2007 Parish Life Conference for the Eastern Dioceses

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP and presided over by His Grace Bishop THOMAS, the 2007 Parish Life Conference for the Eastern Diocese was held July 4-8 at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn, in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The conference was hosted by Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in Linthicum, Maryland.

On Wednesday evening, the clergy and their families enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner hosted by Holy Cross's sister parish, St. Mary's, in Hunt Valley. The meal was graciously prepared and served by members of the parish.

Thursday's events included the Antiochian Women of the East Brunch and Idea Fayre, Teen Soyo and Fellowship of St. John the Divine Meetings, Global Melting Pot Fondue Dinner, and the ever-popular Bible Bowl. The adult team from St. John Chrysostom, York, Pennsylvania took first place, while the team from Virgin Mary, Yonkers, won in the teen competition.

Friday showcased the Oratorical Presentations. Paul Juzdan from Little Falls, New Jersey won the Senior Division while Christina Fakes also from Little Falls won the Junior Division. Teen Soyo events that day included a rock climbing excursion, and pool party.
An Awards Breakfast was held on Saturday, honoring Creative Arts Festival and Bible Bowl winners, along with scholarship recipients, and Teen Soyo award winners. In addition, Friday evening Vespers were served according to the Western Rite.

During the course of the conference, in addition to Bible study, attendees had the opportunity to choose from seven different workshops on topics such as missions, families, and Christian education.

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August 10-12 His Grace Bishop THOMAS visits the Church of St. Anthony in Butler, Pennsylvania

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August 26, 2007: Bishop THOMAS Consecrates Ground for New Church of The Holy Ascension, Valley Forge Pa

On August 26th, His Grace Bishop THOMAS came to visit the parish of The Holy Ascension to bless us and our newly purchased 10 acre property where we plan to build our new Temple. With Sayidna's blessing, we have become the future founders of Holy Ascension. His Grace reminded us of the place which the Church and our mission will continue to have in our lives. Bishop THOMAS continued to encourage us as we help our community embrace the historic Orthodox faith. We look forward to the day when we can ask for His Grace's blessing to begin construction on our blessed land.

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November 10-12, 2007: Bishop THOMAS Visits York, Pa., Parish

During his visit to St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church on Saturday evening, Sayedna THOMAS tonsured Stephen Coleson as a reader at the Great Vespers service. Assisting Very Reverend Fr. Peter Pier, pastor of St. John Chrysostom, were Very Reverend Fr. Gregory Matthewes-Green of Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, Maryland, Very Reverend Fr. Nicholas Alford, of St. Gregory the Great, Washington D. C., Fr. Elias Yelovich, of the Mission of St. James in Westminster, Maryland, and Fr. Andrew Tsikitas of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in York, Pennsylvania.

On Sunday, His Grace celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy assisted by Fr. Peter, Fr. Nicholas, and Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Ressetar, retired pastor of Christ the Savior OCA Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During the Liturgy, Bishop THOMAS ordained Deacon Patrick Cardine to the Holy Priesthood and Subdeacon Jerome Atherholt to the Holy Diaconate. Following  Divine Liturgy, Mark Strategos was inducted into the Order of St.Ignatius by Bishop THOMAS.

Father Patrick has been assigned to the Mission of St. Patrick in Warrenton, VA.  Deacon Jerome has been assigned to the Church of St. John Chrysostom in York, Pennsylvania.

November 2-4, 2007: Bishop THOMAS Visits Centreville, Va., Parish

His Grace Bishop THOMAS visited St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church, Centreville, Virginia, on the weekend of November 2-4, 2007. On Friday evening, His Grace visited Metropolitan Philip, Fr. Joseph Rahal, and the congregation of St. George, Washington, DC, for a special dinner in honor of the congregation’s Centennial. On Saturday, Bishop THOMAS presided at Vespers at the congregation’s regular meeting place at Compton Village, followed by a special evening of dinner and music. On Sunday, Sayedna presided over Matins and celebrated the congregation’s first hierarchical Liturgy. His Grace expressed his thanks for the warm reception the congregation had accorded him. He congratulated the congregation on its progress since his last visit (The congregation doubled its membership during the year.). He encouraged the congregation to find a larger, permanent facility and to provide the resources for Fr Thomas to serve full-time. He also commended the parish choir, under the direction of Marie Hyder, for its outstanding musical support of the parish’s worship. The day’s activities concluded with a generous spread of food and an opportunity for the members and guests to speak with Sayedna THOMAS. His Grace reminded the congregation to look to its Patron, St. Raphael of Brooklyn, as an example of one who went out, spread the Orthodox faith, and built congregations. He charged the congregation to go out into the community and bring new people into the Orthodox Church.

Special guests who participated in the Divine Liturgy: Deacon Mark O’Dell of Holy Cross, Linthicum Maryland, and Subdeacon Jerome Atherholt of St. John Chrysostom, York, Pennsylvania. Also pictured is Subdeacon Michael Rudloff of St. Raphael mission.

October 12-14, 2007: His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, visits the Church of St. Philip in Souderton, Pennsylvania

His Grace, Bishop THOMAS visited St. Philip, Souderton, PA October 12 to 14, 2007.

On Friday evening, after supper with the choir and teen counselors, His Grace went bowling with the teens.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed a "Breakfast with Bishop Thomas" for all who wished to enjoy food and conversation and questions and answers. Then our His Grace accompanied Father Boniface and Father Noah on hospital visitations.

Saturday Vespers was followed by a reception and fellowship hour. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Sunday morning was followed by a luncheon and parish fellowship. His Grace visited all our Sunday School classes and also visited the Teens before ever sitting down for his lunch.

Five new members of the Order of Saint Ignatius of Antioch were received Sunday morning.

Perfect weather and wonderful attendance made the weekend a blessed time for all.

October 20-21, 2007: Bishop THOMAS visits the Church of St. Mary in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

October 5-7, 2007: Bishop THOMAS Visits Altoona, Pa., Mission

Bishop THOMAS visits the church of St. George in Altoona, Pennsylvania October 5-7, 2007

During his Episcopal visit, Sayedna THOMAS elevated Fr. Stephen Lourie to the dignity of the Arch-Priesthood. His Grace also blessed the new icons of the Platytera as well as that of St. John the Baptist on the iconostasis, and inducted Fred and Carol Martin into the Order of St. Ignatius.

In addition, Bishop THOMAS met with Angie Ioup, who was baptized by St. Raphael.

September 21-23, 2007 Saint Thekla Pilgrimage

His Grace Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Charleston and Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic will preside over the Pilgrimage.

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A pilgrimage is an opportunity to "lay side all earthly cares" and to retreat to holy place. Unfortunately, it is something we tend not to do or do often enough. Our Pilgrimage is rooted in liturgical services and educational presentations, but participants are given an opportunity to take a hike on our trails or stroll the grounds at their leisure. It
is a wonderful time to sit down and contemplate God's handiwork and all of the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Take the time to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Meet with the Lord in his Word or in prayer or in meditation. The library is open. Priests will be available to meet or for confession. Leave this year's Pilgrimage refreshed and renewed, in body, mind and spirit. Let our loving God grant you wholeness and health.

Presented by
H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr.
An Orthodox Christian and professor at both Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University and a member of the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy. Dr. Engelhardt has authored over two hundred fifty articles and chapters of books in addition to numerous book reviews and other publications. He has also co-edited more than twenty-five volumes and has lectured widely throughout the world. His books include Bioethics and Secular Humanism: The Search for a Common Morality and The Foundations of Bioethics.

Why pilgrimage to Antiochian Village Camp and Conference Center in Western Pennsylvania? Because the Village is a spiritual oasis supported with premiere, hotel-style lodging and plentiful meals. The Village is the burial site for St. Raphael of Brooklyn and the Village's museum houses several of his relics. The museum also displays 50 historic icons from throughout the world and many other religious relics. You'll find a shrine to St. Thekla and one to St. Artemius; a 21,000 volume, Eastern Christian research library; Ss. Peter and Paul Chapel; St. Thekla Outdoor Chapel; and St. Ignatius Church where several relics of saints are held. The Meditation Trail in the woods provides a scenic solace for quiet reflection. Come join the journey to spiritual renewal and growth.

Below you will find biographical information about Dr. H. Tristam Engelhardt, Jr., who will be our speaker at the St. Thekla Pilgrimage. He will also speak at next year's Parish Life Conference 2008 in Charleston, WV.

H. TRISTRAM ENGELHARDT, JR., born in 1941 in Texas, is an American philosopher, holding doctorates in both Philosophy (University of Texas at Austin, 1969) and Medicine (Tulane University, 1972). He is a professor of philosophy at Rice University in Houston, Texas, specializing in the history and philosophy of medicine, particularly from the standpoint of continental philosophy. He is also a professor emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, and a members of the Baylor Center for Medical Ethics and Public Policy. He is currently a member of the editorial boards of several journals, including the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, Christian Bioethics, and Philosophy and Medicine. Dr. Engelhardt is a member of St George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Houston, Texas where he assists at the chanters' stand as a tonsured Reader.

April 8, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS visits St. Mary in Chambersburg, PA

Bishop THOMAS celebrated the divine services of Pascha at the church of St. Mary in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

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April 7, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS visits St. James in Westminster, MD

Bishop THOMAS celebrates the Divine Liturgy on Great and Holy Saturday and ordains Patrick Cardine to the subdiaconate at the church of St. James in Westminster , Maryland.

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April 6, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS visits St. Mary in Hunt Valley, MD

Bishop THOMAS presides at Great and Holy Friday services at the church Of St. Mary in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

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April 5, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS visits St. John Chrysostom Church in York, PA

Bishop THOMAS celebrates Hierarchical Vesperal Divine Liturgy and The Rite Of The Washing Of The Feet On Great Thursday at St. John Chrysostom Church in York, Pennsylvania.

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April 4, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS at the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday at St. Philip's Church in Souderton, PA

Bishop THOMAS at the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday at St. Philip's Church in Souderton, PA.

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April 3, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS at the Presanctified Liturgy on Tuesday at St. Philip's Church in Souderton, PA

Bishop THOMAS at the Presanctified Liturgy on Tuesday at St. Philip's Church in Souderton, PA

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April 3, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS presides at Bridegroom Orthros on Holy Tuesday evening at the church of the Holy Ascension in Vall

Bishop THOMAS presides at Bridegroom Orthros on Holy Tuesday evening at the church of the Holy Ascension in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

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March 31, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS celebrates Lazarus Saturday

Bishop THOMAS celebrates the Divine Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday at Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, Maryland.

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March 30, 2007 : His Grace Bishop THOMAS Chrismates new parish into Orthodoxy in Warrenton, Virginia

On Friday, March 30, His Grace Bishop THOMAS received a congregation of forty-five people into the Orthodox Church at a Chrismation Service held in Warrenton, Virginia. Joining Bishop THOMAS in the Chrismation Service was Fr. Nicholas Alford of St. Gregory the Great Church Washington, DC, Fr. Alban Waggener of Holy Trinity Church Lynchburg, VA, Fr. Gregory McGregor of Saint Basil the Great Church, Poquoson, VA, and Fr. Gregory Matthews-Greene of Holy Cross Church, Linthicum, MD. Other Orthodox clergy were also in attendance. Besides the Orthodox faithful, other clergy and members of the community brought the attendance to over 150 people.

Bishop THOMAS presided over the liturgy and admonished the new converts that upon receiving the Holy Spirit and being brought into the Church they were given the gift to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect. As the four priests anointed the catechumens with Holy Chrism the Bishop loudly chanted, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit!” again and again as the congregation shouted in joyful acclamation, “Seal!” With so many catechumens, this went on for some time until the large church reverberated with the sound of new life. The choirs of St. Gregory the Great and Holy Trinity led the congregation in ancient and beautiful Gregorian chant and Fr. Alford celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Most in attendance stayed for the reception that followed where gifts and blessings were exchanged over a Lenten meal.

The new mission is made up of former laity and several clergy from the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC). Their search, as well as a long history of interest in the Antiochian Orthodox Church, led them to visit the clergy conference at the Antiochian Village last summer. Bishop THOMAS began to explore with them the possibility of beginning an Orthodox mission and visited them last fall. Fr. Nicholas Alford of St. Gregory the Great Orthodox Church in Washington, DC was asked to hold catechism classes for the group.

The congregation started meeting in the basement of the pastor, Patrick Cardine, formerly a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. They soon found that this space was too small and Christ Church (Anglican) graciously allowed them to use their sanctuary on Sundays. The mission has now acquired their own space and held their first service on Palm Sunday, with Fr. Nicholas Alford celebrating the Divine Liturgy.

The new mission is a part of the Western Rite Vicariate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The Western Rite has grown by four new missions this past year and the mission in Warrenton is the first of several CEC congregations coming into the Church. As far as we know this is the first Orthodox Church in Warrenton, one of the fastest growing cities in VA. The new mission is strongly committed to being a vibrant witness of the Orthodox faith to their community. The congregation is made up of seniors, young couples, families and many children. The new mission already has a dynamic youth group underway that looks forward to becoming active in the community and Archdiocese.

The congregation is most grateful to all of those who have supported them in their journey, especially Sayedna THOMAS and Fr. Alford for their gracious ministry and care. To find out more about the new mission contact Patrick Cardine at: 703-819-0093 or Email.

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March 22, 2007 : His Grace Bishop THOMAS spoke at St. Tikon's Orthodox Seminary

On Thursday, March 22, 2007, His Grace, the Right Reverend Thomas, Bishop of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic, presented an informal talk with the seminarians of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. The subject of His Grace's talk was the priesthood, organized loosely around a discussion of the holy mysteries (sacraments). Sayidna Thomas shared from his experience as a parish priest and also as a bishop, emphasizing that the priest's purpose is to bring the Kingdom of God to people, especially in the sacraments, and that administrative work is at best only a secondary part of the priesthood. Sayidna also placed a special emphasis on the priest working out his own salvation as being the primary component of his ministry.

On Thursday evening, His Grace visited St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre, joining the people there for their weekly spaghetti dinner. The following evening, Friday the 23rd, Sayidna returned to St. Mary's to celebrate the final Akathist (Madayeh) service to the Theotokos appointed for Lent of 2007. Sayidna was joined by a number of the seminarians from St. Tikhon's, who with the people chanted the hymns to the Mother of God, primarily in English but with a few selections repeated in Arabic. The Rev. Andrew Stephen Damick, a third-year M.Div. seminarian at St. Tikhon's, served as the priest, chanting with Sayidna Thomas the akathist hymn itself.

The following Saturday morning, March 24th, the Forefeast of the Annunciation, at the Monastery Church of St. Tikhon adjacent to the seminary, His Grace celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

During the liturgy, Sayidna ordained the Rev. Dcn. David Alan Moretti to the holy priesthood. Concelebrating at the liturgy were clergy from the monastic brotherhood, along with priests and deacons from the seminary student body and Archpriest John R. Steffaro of Campbell, Ohio, representing both the Antiochian and OCA jurisdictions. Fr.

John and Hieromonk Gabriel (Nicholas), a member of the monastic community, served as Dcn. David's sponsors into the priesthood. The liturgy itself represented a combination and blending of Antiochian and OCA practices, performed ably by the clergy and the seminary choir, under the direction of Monk Sergius (Bowyer).

Like Sayidna Thomas, the Rev. David Alan Moretti is a native of New Jersey. He graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in Religious Studies from Wooster College in Wooster, Ohio. After graduation from college, Fr.

David spent a year studying at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he served as an associate pastor at Glendora Friends Church (Quaker) in Glendora, California. At Fuller, he met Fr. Samuel Gantt, the Greek professor, who introduced Fr. David to Orthodox Christianity. In April of 1990, Fr. David and his wife Diane were chrismated into the Orthodox Church, having been married the month before. Upon leaving Protestant seminary, Fr. David worked mainly in various sales positions in California and later in Ohio.

In November of 1992, Fr. David was made a subdeacon by His Grace, Bishop Antoun (Khouri), and from 1994 to 1998, Fr. David served as the Western Region Youth Director for the Antiochian Archdiocese. In 1998, his family, now including two children, Anthony and Sofia, moved to Canfield, Ohio, where they were active at St. Mark's parish in Youngstown until 2005, when they came to St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. On the Sunday of Orthodoxy in 2006, His Grace Bishop Mark (Maymon) of Toledo and the Midwest ordained Fr. David to the diaconate at St. Mark's. Fr. David is a second year seminarian in the Master of Divinity program, and he lives with his family, Khourieh Diane, Anthony (12) and Sofia (9) in Carbondale, Pennsylvania.

January 6 and 7, 2007: His Grace Bishop THOMAS made his annual visit to the parish of Saint Basil the Great in Poquoson, Virgini

January 4, 2007: Open house at new chancery