Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and the Mid-Atlantic

Welcome to the Diocese of Charleston

Charleston Chancery, 4407 Kanawha Ave. SE, Charleston, WV, 25304-1734

724-787-9832 (phone); 304-346-0146 (fax, marked "ATTN Bishop THOMAS")

Welcome to the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and the Mid-Atlantic, part of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in America. The Diocese of Charleston is led by His Grace Bishop THOMAS and includes more than 30 churches and missions in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Click here for a directory of all the parishes in the Diocese of Charleston.

Click here to learn more about Bishop THOMAS.

Click here to see Bishop THOMAS's schedule.

To contact Bishop THOMAS electronically, email bp.thomas@antiochian.org.

 

Bishop THOMAS Visits the Church of the Holy Spirit in Huntington, WV

imageOn the weekend of June 14-15, Bishop THOMAS visited the Church of Holy Spirit in Huntington, West Virginia, to celebrate the parish’s patron feast of Pentecost. The weekend began with the celebration of the Soul Saturday Divine Liturgy. Following the service, Sayedna met with parishioners over brunch. During the evening, following Great Vespers, the Parish Council hosted the bishop at Rocco’s Ristorante.

At the end of Matins on Pentecost Sunday, those attending had the joy of seeing seminarian Symeon Kees ordained as subdeacon. Subdeacon Symeon is a third-year seminarian at St. Tikhon’s. His mother and fiancée were also in attendance. After the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the parish hosted its annual Pentecost cookout, after which they returned to the church for the Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost.

Although Sayedna was not able to stay and celebrate the Monday of the Holy Spirit, Fr. John Dixon concelebrated the Liturgy with Fr. Mark Elliott of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Huntington and Hieromonk Alexander of the Hermitage of the Holy Cross Monastery (ROCOR) of Wayne. Although the Orthodox parishes of West Virginia have had a wonderful relationship with the monastery, this marks the first time that permission was granted to concelebrate together since the reunification of the Moscow Patriarchate and ROCOR. It was a joyful and historic event.

 

 

 image

Bishop THOMAS Visits Antiochian Village

image The staff at Antiochian Village report that the beginning of summer has been a blessed one at the Village, where Bishop THOMAS much of mid-June with the staff and campers. Not only has he served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, June 18, along with daily Orthros and Vespers, but he has been active among the youth. While walking the grounds of the camp, he has spent much of his time speaking with the young boys and girls about their experiences. On occasion, Bishop THOMAS will also jump into one of the activities with the campers. His sermons have not only been inspiring, but well received; as campers have already put to use his teachings.  The campers have truly responded to Bishop THOMAS in the most loving way, and God willing, he will be visiting the Village as often as possible for the remainder of the summer.

One camper had this to say:

"This morning, Hierarchal Liturgy was celebrated.  Bishop Thomas led us through our first liturgy for the summer season at camp, and it turned out to be a beautiful one.  All dressed in our best, we were able to have our photographs taken today with photographer Bill. Afternoon programs were as usual, but the evening brought a different outlook on entertainment: Movie Bag Night.  Each cabin is given 8 items from their brother or sister cabin, and must make a scene from a movie using those items. It was a fun filled night with a lot of laughs."

More memories of Bishop THOMAS' time at Antiochian Village have been preserved online by the Village here.

Bishop THOMAS Visits St. Anthony's in Butler, Pa.

Bishop THOMAS made his annual visit to St. Anthony Antiochian Church in Butler, PA on May 3-4.

A cake was given to him in honor of his Name Day, Thomas Sunday.

Sayedna had many encouraging things to say during the sermon of the Hierarchical Liturgy as well as when he met with parishioners during a covered-dish luncheon held in his honor.

 

Bishop THOMAS Spends Holy Week in Charleston

Here are photos from Holy Week and Pascha at the Cathedral in Charleston, WV.

Bishop THOMAS Begins Great Lent in Chambersburg

His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, spent Cheesefare weekend and the beginning of the Fast with the congregation of St. Mary Church in Chambersburg, PA. Arriving on Friday, March 7, he was greeted by Fr. Ted Pulcini, who met with him to inform him of developments in the parish since his visit last spring. On Saturday, March 8, His Grace participated in the Chant Class conducted by St. Mary’s Pastoral Assistant, David Jacobs, before presiding over Great Vespers, after which he met with the Parish Council over dinner at the Copper Kettle Restaurant in Chambersburg. On Sunday, March 9, after Orthros and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Bishop THOMAS greeted parishioners during a special coffee hour prepared in his honor. That evening, he presided over Forgiveness Vespers and led the rite of forgiveness at the conclusion of the service. On Monday evening, he presided over Great Compline, which just this year has been added to the parish’s cycle of Great Lenten services. The next day, Bishop THOMAS visited Carlisle, completing a walking tour of Dickinson College, where Fr. Ted teaches. Completing his visit to Chambersburg on Wednesday, March 12, Sayyidna moved on to Westminster, MD, to begin his visit to St. James Mission.

 

Click here to visit the Diocese of Charleston News Archives.

 

Bishop THOMAS Schedule

2008

Date Church Location Event
January      
1 Holy Cross (OCA) Ft. Myers, FL Visit
2-3     Out of office
4-6 St. George Cathedral Oakland, PA Visit
11-13 St Basil Church Yorktown, VA Elevation of Fr. Gregory McGregor
17-24 St. Nicholas Cathedral Los Angeles, CA Visit to Diocese of Los Angeles and Katrib Wedding
22   Los Angeles, CA Interview with Icon New Media Network
23   Los Angeles, CA Meeting with Bishop JOSEPH at Chancery
26-27 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Visit and youth activities
February      
1-3 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA NAC Meetings
7 St. Tikhon's Seminary South Canaan, PA Addressing students
7 Holy Protection Monastery Northeastern PA Visit
8-10 St. Paul Church Emmaus, PA Mortgage Burning Celebration
15-16 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Winter Camp
17 St. George Cathedral Oakland, PA Visit
23 St. George Cathedral Miami, FL The 25th Anniversary of Bishop ANTOUN's Consecration as Bishop
March      
7-9 St. Mary Church Chambersburg, PA Visit
12 Mission of St. James Westminster, MD Visit
16 St. John Chrysostom York, PA Sunday of Orthodoxy
17-18 Mission of St. Patrick Warrenton, VA Visit
23 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Visit
28-30 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Visit
April      
2 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Presanctified Liturgy
4-6 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Visit
7-11 St. Paul Church Emmaus, PA Funeral of Fr. John Kahle
9 St. Philip Church Souderton, PA Visit
11 St. George Church Allentown, PA Visit
13 St. Anthony Church Bergenfield, NJ Visit
15-17 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA OCF Memorial event
19-20 St. George Cathedral Oakland, PA Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday
21-23 St. Nicholas Church Beckley, WV Holy Week
22 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Presanctified Liturgy
23 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Presanctified Liturgy
24-27 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Holy Week and Pascha
29 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV St. Ignatius dinner
May     Please note Bp. THOMAS will be in a series of pivate meetings throughout the month. It's best to email or call on the cellphone: 724-787-9832.
2 American Carpatho-Russian Diocese Johnstown, PA Anniversary dinner for Metr. Nicholas
3 (AM) St. Mary Church Johnstown, PA Sanctity of Life Retreat
3-4 St. Anthony Church Butler, PA Visit
6 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA "Night at the Village," opening of 250th anniversary of City of Ligonier
9-11 St. Mary Church Johnstown, PA Visit
15 St. Sophia Academy Johnstown, PA Visit
17-18 St. George Church New Kensington, PA Visit
25 Holy Cross Church (OCA) N. Ft. Myers, FL Visit
29 St. George Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA Funeral of Kh. Joanne Abdalah
31 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Board of Trustees Meeting
June      
1 St. George Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA Memorial Service for Kh. Joanne Abdalah
2-4 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Meeting with Program staff
5 St. Ignatius Chapel, Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Feast of the Ascension
6-8 Church of St. George Bridgeville, PA Visit
9-13 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Camp
13-15 Church of the Holy Spirit Huntington, WV Visit
16-20 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Camp
20-22 Church of the Holy Trinity Lynchburg, VA Visit
26 Project Appalachia Kingwood, WV Building houses for the poor
27-29 St. Mary Church Hunt Valley, MD Visit
July      
2-6 Parish Life Conference Charleston, WV Parish Life Conference
8-11 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Camp
18-20 St. Elias Church New Castle, PA Visit
21-25 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Clergy Symposium / Camp
27 St. Ellien Church Brownsville, PA Visit
28-31 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Camp
August      
1-3 St. Athanasius Church Claymont, DE Visit
12 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Lecture on the priesthood
14-18 St. George Church Altoona, PA 90th Parish Anniversary Celebration
20-29 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Antiochian House of Studies
30-Sept 1   Charleston, WV Kferian Reunion over Labor Day Weekend
September      
6-7 St. George Church Upper Darby, PA Visit
14 Holy Cross Orthodox Church Linthicum, MD Celebrating Patronal Feast
19-21 St. John the Evangelist Church Beaver Falls, PA Visit
24-26 Antiochian Village Ligonier, PA Clergy Retreat
26-28 University of Toronto Centre for Clinical Ethics Toronto, Canada Bioethics Conference
October      
5 St. Philip Church Souderton, PA Visit
12 St. Mary Church Wilkes-Barre, PA Visit
19 St. George Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA 100th Anniversary Celebration
26 St. Andrew Orthodox Mission Lewes, DE Visit
30-31 St. George Cathedral Worcester, MA Archdiocese Board of Trustees meeting
November      
1-2 St. George Cathedral Worcester, MA Archdiocese Board of Trustees meeting  
7-9 St. Michael Church Monessen, PA Visit
13-14 St. Philip Church Souderton, PA Patronal feast
15-16 Holy Ascension Church Frazer, PA Visit
20-23 St. Michael Church Greensburg, PA Visit
December      
4-15   Tokyo, Japan Attending Bioethics Conference
20-21 St. Raphael Mission Centreville, VA Visit
24-25 St. George Church Allentown, PA Visit
       

2009

Date Church Location Event
January      
8-10   Little Falls, NJ Bp. THOMAS's niece's wedding
March      
17 St. Patrick Mission Warrenton, VA Patronal feast
April      
13-19 St. George Cathedral Charleston, WV Holy Week
August      
14-16 St. Mary Church Johnstown, PA Visit
September      
10-14 St. George Church Allentown, PA Feast of the Elevation of the Cross
October      
9-11 St. Philip Church Souderton, PA Visit
16-18 St. Paul Church Emmaus, PA Visit
November      
6-9 St. John Chrysostom York, PA Visit for patronal feast
December      
6 St. Andrew Mission Lewes, DE Visit
       

Information about our Diocese

This section contains helpful information about our Diocese.

Please download and print:

Information about our Diocese: Including - Information about our Patriarchate, our Archdiocese, our
service organizations, our facilities and camping programs, protocols for when Bishop Thomas
visits, notes for serving, the Fasting Seasons, a basic Liturgical Library, and biographical information
about Bishop Thomas

Make-up and the deans of our deaneries

 

Our Patriarchate

Our Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America is
part of the ancient and venerable Patriarchate of Antioch the Great City-of-God and all the East,
founded by the Foremost of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Our Patriarch is THE MOST
BLESSED IGNATIUS IV (Hazim) who was elected 165th successor of the Holy Apostle Peter in
1979. He resides at the Patriarchal compound located on the Biblical “Street Called Straight” in
the Old City of Damascus, Syria. The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos is
located at this same compound. His Beatitude presides over our Holy Synod, the Council of all
Metropolitans of the See of Antioch throughout the world. The Metropolitan of our Archdiocese
is a member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate.

Our Archdiocese

The Primate of our Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of
North America is THE MOST REVEREND PHILIP (Saliba), ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK AND
METROPOLITAN OF ALL NORTH AMERICA, who resides at the Archdiocesan Headquarters in
Englewood, New Jersey. His Eminence’s Cathedral is St. Nicholas in Brooklyn, New York, the
“mother parish” of our Archdiocese (being founded by St Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn in
1895).
Our Archdiocese has jurisdiction over all Antiochian Orthodox Christian parishes,
missions and institutions in both the United States and Canada. It is divided into nine geographic
Dioceses, each overseen by its own Diocesan Bishop: The Metropolitan’s Diocese of New York
& Washington with its Cathedral of St Nicholas in Brooklyn, New York; The Diocese of
Worcester & New England with its Cathedral of St George in Worcester, Massachusetts; The
Diocese of Oakland & the East with its Cathedral of St George in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; The
Diocese of Ottawa, Eastern Canada & Upstate New York with its Cathedral of St Elias in
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; The Diocese of Miami & the Southeast with its Cathedral of St George
in Miami, Florida; The Diocese of Toledo & the Midwest with its Cathedral of St George in
2
Toledo, Ohio; The Diocese of Los Angeles & the West with its Cathedral of St Nicholas in Los
Angeles, California; The Diocese of Eagle River & the Northwest; and our own Diocese of
Wichita & Mid-America with its Cathedral of St George in Wichita, Kansas. The Synod of
Bishops of our Archdiocese is comprised of all Diocesan Bishops with the Metropolitan serving
as president. The Synod meets twice annually in conjunction with the Fall and Spring meetings
of the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees (of which all bishops are members).
An Archdiocesan Convention is held biennially, during the last full week of July
in odd numbered years with the location and highlights advertised well in advance. A biennial
Archdiocesan Clergy Symposium is held in even numbered years in July at the Antiochian
Village Heritage and Learning Center in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. A biennial conference is often
hosted in even numbered years specifically for the clergy and laity of our Western Rite Vicariate.
*The Archdiocesan Directory* is published annually and is available upon
request from the Archdiocesan Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. It provides a
convenient listing of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all clergy and communities
of the Archdiocese, as well as Archdiocesan Officers, Board of Trustees members, Department
heads, the Diocesan and Deanery affiliation of each community, a listing of important dates and
events in the life of the Archdiocese, etc. *The WORD Magazine*, the official organ of our
Archdiocese, is published ten times per year (September through June) and is sent free-of-charge
to all households registered with a community (parish, mission or mission station) of our
Archdiocese. It is the responsibility of each community to submit a complete mailing list of its
households to the Archdiocesan Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey, and to update it with
changes, additions and deletions each May or June.

Liturgical Services in the Antiochian Practice

Whenever serving any of our services, when possible, you should always utilize liturgical texts from the archdiocese that have been approved in writing by His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP. It is always best to choose the latest edition of the text in this regard. When choosing music, your first directive is to contact the Department of Sacred Music. You should feel free to contact Christopher Holwey (815.931.8268, caholwey@comcast.net) at any time. You may find addresses and phone numbers for him in the archdiocese directory. In addition to this, so that you may get advice on how to serve the service and what music to use, you may call the office of St. Philip's in Souderton. You may speak to Fr. Boniface (215.721.4947, frboniface@st-philip.net) or his wife, Kh. Joyce to receive advice about serving the service and what music to use.

There are liturgical services that you will be called upon to serve that can not be found in texts of the Archdiocese. In some cases, even though the texts are available through the Archdiocese, some particulars in how to serve the service may not be included. I want to be sure that we are doing everything that we can to serve the services properly in continuity with the other churches of this Archdiocese. When you need help serving these services, you are certainly welcome to utilize Arabic texts from our Patriarchate. You are also welcome to visit the liturgical website of the diocese of Wichita and Mid-America (http://www.networks-now.n...).

If and when you utilize these resources, you are to immediately contact Fr. Edward Hughes (978.686.3274, fredwardh@aol.com) of our Archdiocese depart of Liturgics and Translations or Fr. Thomas Zain (abouna@aol.com, 718.748.7940) dean of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, who works at the Archdiocese and teaches liturgics at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Both of these priests are able to read the texts in Arabic from the Patriarchate and both of them are in close contact with His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, so that you can be offered proper interpretation.

If you have any questions in this regard, please use our Archdiocese directory and confer with any of the people mentioned above.

Our Service Organizations

There are four service organizations organized on Archdiocesan, Diocesan and
Local levels:

1. THE ORDER OF ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH is an organization of men and women
who are committed and active members of their local parishes, and who are also pledged to
providing the Archdiocese with a substantial amount of annual income in order to spearhead new
projects, supplement income for existing but under-budgeted Archdiocesan programs, provide
grants for charitable endeavors, etc. On a Diocesan level the Order is directed by its Spiritual
Advisor (a priest of the Diocese appointed to this position by the Bishop) and its officers (who
are elected to year long terms by members from throughout the Diocese during the Order’s
general assembly at the annual Parish Life Conference). *Membership applications* and other
information on the Order of St Ignatius of Antioch may be had by contacting the Order’s
Diocesan Chairman or the Archdiocesan Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey.

2. THE FELLOWSHIP OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE is the adult spiritual movement and
fellowship organization. In our Diocese its primary purpose is to function as a fellowship of all
Diocesan congregations (each represented at meetings by the Priest, Parish Council Chair and a
third lay delegate – the President of the parish’s Fellowship organization, if one exists, or, if no
local Fellowship organization exists, by another person appointed by the Priest and Parish
Council Chair). The purpose of the Fellowship is to advance Christian education, spirituality and
outreach, and to coordinate the many activities and programs offered on the Archdiocesan and
Diocesan levels. It is directed by its Spiritual Advisor (a priest of the Diocese appointed to this
position by the Bishop) and its officers (who are elected to year long terms by the clergy and lay
delegates from each community during the Fellowship’s Diocesan Assembly at the annual Parish
Life Conference). This executive committee and the various program and committee chairs help
the local communities in such areas as Christian education, liturgical music, humanitarian
projects, evangelism, etc. Vital parts of this are the St Philip Prayer Discipline and the Parish
Ministry Teams. The Prayer Discipline is an excellent way to unite your prayer with those of
people in other communities and support the whole archdiocesan effort. The Parish Ministry
Teams reach out on the local level to put into practice the physical and spiritual works of mercy.
Each community has an opportunity to be creative in doing this and we learn from each other in
sharing our successes and failures. On an Archdiocesan level, the Fellowship coordinates the
annual “Food for Hungry People” campaign during the Great Fast to collect funds to feed the
hungry poor throughout the world Each community in the Diocese (except those specially
dispensed) is expected to pay annual dues to the Fellowship. *Information on the Fellowship*,
the annual Parish Life Conference, and the numerous creative festivals sponsored by the
Fellowship for your Church School children and teens may be had by contacting the Fellowship’s
Diocesan President. *The Festivals Manual* with annual updates is available upon request
from the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries.

3. Every adult woman in every community is considered a member of THE
ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN. On the Diocesan level it is directed by its Spiritual Advisor (a priest of the
Diocese appointed to this position by the Bishop) and its officers (who are elected to year long
terms by delegates from each local women’s group during their general assembly at the annual
Parish Life Conference). This organization has a varied program of spirituality and humanitarian
projects which it supports. Each local women’s group has its own personality and modus
operandi in accomplishing its program. On an Archdiocesan level, the Antiochian Women select
a charity each year to be the beneficiary of its combined fund raising efforts. Each local
women’s organization (except those specially dispensed) is expected to pay annual dues to the
Antiochian Women. *Information on the Antiochian Women* and their current year’s
charitable project may be had by contacting the Antiochian Women’s Diocesan President.

4. SOYO (Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations) is our Archdiocesan youth
movement. It is under the oversight of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries. It
includes teens aged 12 to 18, and is directed by its Spiritual Advisor (a priest of the Diocese
appointed to this position by the Bishop), lay Youth Director (appointed by the Bishop and the
chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries), and its officers (who are elected to
year long terms by the delegates from each local SOYO chapter during their general assembly at
the annual Parish Life Conference). On an Archdiocesan level Teen SOYO sponsors an annual
Special Olympics Sports Camp for physically and mentally challenged children at our Antiochian
Village Camp. The Teens make a special appeal each October to help underwrite the Special
Olympics Sports Camp, and each January to support acquisitions for the library at the Antiochian
Village’s Heritage and Learning Center. The Diocesan Youth Director, assisted by each
Deanery’s Youth Director, is a ready resource for parishes and missions to assist in youth work.
Locally, you need a dedicated and dynamic advisor, or advisors, for your SOYO. Each local
SOYO chapter (except those specially dispensed) is expected to pay dues to Teen SOYO.
*Information on SOYO* may be had by contacting SOYO’s Diocesan President.
The Archdiocese has designated the Sunday nearest the feast of St John the Divine
on September 26 as Fellowship Sunday; the month of October is Youth Month and is dedicated
to SOYO; the first Sunday in December is designated as Choir and Chanter Appreciation Day;
the month of March is Women’s Month and is dedicated to the Antiochian Women whose feast
day is the Annunciation on March 25; and the Sunday before Christmas is Order of St Ignatius
Sunday. During these special months/days members of the highlighted organizations are invited
to participate in the Divine Liturgy as epistle reader and ushers. The priest may also invite a
member of the highlighted organization to address the congregation with a brief message
(prepared under the priest’s supervision) after the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy.

Our Facilities and Camping Programs

The Antiochian Village Summer Camp
201 St. Ignatius Trail
Bolivar, Pennsylvania 15923

THE ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE SUMMER CAMP is a 500-acre camping facility in the
Laurel Mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania, north of the historic village of Ligonier, which
provides an excellent program for children and teens from throughout our Archdiocese each
summer (June-August). *Antiochian Village Summer Camp applications* (for campers as well
as for counselors) and camping session dates are advertised by mail to each community, are
noted in “The WORD Magazine,” and are also available upon request from the Camp’s business
office. The Antiochian Village is also the site of the St Thekla Shrine to which a pilgrimage is
made each September, and the Holy Resurrection Cemetery where are located the graves of ST
RAPHAEL (Hawaweeny) and several other hierarchs and pioneer clergymen of our Church in
North America. THE ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE HERITAGE AND LEARNING CENTER is our national
retreat and conference Center. It has fine, hotel-like accommodations and very comfortable
meeting facilities. Many of our Archdiocese’s special programs, retreats, seminars and
workshops - for the Parish Council, Choir, Chanters and Church School teachers, etc. - are held
there in surroundings which are most conducive to prayer and productivity. The Center is also
the headquarters for the Antiochian House of Studies. The Chapel of Ss Peter and Paul, the
Heritage Museum and the Village’s Library are three of the jewels of the Center which is fully
owned and operated by the Archdiocese. *Information on all special events and programs*
sponsored at the Antiochian Village is available through the Center’s business office.

A visitation by the Bishop

1. Scheduling a Visit: It is requested that the priest contact the bishop to schedule a
visitation well in advance (usually a year in advance) of the desired date.

2. Setting the Agenda for the Visit Once the date for the visitation has been
confirmed, the priest must send to the bishop a tentative agenda of all divine
services, meetings and events to take place during the visitation. The agenda is
tentative until it is blessed/approved by the bishop.

3. Travel Arrangements: Contact Bishop Thomas about travel arrangements and
how they will be made and paid for.

4. Lodging & Meals: The priest is to discuss with the bishop the specific
arrangements for his lodging and meals, the cost of which is to be covered by the
parish or mission. A single hotel room with one bed is sufficient for the bishop.
Suggested menus for all meal events as well as food and drink items placed in his
hotel room for hospitality must be discussed with the bishop; of course, the
traditional fasting discipline must be observed at all meal functions – both public
and private. Bishop Thomas eats everything outside of the Lenten periods while
observing the traditional fasting discipline during the fasts periods of the church.
Note that if the bishop arrives by car or is otherwise accompanied by an aide, the
lodging and meal expenses of his driver/aide are also to be covered by the parish
or mission

5. Stipend: It is traditional that a monetary gift be given to the bishop by the
community at the time of his visit. The amount of this gift is usually between
$500 and $1,000. Note that if the bishop arrives by car or is otherwise
accompanied by an aide, it is traditional that a monetary gift also be given to his
driver/aide.

6. Arrival: If the bishop is arriving by plane, he is to be met immediately outside
the secure passenger area by the priest and one or two parishioners who can assist
with the car and luggage. While the priest and bishop go to the baggage claim
area, the parishioner should bring the car around to the door from which the
bishop and priest will exit the terminal with the luggage.

7. Divine Services: Well in advance of the visit the priest must discuss with the
bishop any questions or concerns he or others might have concerning the divine
services so that everything is done “decently and in order.” It is the priest’s
responsibility to see that all who take an active role in the services (subdeacons,
altar boys, chanters, choir, etc.) are well trained and fully prepared for the
bishop’s visit.

8. You will also need to order candles for the bishop’s trikiri and dikiri. You may
contact Bishop Thomas if you do not know where to order these. One source for
these is the monastery of Saint Gregory Palamas. You may call them 419-368-
5335.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHANCERY:
724-787-9832, Email
PO Box 638
Ligonier, PA 15658

Serving Notes for Divine Services with the Bishop

Preserve, O Lord, our master and chief priest = Ton dhespotin kai archierea imon
Many years, master = Eis polla eti, dhespota

Blessing for Church Service and the Tonsuring of Taper-bearers and Readers take place at
Vespers (immediately following St Simeon’s Prayer). Ordination of Subdeacons take place at
Orthros (immediately after the Holy God of the Great Doxology). Elevations take place at
Liturgy ((immediately before Wisdom. Stand upright.)

Bishop Thomas’s office has texts available through the computer for the Hierarchal Divine
Liturgy, Vespers, and Divine Liturgy when the Bishop is present but not serving. You may
email the office if you do not already have these texts. Please also note that for other
services you should use the Liturgical texts that are supplied by the Antiochian Archdiocese.
Please see the included books listed in the section titled “Your Basic Library”.

 

The Fasting Seasons

The Fasting Seasons
 
A.   Special Days of Fasting
 
1)     The eve of the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (Dec. 24)
 
2)     the eve of the Feast of Theophany (Jan. 5)
 
3)     Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist (Aug. 29)
 
4)     Feast of the Exaltation of the Honorable Cross (Sep. 14)
 
5)     All Wednesday and Fridays throughout the year, with the exception of the following weeks and days when fasting is relaxed:
     a. the week following the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
     b. Cheese Fare Week (meat and meat products not permitted)
     c. Paschal Bright Week (the week after Pascha)
     d. the week after Pentecost
     e. the Nativity Season (Dec. 25 – Jan. 5)
     f. the 50 days after Pascha (strict fasting is relaxed; consult your          Father Confessor about fasting during this period)
     g. the Leave-taking of Pascha
    
On the fast days mentioned above Orthodox Christians abstain from all meat, meat products, dairy products, fish, olive oil and alcoholic beverages. Shellfish is traditionally permitted. We also moderate the amount of food we consume on these days. We should not eat between meals. We should also eat smaller portions at our regular meals. Under the advice of a Spiritual Father some people may only eat one (1) meal per day during fasting periods. Please remember that all fasting in under the direction of the Pastor. In certain circumstances he may relax the traditional fast at his discretion.
B. Special Seasons of Fasting
 
1) The Nativity Fast (Advent): Nov. 15 – Dec. 24
 
2) The Fast of the Holy Apostles (Ss. Peter and Paul Fast):             Sundown of the Sunday of the Fathers through June 28.
 
During these two fast periods Wednesdays and Fridays are strict fast days as usual. On other days of the week, we abstain from meat, meat products and dairy products; but fish, wine and olive oil are permitted. Eggs are not permitted on any days. During the final weeks of the Nativity fast, Dec. 13 – 24, the fast is stricter and no fish is permitted. Olive oil and wine are permitted on Saturday and Sunday only.
 
3) Theotokos Fast: Aug. 1 – 14
 
We abstain from all meat, meat products, dairy products, fish, olive oil, wine and eggs. Shellfish may be eaten. Olive oil and wine are permitted on Saturday and Sunday, only. On the Feast of the Transfiguration, Aug. 6, fish, olive oil and wine are permitted. If the Feast of the Dormition falls on a Wednesday or a Friday we may use fish, wine and oil on that Feast also, but not meat, dairy products or eggs.
 
4) The Great Fast: The Great Fast (Great Lent) is from sundown on Cheese Fare Sunday through Great Holy Saturday.
 
     a. Meat Fare Week – this is a normal week except that oil and     wine are not permitted on Wednesday or Friday.
 
     b. Cheese Fare Week – We abstain from all meat and meat         products.
 
     c. The Great Lent and Holy Week – This period is a strict fast. We eat with great moderation and abstain from: all meat, meat       products, dairy products, eggs, fish, olive oil and wine. On         certain days however olive oil and wine as well as fish are      permitted on Feasts as follows:
 
*On all Saturdays and Sundays, except Great and Holy Saturday, wine and oil are permitted. Great and Holy Saturday is a strict fast day.
 
*On the Feasts of the Annunciation and Palm Sunday fish, wine and oil are permitted.
 
ONCE AGAIN: All fasting in the parish is done under the supervision of the Pastor. Priests are advised to be very careful in directing the PRAYER LIFE AND FASTING DISCIPLINE of their parishioners.
 

Your Basic Liturgical Library

For Liturgical Resources and Guidelines visit
http://www.networks-now.net/litresswraoc/

TITLE PUBLISHED BY
Service Book of the Archdiocese - - Antiochian Archdiocese
The Liturgikon - - Antiochian Archdiocese
Divine Prayers and Services (Nassar) - - Antiochian Archdiocese
Service Book (Hapgood) - - Antiochian Archdiocese
Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn - Antiochian Archdiocese
Sacrament of Holy Unction - Antiochian Archdiocese
Byzantine Music Project for Chanters (a multi-volume series) - Antiochian Archdiocese
Music for Choir and Congregation (many titles available) - Antiochian Archdiocese
The Book of the Holy Gospels (readings for each day) - Antiochian Archdiocese
The Funeral Service for a Bishop or a Priest - Antiochian Archdiocese
The Services for the Feast of St Raphael (text and music) - Antiochian Archdiocese
The Book of the Royal Hours (complete with rubrics) - Eighth Day Books
The Apostolos/Book of Epistles (readings for each day) - Holy Cross Press
The Psalter according to the Seventy - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Great Horologion - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Pentecostarion - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Menaion - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Lamentations - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Prayer Book - Holy Transfiguration Monastery
The Lenten Triodion (needs completed by the following Supplement) - Faber and Faber
Supplement to the Lenten Triodion (completes the above) -Monastery of the Veil
The Octoechos/Parakletike (Saturday & Sunday Offices, Tones 1-8) - Monastery of the Veil
The Octoechos/Parakletike (Weekday Offices, Tones 1-8) - Monastery of the Veil
A Small Octoechos (Weekday Vespers only, Tones 1-8) - Priestmonk Seraphim of St Paul’s
Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos (music supplement) - Priestmonk Seraphim of St Paul’s
The Festal Menaion - St Tikhon Seminary
The Book of Needs - St Tikhon Seminary
The Great Book of Needs - St Tikhon Seminary
Abridged Typikon - St Tikhon Seminary
Prologue from Ochrid (4 volumes) - Lazarica Press
Holy Week and Pascha (1981 & 1987 editions only) - Father George L. Papadeas
Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete (w/ Life of St Mary of Egypt) - Holy Trinity Monastery
Book of Akathists - Holy Trinity Monastery
The Septuagint with Apocrypha - Hendrickson Publishers
Services of Intercession and Thanksgiving - Orthodox Church in America
Psalm Verses of the Orthodox Liturgy - Oakwood Publications
Prayers for Purity - St Nectarios Press
The Little Supplicatory Canon (Small Paraklesis) - St Nectarios Press
The Great Paraklesis - St Nikodemos Publication Society
Blessing of Icons (from the Greek euchologion) - Light and Life Publishing Company
Canons of the Most Holy Theotokos (Theotokarion) - St John of Kronstadt Press
The Menaion ( from the Slavonic) - St John of Kronstadt Press
Selected Individual Services (each in a separate booklet) - Monastery of the Veil
Selected Individual Services (each in a separate booklet) - Orthodox Church in America
The Anthologion/General Menaion - Archimandrite Ephrem Lash

 

Events of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic

 

2008

January 12-13, 2008: Saint Basil the Great Antiochian Mission Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

January 20, 2008: Photos from Bishop THOMAS' visit to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Los Angeles

More photos from Los Angeles

February 8, 2008: Mortgage Burning at St. Paul Church in Emmaus, Pa.

March 9, 2008: Bishop THOMAS Visit to St Mary Church, in Chambersburg, Pa.

March 16, 2008: Bishop THOMAS Celebrates Sunday of Orthodoxy in York, Pa.

March 16, 2008: St. John Chrysostom Church Hosts Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers

2007 - Events

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.

 

DSC01114 DSC01115 DSC01124 DSC01128 DSC01129

Click Here To View Photo Gallery

 

 

 

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

Photos...

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.

VIEW Photos 

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

PB100006 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.

 PB100021 PB110032 PB110041 PB110042 PB110045 PB110060 PB110061 PB110073  

zb_004 x_001 x_002 x_003 x_004 x_005 y_000 y_0_001 y_0_002 y_001 y_002 y_003 y_004 y_005 y_006 z_000 z_001  za_002 za_003 za_004 za_005 za_006 za_007 za_008 za_009 za_010 za_011 za_012 zb_000 zb_001  zb_003

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.

clip_image002

clip_image004

clip_image006

clip_image008clip_image010

clip_image012

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.

3 (4) 4 (4) 5 (4) 6 (2) 7 8 9

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.

 IMG0845_00_013_edited IMG0853_011_edited IMG0882_00_010_edited IMG0914_00_009_edited IMG0923_00_008_edited IMG0953_00_006_edited altoona2

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.

Download PDF Brochure

Download PDF Schedule

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.

Photos...

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.

Photos...

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.

Photos...

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.

Photos...

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.

Photos...

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

Photos...

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.

Photos...

March 31, 2007 : Bishop THOMAS celebrates Lazarus Saturday

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

Photos...

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.

Photos...

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

On January 6th and 7th, His Grace Bishop THOMAS made his annual visit to the parish of Saint Basil the Great in Poquoson, Virginia , and presided over both the Great Blessing of the waters for the Feast of Theophany, and the celebration of the feast of St. Basil (January 1).

Our annual feast and banquet was held on Saturday, January 6th at the Point Plaza Hotel, in Newport News. This was a wonderful time to welcome His Grace, observe Theophany, honor our Patron Saint (Saint Basil the Great), celebrate the New Year, and have fellowship with each other. In addition to the parishioners, our guest list included priests from the local Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Charismatic Episcopal churches. Entertainment was provided by the Police Pipes and Drums of Newport News, which His Grace especially enjoyed.

On Sunday, after Liturgy, His Grace attended our Annual Mission business meeting. The meeting provided him with an appreciation of the overall state of the Mission, and allowed the congregation to ask His Grace questions. His Grace was particularly interested in the growth of Saint Basil's, both in numbers and financially, and gave many helpful suggestions on how to increase both. His Grace stated how much he enjoyed our faith community, and how pleasant it was. He also stated that he has never enjoyed a yearly/parish council meeting, as he did on Sunday.

It will be a delight to have His Grace visit with us again on January 6, 2008, for the celebration of the ten year anniversary of Saint Basil the Great Mission. His Grace will also elevate Father Gregory MacGregor to Archpriest on the occasion of the ten year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. We welcome all former members of the parish who might have moved away, and all clergy who were involved in either the founding or ongoing success of the mission, to plan to join us on this memorable occasion.

Visit the church of St. Basil’s web site at

http://www.stbasilthegrea...

Photos...
 

January 4, 2007: Open house at new chancery

On Thursday, January 4, 2007, an open house was held at the new Chancery of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic for all parishioners. Fr. Olof Scott, pastor of St. George Cathedral in Charleston, West Virginia, blessed the home before guests arrived. Over 100 parishioners toured the Chancery between 3 and 7:30 p.m. The Ladies Guild co-hosted the open house with Bishop THOMAS, Fr.Olof and Khouriyee Eva. The ladies of the church served punch, coffee and homemade sweets. Among the visitors were Fr. John Dixon from Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Huntington, WV, and two monks from the Holy Cross Hermitage in West Virginia.

The St. George parish purchased the chancery and furnishings which is located in the Kanawha City area of Charleston, WV. A committee volunteered their services to decorate the house. Organizations and several parishioners made donations towards room furnishings and accessories.

For those who were unable to attend the open house, Sayedna’s door is always open. “This home is your home, too,” said Bishop THOMAS as he greeted his visitors.

Photos...

2006 - Events

12-24-2006 : Bishop THOMAS celebrates the Feast of the Nativity in Charleston, West Virginia

On December 24th, 2006, St. George Cathedral of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic Region, celebrated its first Feast of the Nativity as a Cathedral. We were truly blessed to have his Grace, Bishop THOMAS, celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for Christmas Eve services. Sayedna rearranged his travel plans to spend his first Christmas in Charleston where he now resides. The parish of St. George hopes it will be the first of many Christmases in the Cathedral spent in Charleston.

December 17, 2006 : The Elevation of Fr. Demetrios Makoul to the Holy Priesthood

On December 17, 2006, Fr. Demetrios “Joshua” Makoul was elevated from the Diaconate to the Holy Priesthood at the church of St. George in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, was the presiding hierarch who layed his hands on Father Demetrios during the Divine Liturgy and prayed that the Holy Spirit would come down upon him and bless him. Bishop THOMAS also joined us for the beautiful festivities in honor of Father Demetrios. Bishop THOMAS was the keynote speaker and addressed the life of service to Christ and the priorities of the priest. V. Rev. Anthony Sabbagh, pastor of St. George, spoke eloquently about a priest’s life. From the parish of St. George Allentown, we say AXIOS! MUSTAHEK! HE IS WORTHY! May God grant him many years to labor in His vineyard.

Photos...

 

12-9-06 : Bishop Thomas visits mission station in

The Antiochian Mission Community of Southern Delaware welcomed His Grace, Bishop THOMAS for Saturday Vespers, Sunday Matins and Divine Liturgy on the weekend of December 9th and 10th.

On Sunday morning, Sayidna blessed Jabra Tannous and Joseph Kavchok to serve as Sub-Deacons. A record attendance added to the joy of the weekend. Of the seventy people attending, almost thirty were visitors from Saint Philip, Souderton, Pennsylvania in support of the new Sub-Deacons. Also, two newcomers were welcomed for the first time to our services.

The women of the mission served lenten refreshments after Saturday Vespers; and on Sunday, following the services, all were invited to the home of nearby parishioners for a lenten buffet arranged by the hosts and all the women of the community.

Bishop THOMAS encouraged his enthusiastic listeners to continue their work as evangelists and build up the Church. He also inaugurated a building fund.

Services are held at the Henlopen Grange, 1528 Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware at least twice a month on Sunday mornings. It's an excellent location with good parking. For information, email Father Boniface Black at frboniface@st-philip.net mailto:frboniface@st-phil... or call him at 215-721-4947. For local information call 302-436-7189. If you know of people living or vacationing in the area, we especially appreciate your referrals.

The Antiochian Mission Community of Southern Delaware can be visited online at the following address:

http://www.orthodoxdelmar...

Tonsure and Ordination at Saint George antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania

December 16, 2006 marked great blessings for Timothy Lahr and Donald “John” Ortner who were ordained by His Grace, Bishop THOMAS. The newly tonsured Reader, Timothy, and the newly ordained Sub-deacon, John, are both from St. Paul’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. The tonsure and ordination took place at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania during the Saturday evening Great Vespers service. Many were in attendance and prayed for the servants of God during this time. May God grant them many years following Christ’s love and peace in this Holy season of the Nativity.

Photos...

 

11-18-06 : Bishop THOMAS visits St. Mary Orthodox Church of Wilkes-Barre, PA

On the weekend of November 18 and 19th, Bishop Thomas visited St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church of Wilkes-Barre. Sayidna came to serve the Divine Liturgy and have the Trisagion Service for the 10th anniversary of the repose of Sam Moses, known to many of the people of the Eastern Region because of his years of work with SOYO and the Fellowship. Sayidna came at the invitation of Sam's family and spent much of the weekend with them. On Sunday he had an opportunity to visit with the people of Wilkes-Barre during the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. We thank His Grace for visiting and look forward to his return.

Photos...

 

2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference

2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, the 2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference was held from July 5-9 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The jointly held conference included participants from both the Diocese of New York and Washington, DC as well as the Diocese of Oakland, PA and the East. The conference was hosted by Father John Abdalah and the parishioners of St. George Cathedral, with His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, presiding.

The conference began with Vespers on Wednesday and a reception for Clergy and their families. Thursday’s schedule included general meetings for The Fellowship of St. John the Divine and Teen SOYO along with the Antiochian Women brunch and meeting. The highlight of the evening, as always, was the Bible Bowl. The teen team taking the top spot was St. George, Charleston, WV, while the adult team winner was St. John Chrysostom, York, PA.

Friday’s main event was the Oratorical Presentation. The Judges’ Choice in the Junior category was George Juzdan while the Judges’ Choice in the Senior category was Mira Yazigi. Both are members of St. George, Little Falls, NJ. Later in the day, a reception was held for Clergy wives. In the evening, everyone enjoyed the “Much Ado About Talent” show.

On Saturday, an Awards Breakfast was held for those who participated in the Creative Arts Festival, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Afternoon activities included the Order of St. Ignatius luncheon and workshops presented by the Department of Christian Education and the Department of Marriage and Parish Family Ministries. Saturday’s festivities concluded with the Hufflee.

However, the spiritual component of the conference was the most important aspect. Having the opportunity to attend Divine Liturgy and Vespers each day, culminating in Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, provided participants with abundant spiritual renewal and inspiration.

Photo Gallery of Event

  
Click Here To View Entire Photo Gallery

Bishop THOMAS visits St. John Chrysostom Church in York, Pennsylvania

His Grace Bishop THOMAS was welcomed by Father Peter Pier and the parish community of Saint John Chrysostom in York, Pennsylvania during the weekend of November 10- 13, to celebrate the church’s patronal weekend and the 14th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

Sayidna THOMAS’ visit commenced on Friday evening when His Grace attended a dinner sponsored by the parish council. After dinner, the Bishop spoke to the council about various topics including the recent establishment of the new Cathedral in Charleston, West Virginia and the subsequent name change of the Diocese of Oakland Pa and the East to the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic.

On Saturday, SayidnaTHOMAS met with the members of Teen SOYO for “Ask Sayidna,” a question and answer event. Later that evening, His Grace presided at Great Vespers which was concelebrated by Father Peter along with Father Elias Yelovich of Saint Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and also Father Andrew Tsikitas of the Church of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox church in York, Pennsylvania.

After Vespers, Bishop THOMAS was the guest of honor at the annual Patronal weekend anniversary grand banquet. The sumptuous dinner was followed by wonderful ethnic desserts baked by the ladies of Saint John Chrysostom Parish, and afterwards music was provided for everyone’s dancing pleasure.

On Sunday, His Grace celebrated The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by Father Peter, as well as Father Theodore Pulcini and Father Elias Yelovich, both of Saint Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. During the Liturgy, Sub-deacon Evangelos (Evans) Prieston of Saint Mary Church was Ordained to the Diaconate. The Liturgy was also very special in that many members of the congregation of our sister parish of Saint Mary’s had traveled to join us. Immediately following the Liturgy, Khouria Pamela Pier was inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius. Everyone then moved to the parish fellowship hall and enjoyed a wonderful covered dish lunch provided by the ladies of both parishes.

We thank His Grace Bishop THOMAS for visiting with us and inspiring us to work in a spirit of Christian love and harmony to continue to grow our ever expanding parish.

  

Click Here To View Photo Gallery

 

Sunday October 29, 2006 - The Day Our Church Became a Cathedral : A great honor, a great challenge.

 
By Julia Cassis

I recall the announcement made one Sunday after Divine Liturgy: St. George Orthodox Church will be proclaimed a cathedral! The congregation flurried with whispers of excitement—how wonderful! My immediate thoughts of the news alternated between how great an honor this must be, and what does it mean to become a cathedral? Having converted to Orthodoxy only four years ago, I presumed that I was among the few that did not possess the full meaning of this wonderful news.

Over the next few weeks, I made a point to pay close attention when the topic of our church becoming a cathedral was discussed among some of our parishioners. A cathedral is a church, and St. George is a church, so what will change? What will it mean for us? Perhaps there were more than just a few that had questions after all. This led me to read a few articles on the internet, which explained a cathedral “serves as the central church of a Bishop’s diocese”, or it is “where the Bishop makes his headquarters”. Indeed, this is an honor. Our congregation voted and approved the purchase of a chancery for His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, and plans were made for a special weekend to commemorate the upcoming event.

A banquet and hafli were planned for the weekend, as well as a special reception after the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Many people worked diligently behind the scenes to make it a memorable and beautiful weekend (and they deserve many thanks!). At last, the arrival of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP and His Grace Bishop THOMAS was upon us, and the events were about to unfold.

Orthodox Christians, friends, guests, local clergy, and even our local media, filled the sanctuary Sunday, October 29, to observe the proclamation of St. George parish of Charleston, WV, as a Cathedral. I felt nervous and humbled as I closely watched His Eminence, His Grace, our priest, the deacons and sub deacons, uniformly and gloriously worship our God the Father during Divine Liturgy.

After His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP read the official proclamation, he stated that it is the people that make a cathedral, not the building or the stone. It was the first Bishop of the Archdiocese, St. Raphael, who founded St. George Church over 100 years ago, and His Eminence is proud of all those that have followed and helped it grow.

His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, spoke to the congregation during Liturgy, leaving me with the best explanation of our new cathedral. He told us although it is a great honor, not to feel proud, and not to congratulate ourselves, as this is our biggest challenge yet. Others will look to us as an example. We should not only worship, but also live and serve the Orthodox Faith, and proclaim it to the world.

The induction of ten new members to the Order of St. Ignatius by His Eminence followed the Divine Liturgy. God grant them many years!

Photos...

 

His Grace Bishop THOMAS ordains Deacon Alban Waggener to the Holy Priesthood on September 23, 2006

His Grace Bishop THOMAS ordained Deacon Alban Waggener to the Holy Priesthood on September 23, 2006 during the Saints Thekla and Raphael Pilgrimage in St. Ignatius Chapel at Antiochian Village. A majority of the priests of the Diocese of Oakland PA and the East assisted at the Divine Liturgy. Fr. Alban, former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Holy Cross in the Continuing Anglican Church, serves Holy Trinity Orthodox Mission in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Mission, which is comprised of the former members of Christ Church Anglican parish, were all received into Holy Orthodoxy on Pentecost Sunday, June 11th. It is a Western Rite Parish using the approved Divine Liturgy of St. Tikhon, an Orthodox correction of the Liturgy of the Church in England, and the Divine Liturgy of St. Gregory, one of the oldest Liturgies in constant use in the Church.

Visit Holy Trinity Orthodox Mission on the internet at   http://www.orthodoxlynchburg.org/