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 |
Cloned pages are still being worked on
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
Cloned pages are still being worked on
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