Ordination of Peter Farrington to the Priesthood

On the 22nd February, 2009, Abba Seraphim ordained Deacon Peter Theodore Farrington to the Priesthood within the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. Father Peter has served as a Reader and Subdeacon, and then as Deacon for many years within the community of St Alban and St Athanasius in Maidstone and now Chatham.

He will now serve as a priest with Father Michael Robson.

Indonesian Orthodox Church

News From Friends of Indonesia

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a Priest of the Indonesian Orthodox Church, Fr. Gregory Momongan, who fell asleep in the Lord Wednesday, February 21, at 11:30 pm local time. Fr. Gregory was hit by a truck earlier that day, and was taken to the hospital in a coma, where he reposed.

He was struck by a truck while operating his motorcycle, which he used as a taxi in downtown Manado. Fr. Daniel Byantoro–the Dean of the Indonesian Clergy and founder of the Indonesian Orthodox Church–had repeatedly asked him to stop, given the dangers of driving a motorcycle in a congested urban area, but Fr. Gregory felt he had no choice, as he had no other way to provide for his family. Once an Orthodox Christian is ordained as clergy in Indonesia, they are "marked" in that overwhelmingly Muslim society, and are not allowed the opportunities for employment and advancement that most other Indonesians enjoy.

Ordained in 2005, Fr. Gregory, 32, leaves behind his young wife Maria and year-old daughter Paskhalita, as well as his parish, St Mary the Theotokos , Manado City, North Sulawesi. Fr. Gregory was the spiritual son of Fr. Daniel Byantoro, the Founder of the Indonesian Orthodox Church, and was especially close to Fr. Daniel, caring for Fr. Daniel's dying mother for several months while Fr. Daniel was in the United States and unable to return to Indonesia.

Fr. Daniel will be traveling to Indonesia immediately, cutting short his speaking engagements in the US. There is a pressing financial need to pay outstanding hospital bills, funeral expenses, and to make some long-term provisions for Fr. Gregory's wife, Paskhalita, and infant daughter Maria.

All emergency donations will go directly to these needs, with no deduction for Friends of Indonesia expenses here in the US. This would be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Indonesia, with a generous gift of love. If you're able to assist, please visit our support page and donate online. Or, if you'd prefer to send a check, please make the check payable to "Friends of Indonesia" and place "Fr. Gregory"; in the memo field. Mail to:

Please keep Fr. Gregory;s family and parish in your prayers, as well as Fr. Daniel, who has lost a spiritual son and close friend, and the clergy and faithful of the entire Indonesian Orthodox Church.

May the Lord have mercy on us sinners.

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Speaking at the event were Bishop Feofilakt; Hieromonk Serafim (Petrovsky), Vice President of the Synod Youth Department; Protopriest Andrei Sommer, Vice President of the Synodal Youth Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and Protopriest Maxim Kozlov, Rector of St Catherine’s Church at Moscow State University.

Vladyka Feofilakt noted that youth ministry in the Church is first of all missionary work, which demands not only contemporary forms of communication but professional training. Vladyka recalled the words of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, spoken on the feast day of the Meeting of Our Lord, that today, each parish must have a specialist on catechism and youth ministry, and that if necessary, church communities must provide material support for them.

Vladyka Feofilakt feels that every institution of higher education should have, if not a church, then at least an Orthodox community which would witness the Truth before members of their age group. For this reason, one of the most urgent challenges, according to Vladyka Feofilakt, is to nurture creative and charismatic leaders for such groups.

Fr Andrei spoke about the experiences of Orthodox youth in the diaspora. One of the more effective methods of working with ROCOR youth, according to Fr Andrei, is holding youth conferences of various sizes (from all-diaspora conferences to meetings within individual deaneries), which are devoted to a specific topic. The youth not only hear lectures but hold workshops. Workshops address parish life, just as parish schools do: young people learn liturgics, Church Slavonic, etc.

Fr Andrei also proposed the idea of forming a social web network along the lines of Odnoklassniki [“classmates”] Vkontakte [“in contact”] and FaceBook, which would unite Orthodox youth throughout the world.

Fr Serafim offered surprising methods of working with youth: leaving some churches open and accessible in later hours, doing missionary work in these churches by holding divine services, night-time molebens and Liturgies. In his opinion, no means should be overlooked in working with youth, including forms of art, culture and sports.

Fr Maxim concentrated on what he called “the negatives,” the “underwater rocks” that are obstacles the Church faces in working with young people.

First of all, we should not treat young people with kid gloves, for the soul of a babushka is no different from the soul of a young person, this is not good for the youth nor the Church itself. Secondly, youth ministry should not ignore the Heavenly Kingdom nor mankind itself: “the goal of the spiritual life, towards which we must strive, is without a doubt the salvation of the soul, but we are dealing with living people, not easily-trainable robots.” Fr Maxim feels that the matter of finding a common language has not yet been resolved, yet we must avoid the two extremes: oversimplification and moralizing.

Fr Maxim feels that an Orthodox television network broadcasting on a central channel during prime time would have great missionary effect. In order to establish one, Fr Maxim said, we must use all available resources. It content should be vibrant, earnest and honest.

Some of the proposals evoked lively debate: the idea of an Orthodox social network found supporters and also skeptics who feel that existing social resources are sufficient.

The idea of Liturgies geared towards youth or children was also controversial: as attractive as that goal appears, it may prove to be an unwise reduction of divine service.

A series of other lectures rounded out the conference, in which participants shared their experiences and discussed the great deal of work they face, especially since 2009 was named “the Year of Youth.”

The next day, the missionary program of the Nativity Readings was held at the Church of St Tatiana. The lectures concerned the theme entitled “Experience and Possibilities in Youth Missionary Work.”

Fr Andrei was the first speaker. In his opinion, the existence of the Orthodox Church in a heterodox environment is in and of itself a powerful form of witness of the faith for outsiders. Cooperation, speed and effectiveness among the youth is especially strong, and these must not be ignored in preserving and dissemination Orthodox traditions.

Priest Igor Palkin of St Tatiana Church, a professional photographer, shared his experiences as head of the Pozitif Photography School under the auspices of the Moscow Diocese. The school is open to all, offering the fundamentals of photography (on a tuition basis for beginners) and documentary photography (through scholarship based on creative competition). Application information is distributed throughout colleges. The school now teaches 40 students, of whom 30 are not church-goers. “Unfortunately, I did not find churchgoing professional photographers,” said Fr Igor, “that is why I invited teachers from the best photography schools of Moscow without consideration of their church attendance.” The problem lies in avoiding making the school a place unrelated to faith. But there are other missionary possibilities for its participants. For example, assignments are given to make a photo-documentary of people in various professions, but all of these are people of great faith. By meeting them, beginners can learn about the Orthodox faith. “Respect for someone’s profession supports trust for him as a member of the Church,” said Fr Igor.

Priest Daniel Sysoev, Rector of the Church of Prophet Daniel in Kantemirovskaya, told of the problems of building a missionary youth center. Fr Daniel believes that a system of teaching catechism to a newcomer to church must precede missionary work. Most often, a curious person will ask a question of another parishioner who appears experienced rather than the priest himself. It is important to further the teachings of Christ and call things by their proper name—intriguing words of the Church as a pillar of culture and patriotism have nothing to do with missionary work. Consistent study of Holy Scripture along with parishioners must be a part of the parish priest’s work.

Dmitry Igorevich Serov, representative of the Missionary Department of Moscow Theological Academy, also spoke, noting that before determining a target for ones mission, the status and interests of the audience must be understood.

Professor Walter Schpecht of Germany told of “mobile work” with youth. One must set a clear-cut, strict ideological base for this. Social workers are needed. The German professor's lecture drew a great deal of interest and intense debate.

Nikolai Filippovich Mariashin, Head of the Physical Education Department at St Tikhon Orthodox Humanitarisn Institute and teacher at the Orthodox Tradition High School in Moscow, told of the important role sports play in working with Orthodox and lay youth.

The youth group “Joy in Old Age” told of its missionary work, assistance to invalids and the elderly in nursing homes. The group is a small team of some fifteen people, enthusiastic students of Moscow who believe in good deeds and in people. Their goal is to let those who live in nursing homes and veterans' shelters know that they are not alone, not forgotten, that they are needed. More on their work is available on their website: starikam.ru.

In conclusion, Fr Maxim said a few words about his missionary visit to Kolychevo and the good relationship the young parishioners of St Tatiana’s Church had with the youth of ROCOR.

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Many surrounding churches were also excited about this conference that they requested to join so that they can learn from our church in order to take it back to their churches. Over 70 visiting members from various churches, including Catholic, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant, came to learn and share ideas from their own churches. We learned a valuable lesson that we are all one body serving Jesus Christ without competition.

From our strategic planning sessions, we discussed the three stages of a member in the Coptic Orthodox Church, which are New Member, Mature Member, and Missionary. Once we bring in a new person, when they are ready, they will attend a Catechism course on the teachings of the Orthodox Church. Once baptized, the new member will move into the Mature Member stage. In this stage, we focused on creating a lively worship service for the member. This includes understanding the Liturgy and learning the songs of worship. Also, the member will create a loving and accepting church for other new members. As the member grows in the church, we will also focus on discipleship of that member. Through discipleship, there will be many things such as joining a pre-servant’s class, servant’s class, deacon’s class, and if applicable, the St. Athanasius Theological School in Maseno, Kenya. In the final stage in the growth of a church member, we are creating missionaries to go out, evangelize, share the Word of God, and serve Him.

The servants were excited to be a part of the vision and strategy planning. The servants came up with many creative ideas within each stage of a member’s growth during the group workshops. Further, the servants created steering committees to implement the strategies discussed as well reporting and follow-up for each area discussed.

The conference was an accomplishment to all those that prayed and worked so hard. Yet, it began even before the conference when H.G. Bishop Paul and all the priests had a planning and prayer time before the conference. This time was used for spiritual nourishment as the priests learned about the life of Joseph. Also, the priests came together to create this vision for the churches and to establish various curriculums for courses, such as catechism, pre-servants, servants, retreats and deacons classes. Although an exhausting time of late nights, preparation, and team meetings, the planning time proved to be a success.

Overall, the time together was truly fruitful and time of bonding, working together, sharing ideas, praying for our challenges, and uniting to create one vision and mission for all the churches in Africa under the leadership of our shepherd, H.G. Bishop Paul and through the prayers of our father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. We thank God for this opportunity and we ask the rest of the world to pray for us and the future of our church in creating strong leaders for the Coptic Orthodox Church in Africa.

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SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- From Wednesday, February 18 through Friday, February 20, 2009, the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America held its 2009 spring meeting.

The Metropolitan Council is composed of the His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, chairman; the three statutory officers of the Church -- the Chancellor, the Secretary, and the Treasurer -- one priest and one layperson from each diocese, elected by their respective diocesan assemblies; and three priests and three laypeople elected by the All-American Council.

Earlier this year, the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops decided that the Lesser Synod of Bishops would also take part in Metropolitan Council meetings. Lesser Synod members present for the meeting were His Eminence, Archbishop Job of Chicago and the Midwest, and His Grace, Bishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West. Also present was His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada, who took the place of Lesser Synod member, His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, who was unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting opened with a retreat Wednesday evening lead by Metropolitan Jonah in the Chancery's St. Sergius of Radonezh Chapel. The theme of the retreat was "The Spiritual Process."

In his retreat talk, the Metropolitan said that the essence of the spiritual process is to overcome one's ego. "All of our thoughts about ourselves constitute our ego," he explained. "We live in our heads and we make the mistake that our ego is who we really are."

Metropolitan Jonah said that the teaching of the Orthodox Church is that true human identity is not found in the self but in God. Authentic human life may be found only through overcoming the passions -- distractions rooted in the obsessions and compulsions for things in the world -- and through the complete surrendering of human will to the divine will -- synergy. He offered a basic rule of life, grounded in the spiritual tradition of the Orthodox Church: do not resent, do not react, and keep inner stillness.

Following Metropolitan Jonah's presentation, the hierarchs and Metropolitan Council members discussed issues raised in his talk. An emphasis in this discussion was on the role that Church leadership will play in the ongoing healing and growth of the Church.

Thursday's sessions opened with a Divine Liturgy at St. Sergius Chapel, celebrated by Metropolitan Jonah. In his homily, he made reference to the Epistle reading of the day, which warned that, "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1 John 4:20). Metropolitan Jonah stressed that those in positions of leadership in the Church must always be on guard to carry out their responsibilities out of love and not animosity; animosity is not of God and therefore actions born of animosity cannot be said to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

After the Divine Liturgy, business sessions opened with an address by Metropolitan Jonah, who spoke about the vision of the local Church as outlined in Orthodox Tradition. He stressed that in the process of strategic planning, the basis for moving the Church forward must be the sacramental vision of Church that is essential to Orthodoxy. Related to this, he added, it is important to be mindful of the fact that the current OCA Statute, written almost 40 years ago, no longer reflects the structure and life of the Orthodox Church in America today as the local Church in North America.

The Metropolitan continued by outlining several areas that he identified as requiring the immediate attention of the OCA's administrative bodies: financial support for the Church, legal issues, St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery, and theological education.

Regarding financial support for the Church, Metropolitan Jonah said, "The task at hand is to strengthen the parishes and the dioceses, and encourage them to develop their own lives, ministries, outreach and missions within their territories. We need to have the Office of the Metropolitan, and its administrative functions. But the greatest need is to have our parishes and dioceses financially stable and supported." He also said that, "the Metropolitan Council must take the lead in this, not only by setting an example of tithing within their own communities, but by promoting the vision of percentage giving within their dioceses." His Beatitude noted that the real point of tithing is "an active, vibrant church on the local level."

On the topic of theological education, Metropolitan Jonah shared his vision of harmonizing institutions and programs to create "a single system of institutions which complement one another, and which conveys a single vision of the Church. My hope is that we can build the existing institutions into a single system of theological education, from the college-seminary level through the masters'-graduate level all the way to a Ph.D. in Theology."

His Beatitude's thoughts on the ecclesiological vision of Orthodox Church in America may be read here.

After the Metropolitan's address, the Council turned to a review of Metropolitan Council committees. The composition of current committees was examined with a goal of ensuring that every Metropolitan Council member sat on a committee. Furthermore, upon the recommendation of Metropolitan Jonah, the Council decided that each of its committees will include as non-voting liaisons one representative from the Lesser Synod and one from the Chancery administration.

In other discussions on committees, the Metropolitan Council decided to merge the finance and investment committees in order to improve operations between the Council's financial and investment operations and to assist the treasurer in his duties.

The Metropolitan Council is now engaged in a search for members of the OCA's Audit Committee. Previously, the OCA Statute directed that appointments to this committee be made by the All-American Council. However, at the 15th All-American Council in November 2008, a Statue amendment was passed that authorized the Metropolitan Council to make appointments to this committee.

Council members also heard reports from its committees on their ongoing work and from three members of the OCA chancery administrative team: Chancellor, Archpriest Alexander Garklavs; Secretary, Archpriest Eric G. Tosi; and the Director of Ministries and Communications, Archpriest Andrew Jarmus. The report of the Treasurer, Priest Michael Tassos, followed in a subsequent session.

One issue arising from the reports was the question of Church policies and procedures on sexual harassment, which are slated for revision in the near future. It was noted that the line of delineation between pastoral and legal aspects of such issues must be clearer. The definition of what is meant by "pastoral" needs to be clarified, as well, since this term can cover various aspects of such an issue. Likewise, it must always be known that there are legal ramifications in such matters and which cannot be neglected or denied.

In executive session, the Metropolitan Council reviewed ongoing legal matters facing the Church. Also in executive session, the Council heard an informational update on the review of the affairs at St. Tikhon's Seminary and Monastery that is being spearheaded by His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

The report of the Treasurer, Priest Michael Tassos, was made in conjunction with the report of the Metropolitan Council's Finance Committee Chair, Archpriest Matthew Tate.

Fr. Matthew introduced the report on finances by stating that, after three years of balanced budgets, 2008 was a failure. Through the first half of 2008, the budget was balanced; overages came through unexpected expenses in the second half of the year, in particular during the fourth quarter. He apologized on behalf of the finance committee for allowing this to happen. The projected overage for 2008 as a result of anticipated legal expenses was expected to be about $100,000.00. In reality, in 2008 the Church was over $200,000.00 over budget.

Fr. Tassos also expressed his personal regret at this situation. He noted that, while areas such as Chancery personnel salaries and benefits and departmental expenses were under budget, overages largely resulted from expenses that were not expected when the 2008 budget was passed, such as the enthronement of a new Metropolitan and travel costs related to committee work and extraordinary meetings.

In looking at the 2009 budget, Fr. Michael reported that cost-cutting measures include cuts to pension contributions for clergy working at the OCA chancery; a new, less expensive health insurance plan for all chancery staff; limits on the frequency in publication of "The Orthodox Church" magazine; and stricter procedures for the approval of travel expenses.

Fr. Matthew stressed that the real issue in 2008 was that the budget was used more as a list of suggestions rather than a strict guideline for spending. He emphasized that this cannot be the case. Absolute adherence to the budget and to procedures for requesting non-budgeted spending is crucial in order to regain and maintain a better financial status.

The final major agenda item was a discussion of the strategic planning process mandated by the 15th All-American Council in response to recommendations of the Special Investigating Committee. A report was presented by a three-person team organized by Metropolitan Jonah to offer ideas to the Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council on possible approaches to the strategic planning process. The members of this team were Protodeacon Peter Danilchik, Deacon John Zarras and Dr. Dmitri Solodow.

During the strategic planning presentation, it was noted that the key to a successful process is that it be based on principles of active leadership and oversight from the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council working in harmony; on an inclusive process that allows broad participation of all "stake holders;" on a decision making process based on consensus; and on the need for patience as the plan develops and is embraced by the Church at large. The next step in the formation of a strategic plan procedure will be further deliberations by the members of the Holy Synod, who will present the final outline of the planning process.

Official minutes and other information from the Spring 2009 meeting of the Metropolitan Council will be posted as they become available.

The next regular meeting of the Metropolitan Council will take place in the fall of this year.

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Before the Assembly there was served a fervant prayer at Cathedral by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, in presence of the members of the Head Board and members of the Assembly of the Society for building Cathedral. After it the present visited the works in Cathedral and a subsurface floor of Cathedral.

The session was presided by: the president of the Society - Miodrag Babic (Hemopharm Concern), the president of the Society Head board - Boris Tadic (president of Serbia), in the presence of Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral - on behalf of the president of the Society His Holiness Patriarch Pavle.

The head architect of Cathedral Prof. Dr Vojislav Milovanovic submitted a report on accomplished construction works,and the main architect for interior design of Cathedral Dragomir Acovic presenteda report on planned works during 2009.

Due to the forthcoming celebration of a great jubilee - 1700 years since issuing the Edict of Milan (2013) , in which Serbia will have a great part, it is required to intensify the final construction works in Cathedral , said the president of the HB Boris Tadic.

An initiative of Milka Forzan, the coordinator of the Society for building Cathedral, to start a project « CATHEDRAL: RENEWAL OF THE NATIONAL INTEREST» is greatly supported at the Assembly. Its goal is to put Cathedral as a symbol of the nation, the city of Belgrade and the orthodox people.

Also the future first multi-media guide and book about Cathedral was showcased and soon it will be published. The Assembly was informed about preparations for making amovie "Constantine the Great''.

The Society for building Cathedral St. Sava also reports that the planned construction works for the last year were realized and that the Plan and program for year 2009 has been accepted. As well, it also states that in last 8 years, since the foundation of the Society for building Cathedral, it has been done more than in last 100 years.

Source: The Society for building Cathedral St. Sava at Vrachar

Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral held a speech during the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy, which was attended by HRH Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic and Princess Katarina, the vice-president of the Serbian government Jovan Krkobabic, minister ofagriculture Sasa Dragin, minister of education Dr Zarko Obradovic, minister of trade Slobodan Milosavljevic, and minister of faith Dr Bogoljub Sijakovic.

At the Holy Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral held a speech before thefaithful and all Serbian people, pointing out the significance of the holiday of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord at the Temple, because in symbolic meeting at the actual historical moment of the Presentation of Our Lord, it is the whole truthful history of mankind. The holiday of the Presentation of Our Lord is a holiday of human nature, a holiday of Man, and hence the great wisdom and inspiration of our ancestors who just on this holiday of the Presentation of Our Lord passed and confirmed the Constitution of the Principality of Serbia in 1835. That constitution was actually one sprout, one small ray that shined from this meeting of God and man, the meeting of mercy of God and truth of God, justice and peace. In those hard times of liberation of the violence, our ancestors brought the Constitution, so as to, according to it, fix everyday life of the state and the people of that time.

After the Holy Liturgy, Their Graces Bishops, priesthood and people went in the procession to the Maricevica`s gorge, where was held the commemoration to Karadjordje and all rebels suffered for the freedom of the Serbian people. The commemoration and the cultural program was attended by the highest state and military dignitaries, among them were Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia Mirko Cvetkovic and President of the Serbian Assembly Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic.

After the Holy Liturgy, the prayer for peace and progress of the Republic of Serbia and for the salvation of all citizens who are living in Serbia, the independent state and recognized by the world, began celebrations which all the present reminded of the greatness of the Serbian statesmen,soldiers, peasants, professors and pupils, workers and scientists, who presented their Homeland and Church proudly through history. Then there was paid the state and military tribute to all the suffered for faith and Fatherland with a ceremony of laying laurel wreaths in Maricevica`s gorge andthe cultural program.

Prime Minister Cvetkovic held a speech pointing out that the Government of Serbia took the responsibility for solving the problem in Kosovo and Metohija, reminding that the declaration of independence of Kosovo endangered the international law, safety and security in this region.

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An afternoon session will feature the National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, MD who will offer a presentation highlighting the history of the crisis with recent news and developments pursued by Archons with leaders in Washington, Ankara, Istanbul, Brussels, and Strasbourg.

The symposium is open to all Archons, their spouses, and other faithful Orthodox members interested in the religious freedom pursuit for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A detailed itinerary can be found below and further questions for information can be directed to Dr. Cary Limberakis at 215-886-8866 or cjldmd@verizon.net.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate: A Church in Captivity and the Religious Freedom Crisis in Turkey - A Symposium

Saturday, March 7, 2009

9:00 am Divine Liturgy Saturday of Souls
10:00 am Light Breakfast
10:30 am Ecclesiological & Historical Significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Guest Speaker: George E. Demacopoulos, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Fordham University

12:00 pm Buffet Luncheon
12:45 pm The Order of Saint Andrew Religious Freedom Initiative

Guest Speaker: Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D.
National Commander, Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle
Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

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Father Harakas, a prolific author and priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, was the keynote speaker at Fordham's Orthodoxy in America lecture, which took place on Fordham's Rose Hill campus. His talk, "The Future of Orthodox Christianity in America: A Normative Approach," was the sixth in the annual series.

Father Harakas said St. Athanasius is a useful model for Orthodox Christians as they anticipate their future in this country because "his battles for the Orthodox faith, his acceptance of repeated exiles and his unrestrained resistance against opposing forces in high places earned him in history a description as Athanasius contra mundum, or 'Athanasius against the world.'"

Also, Alexandria, the city in which St. Athanasius was born and raised, was, in the first few centuries of Christianity, "a pluralistic place, full of variety and within the Christianfold of a wide range of contrasting beliefs, especially about the person of Christ," Father Harakas said.

"In that vital and pluralistic context so similar to our own, the life of St. Athanasius stands out as a model for the Orthodox Church to prepare for its future in the United States."

Father Harakas said Orthodox Christians have "a message and a way of life" that they must present as "an alternative to the morally and spiritually down-spiraling contemporary American lifestyle."

Christianity in the United States faces a challenge in that the secularizing spirit of Europe will continue to spread in the fabric of American life, Father Harakas said.

"It should not be perceived as the essence of America," he said of secularization. "It is one of many variant ideologies seeking expression in American life, but as a church and as Christians we must not succumb to it, but we need to engage with it."

In regards to whether Orthodoxy can be American, Father Harakas said:

"Being American is the acceptance of the fundamental principles of freedom in community as declared in our Constitution. We must believe that we are free to be Orthodox Christians and that we will be good Americans if we affirm our identity as Orthodox Christians, while acknowledging that others have the same right."

"Neither secularism, nor capitalism, nor socialism, or any other ‘ism' is an authentic component of what it means to be American," Father Harakas added. "Freedom of belief, of worship, speech and political exercise are the only things that are authentically American."

Father Harakas emphasized the importance of teaching youth about the faith, referring to St. Athanasius, who was brought early in life under the immediate supervision of the church in his native city of Alexandria.

"One of the important keys to the formation of a strong Orthodox identity in children is the full immersion in the liturgical worship," Father Harakas said. "It is not everything, but if we do not immerse our children in the worship experience, unconsciously, semiconsciously and ultimately, consciously, there will be only a tepid future for Orthodox Christianity in America."

Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, said the University has great ambitions to be a center of Orthodox study, thought and debate.

"This evening we were really quite fortunate in Father Stanley [Harakas]'s address to us did precisely that," Father McShane said. "It did not shy away from any of the difficulties that Orthodoxy in America faces. He examined and explored the topic with great honesty and with great breadth of wisdom as well as learning."

About 300 people attended the event, held at the McGinley Center Ballroom at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, was present.

In addition, Fordham announced at the event that it has received a $2 million gift to establish the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture. The gift comes from the Jaharis Family Foundation, which provides grants to arts, cultural and religious institutions.

The Orthodoxy in America Lecture Series is designed to strengthen the ties that bind the Fordham and Orthodox communities and address the history, theology, spirituality and worship of the Orthodox tradition as it relates to contemporary American culture. Additional information about the lecture series is at www.fordham.edu/orthodoxy.

Fordham is the only university in the United States to offer an interdisciplinary minor in Orthodox Christian Studies, and has the only theology department in the United States with two graduates from an Orthodox seminary on its faculty. The co-founding directors of the Orthodox Christian Studies program at Fordham are Aristotle Papanikolaou, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and associate chair for undergraduate studies, and George Demacopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of historical theology.

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to approximately 14,700 students in its four undergraduate colleges and its six graduate and professional schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in Westchester, and the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y.

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On February 13 2009 the Armenian Orthodox Church celebrated the eve of the feast of the “Presentation of Jesus to the Temple” by His parents.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the Armenian Catholicosate was full and lively particularly with young mothers and their children, parents and grand parents had brought their children to “offer them” to the Church and receive its blessings.

In his message Catholicos Aram I said that the parents of Jesus brought their child to the House of God in order to affirm that the Child belongs to the Church and therefore, he/she should grow in the Church with God-given wisdom and grace. “Your presence in this Cathedral today, confirms this conviction that our children are the children of God and will grow in our Church, with the spiritual and moral values taught by the Church, and that they will respond to the challenges coming from our societies clothed by the teachings of our Church.”

In the Armenian Orthodox Church, celebrations on the eve of the feast of the “Presentation of Jesus to the Temple” is concluded with a very ancient tradition of lighting bonfire. After the prayers, the clergy and congregation walk in procession to the place where the bonfire is lit, and they walk around the bonfire three times, symbolizing purification by light. At the end of the round, people take the light from the Church to their homes in specially prepared torches.

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The World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches had jointly organized a meeting in Beirut from 9-11 February 2009. The meeting was held at Fetaa conference center and a representative of the Armenian Catholicostae of Cilicia also attended the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Christian presence in Iraq and the need to strengthen the churches and their institutions. Christians in Iraq suffered both during the war and the events after the end of the war. At the end of the meeting, the Church Leaders visited His Holines Aram I at his headquarters at the Catholicosate and shared with him their recommendations. After welcoming his guests, the Catholicos said: “Our Catholicosate is home for all Christians because we believe that through prayers, cooperation and continuous dialogue will serve best our people and the people of Iraq. He then made a retrospective review with the Church Leaders of the efforts of the World Council of Churches while he was the Moderator, and those of the Middle East Council of Churches most recently, as one of its Presidents. He encouraged the Churches in Iraq to respond with one voice and one position to the situation in their country, and enter into dialogue with their Muslim co-citizens with renewed understanding of post war Iraqi society.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness Aram I briefed the Church Leaders of his conversation with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI^th on this matter, during his visit to Vatican in November 2008, and assured them of the continued support of the Middle East Council of Churches.

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In the afternoon the International Symposium was held under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I. The Symposium brought together academics, dialogue experts, theologians both from Lebanon and Europe. Among the speakers were Dr. Tarek Mitri, Minister of Information, Mr. Ibrahim Shamseddine, Minister of Administrative Reform, Dr. Manuela Kalsky, Director of the Dominican Study Center in Netherlands, and Dr. Nayla Tabbara, Saint Joseph University, Lebanon.

In his closing speech His Holiness Aram I said that “in today’s European societies where Islam is an integral part. Women should highlight the importance of living together by accepting differences, and showing their respective societies that Christianity and Islam can live together.”

EPIL is a two-year five-module Roaming College for European Christian and Muslim Women. The goal of the project is to build mutual trust among women. The students travel to five cities, Zurich, Vienna, Sarajevo and Cologne and Beirut to highlight different aspects of the curricula aimed at trust building. The course ends since Lebanon is considered to be an example of a country where people are committed to staying together, and still searching models for reconciliation. Education happens through living together, traveling together, and by learning together through encounters and theoretical work.

The project grew out of the experience of Dr. Reinhild Traitler as Study Director at the Boldern Protestant Academy in Zurich, and Mrs. Teny Simonian as staff of the World Council of Churches, when His Holiness Aram I was the Moderator.

The Lebanese module was made possible through partnership with Alwaleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation in Lebanon, the Arab Countries, the World Council of Churches, and contributions from The Bank Beirut and Arab Countries and many parishes in Germany and Switzerland.

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Moscow, February 17, Interfax - The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill assigns great hopes to modern youth and urges Church to activate the work with it.

"I think that exactly the youth should be the advanced part of the Church, which would bear fresh and clear messages to the world, in which center would be certificates, that only in Christ the man finds completeness of a life," the Patriarch told at the meeting with the activists of Moscow youth organizations. He expressed the hope, that the present youth will be capable "to provide the future not only of the Church, but also the country and the whole world and the whole human family".

"As a Patriarch I do really hope for you very much, you're my allies. I'd like you very much to do what all of us must do today, reviving our people's life", told Patriarch Kirill. He's noticed that youth is "on the forward front line of the struggle for the future life and for the human".

"The Church must have the youth theme as a priority. We do it not only to attract more young men in our churches but for such remarkable concepts as chastity, cleanliness, strength of mind to be not only simply virtues, but the attractive ideal for youth," the Patriarch underlined.

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His Holiness Baselious Marthoma Didymus I has graciously taken a positive step to activate the Department of Human Resource Management of our Church. Though the department had been functioning in an organized manner, somehow it became defunct over the years. It is a glad news that now a full time office has been opened at the Catholicate Aramana exclusively for the HRM.

OBJECTIVES

1. To seek and find out the potentialities of our Church members and fruitfully utilize them for the growth and development of the Church.
2. To organize periodic meetings, seminars, camps, workshops and other programs on a central and/or regional level.
3. To identify the exceptionally brilliant students in our Church and give them ample opportunities and platform for their growth.
4. To provide all possible assistance including financial help for the talented but financially weak students.
5. To organize and conduct various orientation classes and programs for the upcoming and aspiring candidates in various professional fields.
6. To avail the professional competence of our Church members in different realms of activity of the Church.
7. To create and maintain a database at the Church headquarters of all our Priests and members.

We hope that with the blessings of the Almighty, the patronage and prayer of His Holiness the Catholicos and our bishops and with the whole hearted support and co-operation of our reverend priests and all our beloved people across the globe, we shall be able to edify a well organized and well-knit Human Resource Department in our Church. You are welcome to send us your valuable suggestions and comments on this matter. Our e-mail ID hrm@mosc.in

Requesting your prayers and co-operation.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Yours in His service,

Fr. P.A. Philip
Director

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Manjinikkara, Pathanmthitta District Kerala State-India 13th Feb 2009: Manjinikkara hill situated near to the town of Pathanmathitta, turned into a sea of humanity as tens of thousands of believers from different parts of the State congregated there to offer prayers at the tomb of St. Elias III as part of the Holy Father’s 77^th Dukrono feast on Friday.

Pilgrims walked barefoot hundreds of miles, all the way to Manjinikkara in processions from different parishes from across the state. People from other religious faiths too have been undertaking the pilgrimage to the saint’s tomb. Free stalls to serve the pilgrims with refreshments were seen at different points on the wayside of various roads leading to Manjinikkara Dayro. Hundreds of devotees from other parts of India also participated in the pilgrimage.

When the pilgrims reached Omallur junction near Manjinikkara Dayro, a traditional welcome was given to them under the leadership of Mor Severios Malke Mourad, the Metropolitan of Jerusalem & Jordan dioceses who came here as the delegate to His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East. The Metropolitan was accompanied by Mor Divanasious Geevarghese, the Abbot of Manjinikkara Dayro, Mor Athanasius Geevarghese, the Assistant Metropolitan of Simhasana churches, the Archbishop of Knanaya diocese and the Metropolitans of Niranam, Kollam, Thumpamon and Bangalore dioceses. For the next few hours, the Manjinikkara Dayro and its premises were seen flooded with tens of thousands of devotees.

At 5.30 pm a public meeting was held at the Dayro premises as part of the 77^th annual pilgrimage year. Mor Divanasious Geevarghese, the Metropolitan of Manjinikkara Dayro welcomed the honorable guests and the faithful. Mr.Mathew T Thomas, the Minister of State for Transport, inaugurated the meeting by lighting the traditional lamp.

The function was presided over by Mor Philexinos Yuhanon, the Metropolitan of Malabar diocese. The key note address was delivered by Mor Severios Malke Mourad, the patriarchal delegate and Metropolitan of Jerusalem & Jordan dioceses after which the Metropolitan officially inaugurated www.MalankaraVision.com, the new internet television channel of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. Metropolitans, priests and local government authorities also spoke on the occasion.

On Saturday 14th at 3 a.m., a holy tri-mass will be offeered at the St. Stephens’ Cathedral, Manjinikkara by Mor Milithios Yuhanon of Thumpamon diocese followed by a holy tri-Mass led by Mor Theodosius Mathews of Kollam diocese at the St. Ignatius Dayro church at 5.30 am. The 77th Dukrono feast of St. Elias III will come to an end with the celebration of Holy Qurbono by the patriarchal delegate Mor Severios Malke Mourad at 8.30 a.m. in the Dayro church followed by prayers at the tomb of St. Elias III.

This year a 30-member delegation from Sweden and Jerusalem is accompanying the patriarchal delegate to participate in the dukrono of St. Elias III.

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The representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Kingdom of Thailand, Hegumen Oleg (Cherepanin), and Chairman of the Orthodox Church Fund in Thailand, Deacon Daniel Vanna, made a working visit to the parish of All Saints in Pattaya (Chonburi Province). The trip was occasioned by the decision of the parish to purchase in the city land and the construction of an Orthodox church.

After studying all possible options based on the available funds, a 400 square meter parcel of land was obtained in the northern part of the city. In the future there is a possibility to purchase an adjacent 200 square meter plot of land. As a result, a contract was signed for the purchase of land, and the Pattaya's land department registered the new owner - the Orthodox Church in Thailand.

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The Rev. Aaron Warwick, a third-year student at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVS), was one of two recipients of the seminary’s St. Basil the Great Award for Academic Achievement, presented to him on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs, January 30, 2009. The award—established in 2003 by an anonymous benefactor who wished to recognize and encourage students who have excelled in their studies at the seminary—was presented by His Beatitude JONAH, primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) after the Divine Liturgy in the seminary chapel. Second-year student Dr. Andrew Cuneo, of the OCA, also received the award.

Fr. Aaron has been a member of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) since his chrismation on April 16, 2001, at St. Mary Church in Omaha, NE. He and his wife, Gwen, were married in that same parish on June 2, 2001. Fr. Aaron served on the parish council for three years, holding the offices of treasurer and parish council chairman; and he and his wife also served as Teen SOYO advisors during that time. The couple has three children, Emmelia (4) and Adrian (2), and another boy due at the end of May.

Fr. Aaron was ordained a deacon on March 25, 2007, by His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY; and a priest on May 6, 2007 by His Grace, Bishop BASIL at St. Mary Church in Omaha (his home parish). Currently, he fulfills his weekly student parish assignment at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn, where he assists the cathedral dean, Archpriest Thomas P. Zain.

“Since he started serving with me three years ago, Fr. Aaron has displayed remarkable maturity, even though he is young,” said Fr. Thomas. “In addition to his beautiful voice and his ability to conduct the services well, his pastoral care in the parish has proven that he will be a wonderful shepherd to his own flock someday.”

Fr. Aaron also serves as the Resident Assistant (RA) in the married student apartment complex at SVS. Upon his graduation from the seminary, he hopes to receive a parish assignment from Metropolitan PHILIP, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America. His Master of Divinity thesis topic at St. Vladimir’s is an allegorical understanding of the gospel parable of the rich man and Lazarus—quite a vocational shift from his position as an internal auditor for Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, where he worked for the three years prior to his entrance into the seminary program. Fr. Aaron’s undergraduate degree is a BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) with a major in Accounting.

The award he received bears the name of St. Basil the Great, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs for whom the seminary chapel is named. With St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil is lauded as a “harp of the Spirit,” a “trumpet of truth,” a “flowing river of wisdom,” a “teacher of the universe,” a “pillar of the Church.” Like St. Gregory and St. John (to use words from one of the church hymns in honor of the Holy Hierarchs), St. Basil “approached the meadows of books like a bee, gathering well the flowers of virtue.” He excelled in the study of philosophy and rhetoric, the two most prized areas of intellectual accomplishment of his day. He demonstrated how such intellectual pursuits help to edify the church and enlighten the universe. In so doing, St. Basil has given a noble example for all who dedicate themselves to the study of Orthodox theology.

This past year, the St. Basil the Great Award was also given to a graduating student at commencement exercises in May 2008, Dn. Rico Gabriel Monge. Dn. Gabriel, who was valedictorian of his senior class at SVS, is also an AOCANA student, and currently is in a program for doctoral studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

May God grant that the all of the reward recipients, with St. Basil as their exemplar, will continue to excel not only in academic achievements but also in wisdom and in virtue!

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India-Kerala State-Kollam District, Monday 9 February 2009: Mathews Mar Epiphanios Metropolitan of Kollam Diocese of the Orthodox Church of The East-Indian Orthodox Church entered into eternal rest at today afternoon. He had been hospitalized for the past 2 weeks, but had started showing signs of improvement.

The mortal remains of H.G. Mar Epiphanios is now in Benziger hospital, Kollam. It will be brought to Kollam Aramana Chapel soon. Funeral will at Kollam Aramana Chapel tomorrow. Nagarikanikkal will start at 10:00 AM. The final service of the funeral will begin at 12:00 Noon.

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SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- Over $72,000.00 in donations made it possible for the Orthodox Church in America to provide filled Christmas stockings or equivalent holiday gifts to children in Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. Recipients included children in orphanages, hospitals, and therapy centers, as well as from needy families.

Also this year, 1,000 Christmas stockings were sent to Cedar Rapids, IA families still recovering from the floods that devastated the region last summer. Local TV networks made the public aware that the filled stockings from the OCA were available. The Orthodox Clergy Council of Iowa distributed the stockings from three Cedar Rapids Orthodox parishes with the assistance of personnel from International Orthodox Christian Charities who had been working in the area.

A total of 425 parishes, Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America chapters, youth groups, organizations, and individuals donated to this year's project.

"Contributions large and small together made for another successful year," said Mrs. Arlene Kallaur, project coordinator. "Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, OH, again topped the list of donors, with Holy Trinity Church, New Britain, CT, running a close second."

Once again the stockings were assembled and shipped from the Freeport, NY, Vocational Training Center of the Association for the Help of Retarded Children.

"It is our hope that this project, born of love for these children, has not only brought delight and smiles to their faces, but has also, in small measure, strengthened the ties that bind us with our brother Orthodox Churches, and those in need, in a tangible manner," concluded Mrs. Kallaur.

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For the same reason, the letter was also sent to the President of the Republic of Serbia and the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

" Honorable Mrs. Djukic-Dejanovic

As the guardian of the Serbian spiritual being for centuries and also the Serbian national identity even in times when there was no Serbian state, the Serbian Orthodox Church expresses deep worry for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, which has been heavily jeopardized , we hope temporarily, by the extortion and the occupation of Kosovo and Metohija and now by an attempt to create from the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina a new state within the stateof Serbia. This would be done by suggesting the new Statute of the AP of Vojvodina which gives it unconstitutionally also following attributes of the state:

- The right to sign international treaties in areas of its jurisdiction (ius contrahendi);

- The right to found its missions abroad, especially in Bruxelles (ius representationis) ;

- The right, taken by usurpation, of the Assembly of Vojvodina to bring laws

Furthermore, it is unconstitutional to found the Vojvodina academy of sciences and arts, done with an intention to give Vojvodina Serbs a special national identity.

Asfor this proposition of the Statute of the AP of Vojvodina starts new dismembering and a destruction of already a small and crippled Serbian state,by the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops and on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia and all fullness of the Serbian Orthodox Church, we ask You to bring our letter and request during the session of the Assembly, inwhich is going to be discussed about this issue, and with a hope that the representatives will pay due attention to it and will seize their support to this unconstitutional act.

With a hope that You will do all Your best, what Your Assembly and Your constitution oblige You, in order to save the territorial integrity and internal unity of the state, receive expression of our true gratitude".

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On

Thursday 15th of January the University of Korça “Fan S. Noli” conveyed the honorary title “Doctor Honoris Causa”to Archbishop Anastasios. This was the first time that the University of Korça has given an honorary title. There were many people at the ceremony, including clergy and believers. Also present were the Prefect of Korça, Mrs. Elfrida Zefi, Head of city of Korça, Mr. Ilia Milo, Mayor of Korça, Mr. Niko Peleshi, and the Rector of the University of Korça, Mr. Gjergji Mero.

The Rector of the University praised the figure of Archbishop Anastasios, presenting for all the participants his biography and some of his main writings. He said: “Archbishop Anastasios will be the forerunner of all the other titles that our University will bestow in the future. It is an honor for this University that holds the name of Fan S. Noli, to honor Archbishop Anastasios, as the first one with this title”. After the University Rector spoke, the Prefect, Mrs. Elfrida Zefi, described the figure of Archbishop Anastasios as an erudite and an admirable personality. The Mayor, Mr. Niko Peleshi, thanked Archbishop Anastasios for his contribution to religious coexistence and tolerance.
“I affirm that for me the news was unexpected that the University of Korca had decided to bestow to me the title, “Doctor Honoris Causa”. I heartily thank you all. The lens of generosity and goodwill extended by the persons who have spoken here gave a larger dimension to my contribution. I still warmly thank you all. Your love and your consideration really offer the necessary support in the effort God has given to us” – emphasized Archbishop Anastasios in his salutatory speech.
He then gave a speech entitled, “The Values of All Human Religions”, emphasizing that: “It is necessary to make the approximation for the peaceful coexistence, with profound judgment, without sacrificing the special personality of groups and nations; searching for an intermediate path and to clarify ‘again and again’ the character, the purpose and the hope of this dialogue”.

At the end of his speech, Archbishop Anastasios said: “I am always saying that I am a little Albanian from Korça. I want to complete this now by saying that I am also a new student of the University of Korça”. The request to bestow the title “Doctor Honoris Causa” was extended in February of 2007, by a group of more than 190 intellectuals from Korça. The Senate of the University accepted this request and moved to have the Council of the Scientific Qualification at the Ministry of Education and Science give this title. The title was approved by the Council of the Scientific Qualification on 27th of July by the then head, Mr. Genc Pollo, Minister of the Ministry of Education and Science.

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On Monday 2 February 2009 His Holiness Aram I delivered a lecture in American university of Sharjah. The topic of the lecture was “From Inter-religious dialogue to living together”.

Introducing His Holiness, the President of the University Dr. Peter Heat presented him as an internationally recognized personality in the area of inter-religious dialogue.
Aram I first referred to the “come-back” of religion as a fact of life. He then spoke about different perceptions of religion.

Speaking about the importance of dialogue, he said that a credible dialogue must take into consideration the following.- 1) It must make room for different perceptions, values and expressions. 2) It must be realistic. 3) It must be contextual. 4) It must explore ways of transcending differences. 5) It must challenge biased attitudes, face-value judgments and provide greater knowledge, accurate information. 6) It must avoid syncretistic approaches, false compromises and exclusivist claims. 7) It must consider diversity as a complementing rather than a conflicting factor.
Catholicos Aram set the following priorities as an agenda for a serious dialogue. These are.- 1) promoting spiritual and moral values. 2) Elaborating a global ethics. 3) Overcoming violence by developing a culture of non-violence. 4) Combating intolerance. 5) Working for peace with justice. 6) Acting as agents of reconciliation.

The focus of the lecture was living together as community. His Holiness outlined the following actions as prerequisite conditions for community building.- 1) Accepting and respecting our differences. 2) Enhancing common values that transform co-existence into a meaningful way of living together. 3) Challenging inclusive approaches and fundamentalist tendencies and claims that jeopardize living together, and enhancing coherence between self-understanding and interactive understanding. 4) Promoting a quality of life that rejects alienation and calls for mutual trust. 5) Encouraging participation in all aspects of community life. 6) Aiming for a form of integration that preserves specificities fosters commonalities.

In his concluding remarks, referring to the vocation of religion Catholicos Aram I underscored the following points.- 1) The religions have a moral responsibility to restore humanity-creation-God relationship based on responsibility accountability. 2) Religions must emphasize the crucial importance of the Transcendence in the life of societies. 3) Religions must defend the sacredness of life by promoting values that protect the integrity of life. 4) Religions must bring active participation in peace-building. Real peace is based on justice and respect of human rights. 5) Religions are called to play a major role in preventive approaches to conflicts, and also in proactive defense of human rights through education and awareness building. 6) And finally religions must remind that all mighties are powerless before the Almighty.

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Moscow, February 5, Interfax - Russians welcome the election of Metropolitan Kirill as the new head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Most of them like and respect the new Patriarch, the Russian Public Opinion Center (VTsIOM) told Interfax on Thursday. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents know the name of the new Patriarch, while 26% do not.

Eighty-eight percent of the respondents, who know about the election of the new Patriarch, welcome the choice of the Russian Orthodox Church's Local Council. Two percent have the opposite opinion, and eleven percent are unable to answer the question.
The poll was held in 140 towns and cities in 42 Russian regions on January 31 - February 1. The smaller the town is the more supporters of the new Patriarch it has. The general correlation is 88-90% in small towns to 82-84% in big cities. The majority of the new Patriarch's supporters are people older than 60 years (92%).
Forty-six percent of Russians who know the name of new Patriarch respect Kirill. Twenty-nine percent said they were hopeful, and 24% said they liked and trusted the Patriarch. Seven percent admired him, and one percent loved him. Only five percent said they were indifferent. None of the respondents said they were disappointed, mistrusted or disliked the new Patriarch.

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"It is an outstanding event in the life of our country and of all Orthodox nations - an event that opens a new chapter in the development of Orthodox religion in our country, and which, hopefully, creates new conditions for a fully-fledged and solidarity dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state," Medvedev said on Sunday at the ceremony of Metropolitan Kirill's enthronement as Russian Patriarch.

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Moscow, February 1, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia says preserving the church unity and enchurchment of Russians are his main tasks.

"Youth will become an object of our special care as young people badly need spiritual guidance. In the epoch of moral relativism, when promotion of violence and depravity steals the souls of young people, we can't seat and wait when the youth turns to Christ," the Patriarch stressed after his enthronement in the Christ the Savior Cathedral. He urged clergy to attract young people, no matter how hard it is, "people of middle and elder generation, helping them to find faith in God and meaning of life, and at the same time to realize what true human happiness is."

"The Patriarch's task is not to let factions that, according to the apostle, must be, grow in schisms, dissentions and false teachings. The Patriarch should care that every person with all individuality finds his or her place in church body, but at the same time that dissidence doesn't break love and weaken our common efforts taken to build the house of God," His Holiness Kirill stressed.

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The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America