Gennadios of Sassima (Co- is the oldest dialogue between Protestant chate May 12. President); V. Rev. Tertiary Patriarchal Churches and the Orthodox Church and Deacon Dr. Theodoros Meimaris (Co- expressed his wishes for the good contin- HE HOLY COMMUNITY OF MOUNT Secretary) and Prof. Dr. Miltiadis Kon- uation of the Dialogue. Metropolitan ATHOS, THE MONASTIC REPUBLIC IN stantinou (Consultant), from the Ecumeni- Gennadios of Sassima expressed his pro- T NORTHERN GREECE, COMPLAINED cal Patriarchate; V. Rev. Protopresbyter found gratitude to His Eminence Gregori- ON MAY 15 ABOUT THE “UNBEARABLE” Prof. Dr. George Dion Dragas, from the os for his gracious and rich hospitality, TAXATION OF ITS PROPERTIES across Patriarchate of Jerusalem; V. Rev. Archi- wishing that God may grant him many Greece and said that some monasteries mandrite Dr. Cyril Hovorun, from the years in his arch-episcopate in good health

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 2. serving with devotion and faithfulness the a persecution which the Archbishop has of North and Central America, remember Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Committee, undergone for nine years. you in this time of grief and mourning, we during its stay in London, experienced the Archbishop Demetrios of America, shall also offer our fervent supplications warm hospitality of several Orthodox par- addressing the Secretary of State “in the to God for His great servant Metropolitan ishes in London, such as those of St. name of the 65 Hierarchs who are part of Constantine of Irinoupolis, that he may Nicholas in Shepherds Bush, of the Moth- the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox find the reward of “the faithful and wise er of God in Camberwell and of the Moth- Bishops of North and Central America,” steward” that he most surely was, having er of God in Wood Green, warmly wel- mentioned the unfortunate situation of the fought the good fight for the forty years of comed by His Grace Bishop Athanasios of Archbishop of Ohrid and added that “his his archpastoral ministry, and that he may Tropaeou. arrest has a history of several years, from rest in the blessed hope of the Resurrec- It was announced that Bishop Donald the time the schismatic church of FYROM tion of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the McCoid will be retiring from the Dia- (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mace- memory of Metropolitan Constantine, this logue. Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima donia) started persecuting Jovan, the ca- exceptional leader of the Church, be eter- expressed on behalf of the whole Commit- nonical Archbishop of Ohrid.” Moreover, nal.” tee his gratitude and great appreciation to he pointed out that “the church of the According to a Press Release from Bishop McCoid for the long years of close FYROM is not recognized by any of the the Office of Public Relations of the collaboration, friendship and Christian canonical Orthodox Churches throughout Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, fellowship. the world.” Metropolitan Constantine was stricken The next preparatory meeting will be As Jovan was unjustly imprisoned with a serious illness just a few weeks ago hosted by the Lutheran World Federation while attempting to fulfill his religious and was released only three days ago from between 24 and 29 May 2013 in a place to obligations, Archbishop Demetrios has a local Pittsburgh hospital, which enabled be determined at a later stage and will asked the United States government, in him to participate in the celebration of his deal with a) the Lutheran understanding of accordance with its long history of pro- 40th anniversary of Archpastoral ministry Ministry/Priesthood during the period of tecting religious freedom, to intercede for among the faithful of the Holy Ukrainian the Reformation and b) apostolic succes- him and thereby secure his release. -- As- Orthodox Church of the USA. This cele- sion and ordination from a historical, pa- sembly of Bishops Press Release, May 1. bration took place at the Dormition of the tristic and canonical point of view. -- Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox London, 9 May 2012. Website of the IS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMET- Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. RIOS OF AMERICA NOTED WITH presence of his brother Ukrainian Ortho- H GREAT SADNESS THE FALLING dox hierarchs and visiting bishops of other N FEBRUARY 21, ARCHBISHOP ASLEEP IN THE LORD OF METROPOLITAN Orthodox jurisdictions, his family from DEMETRIOS, CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSTANTINE OF IRINOUPOLIS, PRIMATE the United States and his beloved spiritual O ASSEMBLY OF CANONICAL ORTHO- OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN children, the clergy and faithful of the DOX BISHOPS OF NORTH AND CENTRAL THE USA, today, May 21, 2012, at the age UOC of the USA, South America and AMERICA, SENT A LETTER TO THE US of 76. Europe. – Press Release, Greek Archdio- SECRETARY OF STATE, MS. HILLARY Archbishop Demetrios in his letter of cese, May 21. CLINTON, REQUESTING THE IMMEDIATE condolence to Archbishop Antony of RELEASE OF JOVAN, the Archbishop of Ierapolis, Bishop Daniel of Pamphilon HISTORIC FACE-TO-FACE MEETING Ohrid and Metropolitan of Skopje, who and to the clergy and faithful of the OF THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN OF has been imprisoned under false accusa- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, A THE ASSEMBLY OF CANONICAL tions by the schismatic organization in wrote: ORTHODOX BISHOPS OF NORTH AND F.Y.R. Macedonia. “As the Exarch of the Ecumenical CENTRAL AMERICA was organized by the On December 12, 2011, while at- Patriarchate, and on behalf of the Holy Secretariat’s Coordinator for Committees, tempting to enter the F.Y.R. Macedonia, Eparchial Synod and the Clergy and Lay Bishop Maxim, and was held on May 30 Archbishop Jovan was arrested on the Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdio- at the Metropolia Center of the Ukrainian border in Medzitlija and taken to the cese of America, I am offering our pro- Orthodox Church of the USA, South “Idrizovo” prison near Skopje. He was found condolences on the falling asleep in Bound Brook, N.J. It was hosted by sentenced on false charges in 2010 to a the Lord of the most blessed First Hier- Archbishop Antony. Since much of the prison term, but since the court process arch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of work of the Assembly of Bishops falls was performed in his absence, he has a the USA, the deeply beloved and respect- within the purview of its thirteen commit- legal right to request a repeat of the pro- ed late Metropolitan Constantine of Iri- tees, the success of these committees is cedure and to be granted a new court hear- noupolis. The passing of the Metropolitan essential for the success of the Assembly ing in which he can defend himself. He is a deeply felt wound not only for the as a whole. was also arrested on November 16, 2010, pious Ukrainian people, but for all Ortho- Ten bishops were present at this at the Bulgarian border, at the request of dox Christians who have admired his meeting, including the Assembly Chair- the Macedonian bureau of Interpol, with saintly and wise pastoral stewardship of man, Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop regard to this same court sentence, but the the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. His life- Antony, Archbishop Nicolae, Metropoli- court in Bulgaria released him, holding time of exceptional leadership will live on tan Joseph, Metropolitan Methodius, that the court verdict of F.Y.R. Macedonia in the hearts and minds of all Orthodox Bishop Andonios, Bishop Daniel, Bishop was not on account of any guilt in accord- who were privileged to know his ministry. George, Bishop Maxim, and Bishop ance with criminal law, but rather on ac- As we, and all the members of the Thomas. Also in attendance were liaisons count of persecution for religious reasons, Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops from the Secretariat to the committees: Fr

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 3. Mark Arey, Fr Nicholas Ceko, Protodea- tocol and International Co-operation Eu- loved Syrian land, claiming the lives of con Peter Danilchick, and Attorney Eric rope and the Americas, Mrs C. Tshenolo many innocent victims and wounding both Namee. Modise, the Honorary Consul of Botswa- civilians and military personnel, the chil- Opening remarks were offered by na in Athens Mr Nektarios Polychroniou, dren of this great nation. Archbishop Demetrios. His Eminence clergy and other dignitaries. His Holiness In view of this grievous loss, we pray thanked all present for the diligent work was accompanied by His Eminence to God to heal the wounds of Syria and of the Committees and the Secretariat. He George, Metropolitan of Accra, repre- Syrians, and to restore the children of the mentioned the significant differences be- sentative of His Holiness in Athens. one homeland to one another in love, tween the Assembly of Bishops and On the afternoon of the same day, His openness and reconciliation, tolerance, SCOBA – especially the involvement of Beatitude met with His Excellency the mutual assistance and wisdom, preferring all the bishops in the Assembly’s work. President of the Republic of Botswana always the interest of the country to any The critical and important fact of the work Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian other interest, distancing themselves from of the committees is that all bishops are Khama. His Holiness awarded the Presi- violence in all its forms, aiming for the working together, assisted by the clergy dent the Great Cross of St Mark with a good of our beloved country and building and lay consultants, with cooperation be- Star, as is usual for leaders of countries it again on the basis of civilized, humane, ing number one on the agenda. His Emi- and great personalities. He spoke with him firm justice and good citizenship, co- nence encouraged all to start in a pragmat- about the work of the Patriarchate and at existence and peaceful freedom of expres- ic way, examining admittedly thorny and the same time asked for special recogni- sion; all things that are related to serving difficult issues, but being productive and tion of the Orthodox Church by the Gov- the nation and its citizens. taking a proper perspective on the future. ernment, as one of the most ancient With one mouth and one heart we The major task of the day was the churches, so that they will not need the raise our prayer to Almighty God to give review of reports for each of the commit- renewal of their legal status in the country. rest to the souls of the homeland’s mar- tees. Most of the committees have met in He also asked for state land in the tyrs, comfort the hearts of the bereaved, person and/or via teleconference among capital Gaborone, in order to erect an In- preserve Syria and bring it to a haven of the hierarchical members and with their ternational Cultural Centre, which will safety, peace, sovereignty and prosperity. consultants. Considerable progress has unite Botswana, the Patriarchate of Alex- In a spirit of pastoral responsibility we been made on many fronts, ranging from andria and All Africa and Greece. He then call on all the children of this country, development of a sound financial base for thanked His Excellency the President for both Muslims and Christians, to join us in the Assembly’s work, through the creation the support of his Government both for prayer to Almighty God to protect Syrians of a canonical registry of all parishes and the newly-established Diocese as well as from all danger and harm, trusting in the clergy, the documenting of clergy issues for His Eminence Gennadios, and asked Lord’s saying to us: “Behold, I am with and pastoral practices, the initiation of the President to continue to support the you always, even to the end of the age.” canonical regional planning, to the exami- work being done. May the name of the Lord be forever nation of different approaches to youth After the meeting, His Holiness spoke blessed. Amen. work and monastic communities. Particu- to the media of Botswana where, in an- lar emphasis was placed by His Eminence, swering questions, he spoke particularly N 7 MAY 2012, HIS HOLINESS Archbishop Demetrios, upon the im- of the humanistic efforts of the Patriar- PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW portance of this foundational work that chate and the activities it has undertaken. O AND ALL RUSSIA CELEBRATED A will be absolutely necessary to develop a That night, he met with His Excellen- PRAYER SERVICE ON THE OCCASION OF plan for the canonical organization of the cy the Minister of Health of the Republic VLADIMIR PUTIN’S INAUGURATION AS Orthodox Church in this country. of Botswana and they discussed issues PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. Plans for the upcoming Assembly III regarding cooperation between Botswana, The Primate of the Russian Orthodox to be held in Chicago in September 2012 the Patriarchate and Greece on health mat- Church met the Russian President and his were discussed. The work of the commit- ters. – Press Release, Patriarchate of Al- wife at the entrance to the Cathedral of the tees, together with their proposed action exandria, May 31. Annunciation. items and associated issues, will be pre- After the litany, during which a spe- sented to the Assembly at that time. – As- HEIR HOLINESSES AND BEATITUDES cial prayer was lifted up for Russian Pres- sembly Press Release, May 30. THE PATRIARCHS OF SYRIA ISSUED ident Vladimir Putin, His Holiness Patri- T THIS STATEMENT IN DAMASCUS ON arch Kirill said a prayer for the head of the ITH ALL CEREMONY, ON THURS- MAY 18: Russian state to govern the country in DAY 31ST MAY 2012, HIS We: Ignatius IV Hazim,Greek Ortho- peace and lead it to prosperity. W HOLINESS THEODOROS II, POPE dox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, The text of the prayer service on the AND PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA AND ALL Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Syriac Ortho- occasion of a Russian President’s inaugu- AFRICA, ARRIVED IN BOTSWANA, on a visit dox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, ration was written in the years of His Ho- in the framework of which he will also and Gregorios III Laham, Melkite Greek liness Patriarch Aleksy II’s primatial min- officiate at the official Enthronement of Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the istry. The ever-memorable Primate of the the first Orthodox Bishop of the newly- East, of Alexandria and Jerusalem, con- Russian Church led the prayer service established Holy Diocese of Botswana, demn the cowardly criminal act that took three times – in 2000, 2004, and 2008. His Eminence Gennadios. place in the Qazaz district of Damascus on After the service, His Holiness Patri- His Holiness was welcomed at the the morning of Thursday, 10 May 2012, arch Kirill addressed Vladimir Putin with airport in the capital Gaborone, by His and condemn all acts of terrorism that the greeting speech, saying in particular: Eminence Gennadios, the Director of Pro- have targeted different regions of the be- “Vladimir Vladimirovich, I would

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 4. like to wholeheartedly congratulate you on Patriarch Kirill were Archpriest Vladimir 20th century. the election, as the majority of our people Divakov, the Patriarch’s secretary for The Holy Synod entrusted an ad hoc have elected you the President of the Rus- Moscow, and Archpriest Mikhail Rya- commission with working out a document sian Federation consciously, rationally, zantsev, a sacristan of the Cathedral of which would express the position of the and according to their free will. Today in Christ the Savior. Singing at the prayer Ukrainian Orthodox Church on various this old Kremlin, where many of your service was the Choir of the Moscow problems of social life in Ukraine, for pious predecessors heard prayerful exhor- Sretensky Stavropegic Monastery, con- instance, on the implementation of the tations to serve the Motherland, we prayed ducted by Nikon Zhila. principles of juvenile justice and on the zealously to God to grant His grace to you Earlier that day His Holiness Patri- propagation of homosexual relationships. and to our country, to give you spiritual arch Kirill attended the solemn ceremony The members of the Synod requested His and physical strength, wisdom, and all that of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration as Presi- Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir to in- a man who is in charge of the life and dent of the Russian Federation in the form the Ukrainian authorities about the well-being of millions of people needs. Grand Kremlin Palace. – Press Release, concern of the Ukrainian Orthodox The legitimacy of a president is based Moscow Patriarchate, May 7. Church on these matters. on people’s confidence, and you enjoy The decision was taken to support a this confidence. It means that the presi- N 8 MAY 2012, THE HOLY SYNOD draft law on amendments to certain laws dent’s paramount goal is to serve people. OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX of Ukraine, relating to the transfer of cul- To make the service a success one ought O CHURCH HELD ITS REGULAR tural heritage sites to religious organiza- to hear the voice of the people. It is not SESSION IN THE SYNODAL HALL OF THE tions. easy. The people’s voice can be drowned. KIEV METROPOLIA UNDER THE CHAIR- The Holy Synod canonized hegumen- It can be stifled by the voices of some well MANSHIP OF HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLI- ness Smaragda (Onishchenko, died in organized groups or individuals who are TAN VLADIMIR of Kiev and All Ukraine. 1935) and schema-monk Ilia (Ganzhi, often willing to identify their own opinion The members of the Synod thanked died in 1946) as locally venerated saints, with the people’s opinion. The ability to God for the recovery of Metropolitan and fixed the day of the celebration of the distinguish between spirits (1 Cor 12:10) Vladimir who returned to his post of Podolsk icon of the Mother of God and and to hear the voice of the people guar- chairman of the Holy Synod of the the commemoration day of St Feofan of antees successful service by the head of Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A number of Rykhly. state. Today we have been praying for decisions of the Holy Synod, taken while The Holy Synod has also taken deci- your ability in hearing the voice of the His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir was sions on the life of dioceses and monaster- people to grow day by day for the indubi- ill, were suspended. ies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. – table benefit of our Motherland and of all The Holy Synod appointed Archbish- Press Release, Moscow Patriarchate, May our people. op Antony of Borispol chancellor of the 10. Any success is made up of many fac- Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a perma- tors. These are personal qualities, educa- nent member of the Holy Synod. Arch- N 8 MAY 2012, THE FIRST JOINT tion, and experience. But there is some- bishop Antony was released from his du- MEETING OF THE BISHOPS’ CON- thing else, what people for the lack of ties as chairman of the Ukrainian Ortho- O FERENCE OF SWITZERLAND rational explanation call “luck,” word we dox Church’s Department for External (ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH) AND THE do not use in the Church. Nobody knows Church Relations. Metropolitan Lazar of ASSEMBLY OF ORTHODOX BISHOPS IN what luck is. There is no rational descrip- Simferopol and Crimea was also appoint- SWITZERLAND (OBAS) TOOK PLACE IN tion of this word. It is a kind of a gap be- ed a permanent member of the Synod. FRIBOURG. tween the efforts a man makes and an ac- Archbishop Mitrofan of Belaya This meeting is a milestone event in tual result. We use another word for de- Tserkov and Boguslav was released from the dialogue between the Orthodox and scribing this unknown space. We call it his duties as the chancellor of the Ukraini- Catholic Churches in the territory of the God’s help. And today we have been an Orthodox Church and appointed Swiss Confederation. The Orthodox and praying to God to grant you His gracious chairman of the Ukrainian Orthodox Catholic hierarchs used the opportunity to and almighty help. We believe that Divine Church’s Department for External Church share their opinions on topical problems grace combined with human effort will Relations. He remains a permanent mem- and to develop constructive relations. enable you to do much good in your ser- ber of the Holy Synod. Among the participants in the meeting vice to the people.” Approved at the session was a pro- were Bishop Nestor of Korsun, adminis- The Primate of the Russian Orthodox gram for the celebration of the 20th anni- trator of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Church presented the President with the versary of Kharkov Bishops’ Council of parishes in Switzerland, and Archbishop old “Lovingkindness” icon of the Mother the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Michael of Geneva and Western Europe of God. 20th anniversary of His Beatitude Vladi- (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Praying at the service were Metropol- mir’s ministry as Metropolitan of Kiev Russia), website of the Korsun diocese itan Juvenaly of Krutitsy and Kolomna; and All Ukraine. The decision was also reports. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of After the meeting, Archbishop Anto- chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s the finding of the holy relics of Hieromar- nio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio to Department for External Church Rela- tyr Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky, died in Great Britain and the former Apostolic tions; and Archbishop Yevgeny of 1918) and the 20th anniversary of the cel- Nuncio to the Russian Federation, was Vereya, chairman of the Synodal Educa- ebration of the Synaxis of the New Mar- presented with the high “Silver Rose of St tion Committee. tyrs and Confessors who had suffered for Nicholas” award for his contribution to Concelebrating with His Holiness Christ under the ungodly regime in the ecclesial communion. – Press Release,

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 5. Moscow Patriarchate, May 16. for our whole Motherland… Today’s cel- ROCOR. ebration would be impossible if the clergy Metropolitan Hilarion of Voloko- HE 17TH OF MAY, 2012, MARKED and faithful of the Russian Church both lamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriar- THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE inside and outside Russia had not found chate’s Department for External Church T ACT OF CANONICAL COMMUNION strength, wisdom and mutual love to re- Relations, presented a report on the activi- BETWEEN THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE store canonical unity’. ties of the working group for discussion of AND THE RUSSIAN CHURCH OUTSIDE OF The service was concluded with the the issues of strengthening church unity, RUSSIA. ON THAT AUSPICIOUS DAY, Arch- singing of ‘Many Years of Life’ to Patri- noting the constructive and kind nature of bishop Justinian of Naro-Fominsk, admin- arch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the work. istrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the Metropolitan Hilarion the First Hierarch The participants in the meeting ex- USA celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. of the Russian Church Outside Russia, to changed views on the ways to further the Nicholas’s in New York. Among his con- the bishops, priests and the faithful of the consolidation of the Russian Orthodox celebrants were Bishops George of May- Russian Church who are in Russia and in diaspora. – Press Release, Moscow Patri- field and Jerome of Manhattan, vicars of diaspora. archate, May 20. the Diocese of Eastern America of the The festive fellowship continued at Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, the reception given at the refectory of St. N MAY 7, 2012, ON THE EVE OF as well an assembly of clergy of the Patri- Nicholas’s, the website of the Patriarchal THE NAME DAY OF HIS HOLINESS archal Parishes in the USA and the Rus- Parishes in the USA has reported. – Press O PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW sian Church Outside Russia. Release, Moscow Patriarchate, May 18. AND ALL RUSSIA, THE PRIMATE OF THE During the liturgy, special prayers of ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE, thanksgiving were lifted up for the Lord’s N 20 MAY 2012, HIS HOLINESS HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW great mercy expressed in the signing of PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW SENT A MESSAGE notifying that he was the Act of restoration of canonical com- O AND ALL RUSSIA MET WITH sending an official delegation of the Patri- munion within the Local Russian Ortho- METROPOLITAN HILARION OF EASTERN archate of Constantinople for the celebra- dox Church. The archpastors, clergy and AMERICA AND NEW YORK, HIERARCHS tions to be held on the occasion and ex- lay people commemorated the late Patri- AND CLERICS OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX pressed support for the Primate of the arch Aleksy II and Metropolitan Laurus CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA (ROCOR) Russian Orthodox Church over the attacks who had signed the Act. and with members of the working group of anti-church forces, which have become Father Nikodim (Balyasnikov) read for discussing issues of strengthening more frequent. Below is the text of the out a Message from His Holiness Patri- church unity. message. arch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to In his address at the opening, His Your Beatitude and Holiness Kirill, the Archpastors, Pastors, Deacons, Mo- Holiness Patriarch Kirill underscored that Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, nastics and All the Faithful of the Russian the five years that had passed since the Very Beloved and Cherished Brother Orthodox Church on the occasion of the signing of the Act of Canonical Commun- and Concelebrant of our Humbleness: 5th anniversary of the Act of Canonical ion between the Moscow Patriarchate and Embracing Your honorable Beatitude Communion. the ROCOR, were very important for the in a brotherly spirit, we greet you with After the liturgy Archbishop Justinian Church. Many people who thought reuni- greatest pleasure. addressed the congregation. He stressed in fication was a dangerous experiment now Mentally coming up to your very be- particular that ‘for Christians it should be believe in unity, and “today we can say loved and cherished Beatitude on the oc- characteristic to love one another and to that it is not an experiment, but the real casion of your forthcoming Name Day, by seek unity. For through this people can see life of our Church,” His Holiness said. this fraternal letter we extend our warm how Christian we are’. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox congratulations on behalf of the Ecumeni- ‘Today we hold dear the fact that to Church drew the attention of the audience cal Patriarchate and on our own behalf honor the first jubilee, His Holiness Patri- to the fact that during the last five years and inform you that His Eminence Metro- arch Kirill and His Eminence Metropoli- the Russian Church has refrained from any politan Nikitas of Dardanelles, the great tan Hilarion have given their blessing up- hasty steps in the matter of deepening the ierokiriks of the Holy Great Church Ar- on our celebration of the Liturgy in this achieved unity. chimandrite Vissarion (Komzias) and Sis- old and prayerful cathedral. Yesterday we As for those who have not accepted ter Alexia, abbess of the holy Patriarchal said the Office for the Dead at the grave unity and are still separated, His Holiness stauropegial Ikosifinissa Convent on Pan- of Metropolitan Laurus, and our hearts stated that there were a small number of geo Mountain (northern Greece) have rejoiced with not noisy but quiet joy over them in the canonical territory of the Rus- been instructed to represent us at the cele- our being together, for God has no dead’, sian Orthodox Church, yet it remains a brations on the occasion of this feast of he said. problem and causes pain. He emphasized yours. Mr. Yumashev congratulated the that the Russian Church is willing to do At the same time, having learnt about clergy and laity, saying in particular, ‘The anything possible to help settle the prob- the inappropriate and offensive attacks 5th anniversary of the reunification be- lem thus alleviating the pain. which have been perpetrated against you tween the Russian Church Outside Russia Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern these days by those who are outside of the and the Moscow Patriarchate, which we America and New York thanked His Ho- church fold and who thus wish to cause celebrated today, can be rightly described liness Patriarch Kirill for consideration troubles in your primatial ministry and to as historic. It is of epoch-making im- shown to the problems of the Russian wound the authority of the Russian Ortho- portance not only for the spiritual children Abroad. He confirmed that the separated dox Church that you have served since of the Russian Orthodox Church but also communities constitute a small part of the your youth, we express sympathy to you

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 6. and support of our Humbleness and the links with Putin, whose 4 March election fortune that has fallen upon the lot of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, ardently praying to a third term as head of state, after four Greek people and believe that the Church that the Lord God, through the interces- years as Russian premier, was contested in should live up to the principle clearly stat- sion of your patrons Sts Cyril and Metho- nationwide street protests. ed by St Paul: ‘If one part suffers, every dius, may strengthen and protect your It was the latest of many controversial part suffers with it’ (1 Cor. 12:26). The love, delivering you from the arrows of statements by the 44-year-old archpriest, Orthodox solidarity should also be ex- the evil one, from everything taking place who last November defended his country's tended to difficult circumstances. Our in darkness, from every confusion coming right to control "negative tendencies" country, throughout her history including from the one who hates goodness, ordain- from abroad by restricting religious free- in the 20th century, has experienced great ing you to go through your life and service dom. many a hardship. We know what a deep not tempted by the evil ones. Speaking on 17 May at Moscow's St. economic crisis and complete collapse of Hereafter, praying for the good health Tikhon Orthodox University, he said the economy are. In the 90s we went and long life of Your Beatitude at the Western society was dominated by "mate- through this trial and know that crises helm of the Holy Russian Church, we rial benefits, pride, supercilious self- involve not only a decline in people’s liv- once again embrace you with the holy kiss fulfillment and pluralism," which contra- ing conditions but often also illnesses and and remain with love in the Lord and spe- dicted Gospel ideals, and vowed his own deaths, loss of jobs and houses and disin- cial respect, church would "open doors to a better life" tegration of families. We experienced all You honorable Beatitude’s loving for Europe. this in the recent past’, he said. brother in Christ, Messages of congratulation from Pa- His Holiness Kirill noted that thanks +Patriarch Bartholomew of Constan- triarch Kirill I to new members of the to the timely efforts made by the Russian tinople. – Press Release, Moscow Patriar- Russian government were posted on 25 leaders during the crisis which affected chate, May 21. May on the Moscow Patriarchate's web- the whole world and could affect Russia site. as well, it became possible to maintain SENIOR RUSSIAN ORTHODOX In a 24 May telegram, Putin paid people’s standards of life. ‘We managed PRIEST HAS BEEN ATTACKED BY tribute to Kirill's "high reputation in Rus- to avoid such tragic consequences as hap- A LEFT-WING POLITICIANS AFTER HE sia and abroad," and praised the Orthodox pened in many other countries, though the CRITICIZED OPPOSITION PARTIES AND church for performing an "educational and rate of economic development decreased CALLED FOR A "STRONG PERSONIFIED social mission" with the state for the of course and the problem of poverty re- CENTRAL POWER" TO GOVERN THE "moral status and development of socie- mained as acute as it was before. And COUNTRY. ty." – Jonathan Luxmoore for ENI, May today the Russian Orthodox Church seeks "It is increasingly evident from our 25. to develop her social service in order to television screens that Orthodox Christi- support those in need, especially the anity is being used to justify the current N MAY 25, 2012, HIS HOLINESS homeless, the elderly and orphans and regime," a Communist Party secretary, PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW those whose salary or allowance is below Valery Rashkin, told Russia's Interfax O AND ALL RUSSIA MET WITH HIS the subsistence level. Our Church has no news agency on 25 May. BEATITUDE ARCHBISHOP IERONYMOS OF such sources of income as other Churches "According to its constitution, Russia ATHENS AND ALL GREECE AND HIS in Europe have: we have no real estate is a secular state. But the lukewarm atti- DELEGATION AT THE PATRIARCHAL that could bring in return or capital stock. tude shown to our country's basic law by RESIDENCE IN ST. DANIEL’S MONASTERY The Russian Church carries out her work our two leaders is apparently infectious. It IN MOSCOW. using the donations of the flock alone. Of is prompting Russian Orthodox hierarchs Addressing the guests, Patriarch Kirill course, the size of funds thus received to claim a key role in the socio-political said he was glad to welcome His Beati- cannot be guaranteed as it is very much life of our country, which is both multi- tude Ieronymos and his retinue to the ad- dependent on people’s wellbeing and their ethnic and multi-faith, and contains many ministrative and spiritual center of the readiness to donate for a good cause. But atheists too," he said. Russian Orthodox Church with its official by God’s mercy we can see that people do Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, chair residence of the Patriarch and the Synod. respond to an appeal for aid in carrying of the church's department for church- His Holiness related to the Greek delega- out social programs’, he stated. society relations, told Russia's Sobesednik tion the graphic and dramatic history of Patriarch Kirill recalled that the Rus- weekly on 24 May that opposition groups the Monastery of St. Daniel, the oldest sian Church announced a fund-raising had "nothing to offer" and would not per- cloister in Moscow, which was closed in drive for those who were most affected by suade ordinary people to "accept their the 20th century during the persecution for the economic crisis in fraternal Greece principles." faith and re-opened before the celebra- and gave a high appraisal of the efforts Chaplin was also criticized by Sergei tions on the occasion of the Millennium of taken by the Church of Greece to help Udaltsov, leader of Russia's Left Front the Baptism of Russia. those in need. ‘You are feeding the hungry party, who accused him of joining a prop- ‘I rejoice in the opportunity to discuss and supporting those who have lost their aganda campaign by President Vladimir with you and the most reverend bishops homes and all this happens at a time when Putin's United Russia party. who accompany you our bilateral coop- the Orthodox Church of Greece herself is "Chaplin is working ... to discredit eration and interaction’, Patriarch Kirill in straitened financial circumstances. I and smear the civil movement and opposi- said and dwelt upon cooperation in social have called upon our faithful to share a tion," Udaltsov told Interfax on 25 May. service as one of the aspects of these rela- part of the burden that oppresses your The Orthodox Church has been wide- tions. Church today; a fund-raising campaign ly criticized this year for alleged close ‘We take close to our hearts the mis- has been held to support your social work

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 7. to help victims of the crisis. We have all the Greeks’, he said. Holy Russian Church on all spheres of raised 17 million rubles. We will transfer In the course of the talk, a broad national, political, religious and social life these funds to you and will continue sup- range of issues was discussed concerning in Great Russia, I as Primate of the apos- porting your social programs as much as further development of bilateral church tolic autocephalous Church of Greece and we can’, he said. relations in various areas including social simply a person feel strong excitement. His Holiness Kirill also spoke about service, pilgrimage, the bringing of This excitement grows ever stronger now the importance of joint efforts in the area shrines for veneration, theological educa- as I am in the sacred walls of St. Peters- of pilgrimage as more and more Russians tion, dialogue on church-society and burg Theological Academy, which in the and people from other countries under the church-state relations and information 19th century and the early 20th century canonical jurisdiction of the Russian work, as well as topical issues of pan- became alma mater for many outstanding Church, including Ukraine, Belarus and Orthodox cooperation. Greek theologians and left an indelible Moldova, come to Greece and her holy In the conclusion of the meeting, Pa- imprint on the destiny of Orthodox theol- places today and an increasing number of triarch Kirill presented the members of the ogy in the period of dangerous ideological Greeks come to Russia to venerate the Greek delegation with decorations of the and religious upheavals in the life of Or- shrines of the Russian Church. Russian Orthodox Church. His Beatitude thodox nations. In this sense, I consider it His Beatitude Ieronymos thanked Ieronymos was awarded the Order of St. my highest duty to speak with appropriate Patriarch Kirill for the warm welcome and Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles. respect about the tireless and manifold fraternal hospitality, making a special Patriarch Kirill also presented Arch- service of the Holy and Great Church of mention of the deep impression he re- bishop Ieronymos with a bishop’s crozier Christ both for the spiritual re-birth of the ceived from the celebrations held on the as a token of the meeting. – Press Release, great Russian people and for the consoli- eve of the Day of Slavic Literature and Moscow Patriarchate, May 25. dation of indissoluble spiritual kinship Culture including the Divine Liturgy at the which determined the spiritual relations Cathedral of the Assumption, procession N MAY 26, 2012, DURING HIS TRIP between our nations arising from the sa- with the cross and thanksgiving in Red TO ST. PETERSBURG, HIS BEATI- cred baptismal waters and continuing for Square in the presence of thousands of O TUDE ARCHBISHOP IERONYMOS OF some ten centuries from 860 to 2012 not people and from his meeting with the ATHENS AND ALL GREECE AND HIS only in happy but also in hard times’. leaders of the country as well as from the RETINUE VISITED ST. PETERSBURG THEO- Reflecting on the importance of the- festive concert given at the State Kremlin LOGICAL ACADEMY AND SEMINARY. ology for the historical development of the Palace. At the academy entrance, His Beati- Church’s mission among Orthodox na- ‘Your country has experienced many tude was welcomed by the rector, Bishop tions, His Beatitude Ieronymos spoke in troubles in her history. The same can be Ambrose of Gatchina, with professors and detail about the close interconnectedness said about us. You have told us how your students. His Beatitude came to the acad- of ecclesiology and mysteriology includ- people endured the hardships of the 90s. emy’s Chapel of St. John the Theologian ing the teaching on the Eucharist in Or- Today, it seems to be our turn. I would in which he venerated the revered Icon of thodox theology. He pointed to a weaken- like to note that we keep presence of mind the Sign of the Theotokos of the imperial ing of this link in the West, which led to and hold our own for we are strengthened village. grave consequences for the Western by our Orthodox faith and trust in God. Then a solemn act took place at the Church. Thanks to this, we can survive the crisis’, academy grand hall on the occasion of the ‘It is generally recognized that Ortho- he said. visit of the Primate of the Greek Orthodox dox theology of the new time is indebted His Beatitude Ieronymos also noted Church. Speaking on behalf of professors in many ways to the Theological Acade- that spiritual kinship and mutual under- and students, Bishop Ambrose greeted His mies in Russia, especially the one in St. standing was a characteristic feature of Beatitude Ieronymos and his delegation, Petersburg, since, on one hand, they have relations between the Russian and Greek saying, ‘Since the re-opening of the Len- manifested an incredible research zeal in nations. ‘Respect and love for your people ingrad theological schools in 1946 and the situation of new realities by putting in was manifested by the fact that many rep- especially under Metropolitan Nikodim the forefront in all areas of the Church’s resentatives of our country, both clergy (Rotov), delegations of the Church of spiritual mission the fundamental theolog- and ordinary people used to come to Rus- Greece have become frequent guests of ical principles of patristic theology, while, sia to serve her’, he said, adding that the the Academy. During the visit of your on the other, assuming the heavy burden memory of the Russians’ assistance to the predecessor, His Beatitude Archbishop of promoting constructive dialogue be- Greeks in their struggle for freedom is Christodoulos, in May 2001, he met with tween Orthodox theology and major phil- alive to this day. our professors and students. Prof. Christos osophical schools of the Western Chris- The primate of the Church of Greece, Yannaras, a famous philosopher and theo- tendom; this dialogue is important for the in solidarity with Patriarch Kirill, ex- logian, delivered a lecture here in May reduction of extreme tendencies in ideolo- pressed the conviction that the words of 2010’. gy and modernism’, he added. St. Paul ‘If one part suffers, every part Bishop Ambrose focused on the prob- According to His Beatitude, the pre- suffers with it’ are especially relevant to- lem of students’ exchanges for in-depth sent task of Orthodox theology is not lim- day for the Orthodox world. ‘We are very training. ‘In recent years, there have been ited to the resumption of patristic tradi- much moved by the news that a fund- regular arrivals of Greek students for a tion. It extends beyond it to include the raising campaign has been announced in study course in the Academy’, he stated. use of this tradition for giving a more au- Russia for the suffering brothers in Then Archbishop Ieronymos ad- thoritative answer to today’s problems of Greece. We will report it to the next ses- dressed the faculty and students. ‘Think- humanity. sion of the Greek Church’s Synod and to ing about the incredible influence of the After his address, His Beatitude Ier-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 8. onymos answered questions from the au- sian Orthodox Church including in con- lation of the Relics of St. Sava, at the St. dience. structing a building of the Synod of Ka- Sava Church in Vracar. The liturgical and In continuation of the remarkable zakhstan Metropolia and the Sts Cyril and spiritual life of the Church was enriched event, the male and mixed choirs of St. Methodius Religious and Cultural Center. by the addition of two Hieromartyrs and Petersburg Theological Schools sang Patriarch Kirill and President Naz- forty student-martyrs who suffered in hymns in Greek and Russian. – Press Re- arbaev also dealt with the agenda of the 1688 in Momisici (Podgorica). Their feast lease, Moscow Patriarchate, May 27. forthcoming 4th Congress of Leaders of day has been designated to be the day the World and Traditional Religions. Accord- Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs N MAY 29, 2012, UPON HIS ing to His Holiness, the Russian Orthodox of Sebaste from Asia Minor (a feast day ARRIVAL IN KAZAKHSTAN’S Church attached special importance to the commonly known as Mladenci) of which O CAPITAL ASTANA, HIS HOLINESS opportunities for dialogue opening up for the Holy Synod will officially inform all PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW AND ALL religious leaders and representatives of the local Orthodox Churches so that they RUSSIA PROCEEDED TO THE PRESIDENTIAL world religious traditions by the interna- might enter their names in their service RESIDENCE ‘AK-ORDA’ FOR A MEETING tional forum, which has been conducted books and calendars. The Assembly also WITH PRESIDENT N. NAZARBAEV. under the aegis of the President of Ka- determined that the feast day of St. Ni- Warmly welcoming His Holiness, zakhstan for many years. kodim, Archbishop of Pec, will be on May President Nazarbaev said that Patriarch After the meeting Patriarch Kirill 12/25 and not 11/24 as it has thus far Kirill’s first official visit to his country in answered questions from journalists, the been. January 2010 was very memorable for Patriarchal Press Service reported. – Press The Assembly confirmed the deter- him. It was a special honor for him to be Release, Moscow Patriarchate, May 29. mination of our local Church to honor and decorated with the Russian Orthodox Or- celebrate during next year with church der of Glory and Honor. HE REGULAR MEETING OF THE services and appropriate spiritual-cultural Mr. Nazarbaev expressed the convic- ASSEMBLY OF BISHOPS OF THE manifestations a momentous anniversary tion that the participation of the Primate of T SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH TOOK of Christianity and culture – 1700-year the Russian Church in the 4th Congress of PLACE AT THE SERBIAN PATRIARCHATE IN anniversary of the Edict of Milan of Em- Leaders of World and Traditional Reli- BELGRADE MAY 15-23, UNDER THE peror Constantine (313-2013), a document gions to take place next day in Astana PRESIDENCY OF HIS HOLINESS SERBIAN of freedom of faith and conscience of out- raised the authority of the forum and its PATRIARCH IRINEJ. Participating in the standing significance, relevant even today importance as a unique platform for dia- Assembly were all the diocesan hierarchs not only from an historical but also an logue. of the Serbian Orthodox Church, with the existential aspect. The anniversary will be ‘The lofty mission of Orthodoxy for exception of His Beatitude Archbishop of commemorated in all dioceses of the Ser- strengthening traditional moral values is Ochrid and Metropolitan of Skopje Jovan bian Orthodox Church, while the central extremely important for us’, he said. To- who is unjustly imprisoned in the Skoplje celebration will be held in Nis, the birth- day it is very important to preserve tradi- prison of Idrizovo and His Grace Bishop place of Emperor Constantine, and in Bel- tions in society and this can be done only Chrysostom of Bihac and Petrovac. grade. All Patriarchs from the Orthodox by the religions which have strengthened The Assembly began its work with Churches and other representatives of the people’s faith and spirituality for centu- the joint serving of the hierarchical Divine Orthodox Churches will be invited to take ries. Liturgy in the Holy Archangel Michael part in the commemoration of this jubilee, Patriarch Kirill said in response that Cathedral in Belgrade, led by Serbian as will other distinguished individuals his visits to Kazakhstan always were a Patriarch Irinej, and invoked the Holy from world Orthodoxy (bishops, theologi- great joy for him and he had good memo- Spirit, the Spirit of truth and wisdom, in ans, artists....), a delegation of heterodox ries of the liturgies he celebrated in Alma- Whom the Church lives and always works, Christian churches and church communi- Ata and Astana during his first visit to the especially in the assemblies of its bishops. ties, Christian and inter-Christian institu- country as Primate of the Russian Church. During the liturgy Bishop Irinej of Backa, tions and organizations, as well as mono- ‘I am glad that our agreements to with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch theistic faith groups, also representatives establish a Metropolia have been realized. Irinej, addressed the faithful and ex- from the sciences, arts and culture as well Now with the establishment of a Metropo- plained the institution of the assembly of as Serbian and foreign distinguished pub- lia the face of Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan bishops as an expression of the essential lic figures. All preparations and the pro- has changed. This gives a greater authori- conciliar nature of the Church. After the gram itself will be coordinated by the Ho- ty to the presence of Orthodoxy and, most Divine Liturgy, at the beginning of the ly Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church importantly, corresponds to the historical first session, the president of the Assem- and a Sabor committee which will be role of Orthodoxy in Kazakhstan because bly, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, ad- formed for this purpose. the two traditional religions, Islam and dressed some of the current issues in the The Assembly, in the same spirit and Orthodoxy, have always been peaceful life and mission of the Church in our time, direction, confirmed once again its un- neighbors in this land’, Patriarch Kirill a time of great temptation here and changed position regarding the need to said. throughout the world, but also a time of intensify, heighten and theologically en- They discussed various aspects of the hope and opportunity for spiritual renew- rich the current process of preparation for life of Orthodox believers in Kazakhstan al. a Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox in the light of the fact that a Metropolia During this year's Assembly of Bish- Church, to once again call for a pan- has been established in the country. Patri- ops a concelebration of the hierarchical Orthodox Pre-Conciliar consultation, and arch Kirill thanked President Nazarbaev Divine Liturgy again took place on Satur- additional such consultations if the need for the support the state gave to the Rus- day, May 19th, the feast day of the Trans- arises, and to summon this general Coun-

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 9. cil at a foreseeable appropriate time with about the basic truths and ethical princi- the existing constitution and laws, includ- due responsibility, being of course faithful ples of the Christian faith, much less about ing the rights of the Serbian Orthodox to the divinely-inspired principles of oper- the sanctity of the unity of the Church. Church and other churches and religious ation of the ecumenical and major local Instead of considering all the protests and associations, inasmuch as this represents councils of the Church. appeals that have thus far come from the their obligations before the international The Assembly heard the report of the Orthodox and other Christian churches community. work of the Holy Synod and the reports of throughout the world and the criticism The Assembly is particularly con- the work of the diocesan bishops and the they have received from international in- cerned that even so many years after the state of affairs in their dioceses in the past stitutions and organizations because of the exodus of the Serbian people from Koso- year, and made appropriate decisions. At political ties and corruption of their judi- vo and Metohija in 1999 and the March the joint meeting of the members of the ciary system and the continued violations pogrom of 2004, and despite the presence Assembly and the central bodies for the of human rights and religious freedom in of international forces and the guarantees completion of the St. Sava Church on their country, the authorities of the Repub- of the great powers, there is still no Vracar a discussion ensued and decisions lic of Macedonia, unfortunately, are only agreement on the return and free life of were rendered, having analyzed the re- increasing their terrorism against the the displaced and refugees. Moreover, ports, regarding everything thus far com- Church in a manner without precedent in they continue to violate Serbian Orthodox pleted and the forthcoming great task of the modern world. shrines, home and property, and the rights completing the interior of the church, in- The Assembly has followed with par- of the Serbian community, especially cluding the mosaic and fresco work. Hav- ticular care and not a little concern the south of the Ibar River. In the context of ing been informed of the relevant facts, actions of the government of Montenegro domestic and international dialogue on the the Assembly postponed for a time the which similarly—with somewhat less di- status of the southern Serbian territory, the restructuring of the largest diocese by rect and damaging force, but with a simi- Assembly believes that the imposition of population of the Serbian Orthodox lar course of damaging the mission of the solutions contrary to United Nations Church, the Archdiocese of Belgrade- canonical Church in Montenegro and of Resolution 1244, the Constitution of Ser- Karlovci, until the necessary preparations state sponsorship of Dedic’s minor and bia and the norms of international law and basic infrastructure for the future dio- completely baseless sect—is trampling on would only bring about a lasting—and ceses on that territory can be completed. the fundamental human rights of Orthodox perhaps permanent—crisis and instability, For the same reason the Assembly post- clergy and faithful. It has not restrained which means human suffering, in an area poned the filling of the newly established itself even from the completely uncivi- which has already long been a symbol of diocese of Austria-Switzerland and Bue- lized and from a European understanding division, conflict and suffering. One of the nos Aires with diocesan bishops and ex- unprecedented deportation of certain few bright points there is the life and work tended the mandate of their current admin- priests only because, allegedly, the Ortho- of the reconstituted Saints Cyril and istrators. Also, the Assembly requested of dox Church, which is centuries older than Methodius Seminary in Prizren, whose Bishop Grigorije of Zahum-Hercegovina either Montenegro or Serbia or any exist- citizens, now overwhelmingly of Albanian that he continue in his position as assistant ing state in the Balkans, is not “registered” nationality and Islamic faith, make possi- to Metropolitan Nikolaj of Dabrobosna, in with the police according to laws dating ble the unmolested work of this significant performing archpastoral duties. back to the time of Broz’s “democracy.” establishment of the Orthodox Church and The Assembly once again expressed The denial of the very right of the Serbian the Serbian people. This attitude deserves its deep sadness and protested the viola- Orthodox Church to exist in Montenegro, our respect and gratitude. tions of human rights and religious free- the ambition of certain Montenegrin poli- The Assembly considers the Church’s dom of the faithful of the Autonomous ticians, although they think like atheists, to relations with the governments of Serbia Archdiocese of Ohrid in the Former Yu- decide church matters, to regulate the in- and of Republika Srpska to be generally goslav Republic of Macedonia, which ner life, structure and relationships within good, but it expects that the new govern- peaked in the unlawful harassment and the Orthodox Church, to manipulate ment of Serbia will correct the mistakes of arrests of innocent people, with persecu- through pressure or even outright force the the outgoing administration concerning tions and acts of violence escalating to identity of the Church in Montenegro, the restitution of expropriated property such a point that the Archbishop of Ohrid their open aspiration to make it an instru- and the status of religious education, that and Metropolitan of Skopje Jovan has ment of their political way of thinking and is, catechism and religious instruction as a been imprisoned for the sixth time under to aggressively shape the content of the subject in the public schools, and to expe- fabricated charges and was sentenced to Church life of Orthodox Christians in dite the process of including military two and a half years in prison. The trou- Montenegro—all this demonstrates a vio- chaplains in the Serbian Army. bling and alarming fact is that all this is lation of basic human rights and religious With satisfaction and thanks to God, occurring at the request of the local freedom, an active repudiation of the the Assembly observes that the Serbian schismatic organization which calls itself secular, and that means religiously neutral, Orthodox Church maintains liturgical and "The Macedonian Orthodox Church." The character of a contemporary state and the canonical relations and cooperation with schismatic hierarchy is publicly and mali- abandoning of the democratic principle of the other autocephalous Orthodox ciously, without any repercussions, rejoic- separation of church and state, as well as a Churches, but that in this regard there is, ing at the judicial-police persecution of reintroduction of the historically long- unfortunately, one exception. This con- the only canonical and generally accepted rejected discrimination between first and cerns the uncanonical activity of the epis- Church in Macedonia, especially over the second-class citizens based on religion or copate and clergy of the Romanian Ortho- re-imprisonment of its first hierarch. Thus ethnicity. Therefore the Assembly expects dox Church on the canonical territory of she demonstrates how little she cares the state organs of Montenegro to respect other Orthodox Churches, including our

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 10. own. In our case, certain bishops and cler- vic) and the former hieromonks, monks cated abroad back and give them an hon- gy from neighboring Romania continue to and nuns who follow him to return to the orable burial in the Karadjordjevic votive come to certain cities and towns in East- Church through repentance from the way church at Oplenac. The Assembly again ern Serbia, that is, the Dioceses of Timok of schism, which he himself said he real- appealed to the City of Belgrade to con- and Branicevo, and carry out priestly ac- izes “is a great wound upon the body of sider the possibility of keeping the bones tivities there without the knowledge or the Church, a great sin before God, a sin of the Serbian, American and world giant permission of the responsible bishops of which even the blood of martyrs cannot of science, Nikola Tesla, on the St. Sava the Serbian Orthodox Church, thus violat- wash away,” and to give the Holy Synod plateau or, eventually, in the crypt of the ing the very foundations of Orthodox ec- of Bishops authority to explain this deci- St. Sava Church on Vracar. clesiology and canonical order. Because sion by the new canonical offenses of the The makeup of the Holy Synod re- of similar unauthorized activities by rep- above named and his ever-deeper plunge mains the same by decision of the Assem- resentatives of the Romanian Church, the into schism: the establishing of “parasyn- bly. Patriarchate of Jerusalem repeatedly ob- agogues” in the Church by uncanonical, The Assembly expresses its concern jected most energetically, and eventually ineffective ordinations and monastic ton- over the fact that the Serbian people is broke liturgical and canonical relations sures, by the opening of monasteries and experiencing more deaths than births, and with that Church, which is still in effect. houses of prayer in the dioceses of our that each year it loses the equivalent of the The Assembly once again, for who knows Church, and by open slander, lies, curses population of a medium-sized city, which how many times, sent a protest to Roma- and accusations against the Holy Assem- testifies to a deep moral failure, to a seri- nian Patriach Daniel and his Synod over bly of Bishops and the episcopate of the ous crisis in the family and to a lack of the uncanonical intrusions into areas un- Serbian Orthodox Church of heresy, false true faith in God among many, although a der the jurisdiction of the Serbian Ortho- ecumenism, rigging of trials, the pro- majority of our people consider them- dox Church and with regret informed them nouncing of verdicts without trials, and so selves believers and are believers, at least that, to the extent that individuals from the forth. If the monk Artemije, former bishop in the most basic meaning of the word. sister Romanian Church do not cease their of Raska-Prizren, does not respond to this Therefore the Assembly appeals to the unbrotherly and uncanonical activities, invitation to return to the Church through conscience of parents, educators, govern- regardless of whether they are tolerated or repentance and obedience to the decisions ment officials and all those who can influ- sent by her Patriarch or Synod, we will of the Holy Assembly of Bishops and the ence society to do everything possible, take all appropriate canonical and legal ancient canonical order of the Orthodox despite material shortages, to exalt life measures to preserve the ancient canonical Church as quickly as possible, the Assem- among us as the greatest of God’s gifts order and stop the irresponsible disruption bly will be obliged to take additional ca- which stands as an alternative to the un- of the holy unity between Orthodox nonical measures. conscionable cult of death which has tak- Churches and between fraternal peoples, As in all previous years, the Assem- en root in contemporary western civiliza- which the Serbian and Romanian peoples bly gave great attention to church schools tion. At the same time the Assembly rec- have undoubtedly been over the centuries. and education. Detailed consideration was ommends that all the dioceses of the Ser- If these measures do not help, the Assem- given to problems such as seminaries, bian Orthodox Church and their affiliated bly will be forced, with deep regret, to some of which need to fulfill the standards church organizations establish funds for follow the example of the Jerusalem Patri- set for their entry into the Serbian educa- the support of families who have several archate. The Assembly Fathers are aware tional system, as well as to institutions of children, that, in the first place, pastorally that there are many among the Romanian higher education, especially those in the and therapeutically, they might prevent the bishops, clergy and theologians who do area and in the diaspora. In this context scourge of immorality, drug abuse, por- not follow the aggressive ethnophyletisic the Assembly learned of a project which nography and other pathogenic occurrenc- course which has occasioned no small may contribute greatly to the quality of es which threaten from the very core the disruption in the entire Orthodox world in theological education of Serbs in Ameri- being, soul and future of the Serbian peo- recent years. Similarly, the Assembly is, ca: this is a project called Serbian House ple and all Christian people who are ex- as it has been earlier, grateful to the Ro- at St. Vladimir’s Academy, for which the posed to the destructive influence of secu- manian Church for its correct relations means and conditions for its functioning larism, consumerism, hedonism, individu- with the administrator of the Temisvar already exist, so that the process of final alism, a pseudo-religion which has no diocese, its clergy and faithful, just as the agreement and realization of the project is concept of a personal God, a false Christi- Serbian Orthodox Church enjoys brotherly imminent. The Assembly again considered anity without Christ as a God-man com- relations with the clergy and faithful of the the question of the adequate temporary munity, as well as various other ideolo- Romanian Church who live in the Serbian housing of the Patriarchal archives, a pre- gies, meaninglessness and hopelessness. part of Banat. cious treasure of documents, as well as the The Assembly, for its part, calls all to life The peace and unity of the Serbian question of the building of structures for and action, through faith, hope and love, Orthodox Church is being disturbed, in the Archives, Treasury (Museum) and for God is Love. – Press Release, Serbian the evaluation of the Assembly, by the Library of the Patriarchate. A new statute Patriarchate, May 30. monk Artemije, deposed bishop of Raska- for Covekoljulje [Philanthropy], the chari- Prizren, and his adherents, who are creat- table foundation of the Serbian Orthodox EV. DR OLAV FYKSE TVEIT, ing a real parasynagogue (unlawful as- Church, was approved. GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE sembly) with all the expressed tendencies The Assembly again supported the R WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES of developing into a pure schism and sect. House of Karadjeordjevic’s initiative to (WCC), BEGAN A FIVE-DAY VISIT TO THE Therefore the Assembly resolved to again bring the earthly remains of the deceased WCC MEMBER CHURCHES IN ROMANIA call upon the monk Artemije (Radosvalje- members of the Serbian royal family lo- WITH A CONSULTATION ON 16 MAY AT THE

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 11. PATRIARCHAL RESIDENCE IN BUCHAREST. nearly 11,000 godchildren. THE BORDER IN THE AREA OF DAVID He met with Patriarch Daniel of the Ro- Georgian President Mikhail Saakash- GAREJI MONASTERY COMPLEX, meaning manian Orthodox Church and other lead- vili has said the Patriarch deserves much that visitors from Georgia will be able to ers from the Orthodox churches. of the credit for the rising birth rate, which access all parts of the complex, according On 18 and 19 May, Tveit continued in 2010 was 25 percent higher than in to Georgian officials. his trip with visits to Sibiu, where he met 2005. The number of abortions also de- Zaza Gogava, head of the Georgian leaders of the Lutheran Church of the clined by nearly 50 percent over the same border police, met his Azerbaijani coun- Augsburg Confession in Romania, and to five-year period. terpart Elchin Guliyev on the border be- Cluj, where he was received by leaders of Parents of the 400 babies baptized by tween the two countries on May 20 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ro- an array of priests Sunday said the Patri- discuss the recent controversy, which was mania and the Reformed Church in Ro- arch was instrumental in their decision to caused after the repositioning of Azerbai- mania. have a third or fourth child. jani border guards on May 6 in a disputed “The position of the churches in Ro- "This is a wonderful day for my fami- border section running through the monas- mania is a very strong one. They play an ly," said Tamar Kapanadze, a 33-year-old tery complex, no longer allowing visitors important role in many dimensions of dai- father of four. "Our fourth son, Lashko, from Georgia to access some of the sites ly life,” said Tveit. was baptized by the Patriarch himself, and of the complex. “There are many inspiring dimensions before this he baptized our daughter “The agreement has been reached, of church life in Romania, which are also Liziko. This is why we decided to have a that before the complete resolution of [the influencing other trends in Europe. How- fourth child." border] issue, everyone will have access ever, a huge problem for the whole society Lamara Georgadze, whose fourth to this part of Davit Gareji without any is the migration of highly qualified people child was among those baptized on Sun- restrictions. The Georgian side takes a to other European countries, which has a day, said she and her husband also an- commitment that no one, going to that part deep impact on the churches as well,” swered the Patriarch's call to have more of the Gareji complex, will access Azer- added Tveit. children. baijani territory from this part of [the A common theme in the various meet- "The Holy Father reminded us all of monastery complex],” Giga Bokeria, sec- ings was the solidarity and practical coop- the importance of increasing the birth retary of the Georgian National Security eration necessary among WCC member rate," she said. "There are too few of us Council, told the Georgian public broad- churches for the adequate support of Georgians and therefore this is very im- caster’s weekly program Accents on Sun- Christian mission and social ministry portant." day. throughout the nation. Saakashvili has set a goal of increas- A portion of the Davit Gareji com- While in Bucharest, the general secre- ing Georgia's population from 4.5 million plex with its cave monasteries is one of tary was formally introduced to Romanian to 5 million by 2015. the major stumbling blocks in border de- president Traian Basescu. Since coming to power in 2004, Saa- marcation talks ongoing for many years During his meeting with the presi- kashvili has focused on modernizing and already between Georgia and Azerbaijan. dent, Tveit spoke about state-church rela- expanding the economy, attracting foreign During the Soviet times the monastery tionships, churches in Romania and the investment and pushing for closer ties complex was split by an administrative role of the WCC in promoting ecumenical with the United States and Europe. With border with a major part of the complex concerns. Georgia's population aging, he is eager to falling within Georgia and another portion Basescu expressed his appreciation see a new generation born that could help within Azerbaijan. Since the collapse of for the visit and stressed the significance secure the country's future. the Soviet Union the two countries have of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which In his annual address to parliament in been trying in vain to agree on the border has always “known how to have good February, he said the government would demarcation. relations with the other churches in Ro- give parents a one-time payment the The monastery complex, construction mania.” equivalent of about $600 for a third child of which started in the 6th century, is lo- Tveit also appeared on a theological and double that amount for a fourth child. cated in the Gareji semi-desert about 70 panel discussion broadcast by Trinitas- "This will help raise the birth rate," kilometers southeast of Tbilisi. It is one TV, the television network of the Romani- Saakashvili said. "The Patriarch has al- of Georgia’s important cultural and reli- an Orthodox Patriarchate. – WCC Press ready taken steps in this direction. We gious heritage sites and the home of Release, May 21. should be thankful to him for continually Georgian Orthodox monks. reminding the Georgian people that we Until May 6, 2012 visitors from HE PATRIARCH OF THE GEORGIAN should multiply." Georgia were able to freely access part of ORTHODOX CHURCH PRESIDED The president and his Dutch wife complex, including the Udabno monas- T OVER THE BAPTISM OF HUNDREDS have two children. -- Misha Dzhindzhi- tery, made up of caves cut into the rocks OF BABIES IN THE TBILISI CATHEDRAL ON khashvili for AP, May 7. across the ridge, which has strategic im- SUNDAY AS PART OF AN EFFORT CREDITED portance since both Georgian and Azer- WITH HELPING RAISE THE BIRTH RATE IN OLLOWING TALKS BETWEEN THE baijani territories can be easily monitored THIS FORMER SOVIET NATION. AZERBAIJANI AND GEORGIAN PRESI- from that high ground. Patriarch Ilia II has promised to be- F DENTS IN CHICAGO, HEADS OF THE From May 6 Azerbaijani border come the godfather of all babies born into BORDER GUARD SERVICES OF THE TWO guards redeployed, no longer allowing Orthodox Christian families who already COUNTRIES MET ON MAY 20 AND AGREED visitors to access the area. Local Orthodox have two or more children. Since he began THAT THE STATUS QUO WOULD BE monks, however, were still able to move the mass baptisms in 2008, he has gained RESTORED IN THE DISPUTED SECTION OF unhindered.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 12. After the news about it first broke in but rather in humility He emptied Himself parishes and missions and one monastery. the Georgian media on May 11, the issue and was found in the likeness of a serv- – OCA Press Release, May 5. was picked up on by opposition coalition ant.” Georgian Dream, one of whose members, Bishop-elect Alexander continued by OLY DORMITION OF THE MOTHER Zviad Dzidziguri of the Conservative Par- saying, “They are very different images, OF GOD IN RIVES JUNCTION, ty, traveled to the area on May 13. Next the first set revelatory of the splendor of H MICHIGAN, PROVIDED THE SETTING day he alleged that the move by the Azer- heaven, and the second of the humility, FOR THE SPRING SESSION OF THE HOLY baijani border guards was probably not a long-suffering, and charity of our Lord’s SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE ORTHODOX unilateral decision and accused the Geor- life and ministry. My first conclusion is CHURCH IN AMERICA May 7-10, 2012. gian authorities of having a “secret” deal that I must keep this difference firmly in In addition to reviewing a variety of with Azerbaijan. mind throughout my life as bishop, by matters affecting the life of the Church, The issue drew more controversy which I mean the glory of the liturgical the hierarchs participated in the daily cy- internally in Georgia after its Deputy For- iconography should have no place in my cle of services at the monastery, including eign Minister, Nino Kalandadze, said that office and day-to-day demeanor. My ac- the Divine Liturgy, which provided an the portion of the monastery complex in tions, my patterns of speech, my service in essential spiritual dimension to their un- question was not in fact “a disputed terri- short, is to be determined by the example dertakings. They also visited the Ascen- tory,” because during the Soviet times it given us by God the Word Himself.” sion of the Lord Monastery, Clinton, MI, was within the Azerbaijani borders. Simi- Raised at Saint Innocent Church, Tar- and the Vatra, the headquarters of the lar remarks were made by Minister of zana, CA, Bishop Alexander received a OCA’s Romanian Episcopate, Grass Lake, Culture and Monuments Protection Ni- Bachelor of Arts degree in English from MI. koloz Rurua. The remarks came as a sur- the University of California at Berkeley His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, prise, triggering wave of criticism, includ- and a Master of Divinity degree from presided at the opening Divine Liturgy ing from the Georgian Orthodox Church. Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. He spent sev- and the sessions. In his address to his fel- Later Kalandadze said she was misunder- en years pursuing doctoral studies at Ox- low hierarchs, he offered a comprehensive stood; she, however, also acknowledged ford University in England under His Em- overview of his activities and ministries. that misunderstanding could have possibly inence, Metropolitan Kallistos [Ware]. The members of the Holy Synod also ap- been partly caused by her failure to articu- During this time, he also spent two years proved his travel schedule, as presented. late position properly. in Greece, including one year at Simonos Highlights of the session include the National Security Council Secretary, Petras Monastery on Mount Athos. following. Giga Bokeria, said in a televised interview After receiving his D.Phil. in 1980, * In his report to the Holy Synod, on May 20 that 66% of the border be- Bishop Alexander returned to the US. He Archpriest John Jillions, Chancellor, re- tween Georgia and Azerbaijan was agreed was ordained to the diaconate in January viewed his work at the Chancery, spoke of and expressed hope for the completion of 1982 and to the priesthood two years later. the good working relationship he main- negotiations on the border delimitation In 1986, he was tonsured to monastic or- tains with Metropolitan Jonah, and cited and demarcation soon. Bokeria said that it ders. He served OCA missions in northern the professionalism of the other officers was the goal of the Georgian side to have California and headed the Diocese of the and members of the Chancery staff. He the entire David Gareji monastery com- West’s mission committee. summarized the work of a number of plex within the Georgian territories. – In 1989, Bishop Alexander took a committees and updated the hierarchs on a Civil Georgia, May 20. teaching position with the Theology De- number of other current issues. partment at Marquette University in Mil- * Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Secretary, RCHIMANDRITE ALEXANDER waukee, WI, a position which he left at updated the hierarchs on staff changes and [GOLITZIN] WAS CONSECRATED the end of April this year. While teaching the development of job descriptions for A BISHOP OF TOLEDO AND THE at Marquette University, he had been at- department chairs. He also reported on the BULGARIAN DIOCESE DURING A HIERAR- tached to Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Health Plan. CHICAL DIVINE LITURGY PRESIDED OVER Church, Milwaukee, WI. For 22 years he * In her comprehensive report, Ms. BY METROPOLITAN JONAH AT SAINT preached, taught and served at Saints Cyr- Melanie Ringa, Treasurer, noted that a GEORGE ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL IN il and Methodius Church, and witnessed surplus was realized at the conclusion of ROSSFORD, OHIO, on Saturday, May 5, to the Gospel and to Orthodox Christian the first quarter of 2012. She also reported 2012. theology at Marquette University. He that, with the approval of the Metropolitan On the evening of Friday, May 4, helped attract a dozen Orthodox Christian Council, a bequest has been used to pay prior to celebrating Great Vespers, Bish- students to doctoral work in theology at down the Honesdale National Bank loan. op-elect Alexander made his public ac- Marquette. Further, she updated the hierarchs with ceptance of his election. In his address he Bishop Alexander becomes the se- regard to an estate that had been left to the stated that, “when standing before the holy cond Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian OCA. altar at the anaphora, the bishop images Diocese. He succeeds His Eminence, the * Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky of the the one and unique High Priest, Christ, late Archbishop Kirill [Yonchev]. Arch- Department of External Affairs updated Who acts through His celebrant.” He then bishop Kirill had overseen the diocese the hierarchs on a number of recent devel- added that, “while it is true that our Lord from 1964 to 2007; in 1976, Archbishop opments throughout the Orthodox world. Jesus is true God and true King, it is also Kirill brought the diocese under the omo- In related news, the members of the Holy true that He did not come to us, His crea- phorion of the Orthodox Church in Amer- Synod appointed His Grace, Bishop Alex- tures, with the pomp and splendor of the ica. ander of Toledo and the Bulgarian Dio- King, attended by the legions of heaven, The Bulgarian Diocese includes 19 cese chair of the Department of External

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 13. Affairs. nature under that of the previous bishop. on the current construction of a Patriar- * In other episcopal appointments, the * In response to a proposal of Metro- chal complex in northern Iraq which is hierarchs confirmed His Eminence, Arch- politan Jonah, diocesan bishops with five intended to be the centre of the Assyrian bishop Nathaniel as Chair of the Holy years’ tenure will be elevated to the digni- Church of the East following its comple- Synod Canonical Commission and the ty of Archbishop. Hence, His Grace, tion. Holy Synod Canonization Commission. Bishop Nikon; His Grace, Bishop TIkhon; His Holiness put to His Excellency * In response to questions presented by His Grace, Bishop Benjamin; and His the Permanent Representative, the desire Father Tosi concerning the Procedures for Grace, Bishop Alejo were congratulated of the Assyrian Church of the East to see Petitioning for Ordination and the logis- on their elevations. Statements will be Iraq become a model of peace and securi- tics of conducting psychological evalua- issued to their respective dioceses con- ty in the Middle East region. tions, the members of the Holy Synod cerning this decision. At the conclusion of the meeting, His reaffirmed that all candidates for ordina- * The hierarchs formally noted that Excellency Dr Al-Bayati presented a gift tion — as well as clergy wishing to trans- Sunday, May 6, 2012 marked the 10th to the Catholicos Patriarch. In turn, the fer into the OCA — must undergo the anniversary of the late Bishop Innocent Catholicos Patriarch presented His Excel- approved battery of psychological evalua- [Gula]. May his memory be eternal! lency with a commemorative memento tions. They further recommended that any Each diocesan hierarch offered a re- bearing an image of the Holy Cross and Bishop who does not have direct access to port on the life of his respective diocese. the insignia of the Assyrian Church of the the services offered at the seminaries In closed sessions, the hierarchs addressed East. should retain the services of a local psy- a number of legal and related matters. Also present during the meeting was chologist. Each bishop is also encouraged The members of the Holy Synod ex- the Rev. Archdeacon Shlemon Khazqiel to solicit mental health professionals to pressed their deep gratitude to Archbishop as well as Dr Odisho Khoshaba Primo, assist in interpreting test results. Nathaniel for his hospitality in hosting the Sheba Mando, Yonadam Youkhana and * The hierarchs requested that the OCA meeting and to Abbess Gabriella and the Bobby Youkhana. – Assyrian Church of Clergy Guidelines and Policies, Standards nuns of Holy Dormition Monastery. His the East News, May 14. and Procedures for Sexual Misconduct be Grace, Bishop Ireneu, the monks of Holy translated into Spanish, Russian and Ascension Monastery, and the Vatra staff IS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI French. also were thanked for hosting the hier- SENT THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO * With regard to OCA clergy being archs’ visits.. – OCA Press Release, May H HIS HOLINESS MAR DINKHA IV, placed “on loan” to serve in other jurisdic- 11. CATHOLICOS PATRIARCH OF THE tions, the hierarchs reaffirmed their previ- ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST, ON THE ous decision that, especially in long-term The Assyrian Church of the East OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF cases, this should be discouraged. HIS CONSECRATION AS A BISHOP: * Protodeacon Peter Danilchick and IS HOLINESS MAR DINKHA IV, The Golden Jubilee of the episcopal Eric Namee, members of the Secretariat of CATHOLICOS PATRIARCH OF THE consecration of Your Holiness, which has the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox H ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST, culminated in your distinguished ministry Bishops in North and Cental America, HAS WELCOMED TO THE CHICAGO as Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian offered a presentation on the Assembly’s PATRIARCHATE, BOTH HIS EXCELLENCY Church of the East, offers me the oppor- work. They emphasized the importance of DR HAMID AL-BAYATI, PERMANENT tunity to extend my congratulations and inter-Orthodox efforts on the grass roots REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF prayerful good wishes to you. level while fielding a number of questions IRAQ to the United Nations, and Dr Wil- I thank the Lord for the many bless- ranging from organizational concerns to liam Eshaya, the Deputy Permanent Rep- ings he has bestowed on the Assyrian the endorsement of Orthodox military resentative of the Republic of Iraq. Church of the East through your ministry, chaplains. In a related matter, Thaddeus It is noteworthy that Dr Eshaya is a and I am grateful for your commitment to Wojcik, OCA General Counsel, offered member of the Assyrian Church of the promoting constructive dialogue, fruitful comments on the Assembly’s articles of East. cooperation and growing friendship be- incorporation and by-laws. During the meeting, on 6 May, the tween our Churches. I recall your pres- * In response to questions of a pastoral general political and social condition of ence at the funeral of John Paul II and, nature vis-à-vis non-Chalcedonian Chris- Iraq was discussed, as well as general previously, your 1994 visit to Rome to tians, the members of the Holy Synod human rights concerns of the Assyrian sign a Common Declaration on Christolo- reaffirmed that they are received into the people and their status as the indigenous gy. The subsequent Joint Commission for Church through the sacraments of Confes- people of Iraq. Theological Dialogue between the Catho- sion and Communion. However, should The visiting delegation expressed the lic Church and the Assyrian Church of the they later return to their own Church, they hope that greater political and social sta- East has borne many fruits. I renew the no longer would be admitted to commun- bility in Iraq will stem the exodus of As- hope which I expressed during your visit ion in the Orthodox Church. syrian Christians from their ancestral to Rome in June 2007, that "the fruitful * Protocols associated with the Sacred homeland and that they may live in safety labor which the Commission has accom- Antimensia were reviewed. The hierarchs and security. plished over the years can continue, while reaffirmed that Antimensia should contain Terrorism targeting the Assyrian peo- never losing sight of the ultimate goal of relics of martyrs, although relics of Holy ple in Iraq and their persecution in recent our common journey towards the re- Confessors are acceptable. Antimensia years was a point of particular importance establishment of full communion.” may be replaced by a new bishop, who in the discussions. I wish also to reiterate my solidarity may also update them by placing his sig- His Holiness briefed the delegation with the Christian communities in Iraq and

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 14. throughout the Middle East, praying that ropolitan or a diocesan bishop from his serious circumstances, and that the present effective forms of common witness to the diocese to another. Consequently, it is a election does not represent such a serious Gospel and pastoral collaboration in the violation of the Canons to choose the Pa- circumstance. service of peace, reconciliation and unity triarch from among the metropolitans or It is therefore our humble and re- may be deepened between the Catholic diocesan bishops. spectful opinion that a diocesan bishop and Assyrian faithful. 2. Throughout its history, our Coptic should not be considered for election to Your Holiness, on this significant Church has abided by Her Canons and the Patriarchate of Alexandria at this time. anniversary, I pray that the love of God Tradition. Moreover, as we explained We pray for the peace of the Church the Father may enfold you, the wisdom of above, Her Holy Synod excommunicated and that the Lord may repose the soul of the Son enlighten you and the fire of the the seekers of this position from the dioc- our beloved father, the thrice-blessed Holy Spirit continue to inspire you. esan bishops, or anyone who may assist Pope Abba Shenouda III, with his saints, With sentiments of respect, I extend them in this endeavor, in 1865. We recite and to appoint for us a shepherd who will to Your Holiness a fraternal embrace in the supporting wording here: “Everyone attend to His people in purity and right- Jesus Christ our Savior. BENEDICTUS who requests this rank, from the ordained eousness. – Website of the British Ortho- PP. XVI. – Vatican website. bishops or metropolitans ‘of the Sees,’ dox Church, May 31. tried to seek it, or has accepted it, or if The Oriental Orthodox Churches anyone helped him to obtain it, priest, an N MAY 15, UNDER THE PRESI- archpriest, or a lay person, let him be ex- DENCY OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN HIS IS A STATEMENT BY THE CLERGY communicated.” O II, SUPREME PATRIARCH AND SYNOD OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX 3. When the Church did not follow CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS, A T DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES AND these Canons and Tradition, which She SUPREME SPIRITUAL COUNCIL MEETING HAWAII REGARDING THE NON-CANONICAL kept since Her inception, we have learned WAS HELD IN MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ACTION OF CHOOSING THE PATRIARCH from the failed outcome of these attempts, ETCHMIADZIN. The meeting was attended FROM AMONG THE DIOCESAN BISHOPS: which is the wisdom of the Church and by Diocesan Primates from Armenia, Under the auspices of His Grace Her canons in forbidding the choice of the bishops and lay members. During the Bishop Serapion, the bishop of the Dio- Patriarch from among the metropolitans meeting, diocesan, liturgical and discipli- cese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and diocesan bishops. nary issues were discussed. and Hawaii, we, the clergy, have re- We pray for the peace of the Church At the opening of the meeting, a re- searched and studied the canons pertain- and that the Lord may repose the soul of view was made of the recent tragic events ing to the selection of the Patriarch from our beloved father, the thrice-blessed of an earthquake and flood in Georgia, among the diocesan bishops or metropoli- Pope Abba Shenouda III, with His saints, during which citizens of Georgia were tans. This occurred at two consecutive and to appoint for us a shepherd who will killed. Members of the council expressed clergy meetings, one on Thursday, May 3, attend to His people in purity and right- their condolences to the people of Geor- followed by another on Tuesday, May 8, eousness. – Website of the Coptic Diocese gia, Georgian authorities and to the Geor- 2012, whereupon, after fervent prayers, of Los Angeles. gian Orthodox Church. research, and discussions, we came to the The council also noted, with deep following resolutions: T THE CLERGY SYNOD OF THE regret, the collapse of the bell tower on First, the Patriarch is the Archbishop BRITISH ORTHODOX CHURCH HELD the St. Nshan Armenian Church of Tbilisi. of Alexandria. Thus, all of the church A ON WEDNESDAY 30TH MAY 2012, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakahnian, canons pertaining to the moving of a dioc- AT THE CHURCH SECRETARIAT IN LONDON, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of esan bishop to another are applicable to UNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF HIS EMINENCE Georgian, provided information to the his enthronement. METROPOLITAN SERAPHIM OF GLASTON- members on the emergency situation, and Second, the tradition and canons of BURY, the members of the Synod consid- the steps taken in reaction to the situation the Holy Church forbid the selection of ered with great care and attention the at the St. Nshan Church. the Patriarch from among the Metropoli- statement issued by His Grace Bishop The Primate was advised to continue tans and Diocesan Bishops. […] Serapion, of the Diocese of Los Angeles, working with relevant Georgian authori- Third, the history of our Coptic Or- Southern California and Hawaii, together ties to speed up the repair efforts to the St. thodox Church testifies to our steadfast with his Clergy Synod, meeting on Thurs- Nshan Church, as well as to carry on his commitment to these canons. In recent day 3rd May and Tuesday 8th May, 2012 efforts in securing the return of the col- history, between the years 1928-1956, and concerning the selection of diocesan lapsed Shamkhoretsots Red Gospel and within a span of less than thirty years, an bishops as candidates for election as the Mughnetsots St. Gevork churches. exception was made to these Canons when Patriarch of Alexandria. The Supreme Spiritual Council also three diocesan metropolitans were en- The Synod, finding itself in complete expressed hope that the Georgian authori- throned on the See of St. Mark. Thus, agreement with the explanation of the ties would respond to the applications, and among the previous one hundred and sev- canons and traditions of the Coptic Ortho- restore the rights of the Armenian Diocese enteen Patriarchs of greatly diversified dox Patriarchate found in the statement of Georgia to administer to the Armenian backgrounds, only three diocesan metro- issued by the Diocese of Los Angeles, historical sanctuaries, thus enabling the politans were enthroned. wishes to express its own view that the diocese and her faithful brave sons to pro- In light of the preceding concise canons and traditions lead us to under- vide them with proper care, sparing fur- study, we, the clergy, conclude: stand that the translation of a diocesan ther damage and collapse. 1. All the Canons and the Tradition bishop to the Patriarchate of Alexandria During the meeting a number of prob- of the Church forbid the transfer of a met- should be avoided outside of the most lems related to Diocesan activities were

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 15. discussed, in regards to church property Busan, Korea in 2013. He invited partici- tholicos thanked the Emir of Abu Dhabi, and grounds. A recommendation was pants to consider what the theme means the benefactors of the new church and the made to the Diocesan Primates to: under- for the Armenian Church, both in Armenia members of the community. -- Press Re- take high-quality work; compile a com- and in the United States. lease, Great House of Cilicia, May 7. prehensive inventory of church properties “A church like yours, which knows so in each diocese; and take measures to en- much about the longing for justice and HE FIFTH MEETING OF THE INTER- sure their maintenance and protection for peace, has much to offer others who need RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE, WHICH WAS proper use. They were also assigned the the WCC to support their efforts towards T INITIATED SOME 15 YEARS AGO BY task of hastening the listing and submis- just peace,” said Tveit. HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AND AYATOLLAH sion process for historical-cultural monu- “Friendship is a biblical quality. We TASKHIRI, WAS HELD ON MONDAY 14 MAY ment churches and sanctuaries, which are are called to a unity of friendship, sharing IN TEHRAN. not legally registered to the Mother See of our gifts and our challenges,” he added. The theme of the meeting was “The Holy Etchmiadzin. The council stressed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, pri- role of religion in promoting ethical val- that this was a necessary process for effec- mate of the Diocese of the Armenian ues in society.” The introductory remarks tive management and upkeep of properties Church of America (Eastern), said in a were made by Dr. Mohammed Reza within each Diocese. letter to Tveit, “We feel that your pres- Dehshiri, Vice president, Center of Re- The Supreme Spiritual Council was ence among us is an excellent opportunity search, Education and Academic Ex- informed that His Eminence Archbishop to express our gratitude to the WCC as an change and by Archbishop Sebouh Yeznik Petrosian, General Secretary of ecumenical organization and to call atten- Sarkissian, the Primate of the Armenians the Bible Society of Armenia, was ap- tion to your own singular efforts to of Tehran. Ayatollah Taskhiri as the first pointed by Pontifical Order to serve as the acknowledge the Armenian Church’s director of the Center greeted the confer- Vicar in the Tavush Province. – Press place within the large worldwide ecumen- ence highly appreciating the role of His Release, Holy Etchmiadzin, May 15. ical movement – as shown in your recent Holiness Aram I in promoting interreli- trip to our homeland.” – WCC Press Re- gious dialogue on the global level. The HE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES lease, May 8. inaugural speech was given by Dr. Mo- (WCC) GENERAL SECRETARY REV. hammed Bagher Korramshed, president of T DR OLAV FYKSE TVEIT WAS N FRIDAY 4 MAY 2012, HIS the Organization of Culture and Islamic HONORED WITH THE “FRIEND OF THE HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I OF Relations. He emphasized the importance ARMENIANS” AWARD BY THE DIOCESE OF O CILICIA PRESIDED OVER THE HOLY of dialogue and the centrality of moral THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF AMERICA LITURGY AT THE GREEK ORTHODOX values for Islam. (EASTERN) in the United States, as an CHURCH IN ABU DHABI TEMPORARILY The keynote address was given by acknowledgement of his efforts to support OFFERED TO THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY. His Holiness Aram I. His Holiness con- Armenian churches throughout the world. In his sermon he spoke of the three mo- sidered the moral values the core of reli- Tveit was presented with the award in ments of the Holy Liturgy: remembering gion. He said that “Religion has its divine a ceremony that took place on 4 May in the Last Supper of Jesus, participating in and human dimensions. Distinction be- Springfield, Massachusetts as part of the the Holy Eucharist and witnessing for the tween these two dimensions is important. Annual Assembly of the Diocese of the faith by living the Gospel message and Revelation as a God given reality gener- Armenian Church of America. serving the community. ates human response, which is affected by The diocese has periodically honored At the end of the Liturgy, His Holi- time and space.” Speaking about moral selected public figures with the “Friend of ness greeted and blessed the faithful indi- values, Aram I said that they touch all the Armenians” award. They are recog- vidually and then moved with his entou- aspects of life. His Holiness emphasized nized as having shown special concern rage to the location of the future Church. that “moral values should sustain and and support for the Armenian community. The Catholicos was accompanied by the govern the life of a society, otherwise it Past recipients of this distinction included Catholicosal Vicar of the Diocese of Ku- may lose its identity and direction and US ambassadors Harry Gilmore and John wait and the United Arab Emirates Bishop disintegrate.” His Holiness identified three Evans, John Cardinal O’Connor, Rabbi Shahe Panossian, the Ambassador of Ar- areas of concern: relativism of moral val- Arthur Schneier, US senators Edward menia to the Gulf Region, the Honorary ues, politicization of moral values, and Kennedy, Robert Dole and Robert Ambassador of Armenia to Der Zor, and increasing decay of moral values. Accord- Menedez, and Massachusetts Governor the representatives of the Armenian com- ing to Aram I, “Dialogue is an efficient Deval Patrick. munities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar. way of creating mutual understanding and During the event, Tveit spoke about The Scout’s band of the pan-Armenian peaceful coexistence among nations.” The the strong ecumenical engagement of the Sports Organization (HOMENETMEN) Catholicos considered lack of mutual trust Armenian Church in the United States and from Lebanon also came for the occasion. an evil force that dominates the life of reflected upon his visit to Armenia last According to the tradition of the Ar- many societies: “Religion should not cre- year when he stayed at the Mother See of menian Orthodox Church, Catholicos ate fear and mistrust but should generate Holy Etchmiadzin at the invitation of the Aram I blessed the 16 stones of the 16 mutual understanding, tolerance and Catholicos of All Armenians, Supreme columns of the church’s foundation that trust.” Patriarch Karekin II. were carried by 16 benefactors and wit- The keynote address of Aram I was Tveit introduced the audience to the nesses. His Holiness named the Church followed by the following presentations: theme of the WCC upcoming 10th As- The Holy Martyrs to commemorate the Dr. A. Gavahi, “Islamic ethical approach sembly “God of life, lead us to justice and 100th anniversary of the Armenian Geno- to society, politics and international rela- peace.” The assembly will take place in cide. At the end of the ceremony, the Ca- tion,” Mr. R. Biglarian “A glance at the

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 16. role of ethics in resolving international challenges facing our faithful in the Unit- Muslim neighborhoods, for months many crises with special reference to environ- ed States. After a brief question and an- families were too fearful to attend ser- ment issues,” Dr. M. Merghati “Ethics- swer period, His Eminence and Mon- vices, Christians here said. But a teacher jurisprudence relations and their compati- signor Radano expressed their earnest at a Christian school said life is better now bility in today’s human issues,” Archbish- desire to continue to expand their ecumen- than before. op Sebouh Sarkissian “Fundaments of ical dialogue through continuing mutual "The crisis is almost over," she said, morality in Christianity,” Dr. K. N. Bar- visits and forums for cooperation. – Press asking her name be withheld because she zegar “The ethical culture of Muslims to Release, Syrian Orthodox Eastern Dio- feared retribution. "Our church was full on impact peaceful coexistence,” Ms. Emilia cese, May 2012. Easter Sunday; last year, it was practically Nersisians “An historical approach to eth- empty. We were allowed to parade around ics and trade with special reference to ANI SARHAN IS A CHRISTIAN WHO the town, when last year we could only go Isfahan during the Safavid era,” Dr. H. SAYS NONE OF HIS RELATIVES in the street outside the church." Shomali “The social aspects of Islamic H WORKS WITH BASHAR ASSAD'S Yet Christian communities elsewhere ethics.” Each presentation was followed REGIME OR HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. have seen trouble. by discussion. "But what we heard from (the pro- A church in Homs, Um al-Zunnar, More than a hundred people attended testers) at the beginning of this revolution was badly damaged during the military's the conference. At the end of the confer- saying, 'Christians to Beirut, Alawites to monthlong shelling of the city in Febru- ence, a joint statement was issued. The the coffin,' started us thinking about the ary. Christians in Homs said the church statement emphasized the pivotal role of real aim of this revolution," he said. "So was attacked by "foreign-backed armed moral values and called for better rela- from this point of view, fearing for my gangs." Syrian state TV aired interviews tions and greater collaboration between life, I declared my support for President with civilians who said the rockets were religions in general and Christianity and Assad." fired from the mountains dividing Syria Islam in particular. The statement recalled Muslims dominate this nation of 22 from Lebanon, where rebels have arms- that: “The religions of the world, besides million people, but Christians can be smuggling routes. their differences, have also common val- found at all levels of Syrian government, The uprising has also hurt Christians' ues and share common perspectives and business and military, reports Religion standard of living. approaches with respect to global issues News Service via USA Today. The 2 mil- Foreign visitors are nowhere to be and challenges. Therefore, we believe that lion Christians here trace their roots to seen in the Christian neighborhood of Bab developing a common and global ethical ancient communities and have survived Touma in central Damascus, a once- framework could provide a firm basis for under many rulers as Christian enclaves in popular tourist attraction characterized by religions and particularly to divine reli- other Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, winding alleyways, traditional Arab-style gions for joint action.” – Press Release, have withered. hotels and ancient churches. Great House of Cilicia, May 15. The rebellion of hundreds of thou- In 2010, tourists from the Persian sands of Muslims against Assad that be- Gulf, Europe and North America added T AN INVITATION EXTENDED gan in March 2011 has not seen Christians $8 billion to the Syrian economy. Since THROUGH MONSIGNOR JOHN A. abandon their support for the Alawites, the revolt began, Syria's tourism sector A RADANO OF SETON HALL the Muslim sect to which Assad belongs has dropped off by 60 percent, according UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, IN and that has controlled Syria for decades. to the Tourism Ministry, and Christian COOPERATION WITH THE COMMISSION ON Christians have largely remained quiet as businesses are among those suffering. CHRISTIAN UNITY OF THE ROMAN Assad's forces pummeled rebel cities and These days, many conversations in CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK, towns with artillery, killing close to the close-knit communities turn to "the OUR ARCHBISHOP MOR CYRIL APHREM 10,000 people, according to the United crisis," as it is called. Families watch Arab KARIM VISITED THE CAMPUS OF SETON Nations. television broadcasts by the extremist HALL UNIVERSITY in South Orange, New Many of Syria's Christians continue Salafist sheik Adnan Arour, who from Jersey. The purpose of the invitation was to stand by the regime not out of support exile in Saudi Arabia calls for jihad intended to cultivate a continuing dialogue for Assad but out of fear of civil war if against the Assad regime and death to between the Archdiocese of Newark and rebels gain strength, or worse, if they win those who actively support it. our own and other members of the Orien- and install an Islamist government that's Pro-regime commentators on state- tal Orthodox Churches. hostile to religious minorities. run Syrian TV pounce on figures such as Following a visit and luncheon at the Qatana, a town 20 miles southwest of Arour and say Assad is all that stands be- School of Theology where he met with the Damascus, is home to a Christian commu- tween extreme Islam and stability. Chris- heads of various departments, and a brief nity of several hundred families. Protests tians here talk of letters sent to churches tour of the campus, His Eminence pre- here against the Assad regime have saying they are the next to go after Assad, sented a lecture at the University’s Chapel prompted military incursions and clashes and a mortar that struck a monastery in the of the Immaculate Conception entitled, between renegade soldiers and the regular Christian town of Saidnaya, north of Da- “The History and Mission of the Syrian army. At checkpoints surrounding the mascus, was blamed on rebels. Orthodox Church.” He touched on several town, some Christians chat to Alawite There is little evidence that the rebels important points in the course of his security officers. Others offer water and are responsible for such acts, and Chris- presentation, including our Church’s dedi- whiskey. tians here say Arour does not appear to cation to ecumenism, our long and diffi- Christians firmly believe that the have a lot of support. But recent suicide cult history of persecution and oppression Alawite regime will keep them safe. With bombings in Syria have the look of al- over the centuries, as well as the various the town's two churches located in Sunni Qaida, which seeks Islamic law over all.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 17. Many Christians simply do not want to THE ITALO-ALBANIANS, ITALY, AS BISHOP 150,000 foreign adherents. upset their way of living in a country OF THE SAME EPARCHY (area 493, popula- Minority churches have often com- where their fate will always be decided by tion 33,400, Catholics 32,300, priests 39, plained of discrimination in Greece, where Muslims, according to Syria experts. permanent deacons 1, religious 28). The the Orthodox Church of Greece tradition- Christian doctors, lawyers and den- bishop-elect was born in Cosenza, Italy in ally claims the loyalty of 97 percent of the tists have established successful and stable 1956 and ordained a priest in 1982. population of 10.4 million. – Jonathan careers. Others occupy leading positions Among other roles he has served as a pas- Luxmoore for ENI, May 15. in the Syrian army, though a new constitu- tor, director of the eparchial office for tion mandates the head of state must be catechesis, bursar and secretary of Lun- HILE THEIR NUMBERS ARE SMALL Muslim. gro's Institute for Religious Sciences. – AND THEIR MATERIAL RESOUR- "They do support (Assad) and are VIS, May 12. W CES ARE FEW, MEMBERS OF THE feeling quite anxious," said Joshua Landis, EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN THE director of the Center for Middle East SENIOR GREEK PROTESTANT HAS UNITED STATES HAVE MUCH TO OFFER THE Studies at the University of Oklahoma and WARNED THAT MINORITY DENOMI- COUNTRY IN TERMS OF THEIR FIDELITY TO a Syria expert. "Even so, there are plenty A NATIONS "FACE DISASTER" DUE TO CHRIST despite persecution and their of Christians (in Syria) who believe that THE COUNTRY'S WORSENING ECONOMIC deeply religious cultures, said Cardinal democracy in the long run is the best pro- CRISIS. Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congrega- tection for Christians." -- Stephen Starr "Heavy taxation, high unemployment tion for Eastern Churches. and S. Akminas for ENI, May 15. and all our other difficulties are fast- Eastern Catholics "are a bridge" sup- forwarding us to collapse," said Dimitrios porting Catholics in their homelands with The Catholic Churches Boukis, general secretary of the Greek prayers, advocacy and financial support Evangelical church, which has 29 congre- while at the same time enriching the Unit- IS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI gations in two regional synods in Greece ed States with their cultural and religious HAS APPOINTED BISHOP ANTONI and other communities abroad. identity, Cardinal Sandri told U.S. bishops H DZIEMIANKO, Auxiliary Bishop of "We receive no state support and are from the Chaldean, Ruthenian, Maronite, Minsk-Mohilev. Belarus, as bishop of fully dependent on our members, and Ukrainian, Armenian, Melkite, Syriac and Pinsk (area 72,700, population 3,141,000, we're already short of pastors because we Romanian Catholic churches. Catholics 50,500, priests 48, religious 78), can't afford them. The pastors we have are The cardinal met with the 14 bishops Belarus. – VIS, May 3. having to handle everything because we May 15 to discuss a wide variety of com- can't employ staff, so some congregations mon concerns at the beginning of the N THE MORNING OF MAY 5, THE will end up without any spiritual care." bishops' "ad limina" visits to the Vatican. HOLY FATHER RECEIVED IN The Evangelical pastor, a central Earlier in the morning, the cardinal was O AUDIENCE BAMIR TOPI, PRESIDENT committee member of the Conference of the main celebrant and homilist at a Mass OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA. The presi- European Churches, was speaking as Pres- with the bishops in St. Peter's Basilica. dent subsequently went on to meet with ident Karolos Papoulias made a last-ditch The heads of every diocese or epar- Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Ber- attempt to persuade Greece's politicians to chy -- as the Eastern Catholic jurisdictions tone S.D.B. who was accompanied by form an emergency government after the are known -- send detailed reports on their Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secre- two main parties responsible for enforcing dioceses to the Vatican before the "ad tary for Relations with States. a harsh fiscal stability plan were trounced limina" visits. A communique released by the Holy by smaller radical groupings in 6 May Summarizing what was common in See Press Office states that, "during their elections. the reports of the Eastern Catholic dioces- cordial discussions the parties highlighted In an ENInews interview on 14 May, es, Cardinal Sandri said, "Your territories the good relations that exist between the he said church incomes had fallen 40 per- are enormous, and your communities often Holy See and the Republic of Albania, cent in the last year, after dropping 30 find themselves far from each other. Some and turned their attention to questions of percent in 2010-11, causing "great diffi- of the eparchies are young and still in mutual interest regarding relations be- culties" in pension provisions and other need of adequate structures." Many of the tween the ecclesial and civil communities, areas of parish finance. dioceses -- some of which cover the entire including inter-religious dialogue and the Among other church reactions, the United States or even the United States Church's contribution in the fields of edu- president of Greece's Roman Catholic and Canada -- have few financial re- cation and social care. Consideration was Bishops Conference, Bishop Fragiskos sources and the situation has been "exac- also given to Albania's journey towards Papamanolis, told the Rome-based erbated by the economic crisis," the cardi- full integration into the European Union. Servizio Informazione Religiosa that nal said. Finally, the parties exchanged opinions on Greece had been "led to poverty" by aus- The arrival of new immigrants, many the current international and regional situ- terity plans. fleeing persecution in places like Iraq, ation, with particular focus on the eco- He added that taxes on the Catholic have increased the size of several of the nomic crisis.” – VIS, May 7. church had risen 48 percent in the past Eastern churches, like the Chaldean Cath- year, making most dioceses unable to pay. olic Church. But the cardinal said other N MAY 12 IT WAS MADE PUBLIC "People are starving here, and we've Eastern churches, whose membership is THAT THE HOLY FATHER HAD nothing left to give those who knock on composed largely of people who have O APPOINTED FR. ARCHIMANDRITE our doors," he said the bishop, whose been in the United States for several gen- DONATO OLIVERIO, DELEGATE "AD church's four archdioceses have 50,000 erations, "are experiencing a dramatic OMNIA" OF THE EPARCHY OF LUNGRO OF ethnic Greek members and around fall" in their numbers.

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 18. "You are not immune to the same ing tide of religious intolerance. May your March sermon, the metropolitan invoked corrosive effect on morals and family life courage and confidence convince the mul- an anathema against Pope Benedict XVI as are your fellow Latin Catholics," Car- titudes that without God there is no peace, as well as against Protestants, Jews, Mus- dinal Sandri said. no prosperity, no salvation." – Cindy lims and ecumenists. All the churches are hurting for cler- Wooden for CNS, May 15. The 200,000-member Catholic gy, he said. Even those that have a rela- Church has often complained of discrimi- tively high proportion of clergy to faithful N A TRADITIONAL ANNUAL MEETING nation in Greece, a European Union and are stretched by the great distances those COINCIDING WITH THE COMMEMORA- NATO member-state whose constitution priests must travel to minister to the faith- I TION OF THE FEAST OF STS. CYRIL AND declares Orthodoxy the "prevailing reli- ful. METHODIUS, THE HOLY FATHER THIS gion" and prohibits Bible translations The cardinal urged care in helping MORNING RECEIVED IN SEPARATE without Orthodox consent. young people discern their vocation, AUDIENCES Rosen Plevneliev, president of On May 7, the bishops' conference "maintaining formation programs, inte- the Republic of Bulgaria, and Nikola said it would take action in the European grating immigrant priests (and) embracing Gruevski, prime minister of the former Court of Human Rights against Greece's celibacy in respect of the ecclesial con- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, each failure to provide equal rights and legal text" of the United States where mandato- accompanied by a delegation. The delega- status for the Catholic Church. ry celibacy is the general rule for priests. tions subsequently went on to meet with The statement, published a day after During his homily at the morning Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Ber- inconclusive May 6 elections worsened Mass with the bishops at the tomb of St. tone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Greece's economic crisis, said the church Peter, Cardinal Sandri said, "Many people Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secre- would also protest the "unacceptable and today have come to doubt that there is still tary for Relations with States. – VIS, May offensive aggression" by Orthodox lead- holiness or honesty in the church and in 24. ers. – Jonathan Luxmoore for CNS, May the clergy. We must prove them wrong. 25. We can be a true community of saints who REECE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH shine as models of chastity and charity ACCUSED A LEADER OF THE AJOR ARCHBISHOP SVIATOSLAV before a culture in great need of this wit- G ORTHODOX CHURCH OF "INTOL- SHEVCHUK OF THE UKRAINIAN ness." ERANCE AND FANATICISM" AFTER HE SUED M GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH SENT The Eastern Catholic bishops formed A CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP FOR ILLEGAL A GREETING LETTER TO METROPOLITAN the last group of bishops from the United PROSELYTISM. VOLODYMYR OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHO- States making their visits "ad limina apos- "I hope the court rejects his petition, DOX CHURCH-MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE on tolorum" (to the threshold of the apostles) which has no legal or juridical basis," said the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his to pray at the tombs of the apostles Peter Nikolaos Gasparakis, spokesman for the ministry in the Kyiv cathedra. and Paul, to meet with Pope Benedict XVI Greek bishops' conference. "It's a pity he “I would like to greet you on the 20th and to visit Vatican officials to discuss doesn't say more about the plight of citi- anniversary of the service as the head of issues of common concern. zens during our grave economic crisis, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the As they did with the other groups, rather than just attacking Catholics." Kyiv Cathedra. I thank God for the gift of seminarians from the Pontifical North In April, Orthodox Metropolitan Ser- restoration of your health which allowed American College served as lectors, can- aphim of Piraeus filed suit against Athens you to return to full-fledged service as the tors and servers at the Eastern bishops' Archbishop Nikolaos Foskolos, for alleg- Head of the Church. On the eve of the Mass, but they were joined by Eastern-rite edly violating the Greek constitution by Lord’s great holy day of Descent of the seminarians studying at the Pontifical running a Catholic school in Piraeus. The Holy Spirit, I will pray to the One God in Russicum College. metropolitan cited Article 13 of Greece's the Holy Trinity asking Him to fill you Cardinal Sandri told the bishops that constitution, which prohibits proselytism. with all the necessary gifts for further ser- sometimes they might feel like the first In a May 24 interview with Catholic vice for the good and salvation of the apostles who, after having spent time with News Service, Gasparakis said Metropoli- flock entrusted to you,” reads the letter. Jesus, were sent out on mission "into a tan Seraphim's actions "infringed canoni- On 10 March 2012, Major Archbish- hostile world." cal rules" and "contradicted the Gospel," op Sviatoslav visited the head of the "You, dear Eastern bishops, as repre- but added that he was concerned other UOC-MP in the hospital on his own initia- sentatives of the diverse Eastern churches Orthodox leaders had not reacted to his tive. During the visit, he assured Metro- in the Catholic Church, are living symbols actions. politan Volodymyr of his constant prayer of the apostles who set out in all directions "In the 11 years since Pope John Paul for the metropolitan’s recovery, the In- from Jerusalem to establish Christian II visited our country, Greek society has formation Department of the UGCC re- communities. Like them you have encoun- become more tolerant and less hostile ported. – RISU¸ May 30. tered opposition, indifference and igno- toward Catholics," Gasparakis said. How- rance along the way," he said. ever, he said, that was not true of the Or- N MAY 30, 2012, THEIR EXCELLEN- Jesus knew the challenges his disci- thodox leaders. CIES THE MARONITE BISHOPS HELD ples would face, which is why he prom- In March, Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- O AT BKERKEH THEIR MONTHLY ised them the Holy Spirit, the cardinal tholomew I -- considered first among MEETING WHICH WAS PRESIDED OVER BY said. equals of the Orthodox Patriarchs -- wrote HIS BEATITUDE BECHARA PETER RAI and He urged the Eastern Catholic bish- the Orthodox archbishop of Athens about with the participation of His Eminence ops to join their Latin-rite counterparts in an "unjustified and dangerous" sermon by Cardinal Nasrallah Butros Sfeir. They the United States to "fight against the ris- Metropolitan Seraphim. In that early studied church and national matters. At

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 19. the end of the meeting, they issued the common life and to the state institutions as pairs their role and distorts their credibil- following communiqué: the only option and sole reference to settle ity before the citizens. 1. The Fathers congratulated His Be- differences. 5. In this atmosphere, the Fathers atitude for his return from his pastoral 3. The Fathers look with anxiety at appeal to the authorities and to all those visit to the Maronite eparchies in Mexico, the economic and social situation which who have an influential role in the Leba- Canada and the USA. They praised the warns against a catastrophe with the rise nese situation, to respond to the national effort His Beatitude is exerting to consoli- of the public debit index, and the inca- and humane voice of conscience. Let them date the Maronites living abroad in the pacity of the government to exert a suffi- put the interest of the one Lebanon above faith, to prompt them to be attached to cient intervention for the benefit of the all interests, preserve its honor and the Lebanon and their homelands, to share in citizen and public good. This deprives the dignity of its People before any other en- the making of their future, and to register citizen from many basic services and ticement and respond to the invitation of their marriage birth certificates in the per- makes of him a prey for the lack of social His Excellency the President of the Re- sonal statute offices, work of recovering justice. In view of this, the fathers call for public to the table of dialogue without their citizenship, link their children to a national economic policy built upon a conditions. their roots, exercise their right in the deci- more humane, more just and transparent 6. At the start of the Pentecost season sion making and invest in it. basis. and the end of the Marian month, the Fa- 2. The Fathers express their total re- 4. The Fathers warn against any divi- thers ask for the protection of the Virgin fusal of the attempts to drive Lebanon to a sion about the activity of the military insti- Mary, Lady of Lebanon, and call the Holy new war through ongoing violence, politi- tution and the security agencies. Meddling Spirit to support them in shepherding the cal and confessional feuds. They confirm with their unity and role is a risk which Church, especially during their yearly again that Lebanon needs all its citizens presages a great danger upon its goal and retreat and holy synod (11-16 June 2012), who together make it on the basis of unity, the unity of defense and security of the asking all their sons and daughters to ac- justice and the sharing in the one destiny State. They call upon politicians to keep company them with prayer for the good of without making one group prevail over the them apart from the political game and not their Church and homeland. – Website of other. This is not truly achieved except by push them into the political struggle, or the Maronite Patriarchate May 30. holding really, not only by words, to the give them a confessional color. This im-

The Catholic and Orthodox Bishops of Switzerland meeting in Fribourg on May 8, 2012

Catholic News Service Stories © 2012. Reprinted with permission. Abbreviations: CNS=Catholic News Service, ANA=Athens News Agency, VIS=Vatican Information Service, RRN=Russian Religious News (http://www.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews), RISU=Religious Information Service of Ukraine, KED=Kathimerini English Daily, ENI=Ecumenical News International, L’OR=L’Osservatore Romano Daily Edition, L’ORE=L’Osservatore Romano English Weekly Edition, SOP=Service Orthodoxe de Presse, F18News=Forum 18 News Service (http://www.forum18.org), ICNS= Indian Catholic News Service.

Edited by Ronald G. Roberson, CSP Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs 3211 Fourth Street, NE Washington, DC 20017-1194 Tel: (202) 541-3020 Fax: (202) 541-3183

SEIA Newsletter on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism, n. 200, May 31, 2012, page 20.