Thank you.
Yours in Christ,
Bp Thomas
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2006-2007 News and Press Releases
2006-2007 News and Press Releases
2006 Clergy Symposium
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Below are Metropolitan PHILIP's thoughts on Missiology, Ecclesiology, and Theology.
The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Missiology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D. The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Ecclesiology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D. The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Theology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D.
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The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Missiology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D.
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The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP Our Lord Himself was indeed the missionary par excellence. In Matthew 4:23 we read: “And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.” And in the “fullness of time,” the “Word became flesh” and entered time on a mission of salvation. He was sent by the Father to make us “partakers of the Divine Nature.” In John 20:21, Christ said: “As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” The Church, which is the extension of Christ in time and space, was sent by Christ to missionize and evangelize. Evangelism means “to preach the Gospel.” “Woe unto me if I do not preach,” said St. Paul. After the birth of the Church on Pentecost Day, the Apostles and early Christians went about the oikomene, the known world at that time, preaching the Gospel and missionizing, despite their persecution and the monumental difficulties which they had to face. Although the Church was born in Jerusalem, Antioch became the greatest center for missionary activities. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. There are many stories about the missionary travels of the Apostles. It is clear, however, that Christianity did not spread throughout the entire Roman Empire until after the Edict of Milan. The Pax Romana presented what Michael Green describes as both opportunities and difficulties for evangelism. Some of the opportunities were (a) peace and unity; (b) philosophical hunger; and (c) religious dissatisfaction. Some of the difficulties were: After A.D. 313 circumstances changed radically, and organized missionary enterprises became normal. Metropolitan Anastasios divides the history of Byzantine missions into two major periods: In the same way, we can missionize and evangelize America, but only if we unite. We pray that the mother churches will soon realize that we are no longer little children and that the Preparatory Commission for the Great Synod will stop discussing the diaspora in absentia. The truth is that America is searching for the New Testament Church. America is searching for the Church which was born on Pentecost Day. America is ready and waiting for us, but are we ready for America? Do not say, “There are yet four months, then comes the harvest.” I tell you, lift up your eyes and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper may rejoice together (John 4:35, 36). To be more particular, I believe that the most difficult challenge which the Church will be facing in this new millennium is Orthodox unity in this hemisphere. I would like to state for history’s sake that Antioch was never a stumbling block to Orthodox unity. Two of our illustrious and venerable patriarchs of this century have made crystal-clear statements on behalf of Orthodox unity in North America. In 1977, the late Patriarch Elias IV, in an interview published in A Man of Love, was asked: “What do you foresee for the future of Orthodoxy in the diaspora, particularly in North America?” His Beatitude answered: We are all well aware of the canons of the Church which, among other things, say that there cannot be many bishops in one city. The Antiochian See is ready to do her part to rectify this unfortunate situation of Orthodoxy in North America. We affirm that in North America there should be an autocephalous church with its own patriarch and Holy Synod. However, all mother churches must agree on this point, and more importantly, the faithful in North America must do their part to make independence and unity a reality and not just a written Tomos. In 1985, the position of Antioch was again stated on the pages of The WORD magazine by our beloved Patriarch Ignatius. In anticipation of the Great and Holy Synod, His Beatitude said: I believe that these two explicit statements of our venerable patriarchs speak for themselves. My predecessor, Metropolitan Antony Bashir, was a staunch advocate of Orthodox unity in North America, and made many statements in this regard. In 1976, speaking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, I personally said: We Orthodox have a tendency to glorify the past and feel proud of ourselves. There is no doubt that the church of the Ecumenical Councils was glorious and courageous in responding to the challenges of her time. Have we responded to the challenges of our time? As individual jurisdictions, I believe we have succeeded in building beautiful churches, in educating young priests and organizing good choirs and church schools, etc., but collectively, we have done absolutely nothing. An example of the problem is seen in the tragedy of Kosovo, which clearly revealed our nakedness and ineffectiveness as Orthodox in this country. We have no clout in Washington, D.C. whatsoever, because we are still speaking to the State Department and the White House as Greeks, Russians, Antiochians, Serbians, etc., instead of speaking to Washington with one voice. Even Madeline Albright refused to talk to us during the dark days of that unfortunate war. We cannot be agents of change in full obedience to the truth unless we transcend ethnicism and establish a new Orthodox reality in North America. I am not asking anyone to deny his or her own history and culture. What I am asking is to blend the old and new cultures into some kind of integrated reality. This focus on our missionary task was most noted when, in 1994, we in North America experienced a moment of transfiguration when thirty Orthodox bishops gathered at the Antiochian Village to know each other, pray together, and discuss common Orthodox problems. At that time, I delivered a paper on “Missions and Evangelism,” and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh delivered a paper on “Orthodox Unity in North America.” That was all. The news of this brotherly, long-anticipated and unprecedented meeting caused an earthquake in certain Orthodox quarters, which sent shock waves throughout North America, and beyond our shores. How dare we meet and say, “We are here in America to stay and we are not in diaspora!” I do realize that we are dealing here with a very complex problem. This multiplicity of jurisdictions is deeply connected to the self-evident reality of our various ethnic cultures. Such cultures cannot be eliminated by a statement from SCOBA or by an edict from some patriarch somewhere. Only time can take care of this problem. Despite this reality, however, we cannot consider this present Orthodox situation in America as final because, by so doing, we will betray Orthodoxy and her basic principles. Finally, I firmly believe that Orthodox unity in North America is inevitable and such unity will strengthen the mother churches, spiritually and otherwise. No one can stop the wheels of history and no one can reverse the course of a mighty river. Such a “mighty river” is the true metaphor of Orthodox missiology! |
The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Ecclesiology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D.
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The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Ecclesiology The central biblical theme regarding our Ecclesiology is taken from the first Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 3:9-17: We are laborers together with God: you are God’s field. You are God’s building. But let every man take heed how he builds; for no other foundation can man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Every man’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it. For it shall be manifest by fire, and the fire shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is. Certainly we do not organize for the sake of organization. We do organize in order to coordinate our efforts, so that our vision and dreams for a Christ-like Church might be fulfilled and realized. The purpose of all our organizations is to grow spiritually in Christ. If we fail to do so, then all our organizations and all our efforts will have been in vain. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you” For many years we have been administering our local parishes under a false dichotomy, under a dangerous and completely un-orthodox dualism. Thus, we have been preaching two kinds of theologies: one for the church upstairs, and one for the hall downstairs. We do not believe in this “upstairs-downstairs” theology. Nor do we believe in the existence of two classes in the parish opposing each other: namely, clergy versus laity. This kind of dualism has caused us many problems. Some Orthodox clergy do not think that we need organizations and church councils. They think that they can administer the affairs of the parish without help from the laity. Furthermore, they believe that the councils are nothing but an American innovation in our Church and that we do not need them. We completely disagree with this trend of thinking. At the same time, there are some councils who believe that the priest can be hired or fired if he is not perfect. The question now is: what human being is perfect? If you are looking for perfect bishops or perfect priests, you are going to look, and look in vain. We are very reluctant to transfer priests from one parish to another because someone does not like the way a priest combs his hair. We are very reluctant, also, to transfer a priest from one parish to another because his English (or Arabic) is not perfect. We are further reluctant to transfer a priest from one parish to another because of complaints that he asks questions about the financial affairs of his parish. Priests are appointed and transferred only by the Archbishop, on the basis of whether or not his ministry in this particular parish is still fruitful. I believe that we have reached a state of spiritual maturity when we can look at the parish as the family of God, one which is bound together by the bond of love, and which works together for God’s glory. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Thus, we are no longer living under the yoke of the law but in the grace and fellowship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There are no masters and slaves in the parish. The parish is the family of God. The priest who listens to your confessions, who leads you in prayers, who distributes to you the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, must be respected as such. At parish meetings, he must be given the place of honor. Councils must listen carefully to his comments and adhere to his recommendations. In his first Epistle to the Corinthians, Saint Paul wrote, “For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you have not many fathers” (4:15). The priest, then, is a father to his family and not a dictator. He is the teacher of the faith and must share in the administration of the parish. He must teach his children with love, carefulness, and patience. He must understand that the priesthood is a martyrdom for Christ’s sake. Charity, or Philanthropia, is also critical to our Ecclesiology. In the Didache (an early Christian document), we read the following: “Thou must not refuse the needy but share everything with thy brethren. Say not that this is thy property, for if we enjoy together the eternal blessings it should be the more so with temporal ones.” St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great were among the outspoken Fathers against social injustice and the monopoly of wealth: Say not I am spending what is my own, I am enjoying what is my own. No, not your own, but other people’s. Precisely because you make an inhuman use of it and say I have a right for my personal enjoyment that which belongs to me. I maintain that those possessions do not belong to you. They belong together to you and your neighbors, just as sunshine, air, earth and all the rest (Chrysostom, Homily 10 on Corinthians 1). To this St. Basil the Great adds: The courage of the early Fathers in speaking against the indifferent and affluent upper class and injustice in society is quite amazing. Our Ecclesiology must also include the relationship of our faith and our works. To St. James, our faith is not something abstract, nor is it an intellectual adventure, nor can it be reduced to a mere philosophy. In James’ own words, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). To this he quickly adds: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Therefore, if you have faith, translate it into concrete actions on behalf of your neighbor, for a dead faith can save no one. What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead (James 2:14-17). In his explanation of the Orthodox Faith, St. John of Damascus says, “Because faith without works is dead, likewise works without faith are dead, because true faith is tested through works.” Some Christian denominations, unjustifiably, find contradictions between James and Paul. The Church, however, does not find any such contradictions. It is inconceivable that the emphasis of James on good works excludes faith, and by the same token, it is inconceivable that St. Paul’s emphasis on faith in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 5, excludes good works. James and Paul wrote to two different communities with different needs. Concerning the “faith only” issue, I read and reread St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and discovered, once again, that St. Paul never said that we are saved by faith alone. This is a critical distinction in our Ecclesiology. St. James was concerned with the dead and legalistic approach to faith, while St. Paul was concerned with the self-righteousness of the Judaizing elements in the early Church. Their basic teaching was that salvation can be achieved through the legal piety of the law. St. Paul emphasized that we win salvation only through Christ and in response to divine grace, apart from the Mosaic Law. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith through grace” (Romans 5: 1,2). There is a fundamental difference between the old law and the grace brought by Christ. “For what the law could not do … God did by sending His own Son” (Romans 8:3). There were other Fathers who later taught this message. For example, St. Clement of Alexandria said… “When you see your brother you see God.” Likewise, Evagrius taught: “After God, we must count all men as God Himself.” Paul Evdokimov adds: “The best icon of God is man.” St. Anthony the Great put it this way: “From our neighbor is life, and from our neighbor is death. Therefore, if we win our neighbor, we win God, but if we harm our neighbor, we sin against Christ.” More profoundly, St. Basil the Great expands on this theme even more graphically, when he asks: I would like to reemphasize here that the purpose of all these quotations from the Fathers is not to impress on you that we are saved by good works alone. If good works are not a genuine response to the divine grace and an expression of our deep faith in Christ Jesus, then such good works are to no avail. Professor John Karmiris can summarize this issue for our clear understanding of Orthodox Ecclesiology. He writes: Generally, then, we can say that man’s justification and salvation is first and foremost an action and a gift of the divine grace; secondly, it is by the intention and free cooperation of man in the form of concrete faith and good works. While, to the contrary, a fall from faith and good works entails a fall from Divine Grace. |
The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Theology - edited by Father Joseph Allen, Th.D.
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The Thoughts of Metropolitan PHILIP on Theology I see three main issues which define our Orthodox Christian theology. First, the doctrine of man in our theology is based on the biblical view which was fully defined by our Church Fathers. Man has all the potentialities for perfection, simply because he was created in the image of God. St. Maximus the Confessor states: Those who followed Christ in action and contemplation will be changed into an even better condition, and there is no time to tell of all the ascents and revelations of the saints who are being changed from glory to glory, until each one in order receives deification. Man was not created to be a slave, neither to society nor to history, neither to science nor to technology, neither to communism nor to capitalism. Even though nature has limitations, these limitations can be overcome by the sacramental life of the Church. Each and every one of us can become Christlike through prayer, contemplation, and action. St. Maximus further says: While remaining in his soul and body entirely man by nature, he becomes in his soul and body entirely God by grace. Deification involves the whole human being. All the ancient Greek dichotomy between body and soul disappears in St. Maximus. When God created man, He created him as a whole being, and when man collapsed, he collapsed not partially but as a whole being. Likewise, when man was redeemed, he was redeemed totally, body and soul. Through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, God enters into union with the whole man. The second issue is the theology of hope. While other Christians have focused their eyes on Calvary, we have focused ours on the empty tomb. Do we not experience this reality every year on Easter morning when we shout, “Christ is risen from the dead”? In I Corinthians 15:14, 22, St. Paul said: If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. On Great Friday, there were tears, pain, agony and death, but on the third day, the darkness of Great Friday was dissipated by the bright light of the empty tomb. The new Pascha inaugurated the new age, the new being, and the new man. The Orthodox Church celebrates this joyful event every Sunday. The following are some of the hymns which we chant on the morning of the Holy Resurrection, which reveal to us this joy and this new being: Let us cleanse our senses that we may behold Christ shining like lightning with the unapproachable light of Resurrection, that we may hear Him say openly “rejoice,” while we sing to Him the hymn of triumph and victory. Verily this day which is called Holy is the first day among Sabbaths, it is their king and lord, it is the feast of feasts, and the season of seasons. Where are those like Sartre or Camus who say there is “no exit”? Let them gaze at the empty tomb. Our hope then is genuine because it is rooted in the reality of the Resurrection. It is not an empty utopian hope which ends in false security. It is the hope of the realization of God’s kingdom first within us, and ultimately, beyond the veils of temporal existence. The third issue of our Orthodox theology is the relevancy of our liturgical life. During the dark ages of Orthodox theology, our Church survived because of the richness of her liturgical life. If one understands our various liturgical services, one will understand the whole theology of the Orthodox Church. While others talk about liturgical poverty and liturgical renewal, as Orthodox, we must concentrate our efforts on liturgical understanding. Any Liturgy which does not permeate the faithful with a strong feeling of the holy is a meaningless service. If one has a living priest, a living choir and a living congregation, then one will find oneself involved in a wonderful mystical experience. We cannot acquire a mystical experience in the Church if the Liturgy is nothing but a business meeting or another lecture. A few years ago I talked to a group of non-Orthodox students about the nature of our worship. One of them asked: “Why don’t you preach in the Orthodox Church?” I said, “We do preach in the Orthodox Church, but we do more than that. We do not tell the faithful only what Christ said, but what He in reality did through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.” In the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the priest prays during the Anaphora the following: Thou it was who didst bring us from nonexistence into being, and when we had fallen away didst raise us up again, and didst not cease to do all things until Thou hast brought us back to heaven. In the Orthodox Liturgy, one can see God, man and nature in their proper perspective. Our Eucharist answers the central questions: Who are we? Where are we going? What is the meaning of life? Who is God? The emphasis in the Orthodox Liturgy is first on being, then on doing. If our personality is disintegrated and if the image of God in us is distorted, then our actions will undoubtedly reflect this disintegration and that distortion. |
Photos of the Symposium
On Monday July 17, 2006 His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop ANTOUN, Bishop BASIL, Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop MARK, Bishop THOMAS, Bishop ALEXANDER, and members of the clergy of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America gathered together at the 14th Biennial Clergy Symposium held at the Antiochian Village.
Priests from every diocese came to greeted each other and welcomed the new priests to their first Clergy Symposium. Christ's love is truly present!
Below are photos of different events that took place during the Symposium. Please select a day to view the photos of the event.
| Tuesday July 18, 2006 | |
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| Wednesday July 19, 2006 | |
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View Photo Gallery |
| Thursday July 20, 2006 | |
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View Photo Gallery |
Tuesday Morning Address
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On Tuesday July 18, 2006 the day began at 7:30 am. Following Orthros, everyone gathered into the Auditorium for the morning address by Prof. Paul Meyendorff of St. Vladimir's Seminary. Prof. Meyendorff spoke to the clergy about "Theology & Liturgy" and also about the priesthood of the laity. This wonderful address was concluded by a range of questions including the congregational role of participation within the church service. Below are photos of the the address.
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Tuesday Vespers & Evening Program
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On the evening of July 18, 2006 His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP presided over the Vespers service held at the Antiochian Village Camp. After Vespers the Counselors performed skits and sung songs for all the Hierarchs and clergy. Below are photos of the evening.
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2006 Nativity Message from His Beatitude PATRIARCH IGNATIUS IV.
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The Nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ dawns upon us each year to remind us of God's infinite mercy and love for His entire Creation, and to call us to reflect again on the sublime Mystery of the Divine Incarnation, without which our salvation would not be possible. Christmas should constitute, for all of us, an occasion of spiritual renewal, a moment of meditation on our life, acts, behavior, and on our commitment to live in Christ. Peace and joy was poured upon earth at the moment the Divine Child appeared in a humble cave. The pure-hearted, humble shepherds were the persons who received Him, not the world's powerful leaders. Christmas is an invitation, for all of us, to contemplate on the heavenly message and to strive for peace, which is not, unfortunately, attainable nowadays, in the cradle of the Good News, in the land of the Incarnation, and in many regions of our suffering, crucified world. Images of massacre and destruction are shown and diffused every day, as well as images of the violation of the dignity of the human being for whom the Glorified Son consented to dwell among us, in order to restore our affiliation to the Father, to enable us to sit with Him on the Day of Judgment. We pray Our Lord, during this honorable season of Christmas, the New Year and Theophany, to grant us peace and stability, praising God and acclaiming with the Angels: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to men.” Ignatius IV |
Links
40th Anniversary Celebration for His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP
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For more information and tickets to the banquet, please call St. George Church of Troy, MI at (248) 589-0480. For hotel information, please call the Hilton Detroit/Troy at (248) 879-2100. They have secured a rate of $99.00/night, however, reservations must be made by September 14, 2006. The group code is SGO and the group name is Antiochian Orthodox Group.
Anyone wishing to send greetings or congratulatory notes to His Eminence on this occasion should send them to: His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN All letters should be received no later than October 1, 2006.
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Send a message to His Eminence Today!
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Post a message of congradulations or prayers for His Eminence in behalf of his 40th Anniversary. |
6-23-06 : His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Meets with Christopher Holwey, the Chairman of the Archdiocese Department of Sacred M
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His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP met with Christopher Holwey, the Chairman of the Archdiocese Department of Sacred Music on June 23, 2006 at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. The agenda for the meeting included a discussion of the most important goals and objectives for this department, and how they can be achieved. The following are some of the highlights of the discussion:
More information can be found on the website for the Department of Sacred Music http://www.antiochian.org/music
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An Orthodox Christian viewpoint on the Gospel of Judas
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Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet you all with the Paschal greeting: Christ is Risen! Please pray for one another on the road towards Holy Pascha in the great joy and light of the Resurrection. For my part, I pray that this Holy Pascha will strengthen you and all the faithful to spread the spirit of philanthropy and self-sacrifice, so that our Risen Lord Jesus Christ will always reign in human hearts. In spite of the media’s relentless avalanche of anti-Christian propaganda concerning our Lord, I am confident that you are standing firm in your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Battling for our Orthodox Faith, which bears the Truth of Who Jesus Christ is, we must remain undismayed by attacks that the media launches against the accuracy and veracity of the four Gospels. The controversial publication of the Gospel of Judas, just a week before we celebrate Christ’s resurrection at Easter, is sure to scandalize any faithful Christian. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the media is fascinated by Gnostic ideas that were popular in the days of early Christianity. Consequently, the media is seeking to resurrect these defunct ideas with this so-called Gospel of Judas as Christians celebrate the true Resurrection. Orthodox Christians, however, believe that the truth of the four Gospels stands eternally unwavering. We retain strong confidence in the authenticity of the New Testament and, in particular, of the four Gospels. Unfortunately, any discovery of an ancient text, especially one rejected by the early Church, is lavished with all kinds of media attention. This recent “new gospel,” better entitled the Judas Document, is neither “good news” (the meaning of “gospel”) nor was it written by Judas Iscariot—nor is it even particularly “new.” Although this ancient manuscript was recently found by some Egyptian peasants in the mid- to late-1970s, it was well known by the early Church Fathers. In fact, The Gospel of Judas was roundly condemned and refuted by the Fathers. For example, St. Irenaeus (ca.125-202), bishop of Lyons, in his book Against Heresies mentions the doctrines of a Gnostic sect known as ‘Cainites,’ who declared that Cain (the son of Adam who murdered his brother, Abel, in a fit of envy) and all of the ‘evil’ characters of the Old testament were to be venerated because of their ‘persecution’ by God. According to historians, this sect never had many adherents, and by the beginning of the Third Century AD, Hippolytus of Rome barely mentions them while listing the heretical groups of that time. The Cainite heresy asserts that there are some sins that even Christ cannot cleanse with His Blood, and that the scars left on the body and the soul by old transgressions are sometimes so deep that they cannot be removed by the healing grace provided by Christ. What else is this but to say that Christ died in vain? St. Irenaeus reveals that this sect produced the fictitious Gospel of Judas now trumpeted everywhere in the media. While talk-shows and magazines assume this Gnostic text somehow gives us a glimpse at the “real” Jesus, in reality this fanciful narrative reveals more about the ancient Cainites (and the modern media) than it does about Christ. The Gnostics put emphasis on the dualism between the material and spiritual worlds. For this reason, Judas, according to this “Gospel,” is selected to free Jesus from his physical body, so that He can enter the spiritual world. Judas, therefore, performed a service to Jesus by betraying Him to those who would then crucify Him. Thus, He ‘liberated’ Jesus from His physical body, freeing Him to become pure spirit. Consequently, according to this gnostic text, the Resurrection of our Lord’s Body does not matter, but only that of the spirit. This is so preposterous that I will not even waste any Christian’s time by explaining why this is false. The word ‘gnostic’ derives from the Greek word for ‘knowledge,’ gnosis. Thus, Gnostics focus on secret and mysterious knowledge. In this document Jesus reveals secrets to Judas that have been kept hidden from the rest of humanity. In the so-called Gospel of Judas, Jesus refers to Gnostic concepts such as ‘aeons’ and the ‘eternal realm’ of ‘emanations.’ He explains the so-called esoteric mysteries of the cosmos, and He them about “the error of the stars; and ... sent it ... on the twelve aeons.” This document thus creates a false synthesis of ancient mythology and Christian theology, syncretizing elements from many different religions, Christianity being merely one of these. For this reason, this text is neither reliable nor authoritative, and it contradicts historically and theologically the Faith once and for all delivered unto the saints. St. Athanasius declared of our four canonical Gospels: “Let no man add to these, neither let him take out from these.” Whatever ancient document comes to light either now or in the future, it cannot undermine the authority of the four inspired canonical Gospels, which were established forever in the biblical canon by the Church in its Ecumenical Councils. For this reason, the falsely-titled Gospel of Judas, written long after Judas’ death, does not merit the name “gospel.” In celebrating the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, my beloved brethren in the Lord, we need to carry today’s cross; for without the Cross there is no Resurrection. Our biblical and liturgical texts for Holy Week are the greatest reply we could give to the Gnostics of our time. Be assured that the enemies of the canonical Gospels will be “scattered like the smoke” and will “melt like the wax before fire!” Christ is Risen! Truly, He is risen! Father Michel Najim Dean |
August 4, 2006 : The Standing Conference of American Middle-Eastern Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Convenes
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August 8, 2006 : Urgent Appeal in regards to the Middle East
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URGENT APPEAL We are currently undertaking a massive appeal for funds to aid the suffering people of Lebanon (See Metropolitan PHILIP’s letter of July 25 by clicking here). Since His Eminence wrote that appeal the situation has grown even more dire. There are now more than 1000 people who have been killed and about 3000 wounded. In addition, more than 1,000,000 Lebanese have been displaced from their homes, becoming refugees in their own country. This sad reality, coupled with the Israeli blockade by land, sea and air, has created a humanitarian disaster that is growing more and more unbearable on a daily basis. Children are without food and mothers are without milk for their babies. The elderly are without medicine and essential medical treatments. Metropolitan PHILIP has already forwarded $100,000 in advance to His Eminence, Metropolitan ELIAS of Beirut, to help with the overflow of refugees that the Archdiocese of Beirut is trying to comfort and help, however, the need is so much greater. We therefore appeal to you to immediately send donations through your local parish or directly to the Archdiocese. At the same time, we urge the pastors of the parishes to work diligently to collect all the donations and forward them to the Archdiocese as soon as possible.
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Bishop BASIL visits St. Tikhon's Seminary
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South Canaan, PA - On Saturday morning, 18 February, 2006, Bishop BASIL (Essey) of Wichita and Mid-America (Antiochian Archdiocese), member of St. Tikhon's Board of Trustees, ordained Dn. Christopher Morris to the Holy Priesthood and George (Raid) Shawareb to the Holy Diaconate at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church.
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Bishop MARKof Toledo Visits St. Vladimir’s Seminary
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The highlight of His Grace’s visit was the ordination of Deacon Peter Jon Gillquist to the Holy Priesthood. On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, in the St Vladimir’s Seminary Chapel, the community, friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate the hierarchical Divine Liturgy and witness the blessed ordination by SayidnaMark.
Fr Peter Jon Gillquist, a third-year student in the Masters of Divinity program, has an unconventional background. He has released seven CDs of original music rooted in various Christian themes and has performed at hundreds of parishes and venues around the United States. He is the son of Fr Peter Gillquist, who is the chairman of the Antiochian Archdiocese's Department of Missions and Evangelism, author of numerous books, including Becoming Orthodox, and the project director of the Orthodox Study Bible.
Fr Peter was among the serving clergy for his son’s ordination. Other serving clergy included Fr Thomas Zain, Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY; Fr George Alberts of St. George Church in Danbury, CT; and Deacon Thomas Braun of St Barnabus in Costa Mesa, CA.
Please visit www.svots.edu for a photographs of His Grace’s visit and the ordination.
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Bishop THOMAS ordains Deacon David Bleam to the Holy Priesthood
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Blessed is he who gives without remembering
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Blessed is he who gives without remembering and he who receives without forgetting It is with much thankfulness and gratitude that I would like to take this opportunity to thank my brother bishops, the clergy, esteemed members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, members of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the Antiochian Women, Fellowship of St. John the Divine, SOYO and the parishes and laity of this God-protected Archdiocese for your wonderful generosity on the occasion of my 40th anniversary as your Metropolitan. It is hard to believe that 40 years have passed since my election, consecration and enthronement. Words cannot express the joy I felt this past weekend in Detroit as I, or rather we, celebrated 40 years of working together to build what we have today for the glory of God and His Holy Church! The warmth of the entire weekend culminated in the gift of love presented to me by all of you at the banquet on Saturday evening. This gift, a check in the amount of $250,000 from all of your generous donations, was too much for any one man. Therefore, I felt compelled to do as I did on my 25th anniversary in 1991 when I established the endowment for the Antiochian Village with my monetary gift on that occasion. This endowment has grown to over one million dollars and is currently being used to fund various projects for the Antiochian Village. This time, I am donating the $250,000 I received into a fund I have started that will become part of the Retired Clergy Fund of the Archdiocese in the future. This fund, which I also hope will grow to one million dollars, is made up of the many gifts and honoraria I have received over the years from the generous people of this Archdiocese. It is my fervent prayer that our clergy who serve this archdiocese faithfully all of their priestly lives will be able to retire with dignity and I hope to do everything I can to make this a reality. Finally, I would like to thank Archpriest Joseph Antypas and the entire community of St. George of Troy, MI, especially the members of our Archdiocese Board of Trustees in Detroit, Mr. Nicola Antakli, Mr. George Darany, Mr. Walid Khalife and Mr. Robert Koory for their generosity and hospitality. May God bless them and their families. Your Father in Christ, |
Choir Sunday - December 10, 2006
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December 10, 2006
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”
(Psalm 103:33-34) Beloved Clergy, Parish Councils and Faithful of our Archdiocese:
We greet you during this holy season of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the flesh, praying that you are all in good health. During this joyous season, we must take time from our busy schedules to honor the choirs and chanters of our parishes. While they are faithful each and every Sunday, feast day, sacrament and other services during the year, all too often, we take them for granted. Therefore, today is the time to thank them for their dedication and service to the church. If we think how dull our services would be without our choirs, especially during special seasons such as this one, we realize the vital part they play in the life of the parish. To realize their importance, one just needs to recall the emissaries who visited Constantinople from Russia in the Tenth Century. After visiting Hagia Sophia Cathedral and hearing the beautiful chanting and liturgy, they reported that they “did not know if they were in heaven or on earth.” As a result, a whole nation was converted to the Orthodox faith.
In appreciation for the tremendous contribution which our choirs make to our parishes we have proclaimed the second Sunday in December as “Choir Sunday,” which falls, this year, on December 10, 2006. Thus, we urge our beloved clergy and parish councils to honor our choirs and chanters on this day by doing something special in their honor.
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Come Receive The Light : November 2006 Schedule
Schedule of Programs for November 2006
THEME: ANXIETY
11/04/06
Topic: Healing Memories and Looking to the Future with Hope
Guests: Dr. Albert Rossi
Dr. Albert Rossi shares with us the importance of memories, though we learn that most memories are negative; what can we do to make them positive. Dr. Rossi enlightens us on what we need in order to look to the future with hope; an effective prayer life thinking of our Lord Jesus Christ instead of all that is around us that is corrupting us.
11/11/06
Topic: Living the Orthodox Life in the 21st Century
Guests: Bishop KALLISTOS Ware
Fr. Chris welcomes Bishop KALLISTOS Ware of Diokleia, an auxiliary Bishop of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Great Britain. Bishop KALLISTOS focuses his discussion on the importance of living the Orthodox Life in the 21st Century, bringing Christ into our daily spirit. Be sure to tune in for a spiritually uplifting program learning how we can see Christ in our everyday lives while living in an age of secularism.
11/18/06
Topic: Bringing Christ into our Daily Spirit
Guests: Bishop KALLISTOS Ware
Bishop KALLISTOS Ware of Diokleia, an auxiliary Bishop of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Great Britain continues his discussion on living the Orthodox Life in the 21st Century, bringing Christ into our daily spirit.
11/25/06
Topic: Psychosomatic Healing
Guests: Dr. John Chirban
Dr. John Chirban, founder of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion (O.C.A.M.P.R.), discusses the holistic model of healing, such as that practiced in Byzantium. This approach emphasizes the psychosomatic interdependence of human nature, which is reconciled with the specialized approaches of today’s healing disciplines.
Subscribe to the Come Receive The Light e-newsletter at http://www.receive.org for a weekly inspirational message and the latest updates of upcoming programs.
Day of Prayer - March 5, 2006 - Still time to get involved!
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His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Announces the appointment of Very Rev. Anthony Yazge as the new Director for the Antiochian Vil
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His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP has announced that Very Rev. Anthony Yazge will become the new Director of the Antiochian Village Camp following the current camping season. He will replace Very Rev. Michael Nasser who will begin his missionary work in Mexico as part of Project Mexico. The appointment was finalized at a meeting on Thursday June 15, 2006 held at the Archdiocese Headquarters (see photo below). That meeting was attended by (left to right in the photo) Mr. Robert Laham, Chairman of the Village Council, Metropolitan PHILIP, and Fr. Anthony. Fr. Anthony was born in Washington DC, and is married to Khourieh Stefanie. They have three children, Matthew, Mark and Alexis. He graduated from St. Vladimir Seminary in 1988, and previously had earned his BS degree in Special Education from The University of Maryland. He has served as the pastor of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Terre Haute, Indiana since 1988. Fr. Anthony is no stranger to the work of our youth and the Camp. From 2004 to the present he has served as NAC Teen SOYO Spiritual Advisor, and for 13 years before that as Midwest Teen SOYO Spiritual Advisor. Since 2001, he has been the NAC Teen SOYO Special Olympics Camp Coordinator. As a teenager himself he served as the President and Treasurer for both Eastern Region and NAC Teen SOYO. As far as the Antiochian Village Camp is concerned, Fr. Anthony was a Camp Counselor, has served for 11 years as a session priest, and has sent his own children to the camp for the past 10 years. We pray that the Lord will grant Fr. Anthony, Khourieh Stefanie and their children every blessing as they begin their new life at the Antiochian Village. Everyone who is associated with the Antiochian Village Camp will surely miss Fr. Michael Nasser. In his 10 years as Camp Director, significant progress has been made in both the physical facilities, as well as the camping program. Not only has he had a large impact at the Antiochian Village Camp, but he has overseen the establishment of our regional camps, insuring that the same high quality camping experience is maintained for all of our children. His work has been tireless, and his enthusiasm for the Camp and serving our children has been contagious. We also wish Fr. Michael, Khourieh Vicki, and their children Maria, Joshua, and Elena every blessing as they embark on a very new and challenging life in Mexico.
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His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP appoints Mr. Christopher Holwey to chair the Archdiocese Department of Sacred Music effective F
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January 5, 2006 – Englewood, New Jersey
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP has appointed Mr. Christopher Holwey of Joliet, Illinois, as the Chairman of the Sacred Music Department for the Archdiocese. This appointment will be effective February 1, 2006. Mr. Holwey is a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he helped to direct both the male and mixed Seminary choirs from 1981 to 1984. He also sang with the Seminary Octet in 1983, performing in more than 97 parishes around the country. He recently composed a choral setting for the Divine Liturgy, and arranged all of the special melodies of Troparia and Kontakia that are sung on the feasts of the Orthodox Church. He is an accomplished pianist, and has chanted and participated in choirs for most of his life. We welcome Mr. Holwey to this position, and pray that our Lord will bless his work, and the work of all of the department members who generously volunteer their time. We also express sincere thanks to all of the chanters, choir directors and choir members of this Archdiocese who labor selflessly to uplift our souls with beautiful music.
Mr. James Meena, Chairman of the Department of Sacred Music for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, has requested and received the blessing from His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP to end his four-year tenure as the chairman of this department. He will pursue other endeavors which demand his time and attention. Under his leadership, the department has fostered the growth of the Sacred Music Institute on both the East and West coast, as well as the enhanced use of the internet for the distribution of sacred music material. Mr. Meena served the department with distinction, and his contributions are greatly appreciated.
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His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP hosted the campers and counselors who are participating in the 2006 Vill”edge” Roadtrip.
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On July 13, 2006, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP hosted the campers and counselors who are participating in the 2006 Vill”edge” Roadtrip.
Vill”edge” Roadtrip is a program of the Antiochian Village Camp that takes campers on the journey through the early history of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese visiting historical sites throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. More information on this program can be found on the web at http://www.antiochianvillage.org/camp/VilledgeRoadTrip.html One of the designated sites is the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. The participants had lunch with His Eminence and participated in a lively question and answer session. They also sang some of the hymns that they have learned at camp. Their next stop is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
Hundreds of Faithful Enjoy Orthodox Education Day 2007
On Saturday, October 6, 2007, St Vladimir's Seminary welcomed hundreds of guests who traveled to the seminary's campus for this year’s Orthodox Education Day. It was a full day of prayer, fellowship, good food, and educational workshops as participants explored this year's theme: "Our Church: Her
The day started off with a procession from the Three Hierarchs Chapel to the tent for the celebration of a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy to commemorate the feast of the Glorification of St Innocent. His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman of the OCA presided, and His Grace Tikhon, Bishop of Philadelphia and
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
Following the Liturgy, delicious foods from North America,
The children’s corner of the field was the most vibrant. Girls with butterflies and boys with pirate patches painted on their faces threw balls, played games, sculpted clay, and glued beads on icon frames. For teenagers, Dr Peter Bouteneff, SVS Professor of Dogmatics, offered a workshop on Film and Faith, analyzing movies in light of Orthodox theology.
There was a significant presence of college students on campus for Orthodox Education Day as SVS and OCF partnered to host an overnight retreat concurrent with the day’s program. Students from across the tri-state area and beyond were on the seminary campus to hear John Stonestreet, a full-time OCF chaplain and recent alumnus of SVS, give a series of talks entitled Donald Trump or Tonsured Monk? Hillary Clinton or Homemaker in the Kitchen? WHAT IS MY VOCATION?
Other popular workshops of the day included Orthodoxy 101 by Fr Luke Veronis with nearly 60 people in attendance and a seminar entitled Diaspora- What’s That? by Fr John Erickson, former dean and long-time SVS Professor of Church History. Church musicians and choir members had the special treat of hearing Dn Kevin Smith, SVS Instructor in Liturgical Music, present the workshop, Liturgical Music: Something Old and Something New. A circle formed around Fr Chad Hatfield and Fr John Behr as they discussed the Future of the Seminary highlighting the new curriculum in the main tent. Several seminarians who served on OCMC Mission Teams last summer recapped their experiences in an intimate conversation with those who were interested in missions.
Various other afternoon activities available to visitors included campus tours, bookstore sales, a guided visit of the library, and free time for quiet reflection in the chapel. Throughout the Rangos building there were exhibits on display from some of the most active Orthodox ministries, including OCMC, IOCC, OCF, New Skete Monasteries, Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, Raphael House, Ss Cosmos and Damian House, Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, Project Mexico, Russian Brotherhood, Indian Orthodox Youth Group, and the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry.
The day concluded with a memorial service and Great Vespers in the filled-to-capacity seminary chapel. As the day wrapped up, one of the day’s organizers was overheard saying, “I am so grateful that all these people got up this morning and decided to come to St Vladimir’s Seminary today.”
The seminary extends its deep gratitude to all the parishes and individuals who donated money, food, time, and efforts, and to all the seminarians who helped to make Orthodox Education Day 2007 a successful and joyful day.
In Memoriam of Ernest J. Saykaly, 1927-2006
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It is with great sadness that we announce that Mr. Ernest J. Saykaly, Vice-Chairman Emeritus of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday February 22, 2006 in Florida. Mr. Saykaly distinguished himself as a business leader, and an exemplary steward of the Orthodox Church in North America. He was first elected to the Archdiocese Board of Trustees in 1974, and then became the Vice-Chairman of the Board from 1979 until his retirement from the Board in 1999. He was appointed by His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP as the first Chairman of the Archdiocese Department of Stewardship. He also served as the first Chairman of the Antiochian Village Council, and was instrumental in leading the fundraising that resulted in the building of the Heritage and Learning Center. In addition to his service to this Archdiocese, he served as a member of the Board of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, and also as Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Seminary. Mr. Saykaly is survived by his wife Vivian Nakash Saykaly, and children Mark, Nancy, and Janet. The wake for Mr. Saykaly will be at the Urgel Bourgie Funeral Home, 1255 Beaumont Ave. in Mont-Royal, Quebec during the following days and times: The funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 28th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at: St. Nicholas Antochian Orthodox Church May His Memory be Eternal !! |
Letter from His Eminence pertaining to the tragedy at Virginia Tech
Beloved in Christ:
Christ is Risen!
It is with deep pain that I watched the tragic events unfold on one of our college campuses. This could have been any campus and any one of our many college students. As such, I have no doubt that our own college children and parents were affected by yesterday’s events even more than the rest of us. What should be places of tranquility and peace have too often become places of tragedy. Places where parents should be able to send their teens to become educated adults and where children go to expand their minds and gain knowledge that will enable them to be productive members of society must be safe and free of evil and destruction of all kinds. The hopelessness of the man who perpetrated these senseless killings can only reinforce the need of our clergy and lay leaders to instill in our faithful, and especially in our youth, the need for strong, traditional families as well as values that are rooted in Christ and the Church.
On behalf of my brother bishops and all the clergy and faithful of our Archdiocese, we express our deepest sympathy to the families of those who were murdered or injured yesterday. In addition, we pray that our risen Lord Jesus Christ, who destroyed death, will grant the families and the entire country the peace and hope that only the empty tomb can provide.
In the Risen Lord,
+Metropolitan PHILIP
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of all North America
May 22, 2006 : Al - Kafaat Luncheon
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On May 22, 2006, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP hosted a meeting and luncheon at the Archdiocese Headquarters to support the outstanding humanitarian work being done by the Lebanese organization AL-KAFAAT (translated as “Abilities”). AL-KAFAAT, which can be found on the web at www.al-kafaat.org, provides specialized rehabilitation and educational services for children who have, or who are at risk of developing serious disabilities that may affect their development. The group was founded in 1957 by Nadeem H. Shwayri and his wife Lily with the use of their personal funds, and has grown to become an important resource for children of all religions and backgrounds.
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May 9, 2006 - Metropolitan PHILIP Celebrates Ordination of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Dean to the Holy Priesthood
| May 9, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sofia Lopoukhine, Communications Officer |
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Later that day, it was a special blessing to have His Eminence Metropolitan Philip of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese share words of appreciation for the achievements of St. Vladimir’s Seminary at a banquet. His Eminence began by saying, “I am delighted to share the joy of this evening and I bring greetings from so many clergy who have benefited from this seminary.” He concluded his speech by presenting Fr. John with a beautiful pectoral cross, and as he handed it to him proclaimed, “Axios, my friend.” For Fr John this was a completion of a path that began many years ago, starting in 1964 when he was received into the Orthodox Church in the seminary chapel. This was followed by 33 years of teaching canon law and church history at the seminary where he also served as Academic Dean and now as Dean and CEO. The newly ordained Fr. John expressed great gratitude for all those who helped him get to this point and for the spiritual encouragement he has received through out his life at the seminary. With great optimism Fr. John spoke about the future of the Church and the next generation who are looking for what Orthodoxy in America has to offer, “I see young people today carrying the spirit of St Vladimir’s, which is a devotion to truth that is never limited to parochialism or nationalism, into the world.” Photos from event... |
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Memory Eternal+ the father of Fr. John Baize
Please remember in your prayers the newly departed JIM LANE, the father of FATHER JOHN BAIZE of Holy Transfiguration/Hillsboro, KS. Father John may be contacted via Email.
May his memory be eternal+
Memory Eternal+ the mother of Fr. Nicholas Dahdal, Bedeh Dahdal in Amman, Jordan
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We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Dahdal family on the passing of Fr. Nicholas Dahdal's mother, Bedeh Dahdal in Amman, Jordan. Fr. Nicholas Dahdal is the priest of St. George Orthodox Church in Cicero, Ill. The funeral will be held in Amman, Jordan. Please keep Fr. Nicholas and his family in your prayers. May her memory be eternal+
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Memory Eternal: Mr. Gene Warr, the father of Archdiocese Trustee Kory Warr departed this life November 23, 2006
Your prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Mr. Gene Warr, father of Archdiocesan Trustee Kory Warr of St Elijah/Oklahoma City.
Mr. Warr, a protestant Christian, departed this life at one-thirty in the morning, November 23rd.
Gene's entire life was lived in anticipation of the day when he would stand before God and hear the words of his Master: "Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord". Gene is survived by his wife Irma, his sons Kevin, Kyle, and Kory, his daughters Kate Rutledge, Genese Leeper and Mary Beth Salazar, daughter-in-law Christi Warr, grandchildren Braylon, Lauren, Kasie and Jacob Warr, Rob and T.J. Leeper, Mindy Hawkins and her husband Monty, and great-grandson Carson Hawkins.
A private, graveside service will be held Tuesday. A public memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, December 9, 2006 at Covenant Community Church.
Address:
Covenant Community Church
2250 N. Mustang Road
Yukon, OK
Condolences:
Condolences may be sent to his son Kory via Email. May his memory be eternal+
Metropolitan PHILIP celebrates Holy Pascha at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY
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Thanks be to God, His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP was able to make his usual visits to the parishes in the Greater New York City area for Holy Week and Pascha this year, marking the first services he has presided over since his illness last October. With the help of our risen Lord and the prayers of the faithful here and throughout the world, he has made a full and remarkable recovery. The following pictures show visits to three churches, Virgin Mary Church in Yonkers, NY where he presided over the service of the 12 passion Gospels on Holy Thursday assisted by the pastor, Rev. Dimitri Darwish; St. Mary Church, Brooklyn, NY, where he presided over the Lamentations service on Great and Holy Friday, assisted by the pastor, Archpriest Michael Ellias; and St. Nicholas Cathedral, where he presided over the Paschal Services, assisted by the Cathedral dean, Archpriest Thomas Zain. As has been the tradition for many years, the Antiochian seminarians attending St. Vladimir's Seminary also accompanied the Metropolitan and Archdeacon Hans to the various parishes. Audio of the Rush Procession and Paschal Orthros April 20, 2006 - Holy and Great Thursday Photos
April 21, 2006 - Holy and Great Friday Photos
April 22, 2006 - Great PASCHA Photos
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Metropolitan PHILIP visits St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in New York, meets with Representative of the Moscow Patriarc
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by Archpriest Thomas Zain
On Tuesday, June 20, 2006, His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, accompanied by His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN of Miami and the Southeast and Archpriest Thomas Zain, Dean of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral of Brooklyn, visited St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in New York. The invitation to visit was extended by His Grace, Bishop MERCURIUS, the representative of the Moscow Patriarchate in the United States. Bishop MERCURIUS and Father Alexander Abramov, the secretary of the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA warmly and graciously received the delegation. Father Alexander also served as translator. During a traditional Russian lunch served by the resident nuns, His Eminence and His Grace discussed many issues related to the current problems facing the Orthodox world in general and the Church in America in particular. Such things included, but were not limited to the recent steps toward reunification with ROCOR, the new wave of Russian immigration to the United States, the problem of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s presence in North America and ways of further cooperation on other matters relating to the Orthodox Church in North America. In a toast to His Holiness, Patriarch ALEXY II of Moscow and all Russia, His Eminence recalled the long tradition of cooperation and help between the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Patriarchate of Antioch throughout history. As Metropolitan PHILIP and Bishop MERCURIUS exchanged toasts and gifts, they assured each other of cooperating in the future for the benefit of the of the Orthodox people in America. After the lunch and meeting, Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop ANTOUN and Father Thomas were given a tour of the historic Cathedral by Bishop MERCURIUS and Father Alexander. This was the first time Metropolitan PHILIP visited the Cathedral, which had been newly renovated leading up to the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral in 2003. The same iconographers who completed the magnificent Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow also did the renovations at St. Nicholas. St. Tikhon and St. Raphael of Brooklyn originally consecrated the Cathedral in 1903.
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Nov 7, 2006 : Metropolitan PHILIP hosts the 2006 Seminarian Dinner
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On Tuesday Nov. 7th, 2006, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP hosted all of the Antiochian seminarians for a Vesper Service and dinner at the Archdiocese headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey. This is an annual event that brings our seminarians and their wives together from St. Vladimir (Crestwood, NY), St. Tikhon (South Canaan, PA), and Holy Cross (Brookline, MA) seminaries for an evening of fellowship and important discussion. The evening began with the Vesper Service held in the Chapel of St. John Chrysostom, followed by a dinner in the large dining room. His Eminence addressed the seminarians, stressing the importance of their theological education, and the need for their ministries to touch people in their every day lives. In addition, His Eminence also met privately with each of the third-year seminarians to discuss important issues related to their futures. This year, the Archdiocese has 27 seminarians (11 of whom are married) attending the three seminaries. Ten of these seminarians are completing their third year, and will graduate in 2007.
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OCF Growth Surges: First Full-time Executive Director in 30 years and Charlotte Area Chaplain Hired
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ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HIERARCHS IN AMERICA PREPARE FOR SIGNIFICANT MEETING IN CHICAGO
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Visit the Official SCOBA Website ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HIERARCHS IN AMERICA PREPARE FOR SIGNIFICANT MEETING IN CHICAGO Hierarchs representing all Orthodox Christian jurisdictions in America are preparing for a significant meeting that will take place in Chicago, IL on October 3-6, 2006. The gathering is sponsored by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and is the third such meeting of its kind (1994; 2001). His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, noted that, “Exemplifying the bond of brotherhood that exists among canonical Orthodox Churches in America, this Chicago meeting will provide the opportunity to all Canonical Orthodox hierarchs to review the work of SCOBA.” Reports will be offered by its agencies, commissions and endorsed groups whose personnel total nearly 200 individuals, with a combined annual budget of approximately $30 million. The SCOBA agencies implement programs concerned with foreign missions, emergency disaster relief, Christian education, campus ministry, scouting, communications, and prison ministry. The hierarchs will also participate in workshop sessions on establishing new parishes, keeping young people connected to the Church, the Diaconate, sexual misconduct in the Church, internal ecclesiastical issues and witness in society. Founded in 1960, SCOBA brings together the canonical hierarchs of Orthodox jurisdictions in the Americas for the purpose of fostering ties of common action among the canonical Orthodox Churches for a stronger and more visible witness of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
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Orthodox Youth Outreach Hires New Program Director
The purpose of the program is to encourage our youth to live out their faith through service to others. OYO provides opportunities for youth to get involved with outreach at different levels and help them grow into positions of student leadership.
Henderson comes to OYO after serving over three and a half years as the Associate Mission Teams Director and Health Care Coordinator at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC).
“It has truly been a blessing to serve at the Mission Center ,” says new director Henderson. “I hope to take the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the last few years to build up a program that will instill a heart for proclaiming the Gospel and reaching out to the poor in today’s Orthodox youth.”
“Mr. Henderson brings a wealth of experience to OYO,” adds Father Kevin Scherer, Executive Director of Orthodox Youth Outreach. “We hope through his involvement to create amongst Orthodox youth a passion for reaching out to others, so that in the future, groups like the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, International Orthodox Christian Charities, and the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry will have a pool of workers to draw from, whose hearts and minds have been shaped, from their youth, to live out their faith through service to others.”
Henderson ’s work at the Mission Center has involved coordinating short-term mission teams and developing the health care ministries of the Mission Center . Since 2002, he has helped train and coordinate over 25 mission teams, sending over 200 people to work on short-term projects in various countries throughout the world. He has also participated on numerous mission teams to and rural Alaska , as well as OYO trips to South Central Los Angeles, San Francisco , and Houston .
A graduate of the University of Memphis holding an undergraduate degree in History, Henderson is currently enrolled in the St. Stephen’s Course in Orthodox Theology, hoping to attain a Master’s of Arts degree in Applied Orthodox Theology from Balamand University in in the spring of 2008.
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Repose of Fr. Antony Bell
The Archpriest Antony Carl Bell, Pastor of St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Topeka, Indiana, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, following a lengthy illness. He was 58 years old. We extend our sympathies to wife Melanie, sons Christian and Nicholas and to all of Fr. Antony's spiritual children at St. Mary's.
The following services will be held at St. Mary's; the public is invited to all. The church is located on State Road 5 at County Road 615 S (7 miles south of US 20 and 7 miles north of US 6).
Schedule
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Service
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Time
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Day
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Date
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Vigil begins (prayer services and Scripture readings) with procession into church and Trisagion Prayers for the departed (and continues through the night)
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3:00 p.m.
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Monday
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June 19th
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| Order of the Burial of a Priest (Vigil continues afterward) |
7:00 p.m.
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Monday
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June 19th
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Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) and Funeral Service
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9:00 a.m.
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Tuesday
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June 20th
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A mercy meal provided by St. Mary’s for all in attendance will follow at approximately 12:00 p.m.
Interment on Wednesday, June 21, at the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA (321 Monastery Lane, Ellwood City, PA 16117-6531, 724/758-4002), will follow the Divine liturgy in the Monastery chapel. Liturgy begins at 9:30 a.m.
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS FOR CLERGY & VISITORS
Shipshewana Lodging
All on SR5 (8-10 miles north of church). Frequently sold out on Mondays and Tuesdays this time of year. Proceed south on SR5 from hotel to the church.
Country Inn & Suites Phone: (260) 768-7780
3440 N State Road 5 $89/night
Shipshewana, IN 46565
Farmstead Inn Phone: (260) 768-4595
370 S Van Buren St (SR5) $99/night (Mon-Wed)
Shipshewana, IN 46565 $89/night (Thu-Sun)
Super 8 Motel Phone: (260) 768-4004
740 S Van Buren St (SR5) $80.10/night - $85.50/night (Mon–Tue)
Shipshewana, IN 46565 $71.40/night - $66.30/night (Wed –Sun)
Goshen Lodging
All on U.S. 33/Lincolnway E (15-16 miles west of church). Take U.S. 33 south to County Road 42. Left (east) on CR42 through the town of Millersburg. CR42 becomes CR800S upon entering LaGrange County. Left (north) on SR5 two miles. Right on CR615S.
The Checkerberry Inn
62644 County Road 37
Goshen, IN 46528
Telephone 574-642-4445 / Fax 574-642-0198
Marriot Courtyard-Goshen (574) 534-3133
1930 Lincolnway E $109/night (Sun-Thu)
Goshen, IN 46526 $89/night or $99/night (Fri-Sat)
Holiday Inn Express Goshen (574) 533-0200
2309 Lincolnway E $89/night
64395 US Highway 33
Goshen, IN 46526
Ramada Inn & Conference Ctr (574) 533-9551
1375 Lincolnway E $73/night
Goshen, IN 46526
For any other questions, call St. Mary Church at (260) 593-2670.
Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend the soul of thy departed servant, the Archpriest Antony, and we pray Thee: give him rest, O Lord, in the place of Thy rest, where all Thy blessed Saints repose, where the light of Thy countenance shineth. Grant that our lives may be Godly, sober, and blameless, that we may be worthy to meet him again in they heavenly Kingdom. For Thou art the Resurrection, and the Life, and the Repose of thy departed servants, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
SVS Summer Institute, June 25-30, 2006
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A short-term way to study at St Vladimir’s Seminary
“Everyone speaks of death as something that concerns us all,” says Dr Peter Bouteneff, SVS Assistant Professor in Dogmatic Theology and organizer of this year’s institute. “But do we all understand the same thing about death? A physician, a theologian and an insurance salesman will speak differently about death. And anyone’s perspective changes when they look at their own death or that of a loved one.” A full cycle of services in the seminary's chapel is at the center of the activities that define this edifying week. The SVS Summer Institute provides opportunities to make and renew friendships, to interact with SVS faculty and guest lecturers. Participants will enjoy being on the beautiful campus, taking advantage of the SVS bookstore, and having access to the seminary’s library. The daily program allows for several different ways to participate in the institute. Participants may attend specific lectures and activities focused on Liturgical Music, or Theology and Pastoral Practice. Those in the Liturgical Music track will receive training in singing, conducting, and composition, and also attend lectures on such topics as Interpreting Music for the Departed and Hymns of St. John Damascus. Those in the Theological and Pastoral track will explore topics such as Life and Death Today: Ethical Issues, Death in the Old and New Testament, and Legal implications of Death: Wills and Living Wills. Participants in both tracks will also hear lectures by guest faculty, who include some of the most gifted scholars, practitioners, and writers in the Orthodox Church today, such as David Bentley Hart, Fr John Garvey, and Lila Kalinich. These and other distinguished guests will join SVS faculty and staff members during several days of the institute in order to interact with participants in lecture as well as in informal question-and-answer sessions. A new feature being offered this year is an intensive twelve-hour for-credit course on Christian counseling in relation to death and dying taught by Dr Albert Rossi, clinical psychologist and SVS Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology. Dr Rossi will cover topics including: an Orthodox vision of death; tasks of mourning; grief; suffering and pain management; children and death; suicide; euthanasia; miscarriages; and abortion. Those in the course will acquire counseling skills through an interactive and discussion-oriented learning style. Please visit the “Events” section of our website, www.svots.edu, for detailed information about the sessions, the faculty, registration, fees and accommodations. A registration form is downloadable at http://www.svots.edu/file.... More information and registration forms are also available by emailing events@svots.edu or calling (914) 961–8313. |
Second Annual Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest Choir Conference
Second Annual Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest Choir Conference
Sponsored by Saint Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church (Louisville, Kentucky)
November 10 - 12, 2006
Saint Michael Educational Center
3701 Saint Michael Church Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40220
| CONFERENCE DIRECTOR |
 David DrillockProfessor Emeritus of Liturgical Music Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary |
| PROGRAM TO INCLUDE |
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| FRIDAY SCHEDULE |
| 6:00PM: Little Vespers 6:45PM: Dinner and Lecture presented by Professor Drillock 9:00PM: Director Workshop Session 1 |
| SATURDAY SCHEDULE |
| 10:00AM: Music Session 1 12:30PM: Lunch Provided 1:30PM: Music Session 2 3:30PM: Break 4:00PM: Music Session 3 6:00PM: Great Vespers 9:00PM: Director Workshop Session 27 |
| SUNDAY SCHEDULE |
| 9:15AM: Matins 9:30AM: Children’s Workshop 10:30AM: Divine Liturgy (Combined Choir directed by Professor Drillock) 12:30PM: Lunch on your own 3:00PM: Director Workshop Session 3 |
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| REGISTRATION |
| Registration forms are available for you today after this meeting or please contact Stephen Jacobs at bigsteve514@yahoo.com or Olga Atty at olgaatty@naiser.com or by phone at 502-817-7187 to register. |
| ACCOMODATIONS |
| The closest hotel to the church is the Breckinridge Inn located at 2800 Breckinridge Lane, Louisville, Kentucky Phone 502-456-5050 or contact Olga Atty for other accommodations. |
| COST |
| FREE! |
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We really hope you will be able to Thank you! |
September 12, 2006 : Antiochian.org undergoing maintenance period.
Dear All Visitors,
The Department of Communications and Information would like to inform you that on Tuesday September 12, 2006 at 4:00pm CST (5pm EST) Antiochian.org will be undergoing maintenance.
The website will be down for most of this maintenance period. All emails through Antiochian.org will also be affected.
Thank you for your understanding.
God bless,
Department of Communications and Information
Sts. Thekla and Raphael Pilgrimage 2006
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Saints Thekla & Raphael Pilgrimage With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, I invite you all join journey to Antiochian Village for a spiritual renewal to honor, love, and further understand Saint Thekla and Saint Raphael. On the weekend of September 22nd – 24th, Antiochian Village will welcome guests from near and far for the annual Saint Thekla and Saint Raphael Pilgrimage. The entire weekend includes sessions for learning and sharing as well as time to enjoy the spiritual oasis offered by the grounds at Antiochian Village. Nestled in the foothills of the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania, it offers an incredible perspective of rolling hills, towering pines, and by September, colorful bursts of changing leaves. Saints Thekla & Raphael Pilgrimage
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The Falling Asleep of Joseph Abud
Christ is in our Midst!
On July 26, 2006 Joseph Abud, the father of Fr. Joe Abud, fell asleep in the Lord after battling a long illness. Fr. Joe Abud is the priest at St. George Church in Flint, Michigan.
Funeral Arrangements are as follows:
Friday, July 28 at Verheyden Funeral Home
Address: 16300 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe
Phone: 313-881-8500
Visitation from 2-8pm
Trisagion Service at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 29 at St. George Orthodox Church in Troy, Michigan
Address: 2160 East Maple Road between Dequindre and John R
Phone: 248-589-0480
Visitation -- 10am
Funeral Service -- 11am
Internment at White Chapel Cemetery
Meal of Mercy at St. George in Troy
Please keep Fr. Joe Abud and his family in your prayers.
May Joseph's memory be eternal with all of the saints.
The Falling Asleep of Very Reverend Archpriest John George Khoury of St. George in W. St. Paul, Minnesota
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The Very Reverend Archpriest John George Khoury of West St. Paul, beloved pastor emeritus of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church of West St. Paul, MN fell asleep in the Lord at his home, Tuesday, May 2nd. Father Khoury was 76 years old. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vergeen, three sons, Elias, George and Antoine, and one daughter, Ferial of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Zarafat in February. Father Khoury had 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Father John Khoury was born on July 27, 1929 in Maarrat, Syria, the son of Father George Khoury and Zarafat Khoury. He was married in 1951 and in 1952 ordained to the Orthodox priesthood at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria by Archbishop Makarios, Archbishop and president of Cyprus. Father Khoury served parishes in his native Syria and Lebanon before coming to the United States in 1968. In 1969 he was named pastor of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church then located on the West Side of St. Paul. He supervised the building of the new buildings and move to West St. Paul in 1972 and 1984. Father Khoury retired from the active ministry in 1997 but remained active in the parish as pastor emeritus up until the time of his death. The Funeral Service for a priest during Pacha will begin on Monday evening, May 8 at 7:00 pm and the Divine Liturgy and Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am. All Services will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, located at 1250 Oakdale Avenue in West St. Paul. The burial will take place at the family Church of St. Elias in Maarrat, Syria where Father Khoury’s great grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle, all priests of the Orthodox Church, are also interred beneath the Altar. May his memory be eternal! |
The Falling asleep of Julia Koory, age 94
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The falling asleep of Julia Koory, age 94. Julia is the mother of Robert Koory, one of the Archdiocesan Chancellors. She is also the grandmother of Fr. Basil Koory. Funeral Arrangements are as follows. Today, Friday, August 4 At A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home Saturday, August 5 Please keep the Koory Family in your prayers and may Julia's memory be eternal with all of the saints. |
The Recently Concluded Meetings of the Archdiocesan Synod and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees – June 2 – 4, 2006
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During the weekend of June 2nd through June 4th, the Archdiocesan Synod of Bishops and the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees held their Spring meetings at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. In addition, the Village Council, and the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch held their meetings on Thursday and Friday of that same weekend. Our Archdiocesan Synod dealt with many issues that are critical to the people and parishes of our Archdiocese. The following are some of the items discussed in the Synod meeting:
The Archdiocesan Board of Trustees dealt with many important issues, including the approval of the Archdiocese Financial Report for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006 and the budget for Fiscal year 2008, which was mentioned above. By the grace of God, and through the most careful fiscal management, the budget is balanced, and this God-protected Archdiocese remains free of any debt. The Board heard reports on the outstanding work being done by the following departments:
In addition, the Board heard a report on the 2007 Archdiocese Convention from Very Rev. Peter Shportun, pastor of the host parish of St. Nicholas in Montreal Quebec, Canada. Fr. Peter indicated that detailed convention information would begin to be available by August 1 of this year. During the Board meeting, Bruce Jabbour, General Manager of the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center made a special presentation to His Eminence of a silver medallion which commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Metropolitan PHILIP as the Primate of this Archdiocese. The Fall meeting of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees will be held from October 6-7 in Troy, Michigan. On Saturday evening, a dinner was held for all of those in attendance, and a special surprise was the presentation of a cake by Chef Tim Johnston to His Eminence for his birthday. In addition, Dr. George Farha, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, gave a tribute to His Eminence, including the recitation of selections from His Eminence's poetry. The weekend concluded on Sunday morning with the celebration of Matins and the Divine Liturgy in the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul. Photos
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The falling asleep of Metropolitan KIRILOS, the Antiochian Primate of Argentina
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The funeral will take place on Thursday, April 13. Please remember him in your prayers. |
Under the Grapevine : A Miracle by St. Kendeas of Cyprus
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Updates from Middle East
Posted August 14, 2006UN Resolution 1701 regarding the cease fire in Lebanon.
Posted August 9, 2006Status of proposed cease fire resolution Posted August 8, 2006URGENT APPEAL IN REGARDS TO THE SUFFERING PEOPLE OF LEBANON. Beloved Faithful and Friends of the Self-ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America: We are currently undertaking a massive appeal for funds to aid the suffering people of Lebanon (See Metropolitan PHILIP’s letter of July 25 by clicking here). Since His Eminence wrote that appeal the situation has grown even more dire. There are now more than 1000 people who have been killed and about 3000 wounded. In addition, more than 1,000,000 Lebanese have been displaced from their homes, becoming refugees in their own country. This sad reality, coupled with the Israeli blockade by land, sea and air, has created a humanitarian disaster that is growing more and more unbearable on a daily basis. Children are without food and mothers are without milk for their babies. The elderly are without medicine and essential medical treatments. Metropolitan PHILIP has already forwarded $100,000 in advance to His Eminence, Metropolitan ELIAS of Beirut, to help with the overflow of refugees that the Archdiocese of Beirut is trying to comfort and help, however, the need is so much greater. We therefore appeal to you to immediately send donations through your local parish or directly to the Archdiocese. At the same time, we urge the pastors of the parishes to work diligently to collect all the donations and forward them to the Archdiocese as soon as possible. Posted August 7, 2006ARAB FOREIGN MINISTERS SHOW SOLIDARITY IN SUPPORT OF LEBANON Posted August 4, 2006
Posted August 3, 2006Hagel Floor Statement on the Current Situation in the Middle East Contact Senator Hagel directly from his website. Support Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) As He Speaks Out Against The Killing and Destruction In The Middle East Senator Hagel's full contact information:
THE WATER OF CANA IS TURNED INTO BLOOD
Cana (modern spelling is “Qana”) is a little village in South Lebanon which was blessed by the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his Holy Mother and his disciples. Cana is the Village where Christ performed his first miracle by changing the water into wine at the marriage feast. (John 2: 1-11). Thus, Cana is deeply rooted in our Christian history. Read more...Letter from Metropolitan HERMAN, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America to Metropolitan PHILIP Letter from Fr. John Finley of the Department of Missions and Evangelism YOU SHOULD TAKE ACTION NOW! APPEAL TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT - July 25, 2006 CLICK HERE TO READ FULL RESOLUTION LETTER FROM AL-KAFAAT IN LEBANON |
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Photos of the tragedy in the Middle East
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This photo gallery is a collection of graphic images that express the sadness and destruction of the tragic events in Middle East. Please continue to pray that our Lord, Jesus Christ, will grant His great mercy to His suffering children and bring a peaceful ending to these tragic times. Posted August 14, 2006
Posted August 9, 2006
Posted August 8, 2006
Posted August 7, 2006
August 4, 2006
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Arab Foreign Ministers show solidarity in support of Lebanon
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ARAB FOREIGN MINISTERS SHOW SOLIDARITY IN SUPPORT OF The Foreign Ministers who represent the countries of the Arab League, meeting in Beirut today, unanimously supported the Lebanese plan for an immediate cease fire. They also decided to send a delegation, chaired by the Secretary General of the Arab League, to meet with the UN Security Council for the purpose of proposing amendments to the draft France/United States resolution regarding the war in the Middle East. |
August 4, 2006 : The Standing Conference of American Middle-Eastern Christian and Muslim Religious Leaders Convenes in an Emerge
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The Most Reverend |
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America |
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The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE STANDING CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN MIDDLE-EASTERN CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM RELIGIOUS LEADERS CONVENES IN AN EMERGENCY SESSION AND ISSUES A RESOLUTION DEALING WITH THE CRISIS IN LEBANON. Metropolitan Philip (Saliba), Chairman and Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America The following members were not able to attend the meeting: Most Rev. Archbishop Cyril Salim Bustros, Eparch of Newton, Diocese of Newton, MA The members discussed the enormous crisis that has been caused in Lebanon by the Israeli bombing and ground offensive. These Israeli military actions have killed more than 900 Lebanese, and have displaced almost 1 million Lebanese citizens from their homes. The vast majority of those Lebanese who have been killed are civilians, and more than one-third of them have been children. The members of the Standing Conference expressed their solidarity by unanimously approving the following resolution: 1. A call for an immediate and unconditional cease fire to stop the death and destruction 2. A call for the exchange of prisoners between Lebanon and Israel 3. A call for Israel to withdraw from the Shib’aa Farms, which Israel has occupied since 1967, and all other occupied Lebanese lands 4. A call for the international community to give immediate humanitarian assistance to those who are suffering, and to help hundreds of thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens to return to their cities, villages, and homes 5. A call for the international community to help Lebanon rebuild the infrastructure that has been destroyed by Israeli aggression. 6. A call for the UN to investigate the massacre at Qana which took place on Sunday July 30, 2006 7. Support for the statement which was issued by the religious leaders of Lebanon who met in Pkerki – August 1, 2006 8. A call for the implementation of all UN resolutions that address occupied territories in Lebanon and the entire region 9. A statement deploring the killing of any human being, and reiterating that all killing is against our religious beliefs The assembled religious leaders also focused on fundraising appeals that have been made by every denomination to their faithful. It is hoped that this fundraising will result in generous support which will be sent directly to ease some measure of suffering for the people of Lebanon. A reporter and photographer from the New Jersey press corps were also present to conduct interviews and take photographs of the assembly. An interview was conducted with Metropolitan Philip, and with His Excellency Tarek Mitri, Lebanese Minister of Culture and acting Foreign Minister. They both stressed the urgent need for an immediate cease fire, the exchange of prisoners between Israel and Lebanon, and the Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese lands. Photos below...
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“…the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” ACTS 11:26 |
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Support Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) As He Speaks Out Against The Killing and Destruction In The Middle East
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Hagel Floor Statement on the Current Situation in the Middle East July 31st, 2006 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) delivered the following statement on the Senate floor today regarding the current situation in the Middle East: "Mr. President, The Middle East is a region in crisis. After three weeks of escalating and continuing violence, the potential for wider regional conflict becomes more real each day. The hatred in the Middle East is being driven deeper and deeper into the fabric of the region ... which will make any lasting and sustained peace effort very difficult to achieve. How do we realistically believe that a continuation of the systematic destruction of an American friend, the country and people of Lebanon, is going to enhance America's image and give us the trust and credibility to lead a lasting and sustained peace effort in the Middle East? The sickening slaughter on both sides must end now. President Bush must call for an immediate cease fire. This madness must stop”. SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL (R-NEBRASKA) HAS BECOME THE ONE LONE VOICE OF COURAGE IN THE UNITES STATES SENATE. HE HAS DEFIED THE TREND OF DEFENDING ISRAELI AGRESSION WITHOUT CONDITIONS AND DEHUMANIZING ALL ARABS AND MUSLIMS. PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR HAGEL AND OFFER WORDS OF THANKS AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HIS LONE BUT POWERFUL VOICE. IF WE DO NOT SUPPORT THOSE VOICES LIKE SENATOR HAGEL'S COUNTLESS INNOCENT PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO SUFFER IN SILENCE WHILE THEIR HOMELANDS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED. THANK HIM FOR HIS WORDS, THANK HIM FOR HIS WISDOM, THANK HIM FOR HIS COURAGE, THANK HIM FOR REMINDING US THAT THERE ARE POLITICIANS WHO WILL TAKE RISKS TO LOUDLY PROCLAIM WHAT IS RIGHT! PLEASE CONTACT THE SENATOR'S DC OFFICE NOW Washington, D.C. Office |
The Water of Cana is Turned into Blood
By Metropolitan PHILIP
July 31, 2006
Cana (modern spelling is “Qana”) is a little village in South Lebanon which was blessed by the presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, his Holy Mother and his disciples. Cana is the Village where Christ performed his first miracle by changing the water into wine at the marriage feast. (John 2: 1-11). Thus, Cana is deeply rooted in our Christian history.
Unfortunately, in modern times and due to the conflict between Israel and Arab nations, including Lebanon, Cana has been the victim of Israeli aggression twice: once in April 1996, when an Israeli rocket killed 105 Lebanese men, women and children. And second, on Sunday morning, July 30, 2006, when an Israeli rocket killed 60 people, including 37 children. This indiscriminate killing is against the Geneva Convention, the United Nations Charter and all laws of civilized nations.
This savage war is between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon has no air force, no navy and no large military force. As a matter of fact, the Lebanese army is not involved in this war at all. This war, then, is between Israel and Hezbollah. Why is Israel bombing Lebanese cities, villages, bridges, roads and killing innocent men, women and children – in the south and north, east and west of Lebanon? According to UN statistics, more than 800 civilians have been killed, many of them children, and more then 800,000 Lebanese have been made refugees in their own country. Israel knows very well where Hezbollah is. Why doesn’t Israel fight Hezbollah on its own turf? Why is Israel bombing civilian cars, motorcycles and pickup trucks carrying food for hungry people and medical supplies for the wounded? Lebanon is a poor country; the devastated infrastructure will cost billions of dollars to rebuild.
We deplore the killing and destruction on both sides. We know that Hezbollah has some weapons which are causing some unfortunate killing and destruction in Israel. But Hezbollah does not have American weapons such as F-16s, F-15s, Apaches and smart bombs, etc……
When I saw the Lebanese Red Cross retrieving the tender dead bodies of little children from underneath the rubble and I looked at their innocent faces and iconic eyes, I wept. I was indeed ashamed to see the extent of the cruelty and barbarism of our world. This morning, when the Lebanese Broadcasting Company showed pictures of the city of B’int-Jbeil which was completely leveled by the Israeli air force, I was reminded of the destruction of Stalingrad and Berlin during the Second World War. We and the whole world, with the exception of the United States, Great Britain, and Israel, are calling for an immediate cease fire. If we allow the law of the jungle to prevail, and if we allow our moral principles to be trodden on by barbarian feet, what will be left of our civilization?
The behavior of Mr. Ehud Olmert in this war reminds me of the behavior of his ancestor of old, Joshua, recorded in the Book of Joshua 6:21. “And they (Joshua’s army) destroyed all that was in the city (Jericho) both man and woman, both young and old, and ox, and sheep and ass with the edge of the sword.” Thanks to Mr. Olmert, nothing is left in B’int-Jbeil except some starving dogs feeding on corpses.
Take Action Now!
| Download PDF Version... | ||
| Download Word Version (Customizable) | ||
TAKE ACTION:
Your Message:
As an American Christian of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America with a commitment to peacemaking and concern for all the peoples of the Middle East who are suffering in this current crisis, I appeal to President George W. Bush and the United States Congress to take action to achieve an immediate cease-fire.
Background Points:
I am grieved over the tragic loss of life and suffering among the peoples of Lebanon, Gaza, and all the people of the region and I am concerned about the dire humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result of the violence.
I support intensive US diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with parties in the region and the United Nations, to bring about an immediate cease-fire and to achieve the following results:
• end the escalating violence
• protect civilian lives and prevent their further displacement
• commit the necessary funds and resources to return Lebanese refugees to their cities, villages, and homes
• prevent the further destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon and Gaza
• secure the exchange of Lebanese and other Arab prisoners for the captured Israeli soldiers and
• begin a political process that ends the current crisis and paves the way toward a comprehensive Middle East peace.
Contact Info:
Email or Call your Senators and Representatives.
Call the White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111.
Letter from Metropolitan HERMAN, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America to Metropolitan PHILIP
Letter from Fr. John Finley of the Department of Missions and Evangelism
Click here to read the letter from Fr. John Finley (Download PDF version)
Resolution - July 20, 2006
On July 20, 2006 the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America appeals to President Bush for intervention in the Crisis in Lebanon and the Middle East.
RESOLUTION
The Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba, and his diocesan bishops: His Grace Bishop ANTOUN of Miami and the Southeast, His Grace Bishop JOSEPH of Los Angeles and the West, His Grace Bishop BASIL of Wichita and Mid-America, His Grace Bishop THOMAS of Oakland and the East, His Grace Bishop MARK of Toledo and the Mid-West, His Grace Bishop ALEXANDER of Ottawa, Eastern Canada, and Upstate New York, along with the priests and deacons of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, who serve some one million faithful, and who are gathered at the Antiochian Village during their 14th Clergy Symposium make the following resolution:
Whereas for the past 60 years the Middle East region has been one of the most explosive areas in the world, and
Whereas all efforts in the past failed to bring a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and
Whereas the recent hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have brought much bloodshed, death, and destruction to both Lebanon and Israel, and
Whereas the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Fouad Siniora stated recently that over 300 Lebanese have been killed and 500,000 people have become refugees in their own country, and
Whereas much destruction and devastation has occurred to the Lebanese airport, seaports, roads, bridges, and the entire infrastructure of Lebanon that we appeal to the President of the United States of America, Mr. George W. Bush, to use his good office
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To bring immediate cessation of hostilities on both sides.
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To help in the exchanging of prisoners of all warring parties in the region.
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And that her Excellency, the Secretary of State, Dr. Rice, be dispatched to the region to utilize her diplomatic skills to bring about a just and lasting peace for the entire Middle East.
Metropolitan PHILIP's Lebanon Appeal, July 25, 2006
Click here to download the Appeal.
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The Most Reverend |
Archbishop of New York and |
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The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese 358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238 |
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TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PUBLISHED IN THE PARISH BULLETIN July 25, 2006 Brother Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, Esteemed Members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees, Parish Councils and God-fearing Faithful of our Archdiocese: Greetings in the name of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write to you while the bombs are falling on Lebanon. As you have been hearing in the media (i.e. television, newspapers and the internet), Lebanon is being systematically destroyed, both the infrastructure and, more importantly, the people. Everyone agrees that the result is a humanitarian disaster for the people of Lebanon. As of today, there are close to 400 Lebanese men, women and children who have been killed. The number of displaced Lebanese is approaching one million! We see in the news men, women and children being killed, maimed and burned by phosphate bombs. At the same time, Red Cross ambulances carrying the sick and wounded are being targeted; airports, communications systems, bridges and roads have been destroyed and entire neighborhoods have been leveled. To put things in real and human terms, we were recently informed of one of our faithful from the Archdiocese of Zahle who was driving with his two children. An Israeli bomb hit their car, seriously injuring the father and one child and killing the other, a 15 year old boy. Just yesterday, a family of eight was killed in their home by an Israeli bomb. These are but two stories from among thousands. My beloved faithful, Lebanon is part of our Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East. So many of the people of our Archdiocese have their spiritual and cultural roots in Lebanon and especially in Beirut and South Lebanon (such as Jdeidet Marj’ayoun) where the majority of the destruction is taking place. Yesterday, I spoke with Metropolitan ELIAS of Beirut and he told me of the deplorable and dire conditions in his archdiocese and the Archdiocese of Tyre and Sidon (South Lebanon). He asked for our fervent prayers and help for Lebanon. I assured him of our unceasing prayers and that we will do our part to help. Therefore, I appeal to you to give generously to help the suffering people of Lebanon. Finally, as we prepare to begin the Dormition Fast on August 1, let us beseech the most-holy Theotokos to intercede for the suffering people of Lebanon. Your Father in Christ, +Metropolitan PHILIP Please make your checks payable to your local parish, marking them “Lebanon Relief.” |
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Letter from Al-Kafaat in Lebanon
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Most Reverend Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba Your Eminence, I am writing to you this letter with tears in my eyes, but with a strong will of survival as always. I simply wish to let you know that my family and I are safe. Our five centers that lie in the midst of the area targeted by the Israelis have so far been spared. Bombs are falling few meters away from the centers, causing severe damages to the neighboring buildings, but the Hand of our Lord has protected our centers so far. Meanwhile, we are now extending emergency relief at the Ain-Saadeh Dormitories of our Campus to a number of our employees and their families that have lost their homes. We have so far 95 people there, of which at least 30 are children under 15. Yesterday night we feared for our own lives. We live in Baabda and the main square which lies about 500 meters away from our home, was targeted. The magnitude of the disaster is huge. I have never seen such a humungous crater in the ground. We had no alternatives but to pack our bags this morning and move up to our Campus, where we have found refuge ourselves. The situation is very bad. The military siege and the constant bombing with disciplined and ferocious accuracy are becoming worst by the day. Evidently, the operation seems perfectly well prepared, and makes believe that the Hezbollah abduction of the two soldiers was the occasional spark. But above all, the country is currently enduring an economic blockade which will undoubtedly bleed the civilian population as the stocks of food and medicine come to terms in the coming days. I am finishing this letter with the heavy sound of the Israeli war planes pounding Beirut again in the background. I am not sure what the next days will bring us and my thoughts are shattered between trying to find a way out, and staying put next to my family and Al-Kafaat. These are terrible times- times I would have never thought we would witness again. These are times of mourning: the casualties have so far reached the incredible number of 300 since the beginning of the offensive. But these are also times for praying, praying that the madness stops soon, and that men regain theirs senses. Your daughter in Christ, Myriam N. SHWAYRI |
Urgent Appeal on Behalf of 8-year Old Child of God Marie
Urgent Appeal on Behalf of 8-year Old Child of God Marie
8-year-old Marie needs your prayers and your help. She has been undergoing chemotherapy and viral drug treatments, yielding limited results. Her doctors are looking for a bone marrow transplant, however, there is no match in the National Bone Marrow Registry. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Though there are millions of people already in the registry, Marie was not found to match anyone in the national or international databases. As many more people as possible need to be, at least several thousand, and give the results to Marie’s doctors.
- Please consider being tested to see if you are a match for Marie.
- Please ask others to consider being tested.
- Consider placing yourself on the National Bone Marrow Registry.
- Please also pass this request on to your family, friends, co-workers, and to their prayer and Bible study groups and religious communities.
- Print this flyer up and pass it out.
Special note for those in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. You can be tested on Monday, June 12, between 3-8 p.m. at St. Matthew School Gymnasium at 56th and Binford Blvd.
Please join in praying for this effort, trusting that many will respond with an outpouring of Christ-like love on behalf of Marie, one of these little ones. May the Lord have mercy on us all.
Please read the information below, taken from this web page:
http://www.stgindy.org/Event_Flyers/BoneMarrowMG.htm
You may also remain updated regarding Marie and the bone marrow testing at this website:
http://www.stgindy.org/
Testing for the National Marrow Donor Program
Why are we setting up special testing to find a match for Marie?
Though there are millions of people already in the registry, Marie was not found to match anyone in the national or international databases. We’d like to test as many more people as possible, at least several thousand, and give the results to Marie’s doctors. If they can’t find an exact match, they can use a donation from someone who’s a close match. Unfortunately, the national database only returns exact matches—of which there are none—that’s why we have to get the results directly to Marie’s doctors. No one from Marie’s immediate family was found to be a suitable match, and the doctors tell us that the match may likely come from someone totally unrelated, even from a different ethnic or racial background, so we need to test many people.
Note also that if you don’t match Marie, you may be able to help someone else in Marie’s name, just like the millions of people who could have been potential donors for her from the registry.
Who can be tested?
You must be between 18 and 60 years old and in general good health. You cannot have had cancer (except for small skin or breast cancers that have been treated successfully), heart disease (except controlled hypertension) or autoimmune diseases (other than seasonal allergies). See http://www.marrow.org/HELP/med_guidelines_join.html for more information.
What is involved in the test?
You only need to give a couple of small vials of blood for typing, not a pint like when you donate blood (but you may choose to donate blood at the same time, at your option). It’s painless to give a sample.
What if I can’t make it June 12 or if I live outside Indianapolis?
If you would like to be tested but cannot make this date, please call Melissa at the Indiana Blood Center, 317-916-5110, for a test kit that can be mailed to your home. You swab your mouth, and mail the swab back to the Blood Center. You can also contact local blood banks in other cities for an individual test or to set up a large group for testing like we’re doing in Indianapolis, but please be sure to designate that the results be sent to the doctors attending Marie George at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
What does it cost?
There is a $50 tax-deductible donation to the Indiana Blood Center for their cost to do the typing ($62 if you use the mail-in kit), but please do NOT let the cost deter you from being tested. Private donors will cover the costs, if necessary.
What is involved if I am found to be a match?
If you are found to be a suitable match for Marie (or for anyone else in need, via the registry), the procedure involves withdrawing some bone marrow from a hip bone with a needle, under anesthesia. No incisions are necessary. You will leave the hospital that day and should be totally fine by evening. You can donate the bone marrow in a local hospital (at either IU Medical Center or St. Francis Hospital for those who live in the Indianapolis area), and there is no cost to the donor.
48th Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Montreal
Below are photos, audio, and video from the 48th Antiochian Archdiocese Convention at the Le Centre Sheraton - Montreal, Quebec, Canada from July 23 to 29, 2007.
PHOTOS
Click here to view photos from the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday July 29, 2007.
Click here to view photos from Wednesday and Thursday July 26 and 27, 2007.
Click here to view photos from Wednesday July 25, 2007.
AUDIO
Fr. Peter Gillquist - Closing Banquet Address - Sunday, July 29, 2007
Click To Listen - 20 years after the EOC was received into the Antiochian Archdiocese by Metropolitan PHILIP, Fr. Peter reflects on the experience and what has happened since.
2007 Archdiocese Oratorical Festival - Part 1 - Saturday, July 28, 2007
Click To Listen - Contestants in order of presentations:
Paul Juzdan, St. George, Little Falls, NJ, Danna Sawalha, St. Elias,
Syracuse, NY,Matt Wood, St. George, Worcester, MA, David Kurian, St.
George, Cicero, IL, Joel Schaefer, St. John the Baptist, Post Falls,
ID, Mero Geesey, St. Mary, West Palm Beach, FL, Lily Wakim, St. George,
Witchita, KS
2007 Archdiocese Oratorical Festival - Part 2 -
Click To Listen - Continuation of program.
2007 Archdiocese Oratorical Festival - Part 3 -
Click To Listen - And the winner is . . . .Lily Wakim!!
Metropolitan +PHILIP Message to the 48th Archdiocese Convention
Click To Listen - Metropolitan PHILIP.
Report - Antiochian Archdiocese Orthodox Christian Women of North America
Click To Listen - Mrs. Laila Ferris - President
Report - Dept. of The Word Magazine
Click To Listen - Fr. John Abdalah - Editor
Report - Dept. of Christian Education
Click To Listen - Mrs. Carole Buleza - Chair
Report - Dept. of Sacred Music
Click To Listen - Mr. Christopher Holwey - Chairman
Report - Fellowship of St. John the Divine
Click To Listen - Mrs. Joan Farha - President
Report - NAC Teen Soyo
Click To Listen - Mr. George Sackllah
Report - Dept. of Youth and Parish Ministries
Click To Listen - Fr. Joseph Purpura
Report - Dept. of Convention Planning
Click To Listen - Mr. Gregory Dorany, Fr. Michael Ellias - Co Chairmen
Report - Dept. of Lay Ministry
Click To Listen - Dr. Anthony Bashir, Dr. John Dalack - Co-Chairmen
Report - Dept. of Marriage and Family
Click To Listen - Kh. Maggie Hock - Chair
Report - Dept. of Stewardship
Click To Listen - Mr. Ron Nicola - Chairman
Report - Dept. of Communications and Information
Click To Listen - Fr. George Kevorkian in behalf of Mr. Sean Buscay - Chairman
Report - Dept. of Charity
Click To Listen - Co-chair - Fr. George Rados and Miss Robin Nicholas
Report - Chaplain and Pastoral Counseling Ministry
Click To Listen - Fr. George Morelli - Chairman
Report - Conciliar Press
Click To Listen - Fr. Thomas Zell - Chairman
Report - Dept. of Planning and Future Development
Click To Listen - Ruth Ann Skaff
Report - Dept. of Missions and Evangelism
Click To Listen - Fr. Peter Gillquist - Chairman
Report - Clergy Insurance Commission
Click To Listen - Fr. Michael Ellias - Chairman
Report - Dept. of Liturgics
Click To Listen - Fr. Edward Hughes
Report - Western Rite Vicarate
Click To Listen - Fr. Edward Hughes
Report - Antiochian Village Council
Click To Listen - Mr. Robert Laham - Chairman
Report - Antiochian Village Learning Center
Click To Listen - Mr. Paul Finley - Director
Report - Nominating Committee
Click To Listen - Fr. George Kevorkian
Report - Dept. of Theological and Pastoral Education - Thursday, July 26, 2007
Click To Listen - Fr. Joseph Allen - Director
Report - Dept. of Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Faith Relations
Click To Listen - Fr. Olaf Scott - Chairman
Reports - Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch - Thursday, July 26, 2007
Click To Listen - Edward Assile - North American Chair
The 2007 Bible Bowl - Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Click To Listen - Bible knowledge competition between the parish teens who won their regional contests. (1:25)
A Vision for Unity - Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Click To Listen - Fr. Anthony Gabriel from St. GeorgeAntiochian Orthodox Church in Montreal speaks at Wednesday evening vespers about Metropolitan +PHILIP’s vision for unity.
Report 4 11:20PM - Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Click To Listen - A Call for Unity - Fr. Paul O’Callahan speaking at Divine Liturgy and an interview with Fr. Constantine Nasr about how unity works in his community.
Report 3 1140 PM ET - Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Click To Listen - Report 3.
Report 2 10:05 PM ET - Monday, July 23, 2007
Click To Listen - Today’s report includes a candid conversation with His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP as the convention opens.
Report 1 11:00 PM ET - Sunday, July 22, 2007
Click To Listen - The convention starts on Monday but here is the first report on the busy activities of the planners.
VIDEO
Click here to watch video from the Convention.
Credits:
Audio provided by AncientFaithRadio.com
Video provided by Orthodox.TV
Photography provided by Antiochian.org
ANCIENT FAITH RADIO INTRODUCES THE FREDERICA MATHEWES-GREEN PODCAST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
John Maddex
Ancient Faith Radio
773.354.1213
ANCIENT FAITH RADIO INTRODUCES THE FREDERICA MATHEWES-GREEN PODCAST
CHICAGO MAY 10, 2007 -- Ancient Faith Radio will broadcast a new program beginning June 2, 2007, called, “Frederica Here and Now,” featuring weekly updates from noted Orthodox Christian author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green. “Frederica Here and Now” will be heard several times per week but will also be available via download on the Ancient Faith Radio website.
The broadcast will feature fresh reflections on Frederica’s travel and experiences. She will talk to interesting people, tell us fascinating stories and share unique insight into the changing world in which we live.
Ancient Faith Radio founder and director John Maddex said, “Frederica joins our fast-growing list of regular commentators including Fr. Tom Soroka, Dr. Clark Carlton, Matthew Gallatin, Fr. Pat Reardon, Fr. Joseph Huneycutt and more. We’re excited about the possibilities of this broadcast as we continue to expand our offerings, and we’re glad to have Frederica on board working together with us on this new outreach.”
Frederica Mathewes-Green has also expressed her enthusiasm over this new project. “It's an exciting time to be a writer, with the media continually transforming itself and offering new ways to communicate. The podcast concept offers fresh, flexible, and compelling possibilities of audio communication. I knew I didn't want to record pre-written pieces in a studio setting. I wanted to go out exploring--to use the medium's portability to create short pieces prompted by the things I see and hear and read, the people I meet, the places I go. I'm delighted that Ancient Faith Radio will host my podcast, 'Here and Now,' and looking forward to exploring this new medium's capabilities."
Plans include offering the weekly broadcast as a free download which can be played at any time. It will also be available as a podcast via RSS subscription for users of iTunes®, as well as users of iPods® and other MP3 players.
More information about the growing list of podcasts available from Ancient Faith Radio can be obtained when logging on to www.ancientfaithradio.com/podcasts.
# # #
Ancient Faith Radio, founded in December, 2004, is a ministry of All Saints Orthodox Church in Chicago and a leading provider of Orthodox Christian content via internet streaming audio, 24 hours a day.
Conciliar Press and AncientFaithRadio.com - Announcement of Strategic Merger
Conciliar Press, a department of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and Ancient Faith Radio, the popular and growing pan-Orthodox media site, have received the blessing of Metropolitan PHILIP to unite operations, and to work together in their efforts to glorify God and advance the cause of Christ and His Church.
This important merger will combine the strength of CP's thirty years experience in traditional print publishing with AFR's exciting new communications technologies such as Internet radio and podcasting.
Our first collaborative effort is the launching in September 2007 of the AGAIN Audio Journal, a monthly podcast featuring the most compelling voices in Orthodoxy today.
Conciliar Press Ministries and Ancient Faith Radio are honored to make this wonderful announcement, and look forward to sharing additional details as soon as they are available from Fr. Thomas Zell and John Maddex, the leaders of these newly united ministries. May it be blessed!
Memory Eternal+ Deacon Larry Whaley
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Deacon Larry Whaley of St. Ellian Church in Brownsville, PA. For information regarding funeral arrangements, which have not been determined, please call Fr. John Abdallah at (724) 518-5788 or Fr. James Barkett at (330) 398-2648. Please remember Deacon Larry in your prayers.
Memory Eternal+ The Right Reverend Michael Trigg
It is with extreme sadness that we inform you that our beloved brother in Christ, the Right Reverend Michael Trigg, Pastor Emeritus of St. Michael Church in Whittier, California fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, May 12, 2007. The date of the funeral will be announced as soon as it is available. His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH has asked the parishes to please remember him in your prayers for the departed for the next 40 days and to hold a special Trisagion for his eternal life. May God receive him in His Heavenly Kingdom and may his memory be eternal.
Metropolitan PHILIP delivers the commencment address at the 64th Annual Commencement of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary
On Saturday May 26, 2007, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP attended the 64th Annual Commencement of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he delivered the commencement address to the graduating students. In addition, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinty degree by St. Tikhon’s Seminary. The yearbook this year was dedicated to His Eminence (read the dedication here). His Eminence was greeted by His Beatitude HERMAN, the primate of the Orthodox Church in America. It was truly a memorable day, and it was a blessing for His Eminence to be present at this wonderful occasion, as it was a blessing for all those in attendance to welcome him. The Antiochian students who graduated from St. Tikhon were Fr. George Shawareb (Oklahoma City, OK) and Fr. Andrew Damick (Raleigh, NC).. We extend our prayers and good wishes for their new ministries to the Church.
Click here to read the Dedication
Photos...
DEDICATION
DEDICATION
On October 13, 1966, in St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP (Saliba), was enthroned as Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
For these past 40 years Sayidna Philip has demonstrated great faith, yeoman service and visionary leadership in overseeing the flock that was entrusted to his care. He has guided the growth of the Archdiocese, through missionary labors and the reception of thousands of Evangelical Christians into Orthodoxy that has resulted in the quadrupling of the parishes under his omophorion.
His Eminence was instrumental in uniting the Antiochian Orthodox into one jurisdiction, achieving the status of a self-ruling archdiocese from the Holy Synod of Antioch, and establishing the structure of diocesan bishops governing local churches.
He has been a shining beacon and championing voice of Orthodox unity in America, as vice chairman of the Standing Conference of Orthodox Canonical Bishops in the Americas, and as host of the first-ever national gathering of Orthodox hierarchs in the U.S. at Ligonier.
He has promoted theological education, serving as St. Vladimir's Seminary vice president, and establishing the Antiochian House of Studies, its Doctor of Ministry Program, St. Stephen's Course in Orthodox Theology and the St. Athanasius Academy.
Sayidna's humanitarian and philanthropic work are legendary throughout the world; he has labored for peace in the Middle East and a balanced U. S. foreign policy in that area, and has raised millions of dollars to aid refugees, victims of war, and survivors of disasters.
This year St. Tikhon's Seminary proudly confers the academic degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, upon His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP. And to this eminent philanthropist and inspired administrator., dedicated builder and loving father, distinguished churchman and courageous archpastor ... this issue of The Tikhonaire is proudly dedicated .
Eis polla eti, Despota!
The Falling Asleep in the Lord of Fr. Thomas Ruffin
It is with sadness that we announce the falling asleep in the Lord of the Very Reverend Thomas Ruffin on Saturday, June 23, 2007. (read more about the life of Fr. Thomas here)
Fr. Tom will lie in state at the Basilica of St. Mary, 18100 Merriman Rd., Livonia, MI 48152 on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm. The priest’s funeral service will begin at 7:30pm on Wednesday. Fr. Tom will lie in state at the Basilica on Thursday, June 28th from 9:00am to 10:00am. The funeral liturgy will begin at 10:00am followed by a meal of mercy at St. Mary’s Cultural Center. After the meal, there will be a procession to the cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the Iconography Project at the Basilica of St. Mary.
For those who are traveling, please call the following hotels for reservations; Marriott Hotel 734-462-3100 or the Courtyard by Marriott at 734-462-2000. These hotels are approximately 10 minutes from the church.
May his Memory be Eternal!
June 24, 2007
Very Reverend Father Thomas Ruffin
The Very Reverend Father Thomas Ruffin who served our Orthodox community for over 54 years fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, June 23, 2007.
Born in Oklahoma in 1927, Father Tom was raised in Iowa by Lebanese parents.
Father Tom is survived by his wife Sally Ruffin nee Zakaib of Charleston, West Virginia, who cared for him with grace until his death; four children: Gregory and Colleen, Helena, Philip and Terri, and Paula; four grandchildren: Kelsey, Zachary, Madison, and Hannah, sisters Velma Sleem and Betty Haddad and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from The University of Iowa, he studied at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Massachusetts where ordination as an Orthodox priest occurred in 1953.
His first assignment with the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese was with St. George in Worcester, Massachusetts, as an assistant pastor.
After five years he transferred to Detroit, Michigan, as pastor at St. George. While at St. George, he oversaw its first major building project. He was president of the Detroit area Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association as well as the spiritual and inspirational advisor to the newly formed Wayne State University Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
In 1970, Father Tom transferred to Tucson, Arizona, then to Orinda, California, and next to Los Altos Hills, California, at the Orthodox Church of the Redeemer where he served his final fourteen years as a full-time parish priest. He was particularly proud of implementing the iconography in the sanctuary at Church of the Redeemer. He also served at St. Ignatius in Windsor, Ontario and was an attached priest at the Basilica of St. Mary for many years.
During the years of his ministry he held the position of Exarch and performed as a special advisor to the late Archbishop ANTONY Bashir and the current Archbishop PHILIP Saliba. Fr. Tom traveled extensively for his Church throughout the United States and the Middle East.
He served as Chairman of the National Association of Arab-Americans, a Washington based lobby for justice and peace in the Middle East. Presidents, governors, mayors, senators, congressmen, ambassadors, and the media found a ready and sturdy friend in Father Tom.
For years he was Chairman of the Archdiocese Departments of Convention Conference Planning and Statistics Credentials. Fr. Tom was a past president of the Antiochian Archdiocese Clergy Association and nationally recognized in Life Magazine for fighting poverty in Detroit.
Father Tom carried a strong presence in the Antiochian Church. We will fondly remember his love for his family, quick sense of humor and zest for life. Loyal to his friends, his passing leaves a vacuum. His charismatic preaching touched the lives of all who attended his worship services.
May Father Tom’s memory be eternal.
------------
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be donated to the Iconography Project at The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia, Michigan.
The Falling Asleep of His Eminence KYRILL
HIS EMINENCE KYRILL, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania and the Bulgarian Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, senior-most member of the of the OCA's Holy Synod, fell asleep in Christ on Sunday - June 17th.. May his memory be eternal.
For press release from OCA.org click here
The Rudder - 24 Hour Internet Based Orthodox Station Goes Live!
Press Release
For more information contact:
Chuck Powell, Development Director
877-273-2348
Ft. Lauderdale (July 11, 2007) – The Rudder, OCN’s second internet based radio station is now live.
The Rudder will feature some of the most beautiful Orthodox liturgical
music from around the world 24 hours a day and all available on your
internet connection.
Fr. Seraphim Dedes, hieromonk at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery in Ohio,
and formerly of Mt. Athos, and Stelios Kontakiotis, master chanter and
choir director at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be advising
OCN on liturgical musical selections and drawing from the rich beauty
of Orthodox liturgical music from around the world and in many
different languages, including the ground breaking work being done in
English.
The Rudder will also feature teaching programs designed to educate and edify the Orthodox and non-Orthodox listener alike.
OCN is committed to building a national, sustainable, and effective
media witness for the Orthodox Churches in America by using as many
media ministries as possible. This second internet based radio outreach
joins The Ark as another way we are continuing to fulfill the mission
of ministry and outreach for America.
Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), is the official media agency of
SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the
Americas, and develops effective ways to use modern media to raise
awareness of our Orthodox faith in the minds of the general population
and to be an “assistant” to local parish priests in keeping our
faithful attached to the Church between worship services. OCN produces
the nationally syndicated radio program Come Receive The Light and the
24 hour internet based radio ministries of The Ark and The Rudder. For
more information, go to www.myocn.net.
On the Scene to Serve at Virginia Tech
"32 are gone, because one was lost."
That statement, anonymously written on a placard on the Virginia Tech campus, has echoed through my mind since I saw it on Tuesday. I'm part of a team of Orthodox Christian 'first responders' who arrived in Blacksburg, Virginia, to help the community cope with this tragedy.
Accompanying me through the gracious assistance of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) are:
• Fr. Angelo Pappas of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
• Fr. Peter Preble of Saint Michael Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas in Southbridge, MA, and
• Dn. Raphael Barberg of Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Niagara Falls, NY.
We've all ministered as first responders in emergencies such as the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and Hurricane Katrina. Each of us is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Debriefing (CISD).
The team arrived in Blacksburg on Monday, April 23, with plans to stay through at least Friday. We were met by Virginia Tech OCF Spiritual Advisor Fr. Dean Nastos of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke, VA, and Anna Furry, OCF President at Virginia Tech., and planned our first meeting with Orthodox students on Tuesday evening.
On Tuesday morning we introduced ourselves to the various organizations on campus who were responding to the incident: the Police Department, the American Red Cross (Spiritual Care), Campus Ministry Office, the Newman Center, and others.
In the afternoon we visited the various memorials erected by the students and administration. At the central memorial on the Drill Field in front of Burruss Hall, the main administration building, students erected memorials for all of the victims - and the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho. I was especially touched by their compassion for Cho, who had brought so much grief to the campus. Students, parents and faculty spontaneously approached us throughout the afternoon to talk.
After dinner, we held our OCF meeting. Bishop THOMAS of Oakland, PA (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese), led the students in Trisagion prayers at the central memorial. His Grace then read the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom to the group. After the Trisagion service, Fr. Angelo walked everyone through a formal Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
Wednesday morning and afternoon we stationed ourselves in the Newman Center for the purpose of meeting with individual students. I'll keep you posted as we continue to minister...
Pray for God's mercy here at Virginia Tech,
If you would like to help support OCF's response to this tragedy and the ministry, please click below:
April 25, 2007 : Leave a message for His Grace Bishop MARK in Honor Of His Names's Day!
Wednesday, April 25nd, is the Name's Day of His Grace Bishop MARK of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Leave a message for His Grace Bishop MARK today!
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave message.
Connect 2007
Click here to download letter from Metropolitan PHILIP
Click here to download Registration Flyer
Click here to download Word Magazine Ad
January 4, 2002
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT
Beloved Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese:
Greetings and best wishes in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are pleased to inform you that the University of Balamand is offering once again the CONNECT program this coming summer in Lebanon for young men and women, who are seventeen to twenty-five years of age. During the past two years of the program, eight members of our Archdiocese participated and gained memorable lifetime experiences. CONNECT is addressed to our youth in the United States and Canada with the goal of introducing them to their heritage, the Arabic language and to the culture of the region and to the Church of Antioch, “where the disciples were first called Christians.”
A brochure on CONNECT 2003 provides all details and is being mailed to you from the University. I have discussed the program with University officials and found it most useful for the young men and women of our Archdiocese in North America. When you receive copies of the brochure, kindly distribute them to interested members of your parish.
We do encourage participation in this program as part of our effort to strengthen ties with our Orthodox University in Lebanon.
Yours in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
Of North America
April 22, 2007 : Leave a message for Bishop JOSEPH in honor of his name's day
Sunday, April 22nd, is the Name's Day of His Grace Bishop JOSEPH of Los Angeles and the Diocese of the West. Leave a message for His Grace Bishop JOSEPH today!
Annual Meeting of the Archdiocese Department of Finance on April 18, 2007
The Archdiocese Department of Finance held its annual budget meeting on Wednesday April 18th, 2007 at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, NJ.
The main order of business was the development of the Archdiocese budget for the Fiscal Year 2009 (Feb. 1 2008 through Jan. 31 2009).
This budget was successfully developed by the members of the Department, and it will be submitted to the Archdiocese Board of Trustees for approval at their June meeting. The final step will be to submit the budget to the General Assembly of the Convention in Montreal for final approval.
Photos...
Pictured from left to right are:
Paul Finley, Very Rev. Anthony Yazge, Robert Laham, Bishop ANTOUN,
Metropolitan PHILIP, George Farha, Peter Dacales, George Nassor, Edward Assile.
Paul Finley, Very Rev. Anthony Yazge, Robert Laham, Bishop ANTOUN,
Metropolitan PHILIP, George Farha, Peter Dacales, George Nassor, Edward Assile.
The Visit of Archbishop Theodosius “Atallah” Hanna to the U.S.
Archbishop THEODOSIOS “Atallah” Hanna, Archbishop of Sevastia, from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem is visiting the U.S. and is a guest of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, NJ. The visit of Archbishop THEODOSIOS has included attendance at the 20th Anniversary banquet for the Palestinian Heritage Foundation which was held on Sunday April 15th, and attended by more than 400 guests. On that same Sunday, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Little Falls, NJ. He has also visited the homes of several Palestinian families in this country, and has had an opportunity to meet with people from his village of Rameh in Galilee.
The photo was taken on Tuesday April 17th at the Archdiocese headquarters in Englewood, NJ with the members of the Ordination Review Board, who happened to be meeting on that day.
Photo...
In the photo, from left to right are Very Rev. Thomas Zain, Bishop ANTOUN,
Metropolitan PHILIP, Archbishop THEODOSIOS, and Very Rev. Elias Bitar.
April 8, 2007 : METROPOLITAN PHILIP celebrated the divine services of Pascha,
METROPOLITAN PHILIP celebrated the divine services of Pascha at his Cathedral of St Nicholas in Brooklyn, NY, the mother parish of the Archdiocese of North America.
Photos...
St. Nicholas Cathedral's Resurrection icon
Come, take light from the Light . . .
. . . that is never overtaken by night . . .
. . . come and glorify Christ . . .
. . .risen from the dead.
Metropolitan PHILIP chanting the Resurrection Gospel.
Glory to the Holy, consubstantial, Life-giving and undivided
Trinity . . .
The Hajme or Rush procession.
Christ is Risen!
Who is the king of glory?
Metropolitan PHILIP chanting the Paschal Canon, "Today is the day of
Resurrection . . ."
"Save us O Son of God, who art Risen from the dead . . ."
"O Lord, O Lord, look down from heaven . . . ."
"I will wash my hands in innocence . . . ."
His Eminence remembers Patriarch IGNATIUS IV, Holy Synod of Antioch,
our Local Synod and all the faithful.
Metropolitan PHILIP blessing the Paschal eggs.
The Bier from Holy Friday
The final blessing, "Glory to his holy third-day Resurrection!"
The Cathedral Faithful coming to receive the blessed eggs.
Meeting of the Canonical Bishops of the West Coast
At the invitation of His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH (Antiochian), the canonical Orthodox Bishops in the West Coast held their historic first gathering on Bright Tuesday, April 10, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. In attendance were His Eminence, Metropolitan GERASIMOS (Greek), His Grace, Bishop MAXIM (Serbian) and His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN (OCA), along with the Deans of the four Cathedrals in the Los Angeles area: V. Rev. Great Economos Michel Najim (St. Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral), V. Rev. John Bakkas (St. Sophia Greek Cathedral), V. Rev. Michael Senyo (Holy Virgin Mary OCA Cathedral), V. Rev. Nikola Ceko (St. Stephen Serbian Cathedral).
The gathering began with singing the Paschal Apolytikion and the blessing of the food. After lunch, His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH welcomed everyone and thanked them for making time to attend this gathering. He reviewed the items on the agenda and made an opening statement about the importance of expressing our Holy Orthodox Faith with one voice. His Eminence, Metropolitan GERASIMOS congratulated His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN on his recent election to the vacant See of San Francisco and the West of the OCA. The hierarchs discussed a variety of matters including the need for Pan-Orthodox gatherings. They appointed the four deans present to meet and make recommendations about gatherings of the people from the different jurisdictions.
The hierarchs agreed to schedule the next gathering during the summer to be hosted by His Eminence at the Greek Metropolis of San Francisco. Please pray that the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit Himself, will guide the works of the hierarchs to do His will on earth as it is in Heaven.
Photos...
SCOBA AGENCY PREPARES TO LAUNCH A SECOND INTERNET MUSIC OUTREACH
Press Release
For more information contact:
Chuck Powell, Development Director
877-273-2348
Ft. Lauderdale (February 15) – 2007 has started out to be the most productive year ever for Orthodox Christian Network. The technology exists to create multiple media outreach tools for our Orthodox Churches all across the country and OCN is committed to using this technology to do just that. With the launch of The Ark, OCN’s 24 hour internet based radio outreach featuring contemporary Orthodox Christian music and more; we have seen a dramatic increase in interest in OCN’s work to create a national, sustainable, and effective media witness for the Orthodox Church here in America and around the world.
Now OCN is preparing to launch an additional media option to reach out to the Orthodox faithful and religious seekers alike.
In the next few weeks, OCN will add another 24 hour internet based media ministry to our growing media products. It will be called The Rudder!
The Rudder will feature Orthodox Christian liturgical music from around the world along with teaching programs heard on The Ark and the nationally syndicated radio program, Come Receive The Light. The launch of The Rudder will coincide with a complete reworking of the OCN website to better reflect our growing ministry and to serve an increasing number of visitors and members to our web site. Changes are already being made at www.receive.org, but the next several weeks will see an increase in activity and additional ministry tools all designed to help local parishes stay connected to the faithful and to draw the religious seeker to Orthodoxy.
The Rudder will join The Ark as an additional media ministry product produced by OCN. Our first was the nationally syndicated half hour program Come Receive The Light. Keep an eye on OCN because we aren’t finished growing. To learn more about OCN and how we are using media to share the timeless beauty of Orthodoxy, go to www.receive.org.
OCN is a commissioned agency of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, and our Orthodox hierarchs have directed OCN to find effective ways to use modern media to raise awareness of our Orthodox faith in the minds of the general population and to be an “assistant” to local parish priests in keeping our faithful attached to the Church between worship services.
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SCOBA AGENCY TO LAUNCH 24 HOUR INTERNET RADIO
Press Release
For more information contact:
Chuck Powell, Development Director
877-273-2348
Ft. Lauderdale (January 10) – Technology is rapidly changing the way Americans listen to the radio. This year 58% of US homes with internet access have high speed internet, either DSL or Cable and a growing number of Americans are listening to web based radio.
The audience for internet radio increase 50% this past year with 12% of Americans 12 years of age or older listening to internet radio. The fact is internet radio is developing faster than FM radio did when it was introduced just 30 years ago.
This is why Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is launching The Ark, a 24 hour a day internet radio outreach designed to be a listening alternative for you and your family. The Ark will be a fully functioning media resource for Orthodox Christians to provide positive, uplifting contemporary Orthodox Christian music and more. The Ark will also be a wonderful teaching resource to share with the growing internet media listeners the rich theology and beautiful worship of Orthodox Christianity. The Ark will launch its 24 hour ministry Sunday, January 21st, 2007 on www.receive.org. This is also Share The Light Sunday all across the nation in all our Orthodox Christian parishes, a Sunday established by our Orthodox hierarchs to call the faithful to support the media ministry work of OCN.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Metropulos, founder and Executive Director of OCN, said “The Ark is another way OCN is using every means available to create a national, sustainable, and effective media witness for our Church. Orthodoxy is simply not well known in too many communities across America. The Ark will help change that!”
Programming on The Ark will focus on Orthodox Christian contemporary music by Orthodox artists like Jimmy Santis, Fr. Peter Jon Gilquist, Eikona, Monica Matthews, and Andrew Anthony. It will also feature OCN’s premier syndicated radio program Come Receive The Light. Plus more teaching ministry programming is being developed to share the rich, scriptural teachings of Orthodoxy to more and more spiritually seeking Americans. Emmy Louvaris, the Program Director for The Ark, states “As a working mother of two daughters, my girls are constantly listening to music on the internet or their IPods. Our Church needs to provide an alternative to all the stuff out there. I want my children to stay connected to the Church.”
OCN is committed to using media to being an effective support to the ministry of the local parish. Because of this commitment, The Ark will also be a customizable ministry tool for local parishes. Every parish that becomes a Share The Light Parish in 2007 will be eligible to receive a customized version of The Ark for their home page. A local parish will be able to share parish announcements, festival news, and even a Sunday sermon. When visitors come to that parish web site, they will enjoy all the programming of The Ark AND local parish information.
The Ark is the second media ministry product produced by OCN. Our first was the nationally syndicated half hour program Come Receive The Light. To learn more about OCN and how we are using media to share the timeless beauty of Orthodoxy, go to www.receive.org.
OCN is a commissioned agency of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, and our Orthodox hierarchs have directed OCN to find effective ways to use modern media to raise awareness of our Orthodox faith in the minds of the general population and to be an “assistant” to local parish priests in keeping our faithful attached to the Church between worship services.
The falling asleep in the Lord of Rev. Fr. Michael Abraham
QUEENSBURY -- The Rev. Father C. Michael Abraham, 75, a lifetime resident of South Glens Falls, and a former resident of The Glen in Queensbury, fell asleep in The Lord on Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at his home.
Born May 19, 1931, in South Glens Falls, he was the son of the late George Joseph, (1951) and Martha (Khoury) (1996) Abraham.
Father Michael was a 1949 graduate of South Glens Falls High School. He attended SUNY Albany and achieved his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, and began a teaching career in Corinth from 1953-1963. He also studied at St. Vladimir Theological Seminary in Iuckaboe, N.Y., receiving certificate of completion before the Seminary was granted a degree- granting status in New York state.
The Rev. Father C. Michael Abraham was ordained, Aug. 13, 1963, by Metropolitan ANTONY Bashir of Thrice-Blessed Memory. His ordination was in Washington, D.C., sponsored by St. George Church of Albany.
He served with distinction in the main headquarters of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America from 1963 until 1968.
Father Michael then returned home due to health problems in 1968. The day he returned, the Superintendent of Warrensburg Central School requested his return to teach at the Warrensburg Central Elementary School. He taught from 1968 until he retired from teaching in 1990.
Father Michael founded the Chapel of the Archangel Gabriel, South Glens Falls, in 1963 at his ordination with the blessing of Metropolitan ANTONY.
He was extremely proud to be from South Glens Falls, and was always interested in the community. He was the Chaplain of the American Legion Mohawk Post 553, South Glens Falls, the South Glens Falls Volunteer Fire Company and the Moreau Emergency Squad. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Rosemarie DeVoe.
Survivors include his brother, Louis G. Abraham and his wife, Donna E., which Father lovingly called his sister, and their children, all of Saratoga; his aunts, Sarah F. Del Signore of South Glens Falls, and Emily Morwood and her husband, George, of Geneva, N.Y.; his uncle, Jabra Khoury of South Glens Falls; and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St., South Glens Falls. Trisagion prayers will be conducted at 7 p.m.. For condolences, www.kilmers.com.
The Funeral Rite will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at St. Michael's Church, South Glens Falls, with the Very Rev. Father Alvian N. Smirensky of the St. Basil's Church in Maplewood, N.Y., and the Very Rev. Father Robert Nugent, pastor of St. Michael's Church, South Glens Falls, officiating.
The Rite of Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls.
Friends and family are invited for a Mercy dinner following the service on Wednesday at Rainer's, 89 Route 41, Hudson Falls.
Excerpted from the Post-Star on 2/25/2007.
V. Rev. George Shaheen brother of Archbishop MICHAEL (Shaheen)
February 11, 2007
Beloved Hierarchs, Rt. Rev. Frs., V. Rev. Frs., Rev. Frs., Rev. Dns. and faithful,
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be! It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the falling asleep of our beloved brother in Christ, the V. Rev. George Shaheen brother of Archbishop MICHAEL (Shaheen) on Saturday February 10, 2007. Every effort has been made to accommodate the family. The funeral arrangements are as follows:
The V. Rev. George Shaheen will be brought into the Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday February 15. Trisagion Prayers of Mercy will be offered by the clergy followed by the continuous reading of the Holy Gospels. The reading is interrupted only during Divine Services from this time until the departure of the departed from the church temple for burial.[1]
Visitation on Thursday afternoon from 2-5 is limited to clergy and family members. Evening visitation is from 7 -8 p.m., with Trisagion Prayers at 8 p.m. Visitation Friday on is from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. followed by the Rite of Burial for a Clergyman at 8 p.m. Saturday morning we will have Orthros at 9 a.m., a Hierarchical Liturgy at 10 a.m. followed immediately by the Funeral Service.
All clergy are encouraged to attend prepared to serve, bringing with them their Jibbi, Gold Vestments and a copy of The Funeral Service Book[2] Any clergy wishing to assist in serving the daily offices, i.e., Daily Vespers, Small Compline, Orthros, and Hours, may contact the Rev. Fr. Basil Koory at deanpastor@totalink.net or at St. George Cathedral (419) 475-7054. We will also need assistance in maintaining vigil with the continuous reading of the Holy Gospels. Fr. Basil and I will work coordinate all eulogies as we will have Fr. George’s two sons, Fr. Fred Shaheen, Fr. Michael Shaheen and his son-in-law the V. Rev. John Reimann all in attendance, as well as His Grace Bp. THOMAS of Charleston and Oakland.
Once again, please keep Kh. Marguerite and the Shaheen family in your God-pleasing prayers.
Yours in Christ,
+ MARK, Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest
1. The Funeral Service Book: According to the Usage of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, 2001, Compiled by the V. Rev. John Winfrey, p. 111
2. ibid
OCN SHARES THE LIGHT WITH HOUSTON, TEXAS
| Press Release For more information contact: Charles Powell, Director of Development 800-358-3088 Ft. Lauderdale (January 30, 2007) – Come Receive The Light, the national Orthodox Christian radio program produced by Orthodox Christian Network, announces our newest radio affiliate in Houston, Texas. Starting Sunday, February 4th you can now listen to Come Receive The Light every Sunday at 6:30 PM on KKHT FM 100.7. The station covers the greater Houston area and even reaches as far as Lake Charles, Louisiana. Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, the assistant priest at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston said “The launch of our national Orthodox radio program in Houston represents a united effort by our Orthodox parishes in this area to reach out to our neighbors with the message of Orthodoxy. It is also a powerful tool to keep our faithful connected to the Church between Sunday services.” Fr. Chris Metropulos, the host of Come Receive The Light, and the executive director of OCN, said “Adding the great city of Houston to our growing number of local communities who hear CRTL is a wonderful opportunity for mission and ministry. I look forward to expanding our outreach all across Texas.” Come Receive The Light is the flagship radio program of Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) and is dedicated to spreading joy, hope and salvation in Jesus Christ while exploring Orthodox Christianity in contemporary society. Orthodox Christian Networks is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and is a commissioned agency of SCOBA (The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas) and a member of the National Religious Broadcasters. Visit us at www.receive.org and listen to the 24 hour internet radio outreach – The Ark! Charles Powell |
Urgent Update On Humanitarian Assistance To Lebanon - August 30, 2006
As you know the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America has undertaken a massive fund raising program in order to assist the people of Lebanon who have suffered, and continued to suffer the consequences of widespread Israeli invasion and bombing.
On July 25, 2006, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP issued an appeal to all parishes and faithful of the Archdiocese to contribute generously to this most worthy cause. Some parishes have responded with generous contributions, for which we are most grateful. For those who have not yet responded, we urge you to do so immediately.
A Lebanese family is given refuge in a gymnasium in Damascus
In advance of the receipt of donations, His Eminence sent, in early August, $100,000 to His Eminence, Metropolitan ELIAS of Beirut, to help with the overflow of refugees that the Archdiocese of Beirut has been comforting and helping. Click here to see a copy of the August 24th letter from Metropolitan ELIAS of Beirut to Metropolitan PHILIP.
Also in early August, His Eminence sent $100,000 to His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV in Damascus to assist with the care of more than 200,000 Lebanese citizens who had fled to Syria in the wake of the bombing. This large influx of people caused an emergency need for shelter which was met by the opening of church and school buildings by His Beatitude to house the fleeing people. His Beatitude and the clergy of the Patriarchate are using these funds to meet some of the basic needs of these people and their families.
There is still so much more to be accomplished. By the grace of God, and through your generosity, our assistance to these most needy people will be pleasing to our Lord.
ANCIENT FAITH RADIO INTRODUCES DAILY BROADCAST OF “THE PATH”
| CHICAGO, January 24, 2007 -- Ancient Faith Radio will broadcast a new program beginning Monday, January 29th, called, “The Path,” featuring daily scripture readings and commentary on the lectionary of the Orthodox Church. The ten minute daily offering, broadcast three times per day, will also be available via download on the Ancient Faith Radio website. Hosted by Father Thomas Soroka, and produced in conjunction with Ancient Faith Radio, the new project is slated to meet the needs of Orthodox Christians through cutting edge technology.
The broadcast will feature readings from the daily epistles and gospels as well as the readings of the major feast days of the church. Lenten fare will include appropriate readings from the Old Testament. Thoughtful words inspired by traditional Orthodox commentary and writings will also be featured as well as references to the commemorations of the Saints. The broadcasts will air at 7:00 am CT/8:00 am ET, 11:30 am CT/12:30 pm ET, and 10:00 pm CT/11:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday. “Our listeners are asking for more content which supports growth in their spiritual life,” commented John Maddex, founder and general manager of Ancient Faith Radio, and member of the Board of Directors of the National Religious Broadcasters. “We’re excited about the possibilities of this broadcast as we continue to expand our offerings, and we’re glad to have Fr Tom on board working together with us on this important project.” Fr Thomas Soroka, rector of St Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKees Rocks, PA, near Pittsburgh, and member of the executive board of the Department of Evangelization for the Orthodox Church in America, will host the daily program. “It’s very important that Orthodox Christians become familiar with the scriptures, not only with the readings they hear on Sundays, but the entire, rich lectionary of our Faith,” stated Fr Tom. “We encourage everyone to read the word of God for their own spiritual growth, but we also acknowledge that there is a need for recorded material to bring the scriptures into the lives of busy people. I look forward to working together with Ancient Faith Radio to develop this daily broadcast.” Plans include offering the daily broadcast as a free download which can be played at any time. It will also be available as a podcast via RSS subscription for users of iTunes®, as well as users of iPods® and other MP3 players. An audio announcement and introduction of “The Path” is available at http://www.ancientfaithra.... # # # Ancient Faith Radio, founded in December, 2004, is a ministry of All Saints Orthodox Church in Chicago and a leading provider of Orthodox Christian content via internet streaming audio, 24 hours a day. |
Many Years Master!
MAY GOD GRANT HIM MANY YEARS! In honor of his feast day, St. Anthony
About St. Anthony the Great.
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Saint Anthony the Great is known as the Father of monasticism, and the long ascetical sermon in The Life of St Anthony by St Athanasius (Sections 16-34), could be called the first monastic Rule. He was born in Egypt in the village of Coma, near the desert of the Thebaid, in the year 251. His parents were pious Christians of illustrious lineage. Anthony was a serious child and was respectful and obedient to his parents. He loved to attend church services, and he listened to the Holy Scripture so attentively, that he remembered what he heard all his life. When St Anthony was about twenty years old, he lost his parents, but he was responsible for the care of his younger sister. Going to church about six months later, the youth reflected on how the faithful,in the Acts of the Apostles (4:35), sold their possessions and gave the proceeds to the Apostles for the needy. Then he entered the church and heard the Gospel passage where Christ speaks to the rich young man: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me" (Mt.19:21). Anthony felt that these words applied to him. Therefore, he sold the property that he received after the death of his parents, then distributed the money to the poor, and left his sister in the care of pious virgins in a convent. Leaving his parental home, St Anthony began his ascetical life in a hut not far from his village. By working with his hands, he was able to earn his livelihood and also alms for the poor. Sometimes, the holy youth also visited other ascetics living in the area, and from each he sought direction and benefit. He turned to one particular ascetic for guidance in the spiritual life. In this period of his life St Anthony endured terrible temptations from the devil. The Enemy of the race of man troubled the young ascetic with thoughts of his former life, doubts about his chosen path, concern for his sister, and he tempted Anthony with lewd thoughts and carnal feelings. But the saint extinguished that fire by meditating on Christ and by thinking of eternal punishment, thereby overcoming the devil. Realizing that the devil would undoubtedly attack him in another manner, St Anthony prayed and intensified his efforts. Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the path of salvation. And he was granted a vision. The ascetic beheld a man, who by turns alternately finished a prayer, and then began to work. This was an angel, which the Lord had sent to instruct His chosen one. St Anthony tried to accustom himself to a stricter way of life. He partook of food only after sunset, he spent all night praying until dawn. Soon he slept only every third day. But the devil would not cease his tricks, and trying to scare the monk, he appeared under the guise of monstrous phantoms. The saint however protected himself with the Life-Creating Cross. Finally the Enemy appeared to him in the guise of a frightful looking black child, and hypocritically declaring himself beaten, he thought he could tempt the saint into vanity and pride. The saint, however, vanquished the Enemy with prayer. For even greater solitude, St Anthony moved farther away from the village, into a graveyard. He asked a friend to bring him a little bread on designated days, then shut himself in a tomb. Then the devils pounced upon the saint intending to kill him, and inflicted terrible wounds upon him. By the providence of the Lord, Anthony's friend arrived the next day to bring him his food. Seeing him lying on the ground as if dead, he took him back to the village. They thought the saint was dead and prepared for his burial. At midnight, St Anthony regained consciousness and told his friend to carry him back to the tombs. St Anthony's staunchness was greater than the wiles of the Enemy. Taking the form of ferocious beasts, the devils tried to force the saint to leave that place, but he defeated them by trusting in the Lord. Looking up, the saint saw the roof opening, as it were, and a ray of light coming down toward him. The demons disappeared and he cried out, "Where have You been, O Merciful Jesus? Why didn't You appear from the very beginning to end my pain?" The Lord replied, "I was here, Anthony, but wanted to see your struggle. Now, since you have not yielded, I shall always help you and make your name known throughout all the world." After this vision St Anthony was healed of his wounds and felt stronger than before. He was then thirty-five years of age. Having gained spiritual experience in his struggle with the devil, St Anthony considered going into the Thebaid desert to serve the Lord. He asked the Elder (to whom he had turned for guidance at the beginning of his monastic journey) to go into the desert with him. The Elder, while blessing him in the then as yet unheard of exploit of being a hermit, decided not to accompany him because of his age. St Anthony went into the desert alone. The devil tried to hinder him, by placing a large silver disc in his path, then gold, but the saint ignored it and passed by. He found an abandoned fort on the other side of the river and settled there, barricading the entrance with stones. His faithful friend brought him bread twice a year, and there was water inside the fort. St Anthony spent twenty years in complete isolation and constant struggle with the demons, and he finally achieved perfect calm. The saint's friends removed the stones from the entrance , and they went to St Anthony and besought him to take them under his guidance. Soon St Anthony's cell was surrounded by several monasteries, and the saint acted as a father and guide to their inhabitants, giving spiritual instruction to all who came into the desert seeking salvation. He increased the zeal of those who were already monks, and inspired others with a love for the ascetical life. He told them to strive to please the Lord, and not to become faint-hearted in their labors. He also urged them not to fear demonic assaults, but to repel the Enemy by the power of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord. In the year 311 there was a fierce persecution against Christians, in the reign of the emperor Maximian. Wishing to suffer with the holy martyrs, St Anthony left the desert and went to Alexandria. He openly ministered to those in prison, he was present at the trial and interrogations of the confessors, and accompanying the martyrs to the place of execution. It pleased the Lord to preserve him, however, for the benefit of Christians. At the close of the persecution, the saint returned to the desert and continued his exploits. The Lord granted the saint the gift of wonderworking, casting out demons and healing the sick by the power of his prayer. The great crowds of people coming to him disrupted his solitude, and he went off still farther, into the inner desert where he settled atop a high elevation. But the brethren of the monasteries sought him out and asked him to visit their communities. Another time St Anthony left the desert and arrived in Alexandria to defend the Orthodox Faith against the Manichaean and Arian heresies. Knowing that the name of St Anthony was venerated by all the Church, the Arians said that he adhered to their heretical teaching. But St Anthony publicly denounced Arianism in front of everyone and in the presence of the bishop. During his brief stay at Alexandria, he converted a great multitude of pagans to Christ. People from all walks of life loved the saint and sought his advice. Pagan philosophers once came to Abba Anthony intending to mock him for his lack of education, but by his words he reduced them to silence. Emperor Constantine the Great (May 21) and his sons wrote to St Anthony and asked him for a reply. He praised the emperor for his belief in Christ, and advised him to remember the future judgment, and to know that Christ is the true King. St Anthony spent eighty-five years in the solitary desert. Shortly before his death, he told the brethren that soon he would be taken from them. He instructed them to preserve the Orthodox Faith in its purity, to avoid any association with heretics, and not to be negligent in their monastic struggles. "Strive to be united first with the Lord, and then with the saints, so that after death they may receive you as familiar friends into the everlasting dwellings." The saint instructed two of his disciples, who had attended him in the final fifteen years of his life, to bury him in the desert and not in Alexandria. He left one of his monastic mantles to St Athanasius of Alexandria (January 18), and the other to St Serapion of Thmuis (March 21). St Anthony died peacefully in the year 356, at age 105, and he was buried in the desert by his disciples. The Life of the famed ascetic St Anthony the Great was written by St Athanasius of Alexandria. This is the first biography of a saint who was not a martyr, and is considered to be one of the finest of St Athanasius' writings. St John Chrysostom recommends that this Life be read by every Christian. "These things are insignificant compared with Anthony's virtues," writes St Athanasius, "but judge from them what the man of God Anthony was like. From his youth until his old age, he kept his zeal for asceticism, he did not give in to the desire for costly foods because of his age, nor did he alter his clothing because of the infirmity of his body. He did not even wash his feet with water. He remained very healthy, and he could see well because his eyes were sound and undimmed. Not one of his teeth fell out, but near the gums they had become worn due to his advanced age. He remained strong in his hands and feet.... He was spoken of everywhere, and was admired by everyone, and was sought even by those who had not seen him, which is evidence of his virtue and of a soul dear to God." The following works of St Anthony have come down to us: Twenty Sermons on the virtues, primarily monastic (probably spurious). Seven Letters to various Egyptian monasteries concerning moral perfection, and the monastic life as a spiritual struggle. A Rule for monastics (not regarded as an authentic work of St Anthony). In the year 544 the relics of St Anthony the Great were transferred to Alexandria, and after the conquest of Egypt by the Saracens in the seventh century, they were transferred to Constantinople. The holy relics were transferred from Constantinople in the tenth-eleventh centuries to a diocese outside Vienna. In the fifteenth century they were brought to Arles (in France), to the church of St Julian. O Holy Father Anthony intercede to Christ our God for us! |
2000-2005 Archived News & Press Releases
2005 - News & Press Releases
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Announces Formation of Department of Development
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Announces Formation of Department of Development
Date: March 15, 2005
Contact:
Sean Buscay, Department of Communications and Information (717-687-9087)
Email: sbuscay@antiochian.org
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCA) announced it has established a Department of Development (fundraising) effective January 2005.
After a wide search, Ruth Ann Skaff was appointed Director of Development. Notified of her selection, she said,
“To serve our Holy Orthodox faith and faithful professionally is a dream come true. It’s definitely time to enhance our fundraising efforts and realize our capacity as an Orthodox Christian community so we can better evangelize and ‘do unto the least of these’. I’m grateful, humbled and excited.”
The Archdiocese’s newest department will raise funds in support of the all the Archdiocese’s numerous programs, with special emphasis this year on Youth Ministry, Mission and Evangelism, and Christian Education, as identified by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip. Board of Trustees member Dr. Joseph Samra of Cumberland, Rhode Island chairs the newly formed Development Committee.
The goal is to increase both the amount of operational and endowed funds raised for approved Archdiocesan programs as well as the sources of revenue. The department is soliciting unrestricted and restricted donations. In 2005 the department will focus on three programs:
a) major gift solicitations;
b) launching a planned giving bequest campaign to be called “Leave a Lasting Legacy – Remember the Church in Your Will”;
c) and further research regarding potential foundation grants.
Ms. Skaff is a seasoned fundraiser. She spent ten years in Memphis, Tennessee, with the fundraising arm of world-renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, America’s largest childhood cancer research center. She had a range of national and international responsibilities, and remains an active volunteer for this noble charity. While in Memphis she attended St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church.
Most recently Ms. Skaff raised funds and collected artifacts for the first-ever Arab American National Museum, spearheaded by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). The 34-year old nonprofit is headquartered in Dearborn (metro Detroit), Michigan. Construction and the initial $16,000,000 capital campaign were both completed on time; the grand opening is slated for May 5, 2005.
Ms. Skaff graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and immediately joined the Peace Corps as a Volunteer in Marrakech, Morocco. Teaching and later directing a charity for handicapped children in Marrakech led her to a career in the non-profit sector. Ms. Skaff has served as staff and as a volunteer board member for large and small charitable and advocacy organizations. Her first grassroots organizational training came as Texas coordinator for the newly formed American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) upon returning to her hometown of Houston after Peace Corps.
A “priest’s kid”, she grew up in the heart of the Antiochian Orthodox church community. Her parents served several Midwestern parishes and two in Texas - Beaumont and Houston. Ms. Skaff has a life-long commitment to pan-Orthodox cooperation, instilled from her parents. A Dame in The Order of St. Ignatius, Ms. Skaff resides in metro Washington, DC. She serves on the parish council of Ss. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Ms. Skaff is working full time and can be reached at:
Ruth Ann Skaff, Director
AOCA Department of Development
c/o Ss. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church
10620 River Road
Potomac, MD 20854
Phone: 301 765-7001
Toll free: 866 765-7001
Fax: 301-765-6267
Email: development@antiochian.org
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Important Message Regarding Our Constitution -January 27, 2005
The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
OF NORTH AMERICA
358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238 , Englewood, NJ 07631-5238
Telephone (201) 871-1355 * Fax (201) 871-7954
Website: www.antiochian.org * Email: archdiocese@antiochian.org
The Most Reverend
Metropolitan PHILIP
Archbishop of New York and
Metropolitan of All North America
January 27, 2005
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING OUR CONSTITUTION
TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
Beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, Members of the Board of Trustees and Faithful of this God-Protected and Self-Ruled Archdiocese:
It has come to our attention that many of you may have received an email from Tarek Mitri dated January 25, 2005, with the subject “The North American Constitution.” Please be advised that this email is considered a serious intrusion into the affairs of this Archdiocese by Tarek Mitri, who has no ecclesiastical capacity to send such a communication to our clergy under his own signature.
Communications under the direct signature of His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV to Metropolitan Philip and this Archdiocese are, of course, always welcome.
As you all know, the Archdiocese Constitution that was legally adopted by our Special Convention held in July 2004 in Pittsburgh is in harmony with the Synodal self-rule resolution of October 9, 2003 which was adopted unanimously by the Holy Synod, and signed by His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV and all of the members of the Holy Synod. The Pittsburgh Constitution was submitted to the Holy Synod by Metropolitan PHILIP on October 13, 2004.
There is a very serious inaccuracy in the last sentence of the email from Tarek Mitri. In referring to our legally adopted Pittsburgh Constitution, he states that “It was discussed during the course of the meeting of the Holy Synod, October 13-15, 2004, and the attached revised constitution was unanimously approved.” Contrary to this statement, the proposed October 15, 2004 constitution (which was attached to Tarek Mitri’s email), although read by the Patriarch’s legal adviser in the meeting, was not even discussed in detail by the members of the Holy Synod nor was it unanimously approved.
Our Metropolitan PHILIP in not supporting such proposed constitution, pointed out to the members of the Holy Synod that our Constitution, by law, could only be amended by our General Assembly in the ways provided by our Constitution. Moreover, any amendments to our Constitution became effective immediately upon adoption at a General or Special Convention and the approval of our Metropolitan. Therefore the proposed constitution of October 15, 2004 could only be considered as suggested changes to our Constitution. These suggestions were submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs to avoid any inconsistencies with our existing Constitution and the Holy Synod’s self-rule Resolution of October 9, 2003.
The legal department in reviewing the suggestions of the legal advisor to the Patriarch in the proposed Constitution has noted that:
1. The proposed October 15, 2004 constitution violates the spirit and letter of the irrevocable Synodal self-rule resolution of October 9, 2003, which was itself immediately effective. Moreover it is not appropriate for any person to attempt to rewrite the Constitution of this self-ruling Archdiocese and to attempt to negate self-rule and give less authority to the Archdiocese than it had prior to the Synodal Resolution of October 9, 2003.
2. Under Section 8 of the October 9, 2003 self-rule resolution, the Holy Synod of Antioch was required to approve the Pittsburgh Constitution insofar as it was consistent with that resolution. Since the Pittsburgh Constitution is entirely consistent with the Synodal Resolution none of the suggested changes apply and any required approval has been given.
3. The proposed October 15, 2004 constitution did not receive enough scrutiny by the Holy Synod, nor was it discussed in detail in the Holy Synod meeting.
We will, at all times in this Archdiocese, be bound by our legally adopted constitution and the civil laws of this land in which we reside. Article VII of our constitution allows timely proposed amendments to be submitted for consideration only by any of the following procedures:
1. by a majority vote of the General Assembly of a Regular or Special Convention
2. by a recommendation from the Archdiocese Department of Legal Affairs
3. by a recommendation from the Archdiocese Board of Trustees
4. by a recommendation from any parish of this Archdiocese in good standing
Under all of the above procedures, any proposed amendments are “to be certified by the sponsor and submitted to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Department of Legal Affairs for the purpose of studying and determining the legality of such proposed change.” As a courtesy, the proposed October 15, 2004 constitution was submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs for review.
As communicated in the press release of January 18th, 2005, the Department of Legal Affairs rendered a decision that the “major appropriate suggested changes do not require amendments to the Pittsburgh Constitution” and the legally adopted Pittsburgh Constitution “stands as the Constitution of this Archdiocese, without the need for further revision.”
Yours in Christ,
The Department of Legal Affairs
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Orthodox Britain!
Join us on a holy pilgrimage to
Orthodox Britain!
May 16-28, 2005
led by
Archpriest Josiah Trenham, Ph.D.
St. Andrew
Antiochian Orthodox Church Riverside , California
Did you know that England is home to an abundance of the saints of our Church? Her holy sites, relics and holy wells can be found throughout the British Isles and England, in particular. England is an ideal place to make a pilgrimage since it is much closer than Greece, Russia, or the Holy Land, there are no linguistic barriers, it is much cheaper to access, and, for many of America’s Orthodox these days, England is their “old country.”
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Over the last eight years Fr. Josiah has had the opportunity to travel each year to Great Britain in the course of doing theological research at the University of Durham under the Orthodox theologian, Rev. Dr. Andrew Louth. On these trips, he has made many trips to various holy sites of Great Britain, gathering up information on England’s Orthodox past. With the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP , and of His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH , pilgrims will journey to sacred locations of Orthodox England from May 16th-28th, 2005. Setting out from Edinburgh (Scotland) on an executive coach, pilgrims will explore places in Edinburgh, Lindisfarne (the “holy island”), Durham, York, Colchester, Tolleshunt Knights, London, Oxford, St. Alban’s, Canterbury, Birmingham and Lichfield. Lectures will be provided by Fr. Josiah on the coach while en route to these sites, and also by different English Orthodox clergymen and scholars in the various areas. In order to keep the cost affordable for all persons a tour is being offered, but not a travel package . All participants, with the assistance of accommodation recommendations provided, are responsible for arranging their own flight and hotel accommodations. In order to secure a place on the tour, a fee of $650 (which covers the costs of the coach and tour guides) is due in full by March 31, 2005. Tour is limited to 48 persons. For more detailed information please visit www.saintandrew.net (see Orthodox Britain link) or call for the tour coordinators, Alan and Sheilagh Means @ 714-962-4819 for brochures and more information. |
Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Great Blessing of Waters at Camp Victory in Baghdad
On Friday, January 7, 2005, the Post Feast of Theophany commemorating the baptism of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in the Jordan, the Very Rev. Jerome Cwiklinski, CDR, CHC, USN, a US Navy chaplain, celebrated the Great Blessing of Water at Camp Victory in Baghdad. The Tigris River feeds the artificial lake that surrounds the palace.
Father Cwiklinski blesses soldiers from Ukraine, who joined Orthodox soldiers from the US, the Republic of Georgia, Macedonia, and Romania for Theophany services. Holding the festal icon is the Reader Luke Christian Bell, a chaplain's assistant in the US Army and son of the Rev. Antony Bell, pastor of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Topeka, IN.
Over 300 College Students Move Mountains!
Boston, MA - Mountains were moved through faith, fellowship and worship during the fantastic five day College Conference offered by Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) focusing on the theme of "The Faith to Move Mountains". Over winter break, over 300 Orthodox Christian college students from across North America attended OCF's annual College Conference held on the East Coast at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA and on the West Coast at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA.
These conferences, which are planned and run by members of local OCF groups, aim to promote unity among Orthodox Christian young adults and to rejuvenate their faith as they continue on their personal journey to salvation. This year's conferences featured two well-known and dynamic keynote speakers: at the West Coast Conference renowned author and speaker Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir's Seminary; and at the East Coast Conference distinguished author Fr. John Chryssavgis, Theological Advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch on Environmental Issues. In total the conferences showcased 15 enlightening and dynamic workshop speakers with topics including "Faith to Follow vs. Faith to Lead," "Faith in Today's Society,"
"The End of Times and Life After Death," and "Purity, Virginity, and Sanctity." In addition to these presentations the conferences held daily worship services and social events. Social activities included snow tubing, a trip to Sequoia National Forest and Pre-New Year's Eve Dances. The conferences also offered a focus on serving others with 120 participants registering for the National Bone Marrow Registry and 75 letters sent to Orthodox Missionaries and Prisoners.
This year's conferences were a tremendous success with 305 total participants and six out of nine SCOBA jurisdictions represented.
One participant declared,
"I felt that this conference was spiritually moving and a great way to meet others who share the common interest of Christ."
Another student stated,
"The conference was incredible. Small groups...those are the best, most inspiring and life-changing times."
Over the past ten years thousands of college students, high school graduates, and young adults have gathered for the 5-day events sponsored by OCF, the official campus ministry of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). In reflecting on the growth and success of the College Conference, Program Coordinator for OCF, Joseph J.
Samra shared, "These conferences serve as a pivotal mid-year re-focusing point for so many of the participants. The fellowship seen in the social activities, the service accomplished by helping others and the worship witnessed when 220 students come to Compline at 1 AM attest to the positive impact 5 days can have in the life of a college student."
About OCF
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official campus ministry effort of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). It is a Pan-Orthodox effort, overseen by an Executive Committee and aided by a sixteen-person Student Advisory Board. The office is located in Boston, MA, where a full time staff develops OCF programs and resources.
The staff is available to guide and support local OCF chapters through communication with the larger Orthodox community, national programs, and development of resources for use by Orthodox college students. SCOBA designated the 3rd Sunday in September each year as "College Student Sunday" to raise awareness of our students on campus and OCF's activities.
A group of College students pause for a picture in between activities at the OCF East Coast College Conference. Daily activities included worship, workshops and social events.
OCF will continue to grow these conferences, which have become powerful influences in the spiritual lives of Orthodox Christian young adults. For more information, or to become a participant in future College Conferences or OCF programs, go to www.ocf.net or call 800-919-1OCF.
St Vladimir's Seminary Seeks to Fill Full-Time Position in Pastoral Theology
St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
Contact: Julia Wickes, communications officer
Day Phone: 914-961-8313, ext. 363
Email: Julia@svots.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2005
St Vladimir's Seminary Seeks to Fill Full-Time Position in Pastoral Theology
Qualifications
The successful candidate will normally have:
- An earned doctorate in the area of pastoral theology or a related field.
- A degree in Orthodox theology from an Orthodox institution of higher learning.
- A proven record of church service.
- Teaching experience or potential.
Job Description
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Teach a full load of courses in the area of pastoral theology and homiletics, as determined by the Faculty Council. The normal load for full-time faculty is three courses a semester, but this can be adjusted for those assuming various administrative functions.
- Supervise and coordinate the Field Education program, including placement of students in pastoral training programs and parishes.
- Supervise the DMin program until its termination (projected for May 2009).
To apply, send a resume and cover letter by March 1, 2005, to:
Dr Paul Meyendorff
Associate Dean for Academic
St ’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
-END-
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Teach a full load of courses in the area of pastoral theology and homiletics, as determined by the Faculty Council. The normal load for full-time faculty is three courses a semester, but this can be adjusted for those assuming various administrative functions.
- Supervise and coordinate the Field Education program, including placement of students in pastoral training programs and parishes.
- Supervise the DMin program until its termination (projected for May 2009).
To apply, send a resume and cover letter by March 1, 2005, to:
Dr Paul Meyendorff
Associate Dean for Academic
St
’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
-END-
Three New Bishops Assume Duties For Dioceses Of The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Of North America
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Archbishop of New York and
Metropolitan of All North America
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The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
OF NORTH AMERICA
358 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-5238
Telephone (201) 871-1355 * Fax (201) 871-7954
Website: www.antiochian.org * Email: archdiocese@antiochian.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2005 – Englewood, New Jersey
THREE NEW BISHOPS ASSUME DUTIES FOR DIOCESES OF THE SELF-RULED ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA
The following letter from the Department of Legal Affairs was sent to the faithful of the Archdiocese to be placed in each parish bulletin.
Venerable Hierarchs, Esteemed Members of the Board of Trustees, and Beloved Clergy and Faithful of this God-Protected Archdiocese:
We greet you with prayers for all good things in this New Year!
His Grace, Bishop THOMAS (Joseph), Bishop of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of the East, His Grace Bishop MARK (Maymon), Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest, and His Grace Bishop ALEXANDER (Mufarrij), Bishop of Ottawa and the Diocese of Eastern Canada and Upstate New York assumed their new duties on January 1, 2005.
Bishop THOMAS has moved into the chancery at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and Bishop MARK has moved into the chancery in Toledo, Ohio. Bishop ALEXANDER will soon move to a temporary location in Canada until renovations are completed at the permanent chancery in Montreal. They will later be formally enthroned at their diocesan cathedrals by the Metropolitan and members of the Local Synod.
Formerly Fr. Thomas Joseph, Fr. Mark Maymon and Fr. Rafeek Mufarrij were included in the nominations made by the General Assembly of the Special Convention of July 2004 as candidates for the office of diocesan bishop. According to the Constitution of the self-ruled Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, adopted July 16, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, they were elected to the episcopacy by the Local Synod on October 29, 2004, in Naples, Florida. Subsequent to their election, and at the request of His Beatitude IGNATIUS IV, the new bishops-elect were sent to Damascus, where they were consecrated to the episcopacy at the hand of His Beatitude during the weekend of December 3 – 5, 2004. The Archdiocese, on behalf of the faithful, has expressed its heartfelt thanks to Our Father in Christ, Patriarch IGNATIUS IV and the members of the Holy Synod of Antioch for the continuing support of the North American Archdiocese.
The Holy Synod of Antioch, at its meeting of October 14, 2004, in approving the basic implementation by the Pittsburgh Constitution of the self-rule granted on October 9, 2003, suggested some changes in the Pittsburgh Constitution. Pursuant to our constitution, the suggested changes were submitted to the Archdiocese Department of Legal Affairs for review. The Department of Legal Affairs has determined that the major appropriate suggested changes do not require amendments to the Pittsburgh Constitution.
Under the Pittsburgh Constitution, (as occurred in the case of the three new bishops), the Patriarch of Antioch may exercise his option to not send representatives of the Holy Synod of Antioch to participate, with the Local Synod, in the election of diocesan bishops. It is also permissible under our constitution, where approved by the Metropolitan and Local Synod (as occurred in the case of the three new bishops), to send our bishops-elect to Damascus for consecration.
The Pittsburgh Constitution, therefore, as approved by the faithful on July 16, 2004, stands as the Constitution of this Archdiocese, without the need for further revision.
The faithful of the Archdiocese are hopeful that His Beatitude Patriarch IGNATIUS IV will be with us at the Archdiocesan General Convention in Detroit, which will be held from July 25-31, 2005.
The Archdiocese adds its Axios to Bishops THOMAS, MARK, and ALEXANDER as they assume their new duties. May God grant them many years!
Seminarian Dinner - November 14, 2005
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On Monday, November 14, 2005 (The Feast Day of the Apostle Philip) His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP hosted the annual dinner for the Antiochian seminarians and their spouses. The dinner was held in the main dining room at the Archdiocese Headquarters in |
View photos of the event below.
Update on the health of His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP
Monday November 7, 2005
By the grace of God and through the prayers of many faithful people, His Eminence continues his recovery at home in Englewood. He is following a regular schedule of light exercise and remains under the care of an excellent medical team. It is well understood that many people desire to speak with him and to see him. However his doctors have ordered maximum rest and minimum contact in order to insure his continued recovery. Please understand this and continue to pray for the good health of our beloved Metropolitan.
If you would like to submit a prayer or message for His Eminence, please click here:
Katrina Relief Effort News & Resources
I.O.C.C. thanks the Antiochian Community & St. George of Houston, TX
Date:10/1/05
Dear Father,
Once again we are thanking you for the exemplary and sacrificial generosity exhibited by the national Antiochian Community as well as by St. George Church here locally.
From the first day of this emergency when you made your church offices and parish house available to IOCC, to the ‘in kind’ contributions of health kits, school kits, food and other supplies sent in by all your parishes,
to the first donation of $150,000 from your Archdiocese and Metropolitan Phillip, to making your church hall available as a temporary shelter during Rita, and finally, to your next donation from the Archdiocese for $100,000
Metropolitan Philip, you, and your entire community around the nation have been a shining example of “philanthropia” , charity and love of our fellow man.
Your actions and those of the other Orthodox jurisdictions are an inspirational example of what the Orthodox community of this country can accomplish when it sets its mind on a task and when it undertakes organized and united action. The leadership of your community has been exemplary in that regard and I would like to thank you and Metropolitan Philip once again, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of IOCC, but also on behalf of the thousands of people we have been able to help in great part due to your support.
Please pass my heartfelt “thank you” on to his Eminence and May God bless your Church, IOCC, and all of us as we continue our work in this emergency and as we continue to learn from His example.
Yours in Christ,
Lee Kapetanakis
IOCC Board Member and Disaster Relief volunteer.
Antiochian Archdiocese Donates $225,000 to IOCC for Hurricane Relief
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In behalf of the faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP sent a second contribution in the amount of $100,000 to IOCC for hurricane relief. This brings the total Archdiocese contribution for the relief effort up to $225, 000.
September 26, 2005 In behalf of the faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of |
[PH]name=Clone,id=8787[/PH]
Hurricane Relief, Items Needed
Dear to Christ, Fathers and Brothers:
Blessings.
As you are certainly aware, the devastation from Hurricane Katrina is not limited to metro New Orleans nor even to the State of Louisiana. The lower one-third of the State of Mississippi has been severely impacted with many communities literally wiped from the face of the earth. FATHER JOHN HENDERSON of St Peter/Madison-Jackson, MS, and Dean of the Mississippi Valley Deanery, is now able to provide us with a list of items which may be collected in our parishes and shipped to the needy who have been evacuated to his area.
And again, your prayers - your fervent prayers.
+ B A S I L
Bishop of Wichita and Mid-America
Please send to:
St. Peter Orthodox Church
180 St. Augustine Dr.
Madison, MS 39110
The items must be sent by either UPS or FedEx, and must NOT require a signature for delivery.
LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS:
PROVIDED TO US BY FR JOHN HENDERSON
· Diapers
· Baby Formula
· Non-perishable food
· School supplies for children who have been displaced and have nothing (These children will be enrolled in the local school systems.) Pencils, paper, crayons, small scissors, manilla paper, folders with pockets in them, three-ringed binders, rulers, etc.
· Feminine hygeine supplies
· Non-perishable fruit juice (apple, cranberry,etc.) either in small individual containers or in large bottles
· Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismal, Advil, topical anticeptics such as neosporin
· New underwear of all sizes for men, women and children (Used underwear will not be accepted)
· Toiletries such as soap, deodorant, shampoo
· Towels
Appeal for Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund
August 30, 2005
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT
“Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:34-35)
Beloved Clergy and Faithful of our Archdiocese:
Greetings and blessings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
As you all know, large areas along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina which besieged these coastal areas with tremendous winds and flooding. It is still too soon to have an accurate count of the death toll and the physical damage, but it is clear that the devastation is severe.
It has been, and always will be the policy of this God-protected Archdiocese to help our brothers and sisters around the world who have suffered from natural disasters. In this case, the need is at home. With this in mind, we make an emergency appeal to you for assistance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We ask you to take a special collection in your parishes on the Sundays of Sept. 4 and Sept. 11 and forward it to the Archdiocese headquarters immediately, marked “Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund”, so that we can do our share to try and ease some of the suffering.
Please be generous, keeping in mind the spirit of charity that existed in the early church as quoted above, and our accountability to our Lord for how we respond in times of need.
May the Almighty God continue to surround all of you with His love and heavenly protection.
Your father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America
Please pray for these parishes that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Please continue to pray for these Orthodox Parishes that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Antiochian Churches
St. Basil Antiochian Church, Metairie, LA
Fr. Peter Nugent and Parish
Greek Churches
Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans, LA
Rev. Fr. Anthony Stratis and Parish
Holy Trinity Chapel, Biloxi, MS
Annunciation Church, Mobile, AL
Rev. Fr. James Cleondis and Parish
St. Athanasios Chapel, Gulf Shores, AL
V. Rev. Frank Paul Mayernick and Parish
Teen SOYO Katrina Relief Effort
[PH]name=Clone,id=8390[/PH]
ECUMENICAL TEAM EVACUATES HUNDREDS FROM NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT
SCOBA, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021
9/6/2005
INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES (IOCC)
110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, Md. 21204 — Tel: (410) 243-9820 — Fax: (410) 243-9824
Web: www.iocc.org - E-mail: news@iocc.org
BATON ROUGE, LA. (IOCC) - An ecumenical response team made up of personnel from International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) negotiated their way from Baton Rouge, La. to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport during the early hours of Sunday morning to evacuate 340 people in need of urgent medical care.
Along the way, the group described the heroic efforts of countless people - from the bus drivers who made the journey to medical personnel at the airport - and the frayed nerves of people doing their best to cope and survive.
The airport’s baggage claim area, serving as a triage facility where hundreds of people were receiving attention from medical personnel, was crowded with stretchers on carousels, the wheelchair bound, and people with broken limbs and other ailments.
Medical staff at the airport expressed relief at the sight of buses which took those in need of medical attention to the Louisiana State University Field Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. Physicians at the airport recounted the 36 hour period prior to their arrival when attempts made by other buses to access the facility had been turned away.
Traveling in a convoy of ten school buses provided through the Disaster Recovery Center and accompanied by students from local universities, the team made its way to the airport through complete darkness and uncertainty during a journey that was at times made tense by the lack of clear communication on the ground – especially at the checkpoints.
“As we approached New Orleans there was a stench in the air,” described Leonidas “Lee” Kapetanakis, an IOCC Emergency Response team member from Houston, Texas. “It was an eerie scene as we negotiated our way through four checkpoints, escorted by military personnel and police officers.”
The operation began as an effort to evacuate a group of 300 Vietnamese who reportedly were stranded at the airport. Based on the information they had, the team met with officials at the Disaster Recovery Center in Baton Rouge to organize their transportation.
When the group arrived at the airport, they found that only 15 Vietnamese remained, but that there was an immense need to relocate more than 2,500 people with medical needs.
As the team returned to Baton Rouge with 340 of the sick and injured, the uncertainty of the journey and concern for the fate of those left behind turned to hope when they passed as many as one hundred buses headed toward the airport. By the next day the impasse had been broken and nearly all of the medical patients had been transported from the make-shift facilities at the baggage terminal to the field hospital.
The group’s efforts were spearheaded by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans chief executive officer Jim Kelly, who himself was displaced from his home by Hurricane Katrina’s onslaught. Kelly was supported by former CRS executive and IOCC consultant Frank Carlin, Rev. Fr. Peter-Michael Preble of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, head of disaster response for CRS Pat Johns, IOCC disaster response team member Leonidas Kapetanakis and Rev. Fr. Pham a Roman Catholic priest and medical doctor.
In addition to the evacuation, the interfaith effort is warehousing and distributing relief arriving to Baton Rouge. Hygiene items, oral electrolyte solutions for children and adults, diapers, water, food, blankets and hygiene kits have been provided by the collective efforts of the group.
“This is an incredibly inspirational ecumenical effort here in Baton Rouge,” said Frank Carlin, a former CRS executive with 37 years of domestic disaster and international relief and development experience who is working with the IOCC Emergency Response Team and Catholic Charities. “In addition to the convoy, we are providing ongoing aid to those who have been displaced from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast and filling gaps in services.”
Contributions to IOCC’s Hurricane Disaster Response Fund may be sent to IOCC, “Hurricane Relief,” P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Catholic Charities in the United States started in New Orleans and has been helping clothe, feed, educate and care for the needy for decades. CRS, founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States, is the official international relief and development agency of the US Catholic community.
Houston Orthodox Christian Community Responds To Hurricane Survivors
September 12, 2005
Houston, Texas (IOCC) — Orthodox Christians in Texas have worked tirelessly since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast to deliver emergency supplies, welcome those displaced from neighboring states and partner with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to provide relief to the region.
“The devastating hurricane which has ravaged the Gulf Coast states of our country… is a reminder to all of us that tragedies in the world are dramatically increasing and that one’s life can be taken in the twinkling of an eye,” wrote Metropolitan Isaiah of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver in a letter to parishes encouraging them to respond through IOCC.
Orthodox parishes in the Metropolis of Denver and throughout the United States have collected funds for the effort and prepared health kits for the hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee the devastated region.
Just days after the hurricane, when people were retreating from New Orleans, Leon Vezos organized a shipment of emergency items and headed to Baton Rouge, La. After loading a truck with water and Gatorade over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Vezos personally drove the supplies which were distributed to rural communities in and around Alexandria, La.
Fr. Gabriel Karambis, Dean of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, where Vezos is a member, has encouraged Orthodox Christians in the community to join in the effort and made available the resources of his parish. Orthodox Christians throughout the city have worked to prepare additional supplies for transfer to Baton Rouge, La. The effort resulted in truckload of urgently-needed diapers, water, Gatorade, clothes and health kits.
Houston, along with Baton Rouge, La. and Mobile, Ala., has become a center for IOCC operations where staff from its Emergency Response Network is coordinating aid to survivors of the disaster.
The IOCC Emergency Response Center in Houston is hosted by St. George Antiochian Church, which is providing office, storage space, and accommodations for the IOCC staff.
IOCC’s emergency response network, comprised of trained Orthodox clergy and their U.S. parish communities, provides emergency services to people struggling to recover from natural or man-made disasters.
Contributions to IOCC’s Hurricane Disaster Response Fund may be sent to IOCC, “Hurricane Relief,”
P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
IOCC Hurricane Response Turns To Long-Term Recovery Efforts
September 14, 2005
Houston, Texas (IOCC) — With displaced families relocating from massive shelters to long-term accommodations and children finding placements in schools, some semblance of normalcy is returning for people displaced by the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina.
“It continues to be an evolving situation, but national and community agencies that traditionally meet local needs are responding with food, shelter and clothing,” reported Frank Carlin of the IOCC Emergency Response Team in Houston, Texas. “Increasingly, our efforts are focusing on meeting unmet emergency needs – people who need to fill prescriptions, providing transportation, helping people purchase eyeglasses and the like.”
IOCC aid workers note that the human toll of the disaster and process of recovery will take years.
“People are dying mentally and spiritually from the pressure of having lost everything and from the depression that has ultimately resulted,” observed one displaced person living in a shelter in Morganza, La. that has been served by IOCC.
The IOCC relief efforts will continue to evolve as the needs of those who have been displaced change.
With humanitarian efforts in the Gulf Coast shifting to long-term recovery, IOCC announced today that it will no longer be accepting additional donations of material aid for the Hurricane Katrina victims and asks that future donations be restricted to monetary contributions.
Emergency Response personnel reported that shipments received and others already in transit will allow IOCC to continue the distribution of basic supplies for the immediate future.
IOCC will continue to accept personal hygiene and school kits as part of its ongoing “Gift of the Heart” program run in cooperation with Church World Service (CWS). The kits should be sent to the CWS warehouse in New Windsor, Md. The address and required contents of the kits may be found on IOCC’s website at www.iocc.org/kits. Kits cannot be accepted directly by the IOCC teams in Baton Rouge, La., Houston, Texas or Mobile, Ala.
Contributions to IOCC’s Hurricane Disaster Response Fund may be sent to IOCC, “Hurricane Relief,” P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
For media inquiries, please contact IOCC at
Vlade Divac Supports IOCC
September 16, 2005
Baltimore (IOCC) — A truckload of relief supplies destined for children and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina was delivered by National Basketball Association All-Star Vlade Divac to an International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Emergency Response Center hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston on Thursday.
photos courtesy: vlade divac/group seven children’s foundation
Divac, who spearheaded an effort to collect humanitarian supplies in Sacramento, Calif., where he played for five years with the Sacramento Kings, drove for two days to personally deliver the provisions to Houston, Texas.
The truckload of items included baby supplies, diapers, bedding, toys, water, personal toiletries and other supplies.
“I am especially concerned for of all of the innocent children who have suffered from this disaster,” said Divac as he delivered the aid to a team of IOCC workers and clergy at the relief center. “The devastation caused by this hurricane reminds me of the destruction caused by war in my homeland.”
A group of more than 260 Vietnamese children and adults who were displaced from New Orleans by the devastating storm received the much-needed items in a distribution which took place the same day at the St. Catherine Convent in Houston, Texas. The convent, now serving as a shelter, has hosted the group for the past two weeks.
In the days since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the IOCC Emergency Response Network has provided essential humanitarian assistance to families displaced in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Assistance has included tons of water, food, personal hygiene articles, diapers and other baby care items, blankets, air mattresses, bedding and other emergency needs.
Named one of Sporting News’ “Good Guys,” Vlade Divac has been committed to providing assistance for over a decade to children and families who have been displaced by the wars that ravaged his native Yugoslavia.
Together with International Orthodox Christian Charities, Divac has helped provide emergency aid, and brought educational programs and vocational training to thousands of children in Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ethiopia and the United States.
Contributions to IOCC’s Hurricane Disaster Response Fund may be sent to IOCC, “Hurricane Relief,” P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
IOCC’s emergency response network, comprised of trained Orthodox clergy and their U.S. parish communities, provides emergency services to people struggling to recover from natural or man-made disasters.
Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
IOCC Emergency Personnel Prepare For Hurricane Rita
September 22, 2005
Baltimore (IOCC) — Three weeks after responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast, IOCC Emergency Response personnel have begun preparations in Texas in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Rita.
Efforts have been underway since Tuesday to position supplies in the areas projected to be most impacted by the looming storm. Orthodox parishes are being readied in Houston and further inland to receive relief shipments and evacuees.
Even as preparations for the next hurricane got underway, IOCC efforts continued in Mississippi and Louisiana.
In previously affected areas of the Gulf Coast, IOCC recently rotated staff who had arrived shortly after the initial disaster. IOCC maintains a presence in Mobile, Ala., Biloxi, Miss., Baton Rouge, La. and Houston, Texas.
The scope of the disaster and the ongoing recovery efforts have prompted IOCC to bring in experienced relief personnel from its offices overseas. IOCC head of office for the Republic of Georgia, Pascalis Papouras, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, arrived Monday from that country to assist in the response.
Papouras traveled to Biloxi, Miss. today where he will be briefed by Fr. David Kossey, the head of the IOCC Emergency Response Network, who has led the effort in that city for the past two weeks.
“We are continually moving to respond to the needs as they emerge,” said Frank Carlin, the Field Director for IOCC’s operations in the Gulf Coast region. “This is a fluid situation with rapidly changing needs.”
“The best way to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina is through cash gifts and assembling health kits,” added Carlin. “This gives us the flexibility to act quickly to needs as they arise and will help the communities as we begin planning for the long-term recovery.”
Contributions toward hurricane relief efforts received in recent weeks have enabled IOCC to respond is such ways as distributing more than 18,000 “Gift of the Heart” health kits, providing 1,500 household clean-up kits to people returning to damaged homes, and supplying over 150 tons of emergency assistance, including food, water, blankets and bed linens, diapers, personal health kits and mattresses.
The address and instructions on how to assemble health kits may be found on IOCC’s website at www.iocc.org/healthkits. The kits should be sent to IOCC at the Church World Service warehouse in New Windsor, Md.
Contributions to IOCC’s Hurricane Disaster Response Fund, which will be used to assist people who have been affected by hurricanes in the United States, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, may be sent to IOCC, “Hurricane Relief,” P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
IOCC’s emergency response network, comprised of trained Orthodox clergy and their U.S. parish communities, provides emergency services to people struggling to recover from natural or man-made disasters.
Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).
For media inquiries, please contact IOCC at
Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Supports IOCC Hurricane Relief Efforts
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Baltimore (IOCC) — In a presentation made at one of three International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) emergency response centers in the Gulf Coast region, Fr. John Salem of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church presented a $125,000 contribution to the IOCC hurricane relief efforts on behalf of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America on September 20, 2005. “It has been, and always will be the policy of this God-protected Archdiocese to help our brothers and sisters around the world who have suffered from natural disasters. In this case, the need is at home,” wrote His Eminence Metropolitan Philip in a pastoral letter sent to all parishes of the Antiochian Archdiocese shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck. The support for the IOCC hurricane relief efforts was the result of collections taken throughout the Archdiocese over two Sundays in September. Leonidas “Lee” Kapetanakis, an Emergency Response team member from Houston, Texas and IOCC Board Member accepted the contribution on behalf of IOCC. IOCC’s pan-Orthodox Emergency Response Network has established parish-based response centers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, and Houston, Texas. The funds contributed by the Antiochian Archdiocese will be used to assist in responding to the emergency needs as well as to support the long-term recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region. Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). |
Antiochian Hierarchs Participate in the Opening of the 60th UN General Assembly
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Archdiocese Board of Trustees Meeting
The Archdiocese Board of Trustees met on October 7 & 8, 2005.
47th Convention Highlights
The 47th North American Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was held in Dearborn, Michigan from July 25th through July 31st, 2005. The convention was hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Troy, Michigan and was attended by 2,500 faithful. It was the first regular convention held since the granting of self-rule status by the Holy Synod of Antioch by unanimous resolution in October, 2003. Highlights of the Convention included:
A. The organizational and departmental meetings held earlier in the week
B. The General Assembly held on Thursday and Friday
C. The North American Bible Bowl and Oratorical Festival
D. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday concelebrated by Metropolitan PHILIP, Archbishop of New York and All North America, the visiting Metropolitan PAUL, Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand, and the six diocesan bishops of the North American Antiochian Archdiocese
The General Assembly was attended by 1,000 delegates comprised of pastors, retired pastors, clergy who are full-time department heads, North American and diocesan presidents of organizations, and Members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees. The General Assembly took specific action on the following items:
- The delegates approved a voluntary contribution plan for clergy and full-time employees of the Archdiocese whereby the contributor may deposit up to 3% of his or her salary into the fund, and the parish (for pastors) or the Archdiocese (for full-time employees) may match this 3% contribution.
- The delegates approved a new and significant system by which the parishes of the Archdiocese will contribute to the Archdiocese budget. The old system had consisted of a fixed dollar amount that each parish contributed based on the number of people reported by the parish census. The new system will eventually result in the parish tithing to the Archdiocese based on its Operating Income. The 10% will be attained by starting with 8% in 2006, 9% in 2007, and 10% in 2008.
- The delegates approved a resolution calling on SCOBA to act decisively to plan and implement Orthodox Unity in North America (attached)
- The delegates approved a resolution in vigorous opposition to extreme positions being taken by so-called “left-wing”, and “right-wing” Christian groups (attached)
- The delegates approved a motion which removes the Archdiocese from membership in the National Council of Christian Churches in the USA (NCCCUSA), in light of the shift of the NCCCUSA to a position which no longer contributes to the mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in North America. This move does not signal an end to participation in ecumenical dialog, and membership in appropriate groups. On the contrary, it allows our attention to be focused on participation in groups which are consistent with the mission of this Archdiocese in North America.
Opposition To Extreme Christian Groups
Occured during the 47th North American Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was held in Dearborn, Michigan from July 25th through July 31st, 2005.
WHEREAS, several extreme positions that are both divisive and dangerous have emerged from so-called “Left-wing” and “Right-wing” Christian groups;
AND WHEREAS, the tenets of these extreme positions include, but are not limited to, support for same-sex marriage, support for abortion, support for ordination of women to Holy Orders, support for the concept of war which is “pre-emptive” or “justifiable”, and the labeling of other faiths and their leaders with hateful terminology;
AND WHEREAS, The Holy Orthodox Church believes and teaches the faith which was taught by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and upheld by His Apostles, and “which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude:3);
AND WHEREAS, The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America stands firm in her resolve to uphold this Holy Orthodox Faith in all of its purity;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this General Assembly of the 47th Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America firmly rejects all extremist positions that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Faith;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Archdiocese will not be affiliated with those groups that support and promulgate these extreme positions, and that this Archdiocese will continue to witness to the Truth as received from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, His Holy Apostles, the Holy Fathers, and all of the saints and martyrs who have lived and died to uphold the Holy Orthodox Faith.
Call For Orthodox Unity
Occured during the 47th North American Convention of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was held in Dearborn, Michigan from July 25th through July 31st, 2005.
WHEREAS, Orthodoxy first came to North America over two hundred years ago, and has been firmly planted in this soil and in the hearts and souls of North Americans who have been born and raised on this Continent as well as those who have immigrated here and have no desire to leave their homeland;
AND WHEREAS, the past century has seen the presence of many Orthodox jurisdictions, each with their own parishes, bishops, priests and faithful, building churches and Orthodox communities along their own ethnic and/or jurisdictional lines, often in close proximity and in conflict with other Orthodox communities;
AND WHEREAS, this has resulted in an uncanonical situation by the presence of multiple Orthodox communities in the same geographic area and the presence of more than one Orthodox Bishop for the same geographic area, as well as the division of the one Holy Orthodox Church along jurisdictional and/or ethnic lines thereby dividing what is meant by God to be united;
AND WHEREAS, this uncanonical situation has weakened the presence of the Orthodox Church in North America, in many practical respects among others: The inability to speak to the political leaders and the citizens in North America with one united Orthodox voice that would vocalize with strength the Orthodox position and concerns on the moral, spiritual, practical and political issues that concern North Americans in their everyday life;
AND WHEREAS, this uncanonical situation has resulted in the faithful Orthodox, whether in school, work or in the home, being unaware that their schoolmates, fellow workers and/or neighbors share the same Orthodox faith;
AND WHEREAS, it is the duty of all Orthodox Christians, and especially the members of the holy episcopate to work and pray for the unity of the faith and to work to correct any uncanonical situation;
AND WHEREAS, the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America, (SCOBA) which is comprised of Orthodox bishops from all canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in North America, last met with respect to Orthodox unity at the Antiochian Village in 1994 and has done nothing since that time to further resolve the uncanonical situation in North America and to promote Orthodox unity;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this General Assembly of the 47th Archdiocesan Convention, duly assembled at Dearborn, Michigan, challenges, requests and calls on SCOBA to meet with all deliberate speed with the expressed purpose to endorse, promote and accomplish Orthodox Unity in North America and to set forth a plan and timetable for achieving such Orthodox Unity.
OCN- Schedule of Programs for September 2005
For Immediate Release
For More Information please contact:
OCN - Orthodox Christian Network Sub Deacon Nicholas Tentzeras, Booking Director
"Come Receive the Light" Radio Program SubDeaconNicholas@receive.org
815 NE 15th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305 1-888-211.4141
Schedule of Programs for September 2005
09/03/2005 Topic: Loss of a Child
Guests: Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock
How can one survive the loss of a child? Will things ever be the same? Be sure to join us as Father Chris and Emmy speak with Fr. Don and Khouriya Maggie Hock as they tell of their own personal experience on losing a child. Married 35 years with four daughters and a son, they share their story with us in an effort to give hope to families who have suffered a loss and educate those around them on how to be supportive.
09/10/2005 Topic: Ecumenism in the 21st Century
Guest: Despina Prassas
American society is a picture of multiculturalism. How do you deal with faiths coming together in a diversified culture? Fr. Chris and Emmy welcome back Dr. Despina Prassas as she will discuss the dialogue between Pentecostals and Orthodox Christians and what the Orthodox Christian Church prays for and envisions as being the role of the Orthodox Christian Church in Ecumenism in the 21st Century.
09/17/2005 Topic: Orthodox Christianity in American Public Life
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou
There are many differences between the pluralistic society we live in and a Byzantium like state. So how do we deal with the challenges and are we able to be good Orthodox Christians while living in such a society? Be sure to join us when we speak with Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, Assistant Professor in International Relations from Boston University.
09/24/2005 Topic: Religion and Illness
Guest: Fr. John Panagiotou
Another barrier has been created to keep religion out of public places. Fr. John Panagiotou will be discussing why priests should be allowed to visit the sick in hospitals and how a new law has created unintended consequences. Listen to learn how this can affect you and your family.
Subscribe to the Come Receive The Light e-newsletter at http://www.receive.org for a weekly inspirational message and the latest updates of upcoming programs.
Washington Post: New Iconostas : Ss. Peter & Paul : Potomac, MD
Carving Out a Sacred Space
The New Altar at a Potomac Church Hearkens to Ancient and Far-Flung Traditions
By Mary Otto
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 9, 2005; Page B09
The new altar is made of pale golden marble, quarried from the treeless mountains of Syria where the Apostle Paul is said to have walked 2,000 years ago.
Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, according to the Bible, and he preached in the ancient city of Antioch, where Jesus's followers were first called Christians.
Click here to read this article on the Washington Post Website
Local Synod of Bishops of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America gathered together for their Spring meet
The Local Synod of Bishops of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America gathered together for their Spring meeting on June 2, 2005 at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey.
The Bishops of the Local Synod; From l to r: Bishop MARK of Toledo and the Midwest, Bishop BASIL of Wichita and Mid-America, Bishop ANTOUN of Miami and the Southeast, Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop JOSEPH of Los Angeles and the West, Bishop THOMAS of Oakland PA and the East, Bishop ALEXANDER of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York.
OCA Unveils Redesigned, Expanded Web Site
SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- The Orthodox Church in America [OCA] unveiled its redesigned and expanded web site, www.oca.org , on Wednesday, March 2, 2005.
The site, which made its debut in December 1996, features several thousand pages of information on Orthodox Christian Scripture, doctrine, worship, history, and spirituality; a wealth of educational and ministry resources; a popular question and answer service; extensive photo galleries; daily liturgical texts, commemorations, and music; and directories of the OCA's hierarchs, clergy, parishes, and institutions.
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, OCA primate, the site's web team, headed by web master John Mindala, spent countless hours over the past year reorganizing and redesigning the new site, which averages some 700 thousand hits from over 100 countries each month.
Numerous technical changes also have been added, making the site more user-friendly and easing the site's search features.
"We are confident that the redesigned site will prove useful to our faithful, the general public, and researchers alike,"
- said Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, OCA chancellor, who supervised the site's upgrade together with the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA communications director.
"Since its inception, the site has steadily gained in popularity and has served to introduce countless individuals to the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition."
Tracing its roots to the arrival of Orthodox missionaries in Alaska in 1794, the Orthodox Church in America embraces over 700 parishes, missions, and institutions across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
MEDIA RELEASE / ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA PO Box 675 Syosset, New York 11791-0675
Contact: The Very Rev. John Matusiak
OCA Communications Director
630-668-3071
St. Nicholas Cathedral Celebrates 110th Anniversary and Elevation of Father Thomas Zain
St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral of Brooklyn, the Mother Cathedral and oldest parish of the Archdiocese, celebrated her 110th anniversary June 4-5, 2005. The anniversary coincided with the spring meetings of the Local Archdiocesan Synod of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese, the Archdiocese Board of Trustees and the Governing Council of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. All three meetings proved to be very productive, historic and fruitful.
On Saturday evening, some 300 people gathered for the grand banquet at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Those in attendance from the religious community included His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP and the hierarchs of the Local Archdiocesan Synod, representatives from the Orthodox Church in America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, the Melkite Catholic Church, the Druze community and numerous priests and deacons from throughout the United States and Canada. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps and local civil authorities including New York State Senator Martin Golden, the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Fayssal Makdad, the Counsel General of Lebanon in New York, Mohamad El-Harake and the Charge d'affaires from the Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Ibrahim Assaf.
Highlights of the banquet included a State Senate Proclamation presented to Metropolitan PHILIP, Father Thomas and the Cathedral by Senator Golden, the recognition of Mr. Nick Nassir of California who was baptized in the Cathedral 93 years ago, possibly by St. Raphael himself, and the presentation of the Certificate of Meritorious Service by Metropolitan PHILIP to the general chairwoman of the weekend, Ms. Elaine Khoury, for all of her hard work and dedication over the years.
On Sunday, June 5, 2005, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy took place before a standing room only crowd at the Cathedral. His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP and all the diocesan bishops of the Archdiocese were present along with 16 priests and deacons of various Orthodox jurisdictions from throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to the Liturgy, the clergy met Metropolitan PHILIP and the bishops at the entrance of the Cathedral and processed in with the relics of St. Raphael that were then placed in the holy altar table. This is significant in that St. Nicholas was the first community founded by St. Raphael and he was originally buried under the altar at the Pacific Street Cathedral before his remains were moved to a Brooklyn cemetery (and subsequently to the Holy Resurrection Cemetery at the Antiochian Village) when the location of the Cathedral changed to its present spot in 1920 at 355 State Street.
The historic liturgy concluded with the other main celebration of the weekend, the elevation of the Cathedral's Dean, Rev. Fr. Thomas Zain, to the dignity of Archpriest by His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP. Father Thomas is celebrating his 11th anniversary in the priesthood next month and his 8th anniversary as Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral in August. His sponsors, Archimandrite Michael Evans and Archpriest George Alberts led him to Metropolitan PHILIP for the elevation prayer. Following the laying on of hands, Metropolitan PHILIP presented Father Thomas with the jeweled cross to wear as a sign of his new rank. The cross was given as a gift from the Cathedral. A sold out reception honoring Father Thomas, Khourieh Claudia and their children Simone and George and sponsored by the Tri-State members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees and others followed in the Cathedral Hall.
At the same liturgy, a 40 day Trisagion (memorial) service was held for the late Archbishop IAKOVOS of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America and seven new members were inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the charitable arm of the Archdiocese.
Convention Begins
Orthodox Peace Fellowship to hold annual conference at St. Vladimir's Seminary
Orthodox Peace Fellowship to hold annual conference at St. Vladimir's Seminary |
| CRESTWOOD, NY — The North American branch of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship [OPF] will hold its annual east coast conference at Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary on July 29-31, 2005.
The conference theme, "Salt of the Earth, Light of the World: Living the Similitudes in Our Communities," will focus on gathering and expanding a variety of Orthodox social outreach ministries to the underserved in our communities. The main speakers of the conference are Mr. Joe May of Akron, OH's Matthew 25 House of Hospitality, presenting "Downward Mobility: Voluntary Simplicity in Christian Life and Witness," and the Rev. Paisius Altschul of the Kansas City Reconciliation Ministries speaking on "The Icon of God: Getting Beyond 'Us' 'Them.'" Other Orthodox social ministries to participate by leading workshops include the homeless ministry conducted by Saint John the Compassionate Mission, Toronto, ON, Canada; the Treehouse Center for Mothers, Wichita, KS; Zoe for Life, and prison ministries. On-line registration is encouraged through the OPF web site at www.incommunion.org or by writing to the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, PO Box 390838, Cambridge, MA 02139. Questions may be directed to Sheri San Chirico at sherihopesc@yahoo.com. OPF's North American branch was established several years ago as a extension of the international OPF, based in Alkmaar, Holland. |
Statement on the Falling Asleep of Archbishop Iakovos
April 11, 2005
His Eminence Archbishop IAKOVOS, 93, spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America from 1959 to 1996, fell asleep in the Lord on April 10, 2005 at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut.
All of the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP worked very closely with Archbishop IAKOVOS for many years, and together they were instrumental in the establishment of such important organizations as SCOBA (The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America), and the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities).
In 1995, Metropolitan PHILIP said the following in his commencement address at Holy Cross Seminary,
“I am indeed delighted to share this podium with my beloved Brother in Christ, Archbishop IAKOVOS, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and
Today, His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP said:
“The passing of Archbishop IAKOVOS marks the end of an era. He has left his footprints on the sands of time as he worked tirelessly to develop the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and her institutions. He was the much respected and loved dean of the Orthodox clergy, and he was not afraid to fight for the rights of the oppressed in
It is clear that the words of our Lord apply to His Eminence Archbishop IAKOVOS:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).
May our Lord grant rest to the soul of His servant Archbishop IAKOVOS, and may his memory be eternal!!
Seven hierarchs of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America to Concelebrate divine liturgy at St. Nicholas
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The Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
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Telephone (201) 871-1355 * Fax (201) 871-7954
Website: www.antiochian.org * Email:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2005 –
SEVEN HIERARCHS OF THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA TO CONCELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL IN
For the first time since the election and consecration of three new diocesan bishops in December 2004, all seven hierarchs of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America will concelebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday June 5th, 2005 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in
In addition, a Trisagion Service will be held in memory of His Eminence Archbishop IAKOVOS, former spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and
Attending the Local Synod of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, and concelebrating at the Divine Liturgy will be the following hierarchs:
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America, His Grace ANTOUN, Bishop of Miami and the Diocese of the Southeast, His Grace JOSEPH, Bishop of Los Angeles and the Diocese of the West, His Grace BASIL, Bishop of Wichita and the Diocese of Mid-America, His Grace THOMAS, Bishop of Oakland, PA and the Diocese of the East, His Grace MARK, Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest, and His Grace ALEXANDER, Bishop of Ottawa and the Diocese of Eastern Canada and Upstate New York.
The Local Synod of the Archdiocese will hold its meeting on Thursday, June 2nd at the Archdiocese Headquarters in
2001 - News & Press Releases
Resolution on Autonomy
Resolution on AutonomyJune 11, 2001 TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PUBLISHED IN THE CHURCH BULLETIN Venerable Hierarchs, Esteemed Members of the “Now, when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord, in one place. And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house, where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit....” (Acts 2:1-4) God continues to work in His Church. On Saturday, June 2, 2001, the day before we celebrated the birthday of Christ’s Holy Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees met in Englewood, New Jersey, and unanimously and joyously recommended to the General Assembly of the Archdiocese, when it meets in July in Los Angeles, to request the Holy Synod of Antioch to grant autonomy to our Archdiocese. This would not sever our ties with Antioch, but would allow the Archdiocese to be self-governing except that the Holy Synod of Antioch would retain certain authority with respect to the validity of the election of the Primate of the Archdiocese. The details of the autonomous Church would be worked out in consultation with the Patriarchate. The Resolution makes clear that the proposed autonomous Archdiocese desires to maintain close ties with the Patriarchate of Antioch and its institutions and that the people of the Archdiocese will not forget their roots. Enclosed is the Resolution which will be placed before the General Assembly. We believe the Holy Spirit has blessed this attempt to insure the future stability and flourishing of our Archdiocese, to allow our people to select their bishops, and to lay a groundwork for a unified church in the United States and Canada sometime in the future, while maintaining close ties with the Patriarchate of Antioch. It is our fervent hope that the General Assembly will unanimously pass the resolution. We would then consult with the Holy Synod of Antioch to work out the details. We have just learned that the Reverend Clergy of the Southwest Region, at their convention in Wichita, voted unanimously for autonomy. So that we might be orderly, the procedure with respect to the resolution shall be to comment primarily by parish delegation, only through one representative. Proposed changes to the Resolution will only be considered if received by my office prior to July 1 5, 2001. Anyone desiring to see the text or understand the procedure, please contact the Parish Priest and/or Parish Council Chairperson. Please read the Resolution carefully and come to Los Angeles prepared to vote on it. We ask that you keep the welfare of our God-protected Archdiocese in your prayers always, especially in these next five or six months, as we hopefully work with the Holy Synod of Antioch for the glory of Christ’s Church on this continent. Your Father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHEREAS, the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (“Archdiocese”) has grown from a small mission, directed chiefly to immigrants from the Near East, into a vast archdiocese of approximately 230 parishes and missions, over 350 clergy and approximately 500,000 faithful, whose ethnic diversity increasingly approximates the rich ethnic diversity of North America itself; WHEREAS, among other things the growth of the Archdiocese has been accompanied by an increase in the number of bishops serving in it, from a single Metropolitan to a Metropolitan and four auxiliary bishops; WHEREAS, the Archdiocese has developed its own internal structures and institutions, which respond effectively to the particular cultural and political conditions in North America, while at the same time reflecting the Orthodox Church’s perennial norms for the well-ordered life of an autonomous local church; WHEREAS, the granting of the status of autonomy to the Archdiocese by the Holy Synod of Antioch at this time would confirm and strengthen the Archdiocese’s capacity for effective self-governance, and thus help to ensure the stability of the Archdiocese and its continued flourishing in the future; WHEREAS, such autonomy would safeguard the canonical principle that local matters should be handled locally, among other things allowing the selection of bishops for the Archdiocese whose life and work is known to the faithful here and who are familiar with the situation of the Church in the United States and Canada; WHEREAS, such autonomy would allow greater flexibility to the Archdiocese as it works with other Orthodox jurisdictions towards the establishment of an administratively united Orthodox Church in North America, which would more fully embody the ecclesiology and canonical norms of Orthodoxy and advance the mission and witness of Orthodoxy on this continent; WHEREAS, the autonomous Archdiocese would continue to maintain close ties with the Mother Church of Antioch, with its institutions and faithful, always mindful of its spiritual roots; WHEREAS, His Beatitude, Patriarch Ignatius, and His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip, will be meeting to discuss this resolution; THEREFORE, the General Assembly of this 45th Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese does hereby beseech the Patriarch and the Holy Synod of Antioch to grant the Archdiocese autonomy, the details of which would be worked out, in consultation with the Patriarch. (Revised form, passed by the General Assembly July 27, 2001)
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2002 - News & Press Releases
Appeal Regarding the Church of the Nativity April 20, 2002
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Urgent Appeal from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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Appeal Regarding the Church of the Nativity April 20, 2002 (Arabic)
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Urgent Appeal from the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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Statement on Crisis in Holy Land
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Metropolitan PHILIP's Pastoral Letter on Autonomy, June 27, 2002
June 27, 2002
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT
Brother Hierarchs,
Beloved Clergy,
Esteemed Members of the Board of Trustees
And all Faithful members of our God-protected Archdiocese:
Greetings and best wishes in the spirit of this Holy season of Pentecost.
I have just returned home, together with my delegation, after a very successful journey to Syria and Lebanon. We were extremely busy participating in the meetings of the Holy Synod of Antioch. And we bring to all of you the blessings and best wishes of our Father-in-Christ, His Beatitude, IGNATIUS IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. In the September issue of the WORD Magazine, you will read a full account about our entire trip.
We have very good news. The Holy Synod of Antioch has blessed and recognized the autonomy of our God-protected Archdiocese, not “in theory” as it was wrongly reported, but in reality.
The following is the translation of the Synodal decision which was adopted unanimously on Thursday, June 13, 2002:
SYNODAL DECISION
“The Holy Synod of Antioch, at its regular meeting, held at the Patriarchate in Damascus, Syria, from June 11 to June 14, 2002, and having reviewed the plea of the General Assembly of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, which was adopted in Los Angeles, CA, July 26, 2001, and has been submitted to His Beatitude, Patriarch Ignatius IV and the Holy Synod blesses the wish of its children in the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, and recognizes their Archdiocese as autonomous.
This will render their witness more powerful and more effective, as they identify with the civilization of North America; and in order to express the canonical and pastoral factors of this renewed Archdiocese, which will affect the basic law of the Patriarchate, on the one hand, and the constitution of the Archdiocese on the other hand.
Therefore, the Holy Synod decided to establish a committee, composed from six to eight persons, appointed equally by His Beatitude and His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip, to propose a constitution for this autonomous Archdiocese, to be presented to the Holy Synod of Antioch, in order to acquire its final canonical status.
The first meeting of this committee will be held in the coming fall.”
The above decision was authored by Metropolitan George Khodre of Mount Lebanon, and the translation was approved by him.
In the near future, I will appoint the members of our Archdiocesan delegation which will meet with the Patriarchal delegation either in Europe or in the Middle East to discuss the canonical details of our autonomy.
Finally, may the All Holy Spirit guide us to do what is pleasing to His holy Church.
Your Father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
of North America
“…the Disciples were called Christians first in Antioch!” ACTS 11:26
Press Reslease on Autonomy June 26, 2002
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Metropolitan Philip, IOCC Leaders Discuss Needs in Holy Land
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CHURCH, IOCC LEADERS DISCUSS NEEDS IN HOLY LANDCONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 21, 2002
Englewood, N.J. (IOCC) - The spiritual leader of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese expressed his continuing support for the humanitarian response by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to the human suffering in the Holy Land. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip welcomed Nora Kort, head of IOCC's office in Jerusalem, to the Archdiocesan headquarters on Sunday, Nov. 17, the last day of her seven-day speaking tour across the United States. "Nora brings with her the suffering of the Palestinian people, and we share in their suffering," Metropolitan Philip said. "When we see innocent children being killed, our hearts are shattered. When olive trees are uprooted, we are uprooted." Ms. Kort, a native of Jerusalem, directs IOCC's humanitarian initiatives in the Holy Land, including a $2.6 million rural development project in the West Bank. From Nov. 10-17, she visited Orthodox parishes in the United States to raise awareness and support for IOCC's work in the Holy Land. Her audience with Metropolitan Philip capped a series of stops in Los Angeles, Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Westfield, N.J. Ms. Kort spoke with Metropolitan Philip about IOCC's efforts since 1997 to alleviate suffering and create opportunity for Palestinians living in rural, isolated areas in the West Bank. She was accompanied by IOCC Board Member Anne Glynn Mackoul and former IOCC Board Chairman Charles R. Ajalat, as well as IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou. "I am pleased to hear of the impact that we are having in Jerusalem," His Eminence said. "I would like to see IOCC doing more and being more visible." Metropolitan Philip called on all Orthodox Christians to get behind IOCC and its work in the Holy Land. And he said the Archdiocese's Children's Relief Fund, a program to help children in Lebanon, should expand its reach into the West Bank. "The needs here are not ordinary because the situation is man-made," Ms. Kort said. "As Orthodox Christians, we are called to serve the vulnerable, the needy, and show them our solidarity - spiritually, financially, and humanitarian." Metropolitan Philip also praised Ms. Kort and other IOCC staff members who "put their lives on the line" every day to serve others. He likened the work of IOCC to the actions of the Good Samaritan, an outsider who offered life-saving assistance to someone in need. Before returning to Jerusalem, Ms. Kort thanked the parishes and communities that hosted her talks, including St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church in Van Nuys, Calif.; St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Livonia, Mich.; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, N.J.; Sts. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Potomac, Md.; and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, Md. For more information about IOCC's humanitarian work in the Holy Land and elsewhere, please visit www.iocc.org or call toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).
International Orthodox Christian Charities |
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Statment on Iraq - Oct. 9, 2002
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IOCC Launches West Bank Job Creation, Education Project
INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES (IOCC)
— Tel:
Web: www.iocc.org — E-mail: news@iocc.org
For immediate release
IOCC LAUNCHES WEST BANK
These needs, along with the continuing problem of unemployment in the
The $3 million project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will result in the construction or renovation of school classrooms, bathrooms, libraries, labs, playgrounds and other youth facilities in 24 villages in the Ramallah region.
IOCC was one of six international relief agencies to recently sign an agreement with USAID to promote job creation and education reform in the
On hand for the February signing ceremony at
“Many rural areas do not have any schools or enough classrooms, and children are compelled to go to neighboring villages,” Ms. Kort said. “This presents great challenges and obstacles, especially for girls: Tradition does not allow them to travel outside their own villages in search of education.”
The new project will build on IOCC’s work over the past eight years to train women, create jobs, renovate public buildings (including schools) and revitalize agriculture in rural areas of the
Ms. Kort said IOCC will use the same system with the new initiative. Clusters of 13 villages near the town of
“Children who live in rural areas of the
IOCC’s partners in the project include USAID, local village councils, and the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
IOCC will employ more than 2,000 people in the constructions trades for the life of the 30-month project. The result will be an improved educational infrastructure network serving more than 26,000 children ages 5-19, Ms. Kort said.
IOCC has been active in the
To learn more about IOCC’s relief and development programs in the
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For media inquiries, please contact IOCC Communications Associate Stephen Huba at
Palestinian students gather for recess at a school playground in Deir Balout in the
Photo courtesy of Chris Maddaloni
Statement on Crisis in Holy Land and Arson in Los Altos Church
Message from Metropolitan PHILIP
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Statement on Arson in Los Altos Church
Statement from Metropolitan PHILIP
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2003 - News & Press Releases
Metroplitan's Directive on New Monthly Assessment Rate
Metropolitan's Directive on New Monthly Assessment Rate
December 11, 2003
ARCHPASTORAL DIRECTIVE
Dear Father and Esteemed Members of the Parish Council:
Last July, at the General Assembly of the Archdiocese Convention held in Miami, Florida, it was overwhelmingly resolved that the annual parish assessment to the Archdiocese would be raised from $25.00 to $30.00 per baptized soul. The budget which was approved for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2005 is $4,413,000, the largest in the history of the Archdiocese. It should be recognized that the last increase in parish assessment was eight years ago.
The purpose of this letter is to remind you that this new assessment of $30.00 per baptized soul will go into effect January 1, 2004. Because of the need for a continuing cash flow throughout the year, most of the parishes in the Archdiocese are already paying their assessments on a monthly basis and if you are one of them, we thank you. If not, we ask you to institute a monthly assessment payment plan effective January 1, 2004.
In early January, you will receive a request for Parish Census from the Department of Statistics and Credentials. You should indicate your monthly payment amount on your response to the census request.
Hoping that you will cooperate with us fully on this matter, we pray that this Christmas Advent will bring to you and your loved ones a great measure of peace, joy and spiritual renewal.
Yours in His Service,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Metropolitan PHILIP's Message on Self-Rule
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PUBLISHED IN THE CHURCH BULLETIN
October 20, 2003
Beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, Trustees, and All Faithful of this God-Protected Archdiocese:
On Saturday October 18th, 2003, by the grace of God, we returned safely from our historic trip to Damascus to attend the meeting of the Holy Synod of Antioch. On Thursday, October 9th, 2003, after two days of intense discussion, the Holy Synod of Antioch voted unanimously to grant self-rule to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The full text of the Resolution of the Holy Synod is attached for your review.
I wish to express my gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV and the members of the Holy Synod of Antioch for their unanimous expression of support for this Archdiocese.
I am extremely pleased and grateful to God on several fronts for the outcome of this meeting. First, that the Holy Synod of Antioch, in granting self-rule to this Archdiocese, has unanimously affirmed the need for us to move forward and to make important decisions in the life of this Archdiocese which will allow it to stand as a beacon of hope for now and for the future. Second, that the unanimity of this decision has demonstrated not only the unity of the Church of Antioch, but our ability to make decisions, guided by the Holy Spirit, which protect the best interests of the Church. Third, that our own internal deliberations and decision making, fully involving all of the clergy and laity of this Archdiocese in an orderly process which insures that the voice of the people is heard, has borne the fruit of these decisions. Finally, that our travels were blessed by God with safety, productivity, and fellowship.
I wish to express my sincerest thanks to Very Rev. Joseph Antypas, Dr. George Farha, and Mr. Fawaz El Khoury who accompanied me on this historic journey, and who were a constant source of support. I also wish to thank all of those individuals who worked so diligently in the background to help to achieve this result.
I ask that you pray for us, as we always pray for all of you and the outstanding work that you do on behalf of this Archdiocese. Together, by the Grace of God, we will continue to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the North American continent.
Your Father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Summary of 2003 Archdiocese Convention
Summary of 2003 Archdiocese Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2003 – Englewood, New Jersey
FORTY-SIXTH CONVENTION OF THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA CONVENED IN MIAMI FLORIDA FROM JULY 21ST-27TH, 2003.
The Forty-sixth Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America convened at the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel in Miami, Florida from the 21st to the 27th day of July, 2003. It was attended by more than two thousand delegates, and more than two hundred fifty clergy.
Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate of the Archdiocese, presided and conveyed to the hierarchs, clergy, members of the Board of Trustees and all delegates the blessings and greetings of His Beatitude, IGNATIUS IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. In attendance were three of the four Regional Bishops of the Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop ANTOUN, His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, and His Grace Bishop BASIL. Also attending as an honored guest was Metropolitan PAUL, Primate of the Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia, and New Zealand.
On Monday evening July 21st, the Cathedral of St. George of Coral Gables, FL hosted a welcome reception, which was attended by 350 clergy and Trustees.
On Tuesday July 22nd, the Metropolitan presided over the Clergy Assembly, and held a dialogue with them on important matters pertaining to the Archdiocese.
The Grand Assembly of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch also met on Tuesday, July 22nd, and elected the following officers: Mr. Edward Assile, Chairman, Mr. Daniel Abraham, Vice Chairman, Mr. Anton Khoury, Treasurer, and Mrs. Mary Winstanley O’Connor, Secretary. The Order held a banquet on Tuesday evening in honor of the outgoing officers. There are now 2,875 active members of the Order, including 211 Life Members.
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America (AOCWNA) held their Assembly and luncheon on Wednesday, July 23rd. Among the highlights this year was the celebration of the 30th anniversary of AOCWNA, whose members have labored unwaveringly to assist orphans, the poor and destitute around the world.
The departments of the Archdiocese met on Wednesday July 23rd, and the General Assembly convened on Thursday and Friday, July 24th, and 25th. The delegates heard reports from the 27 Archdiocesan departments, commissions, councils, and organizations. The General Assembly approved the following important items:
- A resolution thanking the Cathedral of St. George of Coral Gables, Florida for hosting an outstanding Convention.
- A resolution welcoming His Eminence Metropolitan PAUL of Australia and New Zealand.
- A budget in excess of $4.4 million, the largest operating budget in the history of the Archdiocese, for the 2005 fiscal year which runs from February 1st, 2004 to January 31st, 2005.
- The “Geneva Agreement” on Autonomy as the official position of the Archdiocese.
The Geneva Agreement on Autonomy was approved by a roll-call vote with an overwhelming majority of 99.6% of the votes cast being in favor of the proposal. This agreement was approved in November 2002 by the joint committee comprised of representatives of the Patriarchate of Antioch, and the Archdiocese. When approved by the Holy Synod of Antioch, the details in this agreement will guide the governance of the autonomous Archdiocese and its continuing close relationship with the Holy Synod of Antioch. The Holy Synod of Antioch will address this agreement at its upcoming meeting on October 14th, 2003 in Damascus, Syria.
His Eminence reappointed the following people to the Archdiocese Board of Trustees: Mr. Fawaz El-Khoury of Westboro, MA, and Mr. Mansour Rayan of Lincolnwood, IL. He also made the following new appointments to the Board: Mr. Joseph Hanna of Montreal, PQ Canada, Mr. Anton Khoury of Miami, FL, and Mr. Kory Warr of Oklahoma City, OK.
The following people were elected to the Board of Trustees: Mr. Alan Abraham of Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. David Bojrab of Ft. Wayne, IN, Mr. Don Braun of Goleta, CA, Dr. John Dalack of Staten Island, NY, Mr. Philip Haddad of Charleston, WV, Dr. Donald Howard of Davie, FL, Mr. George Nassor of Wyckoff, NJ, Dr. Raymond Rishwain of Stockton, CA, Miss Jean Sam of Duluth, GA, and Dr. Joseph Samra of Pawtucket, RI.
The 2005 Convention will be held in Detroit and hosted by St. George Church of Troy, Michigan. By vote of the delegates to the General Assembly, the 2007 Convention will be held in Montreal, and hosted by St. Nicholas Church of Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada.
The Grand Banquet on Saturday was attended by 1,500 people. Metropolitan PHILIP addressed the banquet attendees and presented the Antonian Silver Medal to Mrs. Suzanne Sayfie, Chairlady of the Convention, for her outstanding efforts.
The Convention concluded on Sunday July 27th with a most inspiring Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The beautiful choir, comprised of members from across the entire Archdiocese, was conducted by Mr. James Meena, the Chairman of the Archdiocese Department of Sacred Music.
Metropolitan's Message Regarding Implementation of Self-Rule
Metropolitan's Message Regarding Implementation of Self-Rule
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT AND PUBLISHED IN THE CHURCH BULLETIN
December 31, 2003
Beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, Trustees, and All Faithful of this God-Protected and
Self-Ruled Archdiocese:
Greetings and Blessings to all of you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ on this Eve
of the New Year !
Since our return from Damascus on October 18th, 2003 we have been very busy with the detailed planning of the first steps that must be taken in order that we properly implement the self-rule status that was granted to this Archdiocese by the resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch. The official English translation of this resolution was previously sent to you to be read from the pulpit. We have also received many questions from our clergy and faithful who are rightfully interested in understanding the next steps, and the time frame for those steps. This letter addresses some, but not all of those questions. We must all be patient, and understand that events must happen in a certain order, to insure that the best interests of the Church are being served. As St. Paul teaches “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Now that our self-rule status is final, the first step will be for us to integrate the Synodal resolution into the Archdiocese Constitution. We will accomplish this integration by the amendment process that is specified in our current constitution. As such, we will call a special convention consistent with Article V, Section 2 of our current constitution. This special convention will be held from Friday July 16th through Sunday July 18th, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Delegates are expected to arrive in Pittsburgh on Thursday July 15th. The date and location has been chosen so that the clergy of the Archdiocese can proceed directly from the special convention to the biennial Clergy Symposium that is scheduled from July 19th through July 23rd at the Antiochian Village. All clergy, parishes, and missions must be represented either in person or by legal proxy, as is the case at our regular conventions. The parish will grant their priest time off from his pastoral duties, as well as travel and living expenses for his attendance at this Special Convention. Specific information regarding the hotel and agenda for this special convention will follow in the near future.
Our intention is to have two major items on the agenda for this special convention; The approval of the amendments which integrate the Synodal resolution on self-rule into the Archdiocese constitution, and the nomination, by our General Assembly, of candidates who will stand for election as Diocesan Bishops. The nominations will occur according to Article I Section 6 of our current constitution. The election will occur at a later time by the Local Synod of the North American Archdiocese, with the participation of “two or three Metropolitans” designated by the Patriarch of Antioch and invited to participate in the election.
As stated above, our clergy and faithful have asked many additional questions regarding the implementation of self-rule. Some information can be given now, as follows:
1. We will be drawing Diocesan boundaries that will become the jurisdictions of the Diocesan bishops. Although these dioceses may resemble the current regions, there will likely be changes, as well as the creation of new dioceses that do not correspond exactly to any of the existing regions. This is necessary to insure that our Diocesan bishops have the maximum opportunity to visit their flocks, and make personal contact with them. The specification of Diocesan boundaries is likely to be done before the special convention is convened.
2. The enthronement of our current bishops into specific dioceses will occur some time after the special convention. The consecration and enthronement of newly elected bishops will occur sometime after their election.
3. There is no plan to establish Diocesan Assemblies in the foreseeable future since we have Diocesan Parish Life Conferences.
4. The Diocesan bishops will have additional duties and responsibilities as appropriate. We will however, preserve the strong unity of this Archdiocese under the leadership of the Metropolitan.
5. Commemorations - The Metropolitan will commemorate the Patriarch of Antioch, the Holy Synod of Antioch, and the Local Holy Synod of the Archdiocese. The Diocesan Bishop will commemorate the Metropolitan and the Local Holy Synod of the Archdiocese. The clergy will commemorate the Metropolitan followed by the Diocesan Bishop. The commemoration of the Diocesan Bishops will begin after the Special Convention in July.
Together we have much difficult work ahead of us. Let us pray fervently that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us, so that our work may be pleasing to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the Glory of His Holy Name, and the Glory of His Church.
Your Father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Metroplitan's Message on Choir Appreciation
Metropolitan's Message on Choir Appreciation
November, 2003
TO BE READ FROM THE PULPIT
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 103:33-34)
Beloved Clergy, Parish Councils and Faithful of our Archdiocese:
We greet you during this holy season of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, praying that you are all in good health.
During this joyous season, we take the time out of our busy schedules to honor the choirs and chanters of our parishes. While they are faithful each and every Sunday, feast day, sacrament and other service throughout the year, we too often take them for granted. Today, however, is a day to thank them for their dedication and service to the Church. If we stop for a moment and think how dull our services would be without our choirs, most especially during special seasons such as this one, we realize the importance they play in the life of the parish. Having traveled all over our God-protected Archdiocese, I thank God that wherever I go, I am fortunate to hear beautiful voices singing praises to our Lord.
In appreciation, therefore, for the tremendous contribution which our choirs are making to our parishes, we proclaimed the second Sunday in December as “Choir Sunday” last year. This year, that Sunday falls on December 14, 2003. We thus urge our beloved clergy and parish councils to honor our choirs and chanters on this day by doing something special in their honor.
Your Father in Christ,
Metropolitan PHILIP
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Synod of Antioch Grants Self-rule to North American Archdiocese
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2003 – Englewood, New Jersey
HOLY SYNOD OF ANTIOCH GRANTS SELF-RULE TO THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA
On Thursday, October 9th, 2003, the Holy Synod of Antioch voted unanimously to grant self-rule to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The full text of the authorized English translation of the Synodal Resolution is included below.
Resolution of the Holy Synod Regarding the Status of the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America
1. Self rule and Jurisdiction
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America is and shall remain self-ruled within its present jurisdiction (The United States of America and Canada) and shall constitute one unified ecclesiastical Antiochian entity.
2. Governance
The Archdiocese is governed by the Holy Scripture, the Sacred Tradition, the Holy Canons, the Constitution of the Church of Antioch and this Synodical resolution and by its Constitution and Bylaws.
3. Recognition of Auxiliary Bishops as Diocesan Bishops and Local Synod
Upon adoption of this resolution, the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese shall become Diocesan Bishops and bear their given titles. The Diocesan Bishops will constitute under the Metropolitan the Local Synod of the Archdiocese which will be its governing authority. The Local Synod shall determine the number of dioceses and their boundaries.
4. Procedure of election of Diocesan Bishops
A- The General Assembly of the Archdiocese will nominate three candidates for a Diocesan Bishop. When Diocesan Assemblies shall be constituted the nominations shall then be made, by the said assemblies.
B- The Patriarch of Antioch shall delegate two or three Metropolitans to participate on behalf of the Holy Synod together with the Local Synod in the election of the Diocesan Bishops. The Metropolitan shall preside over the electoral assembly.
C- The consecration and enthronement of the Bishops shall be accomplished in North America by the Metropolitan, the Patriarchal Delegate and the members of the Local Synod.
D- In case of insufficient number of qualified nominees from the Archdiocesan clergy, the Archdiocese shall nominate from the list of nominations kept in the Patriarchal records.
5. Procedure of election of the Metropolitan Primate
The Metropolitan Primate shall be nominated according to the Constitution of the Church of Antioch and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Archdiocese. The three nominees for the office of Metropolitan Primate shall be submitted to the Holy Synod of Antioch to elect one of them. The Metropolitan shall be a member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate as well as of the Local Synod of the Archdiocese.
6. Right of appeal and Synaxis
In all matters of hierarchical discipline, Bishops of the Local Synod have the right to appeal to the Patriarch of Antioch and the Holy Synod. The Archdiocesan Bishops, after consultation with the Metropolitan, shall attend the gatherings or synaxis of the Antiochian Bishops which may be called from time to time by the Patriarch of Antioch.
7. Decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch
The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies.
8. Amendment and translation
The Patriarchate of Antioch and the Archdiocese shall each amend its constitution in accordance with the above. The Archdiocese shall submit its amended constitution to the Holy Synod of Antioch for approval. The Arabic text of this resolution and its English translation shall have equal force and validity.
United Nations Prayer Service
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches
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Antiochian Village Breaks Ground for New Wing
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ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW WING Thanks to the generosity of the Antiochian Board of Trustees, churches, organizations and many individuals, construction is officially underway for a new, two million dollar, 16,600 square foot addition to the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center in Western Pennsylvania. On Saturday, April 12, 2003, Bob Laham, Chairman of Village Council, joined with architect Peter Cecconi, Jr., AIA, and contractors to sign official documents and break ground for the project. The new wing, designed in a manner to reflect ties to the religious heritage of Byzantine tradition, will house the Eastern Heritage Museum’s collection of more than 700 icons, religious relics and cultural artifacts and will include a Rare Book Room addition to the library which will help preserve and make usable for research its collection of more than 150 rare or historical theological books, manuscripts and other documents. The expansion will occur at the south end of the present facility becoming a connected and contiguous part of the present structure. Additionally, it will contain a sloped seating lecture/performance hall, several seminar rooms, offices, and ancillary support areas. Funds to begin construction of the facilities were raised within the Archdiocese primarily by contribu Father Michael Massouh and the Very Reverend Father Nabil Hanna conducted a ceremony to bless the project prior to the first shovels being lifted to officially break ground. The Heritage Museum will house and display delicate items behind glass enclosure walls where a constantly monitored, controlled atmosphere of 72 degrees and 50% humidity is maintained. Lighting systems have been designed to avoid the damaging effects of ultra-violet rays. Less sensitive items of metal and glass will be displayed in secured casework located in what the plans designate as “display lobbies.” Public areas will be equipped with conventional heating, cooling and lighting systems. The Rare Book Room will expand upon the existing library. The collection will be housed in a secured glass wall enclosure with a controlled atmosphere. Other configuration changes will occur in the library to improve security and better accommodate library management and use. The Auditorium concept is an acoustically treated, tiered amphitheater that will be equipped with a motorized projector platform and projection screen, complete sound system, and a multi-controlled lighting system. It will accommodate a variety of educational or entertainment venues. Presently, the Village museum collections include 106 icons dating from the 12th through the 20th century representing 14 different countries or regions of the world outside of the United States. An additional 634 artifacts, relics and items reflect the Middle Eastern and Eastern European ancestry of the Orthodox Christian heritage and culture. The new wing and its facilities will articulate boldly the Antiochian Legacy through knowledge and understanding of its ancient and historical past and cultural contributions. Upon completion, the museum will be open to the public with regular hours. For more information, call Antiochian Village at 724-238-3677.
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tions from members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees with donations also coming from churches, organizations and other individuals. To date, $1,320,500 has been pledged. There are still many “naming opportunities” for donors for specific spaces such as the new auditorium, seminar rooms, rare book room, archival/work room, museum and lobbies.
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Balamand University Summer Connect 2003
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Report on Meeting of Eparchial Synod - May 1, 2003
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2003— Englewood, New Jersey
SPRING MEETING OF THE EPARCHIAL SYNOD OF THE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA HELD ON APRIL 30TH, 2003
The spring meeting of the Eparchial Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was held on Wednesday April 30th, 2003 at the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey.
His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate of the Archdiocese, presided. In attendance were the Antiochian Bishops of North America: His Grace Bishop ANTOUN, His Grace Bishop JOSEPH, His Grace Bishop BASIL, and His Grace Bishop DEMETRI.
A wide range of important topics were discussed which have impact not only on the Antiochian Archdiocese, but also on Orthodoxy in North America.
Of extreme importance is the status of the detailed work which is being done to finalize the details under which the Autonomous Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America will operate. On November 20—22, 2002, a joint commission with representatives from the Patriarchate of Antioch, and the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America met in Geneva, Switzerland to draft the final operational details which will govern the Autonomous Archdiocese of North America. The output of this meeting was the Geneva Proposal, which was reviewed in detail by the Eparchial Synod. The Eparchial Synod approved 99% of this document, and expects the remaining details to be addressed without difficulty.
Another matter of extreme importance which was discussed is the crisis which has been created by the illegal and shameful activities of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in North America. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem has established headquarters in Long Island, New York, under the leadership of Archbishop DAMASKINOS. They have targeted locations in North America where well established and stable Antiochian and Greek Orthodox parishes exist, with the express purpose of dividing these parishes through recruitment of parish members. Metropolitan PHILIP held a meeting with Archbishop DEMETRIOS of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America to address this seriou |