On Sunday, October 8, 2017, members of the communities of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery and Saint Tikhon’s Seminary gathered for their Founder’s Day celebration, held each year on the Sunday closest to the Feast of the Glorification of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, who founded the monastery.
The day opened with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the monastery’s Abbot, Archimandrite Sergius, Archpriest Steven Voytovich, STOTS Dean, and clergy from the seminary and monastery.
In his homily, Archimandrite Sergius appealed to all gathered to continue pursuing the vision of Saint Tikhon with continual prayerful support of the mission of Orthodoxy in North America, aided by the daily prayers of the monastery community. This year, he noted, is special in that it marks the 100th anniversary of Saint Tikhon’s elevation to the Patriarchate.
Following the Liturgy, a festive luncheon was held, at which Father Steven thanked all of the members of the Fellowship of Saint Tikhon and Saint Nikolai for their support of the seminary. He then thanked the members of the Saint Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association, inviting Subdeacon John Lasichak, Association President, to address those gathered for the luncheon.
In the afternoon, the Association’s members held their annual meeting. Subdeacon John called upon the Association’s leadership to report on their successful fundraising activities through the course of the year. Archpriest Dennis Swencki, STOTS Chief Financial Officer, shared heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the seminary for all the Association’s efforts in supporting the seminary, including its annual event, Hospitality a la Russe. On behalf of the Century Association, Subdeacon John presented a check for $7,000.00 to Father Steven Voytovich.
Century Association members support the seminary with annual gifts of at least $100.00.
Today—Tuesday, October 17, 2017—an e-mail went out under the Orthodox Church in America’s logo and the OCA address—info@oca.org—asking for financial assistance for a member of the OCA. This e-mail was not sent out by the OCA, nor did the OCA authorize the use of its logo or address.
If you have received this e-mail please do not click on any links in the e-mail.
While the Orthodox Church in America does use digital media to raise funds for the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America and the Charity Committee, digital appeals from the OCA do not use third-party fundraising organizations like “Fundly,” “Gofundme,” or others.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we are working to identify the source of this e-mail and to put necessary protocols into place to prevent such activity from happening again.
Saint Vladimir’s Seminary will host its annual Missions Weekend October 20-21, 2017, during which two fascinating speakers will share their missionary experiences in South Korea and Albania. The event is being sponsored by a campus student interest group, the Saint Innocent Society.
His Eminence, Metropolitan Ambrosios [Zographos] of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea will deliver his free and public presentation in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Family Building at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20. An open reception will follow.
“I look forward to seeing your seminary President, Father Chad Hatfield, face-to-face, and to the conversations with your students,” replied Metropolitan Ambrosios in response to the invitation he received from the Saint Innocent Society.
Metropolitan Ambrosios was born on March 15, 1960 on the island of Aegina in Greece. He was educated at theological institutions in Greece, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Princeton Theological Seminary. He pursued postgraduate work at Princeton University, earning a Master’s Degree in Church History and Art History. On December 21, 1998, he was awarded a Doctorate Degree with distinction by the School of Theology of the University of Athens. Two days later, he departed to Korea to begin serving the Church there as Dean of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Seoul and as Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of Korea. On December 21, 2006, he was elevated to the Episcopacy as Bishop of Zela by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. [See related article by Metropolitan Ambrosios titled Orthodox Witness in the Korean Peninsula: A Historical Approach.]
In addition to many articles in various magazines, Metropolitan Ambrosios is also the author of numerous major studies and books, including The Social Teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas, Based on His Sixty-Three Homilies; The Contribution of Saint Basil the Great on the Formation of the Monastic Ideal; and Iconography in the Liturgical life of the Medieval Greek Church.
Nathan Hoppe, long-time missionary to Albania, will be speaking in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21.
Nathan and his wife Gabriela are working to inspire, train, equip, and lead Albanians to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples. Their ministry is focused on seminary and university students and children. Nathan teaches the early Church Fathers at the Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy and leads the ministry to students at the University of Tirana. He also directs the Central Children’s Office of the Orthodox Church of Albania, a ministry in which he works closely with Gabriela.
Nathan also represents the Orthodox Church of Albania at a number of international gatherings and serves on the steering committee of the Lausanne-Orthodox. He is a member of the Advisory Council for World Vision Albania and is on the board of the Inter-Confessional Bible Society. Together Nathan and Gabriela lead a team of 25 Albanian Orthodox youth to Kosovo each year where they hold friendship camps for about 1,500 Muslim Albanian children as part of the social and philanthropic work of the Orthodox Church of Albania.
Born and raised in Colombia, South America, Nathan is a graduate of Wheaton College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He has served in Albania for more than 16 years. Gabriela, a native of Albania, is a graduate of the Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy and the University of Tirana. She holds a Master’s Degree in Children’s and Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary. The Hoppes have three children. Podcasts with Nathan may be accessed on Ancient Faith’s “Speaking the Truth in Love.”
Both presentations are free and open to the public.
As reported last week, communities of the Orthodox Church in America in California’s Napa and Sonoma Counties remained in a precarious position as fire fighters continued to battle flames that claimed some 37,000 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes and businesses.
Prayers had been requested specifically for Santa Rosa’s Saint Seraphim Cathedral community, as well as Our Lady of Kazan Skete, also in Santa Rosa, and Holy Assumption Monastery, Calistoga, CA. As a precaution, the nuns from both monastic communities had been evacuated several days ago.
As of Wednesday evening, October 18, 2017, Cal Fire had reported that, while new fires had broken out in the northern part of the state, the fire between Calistoga and Santa Rosa had been 91% contained.
“The cathedral in Santa Rosa, the Kazan Skete and the Assumption Monastery in Calistoga all have been spared,” reports His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West. “The nuns have returned to their corresponding monasteries. I was particularly concerned about Calistoga’s Holy Assumption Monastery, as it is the oldest women’s monastery in the Western Hemisphere and its buildings—including its chapel, a replica of the chapel at Fort Ross, CA—are made of wood. But all is well.
“A couple of families suffered the loss of their homes and, of course, there are thousands of their neighbors who suffered the same fate,” Archbishop Benjamin adds. “I expect it will take a long time for the city to recover and for the parish to be a point of contact where people seek help.”
Ongoing prayers are requested for those personally affected by the wild fires.
Lazarevac, Serbia: OCA Military Chaplain concelebrates with Serbian Military Bishop
Fr. James receives blessing from Bishop Jovan.
During a recent visit to Serbia, Father James Sizemore, CH (LTC), a US Army Reserve chaplain based in Ohio, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Grace, Bishop Jovan, the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Military Hierarch, and Serbian military chaplains at the Church of the Great Martyr Dimitri in Lazarevac, Serbia in conjunction with the State Partnership Program the Ohio National Guard [ONG] maintains with Serbia.
“The Chaplain Corps has offered guidance to the Serbian Armed Forces [SAF] since 2010 on the development of a chaplain corps within the SAF,” explained Father James. “There were no chaplains in the SAF during the communist era. In 2013, the SAF military academy graduated its first class of chaplains. The ONG was present for this occasion. Since then, the ONG has traveled to Serbia twice to offer assistance and the SAF chaplains have traveled to Ohio once.”
Father James went on to explain that “during these times, training is offered to the SAF chaplains on functions of the chaplains and chaplain assistants within the military.
“During the Liturgy, members of the American military and Serbian soldiers who served during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia worshiped together,” Father James added. “This is another sign of the strengthening partnership between the two nations.”
Overland Park, KS: Holy Trinity Parish celebrates 100th anniversary
On the weekend of October 7-8, 2017, His Grace, Bishop Paul presided at the 100th anniversary celebration of Holy Trinity Church, Overland Park, KS.
Bishop Paul was welcomed by Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, Rector, on Saturday, October 7. A meeting with parish teens and a Memorial Service for the founders, benefactors and clergy of the parish followed. In the evening, Great Vespers was celebrated; a reception followed.
Serving with Bishop Paul and Father Timothy at the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy were Archpriest John Zdinak, Chancellor of the Diocese of the Midwest; Priests Christopher Rowe, Michael Medis, and Joshua Lollar; and Deacon Brent Beasley. During the Liturgy, Fathers Christopher and Michael were elevated to the dignity of Archpriest, while Father Timothy was awarded the jeweled cross. A Synodal Gramota was presented to the parish at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
A gala celebration was held on Sunday evening, which featured a special video presentation on the theme of 100 years of Faith and Witness.
Lawrence, KS: Parish celebrates annual blessing of vineyard
St. Nicholas faithful help with grape harvest.
For several years, Priest Joshua Lollar and the faithful of Saint Nicholas Church, Lawrence, KS, have gathered at Blue Jacket Crossing Vineyard and Winery to help with the grape harvest.
“Blue Jacket is a vineyard just outside Lawrence where the parish gets wine for Liturgy,” explains Father Joshua. “Our participation in the harvest each year presents us with a different experience and a different grape, depending upon the weather, and this year we helped harvest the chambourcin vines, a variety that is used in the wine we use at Liturgy.”
This, Father Joshua added, was a record-setting year for production at the vineyard.
Fr. Joshua blesses vineyard.
“We. along with dozens of other local volunteers, harvested 17,000 pounds of grapes during the morning work session,” Father Joshua said. “After the harvest and lunch with the other volunteers and vineyard staff, we blessed the vines as we do every year: ‘O God our Savior, who wast well-pleased that thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ should be called a Vine, and who didst show the fruit of this Vine bringing forth immortality by the grace of thy Spirit: do Thou Thyself now bless this fruit of the vine, O Master, and grant sanctification and prosperity of soul to all of us who shall partake of it.’”
Princeton, NJ: Archbishop Michael addresses Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black annual conference
St. Moses Conference participants after Divine Liturgy.
His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey was one of two hierarchs addressing participants in the 24th annual Ancient Christianity Conference sponsored by the Brotherhood of Saint Moses the Black. October 6-8, 2017.
Also addressing the 100-plus participants was His Grace, Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic.
“Growing Closer to Christ, Growing Closer Together” was the theme of the conference, which was held at the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow Church, Princeton, NJ. Over a dozen other presenters—among them Archpriests Moses Berry and John Kowalczyk, Priest Jerome Sanderson, Hieromonk Alexii [Altschul], Prof. Al Raboteau, and Mother Katherine—further developed the conference theme.
A highlight of the conference was the annual Young Preachers’ Panel, moderated by Hieromonk Alexii.
The Brotherhood of Saint Moses the Black is a Pan-Orthodox organization which has desired through its efforts to make the Orthodox faith available to the African American community and help the Church itself in realizing this goal.
Metropolitan Tikhon with Protonica Michelle Jannakos and Fr. Martin Ritsi.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon hosted representatives of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center [OCMC] at the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America here on Friday, October 20, 2017.
Meeting with Metropolitan Tikhon were Father Martin Ritsi, OCMC Executive Director, and Protonica Michelle Jannakos, Development Officer.
Father Martin briefed Metropolitan Tikhon on the current work of OCMC and shared some its new initiatives, especially in the Center’s initiation of missions to Post-Christian societies, as planned for Scandinavia. Of particular interest was the work OCMC does in the OCA Diocese of Mexico, where OCMC has been working with His Eminence, Archbishop Alejo for the past four years to provide catechism, youth ministry programs and spiritual education to native populations in the Diocese. Metropolitan Tikhon discussed with Father Martin a number of ideas for expanding outreach efforts to the Diocese of Mexico. Also discussed was a projected visit of Metropolitan Tikhon to OCMC’s headquarters in Saint Augustine, FL, in order to experience first hand the important training work that happens before mission teams are sent into the field.
On Sunday morning, October 22, 2017, Archpriest Stephen Mack, long-time Rector of Saint Nicholas Church, Auburn, NY, fell asleep in the Lord unexpectedly. Additional information and the schedule of services will be posted as they are received.
On Monday, October 23, 2017, Matushka Marie Kreta, wife of the late Protopresbyter Joseph P. Kreta, also fell asleep in the Lord. Father Joseph reposed in retirement at the age of 84 on February 2, 2012 after many years of ministry in Alaska and at Saint Herman’s Seminary. Matushka Marie also was the mother of Archpriest John [Matushka Evelyn] Kreta and his twin brother Stephen [Angela] Kreta; the late Priest Peter [Matushka Marilyn] Kreta; and daughter Maria. Additional information and the schedule of services will be posted as they are received.
May the memories of Father Stephen and Matushka Marie be eternal, and may their families be comforted by the hope of the Resurrection and our prayers!
Registration is now open for adults interested in serving as counselors during the Youth Program at the 19th All-American Council [AAC] in Saint Louis, MO, July 23-27, 2018.
Ideal candidates for counselor positions are active members (ages 18+) of any canonical Orthodox Christian parish in North America; those with past AAC experience as youth participants, counselors or educators; those with experience as camp counselors or directors and/or Church school teachers or directors; members of Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapters; and seminarians from any Orthodox theological seminary in North America. Preferred skillsets for counselors include, but are not limited to, teaching experience (elementary through high school levels); junior or senior camp counselor roles; working with youth ages 5-17; familiarity with Church music (singing, directing, chanting, or reading); experience as a server, subdeacon or sacristan; experience with the liturgical arts (iconography and music); video and photography and related computer experience; certification as a lifeguard; CRP training; experience as a nurse or nurse practitioner; and proficiency in languages other than English.
“Applicants selected to serve as counselors will be expected to participate in all aspects of the Youth Program during the 19th AAC, including educational, worship, fellowship and service components,” said Priest Benjamin Tucci, who will be overseeing the program. “The majority of the program activities will take place at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, independently of the main AAC working sessions, while some youth-related activities will take place off-site.”
Applicants may apply on-line. Early application is encouraged due to a limited number of counselor positions. Registration deadline is January 1, 2018.
“Organizers for the 19th AAC Youth Program, in cooperation with members of the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, will review all applications to ensure the necessary references and background checks are valid,” said David Lucs, who chairs the Department. “All volunteers will complete a three-stage review process before their final selection is confirmed, ensuring the safest and best Church-related experience for youth participants.
“The final phase of the application process will include an interview with organizers of the AAC Youth Program,” Mr. Lucs added. “Applicants who successfully pass these three stages will be notified in early 2018 of their selection as youth counselors.”
Youth Program counselors will have their meals, entrance and activity fees and registration covered by the OCA’s Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries. Youth Program counselors will be expected to pay for their own travel and hotel expenses. Hotel reservations can be made after the first week of January 2018 on the hotel web site.
On Tuesday, October 10, the Assembly released the text of the gathering’s concluding Message to the Faithful, the text of which appears below. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon was among the message’s 32 signatories, together with other US members of the Orthodox Church in America’s Holy Synod of Bishops: His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel; His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon; His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin; His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek; His Eminence, Archbishop Mark; His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, who also serves as the Assembly’s Treasurer; His Grace, Bishop David; and His Grace, Bishop Paul.
The text of the opening address of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Assembly Chair, also has been released.
Message of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Garfield, New Jersey
To our beloved Orthodox Christian faithful and all people of good will throughout the United States of America:
“Let the children come to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 14.14).
Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,
We, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, who have gathered in Garfield, New Jersey on October 3-5, 2017 for our eighth annual meeting, greet you with love in Christ as we offer glory and thanks to Him.
Having been welcomed by our host, His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, thirty-two hierarchs, gathered in the unity of our Orthodox faith, began our Assembly with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Clifton, New Jersey, calling to mind in our prayers our suffering neighbors throughout the world. Once again, our thoughts and prayers were with the kidnapped hierarchs in Syria: Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul Yazigi (brother of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch) and Syriac Archbishop John Ibrahim. We prayed also for the repose of our brothers, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Metropolitan Philotheos of Meloa, and Bishop Antoun, formerly of Miami, who fell asleep in the Lord after long and blessed hierarchal ministries, which were notable for their strong support for the work of our Assembly.
Having thus begun with prayer, we proceeded upon three days of convocations and meetings in which we set about our various works. In the opening session, new officers were welcomed to the Executive Committee: His Grace, Bishop Gregory as Secretary and His Eminence, Archbishop Michael as Treasurer. His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, our Chairman, noted in his opening address three main reasons for our meeting. “Our work together,” the Archbishop noted, “is a methodical and intense spiritual exercise in building love and fortifying the bond of our unity in Christ.” He also pointed out that our task as Orthodox Hierarchs is to “organize and function according to the canonical norms and tradition that our Church Fathers wisely established throughout the centuries.” Lastly, Archbishop Demetrios urged the Hierarchs to work together on forging an authentic and common witness of Orthodoxy to the younger generation.
Among the many themes addressed during our Assembly, one of the central [themes] this year was that of youth ministry: the place of children and young adults in the Church. We affirmed the need to enhance our ministry to those for whom the Church is their hope, their glory, and their salvation. We listened to presentations by Dr. Richard Flory, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, and by Dr. Ann Bezzerides, Director of the Office of Vocation and Ministry at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. They highlighted the importance of ministry directed to all ages and stages of youth and identified various challenges and opportunities to the care of youth and emerging leaders. We remain mindful of the beauty and sanctity of childhood, which our Lord Himself experienced, sanctifying its vulnerability and integrity, its dependency and its development into Godliness. Jesus Christ welcomed and blessed the young children, and we are thus reminded that “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 14.14). We remain steadfast in our commitment to guard “their lives according to God’s word” (Psalm 110.9), so that they may “set an example for all believers in speech and conduct, in love, faith and purity” (1 Timothy 4.12).
Saint John Chrysostom’s love and compassion for children moves us to urge the clergy, the faithful, and all people of good will, to “let everything take second place to our care of our children….” (Homily 21, Homilies on Ephesians). In this spirit, and in common cause for the benefit of all our children, we voice our fervent prayers and unyielding support for the children and youth of our Church and assure all our faithful of the tireless commitment of the Hierarchy to the welfare of its youngest and most vulnerable flock. We encourage all our youth, in unity of mind and heart, to grow in wisdom and the understanding of the treasures of the Church, which are the firm foundation of their future and the ground that may support their labors in and for the world.
In a connected way, we denounce all social, political and cultural travesties which threaten the physical safety and moral security of God’s children. The plight of hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied migrant and refugee children, as well as the millions of women, men, and children exploited in modern slavery across the globe touches our hearts. We beseech the faithful to see in them Christ Himself, Who also fled to foreign lands in infancy, and to assist them whenever possible. Similarly, we unequivocally denounce the continuation of violence and bloodshed throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, where ongoing brutality—too often in the name of religion—threatens children and adults alike. We pray for the protection of Christians and all other vulnerable communities throughout the world; for the cessation of terrorism and persecution wherever they occur; and for lasting peace and justice to reign throughout God’s world. We also express our profound concern over the recent attack in Las Vegas, which left nearly sixty dead and hundreds injured. Yet again, we witness one more egregious act of hatred and terror. Unfortunately, such sights have become all too familiar in our society; they are the antithesis of love and the worst example for our children of what mankind can be. We are called to rise up in witness of a love that conquers fear and hatred, and to bear witness before society and all civil authorities of the need to eliminate violence.
Furthermore, we reflected on recent disasters affecting our communities, namely the devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. We pray fervently for those who lost their lives and their livelihoods and for all those impacted. We urge the faithful to continue to support humanitarian relief efforts through International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), an agency of the Assembly.
Our work also included a presentation by the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning, which reviewed the findings of its study “Places of ‘Greater Orthodox Unity’ in America: Local Inter-Parish Cooperation.” The hierarchs commended Metropolitan Nicolae, Chairman of the committee, for his efforts, endorsed the work of the committee, and authorized the committee to continue its work. We also heard reports by Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) and IOCC, which led to fruitful and open discussion. We especially offered thanksgiving to God for the humanitarian service offered by IOCC, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. We also considered ideas that might help further express our common faith through common works of charity.
Recognizing the blessing that it is to gather in peace in order prayerfully to reflect upon the life of the Church, we express our deep gratitude to all those who planned and prepared for this year’s Assembly. It is our common conviction that, in coming together in fraternity to address common issues of pastoral concern, welfare and mission, we are strengthened in our witness and work in this God-preserved land.
We offer our paternal prayers for all the children of the Church, our beloved flocks. May the abundant blessings of the All-Merciful Trinity—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—be with you all!
Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman
Bishop John, 2nd Vice Chairman
Archbishop Michael, Treasurer
Bishop Gregory, Secretary
Metropolitan Methodios
Metropolitan Alexios
Metropolitan Evangelos
Bishop Demetrios
Bishop Sevastianos
Bishop Apostolos
Metropolitan Antony
Bishop Daniel
Bishop Ilia
Bishop Ierotheos
Bishop Thomas
Bishop Alexander
Bishop John
Bishop Anthony
Bishop Irenei
Bishop Maxim
Bishop Irinej
Metropolitan Nicolae
Metropolitan Joseph
Bishop Daniil
Metropolitan Tikhon
Archbishop Nathaniel
Archbishop Nikon
Archbishop Benjamin
Archbishop Melchisedek
Archbishop Mark
Bishop David
Bishop Paul
A photo gallery may be viewed on the Assembly of Bishops’ web site.
On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church, Unalaska, AK, has been selected as one of 17 congregations nationwide to participate in a national grant-making program that supports capital building projects at historic houses of worship. Launched in 2016 with grants totaling $14 million from the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment Inc., the Philadelphia-based National Fund will offer planning grants, professional services, and capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to a minimum of 50 congregations over four years.
Holy Ascension Church, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed in 1896. Located in the largest city of the Aleutian Islands, the church through the generations has been looked upon by fisherman as a symbol of their safe return to land.
“Holy Ascension is a ‘Spiritual Lighthouse’ to the fishermen who call the Aleutians their port of call,” says His Grace, Bishop David of Sitka and Alaska of the Orthodox Church of America. The oldest cruciform-style Orthodox church in North America, Holy Ascension holds over 200 icons, books and relics, some of which date to the 16th century. “If these items were ever lost, they would be irreplaceable,” says Bishop David. The congregation will use awarded funds to install a fire suppression system in its cathedral.
Chad Martin, Director of the National Fund, says that Holy Ascension Church was well positioned for acceptance into this year’s group, for which over 220 congregations applied. “The story of Russian Orthodox activity in Alaska is a unique and important thread in American religious history. Further, the church’s ongoing commitment to local Native Alaskan communities is important today. We are thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this major effort to preserve a true treasure of religious architecture as an asset for its community,” says Martin. “We believe this project is of national importance for the stewardship of America’s sacred places.”
The final grant amount will be determined upon the completion of the technical support parts of the program, including training and project consultation.
Partners for Sacred Places helps congregations and others with a stake in older religious properties make the most of them as civic assets in ways that benefit people of all faiths and of no faith. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, protects significant places representing our diverse cultural experience by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support.
On Sunday, October 22, 2017, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence, Archbishop Michael concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at Our Lady of Kazan Church, Sea Cliff, NY, marking the parish’s 75th Anniversary.
Protopresbyter Leonid Kishkovsky, Rector, and the parish faithful welcomed the hierarchs upon their arrival. During the Liturgy, Father Leonid was awarded the miter in recognition of his many years of service to the parish and the Orthodox Church in America. A Synodal Gramota was presented to Father Leonid, the Parish Council and the faithful of Our Lady of Kazan Church at the conclusion of the Liturgy. Also receiving a Synodal Gramota was Archpriest John Bartholomew, who is attached to the parish, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
OCA clergy concelebrating with the hierarchs included, in addition to Fathers Leonid and John, Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, Protodeacon Michael Wusylko, and Deacon Stephen Karlgut. Also concelebrating were Father Photius [Oulanov], Protodeacon Vadim Gan, and Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
A festive dinner followed services.
The history of the Church of Our Lady of Kazan is closely bound to the history and development of the Russian community in Sea Cliff and the surrounding area. In the 1920s this community numbered only two or three families, but by the 1960s it had grown to about two hundred families and was served by the Church of Our Lady of Kazan and two other Russian Orthodox churches. For the Church of Our Lady of Kazan this growth was reflected in the church building itself, which began as a simple chapel in a small garage and has been transformed into a structure with dignified lines and stately appearance.
In the 1930s Sea Cliff was a popular place to spend the summers. Among the vacationers there were Russian families to be found. Some of them came to love the village. Since houses were relatively inexpensive then, the first Russian families made the decision to settle in Sea Cliff. The real growth of the community began in the 1940s, especially after the World War.
The first Russian families who settled in Sea Cliff attended services in the nearest Orthodox churches (Whitestone and East Meadow). Since these churches were more than ten miles from Sea Cliff, the local Orthodox residents decided it would be best to establish their own parish, especially since war-time gas rationing made automobile travel more difficult. A petition was addressed to His Eminence, Metropolitan Theophilus, who proposed that interested persons hold an organizational meeting. In January 1942 such a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Father Alexander Tzuglevich, a priest of the Holy Protection Cathedral in New York City, who represented Metropolitan Theophilus. The meeting, which took place in the house of Ivan L. Pouschine, was attended by all the Orthodox residents of Sea Cliff, Glen Cove, Locust Valley, Great Neck, and Little Neck. In April 1942 permission was granted to open a chapel, which was to be temporarily serviced by clergy from the New York City Cathedral. Boris I. Riaboff made available a garage for the chapel and agreed to sell a portion of his estate to the church community.
While the garage was being transformed into a chapel, the choir started to organize and ladies of the community also began diligent work to sew vestments and to acquire the necessary church vessels and furnishings. Icons were painted, banners were embroidered, the holy plashchanitsa was made. On Saturday, August 8, 1942, the little church was dedicated. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Father Basil Moussin-Pushkin on the following day.
The parish was incorporated on November 30, 1942. Listed in the charter as the first trustees were Father Basil Moussin-Pushkin, Rector, and Theodore Lodijensky, George Guilsher, Boris Riaboff, Ivan L. Pouschine, Basil Wadkovsky, and Peter Fekula. These persons may justly be considered the founders of the parish in Sea Cliff.
Gradually, the number of parishioners grew and the church became noticeably crowded at Sunday services. The first expansion of the building was undertaken in 1945. This project was made possible through the efforts of the Rotast family and the generous donations of the parishioners. Through the years the church has undergone additional development, including an expansion of the sanctuary and altar. In 1969 the last extension was completed and the carved entrance gate with icons of Christ and the Theotokos was erected.
From 1948 to 1974 the beloved priest of the parish was Father Alexis Yonov, who came to the US with his family as a refugee from war-torn Europe. Father Alexis served also as Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Metropolia of North America. It was during his years as the parish priest that the last expansion of the church building took place and the rectory was built.
On August 9, 1977, exactly 35 years after the celebration of the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church, His Grace, Bishop Theodosius [Lazor] brought as a gift to the Church of Our Lady of Kazan a relic of Saint Herman of Alaska, the first Orthodox saint to live, die, and achieve canonization in America. August 9 is this also remembered as the day of the canonization of Saint Herman in 1970. This “coincidence” of dates has special significance because it reminds us that the history of our parish should not be seen in isolation, but in the context of the history of the Orthodox Church in America.
After the Tomos of Autocephaly was granted to the Orthodox Church in America in 1970, a painful time of division and litigation ensued in the parish. The majority of parishioners opposed the autocephaly because the Tomos was granted by the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). A minority remained loyal to the OCA. In the end, the court ruled in favor of the OCA, confirming that the Metropolia established the parish in 1942, that the OCA is the successor Church body, that the Orthodox Church is a hierarchical church and that the Church of Our Lady of Kazan and its property by right continue within the OCA. Thereupon the majority of parishioners left the Church of Our Lady of Kazan to join the Russian Orthodox Outside of Russia.
Father Leonid Kishkovsky was appointed rector in 1974, after the end of the court case. Together with the remaining parishioners, Father Leonid undertook the difficult work of renewing and rebuilding the parish membership. Today, the parish community reflects the OCA as a living mosaic of Orthodox Christians of different origins and backgrounds. As Father Leonid said at the 75th Anniversary lunch following the Liturgy on October 22, among the parishioners some are converts like His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, some are of Russian or Ukrainian or Greek or Belorussiian or Georgian or Bulgarian or Romanian or Polish origin, all worshipping harmoniously as one parish community.
It is appropriate to close this historical sketch with some words about the church itself. The original chapel, situated in a small garage, was a modest building. The icon screen was made out of tree branches. The church which grew out of these humble beginnings is constructed in the style typical of a sixteenth century skete (small monastery) in northern Russia. The church’s icons are painted in the Byzantine style. The immense achievement of Boris Riaboff, its builder and architect, was his persistent preservation of that style both in external, structural terms, and in terms of the church’s icons, appointments, and furnishings. Through his interpretation of Russian rural ecclesiastical style, Mr. Riaboff was able to transform a garage into a unique, harmonious, and authentically Russian church.
In 2016, Our Lady of Kazan Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The October 2017 edition of OCAreview: The Orthodox Church in America’s Monthly Hard-Copy Digest, is now available in color and black and white PDF formats for downloading and local distribution.
With the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, OCAreview made its debut in October 2015. Each monthly edition features select stories that had appeared on the OCA web site during the previous month. Parishes are requested to download and duplicate each edition, especially for distribution to those without internet access. OCAreview also makes an ideal general monthly parish bulletin insert.
In addition, all parishes and clergy receive PDFs of the digest via e-mail. Others who wish to receive the monthly e-mail version may subscribe at no charge.
“Becoming Truly Human”—a documentary film that shares the faith journeys of eight Millennials—will play in 11 US markets on November 8 and 9, 2017. See related story.
The one-night-only screenings will be held at select theaters in Philadelphia, PA and Woburn, MA on Wednesday, November 8 and in Pittsburgh, PA; Secaucus, NJ; Cleveland, OH; Atlanta, GA; Brooklyn, NY; Lexington, KY; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; and San Diego, CA on Thursday, November 9. Tickets may be ordered on-line.
Supported by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and Ancient Faith Ministries and directed by Nathan Jacobs, “Becoming Truly Human” looks at the rise of the “nones”—those with no religious affiliation. Recent surveys indicate that 25% of the US population falls into this category, garnering enthusiasm from atheists and concern from religious leaders and groups. The film delves into the faith journeys of eight “nones”—one of whom embraces Orthodox Christianity—thereby reframing the “nones” as people defined not by unaffiliation, but by their search for something deeper than the religions of their youth.
“Becoming Truly Human” is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray from Ancient Faith Ministries and is ideal for viewing and discussion in parish group settings.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Beatitude, Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of Saint Nicholas here on Sunday, October 29, 2017.
Patriarch John arrived in the US on October 21 to participate in an “In Defense of Christians” Summit, titled “American Leadership and Securing the Future of Christians in the Middle East,” in Washington, DC October 24-26. According to the Archdiocesan web site, Patriarch John met with the leadership of the United Nations and members of the current US Administration to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis, to highlight the current humanitarian crisis, and to discuss the future of Christians in Syria and the Middle East. While in the nation’s capital, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Potomac, MD on Sunday, October 22.
Another goal of Patriarch John’s visit was highlighting the very effective humanitarian arm of the Patriarchate, the Department of Ecumenical Relationships and Development [DERD]—the largest independent local NGO operating inside Syria. Like the Patriarchate, DERD is completely independent of government involvement and seeks to “offer help to those who are in dire need, ensuring that efforts are made to provide service to all, to spread the spirit of humanity, justice, tranquility and peace among those affected, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.” See related video.
Concelebrating at Saint Nicholas Cathedral with Patriarch John and Metropolitans Tikhon and Joseph were His Grace, Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Diocese of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic; His Grace, Bishop John of the Diocese of Worcester and New England; and His Grace, Bishop Nicholas of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch John was honored at a reception and fundraising luncheon. Among those in attendance were the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, His Eminence and Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Peter Cardinal Rai, and the Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, His Excellency, Bishop Gregory John Mansour. Funds raised at the luncheon were earmarked to support the victims and relief efforts of the ongoing war in Syria.
See the gallery of photos from the Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Cathedral on the OCA website and Facebook page.
Over the years, the annual OCF gatherings have brought together thousands of Orthodox Christian college students from across jurisdictions in fellowship and prayer to engage in the study of the faith with a dynamic lineup of keynote and workshop speakers, breakout sessions, social events, and more.
This year, OCF once again will offer three venues for College Conference 2017—East at Antiochian Village, Bolivar, PA; Midwest at Saint Iakovos Retreat Center, Kansasville, WI; and West at Saint Nicholas Ranch, Squaw Valley, CA. The conference theme, upon which the keynote addresses by Molly Sabourin (Midwest) and Father Vasile Tudora (West) and workshop sessions will be based, is “Glory to God for All Things.”
OCF reports that College Conference East filled to capacity in one week with 280 registered students. Spots remain at both the Midwest and West locations at a discounted rate of $200.00 per attendee.
On-line registration is now available, and early registration is recommended. Enquiries may be addressed to OCF’s National Programs Manager, Donna Levas, at donna@ocf.net or 617-850-1227.
During the first week of November 2017, Melanie Ringa, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, released the financial report for the third quarter of the year. The complete report is available in PDF format.
Report highlights include the following.
The balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 indicates total assets of $3,370,050.00, total liabilities of $223,268.00, and net assets of $3,146,781.00, which represents a year-to-date increase/surplus of $319,913.00.
Of the total cash amount of $335,703.00 indicated through September 30, $78,901.00 is unrestricted.
Accounts receivable of $159,827.00 represents August and September 2017 diocesan support due, most of which had been received by the end of October.
Restricted investments and trusts show a balance of $2,600,996.00.
Net assets at the beginning of 2017 were $2,826,712.00. With the net surplus for the nine month period, net assets total $3,146,782.00 as of September 30.
Fr. Andre Paez and faithful celebrate yet another baptism!
“It is truly awe inspiring to see how wonderfully God has blessed our mission over the last three years,” reflects Priest Andre Paez, Rector of Saint John the Evangelist Mission, Tempe AZ. “When we applied for the OCA Mission Grant in 2014, we had only 23 adults and 13 children—a total of 16 pledging families—and our combined worship and fellowship space totaled a mere 2,300 square feet. Now, after three years, we have 78 adults and 34 children and 32 pledging families, and we are enjoying our beautifully expanded 6,650 square foot space for worship, education and fellowship.”
While not without its challenges, these past few years have been “an absolute joy,” Father Andre says as he serves with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for the increase He has provided Saint John’s, and to the leadership, guidance, and generosity of clergy and parishioners who have so graciously supported the mission. “Every day I am humbled and inspired knowing that I and our community are working in the North American mission field cultivated by the great saints who have come before us.”
As the community has blossomed, so have its ministries.
Fr. Andre greets faithful as they venerate the Cross.
“Under the leadership and tireless enthusiasm of my dear wife, Matushka Samantha Paez, our mission started Arizona’s first Orthodox ‘Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’ children’s education program,” Father Andre explains. “Just this past summer, our dedicated children’s education team hosted a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation course with an Orthodox facilitator from Alaska. Seventeen participants from area churches attended and learned how to implement the CGS Montessori-based program into their own parishes. We also have thriving men’s and women’s groups, a robust choir with over 15 singers, a dedicated parish council, a marvelous hospitality team, and loving volunteers who care for those in need, including the homeless at ‘Andre House,’ single mothers at ‘Maggie’s Place,’ and many other charitable organizations.”
The community also has hosted powerful spiritual retreats with Deacon Mark Barna, who shared insights from his book, A Christian Ending, and Father Josiah Trenham, whose presentations on the “Good Husband and the Good Wife” were live-streamed.
“Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” training session with Shelly Finkler, Formation Leader.
Father Andre believes that the community’s labors have been so fruitful because, at the heart of all its ministries, is Christ Himself, Who empowers the members of Saint John’s to be His hands and feet in the Phoenix valley.
“Our catechism and inquirers class is always expanding, and this past Lent, we had the great joy of receiving 12 new members into the Church,” states Father Andre. “We now have 11 catechumens and we are looking forward to receiving them this coming Lent 2018.”
Looking back at the past three years, Father Andre and his flock are grateful for the “dynamic journey” they have taken as they prepare to “graduate” from mission to parish status. “We feel well equipped to begin this new phase in our community’s growth and are anxious to return a portion of the blessings we have received as a result of the Church Planting Grant.”
Each webinar will feature both OCF staff and volunteers as well as other experts in the field. The first webinar—slated to be held on Monday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern—will feature Father Michael Nasser, former OCF National Chaplain, and Nicole Petrow, Current Chair of the OCF Student Leadership Board. Their topic will be “Getting Started on Campus.”
Three additional monthly webinars have also been announced, while subsequent webinars are being planned throughout the coming year.
On Monday, December 4, Father Anthony Salzman, OCF Southeast Spiritual Advisor, will facilitate the webinar, titled “Building Your Campus Ministry. Ann Bezzerides and Deacon Michael Tishel of the Office of Vocation and Ministry at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, will focus on “Mentoring Strong Orthodox Leaaders” in the January 8, 2018 webinar, while Father Apostolos Hill, OCF Southwest Spiritual Advisor, will explore ways to engage the “disconnected” on February 5. All webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
The webinars are free of charge and open to all. Individuals must register on-line to participate in each webinar. One need not register for the entire series.
OCF transforms the lives of college students in the US and Canada by guiding them along the path to Jesus Christ through His Church, cultivating a campus community of worship, witness, service, fellowship and education.
In the Spring of 2017, the Church of the Holy Cross, Medford, NJ organized a unique youth event that would bring to life the Gospel message of caring for others in need. Archpriest John Shimchick, Pastor, and the event coordinator, Phyllis Pritchard, worked with Camden, NJ’s Covenant House and local police and social services to help the youth of the parish learn about homeless children and teens.
“What’s It Like?” is a new article written by Father John that highlights the important life lessons gained from their “Covenant House Sleep Out” experience. It appears on the Orthodox Church in America’s web site as yet another offering in the Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid’s Parish Ministry Resources.
“Our youth spent the night in cardboard boxes and their sleeping bags on the parish’s parking lot, away from the comfort of their homes, experiencing something of the uncertainty and discomfort of life on the street,” Father John writes. “While raising funds to benefit the efforts of Covenant House in Camden, they learned about the plight of homeless young people — not the kids thousands of miles away or on TV — but the kids just a few miles away, who slip by unnoticed.”
Father John recounts the activities and overnight hours not only as an important event, but as a guide for other parishes to organize similar programs for the youth in their communities.
The September and October 2017 “Pastoral Changes” — the official announcements of ordinations, assignments, releases, etc. affecting the clergy of the Orthodox Church in America, as issued by the Office of the Chancellor, Archpriest John Jillions — are now available.
