It’s not too late to register for the youth program that will be held during the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America in Atlanta, GA July 20-24, 2015.

Andrew Boyd, who chairs the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry, cites five good reasons why the Church’s “younger generation” should attend.

1.  Fellowship.  You’ll meet youth from all over North America—participants already have registered from as far away as Alaska—and form lasting friendships while worshiping, learning, and simply being together. There’s space for all ages!

2. Experience the Church at Council.  Join the Church at Council in prayer before miraculous icons, in supplication before the relics of our saints, and most importantly, in the Divine Liturgy, which will be concelebrated by the members of our Holy Synod of Bishops.  You’ll also have the opportunity to address the assembled delegates as group and share your vision for the Church. Don’t miss our informal breakfast with the Holy Synod as well!

3. Learn how the saints “expanded the Church,” and how you can do the same.  Each morning, there will be short educational sessions for different age groups, each of which will focus on missionary saints from near and far. You’ll learn how saints like Herman of Alaska, Maria of Paris, Nicholas of Japan, and Mitrophan of China expanded the mission of the Church. By learning from the saints, you’ll be able to help expand the mission of the Church and preach the Gospel in your local communities!

4. Remember that you’re part of something bigger!  Sometimes it’s hard to be the only Orthodox Christian kid in your school, in your town, or even in your parish. Come to Atlanta to see the larger Church at work, while taking a short retreat from the world. You’ll return home filled with missionary zeal and ready to use your new knowledge, experiences, and relationships to build up the Church. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with local Orthodox Christian youth from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to share our traditions and common faith.

5. Have some fun!  Still not convinced? You’ll also enjoy some great outings to places like the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Headquarters, Zoo Atlanta, and the Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Register now, where you’ll find additional information.  Finances a problem?  Limited financial assistance may be available through the Peter the Aleut Grant Program.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania of the Orthodox Church in America will offer a free webinar devoted to reviewing good stewardship practices for parishes.

Titled “Fostering Generosity and Practical Financial Stewardship,” the webinar is part of the ongoing “Building Vibrant Parishes Webinar Series.”  The speaker will be Joseph Kormos, Parish Development Ministry leader for the Archdiocese.

There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but participants must register in advance on-line.

The webinar is open to clergy and laity from all Orthodox jurisdictions and should be of interest to priests, parish treasurers, financial secretaries, parish council members, and all lay leaders.

“One important aspect of being good stewards of our parishes is building a sense of financial generosity among parishioners,” said Mr. Kormos. “Too many parishes still live with a mentality of parish dues, small weekly donations, crisis appeals and an endless array of fund raisers – which sap the time and patience of the faithful.  In the webinar we will talk about the meaning of stewardship, consider the essential qualities of an effective parish stewardship ministry, and discuss good stewardship practices that can begin to break the vicious cycle of low parish commitment and expectations.”

The webinar also is designed to preview some of the important topics that will be covered at the 2015 Small Parish Forum, which has as its theme “Becoming Stewards of Our Parish Future.” The Forum will be held at Saint Nicholas Church, Weirton WV, OH, from June 18 through 20.  See related story.  To register for the Forum and/or to obtain additional information, including a list of workshops themes, speakers, lodging, fees, etc., visit www.ocadwpa.org/smallparishforum.html.

Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Press here recently announced the publication of two new books, The Soul’s Longing: An Orthodox Christian Perspective on Biblical Interpretation by Dr. Mary Ford, and Being Bread by Deacon Stephen Muse.

In The Soul’s Longing, Dr. Ford—Associate Professor of New Testament and Spirituality at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a scholar in the field of biblical hermeneutics—demonstrates the essential connection between spiritual life and authoritative, inspiring biblical interpretation. ​ She also explains the profound effect of one’s theology – especially Christology – on one’s hermeneutic. This, she writes, is accomplished by looking at fundamental principles of traditional Christian theology, with an historical overview indicating the close connection between exegesis and spiritual life in the Church of the early centuries, and describing what led to the problems found in much of today’s biblical scholarship.  Dr. Ford demonstrates why the exegetical strengths of the early Church can and should be brought into the present while retaining what is of value in the biblical scholarship of the recent past and offers examples of how this can be done.  The volume is written in a most approachable style that will prove of value to scholar and layperson alike.

“Utilizing all that is valuable in historical-critical and related research, Dr. Ford demonstrates with force and clarity just why biblical hermeneutics needs to return to the perspectives and methods of early Christian interpreters, particularly those of Eastern Church tradition,” writes Archpriest John Breck.

According to His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York, Rector of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, “The Soul’s Longing is an invaluable examination of the vital relationship between one’s spiritual life and the authoritative and inspired exegesis of Scripture. Using the analogy of the myth of Psyche and Cupid, Dr. Ford guides us to an understanding of the traditional exegesis of the Holy Fathers, presenting us with the principles of Orthodox hermeneutics, and tracing for us the history of biblical exegesis from the patristic age through the Middle Ages and Protestant Reformation to the modern historical-critical method.  Dr. Ford provides us with a sample exegesis of ‘We beheld His glory’ (John 1:14) in the context of the Bridegroom/Marriage theme – our yearning for the good God Who loves mankind.  And it is this longing for the Divine Beauty, she concludes, that makes exegesis truly inspiring.  This book, by a gifted writer and beloved professor, should be required reading for anyone wishing to truly understand the Scriptures from the traditional Christian perspective.”

Dr. Ford and her husband, Dr. David C. Ford, coauthored ​Marriage As a Path to Holiness: Lives of Married Saints, also published by Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Press.

The author of Being Bread—Deacon Stephem Muse Ph.D., LMF, LPC, B.C.E.T.S.—is the Director of the Pastoral Counselor Training program and Clinical Services for the D. A. and Elizabeth Turner Ministry Resource Center of the Pastoral Institute, Inc., Columbus, GA.  In his book, originally published in 2013 by the Orthodox Research Institute, he contends that, if as Dostoevsky says, “Beauty will save the world,” it is because beauty arises only in the presence of love. Without love, there is nothing beautiful, valuable or meaningful.  Meaning arises and transformation occurs through the call and response of personal encounter when we discover a third presence Who offers us being-in-relationship that is greater than the determinism and inertia of biological life. The stories and reflections in this volume are offered in celebration of the One Who, in surprising ways and unexpected circumstances, becomes the precious and pure gift of our being bread so that we may live the mystery of becoming bread for others.

“Stephen Muse’s finely written book is full of profound insights, eyebrow raising surprises and unforgettable stories,” observes Jim Forest, author of Saint George and the Dragon, All is Grace, and For the Peace from Above.  “He adds new depths to a sentence most of us pray at least once daily, ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’”

The books may be ordered here.  For additional information please contact Innocent Neal at innocent.neal@stspress.com or 1-888-454-6678.

Priest James Bozeman and the faithful of Saint James Church here marked their patronal feast day with the celebration of the blessing of the newly acquired site on which their future church will be built on Thursday, April 30, 2015.

Joining them were Archimandrite Gerasim, Administrator of the Diocese of the South; Archpriest Marcus Burch, Chancellor of the Diocese of the South; Archpriest Thomas Moore, Dean of the Carolinas Deanery; Priest John Parker, Chair of the OCA Department of Evangelization; and Priest Christopher Foley, Priest-in-charge of Holy Cross Church, Highpoint, NC.

Archimandrite Gerasim offered an inspiring sermon that illumined the true purpose for which God gives land to His people—to provide a place for His people to keep His commandments.

Saint James Mission was planted on April 30, 2012 with the blessing of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon.  Father James, who was assigned Priest-in-charge two months later, celebrated the community’s first Divine Liturgy on July 1, 2012.  The mission was initiated under the direction of Father John Parker and the efforts of three Beaufort families who met in a classroom of a local Baptist church.  Saint James—one of five mission communities receiving a Planting Grant from the Orthodox Church in America—has grown to 20 families who meet in a rented facility.

“I am grateful to our parishioners for their support and vision for the future of our mission,” said Father James. “We began with a small handful of people, meeting in a borrowed space, and possessing very few of the things we needed to celebrate divine services. In less than three years, through the support of our local sister churches, our deanery and diocese, and the OCA’s Planting Grant, God has regularly provided for our mission’s needs. By His grace, Saint James is becoming a true ‘Church family’ with a vision not only for a beautiful building on a beautiful piece of land, but for Christ’s name to be proclaimed in its fullness here in Beaufort and in coastal South Carolina.”

Along with a goal of raising funds, breaking ground and building within the next five years, Father James and his parishioners continue to focus on missionary outreach in Beaufort and in building on this foundation a strong, growing and spiritually healthy Church community.

Crucial to the success of the 18th All-American Council, slated to convene in Atlanta, GA July 20-24, 2015, is a full complement of delegates representing parishes of every diocese of the Orthodox Church in America.

In an effort to assist delegates from the Dioceses of Alaska and Mexico, for whom travel costs can be beyond reach, a special appeal was issued in October 2014 with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops and the concurrence of the Metropolitan Council to help offset their expenses.

“As we prepare to come together for the All-American Council in Atlanta this July, our thoughts turn to the idea of mission for the Orthodox Church in America,” said His Grace, Bishop David of Anchorage and Alaska. “What is more important to the idea of mission than the presence of delegates from our first missionary diocese in Alaska—and our newest missionary diocese in Mexico—on the North American continent?

“However, this is unlikely to happen without help,” Bishop David continued. “Clergy and faithful in Alaska still live very much as they have lived for the last 200 years, a subsistence lifestyle that involves very little cash and a great deal of hard work to provide food and fuel for their existence. For Alaskan residents, a ticket from the Anchorage hub to Atlanta can be well over $1,000.00, if not substantially more.  And Mexico is in a similar position, especially with the peso-to-dollar exchange rate.”

Clergy, faithful and parishes who wish to assist their “northernmost” and “southernmost” brothers and sisters to participate in the 18th All-American Council may send donations to the Orthodox Church in America, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791. Please make checks payable to the “Orthodox Church in America” and include “18th AAC Travel Fund” in the memo line. All donations will be used exclusively for their intended purpose, and accounted for accordingly. Specific questions or suggestions may be directed to Melanie Ringa, OCA Treasurer, at mringa@oca.org.

“We hope that there will be many faithful willing to take the responsibility of helping to fund delegates from our oldest and youngest dioceses,” Bishop David concluded. “Please think of this opportunity as a way to help the Orthodox Church in America fulfill its mission to be a light to all peoples as we move forward for the glory of God!”

On May 14, 2015, the Orthodox Church in America marked the 50th anniversary of the repose of His Eminence, Metropolitan Leonty, who served as Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada from 1950 until his repose in 1965.  Metropolitan Leonty is interred behind the altar of the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk, South Canaan, PA.

On Thursday, May 14, a well-attended symposium on the life and work of this beloved hierarch was held at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary, South Canaan, PA.  [See related story.]  A detailed account of its proceedings will be forthcoming.

Metropolitan Leonty’s biography may be accessed here.

May the memory of Metropolitan Leonty be eternal!

The Delegate Handbook for the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America has been released in accordance with Article III, Section 5 A of the current OCA Statute, which mandates the Preconciliar Commission “to publish and distribute the agenda, notices, and arrangements for the All-American Council at least 60 days prior to the established date.”

The complete Handbook may be downloaded here.

“The Handbook contains instructions for delegates, AAC procedures, the proposed agenda, and other pertinent information,” said Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary.  “Also included are two proposed resolutions, vetted and approved by the Resolution Committee and the Holy Synod of Bishops that will be considered in plenary session.

“The first resolution, to be presented by the Metropolitan Council after review by the Chancellors and Treasurers of the OCA’s dioceses and with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops, was prepared by the Finance Committee of the Metropolitan Council,” added Father Eric.  “The second resolution, which deals with matters of pastoral abuse, was presented by Holy Trinity Church, State College, PA with the approval of His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek.”

The Handbook also includes a copy of the proposed revised Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, which was posted on May 7, 2015 and distributed by e-mail on May 14, in accordance with Article XIII of the current Statute.

Additional reports will be posted on the OCA web site by June 20, in accordance with Article III, Section 5 of the Statute.

“Delegates are reminded to print copies of the reports, as well as the Handbook, prior to the AAC.  Printed copies will not be available at the Council, although each delegate will receive a three-ring binder and tote bag when registering,” said Father Eric.  “The bag also will include a map, a variety of helpful instructions and flyers of interest to delegates and observers.”

Delegates, observers and youth participants who have not already done so are urged to register on-line at their earliest convenience, and to make hotel reservations.  Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the hotel.

On Thursday, May 14, 2015, Saint Tikhon’s Seminary here hosted a Symposium on the life, witness, and service of His Eminence, the late Metropolitan Leonty.  [See related story.]

The day opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and a Memorial Service at Metropolitan Leonty’s tomb, celebrated by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon.  Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor, read the original eulogy offered by the late Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann at Metropolitan Leonty’s funeral.

During the course of the day five presentations were given.

• “The Life and Legacy of Metropolitan Leonty” by Alexis Liberovsky, Archivist of the Orthodox Church in America.
• “Metropolitan Leonty and Saint Tikhon of Moscow” by Dr. Scott Kenworthy of the Department of Comparative Religion, Miami University, Oxford, OH.
• “The Diaries of 1917-1918” by Matushka Tamara Turkevich Skvir, Princeton, NJ.
• “Metropolitan Leonty as a Man of Letters” by Dr. Leonid Turkevich, Cincinnati, OH.
• “The Metropolitan Leonty Papers at the Library of Congress: A Brief Introduction” by Harold Leich, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Also addressing the participants was His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York.

That evening, after the celebration of Vespers, a reception and time of informal sharing was held in the Monastery Museum.  Archpriests Sergei Glagolev, Daniel Hubiak, and John Nehrebecki shared their remembrances of Metropolitan Leonty, together with Dr. Constantine Kallaur and many others.  The evening ended with reflections and a prayer that had been written by Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko before his repose, read by Dr. David Ford.

Participants received individually numbered copies of the text of a Homiletics Course taught by Metropolitan Leonty, designed and produced in conjunction with the Symposium.  Clergy attendees received continuing education credits for participating.

“On behalf of the entire Saint Tikhon’s Community we would like to thank each one of the presenters for being with us to share their contributions and reflections on this most beloved leader of our Orthodox Church in America,” said Christopher Patton, the seminary’s Office and Community Resource Coordinator.  “We would also like to thank each of the participants for traveling to be with us for this ‘Time of Holy Remembering.’”

Also thanked were the members of the event committee—Archpriests Steven Voytovich and Dennis Swencki; Priest Leonid Schmidt; Dr. David Ford, Prof. Sergei Arhipov, Christopher Patton, Teresa Vaux-Michel, and Innocent Neal—for their contributions.

Video recordings of the Symposium will be available in the future.  A photo gallery of the event may be viewed here.

The 111th Annual Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery here will open officially on Friday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. with the greeting of the Hawaiian Myrrh Streaming Icon of the Mother of God at the entrance arch and the celebration of a Molieben, followed by Vespers and Matins, in the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk.  The icon will be available for veneration throughout the Pilgrimage.

“We live in a world which is seeking healing, not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual,” Archpriest John Kowalczyk told reporters in a May 17 interview in the Scranton Times-Tribune.  “Being in the presence of this most holy relic penetrates the terrestrial with the celestial intercession which is given freely for those who have faith.”

His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, will be the main celebrant at the Divine Liturgy on Memorial Day Monday, May 25.  Concelebrating will be His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York; His Eminence, Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia; His Grace, Bishop David of Sitka.

In addition to liturgical services and opportunities for fellowship throughout the weekend, tours of the Metropolitan Museum of the Orthodox Church in America and the Guzey Icon Repository will be offered under the direction of Archpriest John Perich, curator.  The newly expanded bookstore and gift shop also will be open.

Saint Tikhon’s Monastery is the oldest Orthodox Christian monastic community in North America.

An interesting interview with Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, on the brotherhood’s preparations for the Pilgrimage may be accessed here.

In related news, Saint Tikhon’s Seminary will hold its 73rd annual commencement exercises on Saturday, May 23, at 1:00 p.m.  The day will open with the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m., with a formal commencement banquet scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Genetti Manor, Dickson City, PA.

Schedule for the 111th Annual Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery

Friday, May 22
3:30 p.m.—Greeting of Official opening with Molieben to Saint Tikhon in the monastery church
4:00 p.m.—Vespers and Matins in the monastery church.  All pilgrims are invited to a dinner in the monastery dining hall following services.

Saturday, May 23
9:00 a.m.—Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.  A meal for all pilgrims will follow in the monastery dining hall.
1:00 p.m.—73rd annual Academic Commencement of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary.
4:30 p.m.—Greeting of the Hawaiian Myrrh Streaming Icon in the monastery church, Vigil.  All pilgrims are invited to a dinner in the monastery dining hall following services.
6:00 p.m.—Formal Commencement Banquet at Genetti Manor, Dickson City, PA.

Sunday, May 24
9:00 a.m.—Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.  A meal for all pilgrims will follow in the monastery dining hall.
4:00 p.m.—Vespers and Matins in the monastery church.

Monday, May 25
7:30 a.m.—Divine Liturgy in the monastery church.
10:00 a.m.—Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.—Veterans’ Panikhida at All Saints Bell Tower.
1:30 p.m.—Akathistos Hymn in honor of Saint Alexis Toth in the monastery church.
2:30 p.m.—Molieben to the Most Holy Theotokos and Anointing of the sick, infirm and all pilgrims at the monastery bell tower.
4:00 p.m.—Vespers and Matins in the monastery church.

As announced earlier on the web sites of the Orthodox Church in America and the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America [FOCA] a commemorative book will be published for the 18th All-American Council [AAC] and the 89th annual FOCA Convention.  Both events are slated to be held in Atlanta, GA in mid-July 2015.

The book will feature addresses from His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and other Church dignitaries, as well as a number of articles related to the history, mission, and expansion of Orthodox Christianity in North America focusing on the AAC theme, “How To Expand The Mission.”

The final section of the book will feature commemorative ads and greetings.  Individuals, parishes and Institutions, and businesses are invited and encouraged to place ads or listings in this historic publication.

To encourage participation in this project, the deadline for the submission of ads and listings has been extended to June 15, 2015.  Please consider supporting the work of the Church by purchasing an ad or listing.

Questions regarding the book may be directed to John Schultz at jpswv@comcast.net.  A form for ordering ads may be downloaded here.

The Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2015 in observance of Memorial Day.

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press, the publishing house of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, has launched a new series highlighting the history and spirituality of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church. The first book in the “Coptic Studies Series,” titled, The Life of Repentance and Purity, was authored by His Holiness, Pope Shenouda III and is scheduled for release by December 2015.  His Grace, Anba Suriel [Guirgis], Bishop of the Coptic Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, Australia, who studied at Saint Vladimir’s from 1998–1999, is Series Editor for the new line of books.

Pope Shenouda’s book was first translated from Arabic in 1989 by Bishop Suriel and was published in 1991 by the Coptic Orthodox Publication and Translation Committee in Sydney. The new translation, also by Bishop Suriel, will include additions and patristic references and will be a joint publication between SVS Press and Saint Athanasius Press, the fledgling publishing house of Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College, Donvale, Australia, where Bishop Suriel serves as Dean.

“This is a big step for us,” noted Bishop Suriel.  “Being in cooperation with SVS Press, which is well known around the world—even outside of Orthodox circles—will provide more recognition of our own theological press.

“I am deeply indebted to Father Athanasius Farag, Father Bishoy Lamie, Phoebe Farag, and several others who worked tirelessly to prepare the manuscript that was presented to SVS Press,” he continued. “I am also grateful to Father John Behr, dean of Saint Vladimir’s, and to Michael Soroka and Deacon Gregory Hatrak, who are employed at SVS Press, for their hard work in assisting in bringing this work to light once more—in a much better edition!

“We hope to be able to publish more works in the future, especially with the new series, which we are very excited about,” he said. “We want not only to raise the profile of our school but also to emphasize the importance of Coptic studies.”

One of the titles that Bishop Suriel will propose for the “Coptic Studies Series” is a book about the life and work of Archdeacon Habib Girgis, former Dean of the Coptic Seminary, Cairo, Egypt, who was recently canonized by the Coptic Orthodox Church.  Saint Habib Girgis greatly influenced the Coptic community by urging its members to develop educational curricula that would revitalize their faith, which in the early 20th century was being challenged by foreign missionaries.

“The ties between Saint Vladimir’s Seminary and Saint Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College have been strengthening during the past few years,” acknowledged Archpriest Dr. John Behr. “Both Bishop Suriel and I, as Deans of two theological institutions—who also happen to be close friends—highly value theological education and acknowledge the importance of rapprochement between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox traditions in the 21st century.”

In 2013, Bishop Suriel hosted Father John during an eventful trip to Egypt, during which he was the guest of His Holiness, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria.  During his visit, Father John delivered a paper titled “Orthodox Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century” at the “Theological and Ecclesiastical Institutes Seminar,” which explored the spiritual formation of theological students.  The seminar featured talks by eminent Coptic bishops, clergy, and scholars.

Bishop Suriel visited Saint Vladimir’s campus in 2013, at which time he met with Father John to discuss greater collaborative efforts between the two theological schools, including exchanges of students and faculty.  As a result, Father John, who also serves as Professor of Patristics at Saint Vladimir’s and is globally renowned in his field, will be teaching a Patristics course at Saint Athanasius in the fall of 2015.  Further into the future, both deans envision a Coptic House of Studies on the Yonkers campus, at which faculty from the Coptic Church may provide special liturgical and pastoral formation to students from that tradition.

Faithful “from near and far” gathered during the Memorial Day weekend at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery here for the 111th annual Pilgrimage May 22 through 25, 2015.

Throughout the weekend, liturgical celebrations, including Hierarchical Divine Liturgies on Saturday and Sunday, were held.  The main Pilgrimage Liturgy was celebrated at the bell tower chapel on Monday, at which His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, presided.  Concelebrating with him were His Eminence, Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania; His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York and New York and New Jersey; His Grace, Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America; and His Grace, Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Moscow Patriarchate.  Numerous clergy from the Orthodox Church in America and other jurisdictions, also concelebrated.

Faithful also were afforded the opportunity to venerate the Hawaiian Myrrh Streaming Icon of the Mother of God of Iveron, which was welcomed at the monastery entrance arch on Friday afternoon, marking the official opening of the Pilgrimage, and present throughout the weekend.  And as always, faithful prayed before the graves of their loved ones in the monastery cemetery.

Many took advantage of tours of the Metropolitan Museum of the Orthodox Church in America and the Guzey Icon Repository offered by Archpriest John Perich, curator.  Father John also made it possible for pilgrims who so desired to share in writing or video their personal stories and anecdotes about life in the Church as a “living history.”

Not to be forgotten during the weekend were those departed who served in the military and who gave their lives on the field of battle.  Archpriest Theodore Boback celebrated a Panikhida at All Saints Bell Tower for all departed Orthodox military chaplains and veterans on Monday.

“I couldn’t help notice that there were many young people present this year,” said one pilgrim from New York.  “Having attended the Pilgrimage for over four decades, it was most heartening to see the ‘next generation’ present to carry on this century-old tradition.”

In conjunction with the Pilgrimage, Saint Tikhon’s Seminary held its 73rd annual commencement exercises on Saturday, May 23.  Additional information will be posted as it is received.

Saint Tikhon’s Monastery is the oldest Orthodox Christian monastic community in North America.

An interesting interview with Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, on the brotherhood’s preparations for the Pilgrimage may be accessed here.  A photo gallery may be viewed on the OCA web site and Facebook page.

Read Metropolitan Tikhon’s sermon

In a media release posted on the web site of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, it was announced that the Assembly’s Executive Committee will travel to Istanbul, Turkey for a meeting with His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar on June 16, 2015.

His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, will accompany the members of the Executive Committee.

In order to share with His All-Holiness the overall work of the Assembly of Bishops, particularly as it relates to the achievements of its various committees, the meeting will take place prior to the sixth annual gathering of the Assembly, which will be held in Chicago, IL September 15-17, 2015.  Preparations for the upcoming Great and Holy Council, slated to convene in 2016, also will be discussed.

The media release concludes with a request for “the prayers of our faithful for safe travel and fruitful deliberations inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

The Youth Department of the Orthodox Church in America, in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. is launching a new on-line program—“Praxis: Christian Life Realized”—for high schoolers, college students, and young adults.  The sessions will consist of monthly Google hangouts giving participants an opportunity to engage in a variety of practical topics.

The first session, to be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, will feature Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Rector of Holy Apostles Church, Mechanicsburg, PA, who will lead a brief presentation and discussion titled “How to Talk About Your Faith”—that most basic of Christian skills.  Space is limited, so register now!

“We anticipate this becoming a regular feature, with different guest speakers every month leading discussions on a different topics,” said Andrew Boyd, OCA Youth Director.  “Possible future topics will include making the transition into and out of college, dating as a Christian, faith in the workplace, etc.”

“Our goals are to teach people to “be the bee”, to introduce people to God so they can find Him in everything, everyday, and to practically and concretely live as Orthodox Christians on a daily basis,” added Steven Christoforou, Interim Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.  “Resources like this are a critical part of this important work, especially for those who don’t have easy access to a priest or parish.”

For more information or to suggest topics or guest speakers for future topics, please contact Mr. Boyd at aboyd@oca.org.

Delegates to and participants in the 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America are urged to make reservations at the Hilton Atlanta as soon as possible.

The AAC will convene on July 20, 2015 and end on July 24.

“Room reservations for the AAC and the 89th annual national convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America are filling up quickly, and may be sold out before the June 26 deadline,” according to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary.  “The Preconciliar Commission is exploring overflow hotel options, which will be announced on the OCA web site and Facebook should the need arise.”

On-line hotel reservations may be made here.  The discounted nightly rate of $124.00 plus tax is guaranteed from July 18-24.

Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary here recently initiated a search for a full-time Director for its Office of Student Life, which directly provides for the overall welfare and practical needs of seminarians in formation, with special attention given to their spiritual lives.

The Director of Student Life will be responsible for supervising the overall discipline of the seminary student body, coordinating with all seminary constituencies in matters related to community events, serving in counseling, advocacy, and advisory roles to students in general academic, spiritual, and personal matters.

A detailed job description may be found on the seminary web site.

The seminary is offering a competitive salary, flexible work environment, and benefits package.

To apply for the position, please forward a cover letter, resume, three references and three writing samples to Archpriest Dr. Steven Voyovich, Dean, at PO Box 130, South Canaan, PA 18459.  Alternatively, applications may be submitted by e-mail to steven.voytovich@stots.edu .

Speakers for the second Small Parish Forum, which is being cosponsored by the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania and the Diocese of the Midwest at Saint Nicholas Church here June 18-20, 2015, were recently announced.

“The Forum is unique in that it focuses on the needs of numerous small parishes throughout the Orthodox Church in America and other Orthodox jurisdictions, and we are pleased to offer a strong array of Forum contributors that will explore the theme, ‘Becoming Stewards of Our Parish Future,’” said Joseph Kormos, Forum co-chairperson and Parish Development Leader for the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh.  “The presence of these speakers will enable us to offer a range of topics critically important to the life of 21st century Orthodox parishes.”

Archpriest Thomas Soroka will reflect upon his experiences in leading change in parishes with a long history, while Archpriest Marc Vranes, Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Willimantic CT, will provide a profile of how new life was breathed into a parish in a small town. Father Marc will offer specific tools and tips in use in the parish. Priest Jonathan Bannon will offer insights into invigorating Christ the Savior Church, Rockville, IL [American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese], including recent successful community outreach efforts.

In addition to examples of parish renewal, a variety of topical sessions will offer specific tools and assistance.  Prof. David Drillock, who chairs the OCA’s Department of Liturgical Music, will offer sessions dedicated to liturgy and worship, during which techniques for strengthening liturgical singing in small parishes will be explored.  Priest Stephen Frase will offer insights into sharing the Gospel in a 21st century environment, while Priest Basil Biberdorf will lead discussions and offer insights on education and faith formation in small parishes.  Ann Marie Mecera, Orthodox leader and author, will share experiences of building lay leadership, dealing with conflict and motivating the faithful during the early phases of parish life at Saint Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus, OH.  Joseph Kormos will offer recommendations for growing parish stewardship by focusing on “meaning before money.”

“Small parishes can bring people to Christ in intimate and exciting ways often unavailable to larger parishes,” said co-chairperson Archpriest Daniel Rentel. “In addition to a top notch array of speakers we will have plenty of time for discussion, interaction and individual assistance.  Our goal is to assist and inspire small parishes to achieve stability, build positive self-images, and accept their calling to live a life in Christ without necessarily becoming “big.”

Registration may be completed on-line.  Registration is open to all clergy and laity regardless of jurisdictional affiliation. The $100.00 per person registration fee will include lunches and dinners, coffee breaks, and forum materials.  Scholarships covering partial expenses are available to small parishes from the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania and the Diocese of the Midwest. To help build fellowship and dialogue among attendees registration will be limited to 70 persons.

The Forum location is 22 minutes from the Pittsburgh airport, less than four hours from Detroit, and four and a half hours from DC and five hours from Scranton/Philadelphia. Over half of the OCA’s parishes are within a manageable drive of the site. A block of rooms has been reserved at two local hotels. Hotel registration is the responsibility of the attendee.  More information is available on the Forum web page. Questions may be directed to Joseph Kormos at joekormos1@gmail.com.

Thirty-one seminarians, including nine ordained to Holy Orders, were granted degrees during Commencement exercises at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary here on May 30, 2015. Twelve graduates received Master of Divinity degrees, while 13 received Master of Arts degrees and six were awarded Master of Theology degrees.  Eight women were included among the graduates.

“Today marks a transition point from being students to being alumni,” noted seminary Dean, Archpriest Dr. John Behr, as he addressed the Class of 2015. “What you’ve received here isn’t just the result of your effort; rather, what you’ve received here is a ‘seed.’

“Seminary means ‘a place where the seed is sown,’” he reminded the graduates, “but for a seed to bear fruit, the soil has to be turned over, raked, sifted, watered, and weeded. You’ve been working really hard, but in the midst of doing that, you’ve been worked over, stretched, pushed, and extended in ways that seemed to you to be incomprehensible.

“Yet all of that has made you more merciful, resilient, and loving, so that the seed that’s been planted here can bear fruit,” he explained.

In other remarks, Father John honored the memory of Dean Emeritus Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko (+March 18, 2015), observing his incalculable impact on hundreds of alumni. He also recalled the invaluable, lasting contributions of two former Trustees, Attorneys Lyon J. Lysaght, Jr., and Eric S. Namee, to their respective Board Committees—Statutes and Academic Oversight, and Interchurch Relations and Legal Affairs—as he welcomed them into the ranks of “Trustees Emeriti.” He further congratulated faculty member Dr. Peter C. Bouteneff on his promotion to the rank of full Professor, and thanked him for his “outstanding work and service to this institution.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the Commencement Address by His Eminence, Metropolitan Elia of Oulu, Finland, a Saint Vladimir’s alumnus (M.Div., ’03). He recalled his own days as a student and then addressed the graduates, saying, “You have spent time learning about the great gift that has been given to you: no less than Christ crucified, risen, and manifest in His Church.

“Hundreds of generations in the Church have come before you… and you are part of this community, seen and unseen, inspired by God Himself.  I hope this realization will always bring you peace and comfort,” he continued.  “God will never ask of you more than you can bear, but often He will ask no less.”

Over a decade ago, His Eminence had missed his own Commencement ceremony due to the death of his mother, whose funeral had coincided with the day of his graduation. In a touching presentation, Alumni Association Board Chair Gregory Abdalah gave Metropolitan Elia the customary gift for Saint Vladimir’s Seminary graduates: a cherry wooden frame for his diploma.

Other ceremonial high points included the Valedictory Address by Luke Perry Bullock and the Salutatory Address by William Rettig. As well, this year’s Saint Macrina Award for Excellence in Teaching—an honor bestowed by the student body—was presented to Dr. George Parsenios, Professor of New Testament, by Student Council President, Priest Theodor Svane. Father Theodor attributed the award to Dr. Parsenios’s “engaging teaching style, and his willingness always to go deeper into any subject,” as well as “his apparent Orthodox faith, shining through his lectures.”

As President of the seminary, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, opened and closed the ceremonies. He congratulated the graduates and exhorted them “to seek the Lord in silence so that [they] might share that gift with a thirsty world.” He further commended the spouses of seminarians, calling them “hesychasts” and comparing their efforts to self-martyrdom which, he said, “you have borne and will continue to bear.”

Other honored guests at the Commencement were the Very Reverend Dr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of Saint Nersess Armenian Seminary, and His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

A photo gallery by Leanne Parrott Photography and audio recordings of the Commencement addresses may be accessed here.

Commencement exercises also were held in late May at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA and Saint Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, AK.  Information and photos will be posted on the OCA web site as they are received.