Featured Articles

Mary Winstanley-O'Connor, Chair of The Order of St. IgnatiusThe Order of St. Ignatius Chair Mary Winstanley-O'Connor is a lifelong member of the Antiochian Archdiocese. A Boston attorney, Mary joined the Order in the early 1990's after visiting Antiochian Village, where she was deeply moved by listening to the campers pray and sing. She assumed the role of the Governing Council Chair in 2011, following in the footsteps of Daniel Abraham. Recently Antiochian.org asked Mary to reflect on her first year of leadership.

1.  Mary, can you tell us how you became involved in the Order of St. Ignatius?

I have been a life-long member of St. Mary Orthodox Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am an attorney with offices in Boston and have lived in the greater Boston area throughout my life. Like many in our Archdiocese, I was a member of Teen SOYO, a member of the Fellowship of St. John the Divine, Parish Council President and a Sunday School teacher.

St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (SVS Press) recently released a third volume in its Orthodox Profiles Series titled Antony Bashir: Metropolitan and Missionary. The biography, written by noted Antiochian pastor and lecturer Very Rev. Economos Constantine Nasr, "is a fascinating look behind the scenes at an important period of history in the establishment of the Orthodox faith in America," notes SVS Press.

Fr. Constantine is the ninth generation of his family to be ordained to the priesthood, and he knew Metropolitan Antony personally, so he writes as an eyewitness. Explains the Press, "The complex personality of Antony Bashir and the events that surrounded his episcopacy reveal his frailty, humanity, and his ability to lead with strength and love." Metropolitan Philip is quoted in the book as remembering his predecessor's "brilliance, his oratory gift, and his sense of humor. This man was really a master of the word. He knew how to express himself. When he delivered a speech, he could make you cry and he could make you laugh at the same time. He spoke in very, very penetrating words."

Read an excerpt from Antony Bashir--Metropolitan & Missionary.

The Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, was “blessed amongst women,” and she was chosen “to bear the Savior of our souls.” Orthodox Christians consider her to be the Queen of all the saints and angels.

Knowing that she is eternally present at the throne of God interceding for mankind, we pray for her love, guidance, and protection. Every year the Orthodox Church sets aside the first fourteen days of August in honor of the Virgin Mary. This fast period is climaxed on August 15th, when the Church gathers to celebrate the Great Feast of the Dormition (Falling-Asleep) of the Theotokos.

More resources for the Dormition Fast:

• The Fast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos
• Why a Fast for Dormition?
• Tender Love and the Dormition: a podcast from Frederica Mathewes-Green
• Spiritual Benefits of the Dormition
• All about Feasts and Fasts, from Discover Orthodox Christianity
• Dormition Music from the Department of Sacred Music (PDF)

Morning prayers at Antiochian Village campWith Session Three in full swing at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, the camp's website asks, "Have you ever thought about what happens at the Antiochian Village during summer camp? Are you wondering what your children, grandchildren or siblings do while they are at here? Well, we have a way to give you a glimpse. This year we have our own staff photographer, Nicole, who is taking photos every day and night. We typically get the photos and a brief description of the day posted to our Summer Memories page by midnight. So check it out each day and see the Village come to life."

Clergy Symposium Vespers at the Village CampBishops and clergy from across the Archdiocese have gathered this week at Antiochian Village for the 17th Biennial Clergy Symposium, a time of reflection, fellowship, and learning. His Eminence Metropolitan Philip and the Antiochian House of Studies are the hosts for a full week of speakers, sessions and events. The Archdiocese is honored also to have in attendance His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan of Argentina.

The theme of this year's gathering is Ministry to the Youth: "Let no one despise your youth" (1 Timothy 4:14). Highlights include keynote addresses on such topics as "Issues of Spiritual Development and Youth", "Issues of Sexuality", and "Issues of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse"; an evening Camp Program presented by Village Camp youth; a grand dinner with Metropolitan Philip; and more.

Ancient Faith Radio will be providing recordings of selected presentations and sessions. See AFR's special section on the Symposium here.

Bishop Anthony meets with clergy wives at Toledo's PLCAn eventful Parish Life Conference season has come to a close throughout the Archdiocese. In the gathering that Antiochians often describe as our extended family reunion, people from Maine to California gathered for worship, youth activities and meetings. The following reports are available:

• The Diocese of Toledo
• The Diocese of Miami
• The Diocese of Ottawa
• The Diocese of Los Angeles and the West
• The Diocese of Wichita
• The Diocese of Worcester

The summer schedule continues, as clergy prepare to travel to Antiochian Village for the start of the Clergy Symposium on July 16. Symposium registration and schedule details are available here.

Jim Angelus' bike outside of Holy Myrrhbearers MissionThe International Orthodox Christian Charities reports, "Ten years ago, four dedicated IOCC supporters made history riding their bikes cross country to raise awareness and funds for IOCC's worldwide humanitarian work. The lead rider, Jim Angelus, is repeating this feat in honor of IOCC's 20th anniversary. Jim, along with two other cyclists, Konstantin Kanelis and Brett Mckey, will cycle 3,000 miles in 37 days from Washington State to New Jersey. Dan Mckey and Ora Shelter will serve as Support and Gear (SAG) crew.

The ultimate goal of the 2012 Race to Respond is to inspire and attract local, regional and national support to IOCC's humanitarian work. As such, lead rider Jim Angelus is posting daily updates from the road as he rides across America to raise support for Orthodox philanthropy. An entry on Day Five notes that the Antiochian parish of Holy Myrrhbearers in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, hosted the riders and crew. Jim blogs, "Father Gregory concluded the liturgy with a prayer service for our journey east. The parishioners greeted us warmly afterwards with a homemade brunch where we ate and shared experiences."

Read Jim's online diary or contribute to the IOCC's worldwife charitable efforts.

Archbishop Joseph with Oratorical teensSt. Anthony Orthodox Church of Bergenfield New Jersey is hosting the faithful and clergy of the Dioceses of Charleston and New York at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, over the long weekend beginning on July 4th. His Grace Bishop Thomas will preside over the Parish Life Conference (PLC), which promises "Fun, Fellowship and Worship!" and is featuring such events as a talent show, a teen sporting competition, and a workshop titled "Enliven to Christ." (Download the full schedule.)

On the opposite site of the country, the Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, with the oversight of Archbishop Joseph and sponsorship of the Church of the Redeemer, is hosting their PLC at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel. Kids up to age 12 will enjoy the PandaMania! Vacation Bible School Program, the Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Anthony, and the SOYO attendees will participate in a youth community service event. More details are available here.

Verily, the all-solemn Feast of the two Apostles hath arrived, bringing us salvation. Wherefore, let us mystically exult, crying unto them: Rejoice, O ye who have become luminaries to those in darkness, two rays of the Sun! Rejoice, O Peter and Paul, adamant pillars of the divine doctrines, ye friends of Christ and two honored vessels! Be ye present among us in an invisible manner, and grant immaterial gifts to those who extol your feast with songs.

--Doxasticon of the Feast, Tone 6

Our prayers for all of the parishes and faithful who celebrate their namesday with this Feast, which is also the Patronal Feast of the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

Sheet music for this Feast is available here courtesy of the Department of Sacred Music.

Ancient Faith Radio features two talks, one on St. Peter and one on St. Paul, from Fr. Thomas Hopko.

Read Fr. Patrick Reardon's reflection on the Feast here.

Download "The Akathist Hymn to the Holy Apostles" here.