May 26, 2010 Episcopalthe Assembly “Today the Grace of the Holy Spirit Has Gathered Us Together.” VOLUME 54 NO

Volume 54 No. 7 SEPTEMBER 2010

May 26, 2010 EpiscopalThe Assembly “Today the Grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together.” VOLUME 54 NO. 7 SEPTEMBER 2010 contents COVER: THE EPISCOPAL ASSEMBLY 3 EDITORIAL by Rt. Rev. John Abdalah

5 METROPOLITAN PHILIP ADDRESSES HISTORIC EPISCOPAL ASSEMBLY ON FIRST DAY

8 MESSAGE OF THE EPISCOPAL ASSEMBLY

11 COMPLETED MEETINGS: WORKING COMMITTEES, ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

13 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE

15 HIS GRACE, BISHOP JOSEPH The Most Reverend ADDRESSES GRADUATES AT Metropolitan PHILIP, D.H.L., D.D. Primate ST. TIKHON’S The Right Reverend 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF Bishop ANTOUN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Right Reverend Bishop JOSEPH 24 THE ORTHODOX WORLD The Right Reverend Bishop BASIL 25 ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE BOOKSTORE The Right Reverend GOES ONLINE Bishop THOMAS 28 REVIEW: THY RESURRECTION The Right Reverend by Rev. Professor Nicholas M. Kastanas Bishop MARK The Right Reverend 28 THE PEOPLE SPEAK … Bishop ALEXANDER Founded in Arabic as 30 VISION FOR LIFE Al Kalimat in 1905 by Chris Humphrey, Ph.D. by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) Founded in English as 32 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION The WORD in 1957 by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir) Editor in Chief The Rt. Rev. John P. Abdalah, D.Min. Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey, Ph.D. Editorial Board The Very Rev. Joseph J. Allen, Th.D. Anthony Bashir, Ph.D. The Very Rev. Antony Gabriel, Th.M. The Very Rev. Peter Gillquist Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the author’s full name and Ronald Nicola parish. Submissions for “Communities in Action” must be approved by the local Najib E. Saliba, Ph.D. pastor. Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All submissions, in The Very Rev. Paul Schneirla, M.Div. hard copy, on disk or e-mailed, should be double-spaced for editing purposes. Design Director Donna Griffi n Albert Member ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: The Associated Church Press U.S.A. and Canada, $20.00 Conciliar Press Foreign Countries, $26.00 Ecumenical News International Single Copies, $3.00 Orthodox Press Service The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except July and August, by the Editorial Offi ce: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain The WORD Road, PO Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New Jersey 07631- 635 Miranda Drive 5238 and at additional mailing offi ces. Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Postmaster send address changes to: The WORD, 358 Mountain Road, PO Box e-mail: [email protected] 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 FAX: 1-412-831-5554 ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org. Subscription Offi ce: 358 Mountain Road Canada Post Publications Agreement No. 40691029 PO Box 5238 Return Canada address to: Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 AIM, 7289 Torbram Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8, Canada. Continued on page 10 editor’s letter Episcopal Assemblies: A challenge and an opportunity

If you asked a group of priests at a Sunday- gated many of the challenges they met, and their of-Orthodoxy celebration how old the Orthodox work has been a blessing to all the participants Church in America is, you would be likely to hear and their churches. These American pioneers stories about the missionary activity of Sts. Her- didn’t wait for mother churches to instruct them man and Tikon among the Aleuts, the Greek Or- to love each other, nor did they wait to learn thodox priest who met Benjamin Franklin, or St. from others how to preach the Gospel in the New Raphael of Brooklyn, who was the fi rst Orthodox World. They lived out their vocations as Ortho- bishop consecrated on American soil. If, however, dox bishops, living among the people and car- you asked how old the Orthodox Church that is ing for them from within. These shepherds knew in America is, you are more likely to hear about and know the names of their sheep, their needs St. Tikon the Church in Christ established at Pentecost or and their challenges. These bishops multiplied the Last Supper, or from eternity in the very body the number of churches, printed books, trained of God the Word. No one disagrees that the Or- clergy, established monasteries, used media, es- thodox Churches in America, gathered around ca- tablished international ministries and charities, nonical bishops who celebrate the Eucharist, are and built schools and summer camps. In a word, authentic canonical expressions of the fullness they have done well. of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Today, diffi cult obstacles stand in the way of These bishops, some of whom themselves have the venerable and ancient churches. The Church been born in America and others who have served in Turkey has dwindled to a small fraction, with their entire ordained lives in America, represent estimates of only a couple of thousand faithful The icons of Herman and Tikon are by the hand of Fr. Luke Dingman. Courtesy of Orthodox Images: www.orthodoximages.com by the hand of Fr. The icons of Herman and Tikon are the Traditions and faith of the apostles, as well left in that whole country. Likewise, the Church in St. Herman the customs and traditions of mother churches Jerusalem, once fi fty percent of the population, in Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Tur- has only some two thousand Orthodox left. The key, Serbia, Jordan and so forth. They also have Church in Egypt struggles at the hands of Islamic experience bringing Christ to Americans and the fundamentalists. The Church in Syria adjusts to American people to Christ, knowing the trends, the schedule and lifestyle of a non-Christian so- challenges and needs of the people in this land. ciety. It is my opinion that we should not burden When dealing with issues like post-modernism, these Churches with the task of micro-managing pluralism and secularism, and their effect on mar- the Church in the New World. Authentic bishops riage and family, the “Old World” would do well to with apostolic authority and faith need to bring learn from the Orthodox experiences in America. their people to God and God to their people. These challenges are quickly exported to the “Old They need to identify their needs and respond to World” countries through television, movies and them. the Internet. Delegates from fourteen autocephalous The canonical Orthodox Bishops in America churches (churches who select their own heads) voluntarily organized themselves fi fty years ago gathered in Chambésy-Geneva, Switzerland, from in the establishment of the Standing Conference June 6 to 12, 2009, for a Pre-Conciliar Pan-Or- of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, thodox Conference. The conference was a direct or SCOBA. These bishops have successfully navi- result of a previous meeting of the heads of all

The Word 3 4 The Word EPISCOPAL ASSEMBLY MAY 26, 2010

“Your Eminence, Archbishop Demetri- os, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Arch- diocese of America, and Brother Bishops:

My opening remarks this morning are taken from the Vespers of Palm Sunday, “Today the Grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us together.” How wonderful and pleasing to God for all of us to meet and discuss matters related to the life of our Church on this particular continent. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of SCOBA for his hard work to make this gathering possible.

The literature which we received from Chambesy via the Greek Archdiocese of America, raises some important questions. ONE, Despite the vitality and the dynam- ic nature of Orthodoxy in North America, no member of SCOBA, not even the chairman of SCOBA, was consulted about what was discussed in Geneva. We received rules from our brothers in Switzerland which we have nothing to do with. We have been on this continent for more than two hundred (200) years. We are no longer little children to have rules imposed on us from 5,000 miles away. Orthodoxy in America has its own ethos. We have our own theological institutions, and we have our own theolo- Metropolitan PHILIP gians, authors, publications and magazines. We do not intend to be disobedient to the Addresses Historic Mother Churches; we just want to dialogue with them and give them the opportunity to know us and understand us. We have been Episcopal Assembly here for a long, long time and we are very grateful to the Almighty God that in our on First Day theology and worship, we do express the fullness of the Holy Orthodox faith. Fifty years ago our hierarchs, may their souls rest in peace, founded SCOBA which has done a splendid job despite our exter-

The Word 5 Was SCOBA dissolved nal limitations. We have established the Orthodox tine Empire, I was told that there are only 2,000 and if so, by whom? Christian Education Commission which is chaired Greek Orthodox left. And the Turkish Govern- And when?? SCOBA by a Greek Orthodox gentleman. We have estab- ment, until now, refuses to let us open that fa- has a constitution lished the International Orthodox Christian Chari- mous Theological School of Khalki, despite the in- which is fi fty years old. If this constitution ties which is directed by Constantine Triantafi lou, tervention of the presidents of the United States. has to be amended, a very good Greek Orthodox. We have established In Iraq, hundreds of Christians were slaughtered let us then amend it the Orthodox Christian Mission Center which is and thousands had to fl ee Iraq to the Syrian Arab according to correct doing an excellent job and we have done many Republic. We are free here in North America -- procedures. No one other things which time does not permit me to free to teach, free to preach, free to worship, free can dissolve SCOBA enumerate. to write books and sometimes criticize even the except SCOBA itself. presidents of the United States. We have the full freedom of expression in accordance with the My dear brothers, United States Constitution. It is important to note We are faced now with a very serious proce- here that the Holy Synod of Antioch, to my knowl- dural nightmare. We are, supposedly, here to dis- edge, never discussed the Chambesy decision and cuss a new organization to replace SCOBA. The the rules of operation in order to formally bless question is: Was SCOBA dissolved and if so, by this effort. whom? And when?? SCOBA has a constitution which is fi fty years old. If this constitution has to be amended, let us then amend it according to 3Three correct procedures. No one can dissolve SCOBA Some of the communiqués which were issued except SCOBA itself. SCOBA has organized Bish- by the fathers in Geneva were good. I don’t under- ops’ Assemblies before Chambesy told us to do stand, however, why Central America was joined so. The fi rst Assembly was held at the Antiochian to North America. The Antiochian Metropolitan of Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania in 1994, under Mexico and Central America informed me that he the chairmanship of our brother, Archbishop Ia- wanted to be with the Orthodox Bishops of South kovos, of blessed memory. The second Bishops’ America. The reason is: he has nothing in com- Assembly was convened in Washington, D.C. and mon with North America because he represents a the third Bishops’ Assembly was convened in Chi- different culture all together. As a matter of fact, cago, Illinois, both under the auspices of SCOBA he traveled to Brazil to attend the Bishops’ As- and the Chairmanship of His Eminence, Arch- sembly which met at the Antiochian Orthodox Ca- bishop Demetrios. thedral in Sao Paulo. I hope that, in the future, this matter could possibly be addressed. In the communiqué which 2Two was issued from Geneva dated June 6-12, 2009, We are not in The second point which I would like to note is I read something very interesting and very hope- Babylon; we are concerning the term “Diaspora” which was used ful. It says and I quote: “The conference express- in North America, several times in the literature which we received the new world. We es the common desires of all Orthodox Churches from Geneva. I remember, there are many of you are dealing here for a solution to the problem of the canonical with second, third, who were at the Antiochian Village in 1994 and organization of the Orthodox “Diaspora,” in ac- fourth, fi fth and should remember that the term “Diaspora” was cordance with the ecclesiological and canonical sixth generations of unanimously rejected by our assembly. We are tradition and practice of the Orthodox Church.” American Orthodox not in Babylon; we are in North America, the new The same communiqué includes these bright and they refuse to world. We are dealing here with second, third, be called “Diaspo- words: “The mission of the Bishops’ Assemblies ra.” fourth, fi fth and sixth generations of American Or- is the proclamation and promotion of the unity of thodox and they refuse to be called “Diaspora.” the Orthodox Church, the common pastoral min- I believe that some of our churches in the Old istry of the Orthodox faithful in the region, as well World are in “Diaspora.” In Jerusalem, for exam- as the common witness to the world.” Here we ple, we have 2,000 Orthodox Christians left. In see a clear emphasis on the unity of the Orthodox Constantinople, the glorious capital of the Byzan- Church. What is needed is the translation of these

6 The Word Metropolitan PHILIP’s address inspiring words into concrete action. Orthodoxy in America is the best gift to the world. Other pleasing words appeared in Article III And instead of being crushed by the burdens of of the rules which state: “The Episcopal Assem- the past, let us formulate a clear vision for the fu- bly will have an executive committee composed ture. Thomas Jefferson, one of the fathers of our of the Primatial Bishops of each of the canoni- American revolution, once said: “I love the visions cal churches in the region.” From this text, I un- of the future rather than the dreams of the past.” derstand that no canonical bishop should be ex- If I have a vision for the future, it is this: Je- cluded from the assembly. If we share the same rusalem has less than 2,000 Orthodox left. Istan- Eucharistic table which is the highest expression bul has 2,000 Greek Orthodox left. The future of of Orthodox unity, can’t we work together on the Orthodoxy in the Middle East is uncertain. Thus, Executive Committee? for the sake of international Orthodox unity and Article XII of the rules is very promising. It Orthodox unity in North America, we should with states, “The Episcopal Assembly may establish its one voice, beg His Holiness, the Ecumenical Pa- own internal regulations in order to supplement triarch to leave Istanbul and move to Washington, and adjust the above provisions, in accordance D.C. or New York City and head a united Ortho- with the needs of the region and in respect to the dox Church in this hemisphere. All of us, I am Canon Law of the Orthodox Church.” sure, will be blessed to be under his omophorion “The Episcopal and Orthodox unity in North America will cease to Assembly will have be a dream, but a reality. an executive com- My dear brothers, mittee composed of You can see that Article XII of the rules is very the Primatial Bishops ﬂ exible and it gives us the freedom to “establish My dear brothers, of each of the canonical churches in our own internal regulations.” Thus, no Primate If we do not bury the burdens of the past be- the region.” of any jurisdiction should be excluded from the tween certain autocephalous churches, such bur- Executive Committee. Furthermore, the Execu- dens will bury us, and Orthodoxy in this country tive Committee should be strong enough to pre- and throughout the world will become an insig- pare an adequate agenda for these Episcopal As- niﬁ cant dot on the margin of history.” semblies. The Mother Churches must realize that

The Word 7 Message of the Episcopal Assembly Of the Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs of North and Central America, May 26-28, 2010

We glorify the name of the Triune Gathered together in the joy of the Feast of God for gathering us at this ﬁ rst Pentecost, we humbly recognize our calling, in our unworthiness, to serve as instruments and Episcopal Assembly of this region disciples of the Paraclete, who “holds together the in New York City on May 26-28, whole institution of the Church” (Hymn of Ves- 2010 in response to the decisions pers of Pentecost). We honor and express gratitude to the Primates of the Fourth Pre-Conciliar Pan- and Representatives of the Orthodox Autocepha- Orthodox Conference held at the lous Churches who assembled at the Ecumenical Patriarchate from October 10-12, 2008 to afﬁ rm Orthodox Center of the Ecumeni- their “unswerving position and obligation to safe- cal Patriarchate in Chambésy, guard the unity of the Orthodox Church” (Cham- Switzerland, from June 6-12, bésy Rules of Operation, Article 5.1a) and empha- sized their will and “desire for the swift healing of 2009, at the invitation of His All every canonical anomaly that has arisen from his- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch torical circumstances and pastoral requirements” (Message of the Primates 13.1-2) Bartholomew. We call to mind those who envisioned this unity in this region and strove to transcend the canoni-

8 The Word cal irregularities resulting for many reasons, in- 2. A committee to determine the canonical sta- cluding geographically overlapping jurisdictions. tus of local communities in the region that For, just as the Lord in the Divine Eucharist is have no reference to the Most Holy Auto- “broken and distributed, but not divided” (Divine cephalous Churches (Article 6.2) Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), so also His Body 3. A registry of canonical clergy (Article 6.3) comprises many members, while constituting His 4. Committees to undertake the work of the As- One Church. sembly, among others including liturgical, We are grateful for the gift of the doctrinal and pastoral, ﬁ nancial, educational, ecumenical, liturgical unity that we already share, and we are and legal issues (Articles 11 and 12) inspired by our leaders, the Heads of all the Ortho- 5. A committee to plan for the organization of dox Churches throughout the world, who proposed the Orthodox of the region on a canonical that which we painfully yearn for in this region, basis (Article 5.1). i.e., the “swift healing of every canonical anomaly” In addition to the above, we agreed that a direc- (Message of the Primates 13.2). We are also grate- tory would be created and maintained by the Assem- ful that they established a fundamental process to- bly of all canonical congregations in our region. ward a canonical direction and resolution. We as Episcopal Assembly understand our- We are thankful to almighty God for the selves as being the successors of the Standing growth of Orthodoxy, for the preservation of our Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the traditions, and for the inﬂ uence of our communi- Americas (SCOBA), assuming its agencies, dia- ties in this region. This is indeed a miracle and a logues, and other ministries. mystery. Moreover, at the formal request of the Hier- During our gathering, and in accordance with archs who have jurisdiction in Canada, the As- the rules of operation of Episcopal Assemblies sembly will submit to the Ecumenical Patriarch, promulgated by the Fourth Pan-Orthodox Pre- in accordance with the rules of operation (Article Conciliar Conference, we established: 13), a request to partition the present region of 1. A registry of canonical bishops (Article 6.1) North and Central America into two distinct re-

The Word 9 gions of the United States and Canada. Addition- for all those adversely affected by this catastrophe, ally, at the request of the Hierarchs who have as well as for all people living under conditions of jurisdiction in Mexico and Central America, the war, persecution, violence, and oppression. Assembly will likewise request to merge Mexico Of the sixty-six Hierarchs in the region, the and Central America with the Assembly of South following 55 were present at this Assembly: America. Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Daniel As Orthodox Hierarchs in this blessed region, Chairman Bishop Antoun we express our resolve to adhere to and adopt Metropolitan Philip, Bishop Joseph the regulations proposed by the Pan-Orthodox Vice Chairman Bishop Thomas Conferences and approved by the Autocephalous Archbishop Justinian, Bishop Mark Orthodox Churches, and to do everything in our Vice Chairman Bishop Alexander Metropolitan Hilarion power by the grace of God to advance actions Bishop Basil, Secretary Archbishop Antony, Bishop Iov that facilitate canonical order in our region. Treasurer Bishop Gabriel We confess our ﬁ delity to the Apostolic Ortho- Metropolitan Iakovos Bishop Peter dox faith and pledge to promote “common action Metropolitan Constantine Bishop Theodosius to address the pastoral needs of Orthodox living Metropolitan Athenagoras Bishop George Bishop Ieronim in our region” (Chambésy, Decision 2c). We call Metropolitan Methodios Metropolitan Isaiah Metropolitan Christopher upon our clergy and faithful to join us in these ef- Metropolitan Nicholas Bishop Maxim forts “to safeguard and contribute to the unity of Metropolitan Alexios Archbishop Nicolae the Orthodox Church of the region in its theologi- Metropolitan Nikitas Bishop Ioan Casian cal, ecclesiological, canonical, spiritual, philan- Metropolitan Nicholas Metropolitan Joseph thropic, educational and missionary obligations” Metropolitan Gerasimos Metropolitan Jonah Archbishop Nathaniel (Article 5.1) as we eagerly anticipate the Holy Metropolitan Evangelos Metropolitan Paisios Archbishop Seraphim and Great Council. Archbishop Yurij Bishop Nikon The Assembly concluded with the celebration Bishop Christopher Bishop Tikhon of the Divine Liturgy on Friday, May 28, 2010 at Bishop Vikentios Bishop Benjamin the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Bishop Savas Bishop Melchisedek Bishop Alejo Cathedral in New York City. During the Liturgy Bishop Andonios Bishop Ilia Bishop Irineu prayers were offered for the repose of the eleven Bishop Ilarion Bishop Irinee victims of the current ecological disaster in the Bishop Andriy Bishop Michael Gulf Coast, for the consolation of their families, Bishop Demetrios

Editorial Contiinued from page 3

the Orthodox Churches, convened by the Ecu- my hope that the autocephalous Churches of the menical Patriarch on October 10–12, 2008. The “Old World” will hear the same message from the delegates decided to establish “Episcopal Assem- same Holy Spirit so that the faithful in America blies” for the bishops to guide the entire Church can be served best, and that Metropolitan PHIL- in each of 12 regions where there were multiple IP’s vision of bringing America home to Ortho- jurisdictions. Unlike other areas, America already doxy can be fulfi lled. had such an assembly organized and in place In this edition of The WORD, you will read (SCOBA). Nevertheless, Archbishop DEMETRI- Metropolitan PHILIP’s address to the historic as- US invited all the bishops to come to New York sembly of bishops, as well as the offi cial report and to organize along the lines of the Chambésy of the meeting. More documents, refl ections and agreement. The organization and agenda for the photos are available on-line and can be accessed meeting were already set by the Chambésy agree- through www.antiochian.org as well as many oth- ment. er websites. It is my hope that the bishops and faithful in America will seek God’s will and discern how God Archimandrite John Abdalah wants His Church led in the New World. It is also

10 The Word Completed Meetings Working Committees, Archdiocesan Synod, and Board of Trustees

On Wednesday May 19th The Constitution Reconciliation Committee met in Englewood, NJ under the chairmanship of His Grace Bishop JOSEPH. The goal for this committee is to rec- oncile any remaining differences between the current Archdiocesan Constitution (approved by our General Assembly at a special meeting which was convened in Pittsburgh, PA in July 2004), and the Constitution that was approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch in October 2004. The Committee conducted a line-by-line “read- through” of a document that highlighted the differences between the two constitutions.

The committee noted several areas where the changes introduced in the version approved by The Holy Synod of Antioch are acceptable, and should be recommended for inclusion in the Arch- diocesan Constitution. The committee also noted several areas where the changes need to be clari- fi ed and perhaps modifi ed in light of the Self-Rule status that was granted to this Archdiocese by a Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch on Octo- ber 9th, 2003. The committee will meet again to fi nalize the recommended amendments. The second committee, also under the chairmanship of His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, was char- tered to study the current “Manual of Hierarchical Duties and Responsibilities” (originally approved by the Archdiocesan Synod on June 4, 2004, and amended on July 23, 2008), and this committee met on Thursday May 20th. The scope of the committee was expanded to include a review of the new Clergy Guide which is currently in draft form. A line-by-line “read-through” of The Manu- al of Hierarchical Duties and Responsibilities was conducted, and suggested changes were noted. The detailed review of the Clergy Guide was begun, but could not be completed in the available time. The committee will hold another meeting to complete this review.

The Word 11 Completed meetings continued

The Archdiocesan Synod of Bishops convened for their regular Spring meeting in Englewood, New Jersey on Thursday May 20th in the evening, DAILY and continued on Friday May 21st in the morning. The hierarchs participated in a lengthy and DEVOTIONS thoughtful discussion regarding the North Ameri- OCTOBER 2010 can Episcopal Assembly which is currently in session in New York City. Each of our hierarchs gave a report on important developments in his diocese since the last meeting, with a focus on the V. REV. GEORGE ALBERTS status of existing missions and the development of new missions. The hierarchs discussed the 1. HEBREWS 9:1-7; LUKE 10:38-24, 11:27-28 (FAST) topic of fi nancial transparency at the local parish 2. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58-16:3; LUKE 5:17-26 and mission level. As a result of this discussion, the Synod gave a mandate to the Archdiocesan 3. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:31-12:9; LUKE 6:31-36 Department of Finance to develop a policy at the 4. PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16; LUKE 6:24-30 Archdiocesan level that will specify a standard set 5. PHILIPPIANS 2:17-23; LUKE 6:37-45 of procedures, processes and reporting which ap- 6. PHILIPPIANS 2:24-30; LUKE 6:46-7:1 (FAST) ply to parish and mission fi nances. In addition, it was decided that the monitoring of this policy 7. PHILIPPIANS 3:1-8; LUKE 7:17-30 will be implemented at the diocesan level with the 8. PHILIPPIANS 3:8-19; LUKE 7:31-35 (FAST) details of the actual implementation left to the 9. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-11; LUKE 5:27-32 bishop in each diocese. 10. GALATIANS 1:11-19; LUKE 7:11-16 The Archdiocesan Board of Trustees convened 11. PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23; LUKE 7:36-50 for their regular Spring meeting on Friday May 21st in the evening, and continued on Saturday 12. COLOSSIANS 1:1-2, 7-11; LUKE 8:1-3 May 22nd in the morning. This meeting was held 13. COLOSSIANS 1:18-23; LUKE 8:22-25 (FAST) in the Grand Hyatt in New York City. The Board 14. COLOSSIANS 1:24-29; LUKE 9:7-11 of Trustees approved the Archdiocese Financial 15. COLOSSIANS 2:1-7; LUKE 9:12-18 (FAST) Report for the fi scal year which ended on January 31, 2010, and the proposed budget for the fi scal 16. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12-18; LUKE 6:1-10 year which will end on January 31, 2012. Both 17. TITUS 3:8-15; LUKE 8:5-15 the Financial Report and the Proposed Budget 18. COLOSSIANS 4:5-9, 14, 18; LUKE 10:16-21 will be sent to all of the parishes and missions 19. COLOSSIANS 2:20-3:3; LUKE 9:23-27 for review, and for approval at the sessions of the Metropolitan’s Advisory Council which are con- 20. COLOSSIANS 3:17-4:1; LUKE 9:44-50 (FAST) vened during each Parish Life Conference in the 21. COLOSSIANS 4:2-9; LUKE 9:49-56 years where there is no Archdiocesan Conven- 22. COLOSSIANS 4:10-18; LUKE 10:1-15 (FAST) tion. In addition, the 2011 Archdiocesan Conven- 23. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1-10; LUKE 7:2-10 tion Committee gave a report on the planning for 24. GALATIANS 6:11-18; LUKE 8:26-39 this Convention. The 2011 Convention is being hosted by the parish of St. George in Cicero Illi- 25. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5; LUKE 10:22-24 nois and will be held in Chicago. The heads of the 26. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-10; JOHN 15:17-16:2 following departments also gave status reports: 27. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-8; LUKE 11:9-13 (FAST) Antiochian Village Camp, Heritage and 28. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:9-14; LUKE 11:14-23 Learning Center, and Village Council Department of Statistics and Credentials 29. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:14-19; LUKE 11:23-26 (FAST) Antiochian Women and 30. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-5; LUKE 8:16-21 The Fellowship of St. John The Divine 31. EPHESIANS 2:4-10; LUKE 16:19-31 Department of Youth Ministry The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch

12 The Word Archdiocesan Ofﬁ ce

Elevated KEES, Symeon, to the holy diaconate by Bishop BA- SIL, on June 20, 2010, at St. Elijah Church in Okla- SALARIS, Priest Stevan, to the dignity of Archpriest homa City, Oklahoma. Dn. Symeon is assigned to St. by Bishop MARK, on June 6, 2010, at All saints of George Church in Houston, Texas. North America Church, Maryland Heights, Mon- tana. BLAIS, Deacon Jason, to the holy priesthood by Bishop ANOUN, on June 20, 2010, at the Diocese SOLBERG, Priest Paul, to the dignity of Archpriest of Miami Parish Life Conference in Jacksonville, by Bishop ALEXANDER, on April 11, 2010. Florida. Fr. Jason is attached to St. George Church, Awarded Danbury, Connecticut, while he completes his semi- Antonian Gold Medal to Mr. Nadim Shwayri, founder nary studies. of Al-Kafaat, on Saturday, May 22, 2010, by Metro- WARREN, Deacon Ignatius, to the holy priesthood politan PHILIP. by Bishop BASIL, on June 27, 2010, at St. George Ordained Cathedral in Wichita, Kansas. Fr. Ignatius is in his ﬁ nal year of studies at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theo- BARBERG, Deacon Raphael, to the holy priest- logical Seminary in Crestwood, NY. hood by Bishop ALEXANDER, on April 11, 2010, at St. George Church in Niagara Falls, New York. Fr. DAMAS, Michael, to the holy diaconate by Bishop Raphael will continue his studies at St. Vladimir’s MARK, on July 4, 2010, at St. George Cathedral in Seminary. Toledo, Ohio. Dn. Michael is attached to his home parish, St. Barnabas, Sunbury, Ohio. LEAKE, Andrew (Clark), to the holy diaconate by Bishop MARK, on April 28, 2010, at St. George Cha- Reposed pel in Louisville, Kentucky. Dn. Andrew is attached THOMAS, Archpriest David, retired from St. John to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Louisville, the Divine Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, de- Kentucky. parted this life on Friday, May 21, 2010. RAZZOUK, Deacon Mihhail, to the holy priesthood Assigned by Bishop ALEXANDER, on May 16, 2010, at St. LONG, Archpriest Gregory, from St. Anthony in But- Mary’s Church in Montreal, Quebec. Fr. Mihhail ler, Pennsylvania, to St. Elias in New Castle, Penn- continues to assist at the parish. sylvania. RICE, Deacon Lucas, to the holy priesthood by HARRIGLE, Priest Gregory, from St. Elias in New Bishop BASIL, on May 23, 2010, at St. Nicholas Ca- Castle, Pennsylvania, to St. George, West Roxbury, thedral of Brooklyn, New York. Fr. Lucas is attached Massachusetts, while he studies. to the Cathedral while he completes his seminary studies. GILLAM, Priest Joel, from St. George in New Kens- ington, Pennsylvania, to St. George in Upper Darby, BUCUR, Bogdan, to the holy diaconate by Metropol- Pennsylvania. itan PHILIP, on June 6, 2010, at St. George Church in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, and to the holy priest- KOURI, Archpriest Alexis, to St. Michael the Archan- hood by Bishop THOMAS, on June 27, 2010, at gel, Louisville, Kentucky, effective July 1, 2010. St. George Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ATTY, Archpriest Alexander, from St. Michael the Fr. Bogdan will assume the pastorate of St. Antho- Archangel in Louisville, Kentucky, to St. Tikhon’s ny’s in Butler, Pennsylvnia, in August. Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, MEYER, Daniel, to the holy diaconate by Bishop Pennsylvania, as Dean. JOSEPH, on June 20, 2010, at St. Andrew Church in NASSER, Priest Michael, to Holy Apostles, Bowling Riverside, California. Dn. Daniel is starting his ﬁ nal Green, Kentucky, effective August 1, 2010. year at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in August.

The Word 13 Antiochian Archdiocese

ZAFARAN, Priest Melatios, from St. George in Al- bany, New York, to St. George in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Established in 1998 to ﬁ ll the gap between costly hand-written Released or mass-produced icons, Orthodox KHOURY, Priest Boulos, to the Orthodox Church in Images draws on a pan-Orthodox America, effective July 1, 2010. consortium of iconographers and DeFONCE, Priest Peter (currently on loan to the craftsmen to produce the high- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), to the Greek Ortho- est quality, large format icon re- dox Archdiocese, effective July 12, 2010. productions available in North America: Fine art canvas, Rus- Donations to The WORD sian birch, and genuine 23K gold May 2010 leaf. Most custom sizes and shapes Mr. and Mrs. William Shadid $50.00 at no extra cost. Cathedrals to Ms. Robin Nicholas $100.00 mission parishes, let us all glorify Ziad and Ghada Al Assad $20.00 God through the beautiﬁ cation of Mr. George David $100.00 His holy churches. Mr. William Weir $30.00 Mr. Davd C. Saliba $50.00

32nd Annual St. Thekla Pilgrimage September 24 – 26, 2010 “Come, let us go up the mountain of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths” (Micah 4:2). September 1 is the beginning of our Liturgical Year and a good time to get our houses in good spiritual order. Why not ascend the Mountain of the Lord? The Convent of St. Thekla invites the faithful to the St. Thekla Pilgrimage from September 24 – 26, 2010, for a weekend of prayer, workshops and fellowship at the Antiochian Village. This year’s theme is “Ascending

the Mountain: It’s a Family Road Trip.” Our Presiding Hierarch, The Convent Of Saint Elizabeth, Etna, CA Bishop THOMAS, of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic, will present a reﬂ ection on our theme after Great Vespers on Saturday, and Mother Alexandra, Abbess of the Convent of St. Thekla, will offer two talks on the theme on Saturday. The workshops will include “Confession: Setting and Reset- ting the Course,” “The Eucharist: What’s in Your Lunchbox?” “Holy Unction: First Aid and Urgent Care,” and a book discussion. By popular demand, there will also be a question-and-answer session with Bishop THOMAS and Mother Alexandra, discussion groups, and time to enjoy the grounds of the Antiochian Village. Visit www.antiochianvillage.org or contact the ofﬁ ce at the Antiochian Village (724-238-3677) for more information.

14 The Word His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH, Addresses Graduates of St. Tikhon’s May 29, 2010 South Canaan, Pennsylvania

Your Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah; Your Grace, Bishop Tikhon; Your Grace, Bishop Alejo; Your Grace, Bishop Michael; Your Grace, Metropolitan Eusebius; Abbot Sergius and the monastic brotherhood; Reverend Clergy; Faculty Members; Graduates; Stu- dents; and your families and friends: Christ is in our midst! I am very grateful for the invitation of your tween learning and growth, between thoughts and beloved dean, His Grace, Bishop Michael, to ad- experiences, between the mind and the heart. dress the graduates of St. Tikhon’s Seminary The holy Fathers of the Church have always on the occasion of this year’s commencement. advocated learning. St. Basil the Great encour- Today, the Church recognizes that you have ac- aged Christians not to fear pagan literature, but complished the task you had set before you many rather to study it with care and to understand its years ago, and through God’s grace and your own philosophical implications. Yet, he never advocat- efforts you have come to this moment. ed that Christians become philosophers. Let him From this point on, you will each go forth to speak for himself: the ministry to which you are called. You have been changed by your seminary experience. No Into life eternal the Holy Scriptures one can say he came in the same way he left. You lead us, which teach us through divine have learned things, but more importantly, you words. But so long as our immaturity have had experiences that have changed you. It is forbids our understanding their deep this difference between learning and growing that thought, we exercise our spiritual percep- I would like to address in this speech. Or, rather, tions upon profane writings, which are I would like to explain the indissoluble bonds be- not altogether different, and in which we

The Word 15 Bishop JOSEPH

perceive the truth as it were in shadows subjects must, however, be taken with careful dis- and in mirrors. Thus we imitate those cernment, St. Basil notes: who perform the exercises of military practice, for they acquire skill in gym- But when [profane learning] portrays nastics and in dancing, and then in base conduct, you must fl ee from it and battle reap the reward of their training. stop up your ears, as Odysseus is said We must need to believe that the greatest to have fl ed past the song of the sirens, of all battles lies before us, in prepara- for familiarity with evil writings paves tion for which we must do and suffer the way for evil deeds. Therefore the all things to gain power. Consequently, soul must be guarded with great care, we must be conversant with poets, with lest through our love for letters it receive historians, with orators, indeed with all some contamination unawares, as men men who may further our soul’s salva- drink in poison with honey. tion. Just as dyers prepare the cloth before they apply the dye, be it purple or Some fail to heed discretion and become seri- any other color, so indeed must we also, ously infected with deleterious ideas. In the case if we would preserve indelible the idea of of St. Basil, he makes a very critical argument: the true virtue, become fi rst initiated in the knowledge derived from reading Greek litera- the pagan lore, then at length give special ture builds up the ability to think, but it does not heed to the sacred and divine teachings, inform the Christian what to think about. even as we fi rst accustom ourselves to Tragically, some scholars suppose that Helle- the sun’s refl ection in the water, and nistic philosophy has changed the very nature of then become able to turn our eyes upon our theology. They assert that Hellenism imposed the very sun itself (St. Basil the Great, its own distinctive ideas into theology. Is our the- To Young Men on the Right Use of Greek ology, which speaks of Eternal Truth, subject to Literature). alteration and development? The academic mind, one that speaks of God Notice that St. Basil relegates secular learning apart from God Himself, gives an affi rmative to a state of immaturity. This is true. You came to answer to this question. Heterodoxy enters the seminary seeking intellectual and spiritual growth. Church when men who do not know God try to This experience has promoted your growth, as far speak of Him. It is this ever-critical experience as you have taken advantage of it. The process of of God that differentiates the heterodox notion of intellectual learning is the opening of the mind theology as a strictly academic affair from the Or- to the possibility of greater experience. In the thodox concept of learning as an all-encompass- case of the philosophers, their writings opened ing way of life, where knowledge and experience the fallen Hellenistic mind to the idea that some- speak of one another, for knowledge comes from thing greater existed in the world beyond mere experience and experience builds knowledge. concerns about rainfall and sheep tending. St. It can truly be said that, while the Hellenistic Basil teaches us that we can and should adopt a philosophers may have sought after divine truth, positive attitude toward worldly learning (what they did not apprehend it. Therefore, they bring he called “profane learning”), since training of trivial things to the discussion regarding God, the this kind prepares us for discretion in the higher Theos in theology. The holy Fathers used their vo- learning which comes from God Himself, directly cabulary, but hardly with the same meaning. The to the heart through faith and ascetical endeavor. mere fact that many heterodox theologians enter- (As the Prophet Jeremiah said, “Each shall not tain the idea of discussing the Faith solely on an teach his neighbor and teach his brother, saying, academic level to those without experience is a ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the manifestation of this scholastic mode of thought. least of them to the greatest of them” [Jer 38:34 This contamination of thought centers on the as- LXX; 31:34 KJV].) Learning through profane sertion of the primacy of reason. Continued on page 21

16 The Word Sharing the Faith News from the Department of Christian Education

From the Director’s Desk About the Department . . . Beloved Brothers Carole A. Buleza, Director and Sisters, Rosemary Shumski, Administrative Assistant A new church-school year has begun. If you are a new You can contact the ofﬁ ce from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 teacher, welcome to the p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Wednesday. ranks of “catechists” – those charged with passing on the Phone (717) 747-5221. Fax (717) 747-5832. E-mail: faith: you have taken on a blessed task. I’d like [email protected]. Web page: www.antio- to share with you a secret that will help you chian.org/christianeducation embrace your call: Learn to see the image This newsletter is published in the months of of God in each of your students. Adam, the September, December, February, and April. symbol of humankind, was created in God’s Use the search bar to ﬁ nd one or all of our pag- image and likeness, as we know from Genesis es. Use “Orthodox Christian” before any of the 1:26. Our theologians have taught us that, as following page names: “Parenting,” “Church a result of the Fall from Paradise, we have lost School Directors,” “Small Church the likeness, and must strive to restore it; but Schools,” “Church School Teachers,” the image was not lost. As you think about and “Homeschooling.” Each link will each student, and even during class, say quietly, “Nicholas is made in God’s image,” bring you to a page on our website. “Catherine is made in God’s image.” See how There is also a Facebook page for the this changes your classroom experience. department: “Antiochian Orthodox Christian De- partment of Christian Education” (AODCE). My words dovetail perfectly with the theme of the upcoming Orthodox Institute, “Icons, Windows to Heaven.” We hope the interviews The Department gratefully acknowledges the on- with the iconographers will inspire you to reg- going support of The Order of St. Ignatius, which ister early for this event. Our Tenth Anniver- helps fund the programs we offer. sary Institute will feature book-signings and daily give-aways. Become a fan of the event on Facebook! Please use our website and the Facebook pages, as they are ways we can quickly serve your needs. Let me hear from Department of Christian Education you if you have comments or suggestions. A blessed year to all! DIOCESAN COORDINATORS Please contact the Diocesan Coordinators for updates on training activities Carole Buleza and other events in your region.

Charleston, Oakland, PA, & the East; New York and Washington DC: Survey and List-serv V. Rev. George Alberts; (203) 798-1771; [email protected] We need to have a survey completed by each Toledo and the Midwest: Robert Snyder; (330) 493-4029; [email protected] parish in the Archdiocese. You may complete it online at our website, at www.antiochian.org/ Los Angeles and the West: christianeducation/survey, or return the hard- Joseph Tershay; (831) 335-8350; [email protected] copy version that was sent to each parish priest. Eagle River and the Northwest: Please visit the website and place your name on Linda Funk; (306) 934-1695; [email protected] the List-serv so that we may e-mail you the news- Ottawa and Upstate New York: letter and any bulletins throughout the year. “To Fr. Christopher Rigdan-Briscoll; (519) 741-1364; [email protected] Tithe is to Share” will also be implemented by Wichita and Mid-America: way of the list-serv as well as the website. Thank Vasiliki Oldziey; (512) 459-6264; [email protected] you for your support as we try better to serve your needs! Worcester and New England: Anna Hughes; (978) 686-3274; [email protected] Miami and the Southeast: Betty Randolph; (864) 639-2204; [email protected] Department of Christian Education

2011 Creative Festivals Theme The theme is, “Be mindful, O Lord, of the priesthood, the diaconate, and every priestly rank,” from the Ana- phora of St. Basil. You can ﬁ nd further information

about the Festivals on the Archdiocesan website. Go . to www.antiochian.org/christianeducation/festivals. Upcoming Events “Sharing Our Faith” is the theme of both the Ortho-

dox Institute – Southern California, September 18, Johnstown Magazine and the Orthodox Institute – Ontario, October 23. For the September 18 event, contact Kh. Elaine Alkhas at [email protected]. For the October 23 event, contact Joanie Younes at joanieunis@hotmail. com, or visit the departmental website. Teacher and Church School Director Training Events September 25, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; contact Mat. Myra Kovalak at [email protected]

October 9, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; contact Mat. Photos of Cheryl Ann Pituch courtesy Myra Kovalak at [email protected] I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was taught that any statues or “pictures” were never to be kissed or prayed be- ICONS: fore in any way. I struggled to understand icons, in order to embrace the faith. I have been an Orthodox Christian for 32 Windows to Heaven years and have been painting for about 26 years. Now, I can’t Getting To Know the Iconographers imagine life without icons. The most dramatic change in my life with icons is prayer. Icons open constant opportunities Cheryl Ann Pituch and Niko Chocheli will be present- to pray. They have changed my life just by being visible and ing workshops at Antiochian Village for the event, “Icons: witnessing (in their silence) their love for God, and stirring my Windows to Heaven,” November 4–7, 2010. Vasiliki Oldziey, heart to do more. Christian Education Coordinator for the Diocese of Wichita 2. Were you a trained artist before you began painting and the Midwest, interviewed them this summer. The Depart- icons? ment of Christian Education sponsors the annual Orthodox No. I prayed to the Lord after converting to Orthodoxy and Institute, and the theme of this year’s event is iconography. asked how I could serve Him. I never asked for the ability to The Institute will include several courses on iconography and paint, since icons were still slowly coming into my life. I just provide participants an opportunity to learn how to write asked to serve the Lord in whatever way He wanted me to. icons (“Utilizing Crafts”). Teacher-training courses and the This was His answer. Church School Director Seminar are also scheduled for the 3. Who taught you to write icons or are you self-taught? Institute. Amateur or professional iconographers are encour- Over the last 25 years, I have trained under two priests and aged to bring an icon for our “Festival of Orthodoxy” dis- a layman. The guidance that they have given me goes be- play. If you love icons, don’t miss this opportunity! For more yond technical and stylistic instruction. Their witness to the information or a brochure, please e-mail the department at faith through their iconography and their role as teachers [email protected], or visit our website at www.antiochian.org/ taught me as much about Orthodoxy as about iconography. christianeducation. (For the longer articles from which these I am grateful to God for giving me their guidance and their interviews were excerpted, please visit the website.) friendship. Cheryl Ann Pituch 4. Do you work in a particular style of iconography? Cheryl Ann has been married for thirty-eight years to I guess I lean more towards the Slavic style, but I hope I have Eugene Pituch and is the mother of four children and the developed a style that speaks to the people of this country. grandmother of two. She currently resides in Davidsville, We need to spread the Gospel to all and not be restricted to Pennsylvania, a small town in the Laurel Mountains, 92 miles what is Greek, Antiochian, Russian, and so on. southeast of Pittsburgh. Her icons are featured in the current 5. Do you have a favorite iconographer? Icon Calendar from Conciliar Press. Not really. I love icons and fi nd them all mystically beautiful. 1. Icons were not part of your early life. Tell us how icons have In my studio I have an icon print of Our Lord done by Rublev changed your life. that I have prayed in front of for years. So, I guess he could be a “favorite.” NOTE: To reiterate, these are just a few of the many items you’ll fi nd at these stops. 18 The Word 6. What impact do you hope you icons will have on the view- in homes and churches during this time? er? What responsibility does an iconographer have to the We still had icons in our homes. People had to be careful, person praying before the icon? though, because you could lose your job or be arrested for This is easy. The icon must be a window to the kingdom of going to church. Even though most of the churches had heaven for the viewer or I have not been successful in my been stripped of their icons, the faithful still prayed and lit vocation. It is not about me. As St. John the Baptist said, candles directly on the stone walls where icons had once “He must increase and I must decrease.” So, too, the ico- been, even if there was only one wall left standing. Today nographer must take the back seat and let the Lord take you can see the sooty remains of candles lit by generations over in the icon. The objective is to pray and communicate of believers coming to pray in these holy places during the with God through the icon. That is all that matters. It is my Communist regime. Seventy years of Communism did not responsibility to create within the theology of the Orthodox erase the faith of this Christian nation that had defended Church, to research what I am doing to the best of my ability Christianity for 2000 years. so I do not take away, but enhance the observer’s experience 2. How did living under the oppression of Communism infl u- before an icon. ence you in your artwork and your iconography? 7. How do you prepare for writing an icon? I am forever grateful to my mother, Leila, who took me to church and taught me to pray, despite the presence of the A rule of prayer is a must before starting anything, and I don’t Communists. She recently suffered a stroke and is recuperat- even try if I am not at peace with everyone before going to ing, so I ask that everyone pray for her full recovery. I fi nd my the studio. inspiration from what I saw in Georgia, the oldest Orthodox 8. What would you recommend for someone starting out country with a strong Christian identity that cannot be erased studying iconography? from the heart or memory. Every image I create is infl uenced They should learn as much as they can about icons in the by that experience. context of the faith and the tradition of the Orthodox Church. I recommend books on the history of iconography 3. Who taught you to write icons, or are you self-taught? such as Early Christian and Byzantine Art by John Beckwith; I am self-taught. There were no schools of iconography in Orthodox Iconography by Constantine Cavarnos, and Doors Georgia when I lived there. They had long been abolished. I of Perception: Icons and Their Spiritual Signifi cance by John learned by copying examples of icons and observing what I Baggley. Technique can be studied by reading The Painter’s saw in museums, cathedrals (which are now fl ourishing), and Manual of Dionysios of Fourna. Iconographers who write for books. Formally, my training is in classical fi ne arts. Of course, the Church must be Orthodox and participate in the spiri- iconography is a different type of skill, which requires a solid tual and liturgical life of the Church in order to be a vehicle liturgical life. The Church is the true teacher. through which the Truth can be transmitted. Finally, fi nd an 4. Do you work in a particular style of iconography, e.g., Rus- iconographer of good reputation, whose iconography is a sian Byzantine or Greek Byzantine? witness of a prayerful spirit, to study with. Working as an ap- I see iconography as universal and prefer not to label or prentice under another iconographer is by far the best way judge icons in that way. They are sacred objects. Who is to learn this vocation. Seek God’s will for your life. If you want represented is more important than who painted the icon to serve Him, then it doesn’t matter what it is you do for Him. or the style in which it is painted. Icons should always be ap- Iconography may or may not be for you, so I believe it is criti- proached as sacred images to be venerated, as holy, not as cal to be ready to serve wherever the Lord wants you. If you artwork. However, I really like the ancient icons in Georgia are open to God’s will, He will put you where He needs you. because they are especially mystical and there is power in It doesn’t get any better than that. their simplicity. 5. Do you have a favorite iconographer (e.g., Rublev, or Niko Chocheli Theophanes the Greek, or some other iconographer from Illustrator and iconographer, Niko Chocheli till a part of the the past)? Soviet Empire. During those years in Georgia, he witnessed This approach makes one think of icons in a secular sense, both the oppression of Communism, the collapse of the So- when really it is about the image and God working through viet regime, and the return and resurrection of the Orthodox the iconographer. All glory should go to God. Many of my Church. He emigrated to the U.S. 15 years ago when he was favorite icons are not identifi able as to who wrote them. The 27 years old. [Photo of Niko Chocheli by Glenn Race. Illus- icon is a shared creation between the Church and the ico- tration by Niko Chocheli for Jonah (St. Vladimir’s Seminary nographer; it is not done alone. However, the icon is also a Press, 2000). Illustration of the Theotokos for The Hermit, refl ection of the spiritual maturity of the iconographer. The the Icon and the Emperor, by Chrissi Hart (Conciliar Press, ultimate measuring spoon is the spiritual maturity and inner 2008).] refl ection, not artistic skill. 6. How did you get involved in illustrating? 1. You grew up in the Republic of Georgia while it was still It occurred to us (to me and to St. Vladimir’s Press) that there under Communist domination and the churches had been were no Orthodox books for Orthodox children with Ortho- closed, destroyed or turned into museums. Were there icons dox images. Through these books (Prepare O Bethlehem;

The Word 19 Department of Christian Education

The Praises: Psalm 148; Christ in the Old Testament; and The Book of Jonah) we hoped to provide a proper understanding of the Orthodox universe. Illustrating allows me to com- bine elements of the real and tangible world (for example, kittens and elephants) in a classical style of art, with the mystical world in a style reminiscent of iconography. 7. What do you hope someone standing before an icon that you have written will take away with them? What impact do you hope the icon will have on them? The experience has to do with what the observer brings to the icon. The experience is between the observer and the prototype. 8. What responsibility do you think an iconographer has to the person praying before the icon? My responsibility lies in my being a faithful and joyful Chris- tian. I try to faithfully write the icons. God creates the beauty and I see myself as His instrument. That does not relieve me of my responsibility to depict the prototype in accordance with Church Tradition, but it is not about my skill as an artist, but about the power God gives in the writing of the icon. 9. How do you prepare for writing an icon? I begin with a blessing from my spiritual father and then prayer and fasting. When I am working on an icon, I am always thinking of Him and serving Him. Sometimes, coming from a hectic day in the outside world, I may not have peace when it’s time to begin work. Prayer prepares me, and the actual work itself is like a prayer. Then, in time, the peace will come. God has mercy on you, but you always try to do what is right. Bushelli, and Rev. Petre Kruashvili, for their continuing sup- 10. What would you recommend to someone starting out to port and prayer, and my dear wife Kristen, who is always at write icons? What books would you recommend for them to my side. read? Which, if any, art classes would you recommend they take? The beginner should ﬁ rst receive a blessing from his or her priest to do this work. He or she should have a strong and active liturgical life, attend the services of the Church, fast, pray, and receive Holy Communion on a regular basis. He or she should love Christ, because in icons we are depicting the one we love, Jesus Christ. The artistic skills may not matter as much when you love Christ. The beginner should observe and study icons in the church and in books to develop an eye for iconographic style. Read Scripture and the Church Fathers. A good book on icons to read is Byzantine Sacred Art, by Constantine Cavarnos. Of course, practice drawing by copying samples with pencil, beginning with the simpler images such as the angels. Visit a monastery to experience the quiet and the peace that exists there. If I may, I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks and glory to God for everything. Also, my thanks to Bishop Thomas for blessing the exhibit at the museum; the curator, Julia Ritter; Barli Ross, Orthodox Group Coordinator; and Paul Finley, Director at the Antiochian Village, for their help and support with the exhibit; and to the Antiochian Archdio- cese for the love they have shown me. Also, I want to thank my spiritual fathers, the Very Rev. Boniface Black, Rev. Noah

20 The Word BISHOP JOSEPH continued from page 16

For St. Basil, the use of reason can be likened other hand, the holy Fathers pointed to the end of to an exercise of the mind, training the mind to all things as consummated in the New Man, Jesus think. Reason is commendable, and that which is Christ. For example, the Patriarch of Antioch, His unreasonable is certainly suspect, but reason is at Beatitude IGNATIUS IV, in his book The Resur- best an “educated guess” of the truth. Faith is su- rection and Modern Man, says that we Chris- perior to reason when it is defi ned as experience. tians “do not live from the past, but rather from This notion, “the Theologian is one who prays,” the future.” This is unthinkable to the pagans, but precisely constitutes the modus operandi of the the holy Fathers purifi ed their empty vision by Church. declaring Christ. History is no longer an empty Let me give you an example. A scientist uses cycle, devoid of purpose, but rather a pathway reason to develop his hypothesis, but until he im- toward an ultimate Goal: the integration of all partially tests his reason in the laboratory, all he things in Christ. has is conjecture. Reason is conjecture, not expe- An example which is frequently cited by ra- rience, and certainly not reality. We as Orthodox tionalistic academics is the employment of what submit only to reality. If reason appears to lead they thought was the Alexandrian philosophical one in a certain direction, then we must ask, “So, term, λόγος , to express the Son of God. However, can you prove it is the reality?” It must be stated logos never meant only reason, as it did in Plato’s that the holy Fathers of the Church purifi ed the dialogues; it is the Greek expression of a Semitic vocabulary and intellectual methodologies which term, derived from revelation itself – the creative ”.debar Adonai, “the Word of the Lord ,הוהי רבד they received. They were holy men; their thought and confession repaired the errors of philosophy The doctrine that logos is mere human reason er- and formed a new Christian intellectual culture, roneously secularizes and trivializes this profound based upon their holiness of life and their experi- truth. For example, St. Paul tells the Romans to ence of uncreated Grace, expressed in the high present themselves to God bodily “which is your language and art of the time. λογικη ̀̀ λατρεια”̀ ; something like, “your God-con- For example, the holy Fathers encountered formable worship” (Romans 12:1). pagan philosophers who taught the eternity of Λογικέ, the adjective from the noun, λόγος , is matter, the transmigration of souls – that is, the diffi cult to render in English without evoking the soul’s inherent and natural divinity – along with wrong connotation. It is not, strictly speaking, the denigration of the body as a mere “prison” for “logical,” but more like “Logos based” worship. It the soul, and the resultant assertion of the super- refers to the innermost heart of the soul which fi ciality of personhood. If the soul is eternal, and conforms with the Logos of God, the Imago Dei, personhood is superfi cial, then all ethics become η ̒ Εικών του ̆ Θεου ̂ (Colossians 1:15). situational and relative to the attendant circum- Man is logikos precisely as image of God and stances of life. These pagan doctrines were aban- competent to hold communion with the divine Lo- doned and the language employed in furthering gos, the Son of God, and God, by grace. So the them was taken up by the holy Fathers and purifi ed modern project of “de-hellenizing Christianity” of their errors. As a result, the holy Fathers used is the expected result from the children of scho- the language and concepts available to them to lasticism. They created the monster of rational- teach the holy Tradition: the creation of all things istic theology and now they think that the early from nothing, the creation of each soul with its Church had done what they did! We can learn yet own body as a human hypostasis with a shared more about this from another period in the life of human nature, and the investment of meaning in the Holy Church when Scholasticism fi rst made an eschaton – that is, that all history is headed for its powerful bid for reception into Orthodoxy, in ultimate meaning in an End. the fourteenth century. But the Lord raised up a The pagans were concerned with fi rst princi- David who used the sling-shot of theology to slay ples about which they could never come to defi ni- that Goliath! We look to St. Gregory (Palamas) tive understanding – St. Gregory of Nyssa said, the Wonderworker of Thessalonica, who breathes “(Greek philosophy was as if) always in labor but with the same spirit as Basil. never giving birth” (Life of Moses, II, 40). On the by knowledge (gnosis)” [– Palamas coins a new word to show this: iconognost, “one who makes an ikon of knowledge” – ] “and that this knowledge conforms the soul to God. For, as was said to Cain, ‘If you make your offering correctly, without dividing correctly…’ But to divide well is the property of very few men. Those alone ‘divide well’ the senses of whose souls are trained to dis- tinguish good and evil” (loc. cit.).

So, proper discernment is necessary in theology and in proclamation. Although St. Gregory is Do you see the swiftest way, full of profi t intelligent, mere rational ability does not suffi ce and without danger, that leads to these su- to make a discernment. St. Gregory’s holiness of pernatural and heavenly treasures? In the life provided him with the charism of discernment case of secular wisdom, you must fi rst kill to see the dangers in Barlaamism (i.e., Scholasti- the serpent, in other words, overcome the cism) and to fend off its poison. pride that arises from this philosophy. How The purported academic project of “ridding diffi cult that is! “The arrogance of philoso- Christianity from admixtures” is fl awed from the phy has nothing in common with humil- beginning. The eighteenth-century German phi- ity,” as the saying goes. Having overcome losopher, Immanuel Kant, expressed the terminus it, then, you must separate and cast away of that program: the mind and heart become ir- the head and tail, for these things are evil reparably separated from each other. He asserted, in the highest degree. By the ‘head,’ I mean in the end, that faith and knowledge have nothing manifestly wrong opinions concerning to do with each other. Faith becomes purely sub- things intelligible and divine and primor- jective, a matter of private, individualistic experi- dial; and by the ‘tail,’ the fabulous stories ence. There is a loss of incarnational life here, concerning created things. As to what lies where thought or rationalism becomes divorced in between the head and tail, that is, dis- from ethics. The German academic theologian, F. courses on nature, you must separate out D. E. Schleiermacher, the “father of modern Prot- useless ideas by means of the faculties of estantism,” published The Christian Faith in examination and inspection possessed by 1830, and followed Kant in this division. For the the soul, just as pharmacists purify the fl esh fi rst time he relegated all dogmatics to an appen- of serpents with fi re and water. Even if you dix. This radical separation of the nous from the do all this, and make good use of what has rational mind became apparent. From then on, in been properly set aside, how much trouble the Protestant world, Christianity became more a and circumspection will be required for matter of emotionalism and subjective experience the task! (First Triad, i, 21). rather than a full integration of the whole person into the life of the Church. Of course, as a result, So, does this mean St. Gregory does not like now “dogmatics” is a negative word to many! The secular learning? No. He poses the rhetorical correct view must be retrieved, within the life of question, “Is there, then, anything of use to us in our Orthodoxy. this philosophy? Certainly!” (First Triad, i, 20). By the end of the nineteenth century, Adolph But the saint wishes to locate each kind of learn- Harnack expressed the “old liberal” view that Je- ing in its proper place, since confusion of the two sus and his message are at best a very exalted led his scholastic opponents into grievous error: morality and nothing more. The New Testament scholar contemporaneous with Harnack, the bril- It is thus with the ‘iconognosts,’ who pretend liant and multi-talented Albert Schweizer, saw the that man receives the image (icon) of God vanity of nineteenth-century rationalistic theol-

22 The Word ogy and exposed it. (His expose, The Quest of the Historical Jesus [1906] showed that nineteenth-century European New Testament scholars attempted to impose their culture on the New Testament. Unfortunately, Schweizer failed to see past the eschatological message of the New Testa- ment into the Church as the apostolic fulfi llment of the Lord’s “Gospel of the kingdom.”) Schweiz- er, himself a prisoner to a narrowed “historical” reading of the New Testament, failed to see the way forward and concluded that all Christianity had lost its way. Is it any surprise, then, that in the twentieth century, the children of this heritage in the West who are graduating must express the faith in Bishop JOSEPH have been quitting their churches for decades? ways which engage our contemporaries, many The ecclesiastical monuments of Europe lack vital of whom have lost a Christian way of thinking or worshipping communities. Most of the great ca- have rejected it, based on false premises. This is thedrals are in many places only museums; some your task! But you cannot do this without acquir- have become night-clubs, or even circus training ing a deep spiritual experience, you cannot speak grounds (as a defunct Roman church has become, theology without living theology. This is the pat- and may still be, for the Cirque du Soleil). In con- tern for all the saints from the beginning to the trast, holy Orthodoxy has never known a period end. of Scholasticism or its reaction, a Reformation or Just as the early martyrs and apologists sacked Protestantism. Our program, if it can be called a the intellectual and cultural elements of the old, “program,” is the Life of Christ, as expressed in moribund Graeco-Roman culture and created a our patristic ethos – for example, I mentioned St. new Christian synthesis, an illumined Christian Basil and St. Gregory Palamas above in the same culture, so we too face the same project. As Or- way – saints who lived 1000 years apart! Gregory thodox Christians bearing the grace of the Holy helps us especially, because he clearly indicates Spirit, we can take the building blocks around us the opposite approach from Harnack’s; namely, and fashion an Orthodox Christian contemporary the re-integration of the human person by the de- culture. Remember, the ancients took the marble scent of the mind into the heart. The hesychastic columns and capitals from the decaying pagan way, the way of prayer, humility, the right order- temples to build the great cathedrals! So we can ing of the various faculties of the soul, forms the do the same. As our secularized and increasingly Orthodox program of salvation. All learning be- confused modern culture descends ever deeper comes preparation for the transfi guration of the into ethical indifference and outright godless- person and, through such transfi guration, of com- ness, we can exercise much discernment and uti- munities and the world. lize its constructive elements in the fashioning of In the end, all cultures are transitory and our Orthodox Christian proclamation and godly ephemeral. The Church lives and experiences way of life. We must incarnate the Faith in the lan- Holy Tradition, the Life of Christ energized by the guage and ethos of our contemporaries through Holy Spirit. We express this life in all generations our own holy practice. We must study to speak using language and concepts suitable for the pur- effectively from such a holy life; but we must heed pose. The era of Romaiosyne – the Christian Ro- Palamas as we do so, lest we become “captive to man symphonia – was especially fertile and later vain philosophy.” We must be conversant in the continued in Holy Russia and the Slavonic world. issues at stake today. But Orthodoxy does not romanticize about past We must remember, however, to lead our hear- cultures and languages. The Faith is not politics ers and followers away from these “mirrors and or a philosophy. We always proclaim the Gospel shadows” into the Substance itself, our Faith. So, in the new language and culture of our time. You as you proceed into whatever ministry God is

The Word 23 Bishop JOSEPH

leading you, God helping you, your program is What am I saying to all of you? You have not merely to add yet more knowledge as some- learned things about the priesthood, but you still thing added-on, a kind of a never-ending reading need to live as priests. Be humble and learn from and study list; rather, it is to ascend to the higher the experience of your Bishop and the senior cler- knowledge using the rungs provided to you al- gy. Avoid men whose fruits are impure or who are ready, that higher knowledge which is noetic, not given over to much thinking and radical opinions. rational. What are these rungs by which we must Find those who are humble and diligent in their ascend to the “knowledge of the new Man, Jesus ministries and emulate them. Do not be men of Christ”? Are they not the same as those which opinion, but men of spiritual experience. the saints of all eras ascended: prayer, vigil and This will take time. Do not be in a rush. Do not participation in the life-giving mysteries of the be ashamed of your undeveloped experience, be- Church, holy fasting, works of mercy, and cease- cause that is what you are and it is natural to your less watchfulness? This noetic knowledge comes spiritual growth. Do not be satisﬁ ed in merely through spiritual combat – against the vices, the talking about God, but rather in making the spiri- passions and the inimical armies of logismoi – tual effort to know Him. “distracting thoughts.” May God continue to bless you all.

Mr. Nadim Shwayri, The Orthodox World the founder of the Al-Kafaat Founda- tion Al-Kafaat Founder visits with the meet- Archdiocese ings of our Local Synod, The founder of the Al-Kafaat Archdiocese Foundation, Mr. Nadim Shwayri, Board of Trust- with his wife Lily and daughter ees, and Order Myriam, visited His Eminence, of St. Ignatius Metropolitan PHILIP on Mon- of Antioch at day, May 24th for dinner. The the New York Al-Kafaat Foundation in Leba- Grand Hyatt non provides services and hous- Hotel in New ing for people with disabilities York City. The from all backgrounds and the dinner, pre- word itself means “abilities.” pared by the Mr, Shwayri has dedicated most famous Chef of his life and ﬁ nances to estab- Ramzi (who lishing the foundation that cares happens to be for these “least of my brethren” the son of the free of charge from the cradle founder, Na- to the grave. The Antiochian dim Shwayri) Nadim Shwayri, a dedicated Or- Archdiocese is a supporter of was attended by more than 400 thodox Christian, with the Anto- Al-Kafaat and has been helping people from throughout the Tri- nian Gold Medal for his humani- the foundation to raise funds for State area and beyond. Approxi- tarian work. May God grant him a new building to care for 250 mately $170,000 was raised and all the people of Al-Kafaat, children with special needs. toward the above mentioned many years! This past weekend a gala project. At the same event, Met- dinner was held in conjunction ropolitan PHILIP presented Mr.

24 The Word Antiochian Village Bookstore Goes Online

We are pleased to announce that on June 19th the Antiochian Village Bookstore and Gift Shop went “live” with its new online store.

ThisT was Course of Study, the Doctor mmadeade possible in large part of Ministry degreeree program, program or other by the efforts of Mother Alexandra, and it ful- AHoS degree programs and specialties, you will fi lls a vision for our store that has been discussed fi nd every book – both required and recommend- for the past few years. Through her efforts and ed – for your course work. These are organized by the help of Adam Henderson (a parishioner at St. program and unit, for easy ordering. Mary Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania), our We will be continuing to add a variety of gift store has entered the twenty-fi rst century. Thanks items, including icons, prayer ropes, jewelry, and to their computer expertise and hard work, prod- many other quality goods relevant to our Ortho- ucts in our “brick and mortar” store at the Heri- dox Christian faith and practice. Stay tuned! Vis- tage and Learning Center are now being managed it! Enjoy! and maintained with a retail management software Please note: there are also links to the book- program, thus making the launch of the online store on the www.antiochian.org homepage under component possible. Many hours went into writ- “Featured Links” and under “Publications of the ing descriptions, and photographing and weigh- Archdiocese” > “Books.” You may also access the ing products for display on the store website. bookstore through a link on the Antiochian Vil- You can visit the online store at http://store.anti- lage Conference and Retreat Center website: an- ochianvillage.org/. Initially, we are offering a wide tiochianvillage.org. array of quality Orthodox Christian books, as well as many other titles related to spiritual and per- Arabic Resources Second-To-None sonal progress. You will fi nd that our selections Over the past few years, the Antiochian Heri- include a broad scope of books for students of the tage Library has been blessed by visits from sev- faith at all levels, for families, for children, and eral scholars whose academic careers require the more. We also carry select titles published by the use of archives and materials – in both English Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Department of and Arabic – which pertain to the experiences Publications. of Arabic-speaking people in America during the Students of the Antiochian House of Stud- early 1900s. These scholars have consistently ies (AHoS) – we are your one-stop shop! found resources here in our library that they have Whether you are enrolled in the St. Stephen’s

The Word 25 immigrants, both Christians and Muslims, by becoming a major destination for researchers.” If you or your family members have old Arabic books or magazines in your homes, and you’ve been wondering what to do with them or who might possibly be interested in them, we encourage you to please consider the Antiochian Village! Donating them to our collection will allow this valuable heritage to be preserved and made available to those who will most appreciate them. We have a secure and climate-controlled environment in which to store such rare materials, while also allowing researchers supervised access to them. As we continue to work on cataloging our vast collection, we hope to make more of these materials accessible online, thus creating a greater awareness in the academic world of the treasures which are held here at the Antiochian Village. “Titanic” Exhibit

Were any of your family members aboard the not seen anywhere else, and each has indepen- Mother Alexandra and Titanic? If you have any stories, family photos, Executive Director Paul dently expressed appreciation for both the depth Finley in the bookstore documents or items you think would be valuable and breadth of our collection in this subject area. at Antiochian Village to add to a museum exhibit on subject of Syrian/ Conference and Retreat Our library is home to some of the only sur- Lebanese passengers who were aboard the Titan- Center. viving copies of rare Arabic-language books ic, please contact museum curator Julia Ritter at published in America (many of them written 724.238.3677 x 410, or julia@antiochianvillage. by our own Orthodox faithful), as well as early org, as soon as possible. Please note: all online Arabic-language periodicals such as As-Sameer passenger information and resources have al- (Al Sameer), Al Muqtabas, Al Muqtataf, and Al ready been tapped, so please do not send links Tara’ef. The enthusiastic response from the aca- or material that is readily available on the many demic community is a reminder to us all that such Titanic websites. Of interest are personal items materials are of enormous value. – unique to your family – which may be offered Hani Bawardi, an archivist/historian and pro- to the museum either on loan or as a donation fessor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, to the permanent collection. The exhibit will run and who is a member of our Antiochian Orthodox for one year, beginning in 2012, in honor of the Church, recently spent several days in our library, hundredth anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking in conducting research and helping to evaluate our April 1912. Also of interest are items that rep- Arabic-language collection. Writing to us after his resent Arabic immigration during that time pe- visit with recommendations for preserving and riod; for example, suitcases, postcards or travel developing our collection, he comments, “What documents from circa 1912, or family heirlooms you are entrusted with comprises a most accurate that might have accompanied a family member and semi-representative sample of literary, theo- on an Atlantic voyage during that era. In order to logical, and political output characteristic of Arab prepare adequately for this landmark exhibit, all nahdah (renaissance or awakening)…. I am not items will be collected (and research for the ex- aware of a more worthy destination for similar hibit completed) by the beginning of 2011. Thank treasures currently in the homes of immigrants of you for your consideration! Arabic extraction. This is to say, you possess the tools to render valuable service to Orthodox life and the distinguished legacies of Arabic-speaking

26 The Word Announces Local Feeding Ministries

Recently established local centers established “The establishment of these operational FOCUS by the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Centers is a momentous occasion in the history Serve – FOCUS Orange County (California), FOCUS of Orthodoxy in America,” commented Fr. Justin Gateway City (St. Louis) and FOCUS Minnesota – Mathews, Executive Director and CEO. “Together we have begun serving the poor and needy in their com- offer an Orthodox Christian witness in North Amer- munities. ica through intentional social outreach ministry to A highlight of these recent activities was the feed- our most needy neighbors. These three FOCUS Cen- ing and care of 61 newly arrived refugees from Ne- ters are the fi rst fruits of the resources that the faith- pal, Liberia, the Ivory Coast, Senegal and other West ful have entrusted to FOCUS North America.” African nations. Twenty-one Orthodox volunteers led The fi rst operational FOCUS Centers in North by Eric Shanburn, local director of FOCUS Gateway America are modeled in part on Reconciliation Ser- City, dedicated over 75 man-hours to prepare, de- vices – FOCUS KC (Kansas City), the fi rst FOCUS liver, serve and clean-up the meal. Volunteers also Center located downstairs from the FOCUS North coordinated transportation, using a fl eet of 5 mini- America headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Ad- van vehicles to shuttle guests to and from the sit- ditional FOCUS Centers are actively being developed down meal that featured table service and games in central Florida, the Appalachian region, San Di- for the children. School supplies were distributed to ego, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More children as hospitality gifts at the end of the evening. information about the FOCUS Centers Similar events are being planned in the Twin Cities can be found online at www.FOCUS- (Minnesota) and Orange County (California). NorthAmerica.org. FOCUS Gateway City has also launched a FOCUS North America, with a com- Women’s Employment Assistance Center with a mitment to the poor, the needy and specifi c outreach to clients of Thrive St. Louis, add- the disadvantaged in our own commu- ing to the latter’s crisis pregnancy program occu- nities, continues to expand its mission pational assistance, counseling, job placement and and vision of serving God, through the a professional clothing closet. Orthodox Christian cultivating of resources, development women from the surrounding parishes offer person- of parish ministries and the launch of al wardrobe selection in preparation for secured job FOCUS Centers across North Ameri- interviews to the guests. ca. Working with the Churches and A special feature of the FOCUS ministry in Or- offering a place for the faithful of all ages to serve ange County will be the Mother Maria (Skobtsova) regularly, FOCUS Centers provide meals, life-recov- Hospitality Van. This work is in keeping with the ery ministries and hope for the hopeless. traditional Orthodox emphasis on serving the poor FOCUS North America and its programs are through hospitality, specifi cally in the provision of committed to serve those in need, support Orthodox healthy, home-cooked food. A hot, nutritious meal Christian social action ministries and supply par- is prepared in the kitchen of one of the volunteer ishes and others with the education, resources and parishes each week and then distributed to identi- training to initiate social action ministries in their fi ed areas of need by the FOCUS hospitality van and own communities. In all of this, it continues in the ministry team. Orthodox volunteers gather to serve work of Restoring Living Icons. FOCUS North Amer- the food and distribute material aid onsite to those in ica is a 501c3 not-for-profi t organization. Donations need, while Kevin Allen, local director of FOCUS Or- can be made online at www.FOCUSNorthAmerica. ange County, social work professionals and trained org or checks can be made out to “FOCUS North volunteers offer companionship and other life-recov- America” and sent to: PO BOX 30117, Kansas City, ery ministries to those in need. MO 64112.

The Word 27 Review: “Thy Resurrection”

“Partake of the Body of Darkness”Darkn (Lossky) in the Christ” (Communion Hymn breadthbread and depth of our of Pascha) Lord’sLord’ Crucifi xion on the A review of the compact wayway to His glorious Res- disc “Thy Resurrection,” pro- urrurrection.e duced by Director Charles R. AsA we know, there can be no Crucifi xion with- Marge and The Boston Byzan- ououtt the Resurrection. tine Choir TThat’sh why the Gospel LLectionarye Book, the When Eastern Orthodoxx EEvangelion, which Christians present themselves too rrests on the Holy An- receive the Holy Eucharist, theyy ttimincion and on the are invited to “draw near withth HHoly Altar Table in faith, love, and the fear of God.” In tthehe SSanctuary, bears the parallel fashion, we too are invitedted icons of each world-sworld-shatteringh event on its to “draw near” and prayerfully “givegi ear sides, the Crucifi xion on one side, and the glorious to the supplication” of the holy chant offerings of Resurrection on the other. the Boston Byzantine Choir, under the direction of The CD presents twenty eight (!) hymns over Charles R. Marge, who, with prayerful enthusiasm, its one hour, fi fteen minutes and forty-seconds. guides the already motivated, sixteen-member, Some of these have never been recorded in Eng- angelic choir, through the hymnographical paces lish. They are masterfully arranged and produced, of the Byzantine chant of our Eastern Orthodox and executed with spiritual enthusiasm. Church. We are grateful to Director Charles R. Marge “Thy Resurrection” is the fourth recording in and the choir members for their ongoing love, the fi fteen-plus years of the Boston Byzantine dedication, and commitment to presenting our Choir’s existence. The compact disk is truly an in- holy Byzantine chant tradition authentically and spirational gift and treasure in the true spirit of the prayerfully. Well done, good and faithful servants! Anaphora, Epiklesis, and Ekphonesis in the Divine Liturgy: “Thine own of Thine we offer to Thee.” Rev. Professor Nicholas M. Kastanas The multitude of hymns are chanted with ex- Professor of Byzantine Chant, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox ceptional grace in the traditional Byzantine Chant School of Theology and Hellenic College style, guiding the listener through the “Divine The People Speak Dear Friends in Christ, Thank you so much for your generous $3,000 gift. We will put your donation to immediate use helping the homeless kids in our shelter tonight. I would like to share a letter with you I recently received from a former Covenant House resident: “Thanks to Covenant House, I was able to graduate from high school and not become a statistic. Thanks to Covenant House, I found hope in a time of despair. I learned I could accomplish great things despite my situation. And I came to understand that life is not solely about me, but we are here to serve a greater purpose.” This young man who was homeless as a teenager graduated from medical school in 2007. Support from friends like you is what transforms the lives of good people like him every day. Thank you so much for being a part of the special covenant we make with our kids. You, your loved ones and your intentions are in our prayers every day. Please pray for us and our kids.

Gratefully, Kevin Ryan President, Covenant House 28 The Word Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling Certifi cate Program Antiochian House of Studies Application Process Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2011 Applications can be obtained from Amy Stiffl er at The Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling Cer- the Antiochian Village. Applications are reviewed tifi cate Program is a two-year training program for and persons accepted in the order they are post- clergy, parish staff, or Christian Education persons marked. Class size is limited to 15 for the two-year who have a Master of Divinity degree or diploma training period. The non-refundable application through the House of Studies and three years of par- fee is $50, payable by check or money order made ish experience. It is designed to prepare parish staff out to Antiochian House of Studies. in counseling of individuals, couples, and families Following acceptance, participants will receive a in the parish and larger community. The program is letter of acceptance, program guidelines, and begin- offered in two-week modules (fi ve days each) twice ning syllabi. Each person should allow two to three a year, in May and August/September. The fi rst two months to prepare for the two courses offered, as courses are being offered May 9–13 and 16–20, there are readings and pre-course assignments. 2011, followed by August 29-September 2 and Sep- tember 5–9. Note: Coursework may not be transferable to other graduate programs, as this is not an accred- Courses and Fees ited program, but is a certifi cate training program sponsored by the House of Studies of the Antio- • Foundations of Marriage and Family Counseling chian Archdiocese. • Christian Anthropology and Human Develop- For an application, contact ment in the Family Life-Cycle Amy Stiffl er, Director of Event Services • Pastoral Care and Professional Ethics 724-238-3677 or Events@antiochian village.org • Pastoral Counseling: Skills and Models Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center • Pastoral Marriage Counseling Route 711 North • Pastoral Family Counseling PO Box 638 • Psychopathology Ligonier, PA 15658 • Marriage and Family Counseling Practicum Each course costs $300. The cost of room and board is determined by room occupancy.

The Word 29 VISION FOR LIFE PITTSBURGH New pro-life non-proﬁ t ﬁ nds its early support among Orthodox

in 2009, there were over 8,400 abortions. It’s too easy for women in the city and the counties round That’s what one young about, who oftentimes feel pressured to have an couple“Flicker.” nicknamed their unborn baby after they abortion, just to go to Planned Parenthood and saw him on the ultrasound machine at a Pitts- get it over with. Nobody will tell them about how burgh pregnancy medical center. Why? Because they’ll feel about it later. they saw the ﬂ icker of his heart, beating away. So the challenge has been to reach the abor- That was enough to make them decide not to tion-vulnerable young woman before she calls have an abortion. “Flicker” would go on living, Planned Parenthood, and to direct her to one and get another, more appropriate, name when of the Christian women’s centers where she can he was born. see her baby, make the right choice, and get help Nine out of ten abortion-vulnerable women in (even for months after the delivery). Pittsburgh who see their babies on the ultrasound So how does one reach these young women? machine choose life. It is this powerful effect of Advertising. ultrasound images that has led scores of Christian In 1998, Tom Peterson, a devout Roman people across the country, and in Pittsburgh, to Catholic with 25 years experience as a media ex- establish pregnancy medical centers: they buy ecutive, created a pro-life non-proﬁ t advertising the sonogram (ultrasound) machines and solicit ministry to reach these women. His Virtue Me- the help of trained sonographers and physicians dia (www.virtuemedia.org) has run media cam- to use them, as well as other volunteers. No longer paigns, series of gentle but powerful commercials can anyone say about an unborn child, especially on television and radio, that have had astound- once the women knows that she is pregnant, that ing results, reducing the abortion rates wherever it’s just a “blob of tissue.” they have been run in cities and locales across While the pregnancy medical centers with the U.S. between 10 and 20 percent in one year. their sonogram machines are saving babies, LifeNews.com reported that where Virtue Media’s they’re not saving enough of them. In Pittsburgh campaigns have run for ten years, the abortion

30 The Word rate was reduced 70 percent! (For example, in priest of the Orthodox Church in America. And Dayton, Ohio, the abortion rate was reduced by those who endorse the organization include His close to twenty percent in the fi rst year.) In Pitts- Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP; His Grace, burgh, these campaigns could save between 800 Bishop THOMAS; and His Eminence, Metropoli- and 1,700 babies and their young moms from tan MAXIMOS, of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis abortion in the fi rst year. Besides the ads direct- of Pittsburgh, as well as clergy of other churches ed to abortion-vulnerable women, there are ads and prominent members of the community. directed to women needing healing from abortion What can you do to help? Most people can and to the general public, to encourage people to help by donating to our 2010–2011 fundraising think again about life issues. campaign. (See below.) The Vision for Life team How will we know if the ad campaigns work? would also benefi t from volunteer help, especially Viewers will be invited to call a unique 1-800 when the fundraising campaign is in full swing phone number at the end of each of the Virtue Me- this Fall. They plan on doing “telemarketing,” and dia television ad spots, so the number of calls of doing some of it themselves; they could use help abortion-vulnerable women or of abortion survi- with that. (They will provide the “script” and brief vors can be tracked. Also, as the crisis pregnancy callers thoroughly, and callers will be calling those calls are routed through Option Line (a national who are likely to be sympathetic to the cause.) call center in Ohio) to local pregnancy counseling For more information, see our Web site at centers, the centers too will be able to report on www.visionforlifepgh.org. Make your check out the number of women who choose life for their to Vision for Life – Pittsburgh and send it to Vi- child. In advertisements on the World Wide Web, sion for Life, P.O. Box 893, Wexford, PA, 15090- we will be able to count the number of Web vis- 0893. its to the site (www.pregnancyline.org), through Pray that God will move the hearts of the faithful which women can fi nd the centers near them. to help, that many hearts and minds will be changed, So what’s the Orthodox connection? In the Fall and that many moms and babies will be saved. of 2009, Chris Humphrey, a member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland and assistant edi- Chris Humphrey, Ph.D. Member, St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland tor of The WORD, and Marie Vaina, a faithful Ro- Executive Director, Vision for Life – Pittsburgh man Catholic, independently began considering how they might use media to reach the people of ision for Life Pittsburgh to change hearts and minds. They met through a mutual friend in the pro-life movement, drew in others who agreed with their aims, and started Vision for Life – Pittsburgh (www.visionforlifepgh.org), to raise $100,000 for Virtue Me- dia media campaigns in their town in 2011. Vision for Life – Pittsburgh was incorporated as a charitable organization in Pennsylvania in February and has an all-volunteer Board (Chair- man, Jeff Steigerwalt; Secretary, Marie Vaina; Treasurer, Natalie Cerino-Kovacic) and volunteer Executive Director, Chris Humphrey. It has ap- plied to the IRS and expects to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Orthodox Christians have always stood for life. Not surprisingly, then, the donors who have given over $6,000 to Vision for Life to date have all been Orthodox! At this point, they are members of St. George Cathedral in Oakland and a

The Word 31 Communities in Action

BISHOP ANTOUN Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Fifty years ago, on May 29, 1960, Bishop ANTOUN was ordained a priest. He and thrice- blessed Metropolitan ILYAS (at that time, Fr. Illyas Kurban) were very dear friends, so thrice- blessed Metropolitan ANTONY BASHIR chose to ordain him as a priest at St. George Orthodox Church on St. George Street in the city of Boston. Fr. Antoun then went on to serve the parish of St. George him, on behalf of the members his sister Marie encouraged him in Philadelphia, the St. George of St. George Church, a lovely to become a priest, and to this parish in Toronto, Ontario, St. icon of Jesus for his new chan- day his sister Marie is always George in Allentown, Pennsyl- cery in Florida. Violet Robbat, a there when he needs her. vania, and St. Nicholas Cathe- member of the National Board AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS! Bish- dral in Brooklyn, New York. of the Antiochian Women, con- op ANTOUN. He is now the Bishop of Miami gratulated him as well, and gave Gladys Laham and assistant to Metropolitan him a gift on behalf of the An- PHILIP. tiochian Women of the Diocese. Bishop ALEXANDER When the Parish of St. George (The President of the Diocesan Ordains Fr. Barberg at St. in West Roxbury realized that organization was unable to at- George, Niagara Falls his 50th Anniversary was this tend.) The Ladies Society of St. year, they invited Bishop AN- George Church presented him The faithful parishioners of TOUN to come to this parish to with a gift by the co-presidents, St. George Antiochian Orthodox serve at the altar of his ordina- Joan Hanna and Gladys Laham. Church of Niagara Falls, New tion, but this time as a Bishop. In the absence of the President, York, participated in a weekend On Saturday evening, May 29, the treasurer of The Fellowship of “joy beyond words”! Vespers was served with several of St. John the Divine, Doha Hei- During the April 11th weekend, clergy of the region and several da, presented him with a gift as His Grace Bishop ALEXANDER seminarians from Holy Cross well. Fr. Timothy and the parish met with various parish groups Seminary. After Vespers, church extended to him an invitation to for worship, fellowship, refresh- board members and friends en- return whenever he wishes. ments and conversation. High- tertained Bishop ANTOUN at a Bishop ANTOUN thanked lights included the elevation dinner. everyone for their love and to the Archpriesthood of The On Sunday morning, May 30, thoughtfulness and stated that Very Rev. Fr. Paul R. Solberg, His Grace celebrated the Hier- he was pleased that God al- the ordination to the Priesthood archal Divine Liturgy. lowed him ﬁ fty years in His of Rev. Fr. Raphael K. Barberg An elaborate luncheon was vineyard. He actually started to and the tonsuring of Kevin Bod- planned, at which Fr. Timothy serve Him when he was 14. His decker as Reader. His Grace welcomed him and presented to mother (God rest her soul) and also blessed all the new festal

32 The Word icons written by The Rev. Fr. techniques and choir placement, ber of the Department of Sacred Theodore Koufos, which grace and was the Master of Ceremo- Music. Through them and the the interior walls of the nave. nies at the annual music Talent many attendees whom he inﬂ u- At the Celebration Banquet, Show for over 20 years. Each the Diocesan Clergy presented year, participants looked with Fr. Paul with a prototype of an anticipation of him being a part icon of St. George and St. Paul of that show and all loved to which will be written by Kh. hear him sing his favorite song, Donna Smith and presented at a Some Enchanted Evening, by later date. Sub-deacons Thomas having his beloved wife, Kath- Slaiman and Justin Mokhiber leen, arise from the audience presented the newly ordained and walk up to join him in a priest with a congratulatory wonderful pantomime skit. card, which included ﬁ nancial Mr. Hazeem was also a com- gifts graciously contributed to poser and music editor for his purchase vestments for Fr. Ra- Archdiocese. Among the hymns phael. The V. Rev. Fr. George he composed is one many of us Aswad, Pastor Emeritus, spoke hear each Sunday in Church, O eloquently about movement of Son of God, who art risen from the Holy Spirit within our St. the dead, save us who sing George Parish. Then the newly to Thee, Alleluia. He served enced during his 25 years at the ordained Fr. Raphael addressed faithfully on the music edito- Sacred Music Institute, Albert His Grace ALEXANDER and the rial board, critiquing the hymns Hazeem’s legacy will be forever assembly of family and friends, of new composers and help- remembered. acknowledging his gratitude. ing them with their questions In addition to his Orthodox One of our longstanding and direction. Mr. Hazeem had Church work, Mr. Hazeem was members rejoiced that the trained under the famous Rob- also a retired music teacher and weekend with Bishop ALEX- ert Shaw Chorale and used his choral director for the Moon Area ANDER was “by far” the best- insights from that experience School District. He received his planned and executed weekend and his music education to re- Bachelor and Master Degrees ever! Thanks be to God! hearse his choirs. His mastering from Duquesne University. He of Russian Orthodox music, in was a past choir director at St. Albert G. Hazeem, Jr. particular, was second to none in George Orthodox Cathedral and its interpretation, nuances, and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Albert G. Hazeem, Jr., of St. execution. This he passed on Pittsburgh, as well as past Choir George Orthodox Cathedral, to others, for among Al’s great- Director at Sharon Presbyte- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died est legacies are the Antiochian rian Church, Moon Township, Friday, April 30, 2010. He was choir directors that he trained: Pennsylvania. He is survived born June 27, 1928, in Pitts- James Meena, son of Fr. James by his wife of thirty-one years, burgh and was the son of the Meena, who went on to become Kathleen Lorenz Hazeem; two late Albert G. Hazeem, Sr. and the conductor of the Toledo daughters, Suzanne Hazeem of Fannie Dip. Mr. Hazeem was Opera and presently director Pittsburgh and Kathryn H. Le- a long-serving member of the of Opera Carolina in Charlotte, hman of Alexandria, Virginia; Department of Sacred Music, North Carolina; Michael Far- and a sister and brother-in- being active in the Department row, the Vice Chairman of the law, Carol and William Saba of for almost 40 years. One of the Department of Sacred Music; Bowie, Maryland. founding members of the De- Al Mamary, the Chairman of the partment’s Sacred Music Com- Editorial Board of the Sacred mittee, he taught many classes Music Department; and Khouria in conducting, vocal and choral Nancy Long, a very active mem-

The Word 33 “Thank you so much for the scholarship to attend camp”

HelpHelptrengt strengthenhenac a child’shild’ ffaithaith tthroughhrough bonding with others at Orthodox Camp. Antiochian Village, Pennsylvania Camp St. George, Iowa Camp St. Nicholas, California Camp St. Raphael, Oklahoma Camp St. Th ekla, South Carolina Camp Transﬁ guration, Ontario St. John Camp, Eagle River, Alaska St. Mary of Egypt Camp, Washington Join Th e Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch To learn more, call 201-871-1355 or e-mail: [email protected] or return this slip to: Th e Order, 358 Mountain Road, Englewood, NJ 07631

Yes, I want more information about Th e Order. Name: Address:

Phone: E-mail: 9/10 The Benefactory

Moms! Entrepreneurs! Storytellers! Love to read to kids?

The Benefactory is pleased to announce that it is starting up a new story-telling program around the stories by Mother Melania of the Holy Assumption Monastery. She has written a wonderful series, with glowing illustrations by gifted iconographer Bon- nie Gillis, covering stories from the Old Testament, The Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Tradition, and the Three Days of Pascha. A portion of all sales will beneﬁ t the Holy Assumption Monastery and the St. Barbara Monastery.

The Benefactory, Inc., a 21-year-old publisher of 8. Royalties values-based children’s books, invites you to join from every our family of storytellers who want to sale support the Holy Assumption and St. Barbara • Motivate reading Monasteries or Environmental and Animal Protec- • Foster faith and good values tion Organizations – depending on the title. • Encourage community linkages and mentoring Our Three Product Series • Empower children to be creative, proactive and Christian stories in the Orthodox tradition interactive Stories by Mother Melania, illustrated by Bonnie With the Benefactory, you are in business for Gillis, from the Old Testament, The Great Feasts yourself, not by yourself; our story-tellers enjoy and Pascha. ongoing training, consistent customer service, and the support of our community of story-tellers. True Stories about Real Animals For more details, visit www.thebenefactory.com Inspiring stories about pets, farm animals and wild animals encourage animal protection and conser- How it works! vation. Award-winning authors and illustrators. 1. You purchase a Story-teller’s Kit for $49.95 – A whimsical series of animal tales that teach family 90% returnable intact, within 12 months. values and community, authored by Mother Melania, 2. The Kit Provides the training, and all product illustrated by Cayce Halsell, and benefi tting both samples for hosting your fi rst events. Holy Assumption and St. Barbara Monasteries. 3. Friends host your fi rst event and invite 10 parents and their children (ages 5-6, or 7-8.) New! Coming in September 2010 4. You read to the children, while parents browse How you get started: your products and place orders. You can email The Benefactory at Nick@benefac- 5. Most parents order the discounted sets, such as tory.biz, or call 781-294-4715, with questions. the 12 Feast books, or the 4 Old Testament stories. Average sales per event are $450 ($45 per Or, you can go to our website, www.thebenefac- parent). tory.com, and click on ‘Story-tellers.’ That will 6. You KEEP 25% of your sales at every event. provide you with the simple steps. Join our won- 7. Your friends will want to be story-tellers: sign derful family of story-tellers and make a difference them up and you receive 5% of their sales. with your work.

ww.thebenefactory.com The Word 35 THE WORD 358 Mountain Road Periodical postage paid at PO Box 5238 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Englewood, NJ 07631-5238

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