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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.orthodoxdelmar...

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

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

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2006 Eastern Dioceses 55th Annual Parish Life Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Julia Cassis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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On September 16 & 17 our small parish was blessed and edified by the visit of His Grace Bishop THOMAS. Sayidna’s visit gave our parish the opportunity to spend time with and get to know our bishop.

After Vespers on Saturday, His Grace encouraged us with the reminder of St. Sophia and her daughters Faith, Hope and Charity. He told us that wisdom is not found in worldly knowledge but it is the mind and the heart working together. Faith will reduce anxiety and take away worry, hope is perseverance, and charity or love means that we are to be a servant of God.

We then went downstairs to the fellowship hall for a picnic supper with hot dogs and great chili, and had a wonderful time visiting with His Grace, asking questions and receiving much encouragement

On Sunday, during the Divine Liturgy, we were again blessed, and challenged by his sermon to us as he asked, “How are we to serve Christ and His Church? What cross are we called to carry?” Bishop THOMAS extolled us to search out and pursue this, as it is an important part of our life as Christians.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace blessed our beloved pastor Fr. Christopher Davis, and reminded us that Father Chris is led by the Holy Spirit to guide us on the path that we should follow. After Liturgy, we all gathered together with Sayidna to enjoy a lovely catered meal in the parish fellowship hall.

We would like to express our thanks to His Grace for his time among us. May we be a fruitful vine in His vineyard. Many Years Master!

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The Church of the Holy Spirit Orthodox in Huntington, WV, was blessed to host His Grace Bishop THOMAS during the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Also, accompanying Sayedna was Deacon Glenn McIntyre of St. George in New Kensington. In addition to meeting with Father John Dixon, the Parish Council and Church School, Sayedna THOMAS had a fruitful meeting with the newly reconstituted Antiochian Women (Ladies of St. Sophia). He reminded the ladies that it is often the women who set the spiritual tone of the home. He encouraged us to stay active and united in fellowship and spiritual growth. He also challenged the ladies to sponsor the purchase of a bell for the church.

On Monday evening, His Grace met with the building committee and reviewed the plans for the new Sunday School/Social Hall wing. The addition will provide space for a new church office, library, church school, and a 300-capacity social hall. We hope to break ground on the new addition in 2007.

Sayedna’s theme throughout the weekend was for everyone to invite someone to church. We hope that he will see the fruits of our efforts during his next pastoral visit.

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His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, visited Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, Maryland on September 9 and 10 in anticipation of our patronal feast day on the 14th. He began with meeting the Sisterhood of St. Nina for tea on Saturday afternoon.

The Sisterhood enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the home of Deacon Mark and Ina O'Dell with Bishop THOMAS and our Holy Cross Clergy as honored guests. In addition to dining on tasty teas, scrumptious savories, and scintillating sweets, we feasted on illuminating words of wisdom from our beloved hierarch. We gave His Grace a copy of the life story of our patron, St. Nina, including how we, at Holy Cross, came to be "chosen" by her. However, His Grace declined our offer to scale up and rappel down a mountain rock face in his cassock, like the young Bishop in St. Nina's Georgia who leads the St. Nina's Way. We also told him that in 2008 we hope to be able to join in on part of the month-long hike with the Jesus Prayer retracing part of St. Nina's journey from Cappadocia to what is now the modern Republic of Georgia. We then had a lively discussion on a variety of topics ranging from confession, to monasteries, to the bishop's own personal challenges on his spiritual journey, to the need to prayerfully support our clergy who receive a constant assault from the enemy of our souls due to their role representing Christ to us. We all left feeling enriched by our time together.

Prior to Great Vespers, Bishop THOMAS met with 14 of our youth and had a wonderful exchange of ideas. Initially they were shocked his by admonition to examine to whom they are a "slave" but accepted the idea as Sayidna Thomas encouraged them to be a slave to God rather than to music or to oneself, for example. When asked "What is the meaning of life?" BISHOP Thomas reminded the group to serve God devotedly. The youth were interested in the Bishop's accounts of his years as a teacher, and he asked the youth about their experiences at Antiochian Village and Project Mexico. They thoroughly enjoyed our beloved Bishop’s visit.

After the Great Vespers service and a short exhortation, Sayidna THOMAS was treated to a reception in the parish hall where many had the chance to talk with and get to know their Bishop, including some inquirers into the Orthodox Faith.

On Sunday morning, His Grace presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and delivered a rousing homily on taking up the Cross we've each been given. Following the Liturgy, the faithful processed with the Bishop outside to our community prayer garden, which is a new September event for our parish. Members of the church and community are invited to place crosses that represent their prayers in a marked area on the church lawn. Bishop THOMAS blessed the crosses and then we all retired into the parish hall for coffee hour. An impromptu meeting ensued, where the Bishop fielded questions for an hour and half, directing, correcting, clarifying and guiding his flock. Second only to the Eucharist, it was the highlight of the weekend!

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Between September 7th and 9th, the parishioners of Saint Mary Church, in Hunt Valley-Baltimore, received His Grace Bishop THOMAS on their Patronal feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. His Grace presided at an evening Divine Liturgy with a number of Baltimore area Priests, of all jurisdictions, participating.

In his homily Thursday night, His Grace spoke about the Gospel reading of Mary and Martha. He emphasized the importance of being like Martha, in terms of serving the church, as long as our hearts are like Mary’s, full of love for God and open to his teachings. He also encouraged the people regarding the rapid growth of the church under the leadership of Fr. Theodoros Daoud, especially regarding their plans for breaking ground on a new church building. After Liturgy the Ladies Society offered a large meal for all the participants in honor of Bishop THOMAS’ visit.

On Friday night, the parish council hosted a dinner with the Bishop, giving the council an opportunity to ask Sayidna questions, and likewise for him to inquire about the plans for the upcoming year. Privately, His Grace was able to meet on a one-on-one basis with different parishioners, before leaving for Holy Cross Church in Linthicum, Maryland to continue his Episcopal visit to the area.

After one year with Fr. Theodoros, St. Mary’s parish is in the process of obtaining a building permit, hoping to start work on the construction of a new Byzantine style Church shortly. Their hope is that this creation will be one more gem on the crown of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West welcomed His Grace, Bishop THOMAS of the Diocese of Oakland, Pennsylvania and the East as he made a brief journey to Alaska.

His Grace visited All Saints of America Church in Homer, where he presided over Vespers and the Divine Liturgy of the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Transfiguration. After that, Bishop THOMAS journeyed to St. John the Evangelist Summer Camp in Willow, where he spent a few days with the camp staff and children. His Grace is the Hierarchical Overseer of Youth Ministry for the Antiochian Archdiocese. While at the camp, Sayidna presided over the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Many thanks to the webmaster of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the West for providing the attached photographs.

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The catechumens of Christ Church Antiochian Orthodox Mission in Lynchburg, Virginia, formerly a parish of the “continuing” Anglican Church, were received into Holy Orthodoxy on Pentecost Sunday, June 11th.

Fr. Nicholas Alford of St. Gregory Antiochian Orthodox Church, Washington, DC, conducted the services of Holy Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Matrimony and Holy Eucharist, assisted by Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church , Linthicum, MD, Hieromonk Mefodii and Hierodeacon Kyrill of the Skete of St. Maximos the Confessor (Palmyra, VA - ROCOR), and members of St. Gregory's. The services took place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynchburg. St. George’s pastor, Father George, and his entire congregation have been a great source of encouragement to our new Mission.

After four adult Baptisms, seventeen individuals were Chrismated. Alban and Helen Waggener were married in the Church, in anticipation of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood in September. The newly illumined then received their first Orthodox Holy Communion, along with the other Orthodox members of the Mission. Approximately fifty people attended the three hour service.

A joyous reception followed in the parish hall, with the presentation of a Gaelic Bible from the Brothers of St. Maximos Skete to the Mission as a symbol of our heritage.

In addition, two infant Baptisms, four Chrismations, and the blessing of a marriage of members absent on June 11th, will take place in the near future.

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May 26-29, 2006

Over the Memorial Day weekend Bishop THOMAS made his annual visit to St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Since Sayidna’s flight from Johnstown Airport to Wilkes-Barre Airport was cancelled that Friday morning, His Grace drove to Wilkes-Barre. When he arrived he made a call to meet him at his family’s restaurant, Abe’s Hot Dogs on Main Street, where His Grace enjoyed his favorite food for lunch.

That evening Sayidna had dinner with 60 of the parishioners who welcomed him with open arms and were truly glad to have him back in our midst. On Saturday morning he visited his great aunt who is in a local nursing home. His Aunt Sally was very honored to have her nephew, the bishop, come to see her.

On Saturday afternoon, Bishop THOMAS, along with Father David and Khouriyee Anne Hester, went to the graduation ceremony at St. Tikhon’s Seminary to see one of the Antiochian Seminary students, Father Christopher Morris, graduate with Distinction. Both Sayidna and Father David, who teaches Patristics and Church History as an adjunct Associate Professor at St. Tikhon’s, were in the academic procession.

Later that evening His Grace presided over Great Vespers which were chanted by the Antiochian Seminary Students of St. Tikhon’s assigned to St. Mary, along with the parish chanters. After Great Vespers, Sayidna had dinner at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre with the members of the Order of St. Ignatius and the members of the Parish Council.

On Sunday Morning Bishop Thomas presided over Orthros and then served the Divine Liturgy for a crowded church. During his homily, Sayidna thanked the parishioners for their welcome and for all their hard work for the church. He then reminded them of the importance of being a welcoming community and spoke of the day when people would be moving into this area and the importance of our willingness to accept them into our Antiochian Orthodox Church community. After the Liturgy, the parish Spaghetti Dinner Workers prepared a breakfast for all to share with the Bishop—no, it wasn’t spaghetti. The Bishop then met with the children and teens of St. Mary in the Church Temple, where there had a question and answer session with the bishop. A number of the children were delighted to learn that they were cousins of His Grace.

On Sunday evening, Sayidna’s aunt and uncle, Mike and Sarah Cross, invited Sayidna to their home for a Kibbee dinner with all kinds of delicious Middle Eastern foods. Along with Father David and Khouriyee Anne, Sayidna’s cousin Phyllis, his aunt and godmother Rosemarie Kresge and her husband, and Sayidna’s Uncle Sam and his wife were also present.

On Memorial Day Bishop THOMAS presided over the Memorial Day ceremonies in St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery. This gave Sayidna an opportunity to visit the graves of his grand parents and great grand parents, along with the graves of Father Michael and Khouriyee Sarah Simon, who besides being related to His Grace, were also very influential in his life and served as great examples of ministry to him. In addition to the Trisagion for all the reposed, there was also a civil ceremony with a flag lowering, Taps, a Memorial Bell ringing, and a rifle salute. Following the service, there was a luncheon in the Church Hall where everyone again had the opportunity to visit with Sayidna.

It was a very special weekend for all the people of St. Mary, and they were very pleased to have Bishop THOMAS with them again and were much affirmed by his many encouraging words to them.

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On May 16-18, His Grace Bishop THOMAS, Fr. Don Shadid and Deacon Gregory Roeber visited pastor Robert Waggener, his wife Nancy, and the other new catechumens from Christ Church Orthodox Mission-in-formation in Lynchburg, Virginia. The members of Christ Church, formerly a parish of the “continuing” Anglican Church, were received on March 5 as catechumens in the Orthodox Church. The parish will petition to be a Mission Church of the Western Rite Vicariate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The pastor of the parish, Robert Waggener, former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Holy Cross, will, Lord willing, be ordained as an Orthodox priest at the conclusion of the catechumen period.

On Tuesday afternoon, Thomas Shannonhouse, pastor of the Church of the Ascension, Eastville, Virginia, and his wife Bonnie, who have also been received as catechumens along with their parish, arrived in Lynchburg to welcome Bishop THOMAS.

On Tuesday evening, Sayedna THOMAS was treated to a baseball game with Thomas Shannonhouse, Nancy Waggener and a few of the parishioners from Christ Church, while Bonnie Shannonhouse and the other clergy visited with Robert.

On Wednesday, after breakfast at the Waggener home, the clergy visited the bookstore where Robert works, and then posed for a photo under the sign for the local "Mount Athos Road", just east of town. From there to lunch at the downtown Mediterranean Deli, where it turns out Sayedna THOMAS knows the Lebanese owner from his tenure in Houston, Texas, where she worked at one of his frequent eating spots there. The comment was heard "Arabic food in Lynchburg, Virginia?"

That evening, all gathered at the local Riverside Park for a parish cookout of more typical Lynchburg fare, and time of fellowship. It was a great opportunity for several of the parish to spend some informal time with our new Bishop. His Grace encouraged us in our new pilgrimage, and exhorted us to be diligent in witnessing for Holy Orthodoxy in Lynchburg by inviting those we know and meet to visit our community, and be tireless in doing so.

Christ Church Orthodox Mission-in-formation Lynchburg, Virginia can be visited on the internet at http://www.christchurchlynchburg.org/ .

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Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

While in the brightness of the Paschal Season, we at St. Mary in Johnstown, PA were illumined even further by a hierarchical visit by His Grace, Bishop THOMAS during the weekend of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers’ Sunday, May 5-7, 2006.

Our weekend began on Friday afternoon with His Grace visiting the St. Sophia Orthodox Christian Academy, which has its home at our St. Mary Parish. St. Sophia is the second Orthodox Christian School to be founded in Pennsylvania, and is now completing its fifth academic year. Bishop THOMAS was joined by His Eminence, Metropolitan NICHOLAS of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, which has its chancery and seminary in Johnstown, PA. The beloved hierarchs had lunch with the children, staff and parents, during which they were entertained by the students. After this, the bishops met with the St. Sophia Council and were presented with academic & financial reports. It was noted that the Academy began its ministry with a Divine Liturgy on September 11, 2001; this was deemed providential by all present. Metropolitan NICHOLAS reviewed the history of St. Sophia Academy and Bishop THOMAS, based in part on his experience in education, had much to offer in regards to promoting and sustaining this worthwhile ministry of the Orthodox Faithful of Johnstown.

After this, His Grace, along with Fr. Don Shadid, the Parish Priest, and Christine Salem, the Council Chairperson, traveled to Shanksville, PA to visit the Flight 93 Crash Site / Memorial. Bishop THOMAS was visibly moved by this experience and immediately offered the Trisagion Prayers for the Flight 93 Victims.

Our Friday evening was spent with the St. Mary Parish Council Members and their spouses. After a lovely dinner in a private setting, His Grace answered questions and discussed the ministry of our St. Mary Parish with the Council Members. He spoke of the vocation that each Christian has as an evangelist, especially the leaders of the Parish. He strongly encouraged each council member to invite someone to church…to share our Faith. He reminded council that the St. Sophia Academy was a ministry that we should be proud of and committed to. He exhorted our Council to take the lead in our area and commit our ministry to bringing Orthodoxy to all of Johnstown. Lastly, he encouraged the Council to continue to work with our clergy so that we can grow, even amidst the economic uncertainties of Western Pennsylvania.

His Grace began his Saturday with a luncheon with the Choir, Church School Staff, the Order of St. Ignatius and a few others who are involved with the ministries of the Parish. After a delicious lunch, which was prepared by our Church School Teachers, Saidna continued his message of hope and growth for our Parish. He then spent a good deal of time answering questions and talking with those present. Then, it was downtown to Johnstown’s famous Coney Island for a chili dog and a “Sundowner” (cheeseburger with egg & chili!) as well as some enlightening discussion regarding the life of our St. Mary Parish Family and our Orthodox Faith. After a short period of rest, His Grace went back to church for Great Vespers, which was chanted & sung by our Church School Students. All present then enjoyed a catered dinner, which was graciously provided by George & Elaine Heider (Archdiocese Board of Trustees Member). All present relished the opportunity to fellowship and enjoy the evening without worrying about set-up, cooking, and cleaning! Our evening concluded with our Church School Students’ Skits & Songs. Our teens were especially entertaining as they donned their “kuffiyeh” (Arab Headdress) and serenaded the audience with tunes about their favorite people, all to the beat of the “doumbeke!”

Sunday was, of course, the jewel of the weekend as we gathered to celebrate the Matins and Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women. We were also blessed to have Deacon Gregory Roeber (St. George – Altoona, PA and the Mission Station in Port Matilda, PA), who had come at the request of His Grace. The liturgical services were most beautiful, and the homily offered by Bishop THOMAS was loving, humorous and most sincere. He exhorted our Faithful to be tireless in their ministry, and like the Holy Myrrhbearers, be courageous in their quest to make Johnstown Orthodox! After the Liturgy, Saidna THOMAS joined the Faithful in the Fellowship Hall for a wonderful brunch that was prepared by our Parish Council. This concluded His Grace’s visit to our Parish Family in Johnstown, PA.

It was a most glorious weekend and we thank God for our Father-in-Christ, Metropolitan PHILIP, our Bishop THOMAS and all of our Hierarchy! It is so wonderful to have a local Bishop that we can gather around on a regular basis, so that we can truly be the Church!

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The community of Saint George Cathedral in Oakland, Pennsylvania was very pleased to have Bishop THOMAS preside at his Cathedral for the first Pascha since his enthronement. The services for Holy Week and Pascha were especially wonderful this year due to Sayidna’s presence. Fr. John Abdalah, Dean of the Cathedral, expressed particular gratitude to His Grace for his flexibility and patience, and thanked the deacons, sanctuary beautifiers, choir members, ushers and chanters for all that they contributed to the beauty of the Holy Week and Paschal services. We have indeed been blessed.

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The Saint Philip community was blessed during His Grace's time in eastern Pennsylvania to have Bishop THOMAS with us for several of the Holy Week Services, including the Presanctified Liturgy and Bridegroom Matins. Also, on Great Thursday, he participated in the Foot Washing at the Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil, and shared in the reading during the Twelve Gospels Matins. After the fifth Gospel, he carried the Cross to its place in the center of the Church. In a sermon and in his general comments, Sayidna encouraged us to press on and continue the spirit of deepest commitment in our Christian lives forever, as people who know both the Lord's sufferings and power of his risen Life.

On Holy Friday April 21, 2006, His Grace, Bishop THOMAS attended the Orthros of Great and Holy Saturday, also known as the Lamentations Service at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The church was filled with people who came to mourn the burial of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. The church was silent, candles burning, hymns and lamentations being sung by the choir and the congregation. The beautifully decorated bier was displayed in the middle of the church for all to reverence. At the end of the service, Bishop Thomas gave a homily about the Passion of our Christ and what carrying our Cross should mean to us as Orthodox Christians.

His Grace Bishop THOMAS was present for the Pre-sanctified Liturgy served at St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, Pennsylvania on Holy Tuesday morning. At the end of the Liturgy, Sayidna detailed to those in attendance the historical nature of this liturgical service. He told the worshipers of how the Church wanted its communicants to partake of the Body and the Blood of Our Lord during Great Lent other than just on Saturdays and Sundays. His Grace then imparted His Blessing to those in attendance.

Sayidna Thomas returned to St. Paul on the evening of Holy Wednesday for the Holy Unction Service in which he read the Seven Gospels, blessed the oil and the wine, and read the prayer of the Gospel that asks God to heal those in attendance. His Grace then anointed some of those in attendance, and presented to the worshippers a spiritually moving homily with regard to healing and Our Lord's Passion. All were inspired by the Holy Unction Service and His Grace's words.

His Grace returned for the very last time during Holy Week for the Good Friday Vespers known as the Unnailing Service. He took down the body of Our Lord from the cross; he placed the Epitaphios in the bier; concluded the service; and once again spoke about Our Lord's suffering and His death on the cross. Sayidna Thomas then spoke about Our Lord's Resurrection as well. He told the congregation that the death and the resurrection of Our Lord can never be separated. It is in both that we mercifully receive our salvation.

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From our first public meeting and prayer service with approximately 12 people in a Church Farm school in 1997, Holy Ascension Antiochian Mission of the Great Valley in Pennsylvania has grown to more then 33 pledging families and an average of 75 attendees at Holy Liturgy. Over the years, we have met in various churches, hotels, and even a Boy Scout building. Through the dedication of its parishioners and by the grace of God, our mission has supported a full time priest for the last 2 years and celebrated a full Liturgical cycle of services.

As Great Lent progressed this year, we grew eager for Bishop THOMAS’ visit to help us usher in Holy Week. Memories of his past visit had a lasting affect on us and this visit promised the same. We welcomed His Grace for the Divine Liturgy of Lazarus Saturday during which he engaged us with a lesson about Lazarus and this year’s Paschal calendar. He encouraged each of us to invite a guest to Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy to share this time with us as we enter into Holy week. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with Sayidna during a potluck luncheon following Liturgy.

Our humble Boy Scouts building was transformed on Palm Sunday by Bishop THOMAS’ presence. Even though we were in a basement with Boy Scout posters on adjacent walls, we could feel his voice singing the holy hymns. Sayidna urged us to focus on faith and adjust the priorities in our lives to the Cross. After a meal sponsored by the Sisterhood of St. Thekla, Bishop THOMAS visited with the Sunday school children, young adults and teachers. The children were able to ask him questions about his ministry, likes and even about his age. “Jesus did not fight the bad guys, He wants to turn the bad guys into good guys.”, Bishop THOMAS said in response to a question. Sayidna also read his favorite hymn from Holy Saturday morning.

During Bishop THOMAS’ time with us, we showed His Grace the 10-acre property which we have been in negotiation for the past four months.

On Holy Monday, the day after being refreshed and encouraged by Bishop THOMAS’ visit, we received news that the sales agreement for our long awaited property had been signed. Our mission is continually blessed by Sayidna’s visit.

          On the weekend of March 24-26th, St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox church of Hunt Valley, Maryland was honored to host the visit of his Grace Bishop THOMAS, Bishop of Oakland, PA and the East. His Grace presided over the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos on Friday night with close to 100 people attending. On Saturday morning, Orthros and Liturgy for the feast of the Annunciation were celebrated followed by a luncheon presented by the St. Mary’s Ladies Society. His Grace made special mention and appreciation to the Greek members of the parish celebrating Greek Independence day. Sunday Orthros and Hierarchical Liturgy marked the feast of the Adoration of the Holy Cross, with over 150 people in attendance.

          The visit of Bishop THOMAS marked 7 months since he first visited, bringing with him our beloved new pastor, Archpriest Fr. Theodoros Daoud. Since Fr. Theodoros’ arrival at the end of August a new dimension has been brought to the community of St. Mary’s. He has worked tirelessly to tap new resources to evangelize the Hunt Valley area, and by God’s Grace, attendance at the church is overflowing with approximately 130 attending the Sunday Divine Liturgy. A new Sunday school program was instituted, a much needed ministry for the blossoming and ever-growing population of young children in the parish. The church has also become active with the Coordinating Council of Orthodox Churches of Greater Baltimore, a pan-Orthodox organization promoting cooperative events for all of the canonical Baltimore area Orthodox churches. Additionally, new improvements have been made at St. Mary’s to the existing church building including a decorative retaining wall between the sanctuary and parish hall. The choir continues to grow in members and skill and is improving weekly. Finally and most importantly, major steps have been undertaken to purchase land and build a new church building. Already, significant contributions have been accepted and fundraising has begun to further this goal. God-willing, this dream will become a reality very soon. The visit of Bishop THOMAS was further blessed by the induction of 12 new members into the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. We hope and pray that by His Grace’s next visit, God will grant us continued growth.

St. Gregory the Great Orthodox Church in, Washington, DC was privileged to have His Grace, Bishop THOMAS be present on the weekend of March 18 and 19 for the celebration of our 10th anniversary. Sayedna THOMAS presided at Vespers on Saturday evening, in which he tonsured Keivan Shahrokhi as a Reader. At the banquet following Vespers, members of the parish recounted our 10-year history in pictures and remembrances; presentations were made to our pastor, Fr. Nicholas Alford, Khourya Rebecca, who is our choir director, and others; and Sayedna THOMAS spoke to us about the importance of being evangelists and of finding a home of our own.

As our parish is composed of converts to the Orthodox faith, a booklet had been prepared in which some members told the stories of their journeys to Orthodoxy. Bishop THOMAS urged us to share these stories with others so that they may also discover what we have found in Holy Orthodoxy.

St. Gregory's is one of the Western Rite parishes of our archdiocese and on Sunday morning, the Bishop joined us for the celebration of the Liturgy of St. Gregory. He talked informally with parishioners afterward and met with the Parish Council.

We recently lost our rental space and have moved into the Chapel at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Potomac, Maryland, where these events took place.

We look forward to Sayedna THOMAS' next visit and we pray that God will be with us in our next ten years as a parish.

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by Fr John Oliver
Assistant Priest, St Philip’s Orthodox Church Souderton, PA

His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, of the Diocese of Oakland, PA and the East, gathered his diocesan clergy for spiritual study and refreshment at the Antiochian Village from February 28 through March 2, 2006. His Grace promptly set the tone of the retreat with opening remarks in which he encouraged the clergy in attendance to see themselves “not as an association or an organization, but as a family and a brotherhood.”

Fr Boniface Black, pastor of St Philip’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Souderton, PA, served as retreat leader. Following Great Vespers on the first evening, Fr Boniface provided an overview and initial discussion of the retreat theme – Evangelism and Stewardship. “Evangelism,” he offered, “is about changing people; stewardship is about changed people.” The distinction was helpful as clergy were challenged for the duration of the retreat to consider various strategies for nurturing parishes distinguished as visitor-friendly and financially healthy.

Joy is key, Fr Boniface suggested, and a positive attitude is critical to the success of any evangelism and stewardship effort. “When you look out at your people,” he asked during one discussion, “what do you see?” The clergy in attendance were encouraged to see, in their respective parishes, not problems or personalities, but “future choir members, prospective members for the Order of St Ignatius, camp counselors, monastics, priests.” Fear and discouragement will erode such a positive vision, he explained, and threaten a parish culture that should be defined by enthusiasm, generosity, and welcome.

Parishes where visitors and new members feel welcome are more likely to thrive in an increasingly mobile culture. The task, then, is not simply to nurture the parish faithful, but also to keep an eye toward replacing those who move on. These are the practical considerations of ministry, and Fr Boniface encouraged setting goals that provide for both necessities. Establishing “ministry teams,” for example, can develop current members, while designating a parish publicity coordinator can keep the public aware of an active Orthodox Christian option in their area.

In addition to sound instruction on evangelism and stewardship, the 2006 retreat will be remembered for another achievement: the selection by Bishop THOMAS of Hieromartyr Joseph of Damascus as the patron saint of the Clergy Brotherhood of Oakland, PA and the East.

Born in May of 1793 to a poor but pious family, St Joseph distinguished himself early as a lover of knowledge, with a special affinity for biblical studies. Because the parish in Damascus had requested him, and the Patriarch had grown fond of him, St Joseph was ordained deacon and priest within one week while he was only twenty-four. He grew as capable in articulating the gospel as he had been in studying it, and his skilled preaching earned for him a reputation as “the successor of Chrysostom.”

Of special note, though, was his deep, sacrificial love for his flock. In the end, the event of his martyrdom proved also to be the clearest demonstration of his pastoral sense. During the Damascus massacre of 1860, he hid his communion kit under his sleeve while jumping from one roof to the next toward the Cathedral. He spent an exhausting night comforting afflicted Christians to bravely receive first the sword, then their glory. On Tuesday morning, July 10, the persecutors reached the Cathedral. Many faithful were slaughtered, and moments before his own martyrdom, Fr Joseph found a silent place to consume the last of the Body and Blood of Our Lord from his communion kit.

Such love for both Christian and Christ is precisely the quality His Grace, Bishop THOMAS encouraged the newly-named Clergy Brotherhood of St Joseph of Damascus – of the Diocese of Oakland, PA, and the East – to emulate.