APRIL 2002 VOLUME 46 NO. 4 CONTENTS
3 EDITORIAL By Very Rev. John Abdalah
◆ 4 SAINT MARY THE EGYPTIAN The Most Reverend AND THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. By Deacon Bassam Antoine Nassif Primate
The Right Reverend 6 THE WORD INTERVIEWS BISHOP DEMETRI Bishop Antoun, Auxiliary By Gregory Abdalah The Right Reverend Bishop Joseph, Auxiliary 10 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL The Right Reverend Bishop Basil, Auxiliary 12 THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE The Right Reverend Bishop Demetri, Auxiliary 14 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION Founded in Arabic as Al Kalimat in 1905 by Saint Raphael Hawaweeny 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF Founded in English as CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Word in 1957 by Metropolitan Antony Bashir 25 THE PEOPLE SPEAK … Editor in Chief The Very Rev. John P. Abdalah, M.Div. 27 FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE CAMPAIGN Assistant Editor Joanne M. Abdalah, MSW 30 ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE VIEWS Editorial Board AND VIEW POINTS The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. 34 THE ORTHODOX WORLD The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Linda Hopkins Anne Glynn Mackoul, J.D. MEMBER Ronald Nicola The Associated Church Press Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. Conciliar Press Ecumenical News International Design Director Orthodox Press Service Donna Griffin Albert Editorial Office: The Word 1777 Quigg Dr. COVER Pittsburgh, PA 15241-2071 e-mail: [email protected] THE ICON OF THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT is a FAX: 1-412-831-5554 visual representation of the 7th century writing of the same name Subscription Office: by St. John Climacus. In the Ladder St. John describes to his 358 Mountain Road monks the process of theosis as a series of steps through which the Englewood, NJ 07631 passions are defeated. This icon was written by Nicholas Papas of ◆ Greensburg, PA for St. George Church, New Kensington, PA.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Foreign Countries, $26.00 Single Copies, $3.00 THE WORD (USPS626-260), published monthly except July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to: THE WORD, 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 VOLUME 46 NO. 4 APRIL 2002 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org.
2 The Word EDITORIAL
GETTING THERE
Y FAVORITE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Pascha is long and difficult enough without the added M expression is, “You can’t get there from here.” burden of these heavy passions. We begin our journey For those of you not from Western Pennsyl- with the theme of man’s expulsion from paradise. Saint vania, I will explain. “You can’t get there from here” John of Damascus teaches us that it is precisely this means that there just isn’t a direct route to get where expulsion that allows us to return to God. Expelled you want to go. You may have to go someplace else from paradise as the result of thinking that we can do first, to get to a road that goes where you are going. You without God, we are now able to come to our senses, may have to go South and West before going North and like the prodigal, and journey home. East. I think that the spiritual life sometimes takes a This journey goes best when we travel light. Light similar path. Before we can really journey toward travel involves making the minimum of fuss, eating less Pascha, we need to free ourselves from those passions and plainly, putting a hold on entertainment and all that enslave us. While the passions bind us, we are unnecessary activity. It also involves using the newly- unable to do God’s will and care for ourselves or each found time for prayer and Christian acts of mercy. other. Before we can even begin our journey, we need For many, this seems so very difficult, and people to free ourselves from anything that distracts us from are therefore often discouraged. While this discourage- our goal. With this freedom, we can then embrace ment seems very humbling, it is actually a form of the Christ, and be open to Christ’s saving power in us. enemy, “pride.” We are disappointed that we, in all our Upon examination, we observe that many of the supposed glory, would find prayer and fasting to be things that seem to bind us, or at least take up much of hard work. The Church holds up for us the image of the our time and energy, are in and of them- Ladder of Divine Ascent to offer us hope by selves not bad. They may in fact be very ◆ illustrating that the spiritual journey is important and virtuous. No one would traveled one rung at a time. We need not EDITORIAL question, for example, the importance of a be anxious about not reaching immediate BY Christian physician fighting for the lives of spiritual heights. We must journey to Very Rev. John P. his patients, or of a soldier protecting his Christ one step or “rung” at a time. In the country. We may spend our time in virtu- Abdalah icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent which ◆ ous pursuits of caring for elderly parents, appears on the cover, we notice some of or teaching challenged children. Our the monks are pulled off their ladder by efforts may, in fact, even be “churchy” — holding office demons who are tugging on their prayer ropes. Let us within various church committees or Archdiocesan beware how even religiosity can be our distraction from departments. Perhaps our vocations do not allow us Christ and His Kingdom. time to make our Lenten journey. Nevertheless, we As modern men and women, we would do well to need to become deliberate about our goals of the rediscover our heritage of prayer and fasting during Kingdom of God and obedience to Jesus Christ in all these forty days of Lent. Lent is not a time of giving that we do. things up, or depriving ourselves of good things. Rather Lent needs to be a time of something more than a it is a special time of focusing and growth. successful fish fry or dinners after Lenten services. It You can’t get to Christ from “here,” even if here is a even needs to be more than beautiful Lenten worship General Parish Meeting where we fight about how we and the following of the strictest dietary canons and are to make decisions, or if here is a family crisis when customs. Lent needs to be a time of renewal, and the people fear that they are misunderstood. You can’t get acceptance of life from Jesus Christ. From our places of to Christ from here, even if here is a hospital where we business, we need to pause and check the direction in are weighing the value and quality of life, or the office which we are moving. Our roads must lead to freedom of a financial planner helping us figure out what we will from those things that steal away our precious time; need to retire some day. But by choosing to make they must be life-giving. Christ our priority and goal, we can turn away from On Cheese Fare Sunday, we seek the forgiveness of other goals, and travel to Christ, even though it takes those who have offended and forgive those who have great effort in prayer and fasting. We can indeed reori- offended us. This allows us to journey without the ent our lives and be successful in our Paschal journey. weight of resentments and regrets. The journey to
April 2002 3 ST. MARY THE EGYPTIAN
St. Mary the Egyptian and the Spirit of the Age
By DEACON BASSAM ANTOINE NASSIF
HE SPIRIT OF THE AGE principal end, the purity of heart image of penance conceivable. T alien to the teachings of the and the love of God and Mary was born, baptized and Fathers is unfortunately our neighbor? Lent raised in Alexandria, and she shaping our way of life. We is a school of was very beautiful. Her are very comfortable in our repentance, rich parents neglected life of laxity and of easy a period of her and did not take attainment. Some grumble, washing care of her very well. “We have been struggling our inner Mary lost her virginity for ten days, and we feel we self by at the age of twelve. As are still the same.” Others tears of a result of her parents’ complain, “We have been neglect, her life changed struggling all Lent, but now and she slowly started to we are fainthearted, because frequent the streets, becom- we have fallen many times ing a harlot. She wanted so …” The struggle never ends, much to wallow in the fires until our final repose. It of lust that she refused to continues as long as we are receive money from her in this earthly body of flesh, lovers, because she want- in these garments of skin. ed to attract them more. Do you know any serious She saw some pilgrims athlete who does not spend going to Jerusalem to cele- many hours every week repentance, a brate the feast of the Holy disciplining his muscles baptism of Cross in September. So to and exercising his body in tears. Where seduce more people, this the hope of winning the does all this famous harlot boarded the gold medal? If we do that take us? ship going to Jerusalem. much for our mortal body, It is always Curiosity drove her to go how much more ought we easy to do and see the relic of the to do for the salvation of things when Holy Cross displayed on the our souls and for winning there is an occasion of the feast of the the prize of eternal peace? example, a pro- Cross at the Church of the “Know therefore that totype to follow Holy Resurrection. But repentance is not a theory and imitate. when she reached the that has to be understood, One great exam- doors of this church, an but a way of life to be ple is found in unexpected strange thing undergone and shared.” the life of one of happened: a kind of force In Great Lent, the hymns of the our great saints, pushed her back and pre- Canon of Saint Andrew invite us “to Mary of Egypt. For us today, Saint vented her from entering. She tried have a thorough examination of Mary, the harlot of the desert, is “a coming in many times, but at every conscience.” As we prayerfully re- pattern or an icon of repentance,” as time, she got pushed back by an flect on our lives, we ask, how is our we shall see from her life story. invisible power. Finally, worn out, spiritual struggle going? Are we Saint Mary does not offer us an she sat in the courtyard of the faithfully trying to tame, control, authorship or books to read, but a church, and it dawned on her that and transform the beasts within, the life story, a story of beauty consum- she was not allowed to go into this howling wolves of our inner jungle? ing itself as incense burning before holy place because of her sinfulness. Is our fast, or whatever spiritual God in solitude, far from the eyes of Sudden contrition filled her heart, exercise we do, leading us to the all, becoming the most stirring and seeing an icon of the Mother of
4 The Word ST. MARY THE EGYPTIAN
God near her, she started weeping thing and go to the desert? and praying. The illumined icon of As the Fathers of our Church say, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese the Bearer of God revealed to the every one of us goes “through” the Publications Department harlot her true condition of evil- desert of alienation and brokenness. 358 Mountain Rd., Englewood, NJ 07631 bearing and darkness. She asked the Going “to” the desert means that we A presentation of the Holy Virgin to open the doors of ought to remain where we are, fac- Eagle River Institute repentance and lead her to salvation. ing the difficulties, fighting evil ideas of Orthodox Christian Studies Suddenly, true love crept into her and desires every moment of our at St. John Cathedral in Eagle River, AK heart. It was the love of God tasted life. Mary was inspired by God to go August 1-5, 1998 through forgiveness. At that moment to the desert. Many of us do not she resolved to start on her journey want to go where God leads us. We THE SEVEN of repentance. Trying again to enter always aspire to be elsewhere, to go DEADLY SINS the church, she was not prevented. to the place we think is better for us, With great fear, she kissed the life- unwilling to stand upright, fight the The Human Person’s giving cross, purifying her lips by the good fight, and finish the race. Struggle with Sin grace of this holy relic. By going into the desert to pray, Then she was led by the Mother of weep over her sins, and fight temp- by: Dr. John Dalack God to the desert across the Jordan tations, Mary was not given a free Contents: and stayed there for seventeen ticket to heaven. This athlete for Lecture One: What is Sin, Oneness of years, struggling with beasts of huge Christ struggled to discipline her Heart, and Pride? Tapes 1 & 2 and irrational desires, with tempta- mind and heart for seventeen years. Sin represents the obstacles and hurdles tions of her memories of lust, addic- She stayed seventeen years in the keeping one from God. Pride provides tion to drinking alcohol, memories desert without seeing anyone, but energy for all sin; it prevents us from seeing of indulgence in eating meat and praying constantly to the Lord to our other sins. Lecture Two: Envy and Anger Tapes 3 & 4 singing devilish songs … She contin- grant her forgiveness for her previ- Envy is an illness that makes it difficult to ued to struggle until she saw the ous life of sin and indulgence. This appreciate what we have. Anger is a sinful uncreated light of Christ and she means for us that we have to strug- response to what has happened to us. was at peace. The disfigured became gle against our passions and evil Lecture Three: Sloth, Greed, also transfigured! She stayed all the desires, and to struggle for a long Lust and Gluttony Tapes 5 & 6 time in her cave. Her clothing fell time. What is the fruit of this strug- Sloth denies the resurrection of Jesus Christ; it is despair in action. Greed finds a into pieces with age, and she gle: Infinite Love! True love. Mary new god to believe in — things. Lust finds endured much from the freezing transcended her love of the world satisfaction in other people; it shows no cold and the burning sun of the and of sin into love of God, extin- regard for others. Gluttony is the last step desert. Finally, before she died, God guishing all previous loves. toward seeking a new god. led Zossima, a holy Father and Similarly, we ought to seek God’s Lecture Four: Struggle, Oneness of Heart, Prayer Tapes 7 & 8 monk who was seeking to know love every moment of our life. We will overcome sin and its hold on us about repentance, to Mary and he Mary is an example of an extreme only when we realize what our Lord Jesus asked her to tell him her story. Then sinful state turning into a holy state. Christ did for us by His death, burial and he gave her communion, and he Mary loved God. Repentance is not resurrection. We will struggle with sin all returned after a year to bury her, a just an attempt to overcome vices our lives. Victory is won by trusting God and being thankful to Him for everything that lion helping him to dig her grave. and improve life. Repentance is lov- comes into our lives and by prayer and The life of Saint Mary is much ing God. fasting. more than an emotionally moving We must be assured that no mat- Dr. Dalack has a Ph.D. in Clinical story of an outstanding sinner of the ter where we are today, if we turn to Psychology. He has written numerous 6th century, who converted and God, He will raise us up and change articles and served as Adjunct Lecturer in repented in an extraordinarily bold our life. But we also have to help Practical Theology at St. Vladimir’s manner worthy of our awe and Him through our sobriety and faith- Seminary, Crestwood, NY. admiration. What makes her life rel- fulness. Again, it is our responsibili- I would like to order _____ copy(s) of “The evant for us Christians today, guilty ty to reflect on our lives prayerfully Seven Deadly Sins: The Human People’s Struggle with Sin” for $37.00 per set of 8 of ordinary sins, is the story’s subtle and to discern God’s will. Let us tapes. (For orders within the US, please twists and turns, the hidden mean- remember and meditate on the life include 10% for postage; for orders in ings that relate directly to a life of of our holy mother Mary the Canada and Overseas, please include 20% repentance, confession, and spiritu- Egyptian. May her example and for postage.) I have enclosed US al direction. remembrance be therapeutic for us, $ ______. Please send to: Essentially, her story is an invita- opening to us the doors of repen- Name:______tion for imitation. How can we in tance, so that we go up to Jerusalem this day and age, students, families, with Jesus, crucifying our passions Address: ______and workers, imitate the powerful and rising with Him to eternal glory! and extreme life story of Mary? First May the Holy Spirit be our strength. ______of all, do we have to leave every- Amen!
April 2002 5 INTERVIEW THE WORD INTERVIEWS BISHOP DEMETRI
By GREGORY ABDALAH
AYIDNA: THIS COLLEGE individually and corporately, unity for the Orthodox Christian S Conference has been awe- make a difference. We will never Churches in America. When you some. Everyone gets along so be unified as an Orthodox Church consider that each of the jurisdic- well. What can we, the college stu- in this country if we do not first tions has its own education dents, do to help that kind of coop- behave in a unified manner. department, communications net- eration and unity grow to the level Do you favor administrative unity work, and local administrative of a united Orthodox Church in for the Churches in America? What systems, you can see that there is America? are the advantages and disadvan- a great deal of duplication of First, I must say that I agree tages? effort, and duplication of expendi- with you when you say that the It is generally agreed that there tures. However, we must not seek College Conference is a wonderful is a need for unity only to encourage economy experience for all who attend. You adminis- of administrative resources. are certainly united by your love trative Rather, we must seek unity to for God and for His Church, and the extent that together, and that is evident in the good work by the direction of the Holy that is accomplished during the Spirit, we can more readily conference. I have always said bring people to a life-saving that unity among the Orthodox faith in Christ, and save them Churches here in America will from the fires of hell. This is come from the “grass roots” of our the purpose of the Church: to Faithful. Each of you must see bring everyone who will heed yourselves as an ambassador for the call into union with God; God. What you believe and how to set them upon the true path you behave will be a powerful wit- of life and freedom from sin ness to others. We read in and wickedness; to bring God’s Scripture that the Apostles were deliverance and redemption to known by the love they demon- all people in all ages. Thus, to strated for each other, and peo- the extent that we all share in ple were attracted to them for the same Faith and right way of that reason. As you go forward Christian belief, I cannot think as leaders in your home of a disadvantage to a uni- parishes and in the commu- fied Orthodox Church nities, you will bring to in this country. them all that you learned What do you see and experienced at the as the most College Conference. important There, you must be vig- struggles for ilant for opportunities our Church for unity and cooper- today, and ation between what can we Orthodox do to devel- Christians, no op the min- matter what istry here to jurisdiction meet those they may needs? belong to. This is how you can,
6 The Word INTERVIEW
Certainly, the greatest chal- ing. Both in our parishes and per- in Samos in 1939, came to lenges the Church faces today are sonal lives we must let go of the Jerusalem in 1953 and studied at the pressures that each of us face world, with all its passions and the Greek Orthodox Seminary on as a result of living in this modern desires, and seek out the kingdom Mt. Zion. Since 1979, Irineos had society. Our society puts a great of God and its righteousness. We served as Exarch, the Jerusalem emphasis on material wealth, must become humble, seeing our church’s representative in Greece, entertainment, and so on. It is not lives as not our own, but as a position closely connected with to say that these are bad in them- belonging to God and our neigh- the Greek government. Some say selves. It is when we allow them to bors. We must spend less time at that it was because of his connec- separate us from God that they business meetings, working over- tion with the Greek government, are harmful. We become separated time, and in front of the television which in turn has strong ties with from God when we choose to or seeking out material entertain- the Arab world, that he was one of devote our time, talents and mate- ments or pleasures, and spend the candidates for the post reject- rial resources to every demand much more time in prayer and in ed by the Prime Minister’s Office. placed upon us in this world, and the praxis of Orthodox Christian Both Jordan and the Palestinian exclude God and His Church. life. We must let go of our ethnic Authority had approved Metro- Jesus teaches us that if we truly citizenship in favor of being citi- politan Irineos. The election was want a fulfilled life in God, we zens of God’s kingdom. We must thought important in official cir- must “put the kingdom of heaven not be afraid of spiritual struggle cles, not only because the Greek first and its righteousness” and and worldly worries, placing Orthodox Patriarchate of Jeru- then everything we have need of instead our faith firmly in the salem is considered by many the will be given us. The problem is Word of God and His unchanging, mother church of the Holy Land, that we think there is fulfillment deep and abiding love for us. We but because it has extensive land in things or ownership, whereas must be willing to learn our faith, holdings in Jerusalem and true fulfillment — both spiritual investing our time in reading and throughout the country. Only the and physical — comes only from a seeking spiritual understanding of 17 members of the Brotherhood of deep and abiding relationship with Holy Scripture and the God- the Holy Sepulcher participated in God. You ask how we can address inspired writings of the Fathers the final vote, which took place in the challenges the Church faces and Mothers of the Church. My the Greek Orthodox Catholicon of today. We must begin by preparing concern is that until such time as the ancient Church of the Holy upcoming generations to meet this we begin this process with our Sepulcher opposite the tomb of ever-growing challenge of putting entire being, we will only have Jesus. But since this time little has God and His holy Church first. We marginal saving influence upon taken place by which to assess the are beginning to accomplish this the world. We are called to be situation. We can only pray that now, I believe. We see the signifi- shining cities set upon the high God’s will be done, and that our cant spiritual influence that the hill of God’s Holy Church, beacon- Orthodox brothers and sisters will Antiochian Village Camp program ing all to come to the Truth, which be benefited by the new Patriarch. has had upon the young people is Christ Himself. What could we be doing to advo- who have attended. We are now The politics of the world today, and cate for our Orthodox Christian making great strides in establish- especially of the Middle East, are very brothers and sisters in the Middle ing camp programs in the various complex. What is the state of the East? regions of our Archdiocese so that Patriarchate of Jerusalem today with Although the need is very great, more can attend and enter a rela- the election of a new Patriarch there? there are several things we can do. tionship with the “Living God.” I The situation in the Middle East First, we must keep them in our believe that the success of the is tragic. It is more than a political continued prayers, praying for the preparation of these young people problem — it is a human tragedy peace of Jerusalem, and all of is reflected in the good work of of a proportion that is hard to Palestine. Second, we must en- Teen SOYO, the College Confer- comprehend. There are fewer courage our political and religious ence, and in our parishes. It is this Orthodox Christians in the Holy leaders to deal with realities and way we equip each individual so Land at this time than ever before. problems in the region, and to lay that they may fulfill their call to Life is disrupted on every level. aside all built-in prejudices and Christian ministry in the Church, The Church there is greatly limit- not turn a blind eye to the truth. to meet the spiritual challenges of ed by how it can affect the situa- Third, we can participate in the today’s society, and those the tion and help to relieve the suffer- various efforts to raise funds dedi- Church will meet in the future. ing of the people. As we know, cated to the relief of those who are What areas of Church life are of Metropolitan Irineos, one of the suffering and have lost so much in most concern to you? earlier candidates rejected by the this conflict and are greatly in As I noted earlier, we must Israeli government, was elected need of food, clothing and shelter. move our parish life from one of Greek Orthodox patriarch of Fourth, we, ourselves, must con- self-serving, to community serv- Jerusalem. Irineos, who was born sider initiating direct concerted
April 2002 7 INTERVIEW
action through our own parishes fail to act on their behalf, who and blessings in the work of a and organizations — and thereby will? bishop, it is impossible to mention demonstrate our Christian love What can college students do to them all. and charity “to the least” of our help combat terrorism? Is there anything about being a brothers and sisters in Christ. The first and foremost way is to parish priest that you miss? Speaking of advocacy, what can live the life of Christ. The life of Certainly, being the pastor of a Orthodox College students be doing Christ is a life of love. As Saint parish is quite different than being to advocate for the unborn? Isaac the Syrian tells us, when one a bishop. Being a Father to a com- One of the strongest ways to be arrives at love for God, one begins munity is a wonderful experience an advocate for the unborn is to to approach perfect love for one’s that brings with it opportunities be a strong witness to your neighbor. This means “luminous, for getting very close to the mem- Orthodox Faith. In the case of unconditional” love for both sin- bers of your flock. I greatly en- abortion, we see clearly the sin of ners and saints alike. When we are joyed meeting with parishioners, Adam and Eve — that of placing filled with such love, our souls are answering their questions, and one’s own will in place of the will filled with peace, and the world teaching them about the Faith. I of God. In the prayer to the Holy around us begins to change. As all would have groups meet in various Spirit we say, “O Heavenly King, generations of the Fathers have homes on a regular basis for this O Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, taught us, when we have the type of discussion. I called it “An Who art in all places and fillest peace of God, thousands around evening with Father.” Those all things; Treasury of blessings us will find peace. This does not meetings are among my most and Giver of life …” It is a dog- mean that sin and its results dis- cherished memories as a pastor. matic truth in our Orthodox faith appear entirely. But it does mean Again, there are many other won- that God, and He alone, is the that, even in the face of injury and derful aspects to being a parish Giver of life. No life comes into death, one can shine splendid priest, and it is difficult to single existence except if God desires it with the light of God’s divinity. out just one thing. and directs it. Yes, people make Another way to diffuse the work of When and how did you understand mistakes, but God does not. The the terrorist is to go about your that God was calling you to His Holy Scriptures tell us that, “All life with faith in God’s providence. ministry? How was that manifest- things work together for good for If you live in fear, or alter your life ed? them that love God who are the in any way because of fear, satan My father was a priest, and so called according to His purpose and his friend the terrorist have was my grandfather. However, it …” In short this means that, even achieved their intended result. was my mother, a very pious in the worst of circumstances — What is your favorite part of being woman, who guided me to recog- in sinful deeds, in mistakes, in a bishop? nize and fulfill my calling to the tragedy, etc. — God can take I do not think that it is possible Holy Priesthood. She was a great those same circumstances and to single out one aspect of being a inspiration to all of her children. create a lesson and blessing out of bishop that can be favored over My brother was a priest, and my them. This includes one of the others. One of these joys is wit- sister is a nun. Through her en- greatest lessons and blessings — nessing a young man discover his couragement and guidance, I real- that of life itself. Most abortions calling to serve God, and ordain- ized that there was little doubt arise out of conceptions as a result ing him to the Holy Priesthood. I that I would spend the rest of my of sex outside of marriage. can remember clearly my first life serving God in whatever way Obviously, such a relationship is ordination, and, after so many He willed. sinful, and contrary to a holy over these few years, it still gives What is seminary life like? Christian life. However, one me a great sense of awe. Another Life in the seminaries today is should not add murder to the sin joy is found in being with the quite different than what I experi- of fornication or adultery. From youth of our parishes, watching enced at Balamand years ago. In the earliest times in our faith, them grow in faith, and putting it those days, we even had to wake abortion has been considered to work in marvelous ways. The early to gather wood for a fire to murder. In the 25th chapter of St. College Conference is certainly a heat our room. Of course, it is not Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches great example of this. I can say like that today. However, this is us that, “whatever you do to the the same thing about our parishes. not what sets seminary life apart least of these my brethren, you do What is more wonderful than to from all other learning experi- to me.” Who is the least of our witness the spiritual flowering of ences for me. There is a great brethren more than the unborn? an entire community of faithful sense of community in the semi- They cannot speak for themselves; Christians? When we see a parish nary. The daily cycle of Divine they cannot take up political move from egocentric existence to Services gives the seminarian a process; they cannot take any Christ-centered Eucharistic life, deeper understanding of his class- action at all to help themselves. If we witness first-hand the power of room and textbook studies, giving we, who are the body of Christ, Pentecost. There are so many joys him a fully rounded preparation
8 The Word INTERVIEW
for a life of service to God. I truly nite, so too is our deepening of life participating in the work of the treasure the days I spent at the in Him infinite. This deepening Apostles and of Christ’s holy seminary. includes our life both on a person- Church. How might a college student know al and corporate level. This means if God is calling him or her to His that, in our personal life — that Gregory Abdalah, 20, of Pitts- service? which is hidden from the rest of burgh, PA, interviewed Bishop This is a very important ques- the world, we must always draw Demetri at the Orthodox College tion. Often, an individual feels closer to God in prayer and obedi- Conference, held at the Antiochian that he is being drawn to God’s ence, seeking to love Him ever Village, December 2001. service, but is uncertain whether more and more. Also, within the to pursue such a course. This is corporate life of the Church we not something one should face must seek, first and foremost, alone. When you have such ques- the “good” for our brothers tions, you should share them with and sisters in Christ. This your Priest or spiritual Father. He means we must pray for will help to guide you to the path them, encourage them, that you are to follow. This is not challenge them, and help something that should be ignored, them to be all that they but approached in a prayerful are meant to be in manner, with faith and patience Christ our God. We that God will reveal His holy will must let go of politiciz- to you. ing and self-serving What is it like to work as an patronizations, and Auxiliary Bishop for Metropolitan choose to love all those Philip? around us with the His Eminence Metropolitan love of God. In this Philip is a man called by God, in way we will save both order to do God’s work among the ourselves and our people of North America and else- neighbor. Get where. I say “elsewhere” because involved in your of the great influence North parish, your region America, and in particular, the and the Archdiocese. US, has upon the rest of the world. Support their many Already his work has touched the organizations, in- world. Our Metropolitan Philip has cluding SOYO, proven himself, time and time AOCWNA, the Fel- again, a leader of vision and godly lowship of St. John insight. He is an individual of pro- the Divine, St. found thought and great charisma. Ignatius, as well Moreover, and more importantly, as The WORD he is a true man of God. A person magazine. In can be wise in worldly matters, this manner have wonderful leadership abili- you will be ties, practical vision, and personal charisma, and be very successful in the eyes of the world — but still not be a true spiritual leader. However, our Metropolitan has all these things, plus, he has a heart for God, and is thus a true spiritu- al leader. Accordingly, to work with such a man is a great honor and blessing. What would you like to say to the readers of The WORD? I would encourage the readers of The WORD to move forward in your faith. None of us has achieved all that we can achieve through Christ. Just as God is infi-
April 2002 9 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL EASTERN REGION JUDGES’ CHOICE: Yousef Munayyer
HROUGHOUT BIBLICAL and the Old Testament tells us about Through prayer we must humble T history, God and man have the newness. “Come now, and let us ourselves before Christ, asking for had some problems, at least reason together, said the Lord: His help to change us. We must give in the beginning. “And behold, I, though your sins are scarlet they all we have and let go. Let go of all even I, do bring a flood of waters shall be white as snow; though they that binds us to sin. This brings to upon the earth to destroy all flesh, are red like crimson, they shall be as mind a story of an old mountaineer wherein is the breath of life, from wool” Isaiah 1:18. who was on trial for stealing a horse. under heaven; and everything that is The forgiving of sins has been a He wasn’t a very well educated man in the earth shall die” Gen. 6:17. cornerstone of Christianity ever but he managed to hire a good And the rain came down for 40 since the beginning. lawyer. He won his case and the days and 40 nights till all was anni- St. John of God is quoted, “Just as lawyer said to him, “Sir, you are hilated except Noah, his family and water extinguishes fire, love wipes acquitted.” So the happy moun- the animals. away sin.” taineer replied, “Does this mean I And all things were new again. Whatever we might do there is can keep the horse?” And when Joseph went down to always forgiveness for us in the eyes We are all like that mountaineer Egypt and his family followed, the of God. St. Paul had to be brought to in that we all are sinners, and we all Lord told Jacob “ … Fear not to go his knees before he could see the can be forgiven for our sins. But if down into Egypt; for I will make of light and be sent on the right path. we want Christ to come to our you a great nation. I will go down The Lord said to the humbled and defense and be our lawyer before with thee into Egypt; and I will also frightened Saul, “I am Jesus, whom judgment we must give up that surely bring you up again …” Gen. you persecute” and then he rose horse. We cannot expect to change 46:3-4. from the ground and began his jour- if we are going to latch onto sin. And the faithful went down to ney to do the work of Jesus Christ, The other way to change through Egypt and spent years there and leaving everything behind. The Lord Christ is communion. The body and were eventually enslaved there. said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Then the Lord sent Moses and unless one is born anew, he cannot Christ is what fills us when we plagues and they were freed. And all see the kingdom of God” Jn. 3:3. receive communion. We must real- things were new again. The fact that a man like Saul can ize how precious this gift really is. Then the world spent years wor- go from persecuting Christ to being Like any plant, human beings shiping other gods and sinning one of the greatest saints of our need to be nourished so that they against the Lord. And God sent his Church leaves us with endless possi- can grow and change; we must pray son Jesus Christ to show us how to bilities. In his encounter with Christ and receive the sacraments of con- live and how to love. He died for us he was changed from the inside and fession and communion to nurture on the cross, went down to Hades out. He went from being merciless our souls. and there He opened the tombs. to merciful, from self-loving to God- St. Paul, one of the most powerful Then He rose from the dead on the loving. He was born anew. This is role models in the Church, wrote to third day. the love of Christ. But it is very the Colossians what he called his And all things were new again. important for us to realize that the secret to happiness and heaven. The next time Christ comes will story of St. Paul is a model for our “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, be the last, and we will see Him in lives and how we are to live them. holy and beloved, compassion, kind- all His glory and He will judge us in We must change for the better con- ness, lowliness, meekness, and the clouds, and all things will be stantly and the only way to do this patience, forbearing one another new again. is through Christ. and, if one has a complaint against Thinking about the newness the So how do we go about doing this another, forgiving each other; as the Lord brings is not easy because He through Christ? Well, first it is very Lord has forgiven you, so you also makes all things new. ALL THINGS. important to pray. We must be able must forgive” Col. 3:12-13. A form of this newness is the for- to pray to the Lord from all our “And he who sat upon the throne giveness of sins through confession, hearts if we really want to change. said: ‘Behold, I make all things new.’
10 The Word ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
It is done! I am the Alpha and the One of the things that really had they would go to a restaurant. Upon Omega, the beginning and the end. great impact on me was that I knew arriving at the restaurant the sign To the thirsty I will give from the that I would be away from home out in front of the door said, “FOR fountain of the water of life without and, in turn, from my church. My BREAKFAST WE HAVE GREAT payment” Rev. 25:5. church is where I grew up. For the HAM AND EGGS.” The pig refused The key to relating this to our last 16 years of my life, on virtually to go in and the hen got angry. The lives is to grasp the idea that Christ every Sunday I was there either in a pig explained to the hen that all that is there for all who want Him and pew, or in the altar or in Sunday was expected from her was a contri- thirst for Him. When we are thirsty school. And even though I know that bution, but from him they were we walk over to the closest fountain, my church will always be the church looking for a total commitment. tap, or just grab a bottle of water I call home, I will have to go away for So what’s left to decide now? and start drinking. A man lost in the some time. Of course, I will be able Since we were given free will we desert, dying of thirst, sees an oasis to come back to sit in the pews and have a choice to make. How far are in the sand and runs to it because enjoy the company of the parish, we willing to go to let Christ change he is longing for the refreshing satis- and the beauty of the liturgy, but not us? Are we just going to contribute, faction that he sees before him. as often. Don’t get me wrong; I do or totally commit ourselves? Spiritually, Christ is our oasis. We plan on attending church throughout You know some people think that must go to Christ to receive living college. But it’s far away. real change is like a country that 30 water. The Lord tells us that He I’m not afraid of this newness; years ago had segregated water foun- wants this from us. maybe just anxious to start college. tains and today has prosperous peo- “On the last day of the feast, the All this that is becoming new in ple of every creed and color. And great day, Jesus stood up and pro- my life is small compared to how St. some people think real change is a claimed, ‘If any one thirst, let him Paul’s life took a turn. But I do plan Holy Land that is not known for its come to me and drink. He who be- to be like St. Paul in that I will grad- hostilities or gunfire, but simply for lieves in me, as the scripture has ually move to perfection. Although, its holiness. said, Out of his heart shall flow in my case it might take a while. But the most important change is rivers of living water’ ” John 7:37-38. So do we want Christ? We should the convicted thief who had the Months ago, when college applica- because if we don’t we won’t be able strength to utter his last words to tion time rolled around, I looked to change for the better, and we Jesus on the cross beside him: “Lord, around the east coast and thought should be ready to commit to remember me in your kingdom.” about where I wanted to spend the change for the better. Commitment The thief was granted a new life next four years of my life. When I is very hard for some of us. There is with Jesus Christ in His heavenly thought about it this way, I realized a story about commitment I want to kingdom. I pray for that same new- how new it would be for me. It was share with you all. ness of life. to be a new stage in my life, some- Early one morning a pig and a hen thing that I never even came close were together when they got hungry. Yousef Munayyer, 17, is a member to doing before. So they came to the decision that of St. George Church, Little Falls, NJ
April 2002 11 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
AWARDED Choir Director of St. George, Detroit Churches. Ray printed all the music and under his capable leadership in his basement. Antonian Gold Medal to MR. GEORGE the choir flourished. They won Also under Ray’s leadership, the of St. George Cathedral, JOSEPH many Midwest SOYO Choir con- Sacred Music Institute was initiated Toledo, OH on February 24, 2002 at tests. He served as Midwest SOYO in 1985 as an annual gathering at St. Paul Mission, Naples, FL. President, and was Regional Choir the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Antonian Gold Medal to DR. EUGENE Director for many years. In 1972, PA. Choir directors and chanters SAYFIE of St. George Cathedral, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip from all over the Archdiocese as Coral Gables, FL on March 9, 2002 appointed him Chairman of the well as other Orthodox jurisdictions in Coral Gables. Department of Sacred Music for the now gather each year, attending Archdiocese, an office he held with classes and performing music in order to improve and expand their musical abilities and repertoires. RAYMOND J. GEORGE Because of Ray George’s long- FALLS ASLEEP IN THE LORD standing and dedicated service to his local parish and to the Arch- aymond J. George, Chairman diocese, His Eminence R of the Department of Sacred Metropolitan Philip awarded Ray Music of the Antiochian Orthodox the Antonian Silver Medal on Christian Archdiocese of North November 16, 1980. Ten years America, fell asleep in the Lord on later, on October 28, 1990, Sunday, February 17, 2002. Ray Metropolitan Philip again honored was born in Johnstown, Ray, this time with the highest Pennsylvania, May 10, 1917. His award of the Archdiocese, the parents, Lewis and Alexandra, Antonian Gold Medal. instilled in their children a love for Ray was preceded in death by music at an early age. While his wife of 63 years Anne, and is attending high school, Ray played survived by two daughters, Diane in the concert band, the marching George and Patti Reed, and one band and dance bands around son, David George. town. Upon graduation, he went to May his memory be eternal! the Johnstown College of Music, where he majored in instrument and voice. In 1937, the George 17TH ANNUAL SACRED family decided to move to Detroit, MUSIC INSTITUTE TO Michigan, and open a family gro- HONOR FOUNDER, cery store. RAYMOND GEORGE Ray continued to play with dance distinction for 30 years. Among the bands and, during one of his engage- greatest accomplishments of the he 17th Annual Sacred Music ments, he met Anne Mazur. They Department during Ray’s tenure as T Institute (SMI) will honor the were married June 7, 1942. When Chairman was the preparation of memory of its founder, Raymond his country called, Ray joined the the 11-volume Byzantine Project, George, the Chairman of the Army and played in the 523rd Army initiated by Metropolitan Philip and Department of Sacred Music, who Air Force Band for four years. He developed and transcribed by fell asleep in the Lord, February 17, occupied first chair clarinet and was Professor Basil Kazan. This project 2002. Tribute will also be paid to the Assistant Band Master. When the was a compendium of Byzantine late Basil Kazan, who wrote the war ended, Ray went back into the Chant encompassing the entire Byzantine Project. grocery business and later became Ecclesiastical year (Menaion, The SMI will be held at the associated with the Pepsi-Cola Triodion, Pentecostarion, Holy Antiochian Village beginning at 5 Company. He was Personnel Week, Orthros and Vespers) and is pm, Wednesday, July 24 ending Director there until his retirement. used widely throughout our Sunday, July 28 with a Hierarchical In 1949, Ray George became the Archdiocese and other Orthodox Liturgy officiated by Bishop Antoun.
12 The Word ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
The SMI dates have been moved to The Department of Sacred Music ning of the Sacred Music Institute. the latter part of July since, during invites all choir members, conduc- The dates are Monday and Tuesday, this last decade, more and more of tors and chanters to attend this July 22 and 23 at the Antiochian the attendees and instructors are year’s exciting Sacred Music Village. Sessions will include Basic teachers and students, who must Institute. Byzantine Music for Clergy, Hymns begin their schooling in mid to late of Holy Week, Chanting the Litanies August. NEW! NEW! NEW! and Exclamations, Chanting the For the second year, the SMI will FIRST ANNUAL CLERGY Gospel, Chanting the Memorial offer an extra day (Wednesday 5 pm BYZANTINE CHANTING Service and Singing the Akathist through Thursday 5 pm) of classes CLASSES verses: “Hail.” Now is a convenient for layman chanting. Instruction will opportunity for all clergy who will include learning the eight tones, the or those clergy wishing to learn be attending the Clergy Symposium prosomia, and the special hymns of F the Byzantine eight tones or to spend a relaxing weekend at the Holy Week, plus additional courses. wishing to learn the more advanced Village and attend these two full Sessions for choir members, choir chant required for many of the spe- days of classes. These classes are directors, conductors, those inter- cial festal hymns of the Church, only for the clergy. Laymen classes ested in choral singing will begin on Fathers Elias Bitar and David Barr will be offered beginning on Thursday at 5 pm. This year the will offer classes following the Clergy Wednesday, July 24, as part of the choral selections will include selec- Symposium and before the begin- Sacred Music Institute. tions from a newly compiled Liturgy for Missions, four variations of the hymn Receive Me Today, variations of Christ Is Risen and Receive Ye the 17th ANNUAL SACRED MUSIC INSTITUTE Body of Christ. The Divine Liturgy Byzantine Chanting Classes (in the minor) of Frederick Karam Lots of new Choral Music will also be offered. Other sessions New Liturgy for Missions provide presentations in conducting, Choral Variations for phrasing for chanters and choir Christ Is Risen & Receive Ye the Body of Christ members, Byzantine Choir Music, Vocal Techniques for Choral and Chant giving pitches, chanting and choral Conducting Classes vocal techniques, and the use of the Pitching and Phrasing Classes Liturgikon. The annual talent show Music of Karam, Tekey-Zes, Lvov & Others will be dedicated to the SMI founder, How to use the Liturgikon Raymond George. Computerization of Music This session of the SMI will look Plus forward toward fulfilling the needs of Newly Computerized Convention Music Book all of our parishes. Introduction of Guest Speaker the newly appointed Regional Talent Show — Tribute to Raymond George Representatives, and a discussion of Hierarchical Liturgy with Bishop Antoun the newly compiled e-mail list of all choir directors and head chanters from each parish will allow the Print Name:______Department of Sacred Music to noti- Telephone:______fy all church musicians of the Address: ______Department’s new music. Down- loading of music will be available City: ______through e-mail attachments and State/Province: ______Zip ______through the Archdiocesan web site. Instructors at this year’s SMI will Parish: ______City: ______include, among others, Fathers Elias Jurisdiction:______Bitar and David Barr, Jessica Suchy- Pilalis, John Sardell and Joyce Black Registration and room (double occupancy) for the chanting and Byzantine and board with chanting classes $255 choir classes. The remaining ses- Registration and room (double occupancy) sions will be presented by Father and board without chanting classes $190 John Finley, Father Edward Hughes, Send non-refundable $25 deposit or total to Mareena Boosamra-Ball, Grace Sacred Music Institute Aswad, Al Mamary, Venise Kousaie, Antiochian Village, RD #1, PO Box 307, Bolivar, PA 15923 Albert Hazeem, Nancy Long and Telephone: 724-238-3677 Michael Farrow.
April 2002 13 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Wichita, KS, reached a O’Callaghan and Chris- too long, critics of the THE TREEHOUSE milestone. The first social topher Holwey assembled Christian stance on abor- OPENS ITS DOORS service agency sponsored with their faithful parish- tion have asked the by the Orthodox commu- ioners to bless The Tree- churches, “You condemn nity of Wichita opened its house facility. abortion, but what do you IN WICHITA, KS doors to the faithful and to The Treehouse is a min- do to help needy mothers the public. Following the istry designed to assist new who keep their babies?” n the Feast of Blessing of Waters service mothers who have experi- Orthodox ministry to new Theophany, January in the parishes of St. enced a crisis pregnancy birth mothers is thus criti- 6,O 2002, the Antiochian George Cathedral and St. and have decided to bear cally important to our Orthodox parishes of Mary Church, Frs. Paul and keep their babies. For credibility. It is not enough to condemn abortion in our churches; if we pro- claim the sanctity of REGISTRATION FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL human life, then we have CLERGY CHANTING CLASSES the moral obligation to support those mothers JULY 22-23, 2002 who choose to carry their Clergy Only babies to term. While The Treehouse cannot solve all Basic Byzantine Music for Clergy their problems, it is there Hymns of Holy Week to help see that these Canting Litanies and Exclamations moms get off to a good Chanting the Memorial Service start with their babies, and Chanting the Gospel that resources continue to Singing the Akathist Verses: “Hail” be available to them as Instructors: Father Elias Bitar and Father David Barr their babies grow. By offering baby sup- Print plies, spiritual sustenance, Name:______nurturing programs, and other resources, The Tree- Address: ______house will support the decisions of new mothers City: ______State/Province:______Zip: ______to bear their babies in the Parish: ______City: ______face of difficult circum- stances. Following the Telephone: ______E-Mail: ______birth of their babies and release from the hospital, 3 Night Stay ______double $165 per person (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights) eligible mothers will re- VISA/Master Card/Discover: ______ceive a one-time free dis- tribution of baby supplies. Expiration Date: ______In addition, the center will Telephone/FAX/E-Mail registrations require a credit card deposit per person contain a thrift store that will recycle used baby Room Mate Requested: ______goods and offer them to Make checks payable to Antiochian Village and return your completed registration form mothers at discounted along with your $25 non-refundable deposit before July 8, 2002, to: prices. Educational pro- Clergy Chanting Class grams and resources will Antiochian Village, P.O. Box 638, Ligonier, PA 15658 be developed and offered Phone: 724-238-3677 FAX: 724-238-2102 that focus on parenting, nutrition, hygiene, life-
14 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Fr. Paul O’Callaghan and Treehouse Director Renee Croitoru Orthodox faithful participate in the blessing service for The Treehouse. skills development and cies serve as the referral conclusion of the blessing generosity helped make it spiritual growth. base for Treehouse clients. service, Fr. Paul dedicated happen. Why the name “Tree- The Treehouse will supple- The Treehouse to the Pro- On Monday, January 21, house?” The Scriptures ment the good work these tection of our all-holy Lady The Treehouse officially and the hymns of the agencies accomplish with Theotokos and Ever-virgin opened its doors for the Church refer to the Cross women while they are Mary, as she was a mother work of ministry. Although of Christ as “the life-giving pregnant. who experienced an un- much remains to be done, tree” and celebrate its The Treehouse is actual- timely pregnancy and gave it is now serving clients. As power over the forces of ly a project of Orthodox birth in impoverished cir- time goes on, the systems, death and destruction. Family Ministries, an inde- cumstances. Director policies, procedures and They also identify the pendent charitable organi- Renee Croitoru spoke programs of The Treehouse Church as the “house of zation with a board made movingly of how the will continue to be fine- the Lord,” who invites the up of members of St. process for the formation tuned. Thanks be to God poor, the marginalized, George and St. Mary of this ministry has been for all the faithful Ortho- and the underprivileged to parishes. Gayle Farha guided by the grace of dox Christians whose gen- feast with Him. The min- Malone serves as chair of God. She offered her spe- erosity made reaching this istry of The Treehouse the board of trustees. cial thanks to all whose milestone possible! extends the Orthodox wit- The leased facility is ness to the gospel beyond located in a neighborhood the walls of the Church to where there is much need. segments of society many It contains a thrift store, a of us never see. It pro- storage room for baby sup- claims that there is always plies, a comfortable area room in the Father’s House for fellowship and relaxing, for those in need. It is an a small classroom, a room extension of the Church’s where small children can healing presence beyond play, an office, and a small her own walls. kitchenette. It has been The vision for this pro- equipped and decorated by ject began in the hearts of friends and parishioners faithful women who then who lovingly gave of their sought direction and coun- goods and their talents. sel from experienced lead- Fr. Paul and Fr. Chris ers in this field. The Tree- sprinkled holy water house has been developed throughout the building as in consultation with local the faithful repeated the agencies that helped iden- troparion of Theophany, tify the greatest areas of “When thou, O Lord was need in ministering to baptized in the Jordan.” women experiencing crisis The atmosphere was fes- pregnancies. These agen- tive and joyous. At the Fr. Chris Holwey blesses the facility.
April 2002 15 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
St. George not only to Church Council, Raed the Metropolitan. They ST. GEORGE, rebuild the church but also Sweis, followed Fr. Dahdal also served to entertain CICERO, IL to beautify and expand with a motivating speech the Metropolitan with an God’s Holy Temple. Need- that focused on the future enjoyable game of “Who less to say, St. George of St. George. Finally, Wants to be a Millionaire?” uring the weekend of could not have been Sayidna Philip spoke about Finally, the children were October 12-14, rebuilt and restored with- the significance of the given the opportunity to 2001,D St. George out the countless hours of weekend and what it has participate with His Antiochian Orthodox voluntary service from meant to him personally as Eminence in a dynamic Church of Cicero, IL cele- many of its members, who well as to the Archdiocese question and answer ses- brated the consecration of sacrificed much of their for St. George to rebuild sion. Questions ranged its newly rebuilt church. own lives in order to con- from the ashes of the dev- from whether Sayidna was The Cicero parish was tribute to the rebuilding astating fire of 1997. married to why the terror- blessed with the presence project. The end result has Sayidna was most gracious ist acts of September 11 of His Eminence Metro- been a restoration project in fielding questions from took place. politan Philip, who partici- that has brought an entire the attendees, and ad- On Saturday evening, pated in all of the week- community closer together dressed questions on Board of Trustees member end’s many activities. The and has prepared the issues ranging from the Mansour Rayan and his
Subdeacon Alan Bullock is ordained to the Diaconate by Mansour Rayan receives the Antonian Gold Medal Metropolitan Philip. extraordinary activities of Cicero parish for the recent Archdiocese vote to wife Wafa hosted a private the Dedication Weekend growth that it anticipates seek autonomy from the dinner at their home in were planned and orga- in the future generations of Patriarchate to the volatile honor of Sayidna Philip. nized by its Co-Chairmen, Orthodox Americans. situation persisting in The evening provided an Michael Mufarreh and The weekend’s festivities Palestine. opportunity for many of Ribhi Zayed. began on Friday evening On Saturday, St. George the guests to engage in The weekend represent- with a private dinner in of Cicero held an open direct conversation with ed the culmination of the St. George hall. The house in honor of Metro- Sayidna and witness first- almost four years of hard dinner was sponsored by politan Philip. The church hand the breadth of his work, effort and determi- the St. George Council and was opened for all to share knowledge and the sinceri- nation after the tragic fire was held in honor of with Metropolitan Philip ty of his thoughts. that badly destroyed the Sayidna Philip and local his tour of St. George’s Without question the church in December, 1997. members of the Order of newly renovated facilities. highlight of the weekend Immediately following the St. Ignatius. Very Reverend The highlight of the day occurred on Sunday morn- fire, St. George’s Council Father Nicholas Dahdal was the attendance of ing at St. George, begin- diligently went to work welcomed Sayidna Philip some 150 children who are ning with the Consecration and established an ambi- as well as all of the atten- students in the St. George service presided over by tious and lofty goal. The dees and seemed genuine- Sunday School and Arabic Metropolitan Philip. His Council determined that it ly enthusiastic about the School. The children were Eminence began the ser- was in the best interests of weekend’s celebration. The present throughout the the long-term success of President of the St. George day’s activities to welcome Continued on page 21
16 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
SHARING THE FAITH
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS FROM AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PLANS FOR COMING YEAR
Antiochian Village, PA - On February 8, the Department of Christian Education Staff met to discuss three major projects: the Parish Life Conference Religious Education workshops, our Creative Arts Festival Recommendations Paper, and plans for the 2002 Orthodox Institute. The religious education work- shop at the Parish Life Conferences this summer, “Games to Make Learning Fun,” will offer easy games to reinforce lessons. Attendance will be recorded for possible credit in a future certification program. The workshop will be offered at the 2002 Orthodox Institute as well. In addition, the presenter will be available to meet, upon prior arrangement, with Church School Directors for those who haven’t yet been introduced to the CSD Manual or who need further assistance with their programs. Leslee Abud and Anna Timko-Hughes presented our paper, “Recommendations for the Creative Arts Festival” to the Mid-winter meeting of the St. John the Divine Fellowship, which was being held while we were Joe Tershay, Robert Synder, Gail Meena, Fr. George Alberts, Betty at the Village. The paper was well received, and the Randolph, Carole Buleza, Anna Hughes, Leslee Abud, Maggie Hock. project left in the hands of Vice President Michael Not present: Jackie Fadel Deschenes. The 2002 Orthodox Institute for Church School and recorded for possible credit in a future certification pro- Youth Workers (October 10-13) will offer many new gram. Bishop BASIL will be our guest for the weekend. courses while keeping and expanding others. As with Last year’s program met with resounding success and last year, there will be tracks for teachers, church we are looking forward to increased participation. school directors, youth workers (sponsored by the Brochures will be sent to each parish and to all Church Department of Youth Ministry), and those wishing to School Directors on our mailing list. Make your reser- know more about Orthodoxy. Attendance will be vations early as we will be sharing the Village with the Parish Council Symposium. Announcing the 2002 Christian Education Workshop for the Parish Life Conferences O.C.E.C. Board Meets
Games to Make Learning Fun! Yonkers, NY - The Board of Trustees for the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC) concluded A lively session designed for teachers its annual January session. The meeting began Sunday of all grades and for all who like to have fun! evening, January 20 with reports from the executive board members. The following day reports were Regional Representatives can also be available to orient new Church received from the SCOBA members represented, School Directors for their position. Call the Department if you are including: the Antiochian Orthodox Christian interested in this orientation. Archdiocese, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada, the Orthodox Church in America, the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, the Ukrainian
April 2002 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Serbian FROM THE DIRECTOR’ S DESK Orthodox Church. A lengthy discussion addressed the fundraising and promotional activities of the OCEC. It was decided to Beloved in Christ, use the OCEC website as a clearinghouse to list upcoming educational conferences (sponsored by vari- Last issue I mentioned that as head of the ous jurisdictions around the country) as well as for a Curriculum Department of the OCEC, I am overseeing listing of all Orthodox parochial schools currently in the production of revised materials with the first book, operation. Carole for Grade 8 and Buleza reported that above, due to be pub- the text for Grade 8 lished this summer. and above is being The revised series readied for a summer will focus on knowl- 2002 print date. She edge of the faith, and then led the group in on spiritual maturity. an exercise testing a The latter topic will sample lesson from be presented repeat- the new eighth grade edly in terms of five text using the cooper- movements of an ative learning strategy. Orthodox spiritual Discussions followed life: conversion, on the overview of the liturgy, repentance proposed plan for this or metanoia, theosis, text and the many and wisdom. I will be aspects of spiritual writing on these top- maturity that need to ics in the coming be incorporated into Back: Fr. John Kachuba, Fr. Rodney Torbic, Fr. George Alberts, Fr. Andrew Jarmus, Fr. newsletters. In the the new curriculum Edward Pehanich, Mrs. Stephanie Burk, Rev. Deacon Joseph Kreta, Ms. Eleana Silk. February issue I design. The nomina- Front: Fr. Paul Kucynda, Executive Director, Mrs. Erin Kimmett, Mrs. Beverly wrote on conversion. tions committee then Cingolani, Mrs. Carole Buleza In this issue I contin- moved to re-elect the ue with conversion, current members of the executive board and this specifically on a corollary of conversion: prayer disci- motion carried. pline. When I was engaged and hopelessly in love, I was told by a married friend that eventually I would Department of Christian Education have to “work” at marriage. I was incredulous. Then I Regional Representatives married and had children. For those of you married at least one year, need I say more? Our spiritual life is a Eastern: Rev. George Alberts (724)684-5472 relationship as well. Growing in any relationship Midwest: Robert Snyder (330)493-4029 requires an investment of time and heart--we need to Western: Joseph Tershay (916)726-3018 “work” on our relationship with God. Orthodoxy pro- Can-Am: Jacquelyn Fadel (716)282-8243 vides us with everything we need for continued spiritu- Southwest: Maggie Hock (402)493-4433 al growth, including morning and evening prayers, the New England: Anna Timko-Hughes (978)686-3274 Jesus Prayer, the scripture, lives and writings of the Southeast: Betty Randolph (864)639-2204 saints. Your parish priest can give you many ideas. What could be more desirable than a relation- The Department of Christian Education pages are ship with God--the source of life, strength, and spiritu- published in the September, December, February, al renewal? So, why don’t we pursue this? Is it our and April issues. overcrowded lives? Do we take for granted God’s pres- ence and abiding love? Is it that growing in one’s rela- Department of Christian Education tionship with God requires effort and discipline? A 105 Leader Heights Road, Suite 130 friend of mine once said he hated the word “disci- York, PA 17403 pline.” Yet, what in life is achieved without discipline? The office is staffed from 9:00-3:00 Monday through If you don’t have discipline, you’d better have luck. Wednesday. Phone (717) 747-5221. Frankly, I don’t relish the idea of dying unexpectedly FAX (717) 747-5832. E-mail: [email protected] and and gaining heaven by good fortune. Discipline is not a [email protected] bad word. To win the race, an athlete needs the disci- Web page: pline of exercise and practice. To win the heavenly www.antiochian.org/christianeducation crowns of victory, we, likewise, need discipline. Discipline is not a bad word. The Lord had “disciples.”
18 The Word THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
He knew that discipline was essential. 3. We need to modify our home. Decrease the So with the Great Fast upon us, in my article distractions. Turn off the television for periods of “Spring of Living Water,” I urge all of us to renew, or time, and let the answering machine work for you. Set begin a prayer discipline. Judy Pappoff, in the “Faith the example by involving yourself in a project which and Family” column, gives great ideas for helping chil- requires your own discipline to complete the task, e.g., dren understand and achieve discipline. reading a whole book, or regular prayer time. Those of you who are teachers should take the 4. Discuss options with your child. Present opportunity to read my articles on spiritual maturity, your child with some "what if" scenarios. Listen to and reflect on your own life experience with the topic. their responses. "What if you studied two hours, As I mentioned in February, faith is most profoundly watched television one hour, and had an hour left to imparted when shared person to person, story by work on a hobby or read or play?" "What kind of per- story, heart to heart. The new series will give us many son do you think God wants you to be?" The child oppportunities to do this. Let’s be ready. should conclude that being disciplined, having and fol- lowing a plan, is preferable to passing time aimlessly. 5. We can help our children discipline them- Carole A. Buleza selves to fast and to pray. Speak with them about fast- ing and prayer and spiritual struggle, and ask them what they would like to give up (or take on) during our fasting periods. The child will accept this better if FAITH AND FAMILY he/she has experienced setting and disciplining by Judy Pappoff him/herself toward his/her own goals. Practicing self-control is necessary for our Children and children to make the most of their God-given talents. We have a great opportunity as parents to influence Discipline the direction of our children's lives. Let us make the most of this opportunity by helping our children aim As Orthodox parents, we want to teach our and follow through by learning and using self-disci- children the "right" way to be. We want them to pline. behave themselves in public, treat others with respect, use their talents, and live fulfilling lives. More impor- tantly, we want them to orient their entire lives toward salvation. We want them to be disciplined Orthodox Spring of Living Christians, disciples of Christ. This is no easy task, especially since we need to be disciplined ourselves. Water Our journey and struggle through Lent is a perfect by Carole Buleza opportunity to discuss this with our children. Discipline is best understood in terms of My initial conversion experience was followerd by achieving a goal. Our goal, or target, is salvation. Just several days of “being in the world but not of the as an archer must adjust his aim to hit the middle cir- world.” I desired to fast, taking St. John the Baptist as cle of his target, we must constantly adjust our behav- my inspiration. (I replaced the locusts with toast ior toward salvation. We parents cannot do all that is spread with honey.) Although my life as a typical high necessary to assure our children attain salvation. We school student continued, I found my thoughts return- can, however, make them conscious of the goal, and ing to the peace I felt while reading scripture or pray- we can set the stage. How do we do this? ing, and to the reality that Jesus Christ was TRUE. 1. We aim our own lives toward God. It is through For the first time I understood why a man or example that our children learn. We need to be con- woman would choose the monastic life. Knowing Jesus stantly aware that our children are watching and emu- was like falling in love. I wished to spend all my time lating us and discipline ourselves accordingly. with my beloved. These were the kairos days--sacred 2. We need to help our children learn to set goals for time, blessed days--time outside of time. I had found themselves. This will involve more listening and less “the pearl of great price.” praising or criticizing on our part. For example, when I don’t recall how long this went on. At some point I the report card comes from the school, rather than realized that I had crossed back “over the Jordan.” comment one way or the other immediately, first say When and how did this happen? I couldn’t say. Slowly, something like, "Wow! Look at that!” (whether it is imperceptibly, secular reality claimed me again. I tried "good" or "bad") “What do YOU think of that?" At this reading scripture and praying, but the peace wasn’t point, listen. This gives the child a chance to reflect on there. In fact, I couldn’t seem to concentrate on the what he or she expects from him/herself, and helps the words. I gave up. Around this time during coffee hour child set new goals. When they set the goal, children one Sunday, a “wonder-ful” woman at my parish--the are much more likely to discipline themselves to mother of seven rambunctious young sons, yet unflap- achieve it. pable and always happy--asked me what was wrong. I
April 2002 19 THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
everyday. And that is what I did. I decided to schedule my time in the mornings, and on Sunday afternoons. My plan was to read the Bible Orthodox from cover to cover. Sure enough, my discipline paid off. I found that upon missing a day or two, it took Institute 2002 about three days to regain my pace, and God’s peace. I for Church School & Youth Workers learned that choosing a time each day was not enough; with I had to make other preparations. For example, my His Grace morning prayer time only worked if I consistently went to bed on time. If I couldn’t get focused on read- Bishop Basil ing, I turned on soft music to quiet my thoughts. I also discovered that the Old Testament, though educational and with some surprising stories, did not feed my spir- it. I needed the words of my Lord every day. I was Over 20 courses delighted to find a Bible with Jesus’ words in red ink. I offered in the enjoyed hearing in the Gospel proclamation a story I following tracks: had read myself that week. That Lent I saw the services with new eyes. Holy Teacher Training Week was especially moving. That was also the year Church School that tragedy befell one of our families. Their youngest Management child, age 1 1/2, had found his way into the swimming Orthodoxy pool and all but drowned. At one of the weeknight ser- Youth Work vices I passed by his father who was sitting in the narthex on a folding chair. John Paul was across his lap, his back bowed and his body stiff. Although he moved slightly, his gaunt face and the blank look in his eyes made me wonder if he was alive or dead. Not that I stopped and stared; I knew better than that, and in fact I recall being embarrased by my very audible gasp as I caught sight of the child. After that I remember asking my Lord, my King and my God, “How could you??” and “Why does that child have to suffer so??” In my reading and prayer time I came across the answer, which is still one of the “bedrocks” of my faith: “In the world you will suffer, Education, Fellowship and Fun but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John A weekend of learning and renewal 16:33). My prayer and reading discipline provided timely Antiochian Village “answers” on many occasions, as well as providing the “spring of living water” for my daily life. Although I Oct 10-13, 2002 have lapsed from time to time, I know that until I can Brochures available May 2002 from: get back to my prayer discipline, my life will be like a The Dept. of Christian Education (717)747-5221 or ship without a keel--subject to needless anxiety and The Dept. of Youth Ministry (781)461-1757 without true peace and joy. Pascha was poignant that year as thoughts of John Paul mingled with my “new” realization of Our Lord’s looked at her, wondering what showed on my face, and resurrection. Shortly after Pascha, John Paul died. In then took the chance of sharing my recent spiritual the funeral sermon, Father told us that a few days experience and the fact that now it was gone. (I say before his death, John Paul’s body relaxed and was “took the chance” because no one shared faith experi- once again supple. Although he never regained con- ences at church, except the priest during the sermon-- sciousness after the final coma, a peaceful look was on a fact that still somewhat puzzles me.) Anne listened his face when he died. I like to think that he was given excitedly and gave the name “conversion experience” a vision of heaven, and before his death came to know to my story. She told me that she and her husband had the reality of Jesus’ words, “I have overcome the also had conversion experiences. Then she became world.” serious and said, “Carole, you must read and pray In our prayer discipline may we envision ourselves everyday, no matter whether you feel close to God or as the “disciples” sitting at the feet of our Lord. May not. Seek God and don’t rely on your feelings. God will we, too, be given a vision of that blessed kingdom to honor your efforts.” She told me to choose a time of which we journey. day and a place and to spend 20 minutes with God
20 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
admirable members who contributed greatly to its reconstruction. In particu- lar, His Eminence spoke of Mansour Rayan as a man who has exemplified ab- solute devotion and faith to his Orthodox beliefs. His Eminence expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Rayan for the dedication he has shown to both the St. George parish and the Archdiocese and bestowed on him the Antonian Gold Medal, a most distinctive honor that Mansour cer- Metropolitan Philip with the youth of Cicero, IL. tainly deserves. His Emi- nence concluded by speak- vice by explaining that the liturgy in overwhelming expressed his incessant ing about the bright future consecration of a church is numbers as St. George desire to help St. George that Orthodoxy in America analogous to the sacra- radiated with beauty prosper throughout the faces and, as always, ment of baptism that all throughout the day. next century. Next, Fr. thanked God for blessing Orthodox Christians expe- On Sunday evening, St. Dahdal spoke about the our remarkable Archdio- rience. His Eminence was George held its Dedication struggles that he personal- cese. We all pray that God assisted by our Pastor, Dinner Banquet and Hafli. ly experienced over the will grant Metropolitan Father Nicholas Dahdal, Attended by Metropolitan previous four years in Philip many years as our Father Farah Awad, Father Philip and over 500 peo- coordinating St. George’s father and chief shepherd. William Calderoni of Holy ple, the Banquet was a rebuilding efforts, and Transfiguration Church in resounding success and a expressed his appreciation Wheaton, IL, Archdeacon fitting end to a weekend of to all those who volun- Hans, Deacon Malek celebration. Dedication teered their services in the ST. GEORGE Rihani and the attending Weekend Co-Chairman rebuilding process. Fr. ANTIOCHIAN subdeacons and altar boys. Michael Mufarreh served Dahdal was especially The Hierarchical Divine as Master of Ceremonies. grateful to Mansour Rayan, Liturgy also included the Raed Sweis began the who took it upon himself ORTHODOX CHURCH ordination of Subdeacon evening with a rousing to spearhead the construc- HOUSTON, TEXAS Alan Bullock to the Holy speech about the progress tion effort and acted as the Diaconate. The local par- that St. George has made general contractor on the he temperature was ishioners attended the in recent years. Raed project. Fr. Dahdal praised in the mid 40’s. Rain Mansour as a man of true wasT coming down heavily, faith whose efforts will enough to flood some of never be forgotten in the the streets. Radio an- St. George parish. With nouncers were telling lis- much anticipation, Metro- teners to stay indoors if politan Philip concluded possible. The warning was the evening’s speeches well worth listening to as with a heartfelt apprecia- that kind of weather is tion for what Fr. Nicholas cold and dangerous for and his loyal parishioners Houstonians who find dry have accomplished. His and 90 degree weather a Eminence remarked about normal day. the wonderful weekend he However, it was as if had just experienced and some 250 happy ladies expressed how impressed bearing gifts were totally he was by the warmth and oblivious to the cold, the compassion of the mem- rain, and radio announcers bers of the Cicero parish. as they packed the parish Metropolitan Philip consecrates the new altar at St. George, His Eminence remarked hall at St. George Church Cicero. that St. George had many on Saturday, January 5,
April 2002 21 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
2002 for a baby shower for around the Houston area the St. Ignatius Fellowship, Orthodox Church half a Khouriye Valerie Salem. to attend. and their spouses. A century ago. Smiles and laughter were The Teen SOYO, a very prayer for peace and for Following Vespers ser- the order of the day. After busy group of young peo- our brothers and sisters vice that evening, a ban- a buffet lunch of delicious ple at St. George, had a who lost their lives on quet was held at a local Arabic food, the ladies regional retreat on September 11 was offered convention center. The were entertained with February 1 in Cleveland, as part of the Bishop’s event was a celebration of baby shower games, and Texas, a short distance blessing. the Bishop’s visit and a presentations of song and from Houston. Bishop Antoun ad- forum to honor several comedy offered by talent- The senior members of dressed the dues system in members of the church. ed ladies of the church. the parish also take our parish, and directed The honorees were recog- Khouriye Anita Shahda monthly bus trips to excit- that a pledge or tithing nized for their service and spoke a few heartwarming ing historical places in arrangement replace our dedication as past presi- and very meaningful Texas. They play bingo on dated dues method. The dents of organizations and words. When she begins Tuesday mornings as well. gathering was open to his chairpersons of events. with, “I’m telling you …” Spiritual life at St. ideas and the remainder of This was the first time the everyone listens. The George is unending. Every the evening was filled with group was honored since beautiful little mother-to- Wednesday night is stories of the past and the early 1980s. It was a be with her face beaming Vespers and Family night, hope for the future. wonderful honor for them, like sunshine then followed by Adult and Saturday morning, especially in the presence thanked everyone in her Youth education. Vespers Bishop Antoun shared of His Grace. gentle manner. She ended is also celebrated every breakfast with the Sunday Sunday morning Bishop by saying, “God bless you Saturday night, and the school children and with Antoun and Father all.” calendar of events is the Teen SOYO. The chil- Terence celebrated the Other happy things are always full with a service dren enjoyed insightful Hierarchical Divine also happening at St. in honor of a feast day. discussions with his Grace Liturgy. The event was George in Houston. Just when one thinks inside the church. They extra special as the Bishop Specifically, a building not another thing could be were very inquisitive as he churched Mathew Kane fund drive is underway for added to the calendar, one taught them about the dif- and Estelle Khairallah and a two-story structure to gets surprised. As the old ferent icons and what they removed the crowns of house offices and Sunday saying goes, “There’s represent. The children Richard and Theresa School classrooms. The always room for one were also very drawn to Abdo. Following the ser- new facility will be built on more.” the Bishop’s vestments and vice, three parishioners land at the present site on crown. He even allowed were welcomed into the Bissonnet Street. some of the boys to display Order of St. Ignatius. The Ladies Altar Society the vestments, to their Congratulations to Edward serves a weekly spaghetti A WEEKEND OF delight. Awad, Andrew Kane and lunch every Thursday CELEBRATION The teens enjoyed deep Dona Savage on this glori- open to the public. This and lively discussions on ous event. The newly- well-established project in pertinent issues facing our elected officers of the Teen the community has been WITH BISHOP Archdiocese with the SOYO were installed by going on for twenty years, ANTOUN Bishop. They always look Bishop Antoun. The high- closing only on holy feast forward to his visits as he light of the weekend was days and certain secular ishop Antoun is no relates very well to them. the blessing by His Grace holidays. They also hold stranger to St. Elias The Antiochian Women of the recently installed bake sales throughout the inB Syracuse, NY. He was prepared a traditional icons of the Pantocrator, year and in between take welcomed with warmth Lenten luncheon for Platitera, and four Feast bus trips to beautiful and and endearment as he Bishop Antoun. During the Day icons donated by historical places around arrived for a weekend visit gathering, His Grace talked Nabil and Emile Habayeb. Texas. on Friday, November 16 of the important role the To close a spiritually The Ladies Altar Society and was greeted at the air- women of the parish have enriched weekend, Bishop is having their annual sem- port by Father Terence undertaken. He thanked Antoun and the parish- inar in March, which is and the Parish Council and encouraged them to ioners shared a brunch in Antiochian Women’s members. continue their projects for the church hall. A lovely month. Father Paul That evening, in the the orphanages in Guate- cake was served in honor Callaghan, regional spiritu- parish hall, his Grace mala and in various loca- of his Grace’s 50th year of al advisor, will be guest shared a catered dinner tions throughout the service as a cleric in the speaker at the seminar. An with Father Terence Baz, world. He also reminisced Orthodox Church. Many invitation is extended to Khouriye Barbara, mem- of his past and the begin- years Master! It was a all Orthodox ladies in and bers of the Parish Council, ning of his calling to the memorable event to end a
22 The Word COMMUNITIES IN ACTION fulfilling and inspiring weekend. The people of St. Elias always welcome Bishop Antoun back with warm hearts and open arms.
ARCHEPISCOPAL VISIT
TO THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, CAMBRIDGE, MA
n the weekend of October 21st, 2001, Fr. Antony’s family gathers for his elevation to Archpriest. HisO Eminence Metro- politan Philip paid a long- awaited pastoral visit to of the Divine Liturgy, the tremendous blessing and three to over thirty mem- the community of St. elevation of Fr. Antony to success. bers. Later in the evening Mary, Cambridge, MA. the rank of Archpriest and On Friday evening His Sayidna presided at the From beginning to end, his the ordination of Jeffrey Eminence and Archdeacon service of Great Vespers. presence was a cause of Smith to the order of the Hans were treated to a Nearly all the Antiochian great rejoicing. Holy Diaconate. The delightful time of fellow- priests and deacons from His Eminence and Arch- events throughout the ship and food at the home the New England Region deacon Hans arrived on weekend were planned to of Bahig and Nadia Kaldas. were in attendance along the beautiful autumn after- allow the Metropolitan the Over sixty parish leaders with a large congregation noon of October 19 at opportunity to enjoy St. and their spouses were in from St. Mary’s and her Logan Airport in Boston Mary’s hospitality, as well attendance. The elegant sister parishes. Sayidna and were met by Fr. as to see for himself the setting and dinner fostered expressed his appreciation Antony Hughes and Parish remarkable pan-orthodox an evening of relaxed con- for the exquisite chanting, Council Chairman Bahig community she has versation and lively discus- for which the parish is well Kaldas. From there they become over the past two sion. Some parishioners known, and for the spirit were escorted to the decades, and to lead the remembered Sayidna’s of beauty and prayerful- Marriott in Burlington to faithful in praise and wor- time as a deacon at St. ness so much in evidence prepare for a series of ship of the blessed and All- Mary’s when he first ar- during the service. events that would culmi- Holy Trinity. On every rived in the United States A banquet was held in nate with the celebration level the visit was a to study at Holy Cross the Church hall following Greek Orthodox Seminary. Great Vespers. Every pos- Others were simply sible seat was filled. The pleased to be able to spend Women’s Club (AOCWNA) time in the presence of prepared a delicious their Father in Christ, a Arabic meal for those in leader deeply honored and attendance. Several speak- loved by Orthodox ers highlighted the Christians throughout the evening, beginning with world. Joseph (Buddy) Mabardy, Saturday saw a luncheon who chaired the entire gathering of many of the weekend for the Parish current members of the Council, followed by Bahig Order of St. Ignatius from Kaldas. Dr. Louis Patsavos, St. Mary’s along with the canonist at Holy Cross new members who were to Seminary and close friend be inducted at the Divine of Fr. Antony, spoke beau- Liturgy on Sunday. Mem- tifully about the marks of a bership in the Order has faithful priest. The evening Saturday evening at Banquet — Parish Council President, Bahig grown at St. Mary’s over culminated with an ad- Kaldas the past few years from dress by His Eminence. He
April 2002 23 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION
Inducting members into the Order of St. Ignatius Metropolitan Philip signing his book.
spoke of many events in Romanians, Egyptians, Very Rev. Michael Keiser even more eagerly antici- the life of the Archdiocese, Serbians, American con- and Dr. Antony Bashir, pated. God has blessed our and reminisced about his verts of various ethnic spoke in his behalf along Archdiocese with a gifted time in Boston and of his backgrounds, and many with his father and mother, and devoted Shepherd. association with Fr. students from a large num- and Khouriye Carol. The community of St. Antony, whom he ordained ber of colleges and univer- Finally, Fr. Antony thanked Mary’s was deeply honored to the Holy Priesthood at sities in the Boston area. St. Mary’s parishioners for to welcome him, to pray St. Antony’s parish in The excitement of the their love and support, and with him, to listen to his Bergenfield in 1987. Buddy gathered congregation was offered an inspirational inspiring words and to Mabardy introduced our palpable as His Eminence vision for the next chapter learn from his experience. other special guests, arrived. The Divine in the life of the parish. It May God grant him many including Fr. Antony’s and Liturgy was celebrated was a fitting end to a mem- more years in service to Deacon Jeffrey’s families with great dignity and orable weekend. the Antiochian Archdio- and friends, the invited beauty. The chanters and Sayidna Philip left St. cese of North America, and clergy who had come for choir sang the praises of Mary’s on Sunday, Oct. may God grant that St. the elevation and ordina- God to perfection. The 21st, but his spirit and Mary’s may continue to tion from around the ordination of Deacon prayers left an indelible grow and prosper until his country, and the New Jeffrey and the elevation of mark on the parish. His next Archepiscopal visita- England clergy and Arch- Fr. Antony punctuated the visit will not be forgotten tion. diocese Board of Trustees liturgy with even more sig- and his next visit will be members. Although the nificance for the parish. At event was billed as a ban- the elevation of Fr. Antony, quet, efforts were made to jubilant ululations of the keep the evening warm Eritrean members of the On behalf of the Khoury family, I wish to express and informal. Happily, the parish could be heard over our deepest gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan event planners succeeded the chanting. At the end of Philip, their Graces Bishops Antoun, Joseph and Basil, admirably. the service the parish and all those persons and parishes which extended to Sunday finally arrived. watched proudly as nine This was the moment the new members of the Order my family and me such kind expressions of sympathy parish had been waiting of St. Ignatius were induct- on the passing of our beloved son, Ibrahim Khoury. for. As the community ed as Dames or Knights. His parents, George and Widda, his sisters, Jean, gathered for the celebra- Along with the nine, two Elaine, Irene and Laura, and I greatly appreciate your tion of the Divine Liturgy other members upgraded thoughtfulness during this our time of grief. Asking with His Eminence, a very their membership to Almighty God to bless you, and those you hold dear, large and diverse congrega- Commander and one other tion began arriving early to Life Member. with long life, good health and happiness. for the service of Orthros. The last event was a +Bishop Demetri The parish of St. Mary is Grand Coffee Hour held On behalf of the entire composed of Syrians, Leb- after Divine Liturgy in the Khoury family anese, Greeks, Russians, church hall. Father Ukrainians, Eritreans, Antony’s dear friends, the
24 The Word THE PEOPLE SPEAK …
Dear Metropolitan Philip, that only those present and find it very appropri- World Council of Church- Having just returned there, watching them, ate to my situation. es, and the Standing from the Midwinter Meet- could comprehend. Fr. I recently ran for a seat Conference of Middle East ings at the Antiochian John Abdalah, our Advisor, on our St. George Parish Christian & Muslim Village, I can’t help but led us through impasses in Council and was elected. I Religious Leaders well reflect on what an honor decision-making and gen- look forward to serving, measured given the cir- and pleasure it was to be in tly steered us. Khouriye and I thank you for your cumstances, and appropri- the company of such awe- Joanne Abdalah presented clear explanation of how ate for The WORD. Con- inspiring leaders of our a very sweet and moving the Council experience versely, I found the deri- Archdiocese. From ages 13 mini “retreat” for us using should be viewed. Your sion, and nationalist fervor to 93, we came together in the story of Mary and learned words are helping in the subsequent letters beautiful fellowship, with Martha from the Gospel of me to approach my up- distasteful as the authors great ambitions and com- Luke, on our role as coming Council work with seemed to miss an impor- passionate concerns. The women and how to find a a different attitude, one tant point. As Christians services in the Chapel were balance between house- that will be more apprecia- our allegiance is not to a beautiful; it seemed every- hold chores and Church, a tive and understanding. flag, to a government, or to one was singing in harmo- dilemma for our modern In addition to your edi- a country, but to God and ny. Our meetings were world of working women. torial, I found that this the teachings of our Lord stimulating, educational, After the meeting, we month’s issue had a very and Savior Jesus Christ. thought-provoking and had a two-hour break interesting article on the And as Christians, espe- action-oriented. before Vespers, so we piled new museum at The cially as Orthodox I am so impressed with into a big van and headed Antiochian Village. I am Christians representative the women leaders of this to the Outlet Shop about particularly interested in of the original Church in Archdiocese. The ladies 45 minutes away. As we this because I am current- the Holy Land, it is incum- there representing their tried on silly hats, scarves, ly working on plans to bent upon us to practice respective regions all lead shirts, sunglasses and study the feasibility of the New Testament teach- full lives. They come from helped one another make establishing a somewhat ings of forgiveness and various professions — choices, we stepped out of similar institution in New compassion. principals, special educa- our “thinking” roles and Kensington, The Alumi- We should use our tion teachers, business into our “friend” roles. The num Heritage Museum. Orthodox Christian values leaders, computer special- wonderful leather boots I Sincerely, to serve in the name of ists, secretaries, home- bought for $10 are not Gary & Juanita Pallone freedom and justice for all makers, lawyers, nurse only the most comfortable New Kensington, PA people — the goal of which practitioners, etc., all of shoes I have ever worn, is not victory, but peace!
whom find time to serve as but with every step I take, ) For these letter authors to officers of AOCWNA while I am reminded of the most To the Editor, restate our government’s still being great moms, beautiful bond of sisterly I have been rather dis- propaganda that our and grandmas too! Those love in the world, my girl- turbed by some correspon- Muslim brothers and sis- of us women who were friends of AOCWNA — the dence appearing in recent ters are our enemy flies in together at the AOCWNA best in the world! issues of The WORD the face of any sense of meetings share a bond that Janice Nicola Saba regarding statements pub- justice. The correspon- will be present into eterni- Can-Am Region lished following 9/11. dents seem to dismiss the ty. We worked hard, we AOCWNA President While I recognize these let- call for Orthodox Christian put our heads and hearts ters reflect a minority understanding, tolerance,
together. Our officers — ) opinion, I wanted to sug- or compassion as being Marilyn Robbat, Laila Dear Fr. John, gest a more Christian sen- “anti-American,” or as Ferris, Cindy Nimey and Hoping this note finds sibility than they offered. “Arab” or “Muslim Violet Robbat — demon- you in good health and I found the separate rhetoric.” It is unclear how strated such total commit- spirit. I just read your lat- statements by our promoting hatred, invad- ment and unselfishness est editorial in The WORD Patriarch Ignatius IV, he ing sovereign nations,
April 2002 25 THE PEOPLE SPEAK …
bombing human beings For the first 31 years of that I believe that they are world, merely a wound to into submission or death my life I did as Zacchaeus misguided in their thinking the pride and psyche of can be considered appro- did. I watched Jesus from a and that I emphatically dis- the Arab world. priate. This arrogance of distance. Oh yes, I went to agree with their premise. Why does the United power should be replaced church even faithfully but I do agree with the ideals States support Israel? by responsibility to minis- I never really invited Him our clergy put forth, in Quite simply, Israel is a ter to the needs of those into my life to make Him particular the ideal that a democratic society, and less fortunate here and Lord of my life. No one Christian’s duty is to seek while not perfect, democ- abroad, taking Metro- ever told me that I should. out truth and justice, even racy is the best govern- politan Philip’s lead. This In 1968 Jesus knocked on in disregard to one’s own mental system yet devised is the path to defeating the door of my heart and country. But I emphatical- by mankind. When people “terrorism.” This Christian by His Holy Spirit I opened ly disagree that there is get to choose their leaders point-of-view is much that door never to be the virtue or truth in a people and are free to work, wor- more important than “an same again. Salvation had simply because they are ship and live as they American point-of-view” in indeed come to my heart “oppressed” and there is please, the seeds of terror- The WORD. that day. Now He has given vice or dishonesty in a ism and hate find a ground Joseph Boullata me another new beginning people simply because choked with the stones of Willow Grove, PA in the Holy Orthodox they are “oppressors.” freedom, and the seeds Church. I want to tell oth- Throughout the entire find no growth and soon ers about Him and His Arab world — from the wither and die. Dear Editor: Church. Your article will Atlantic shores of North It is my hope and desire The article by Father help me do that. Africa to the Persian Gulf that our beloved clergy can David which appeared Thank you for reminding — there cannot be found see the value in democrat- recently in this periodical, me of that special time in in any nation a true demo- ic ideals and that they will titled “What’s in a Name,” my life when, like Zac- cratic society. It would adjust their views of the caused a different reaction chaeus, I opened my heart appear on the surface that world and of the United in me than the reaction of to my loving Savior. May if one seeks truth or jus- States of America in due another writer, who spoke your article encourage oth- tice in the Arab world, one course. positively of it. I am a ers to do the same. May all would not find it in the Respectfully yours, grateful convert to Ortho- come down from the tree!! current political climate. Thomas Pike doxy, and the priest who In His Perfect Love, Israel, however, is the St. Stephen chrismated me, also a con- Mary D. Scott lone democratic society in Orthodox Church vert, suggested I take the Murrysville, PA the region. The principles Hiram, GA name of a saint whom I of democracy and econom- ) wanted to emulate. I did ic freedom thrive in Israel, ) that not because I consid- Dear Editor: and in 50 years the Israelis ered myself already holy, For the past several have transformed the area “Inasmuch as you did it to one of or anywhere near it. To issues there have been edi- into an oasis of promise in the least of these My brethren, you me the article was some- torials and opinions issued a sea of despair. Even did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40 what judgmental of con- by the clergy of our though the United States verts who in all innocence beloved Church related to has given billions of dollars EASTERN REGION PARISH LIFE CONFERENCE and ignorance were enthu- the events of September in aid to Israel, the Israelis JULY 3-JULY 7, 2002 siastically embracing their 11, 2001. Our beloved cler- still choose their own lead- Stamford Marriott Hotel new-found “pearl.” gy have remarked about ers through free and civil Reservations: 1-800-228-9290 If in fact, as Father David the reasons why the Arab elections. Group Code: Eastern Region claims, we were making a world is angry with the The Arabs demand truth Parish Life Conference Rate: $79.00 Dbl./Occupancy mistake, where in the United States and wishes and justice for their peo- Hotel Reservation & world were the “cradle” to do us harm. The unspo- ple, and they wish for the Pre-Registration for Conference Orthodox to inform us? ken yet unsubtle message United States to wield its Deadline: June 19, 2002 Sincerely, in all of this is that the influence like a club and Children’s Workshops “Dorcas” Leta Brown United States and its sup- effectuate change in the Religious Workshops Fourth of July Celebration port for the nation of Israel region. Sadly, this wish Bible Bowl & Oratorical Presentations
)) is what brought about the misses the point about Dear Father Stephen, hatred and disrespect felt democracy. The changes Grand Ball & Family Semi-Formal Thank you so much for by the Arab world, and that should be brought about Grand Banquet & Choir Festival your article on the story of the terrorist attacks were with the blood and toil of Grand Hafli Zacchaeus and Jesus. somehow an unavoidable Arab patriots. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy I am a new convert to occurrence. With the ut- Israel and its existence is COME JOIN IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR FAITH THROUGH the Orthodox Church at most respect to our be- not an actual threat to the FELLOWSHIP 66 years old. loved clergy, I must say condition of the Arab
26 The Word FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE 2000-2001 WORLD FOOD DAY COLLECTIONS
FFHP WFD FFHP WFD St. Mary, Chambersburg 1,040.00 all year 1,720.00 1,000 2000 00-lbs. 2001 01-lbs. St. John Evangelist, CAN-AM REGION Beaver Falls 345.55 1,500 3,000.0 NOVA SCOTIA St. George, Bridgeville 3,038.00 all year all year St. Anthony, Halifax $855.00 St. Ellien, Brownsville 150.00 NEW YORK St. Anthony, Butler 683.50 713.50 St. George, Albany 263.00 153 125.00 St. Paul, Emmaus 190.50 33 372.00 100 St. Michael, Geneva 1,020.00 1,030.00 St. Michael, Greensburg 75.05 1,855.17 St. George, Niagara Falls 515.00 10.00 313 St. Mary, Johnstown 1,375.00 165 2,110.00 Archangel Gabriel, St. John, York 555.55 1,664 573.23 2,000 S. Glens Falls 100.00 550 50.00 750 St. Michael, Monessen 305.00 300 420.00 St. George, S. Glens Falls 350.00 1,000 50.00 St. Elias, New Castle 4,799.19 2,369.86 202 St. Elias, Syracuse 427.00 1,031.35 St. George, St. George, Utica 291.46 295.71 400 New Kensington 1,250.75 25,000 728.81 15,000 ONTARIO St. George, Pittsburgh 1,349.97 600 2,031.55 300 Holy Transfiguration, St. Philip, Souderton 2,298.52 all year 2,836.78 all year London 150.42 380.05 200 St. George, Upper Darby 200.00 500.00 St. Elias, Ottawa 2,248.92 2,448.05 St. Mary, Wilkes Barre 45.00 570 1,383.37 600 St. George, Richmond Hill 1,325.00 100.00 VIRGINIA St. Mary, Mississauga 1,313 200.00 St. Gregory, Falls Church 404.72 749.65 QUEBEC St. Basil the Great, Virgin Mary, Montreal 160.00 1,500 150.00 Yorkstown 155.75 St. George, Montreal 3,500.00 3,705.00 TOTAL St. Nicholas, Montreal 3,500.00 350 2,625.00 Eastern Region 30,917.62 34,109 31,856.50 21,482 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MIDWEST REGION Ss. Peter & Paul, IOWA Charlottetown 583.00 St. George, Cedar Rapids 350.00 3,000 291.87 TOTAL ILLINOIS Can-Am Region 14,705.80 4,866 12,783.16 1,350 St. Nicholas, Urbana 1,050.00 500 1,145.00 EASTERN REGION St. George, Cicero 1,000.00 769.00 CONNECTICUT All Saints, Chicago 710.24 473 879.95 St. Nicholas, Bridgeport 520.00 1,094.00 St. George, Spring Valley 437.00 387.67 St. George, Danbury 75.00 300.00 Holy Transfiguration, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Warrenville 1,284.80 2,209.00 St. Gregory the Great, INDIANA Washington, DC 75 All Saints, Bloomington 1,000.56 500 521.86 St. George, St. John Chrysostom, Washington, DC 1,250.00 1,010 1,025.00 1,200 Fort Wayne 704.03 304.48 DELAWARE Holy Resurrection, Hobart 379.65 399.06 St. Athanasius, Claymont 434.12 1,200 105.42 St. George, Indianapolis 1,718.75 2,456.97 MARYLAND St. George, Terre Haute 610.53 241.80 525 Holy Cross, Linthicum 250.00 25.00 St. Mary, Goshen 566.63 512 307.26 Ss. Peter & Paul, Potomac 75.00 1,000 1,499.59 500 KENTUCKY St. Mary, Hunt Valley 25.00 215.00 St. Andrew, Lexington 300.00 428 507.25 NEW JERSEY St. Michael, Louisville 2,145.00 2,180.00 St. Anthony, Bergenfield 2,550.00 457 1,845.00 423 MICHIGAN St. George, Little Falls 200.00 1,877.00 St. Mary, Berkley 750.00 1,060.00 St. Stephen, S. Plainfield 500.00 110 523.00 82 Incarnation, Detroit 27.96 NEW YORK St. George, Troy 845.00 800.00 St. Mary, Brooklyn 5,250.00 250.00 St. George, Flint 928.29 886.60 150 St. Nicholas, Brooklyn 811.00 1,054.82 St. George, Grand Rapids 50.00 St. John The Baptist, St. Nicholas, Grand Rapids 862.00 450 670.00 Uniondale 368.70 175.00 St. Mary, Iron Mountain 226.35 100.00 38 Church of Virgin Mary, Yonkers St. Simon, Ironwood 375.00 63.00 PENNSYLVANIA St. Mary, Livonia 40.00 481.22 St. George, Allentown 242.50 80.00 St. James, Williamston 517.03 128 659.64 2,516 St. George, Altoona 260.00 500 268.00
April 2002 27 FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE
MINNESOTA Holy Cross, Holly Hill St. George, West St. Paul 591.08 1,500 627.14 St. Paul, Naples 469.00 278.48 NORTH DAKOTA St. Bridget, Orlando All Saints Mission, Fargo GEORGIA OHIO St. Elias, Atlanta 2,173.61 1,791.90 St. John, Campbell 150.00 St. Stephen, Hiram 425.00 2,000 500.00 1,500 St. George, Akron 156.00 LOUISIANA Holy Cross, Canton 200.00 1,500 St. Basil, Metaire 1,418.00 224 1,225.37 254 St. George, Canton 750.00 175.00 MISSISSIPPI St. George, Cleveland 1,015.00 1,710.00 St. Peter, Madison 300.00 100 25.00 St. James, Loveland 125.00 2,000 St. George, Vicksburg 1,809.25 125 1,486.00 St. Matthew, N. Royalton 692.75 4,400 623.99 3,500 St. Nicholas, Scofield 413.35 St. Elias, Sylvania 1,300.00 1,875.00 SOUTH CAROLINA St. George, Toledo 975.75 1,200 734.88 St. Catherine, Aiken 250 62.17 700 St. Mark, Youngstown 1,400.00 790 1,659.75 2,000 St. John, N. Charleston 129.08 180.00 St. Gregory Monastery 191.72 100.00 St. Barnabas, Lexington 60.00 75.00 Internat’l. Orthodox Council, St. Nicholas, Myrtle Beach 300 Parma 100.00 100.00 Christ the Savior, Anderson 316.43 5,715 200.97 5,900 ONTARIO TENNESSEE St. Ignatius, Windsor 100.00 Holy Resurrection, St. Elias, Windsor Johnson City 100.93 409.00 WISCONSIN St. Ignatius, Franklin 1,163.32 1,380 1,520.00 1,600 St. Elias, La Crosse 67.17 160 151.25 St. John, Memphis 869.72 484 525.00 650 St. Nicholas, Cedarburg 322.13 494 313.47 414 TOTAL St. Ignatius, Madison 739.23 750.00 Southeast Region 16,758.47 19,804 12,962.46 16,905 WEST VIRGINIA SOUTHWEST REGION St. Nicholas, Beckley 500.00 200.00 ARKANSAS St. George, Charleston 3,675.00 412 3,200.00 450 Holy Trinity Mission, Church of Holy Spirit, Little Rock 143.95 1,104.08 Huntington 600.00 525.00 COLORADO TOTAL St. Luke, Lafayette 415.00 1,110.20 Midwest Region 30,229.65 18,447 30,367.11 9,593 St. Augustine, Denver 536.08 500 NEW ENGLAND REGION St. Elias, Denver MASSACHUSETTS St. Mark, Denver 424.78 1,021 433.50 1,000 St. Michael Mission, Cotuit 95 330.00 St. Columba, Lafayette 337.00 131 395.00 300 All Saints, Hingham 183.00 144 St. James, Wellington 700.02 600 429.00 St. Mary, Cambridge 815.67 141 2,205.36 300 IOWA St. John of Damascus, St. Thomas, Sioux City 800.00 400 925.00 500 Dedham 7,050.00 2,952.01 400 KANSAS St. George, Methuen 1,080.00 7,500 1,052.74 Ss. Peter & Paul, Topeka 656.71 158 907.37 St. George, Lowell 1,680.45 304 1,420.89 St. George, Wichita 1,706.00 14,000 2,146.00 15,000 St. George, Norwood 1,903.13 600 1,225.00 700 St. Mary, Wichita 1,102.00 1,662.80 St. George, W. Roxbury 3,382.00 3,000 4,024.25 3,000 All Saints, Salina 719.10 744 684.00 2,500 St. George, Worcester 5,315.00 2,500 5,519.61 2,500 St. Mary Magdalene, RHODE ISLAND Manhattan 174.76 125.00 St. Mary, Pawtucket 1,126.00 850 695.00 LOUISIANA TOTAL Archangel Gabriel, Lafayette 20.00 75 50.00 New England Region 22,535.25 15,134 19,424.86 6,900 St. John the Divine, SOUTHEAST REGION Lake Charles 125.00 143.00 ALABAMA St. Nicholas, Shreveport 117.47 440.39 St. Michael Mission, Dothan 100.00 NEW MEXICO VIRGINIA Holy Trinity, Santa Fe 9.15 194 620.05 Holy Apostle, Hayes 157.05 250 St. Joseph, Santa Fe FLORIDA Ss. Peter & Paul, Albuquerque 25.00 St. George, Coral Gables 1,350.00 500.00 NEBRASKA St. Philip, Davie 419.56 2,975 1,078.32 St. George, Kearney 411.46 226 355.78 St. Andrew, Eustis 455.00 329.76 2,129 St. Mary, Omaha 500 4,400 St. George, Jacksonville 1,155.48 2,275 1,032.00 St. Vincent of Lerins, Our Lady of Regla, Miami 50.00 50.00 Omaha 172.97 1,431 441.23 1,000 St. Anthony the Great, OKLAHOMA Titusville 25.00 St. Elijah, Oklahoma City 2,050.00 1,500.00 St. Peter, N. Miami St. Antony, Tulsa 963.73 998.34 St. George, Orlando 1,122 760 WYOMING St. Basil, Silver Springs 102.74 Holy Resurrection, Gillette 62.00 St. Nicholas, Pinellas Park 793.52 1,629 960.73 742 TEXAS St. Mary, W. Palm Beach 514.51 30.00 2,243 St. Elias, Austin 1,175.00 110.00 87
28 The Word FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE
St. John the Forerunner, St. John, Austin 1,852.00 414.96 Rancho Santa Margarita 230.07 163.00 125 St. Michael, Beaumont 250 1,000.00 1,000 Resurrection, Castro Valley Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi 150.00 300.00 St. George, Upland 200.00 200.00 Ss. Constantine & Helen, IDAHO Dallas 900 232.00 St. John, Post Falls 10.00 600 123.62 St. George, El Paso 550.00 1,400.00 St. Ignatius, Twin Falls 50.00 St. Peter, Ft. Worth 100.00 567.72 Holy Transfiguration, Boise 39.00 St. Joseph, Houston 401.00 185 237.50 200 NEVADA St. George, Houston 1,946.00 1,624.00 St. Michael, Las Vegas 850.00 all year 1,200.00 all year St. Luke, Abilene 79.32 399.99 OREGON St. Anthony the Great, St. George, Portland 50.00 Spring 340.00 525.50 400 Christ the King, Portland 1,000.00 St. Elizabeth, Mesquite 250.00 SASKATCHEWAN Holy Transfiguration, St. Vincent of Lerins, Wichita Falls 17.16 Saskatoon St. Sophia Mission Station, UTAH Driftwood 97.08 50 Ss. Peter & Paul, St. Benedict, Wichita Falls 120.00 185.78 Salt Lake City 250.00 TOTAL WASHINGTON Southwest Region 18,548.61 20,815 21,669.43 26,937 St. Andrew, Arlington 968.65 412.60 WESTERN REGION St. Paul, Lynnwood 601.55 876.06 ALBERTA Holy Cross, Yakima 772.62 766.69 St. Philip, Edmonton 600.00 200.00 St. Nicholas, Spokane 287.34 273.25 Church of the Annunciation, St. Innocent, Everson 600.00 all year 995.00 all year Edmonton TOTAL ALASKA Western Region 27,523.62 21,528 33,022.20 17,940 St. Herman, Wasilla 256.03 Individual Contributions 8,636.00 9,277.50 All Saints Mission, Homer 100.00 100.00 TOTAL St. John, Eagle River 773.00 937.00 300 CONTRIBUTIONS 169,855.62134,703 171,363.22101,107 ARIZONA (recorded as of 2-28-2002) St. George, Phoenix 1,300.00 185.00 Holy Resurrection, Tucson 75.00 all year all year St. Ignatius Mission, Mesa 400.68 183 768.72 St. Demetrius, Flagstaff 35.00 CALIFORNIA Ss. Peter & Paul, “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of My brethren, Ben Lomond 25.00 750 245.30 St. Rafael, Palm Springs 742.31 you did it to Me.” St. Michael, Whittier 577.24 1,200 163.71 1,018 Matthew 25:40 St. Luke, Garden Grove 1,482.31 all year 2,342.78 all year St. George, Glendora The Parishioners of St. Athanasius, Goleta 598.00 425.00 St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church St. Barnabas, in Oklahoma City Huntington Beach 100.00 120.00 invite all our brothers and sisters in Christ to St. Mark, Irvine 500.47 940.00 Holy Cross, Palmdale 201.00 The Southwest Region Parish Life St. Timothy, Lompoc 409.00 570 538.44 Church of the Redeemer, Conference Los Altos Hills 75.00 651 1,058.15 St. Nicholas, Los Angeles 5,173.50 14,500 7,990.00 16,497 Thursday, June 27, 2002 to Sunday, June 30, 2002 Holy Cross, Pittsburg 148.00 Oklahoma City, OK St. John the Evangelist, Orinda 100.00 120.00 For registration forms and conference materials St. Andrew, Riverside 632.00 1,133.00 call St. Anthony, San Diego 2,275.00 1,950.30 St. Athanasius, Sacramento 615 400.00 St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church St. George, San Diego 755.00 100 1,110.00 St. Peter, San Dimas 2,500.00 3,000.00 The Archdiocese Spiritual Center St. Nicholas, San Francisco 300.00 of the St. Stephen, Cuppertino 1,002.31 1,323.60 Southwest Region St. Matthew, Torrance 285.50 50.00 St. Michael, Van Nuys 1,092.38 2,359 894.24 (405) 755-7804 Virgin Mary, W. Sacramento 270.00 15.00 St. Timothy, Fairfield 366.00 466.40
April 2002 29 ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE VIEWS AND VIEWPOINTS LADYBUGS, PANES AND STORMY DAYS
By DENISE O’ NEAL, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
ADYBUGS ARE CONSIDERED of hiding during these struggles. We areas of ministry and service. We L a gardener’s friend because become dormant and less produc- can use such times to consider what they fall into the category tive through depression, inactivity, we can do rather than dwell on what “beneficial insects.” Since I am a hopelessness, anxiety, complaining, cannot be done. We can plan pro- gardener, and love roses, I can ap- bitterness, resentment or excuses. ductively for our next actions as we preciate the ladybugs’ beneficial role Yet, these difficult times could be focus on the future rather than pon- of consuming aphids in the garden. some of our most productive times der the past and present. But here at the Village, I’ve discov- for serving Christ. We can witness to With springtime, there is always a ered some of their other behaviors. the world around us that we are not sense of new beginnings. I challenge My workspace has a large, sunny walking alone in these times, but each of you to a new beginning, dur- window, which has become a major rather with Him by our side. We can ing both your sunny and stormy attraction for ladybugs during mild exemplify love, devotion and com- days. Keep your eyes fixed upon temperatures and bright days. But passion in all of our relationships at Jesus Christ and avoid becoming
Village Council meets at Antiochian Village, February, 2002 when clouds and colder days domi- home, work or play. We can demon- dormant like the ladybugs at my nate, the ladybugs disappear into strate our hope in the Lord and the window. If you are in a stormy the windowpanes and dormancy. trust we have for Him in all things. place, consider Antiochian Village a So often, we are like the ladybugs. We can look for, be content with and place where you can renew with one We become productive on the sunny thankful for the good that is all of our many spiritual programs. warm days of our lives, yet run, hide around us. Consider the Village a place for fel- or become dormant during the We can also grow, as Christ would lowship and witness. Take in the stormy times. We all know what have us grow, during the dark and fresh air here and savor the silence stormy times encompass: things like cloudy days. These times can lead as you contemplate your walk into financial troubles, illnesses, family us to special spiritual meditation, the future. problems, sour relationships, and insight and growth. We can be will- Meanwhile, I’m curious to learn busy schedules. And we are all guilty ing to be led and guided into new what the ladybugs will find to do on
30 The Word ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE VIEWS AND VIEWPOINTS my window as the sun shines more Mr. & Mrs. Robert Burlett Supplies often and the weather warms. Gerald & Kate Gabriel Helen Roy — Tapestry of Jesus the Perhaps I should plant some potted Karen Hanna Shepherd roses and put my dotted friends to Elaine M. Shaheen Khouriye Julia Thomas — 50th work! $50 and over Anniversary Program Book for St. Raymond & Diane Barsa Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Dr. & Mrs. Edward Hallal Brooklyn FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2001- Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kalyousef JANUARY 31, 2002 Francis Price Events for 2002 DONATIONS GRACIOUSLY Bradley Rechel Lenten Retreat — April 5-7, 2002 RECEIVED AT ANTIOCHIAN $250 and over Orthodox Marriage Commitment VILLAGE Selma Davis Retreat — April 5-6, 2002 Lillian Elias Renewing Baptismal Vows — April he Camp and the Heritage & Under $25 12-14, 2002 T Learning Center at Antiochian Anonymous Family Camp — May 24-27, 2002 Village gratefully acknowledge the In-Kind Contributions Village Council — May 29, 2002 monetary and in-kind donations Katherine Ajar — Mother of Pearl Board of Trustees _ May 29-30, 2002 contributed during the 2002 fiscal Church Model Corner Shelf Order of St. Ignatius — May 30-June year ended January 31, 2002. Bishop Antoun — Biography of 2, 2002 Should you care to make a restrict- Archbishop Aftimios Ofeish Orthodoxy on the Environment — ed or unrestricted gift to the Camp Caroline Monsour Ayoub — Framed June 15-17, 2002 or the Center please inquire of Fr. Print of Deisis (Russian Style) Clergy Symposium — July 15-19, Michael Nasser or Fr. Michael Mother Bellagia — Icon of St. Thekla 2002 Massouh. from Syria Summer Meetings — July 19-21, Monetary Gifts Angela Casey — Medical Supplies 2001 $200,000 John Deeb — 1st Printing in Sacred Music Institute — July 24- The Edward A. Cain Trust America of the Evlogitarion in 28, 2002 Order of St. Ignatius Arabic that Saint Raphael Villagers Reunion — August 9-11, $5,000 and over prepared for publication 2002 Anonymous Antonio Ganem — Four framed House of Studies — August 25- $3,000 and over photographs of relatives of St. September 6, 2002 Pinewood Children’s Charities Raphael Family Camp — August 30- $2,000 and over David Ghiz — Pool Chemical September 2, 2002 Amerose Fund Supplies, Rescue Equipment Sts. Thekla and Raphael Pilgrimage $1,000 and over Mr. & Mrs. Peter Jon Gillquist — _ September 20-22, 2002 Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Samra Christian Education Supplies Parish Council Symposium — Dr. & Mrs. Donald Howard George Haddad — Arabic Bread October 10-13, 2002 Midwest Region Karen Hanna — Medical Supplies Christian Education — October 10- Rafidi Family George & Elaine Heider — Staff 13, 2002 $500 and over Shirts Youth Workers — October 10-13, Anonymous Dr. Donald Howard — Medical 2002 Asper El-Khouri Fund Supplies Eastern Region Teen SOYO Fr. Edward & Khouriye Margo Kelley Antiochian Village George Barsoum — Spruce tree & hand painted Walter & Grace Mary Parhamovich icon of Christ Alumni Weekend 2002 $400 and over George & Martha Hanna Kickel — Anonymous Three table runners August 9-11, 2002 Boulis Memorial Fund Theologus Kyriazi — Professional Bolivar, PA Charmaine Darmour Services Davis Memorial Fund C. Fredrick Milkie — “The Two Boys McGrath Fund from Balamand” video St. George Orthodox Church, Matthew Nassif — LifeCycle Boston Recumbent Bike St. John Orthodox Church, Dedham Michelle Nightengale — Medical $200 and over Supplies http://www.antiochianvillage.org Anonymous Susan D’Onofrio — Staff Cabin Dr. & Mrs. Bashar Nakhleh Furniture Mr. & Mrs. Greg Threadgill Dr. Darren Rishwain — Medical $100 and over Supplies Anonymous Dr. Raymond Rishwain — Medical
April 2002 31 DAILY DEVOTIONS
2002 Can-Am Come to San Diego in 2002! Parish Life Conference The 47th Annual Western Region May 15-19, 2002 Family and St. Michael’s of Geneva Parish Life Conference welcomes you. July 3-7, 2002 Wednesday, May 15 Saturday, May 18 Hosted by St. Anthony the Great Clergy and Clergy Wives Continental Breakfast activities Youth Ministry Antiochian Orthodox Church Order of St. Ignatius San Diego, California Thursday, May 16 luncheon & meeting Clergy & Guests wine tour St. Anthony the Great invites you to our beautiful city for a Oratorical Festival convention that will embrace you both spiritually and socially! Choir Rehearsal Choir Rehearsal Clergy Dinner Plan your family vacation during the 4th of July holiday Grand Banquet & Dance in beautiful San Diego with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Friday, May 17 Sunday, May 19 CONVENTION ACTIVITIES Antiochian Women meeting Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Organizational meetings Teen SOYO meeting All Awards Brunch Youth, young adult and teen activities Fellowship of St. John Keynote Speaker: Father Paul O’Callaghan Antiochian Women luncheon Mexican fiesta hospitality night Bible Bowl 4th of July Barbeque and fireworks Dinner & Karaoke Cabaret Oratorical/Art contests, Bible Bowl, and Choir festival Hotel Information: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Ramada Geneva Lakefront at 41 Lakefront Drive HOTEL INFORMATION Geneva, New York 14456 Four Star Luxury Resort: 315-789-00400 or 1-800-990-0907 Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina Please refer to “Can-Am Parish Life Conference” to guar- $99.00 per night room rate valid July 1st-July 10th antee room rates. Plan your family vacation now!!! FLAT RATE: $99.00 U.S. — Call 1-877-734-2726 single, double, triple, quad Conference Code: Western Region Parish Life Conference
DAILY DEVOTIONS MAY, 2002 1. EXODUS 2:11-22; JOB 2:1-10; MATTHEW 16. ACTS 4:23-31; JOHN 6:14-27 26:6-16 (FAST) 17. ACTS 5:1-11; JOHN 5:30-6:2 2. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-32; MATTHEW 18. ACTS 5:21-33; JOHN 6:14-27 26:2-27:2 (FAST) 19. ACTS 6:1-7; MARK 15:43-16:8 3. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-2:2; MATTHEW 27:1-61 20. ACTS 6:8-7:5, 47-60; JOHN 4:46-54 (STRICT FAST) 21. ACTS 26:1-5, 12-20; JOHN 10:1-9 4. ROMANS 6:3-11; MATTHEW 28:1-20 (FAST) 22. ACTS 8:18-25; JOHN 6:35-39 5. ACTS 1:1-8; JOHN 1:1-17 HOLY PASCHA 23. ACTS 8:26-39; JOHN 6:40-44 6. ACTS 1:12-17, 21-26; JOHN 1:18-28 24. ACTS 8:40-9:19; JOHN 6:48-54 7. ACTS 2:14-21; LUKE 24:12-35 25. ACTS 9:20-31; JOHN 15:17-16:2 8. 1 JOHN 1:1-7; JOHN 19:25-27, 21:24-25 9. ACTS 2:38-43; JOHN 3:1-15 26. ACTS 9:32-42; JOHN 5:1-15 10. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11; LUKE 10:38-42, 11:27-28 27. ACTS 10:1-16; JOHN 6:56-69 11. ACTS 3:11-16; JOHN 3:22-33 28. ACTS 10:21-33; JOHN 7:1-13 12. ACTS 5:12-20; JOHN 20:19-31 29. ACTS 14:6-18; JOHN 7:14-30 13. ACTS 3:19-26; JOHN 2:1-11 MID PENTECOST 14. ACTS 4:1-10; JOHN 3:16-21 30. ACTS 10:34-43; JOHN 8:12-20 15. ACTS 4:13-22; JOHN 5:17-24 31. ACTS 10:44-11:10; JOHN 8:21-30 By Very Rev. George Alberts
32 The Word ADS
ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631 358 MOUNTAIN ROAD, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631 Phone (201) 871-1355 Fax (201) 871-7954 PHONE (201) 871-1355 FAX (201) 871-7954 MY LENTEN JOURNEY SERVICES OF HOLY WEEK An Interactive Poster for Children AND PASCHA Arranged and edited by the Very Reverend Joseph Rahal Make a card for Do something Give up TV for a ¥ The Bridegroom Service — Palm Sunday Evening someone you nice for your whole day! When ¥ The Bridegroom Service — Holy Monday Evening love (like your mom and dad. you get home ¥ The Bridegroom Service — Holy Tuesday Evening grandparents) How about from school, ¥ The Holy Unction — Holy Wednesday Evening and send it to helping them make a sign that ¥ The Vesperal Liturgy — Holy Thursday Morning them in the get dinner says “No TV ¥ The 12 Passion Gospels — Holy Thursday Evening mail. ready? Today.” ¥ The Royal Hours — Holy Friday Morning ¥ The Vespers — Holy Friday Afternoon MONDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY ¥ The Lamentations — Holy Friday Evening My Lenten Journey is a large color poster designed to help ¥ The Vesperal Liturgy — Holy Saturday Morning children understand how they can participate in Great Lent. Daily ¥ The Rush, Matins, and Liturgy — Holy Pascha ¥ The Agape Vespers Service — Holy Pascha Afternoon challenges give the child the opportunity to do, give, give up, or think each day during Lent as a way of making his or her own offering. ❖ All services include all the rubrics and instructions And don’t forget … as you complete each daily challenge, mark ❖ All services are in sequence and in correct order ❖ off each day with one of the colorful stickers enclosed! All services are in English ❖ This book uses official Archdiocesan texts ************************************************ ______Please send me ______copy(s) of My Lenten Journey at a cost of Please send ______copy(s) of Services of Holy Week and $7.00 (US funds) per copy. I have enclosed $ ______which Pascha at $20.00 per copy (plus 10% postage & handling inside includes 10% postage and handling for US orders, 20% for Canada the US or 20% for Canada and overseas) to: and Overseas, or $2.00 for orders under $20.00. Send to: Name ______Name ______Address ______Address ______Enclosed is my check/money order in US dollars in the amount ______of $ ______.
ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT 358 MOUNTAIN ROAD, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631 PHONE (201) 871-1355 FAX (201) 871-7954 ❖ All services include all the rubrics and instructions ❖ All services are in sequence and in the correct order ❖ This book uses official Archdiocesan texts
Please send ______copy(s) of Services of Holy Week and Pascha in Arabic at $20.00 per copy (plus 10% postage & handling inside the US or 20% for Canada and overseas) to:
Name ______
*Limited number of Address ______copies available ______
Enclosed is my check/money order in US dollars in the amount of $ ______.
April 2002 33 THE ORTHODOX WORLD
THE ORTHODOX WORLD
worked together toward a tion of His Grace Alex- The majority of the pop- IOCC common cause, making a ander, Bishop of Nigeria. ulation in Benin is non- COMMEMORATES 10 difference in the lies of the Priests and deacons have Christian, so there is much YEARS OF SERVICE needy globally and turning been ordained and a sys- work to do for these faith- IOCC into one of Balti- tem of catechism is ful evangelists. Through altimore (IOCC) — To more’s leading non-profit spreading Orthodoxy your generous help, the B mark its 10th anniver- organizations,” she said. around the country. SAMP program supports sary, International Ortho- Tickets for the dinner Benin’s history is filled these priests as they dox Christian Charities are $100 per person. Costs with suffering and subjuga- spread the love of Christ to will host a special dinner of the dinner are being tion. Foreign dominion their people. April 18, 2002, at the underwrittten, so all pro- and internal ethnic strife To learn more about the Greek Orthodox Cathedral ceeds will go to IOCC. To began hundreds of years SAMP program, visit of the Annunciation, 24 W. order tickets or to inquire ago. It wasn’t until the OCMC’s website at Preston St., Baltimore, MD. about sponsoring the early 1960’s that indepen- www.ocmc.org or contact Among the distinguished “Race to Respond,” call dence from French West OCMC SAMP Coordinator guests of the evening will (410) 243-9820. Deadline Africa occurred. Slave Presbytera Renee Ritsi by be His Eminence Arch- is April 10. trade, at its peak in the phone at 904-829-5132, or bishop Demetrios, primate IOCC was founded in 1700’s, traded in tens of by e-mail at of the Greek Orthodox 1992 by the Standing thousands of Beninese [email protected]. Archdiocese of America, Conference of Canonical annually. Over forty-five along with ambassadors, Orthodox Bishops in the different ethnic divisions U.S. senators and repre- Americas (SCOBA) and is kept the country from uni- IOCC EXPANDS sentatives, state and local the official humanitarian fying and moving forward PROGRAM IN THE officials and other partners aid agency of Orthodox both economically and WEST BANK in the work of IOCC. Christians in the United politically. The event, which will States. Since 1992, IOCC Life in Benin is still very Jerusalem/West Bank begin with vespers at 6 has served people in more harsh. Much of Benin is (IOCC) — International p.m., also will introduce a than 20 countries through unusually dry and desert- Orthodox Christian chari- cycling team that will race programs of emergency like. Seventy-five percent ties (IOCC) is responding across the country in assistance, development of the population is direct- to the “man-made disas- August 2002 to benefit and community empower- ly tied to various means of ter” in the West Bank with IOCC. Team captain Jim ment. farming. Forty percent of a comprehensive program Angelus, a cancer survivor, the people live under the of rural development that will lead the “Race to poverty line. Potable water is designed to create jobs, Respond” from New York SAMP OFFERS and extreme poverty are improve public health, to California. ASSISTANCE IN very serious concerns in clean up the environment A dinner and program BENIN, WEST AFRICA Benin. and expand community will follow vespers at the Yet in the midst of this services for Palestinians. Preston Room of the Reason to Celebrate in poverty, five priests, two The two-year, $2.6 mil- Annnunciation Orthodox A 2002! OCMC’s Sup- deacons and a catechist lion program, funded pri- Center in Baltimore. The port A Mission Priest pro- strive to spread the marily by the U.S. Agency program will include guest gram celebrated this Orthodox faith to commu- for International Develop- speakers, special music January, as it began to nities around the country. ment, builds on an IOCC and a 10th anniversary undertake the financial Travel is very difficult, rural assistance project video about IOCC. and prayer support of the since only 1,000 km of currently under way with Event chairperson West African country of graded roads connect the the support of the Greek Jeanne Tsakalos said the Benin. After almost 30 major cities and very few Ministry of Foreign Affairs. evening will highlight years of searching, own private vehicles. Since The new program ex- IOCC’s accomplishments Christians in Benin have there are more parishes pands the reach of IOCC’s over the past 10 years. come into communion than priests in Benin, each humanitarian assistance “IOCC’s loyal supporters, with the Orthodox priest must travel to serve from four villages to twen- dedicated volunteers and Church, and are now their many scattered com- ty-four villages in the trou- tireless laborers have under the spiritual direc- munities. bled regions surrounding
34 The Word THE ORTHODOX WORLD
Jenin, Nablus and Ramal- munity services such as project is emergency lah — 12 villages in the sanitation, kindergartens, employment generation THE ORTHODOX first year and an additional women’s and youth cen- that will see a long-term THEOLOGICAL twelve in the second year. ters, public health educa- impact,” Ms. Kort said. SOCIETY IN AMERICA “We are focusing on tion and job training pro- “The impact is long-term LAUNCHES WEBSITE remote villages that have grams. because you’re helping to almost nothing, no pres- “Who takes care of these upgrade something that rookline, MA — The ence of international orga- people? No one,” she said, will be used for years to B Orthodox Theological nizations,” said Nora Kort, noting that the IOCC pro- come.” Such projects will Society in America has IOCC’s country represen- gram targets women, chil- enable Palestinians to take just launched is website — tative for Jerusalem/West dren and young people. better control of their lives otsamerica.org. The web- Bank/Gaza. “We’re helping Many Palestinian village and their future, she said. site contains news from the poorest of the poor women have had little for- “This is a man-made disas- the society, a frequently- communities.” mal education beyond the ter. Many women, because asked-questions section, “The people of Palestine sixth grade, Ms. Kort said. of the closures, cannot information about mem- have suffered great hard- In the project, women will even get medicines for bership, and the schedule ship,” said Metropolitan receive opportunities for their kids, and they cannot of the Annual Meeting. Philip of the Antiochian community education, reach hospitals. When The Orthodox Theologi- Orthodox Christian Arch- vocational training and they have a clinic in their cal Society in America diocese of North America. marketing their skills for own villages, it makes their (OTSA) is a SCOBA-spon- “The Orthodox Church in extra family income. lives easier.” sored organization dedicat- the United States, having The project also will IOCC already has begun ed to promoting Orthodox its roots in Jerusalem, is engage women in home- hiring local people to do theology, fellowship among pleased that IOCC is help- based agricultural produc- the work and will provide Orthodox theologians ing to alleviate this suffer- tion and in the production on-the-job vocational teaching in institutions of ing on a long-term basis.” and marketing of tradition- training. Ms. Kort said higher learning in Amer- Ms. Kort said the pro- al crafts. The Holy Land IOCC will work with an ica, and discussions of top- gram will address the pri- Christian Ecumenical extensive network of local ics of significance to the mary problem in the West Foundation in Silver partners, including non- Orthodox Church. At the Bank — unemployment — Spring, MD., has agreed to governmental organiza- 2001 meeting, the Society by creating more than market those products in tions, engineers, contrac- discussed the issue of a 3,200 jobs. Unemployment the United States through tors and village commit- common date for in the West Bank is at 37 the Melia Art Center in tees, to implement all Pascha/Easter for all percent, and an estimated Jerusalem. aspects of the project. Christians and adopted a 46 percent of all Most of the jobs generat- “In accord with our mis- resolution on the issue. Palestinians live below the ed by the project will be in sion to respond to the call This made OTSA the first poverty line. The average the construction trades, of Jesus, IOCC will bring body of Orthodox theolo- monthly income of a fami- for the improvement of the long-term assistance, hope gians to endorse the con- ly of five is $400, Ms. Kort infrastructure in vulnera- and love to generations of cept of a common date for said. ble rural areas, Ms. Kort Palestinians, both Muslim Easter. Also at the meet- The problem is wors- said. Labor is needed espe- and Christian,” said IOCC ing, the Annual Georges ened by the heightened cially for: chairman Charles Ajalat. Florovsky Lecture was level of hostilities between * building retaining IOCC also continues to delivered by Fr. John Palestinians and Israel walls, hedging and provide short-term, hu- Breck on the topic of over the past sixteen fencing for agricultural manitarian assistance to human cloning and genetic months, she said. The clo- purposes; an estimated 5,000 people engineering. As a result of sure of many Palestinian * building and repairing most affected by the vio- Fr. Breck’s lecture, the communities by the Israeli agricultural roads; lence in Jerusalem, the Society adopted a resolu- army has led to the loss of * renovating and repair- West Bank and Gaza. tion on human cloning. jobs and further economic ing community cen- IOCC, founded in 1992, The resolutions on Easter hardship. ters for women and is the official humanitarian and cloning can both be Most of the twenty-four young people; aid agency of Orthodox found on the new website. villages, while in areas of * repairing schools and Christians in the United Palestinian control under health clinics; States and works in coop- the Oslo agreements, are * cleaning up debris and eration with the Orthodox “isolated” because they garbage from public Church worldwide. Its are surrounded by settle- areas; and international headquarters ments under Israeli con- * planting seedlings and are in Baltimore, MD, and trol, Ms. Kort said. Many of trees. its Jerusalem office opened them lack essential com- “The main goal of the in 1997.
April 2002 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Englewood, NJ 07631
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