International Orthodox Christian News

Moscow, May 21, Interfax - Hollywood actor Tom Hanks appreciates his membership in the Orthodox Church and intends to raise his four children in similar vein.

"I am aware that it is vitally important to come to church and contemplate those substantial questions put by the Orthodoxy and the answers it offers," Hanks said in an interview published by Argumenty i Fakty.

According to him, when a man arrives at a decision to marry and have children, "it is crucial to define spiritual heritage of a future family at this stage."

"I consider Greek Orthodoxy my own spiritual heritage. I got married in the same church where my wife had been baptized. My children were baptized in the same baptismal font as my wife," Tom Hanks said.

According to Hanks, this makes his family "a part of the large universal Church".

"We go to church on rare occasions, but when we do, we have dinner together and discuss our feelings after that," he added.


Source:

Moscow, May 21, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will soon visit the Orthodox Church of Antioch in the Middle East.

Head of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Russian Ambassador to Syria Sergey Kirpichenko and Antiochian Patriarch Ignatius discussed the upcoming visit in Damascus, the Moscow Patriarchate website said.

The date of the visit and possible traveling of Patriarch Kirill outside Syria are as yet unknown. The canonical territory of the Orthodox Church of Antioch includes not only Syria, but also Lebanon, Iraq and Kuwait.

The Antiochian Patriarchate is one of the 15 local Orthodox Church presumably founded by Apostles Peter and Paul in Antioch circa 37 AD.

An Orthodox Church head visits other Orthodox Churches in accordance with the list of local churches, a source at the Department for External Church Relations told Interfax-Religion. The Antiochian Patriarchate comes third after the Constantinople and Alexandria Churches on the list of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Source:

Kiev, May 20, Interfax - Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko and Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I have discussed the possibility of setting up "a representative office [in Ukraine] in the format of a metochion or a culture and information center of the Ecumenical Patriarch."

Yuschenko and Bartholomew I met in Istanbul on Wednesday, as part of the Ukrainian head of state's working visit to Turkey, the Ukrainian presidential press service said.

The meeting also addressed ways to step up contacts between Ukraine and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Yuschenko said he wants this dialogue to be intensified at all levels.

He confirmed his country's interest in establish a local Orthodox Church.

The Ukrainian president said he is convinced that "the Ecumenical Church and the personal wisdom and efforts of the Patriarch himself play the most important role in all unification processes."

The Ukrainian president and the Patriarch discussed also preparations for the All Orthodox Council and meetings between representatives of local Orthodox Churches that should take place ahead of the event, the press service said.

Source:

Volkhonka Art Centre occupies an unusual space – two thousand square meters underneath Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow where it will become the largest antiquarian art gallery in the capital.

Along with ordinary exhibitions it will offer antique art works for sale – at very high prices.

It took five years for the project to be completed. Organizers say the Centre will have a special schedule for exhibition days and days for art collectors, architects and interior decorators.

The first exhibition project, which marks the opening of the center, offers paintings of old masters and architectural interior objects from the collection of Italian art lover Cesare Lampronti.

Each hall presents a thematic display. One of them is dedicated to Venetians, the second to Neapolitans, the third to the Dutch, and the last to Romans.

So far, the organizers say they’ve reached certain arrangements with Italian and Russian Ministries of Culture, and also are negotiating with a number of major European galleries on long-term cooperation.

The Antiquarian Art Centre is expected to become another place of interest to visitors of this area of the capital. Visiting Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow now can be combined with different activities as it has become a multifunctional spot.

The Cathedral was reconstructed after being destroyed by the Communists back in 1931. The result surpassed its original in some aspects. Now Orthodox believers have their own Vatican in one building: a set of halls, restaurants, parking, car wash, high-speed lift, viewing deck, hotel, and even baths.

Source:

Moscow, May 19, Interfax - The former Health Minister of Russia Yury Shevchenko was ordained a priest: he conducts services in St. Nicolas Church at the National Medical and Surgery Center named after Pirogov.

Shevchenko, currently, Father Georgy, became a priest only about a month ago. "I received an external diploma at the seminary where I studied for two years," Life.ru quotes him as saying.

On July 5, 1999, one of the best heart surgeons in Russia Shevchenko was appointed Russian Health Minister by the Presidential Decree.

Fr. Georgy was born April 7, 1947 in Yakutsk. In 1974, he graduated from the Kirov Military Medical Academy and served as a surgeon in the army. In 1980, he became a member of the Academy. He was a senior professor of the hospital surgery division and the head of cardiovascular surgery division. On April 1992, he was appointed the Head of Military Medical Academy. He also served as the chief heart surgeon of Saint-Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

He was a research adviser of 17 doctoral and 32 master's thesis. He published over 360 research works and teaching aids.

Shevchenko is awarder with the Oder for Healing and Mercy.

Fr. Georgy started his ministerial career by asking Patriarch Alexy II to consecrate the office building of the Health Ministry.

Source:

Moscow, May 19, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia contemplates regular appearances before huge young audiences, the Moscow Patriarchate reports.

"Patriarch's address to a large number of people is not unusual; such appearances have been practiced throughout Church history, even back in the Apostles' time when a pastor spoke before an audience where every person was welcome, both believers and unbelievers. This is the most natural form of communication of an archpriest with people," head of the Synodal Church and Society Department Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin said Tuesday at a press conference hosted by Interfax.

Fr. Vsevolod believes that today this way of communication of Patriarch Kirill with a young audience, such as his appearance at Izmaylovo stadium scheduled on May 23, "will expand, as we have two most important components in place - people who want to see, and listen to, their Patriarch, and ask him questions, and Patriarch's desire to pursue a dialogue with people."

The priest said that the next meeting of Patriarch with young people was scheduled on May 29, during Patriarch's visit to Saint-Petersburg. Predictably, the meeting will bring together about 10 thousand people.

According to the head of Information Department of the Moscow Patriarchate Vladimir Legoyda, the event at the Izmaylovo stadium has sparkled "great interest" of public and mass media well in advance.

"It is of critical importance that the meeting should become a dialogue, rather than a monologue. Young people in Moscow and St. Petersburg will have an opportunity to ask their questions," Legoyda said.

Source:

The 105th annual pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery in South Canaan, will formally open on Friday, May 22nd, with the greeting of the Sitka Icon at the Archway at 3:30 p.m. followed by a procession to celebrate the blessing of the well. The Vigil will be celebrated at 4 p.m.

Fr. Kowalczyk, spokesmen for the Monastery stated, “This pilgrimage will also have the Miracle-Working Sitka Icon of the Mother of God. The Holy Icon of the Sitka Madonna will be available for Veneration throughout the Memorial Day Weekend. The Sitka Icon is one of the most revered icons of the Orthodox Church in America.”
The Very Rev. John Kowalczyk, also stated that, “His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, the newly elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America will preside at the four-day celebration. Kowalczyk said, “This is the first time in the history of the Orthodox Church in America, that a convert has been elected to the most important leadership position in the Church.” Joining Metropolitan Jonah will be His Grace Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania; Archbishop Job of Chicago, Bishop Nikon of Boston, and other members of the hierarchy of the Orthodox Church in America; and numerous clergy and faithful from throughout North America.”

Seminary has record enrollment

On Saturday, May 23rd, the hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9 a.m. At 2 p.m., the 67th annual commencement of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary will be held at the school’s auditorium. Fr. John Kowalczyk stated that St. Tikhon’s Seminary has 122 Seminarians enrolled, the largest enrollment in the history of the School. His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America will deliver the commencement address. The Vigil will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m.

The hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday, May 24th at 9 a.m. Vespers and Matins will be celebrated at 4 p.m., after which a grand banquet honoring members of the 2009 graduating class will be held at the Genetti Manor, 1505 South Main Street, Dickson City, PA at 5 p.m. This will also be the largest graduating class with 24 graduates. Tickets are available at $35.00 by contacting Mary Sernak, 700 Delaware St., Mayfield, PA 18433 or by calling (570)876-5855.
On Monday, May 25th, the early Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in the monastery church at 7:30 a.m. The traditional pilgrim’s procession to the monastery and the greeting of Metropolitan Jonah and the concelebrating hierarchs will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the pavilion. The Choir singing the responses to the Liturgy will be from St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, under the direction of Choir Master Nicholas Lezinsky.

The homilist for the Divine Liturgy will be His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah. A General Memorial Service will be celebrated for all faithful departed at the grave site of His Beatitude, the Late Metropolitan Leonty, after the Liturgy.
At 1:30 p.m. there will be an Akathistos Hymn to St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre. At 2 p.m. Monday, the Service of Intercession to the Most Holy Mother of God with the anointing of the sick, infirm and all pilgrims will be celebrated at the monastery bell tower.

The pilgrimage will close with the celebration of Vespers and Matins in the monastery church at 4 p.m. on Monday. Clergy will be available for confessions on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Throughout the pilgrimage, the faithful are invited to visit the seminary and monastery bookstore, and museum, and the various food booths. Graves will also be blessed in the monastery cemetery.
Founded in 1905, Saint Tikhon’s Monastery is the oldest Orthodox Christian monastery in North America.

Source:

MOSCOW, May 19 (RIA Novosti) - With unemployment in Russia rising sharply amid the global economic crisis, the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrating the day of St. Job, who lost everything but was ultimately rewarded for his faith.

Church services on May 19 commemorate Job, recalling how he lost his children and his wealth, then was smitten with boils, but remained true and pious.

Hundreds of thousands of Russians have lost their jobs since the economic crisis hit last year, with unemployment estimated at over 7 million, or 10% of the working population. Millions more are concerned for their livelihoods.

Job's life is thought by believers to be an exemplar of Christian patience and piety, an ideal for how people should treat all things that happen to them. Church services draw a parallel between Job and Jesus, as both suffered through no fault of their own.

Righteous Job the Long-Suffering is believed to have lived about 2,000-1,500 years before Christ in Arabia. Some believe he was a few generations descendant of Abraham.

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil," says the Book of Job of the Old Testament.

Job had seven sons and three daughters and a great wealth, but God decided to test his righteousness and let Satan deprive Job of all he had. So Job lost his children and wealth but remained steadfast and said: "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Then God let Satan smite Job with leprosy but told him to spare Job's life. Job suffered from boils but did not curse God in his heart and speeches. His wife advised him to "curse God and die," but Job answered: "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"

His friends also believed that Job must have sinned and that was why he was punished, but Job was steadfast and patient saying he had committed no sins and demanding an explanation from God.

And then God answered him, and Job realized that he could not know all of God's ways, and repented for demanding too much from God, and God restored his prosperity, giving him twice as much as he had before, and gave him children again.

The Book of Job is a vivid example for believers that misfortunes are not necessarily due to people's sins, but could be given to test people's faith and let them prove in deed that it is steadfast.

Source:

On May 13, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) and Protopriest Nikolai Balashov, Vice President of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, having arrived on the territory of the Serbian Orthodox Church with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, met with the members of the Holy Synod of the Serbian Church at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade. These included His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Chairing the Holy Synod; His Grace Bishop Hrizostim of Zica; His Grace Bishop Hrizostom of Bihac and Petrovac, and His Grace Bishop Filaret of Mileseva. Also participating in the fraternal discussion were His Eminence Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb and Ljubljana; His Grace Вishop Vasily of Zvornic and Tuzlan; His Grace Bishop Constantine of Central Europe, and His Grace Bishop Antony of Moravic, Representative of the Serbian Patriarch to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Also in attendance were Protopriest Vitaly Tarasiev, Rector of the Podvorie of the Russian Orthodox Church in Belgrade; Priest Nebojsa Topolic, Secretary of the Patriarchal Chancery, and Protopriest Luka Novakovic, Rector of the Church of St Sava in Belgrade. Matters of mutual interest pertaining to church life were discussed.

On May 14, 2009, Metroplitan Amfilohije officiated at Divine Liturgy before the beginning of the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He was joined by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Nis; His Grace Bishop Lukijan of Osecko polje and Baranja; His Grace Bishop Irinej of Australia and New Zealand; His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Lipljan, Vicar of the Diocese of Ras and Prizren, and also Fr Nikolai and other clergymen of the Serbian Church. Archbishop Mark prayed in the altar and communed of the Holy Gifts. The visitors from the Russian Orthodox Church then attended a moleben, during which the Holy Spirit was invoked upon the members of the Council of Bishops, which was performed by Bishop Irinej in the Chapel of St Simeon the Myrrh-gusher at the Patriarchal Palace.

At the invitation of the Holy Synod, Archbishop Mark and Fr Nikolai, and also Fr Vitaly attended the first meeting of the Council. Vladyka Mark relayed a greeting from Patriarch Kirill, in which His Holiness wished the Council success, and shared his thoughts about pan-Orthodox matters. After a brotherly conversation, Metropolitan Amfilohije asked that Vladyka Mark relay the Council’s gratitude for His Holiness’ blessing and good wishes, and for informing the Council of the position of the Moscow Patriarchate on certain matters.

Source:

On Monday, April 20, 2009 the first beams of steel were erected on the poured concrete footings of the new Museum buildings. The steel structure will be enclosed with prefabricated panels of corrugated steel, insulation and finishing, which are stucco ready on the exterior and drywall ready on the interior. The building committee opted for the panels to save on labor costs.

The new state of the art Museum structure is a 30,000 sq. ft., two story building attached to existing Consistory/Library structure. The first floor plan includes a 2,650 sq ft grand gallery, five 400 sq. ft. galleries, a 550 sq. ft. theatre and media center, an 845 sq. ft. conference and meeting room, as well as office space and a 1525 sq. ft. exhibit preparation area.

The grand staircase leads to the second floor with its 12 additional galleries totaling 4350 sq. ft. and an additional 1400 sq. ft. environmentally controlled exhibit and storage area surrounding an open center space which overlooks the grand gallery. There is also an 1100 sq. ft. conference/presentation room on this floor, as well as an 1850 sq. ft. museum storage facility.

The plans also incorporate a new space for the St. Andrew Church Goods and Bookstore and Museum Shop. The existing bookstore space will be converted into a reading and media room for patrons of the St. Sophia Library.

Source:

On May 16 the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church visited the Convent of St. Panteleimon at Feofania, where he performed consecration of the restored church of the convent, dedicated to All Saints.

Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archbishops Mykolai of Bilohorod, Archbishop Metrophanes of Bila Tserkva and Bohuslav (Administrator of the UOC), Bishop Panteleimon of Kolomiysk and Ivano-Frankivsk, Bishop Seraphim of Yahotyn amd Bishop Alexander of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi (Secretary for the Primate of the UOC).

Upon completion of the consecration rite His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr celebrate dthe first divine liturgy at the newly consecrated church.

At the Divine Liturgy the Primate bestowed the right of wearing the decorated cross Mother Superior of the Convent of St. Panteleimon, hegumeness Elizaveta (Andreeva).

Upon completion of worship Vladyka Metropolitan greeted all those present on the Feast of Pascha, which lasts now, and thanked them for the communal prayers raised to the Lord that day.

The construction of the Church of All Saints began in 1866. In three years, in 1869, the construction was added on. This day 140 years ago, on May 16 the newly built church was consecrated by Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, Bishop Porfiry (Uspenskyi) of Chyhyryn. First the church was square and had no domes. In soviet times the church was almost completely rearranged into manufactory.

In 2005 the church building was returned to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr the church restoration was entrusted on Archimandrite Seraphim (Demyaniv) (now bishop of Yahotyn).

As per his project, the church was restored and the domes and bell tower were installed. Similar to the original church, the restoration works lasted three years, following which the whole church was painted and the carved oak iconostasis installed.


Source:

On May 14 the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church conferred church awards on the co-workers of the Ministry of the Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine at his residence in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

The orders of the Venerable Elias of Murom were conferred upon deputy Minister, major general of the Internal Service Mykhailo Bolotskykh, head of the Chief Administration of Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine in Donetsk region, lieutenant colonel of the Civil Protection Service Andriy Bondarenko, deputy head of the personnel department of the Chief Administration of Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine in Donetsk region Evgen Kudinov, head of the training centre for the Immediate Rescue service of the Civil Protection, colonel of the civil protection service Ruslan Shevchuk.

The jubilee order "1020years of the Baptism of the Kyiv Rus" was conferred upon Alexander ALimov, civil protection colonel of the Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine in Zhytomyr region, and the Order of St. Anna was granted to Liudmyla Pavliuk, deputy head of the personnel department to the Chief Administration of the Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine in Zhytomyr region.

Addressing those present, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr underscored importance of the work the Emergency Situations Ministry are devoted to, and assured them that the Church always prayed for them.

On his part, the head of the Emergency Situations Ministry Administration in Donetsk region thanked His Beatitude for his attention to their difficult service and handed the distinction of the Emergency Situations Ministry of Ukraine to the Archpastor.

Source:

On Sunday, May 10, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr together with the Primate of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Concelebrating with the Archpastor were Deputy Abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Archbishop Pavel of Vyshgorod, Administrator of the UOC Archbishop Metrophanes of Bila Tserkva and Bohuslav, Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, Vicar of the Diocese of Karelia Bishop Arseny of Yoensuu, Bishop Iriney of Nizhyn and Pryluky, Bishop Ilary of Makariv and brethren clergy of the monastery.


At the end of worship His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr thanked Archbishop Leo for his visit to Ukraine and his prayers and wished him good luck and God's assistance in his Archpastoral service. As a keepsake for his pilgrimage trip to Ukraine Metropolitan Volodymyr presented Vladyka Leo with an icon of the Venerable Job of Pochayiv with a particle of the saint's relics, whose 350th anniversary of invention we celebrate this year.

In his answer the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Finland thanked Vladyka Volodymyr for the possibility to visit Ukraine and its holy sites, stressing the importance of the event, since this visit is the first official visit of Archbishop Leo as primate of the Orthodox Church of Finland. Also His Eminence Leo offered His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr a copy of the Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God of Konev, which stays in the New-Valaam Monastery in the Finnish town Heinavesi.

Source:

On May 8, the Primate of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland arrived on official visit to Ukraine.

Accompanying Vladyka Leo in the trip are Vicar of the Diocese of Karelia, Bishop Arseny of Joensuu and other members of the delegation.

Upon arrival to the capital of Ukraine Metropolitan Leo headed to the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where he met with the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the Metropolitan's residence.

Also the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Finland prayed at the home St. Nicholas Church at the Metropolitan's apartments.

Thereafter the Primates honoured memory of the deceased in the years of the Great Patriotic War in the Kyiv park of Eternal Glory.

The visit of Archbishopn Leo of Karelia and All Finland will continue from May, 8 till May, 14.

The visit program:

May, 9 - visit to the Church of All Saints in the territory of the construction site of the Resurrection Cathedral and serving the Moleben (prayer service) at the relics of the Holy Hierarch Spyridon of Tremithous, visit to the Holy Protection Convent in Kyiv and celebration of the All-Night Vigil in the Kyiv Caves Monastery.

May 10 - Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland together with Metropolitan Volodymyr will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and visit the Holy Presentation Monastery, the Monastery of St. Panteleimon (Feofania), the Holy Trinity Monastery (Kytaevo) in Kyiv.

May 11-12 - the visit to the Diocese of Simferopol. Visits to the Holy Trinity Monastery of Simferopol, the Monastery of St. Clement in Inkerman, the Holy Dormition Bakhchisarai Monastery, the Cathedral of S. Vladimir in Chersonesos and the Panorama of the Defence of Sebastopol, visits to Balaklava and Yalta.

May 13 - the meeting with the President of Ukraine is scheduled.

May 14 - attendance of the Caves of Lavra, meeting with the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The same day the delegation of the Orthodox Church of Finland returns home.

Source:

On May, 13 there was a meeting of the Primate of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland, Archbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland and President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko.

Taking part in the meeting also was the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr.

The head of the state conferred on Vladyka Leo the order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th degree.

By the highest degree of the state the President of Ukraine marked personal contribution of Archbishop Leo into the development of spirituality, many-years church activity in the field of the orthodoxy.

"I'd like You to accept this order as a token of the highest acknowledgement of Your activity, of Your efforts", said Victor Yushchenko.

Source:

On the feast day of St Atanasije the Great , at the Patriarchate chapel of St Simeon the Myrrh-gusher, His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral has served the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy with the concelebration of His Grace Bishop Jovan of Shumadija and His Grace Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno, a vicar of Patriarch Pavle, presbyter Miroslav Cholakovic, protodeacon Stevan Rapajic, deacon Dragan S. Tanasijevic and hierodeacon Jovan (Panic) and Hristofor (Nedjic). The Holy Liturgy was attended by all bishops who take part in the work of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

After the prayer His Grace Bishop Jovan of Shumadija has cut the slava cake to celebrants, Their Graces Bishop Atanasije (Rakita) and retired Bishop Atanasije (Jevtic) of Zahumlje and Hercegovina.

After the Holy Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, followed by retired Bishop Atanasije (Jevtic) of Zahumlje and Hercegovina, administered the sacrament to His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia at the Military Medical Academy, informing Him about the beginning of the work of the Holy Assembly of Bishops.

Source:

In a 15 page Opinion offered to Metropolitan Philip, the Local Synod and the Board of Trustees of the Antiochian Archdiocese, dated May 13th, the Chancellors of the Archdiocese shredded both the February 24th decision of the Synod of Antioch and the April 24th decision of the Local Synod as "invalid", "inapplicable" "inconsistent" and "ill-advised". The official document, signed by Chancellors Robert Koory, and Charles Ajalat, laymen appointed by Metropolitan Philip to serve as the attorneys for the Archdiocese, summarized their findings by stating:

“..... the February 24th decision is not a valid decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch. Moreover, even if were, it would have no effect on our Archdiocese since it wasn’t intend to apply to our Archdiocese and if it was intended, it would not apply because it is inconsistent with, negates, and would violate the irrevocable Resolution on Self-Rule, the Archdiocese Constitution and the Archdiocese Articles of Incorporation, filed with the State of New York."

The Chancellors went further than just rejecting the February 24th decision: they dismissed it as "folly".

“ Unless properly amended,” the Chancellors wrote, ” these documents cannot be overridden and the February 24,2009 decision is inapplicable to the Self-Ruled Archdiocese.” Thus, “ What contradicts those articles in their application to North America is the Resolution of the Holy Synod granting self-rule, the Constitution of the Archdiocese of North America, the irrevocable creation of three diocesan bishops by the self-rule Resolution itself, the election and consecration of three bishops under the Constitution as diocesan bishops for North America and the enthronement of these various bishops their respective dioceses. To render all of these documents, resolutions and actions null and void by implication, or sub silentio, would be an absurd action. It cannot be imagined that the Holy Synod of Antioch, composed of wise and holy men, would participate in such a folly.”

They then warned the hierarchs and Board that:

“Pursuant to the Constitution, all members of the Board of Trustees including the clergy and the hierarchs have an obligation to insure that the Archdiocese Constitution and Articles are protected. A constitution defines certain rights and privileges and obligations, these apply to the entire church population including the laity. It is incumbent upon all members to insure that these provisions are not violated even if one disagrees with them.”

The Chancellors concluded their letter by stating:

“There is an element of trust that is underlying the role of a member of the Board of Trustees (and a member of the General Assembly) whether the person is a hierarch, priest, or member of the laity. That trust is that the member will act in the best interests of the Archdiocese and follow the dictates of the spirit as well as the letter of the Constitution. If the members do not act to protect the Constitution and the self-rule as defined therein, then they will have violated that trust. The consequences, among others, will be a legitimate lack of trust by clergy and laity in the leaders of this Archdiocese. That would be tragic.”

In addition to rejecting the February 24th, the Chancellors labelled the April 24th decision of four members of the Local Synod accepting the February 24th decision as "without effect" and “ill-advised”.

The full text of the Letter of the Chancellors and their Opinion follows:


"May 13, 2009


Dear Saidna PHILIP, Members of the Local Synod and Members of the Board of Trustees,


Christ is Risen!


We have been requested by several members of the Board of Trustees, as Chancellors, to give our Opinion regarding the February 24, 2009 decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch.


Enclosed is that Opinion. In reaching that Opinion, we have spent many hours examining the Patriarchate Constitution and Bylaws, and importantly the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch irrevocably granting our Archdiocese Self-Rule, as well as our Archdiocese Constitution. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.

In Christ,

Robert A. Koory

Charles R. Ajalat

---------------


OPINION OF THE CHANCELLORS REGARDING THE DECISION OF THE HOLY SYNOD OF ANTIOCH OF FEBRUARY 24, 2009



As the Chancellors for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, we have been asked by several members of the Board of Trustees for our opinion on the legal effect of the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch of February 24, 2009. Under the Constitution of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Chancellors, while appointed by the Metropolitan Primate with the consent of the Board of Trustees, are the attorneys for the Archdiocese. As such, it is our
obligation to respond to a request for legal opinions from the Primate, members of the Local Synod, members of the Board of Trustees or the General Assembly of the Archdiocese.


In doing so for this opinion, we have considered the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch granting self rule to the Archdiocese of North America, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Articles of Incorporation of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America as signed by Metropolitan PHILIP and filed with the State of New York, the Constitution of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America as passed in Pittsburg, PA and approved by Metropolitan PHILIP, prior opinions of the Chancellors pertaining to Self-Rule that have been approved and published by the Archdiocese, statements pertaining to Self-Rule as proffered by Metropolitan PHILIP, the April 24, 2009 Decision of the Local Synod, and, of course, the Decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch of February 24, 2009


I. THE FEBRUARY 24, 2009 DECISION OF THE HOLY SYNOD APPEARS TO BE INVALID.


In considering whether the decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch is binding upon the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America and. has any effect on the status of the Diocesan Bishops, one must look first to whether the decision is a invalid decision. No person or organization can claim that there must be allegiance to a decision that was not properly made in the first instance. Moreover, a decision not properly made cannot be ratified or approved since if it was not properly made there is no decision to approve or ratify. This issue has been raised by others and needs to beaddressed as a preliminary matter.


A. There Does Not Appear to Have Been the Required Quorum.


According to the official translation of the February 24 decision, only nine members of the Holy Synod were present. The Metropolitans of the Archdioceses are the members of the Holy Synod of Antioch. Patriarchal Constitution, par. 7.


The Patriarchal Constitution calls for the Holy Synod to meet in two sessions, one to be held in the first half of October and the second around Pentecost of each year. It may meet pursuant to a call by the Patriarch or a written request by three members of the Synod giving the reasons therefore. Patriarchal Constitution par. 9. The sessions of the Holy Synod are valid if attended by the majority of its members unless the regulations provide otherwise. Id. 13. ByLaws, par. 13. Decisions are made by a majority of those present at the meeting. Patriarchal Constitution par. 16; ByLaws par.16. There is apparently a question as to whether the appropriate call ever took place.


Pursuant to the Patriarchal Constitution and ByLaws, it appears that the February 24th session of the Holy Synod would not have been valid and any decisions made by such a gathering would have no force or effect. Moreover, it cannot be made “valid” by subsequent agreement by those not in attendance since the Patriarchal Constitution dictates that the decisions are made by a majority of those present at the meetings. Id. 16.


B. There Does Not Appear to Have Been the Required Two-Thirds Vote.


Article 51 of the Constitution (The Fundamental Canons of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch) states: “These canons may be amended only by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Holy Synod.” Such a major structural change of making diocesan bishops auxiliary bishops would seem to be a matter that can only be done by amendment of the Patriarchal Constitution. The Patriarchal Constitution may well not even give authority to handle such matters by a modification of the bylaws. The Bylaws of the Patriarchate, as is typical, involves only generally procedural matters implementing the Constitution. The Patriarchal Bylaws are only “to define the work of the Synod, the number of departments, as well as the authority of such departments and the conducting of their meetings.” Patriarchal Constitution art. 16.

The subject matter of the February 24, 2009 decision is not such a matter. Further, it is reasonable
to assume that in such an important amendment of the Bylaws, as with the Patriarchal Constitution, notwithstanding any other provision, a two-thirds vote would be required, ie. 14 members necessary to amend the Bylaws. There is no showing that the proposed amendment received an affirmative vote of 14 members of the Holy Synod and therefore would not be valid.


In any event, assuming the two-thirds requirement, to constitute a proper quorum for the amendment of a bylaw, there would have to be at least two thirds of the members of the Holy Synod of Antioch present. It appears there was not a quorum present and therefore the action was invalid for that reason also.


C. The Decision Appears to Be Invalid, But If It Were Valid, It Is Inapplicable.


It would appear therefore that for significant procedural reasons, the February 24th decision would not be valid and therefore is not binding upon any archdiocese in the Patriarchate and would have no effect on the status of bishops in North America. It would also follow that one cannot submit obedience to an invalid decision. For other additional reasons, as set forth below, even if the decision were valid it would not apply to the Self-Ruled Archdiocese of North America.


II. ASSUMING ARGUENDO THAT THE DECISION IS VALID, IT DOES NOT APPLY
TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA.


If the so called February 24th decision is a valid decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch, there still remains the question as to whether it has any application to the SelfRuled Archdiocese of North America. While there are numerous archdioceses whose respective metropolitans sit on the Holy Synod and all receive their ecclesiastical authority from a praxis issued by the Patriarchate, only one archdiocese, North America, has been granted irrevocably self-rule by a resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch.

While there may be debate as to whether, based upon the record, the decision of February 24th is a valid decision, there can be no debate that the decision can not have been intended to apply to the Self-Ruled Archdiocese nor to affect or negate the October 2003 Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch granting the North America Archdiocese self rule. That is apparent for several reasons.


A. There Does Not Appear to Be Any Intent to Have the Decision Apply.


1. There Was No Intent Previously for Articles 75-79 to Be Binding on the Archdiocese.


In considering whether a new Bylaw amendment affects the North America Archdiocese, a good starting point is whether the old Bylaws prior to amendment governed the North America Archdiocese. If the Bylaws, prior to amendment, governed the Archdiocese than their amendment might also. By

a parity of reasoning, the reverse would also appear to be true. That is, if the prior Bylaw provisions in question did not govern this Archdiocese than their amendment would be equally inapplicable.


In the instant case, Articles 75-79 prior to amendment read as follows:


75. The Patriarch is the relevant authority for all the bishops and they report to him.
76. The provisions of Article 60 of these regulations are applicable to the nominee for bishopric and his eligibility is determined pursuant thereto.
77. The Holy Synod shall elect the bishop from among three names submitted by the patriarch. The elections shall take place pursuant to Articles 60, 68, 69, and 70 of these Regulations.
78. A bishop is appointed to head the patriarchal office, or a patriarchal monastery or a vicariate or another ecclesiastical institution. The Patriarchal Vicar is elected to this position.
79. The patriarchal vicar participates in the nomination and election of the patriarch, archbishops and bishops.

It is clear that since the irrevocable grant of self-rule to this Archdiocese, the creation of three diocesan bishops by the irrevocable self-rule Resolution itself, the adoption by the Archdiocese of the irrevocable self-rule, the election and consecration of three additional new bishops pursuant to our Constitution, and the enthronement of the Archdiocese’s diocesan bishops, the prior Articles 75-79 applied only throughout the rest of the Patriarchate and had no bearing or application to North America.


2. There Was No Intent to Violate the Self-Rule Resolution by the Inconsistent Amendment.


Without a clear repudiation of the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch granting irrevocably self-rule to this Archdiocese, the purported amendments to the Patriarchate’s bylaws in like manner can have no bearing or effect on this Self-Ruled Archdiocese. For the reasons addressed below, the purported amendments and the self-rule Resolution are significantly inconsistent and both cannot apply to this Archdiocese. Therefore, since there is no claim that the Resolution on self-rule has been abrogated, and therefore still applies to this Archdiocese, the only logical conclusion is that the purported amendments, if they have any applicability, apply only to archdioceses that have not been granted self-rule. They would not and do not apply to this Archdiocese.


It is apparent that some might argue that by the very wording of the amended Article 79, that the purported amendments apply to all archdioceses of this Patriarchate including North America. That article as a’!’ended reads: “The aforementioned articles 75,76,77,78 are applicable in all Antiochian Archdioceses and whatever contradicts these articles is null and void.”

What contradjcts those articles in their application to North America is the Resolution of the Holy Synod granting self-rule, the Constitution of the Archdiocese of North America, the irrevocable creation of three diocesan bishops by the self-rule Resolution itself, the election and consecration of three bishops under the Constitution as diocesan bishops for North America and the enthronement of these various bishops their respective dioceses. To render all of these documents, resolutions and actions null and void by implication, or sub silentio, would be an absurd action. It cannot be imagined that the Holy Synod of Antioch, composed of wise and holy men, would participate in such a folly.


One would expect that if the Holy Synod of Antioch intended to abrogate its Resolution of self rule, it would have done so directly and unequivocally. One must assume the Synod did not intend to undue its Resolution of self rule or to render nugatory the Constitution of the Archdiocese of North America, but rather intended only to affect those bishops in archdioceses that did not have self rule.


B. The Decision Does Not Apply to North America Because If It Did, It Would Violate the Irrevocable Self-Rule Resolution.


The Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch granting self-rule to the North America Archdiocese is a simple yet powerful and historic document. In the history of the Church, for whatever reasons, mother Churches have been recalcitrant and unwilling to yield authority to their offspring even when they have grown in distant lands with the influence of different cultures and languages. As a result, when separation occurs without cooperation the split is often hostile and takes years to mend. There are numerous examples in the history of the Orthodox Church for reference.


Yet when one examines the Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch granting self-rule, one sees that the Synod granted irrevocably self-rule to the Archdiocese. It also irrevocably restricted itself in the ways that synodical decisions of the Holy Synod could impact the Archdiocese. That the grant was irrevocable is clear from the very first paragraph of the Resolution: “The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America is and shall remain self ruled within its present jurisdiction.”

The wording simply couldn’t be stronger. The word “is” denotes a present existing condition while the word “shall” is not only mandatory, meaning nothing can change that condition, but also expresses that the self-rule is to continue in the future without change.


The paragraphs on Governance, Recognition of Auxiliary Bishops as Diocesan Bishops and local Synod, and Decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch, show the grant of self rule and how it is to be accomplished as well as the Synod self-imposed restriction on itself in its ability to affect the ecclesiastical governance of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese of North America.

The language on Governance is very instructive on the limitations the Holy Synod placed on itself insofar as its decisions would be binding on the North America Archdiocese. The Resolution states: “The Archdiocese is governed by the Holy Scripture, the Sacred Tradition, the Holy Canons, the Constitution of the Church of Antioch and this Synodical Resolution and by its Constitution and Bylaws.”


It is interesting that the paragraph does not state that the Archdiocese is governed by the Bylaws of the Church of Antioch since clearly while some would apply others clearly would not as shown above. Indeed, from the time self rule was granted the Bylaws on the Bishops did not apply. The ones that would not apply as of the time of the Resolution was passed were those that conflicted with the grant of self rule as set forth in the Resolution, e.g., Articles 75-79 as shown above.


More important as to the self-rule Resolution than whether the Patriarchal bylaws are authorized or could ever affect the Archdiocese, in a section headed “Decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch”, the self-rule Resolution clearly limits how and what future decisions may impact the North America Archdiocese: “The decisions of the Holy Synod of Antioch shall be binding on the Archdiocese on matters of doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches and ecumenical policy with regard to other Christian and non-Christian bodies.” Significantly, the Resolution does not provide that Synod decisions that would affect the internal governance of the
Self-Ruling Archdiocese are binding on the Archdiocese. Therefore, one must conclude they are not binding.

Clearly, the February 24th decision does not pertain to doctrine, liturgy, sacraments, relations with autocephalous Orthodox Churches or ecumenical policy and therefore does not constitute a binding decision as defined in the Resolution on Self Rule.


While the paragraphs on Governance and Decisions would seem to be sufficient to show that the February 24th decision could not pertain to this Self-Ruling Archdiocese, what is equaJly instructive is the section entitled “Recognition of Auxiliary Bishops as Diocesan Bishops and Local Synod”. After stating that upon adoption of the resolution the Auxiliary bishops shall become Diocesan Bishops, it states: “The Diocesan Bishops will constitute under the Metropolitan the Local Synod of the Archdiocese which will be its governing authority. The Local Synod shall determine the number of dioceses and their boundaries.”

That the Local Synod is the governing ecclesiastical authority for the Archdiocese of North America is a touchstone of self-rule. As part of that self rule is the ability of the Local Synod to elect other Diocesan bishops, to determine the number of dioceses and their boundaries.

The February 24th decision defines all bishops other than the Patriarch, metropolitans and archbishops as auxiliary under their respective Metropolitan and not able to “do anything contrary to the will of the Metropolitan.” If the bishops sitting on the Local Synod cannot vote as they feel they should but must vote in agreement to the will of the Metropolitan then the Local Synod, if it exists at all as a Local Synod, is only a facade and rubber stamp, not truly a Synod of any sort at all. Such a provision that restricts the bishops to do nothing contrary to the will of the Metropolitan is in clear conflict with the self-rule Resolution. They cannot both stand.


Since there is no evidence that the Holy Synod acted to negate the Resolution of Self-Rule, (and thus render itself as contradictory since the Resolution on Self-Rule grants self rule irrevocably), and indeed Metropolitan PHILIP maintains self-rule has not been affected, then it is clear that the decision does not apply to this Archdiocese. It would not be appropriate to assume that the Holy Synod of Antioch acts in a haphazard and contradictory way. Such a suggestion only would bring disgrace and dishonor to an ancient Holy See which we refuse to do.


Furthermore, if the purported Bylaw amendments were intended to negate the Resolution of Self-Rule it must be concluded they do not apply to this Archdiocese because the Self-Rule Resolution is irrevocable and cannot legally be so violated.


C. The Decision Does Not Apply To North America Because If It Did It Would Violate the Constitution Of The Irrevocably Self-Governing Archdiocese.


In acceptance of the answer to its request for self rule and in implementation of l-2 Resolution on Self-Rule, this Archdiocese amended her Constitution in Pittsburgh, PA which was immediately approved by Metropolitan PHILIP. As a result the Constitution took immediate effect. It was submitted to Antioch for approval, and except for minor differences, the Constitution was sufficiently approved under the Self-Rule Resolution that the Patriarch consecrated, pursuant to a process that the Archdiocesan Board of Trustees accepted under our Constitution, three Diocesan bishops, THOMAS, MARK and ALEXANDER, who were elected by the North American Local Synod. Those bishops as well as Bishops JOSEPH and BASIL were enthroned as diocesan bishops of their respective dioceses, all pursuant to the Archdiocese Constitution. Those Diocesan bishops, with Metropolitan PHILIP as the head, and Bishop ANTOUN, a Diocesan Bishop under the Self-Rule Resolution, constitute the Local Synod. Arch. Const. Art. IV, Sec. 2.

Pursuant to both the Resolution on Self-Rule and the Archdiocese Constitution, it is the Local Synod through whom self rule is accomplished. The Resolution provides: “The Diocesan Bishops will constitute under the Metropolitan the Local Synod of the Archdiocese which will be its governing authority.”


In like manner, the Archdiocese Constitution provides: “The Local Synod, comprised of the Metropolitan, and the Diocesan Bishops shall be the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese. The Metropolitan shall preside over the Local Synod.” Arch. Const. Art. IV, Sec. 2.


If the February 24th Decision applied to this Self-Ruled Archdiocese, it would create several conflicts with our Constitution such that our Constitution would be rendered nugatory. First, if all of the Diocesan bishops are now auxiliary, then the Local Synod would cease to exist. Our Constitution does not provide for auxiliary bishops to be on the Local Synod except for one auxiliary bishop nominated by the General Assembly and elected by the Local Synod who is to assist the Metropolitan in the administration of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese. Arch. Const. Art. VI Sec. 1 A.


Second, even if they sat on the Local Synod, they would have no ability to govern since they would be limited to voting in accordance with the will of the Metropolitan. The Local Synod would for all practical purposes cease to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate as the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese.


Third, the Archdiocese Constitution only allows that in certain instances the Constitution of the Church of Antioch along with the Archdiocese Constitution, Bylaws, Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Holy Canons shall be the governing code for this Archdiocese. Arch. Const. Art. IV Sec. 1. It does not provide that the Bylaws of the Church of Antioch shall be part of that governing code. Should it be argued that the Bylaws of Antioch are included by implication since the Constitution of Antioch is part of the governing code, even the Constitution of Antioch is only part of this Archdiocese’s governing code to the extent it is not inconsistent with our Constitution. Arch. Const., Art. 4.


Metropolitan PHILIP has recognized that while portions of the Patriarchal Constitution may apply in other archdioceses, they are not applicable here. In a letter to Patriarch IGNATIUS IV dated February 11, 2005, His Eminence wrote: “We are an Archdiocese, established oversees, i.e., in the United States of America and Canada, which has its own particularities. In our administrative methodology we differ from all the other Archdioceses. For example, the main Patriarchal constitution is suitable to the
Antiochian see in the homeland, but not overseas. Additionally, we have a mechanism for amending the constitution which we can not overstep.”


As shown above, the February 24th decision is irreconcilably in conflict with the Archdiocese Constitution. They cannot both apply to this Archdiocese and since the decision is inconsistent with our Constitution, the February 24 decision does not apply to our Archdiocese.


Fourth, should it be argued that the decision is effectively an amendment to the Archdiocese Constitution, it should be remembered that only the General Assembly of the Archdiocese can amend the Archdiocese Constitution. This is clearly set forth in Art. VII. It was also noted by Metropolitan PHILIP in his letter of February 11, 2005 to the Patriarch: “According to our registered constitution, neither the Holy Synod, nor the Metropolitan, nor the Local Synod can impose any amendment to the constitution without the approval of clergy and laity, i.e., the General Assembly of the Archdiocese.”
This position was repeated by the Chancellors of the Archdiocese in their “IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING OUR CONSTITUTION” dated January 27, 2005. That message was distributed by the Archdiocese and directed to be published in the parish bulletin.


The February 24th decision, if it applied to this Archdiocese would dramatically change our Constitution. As noted above, neither the Holy Synod, nor the Metropolitan, nor the Patriarch nor the Local Synod can impose any amendment without the approvalof the General Assembly of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese.

Since the decision conflicts with the Archdiocese Constitution, the Constitution governs and the decision cannot apply to this Self-Ruled Archdiocese.


D. The Decision Does Not Apply To North America Because If It Did It Would Violate The Irrevocably Self-Ruled Archdiocese’s Articles Of
Incorporation.


As a result of the amendment of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese Constitution, the Articles of Incorporation of the Self-Ruled Archdiocese were amended. They were signed by Metropolitan PHILIP and filed with the State of New York on December 26, 2006. Those articles recognize that the grant of self-rule was irrevocable. Moreover, they acknowledged that the self-rule was implemented pursuant to the amended Constitution.


Since the February 24th decision, if applicable, would violate the Archdiocese Constitution and negate the irrevocable grant of self-rule, it would also violate the Articles of Incorporation. Since the decision conflicts with the Articles of Incorporation, the Articles govern and the decision, therefore, cannot apply to this Self-Ruled Archdiocese.


III. SUMMARY: THE DECISION IS INVALID, WAS NOT INTENDED TO APPLY AND INDEPENDENTLY DOES NOT APPLY TO, NOR DOES IT HAVE ANY EFFECT UPON, OUR SELF·RULED ARCHDIOCESE.


For all of the reasons stated above, the February 24th decision is not a valid decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch. Moreover, even if were, it was not intended to apply to the Self-Ruled North American Archdiocese, and if it were intended to apply, it does not apply to, nor does it have any effect on our Self-Ruled Archdiocese or the status of our Diocesan Bishops, because it is inconsistent with, negates, and violates the irrevocable Resolution on Self-Rule, and without amendment by the General Assembly it is inconsistent with, negates, and violates the Archdiocese Constitution in addition to the Articles of Incorporation.

IV. THIS OPINION IS NOT CHANGED BY THE APRIL 24, 2009 LOCAL SYNOD
RESOLUTION AFFIRMING OBEDIENCE TO THE DECISION OF THE HOlY
SYNOD OF ANTIOCH OF FEBRUARY 24, 2009.


On April 24, 2009, the Local Synod of the Archdiocese of North America met. During that meeting a resolution was signed by four members of the Local Synod "affirming obedience to the decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch of February 24, 2009”. The question becomes what effect if any does that “resolution” of the four bishops have on the status of the Archdiocese’s bishops in North America?


For the reasons stated above, it is clear that the “resolution” was ill-advised and would have no effect on the status of the diocesan bishops. Even assuming the decision of the Holy Synod was valid, for the reasons set forth above, it would not be applicable to bishops in North America. Moreover, an act by the Local Synod that would contradict the Archdiocese Constitution, without amendment of the Constitution, would not only be an unconstitutional, and therefore an invalid act, but equally important would violate the sacred duties of the members of the local Synod who share the responsibility to maintain the trust placed in them by the clergy and laity of the Archdiocese, that they would uphold and protect the Constitution of this Archdiocese. Indeed, that is a requirement of all members of the Board of Trustees who take such an oath administered by the Metropolitan Primate.

In examining the April 241h resolution, it is premised upon the fact that the Archdiocese receives its ecclesiastical authority to act as a self-ruled Archdiocese from the Holy Synod of Antioch and that Metropolitan PHILIP is a member of that Synod and serves under a canonical praxis issued by the Patriarch. More importantly, it refers first and foremost to the Archdiocese Constitution. In referring to the Archdiocese Constitution, the April 241h Resolution would have been acting properly.
Unfortunately, the Local Synod appears to have ill-advised. The analysis of whether a decision of the Holy Synod applies to this Archdiocese would not examine just one section of the Archdiocese Constitution. There are other sections of the Constitution that must also be considered otherwise the analysis falls to the criticism that it has taken a provision out of context.


That the Archdiocese Constitution provides that the Archdiocese receives its ecclesiastical authority to act as a self-ruled Archdiocese from the Holy Synod of /\ntioch and that Metropolitan PHILIP is a member of that Synod and serves under a canonical praxis issued by the Patriarch, are essentially non-issues and do not provide a basis for concluding that the February 24th Holy Synod decision has any bearing to this Archdiocese. No one would dispute either that the Constitution so provides or that the Holy Synod granted self-rule to this Archdiocese or that the Metropolitan serves under a canonical praxis issued by the Patriarch. That the Metropolitan serves under a canonical praxis issued by the Patriarch does not in any way affect the Self-Rule granted by the Holy Synod. In like manner, the
fact that he is a member of the Holy Synod of Antioch does not affect the grant of self rule.


Thus, neither of those two facts can serve as a basis for contending the February 24th decision applies to this Archdiocese.


Moreover, the fact that the Holy Synod irrevocably granted self-rule to this Archdiocese is precisely one of the reasons why the February 24th decision is inapplicable. Unless self-rule was attempted to be annihilated by the Holy Synod of Antioch, and even the Local Synod’s resolution would appear to contradict such an interpretation, then for the reasons stated above in Section II the decision does not and cannot apply. Reliance on Article 1, Section 2 Paragraph B of the Archdiocese Constitution as
a basis to claim this Archdiocese is bound by the February 24th decision is inapposite for several reasons:

First, the paragraph itself reads: This Archdiocese was granted its ecclesiastical authority to function as a self-ruling Archdiocese from the Holy Synod ...” It should be noted first that the word “granted” was specifically debated and the past tense specifically chosen by the General Assembly irrevocable decision of the Holy Synod to grant self-rule. As to the future, if ecclesiastical authority to function as a self-ruling Archdiocese” has any meaning, it comes first and foremost from Art. IV Section 2: “The Local Synod, comprised of the Metropolitan and the Diocesan Bishops shall be the governing ecclesiastical authority of the Archdiocese.”

As noted above by its irrevocable grant of self-rule to this Archdiocese, the Holy Synod of Antioch irrevocably placed restrictions on its ability to affect the governance and internal structure of this Archdiocese. That governance has been irrevocably delegated to this Archdiocese ecclesiastically through the Local Synod comprised of the Metropolitan and the Diocesan Bishops. Any change in that would require a clear statement by the Holy Synod abrogating the Resolution on Self-Rule which Metropolitan PHILIP has said such abrogation did not occur.


More importantly, it would require a complete revision of the Archdiocese Constitution since we would no longer have a functioning Local Synod in terms of real governance and we would no longer have Diocesan bishops or the ability to elect new bishops. Such changes would occur only when and if such amendments were duly passed by a General Assembly of the Archdiocese as provided in the Archdiocese Constitution and as confirmed by the Metropolitan.

As Metropolitan Philip has stated in his letter of February 11, 2005 to the Patriarch: “According to our registered constitution, neither the Holy Synod, nor the Metropolitan, nor the Local Synod can impose any amendment to the constitution without the approval of clergy and laity, i.e., the General Assembly of the Archdiocese.”


While the members of the Local Synod could express their obedience to the February 24th decision, assuming it was valid, such expression would only mean that it might have validity in other archdioceses of the Patriarchate and not in North America.
As noted above, not even our own Local Synod can impose any amendment to our Constitution on its own. Indeed, as members of our Local Synod, the better choice of action would have been to point out the fact it could have no application to North
America. After all, the members of the Local Synod as well as the Board of Trustees are duty bound to protect and defend our Constitution and to act in accordance with it.


CONCLUSION


For all of the reasons stated above, the February 24th decision is not a valid decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch. Moreover, even if were, it would have no effect on our Archdiocese since it wasn’t intend to apply to our Archdiocese and if it was intended, it would not apply because it is inconsistent with, negates, and would violate the irrevocable Resolution on Self-Rule, the Archdiocese Constitution and the
Archdiocese Articles of Incorporation, filed with the State of New York. Unless properly amended, these documents cannot be overridden and the February 24,2009 decision is inapplicable to the Self-Ruled Archdiocese.

Pursuant to the Constitution, all members of the Board of Trustees including the clergy and the hierarchs have an obligation to insure that the Archdiocese Constitution and Articles are protected. A constitution defines certain rights and privileges and
obligations, these apply to the entire church population including the laity. It is incumbent upon all members to insure that these provisions are not violated even if one disagrees with them.


There is an element of trust that is underlying the role of a member of the Board of Trustees (and a member of the General Assembly) whether the person is a hierarch, priest, or member of the laity. That trust is that the member will act in the best interests
of the Archdiocese and follow the dictates of the spirit as well as the letter of the Constitution.


If the members do not act to protect the Constitution and the self-rule as defined therein, then they will have violated that trust. The consequences, among others, will be a legitimate lack of trust by clergy and laity in the leaders of this Archdiocese. That would be tragic.

In Christ,

Robert A. Koory

Chancellor

Charles R. Ajalat
Chancellor"

What happens now?

The Chancellors' Opinion, requested by members of the Board of Trustees, represents a real step forward in the resolution of the current crisis. The Synod of Antioch and the Local Synod must both now weigh their options - whether to continue a course of action now deemed invalid, or return to the status quo ante bellum. In the past two days the Patriarchal website has gone off-line. Is this a sign that the Synod of Antioch now re-grouping in preparation for its meeting shortly before Pentecost ?

What is clear, however, is that the Chancellor’s letter has already had an effect in America: the pages to the “ill-advised” April 24th meeting of the Local Synod on www. Antiochian.org have been removed as well...

The question now becomes: his own lawyers having spoken, will Metropolitan Philip now turn and defend his own Archdiocese - or continue his present course, leading the jurisdiction into deeper chaos? The lawyers have made it clear that his hierarchs, clergy and laity - even his own Board of Trustees- are now enjoined by their various fiduciary responsibilities to oppose Philip's attempts to re-consolidate his power, and uphold the Archdiocese's own Constitution.

- Mark Stokoe

-------------------

*Updates (10:30PM 5.17.09)

Since the story first appeared this morning, the Patriarchal website has re-appeared. However, the last posting on www.antiochpat.org is dated April 28, 2007.

In addition, Fr. Andrew Damick reports that the links to the April 24th decision are also in order once again. According to this editor of the Archdiocesan website, the main page for the February 24th decision was badly edited, and removed on May 7th, well before the writing of the letter of the Chancellors. Therefore, there is no causation as suggested in the article. The documents remain on the site and may be accessed here and here. My thanks to Fr. Damick for this important clarification.

Source:

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has declared intentions to appeal to Turkish courts, and should that fail, to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg regarding the 23 Orthodox foundations and communities that have been confiscated by the Turkish government's religious foundation directorate.

Following the Divine Liturgy at St. George Church, atop the Byzantium walls of Edirne, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the congregation, and as reported by AsiaNews, said:

"We have and you have come here to celebrate this religious ceremony in a parish that is facing many difficulties. Unfortunately it is not alone. The problem is that this parish and its community, as is the case with many others of the Church of Constantinople, have been abusively declared occupied by the Directorate of Religious Foundations. This means that we cannot claim any rights to the management of the properties of this community, nor proceed with the election of its administrative board. As a result of this we have no right to manage that which was left to us by our forefathers. The only thing we are allowed to carry out in these places are religious functions. Unfortunately this is fate of this parish and many other parishes of the Church of Constantinople.

"In the court yard of this parish the building which housed the community's school still exists. It unfortunately has been transformed into a gaming hall and its management has been ceded by the authorities to a private individual, who in turn compensated these authorities with rent.

"In an attempt to put an end to these injustices which we are being subjected to, the Synod has reached a decision; to appeal firstly to the State Judiciary of Turkey, then, if all else should fail to the European Court in Strasbourg, following the example of the orphanage on Prince Buyukada Island, in the hopes that in this case too, justice will be done.

"We do not want special treatment, but neither can we allow our rights to be trampled on or our identity and the cultural heritage entrusted us by our forefathers be erased."

Source:

SYOSSET NY [OCA Communications] -- The 15th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, held in November 2008, mandated that the OCA develop a strategic plan for its future.

Since the Council, the OCA's Holy Synod of Bishops has engaged in an ongoing discussion about the mission and vision of the Orthodox Church in America, resulting to date in two position papers by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah: "A Time of Crisis and Opportunity," and "The Conciliar Structures of the Orthodox Church in America."

In February 2009, the OCA's Metropolitan Council discussed the strategic vision process at its 2009 Spring meeting. With the blessing of the Holy Synod, a committee was created that would guide the process of developing the plan.

Made up of the Metropolitan and volunteers from the Metropolitan Council, the Strategic Vision Committee members include:

* His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah
* Archpriest Robert Arida (Chairperson), Diocese of New England
* Archpriest Eric G. Tosi (Chancery Liaison), OCA Secretary
* Archpriest Ted Boback, Elected by AAC
* Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, Elected by AAC
* David Grier, Archdiocese of Canada
* Archpriest Michael Oleksa, Diocese of Alaska
* Eleana Silk, Elected by AAC
* Dr. Dmitri Solodow, Diocese of the West
* Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov, Diocese of Washington and New York
* Deacon John Zarras, Diocese of New England

"I have no illusions as to the tremendous amount of work needed to produce what will hopefully help the Church to be faithful to its mission in North America," Fr. Robert Arida said. "If there is to be a canonically sound, secure and viable ecclesiology then we should be circumspect in all deliberations and decisions . This will help to avoid any retreats that would continue to undermine the OCA from outside as well as to ward off any attacks that might ensue from within."

The steps in the strategic vision process were outlined by Fr. Eric Tosi in a memorandum previously posted on www.oca.org, which can be read here.

An important part of the process that is upcoming is the Summer Conference at St. Vladimir's Seminary, June 18 to 20, 2009, titled, "The Council and the Tomos: Twentieth-century Landmarks towards a Twenty-first-century Church." Conference speakers will focus on two watersheds that have shaped the Orthodox Church in America: the All-Russian Council (Sobor) of 1917-1918, and the Tomos of Autocephaly granted in 1970 by the Russian Orthodox Church to its daughter church, the Orthodox Church in America. The conference will address the significance of the OCA's presence in North America, and future paths and possibilities open to it, including its interface with the multi-jurisdictional Orthodox Christian communities in the US and Canada.

Recent exchanges of views about Orthodoxy in America, the role of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and the forthcoming pan-Orthodox sessions that will deliberate on the "diaspora," make the themes of the OCA's mission and vision of critical importance for all of those concerned about the future of Orthodox Christianity in North America. Noting this, generous underwriters have made it possible for St. Vladimir's Seminary to announce that the posted fees for the conference are being reduced by 50%.

Source:

JERUSALEM, MAY 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today in an ecumenical meeting at the Greek Orthodox patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with profound gratitude and joy that I make this visit to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem; a moment to which I have much looked forward. I thank His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilus III for his kind words of fraternal greeting, which I warmly reciprocate. I also express to all of you my heartfelt gratitude for providing me with this opportunity to meet once again the many leaders of Churches and ecclesial communities present.

This morning I am mindful of the historic meetings that have taken place here in Jerusalem between my predecessor Pope Paul VI and the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, and also between Pope John Paul II and His Beatitude Patriarch Diodoros. These encounters, including my visit today, are of great symbolic significance. They recall that the light of the East (cf. Is 60:1; Rev 21:10) has illumined the entire world from the very moment when a "rising sun" came to visit us (Lk 1:78) and they remind us too that from here the Gospel was preached to all nations.

Standing in this hallowed place, alongside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which marks the site where our crucified Lord rose from the dead for all humanity, and near the cenacle, where on the day of Pentecost "they were all together in one place" (Acts 2:1), who could not feel impelled to bring the fullness of goodwill, sound scholarship and spiritual desire to our ecumenical endeavors? I pray that our gathering today will give new impetus to the work of theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches, adding to the recent fruits of study documents and other joint initiatives.

Of particular joy for our Churches has been the participation of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness Bartholomew I, at the recent Synod of Bishops in Rome dedicated to the theme: The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. The warm welcome he received and his moving intervention were sincere expressions of the deep spiritual joy that arises from the extent to which communion is already present between our Churches. Such ecumenical experience bears clear witness to the link between the unity of the Church and her mission. Extending his arms on the Cross, Jesus revealed the fullness of his desire to draw all people to himself, uniting them together as one (cf. Jn 12:32). Breathing his Spirit upon us he revealed his power to enable us to participate in his mission of reconciliation (cf. Jn 19:30; 20:22-23). In that breath, through the redemption that unites, stands our mission! Little wonder, then, that it is precisely in our burning desire to bring Christ to others, to make known his message of reconciliation (cf. 2 Cor 5:19), that we experience the shame of our division. Yet, sent out into the world (cf. Jn 20:21), empowered by the unifying force of the Holy Spirit (ibid. v. 22), proclaiming the reconciliation that draws all to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (ibid. v. 31), we shall find the strength to redouble our efforts to perfect our communion, to make it complete, to bear united witness to the love of the Father who sends the Son so that the world may know his love for us (cf. Jn 17:23).

Some two thousand years ago, along these same streets, a group of Greeks put this request to Philip: "Sir, we should like to see Jesus" (Jn 12:21). It is a request made again of us today, here in Jerusalem, in the Holy Land, in the region and throughout the world. How do we respond? Is our response heard? Saint Paul alerts us to the gravity of our response: our mission to teach and preach. He says: "faith comes from hearing, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ" (Rm 10:17). It is imperative therefore that Christian leaders and their communities bear vibrant testimony to what our faith proclaims: the eternal Word, who entered space and time in this land, Jesus of Nazareth, who walked these streets, through his words and actions calls people of every age to his life of truth and love.

Dear friends, while encouraging you to proclaim joyfully the Risen Lord, I wish also to recognize the work to this end of the Heads of Christian communities, who meet together regularly in this city. It seems to me that the greatest service the Christians of Jerusalem can offer their fellow citizens is the upbringing and education of a further generation of well-formed and committed Christians, earnest in their desire to contribute generously to the religious and civic life of this unique and holy city. The fundamental priority of every Christian leader is the nurturing of the faith of the individuals and families entrusted to his pastoral care. This common pastoral concern will ensure that your regular meetings are marked by the wisdom and fraternal charity necessary to support one another and to engage with both the joys and the particular difficulties which mark the lives of your people. I pray that the aspirations of the Christians of Jerusalem will be understood as being concordant with the aspirations of all its inhabitants, whatever their religion: a life of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence and -- for young people in particular -- unimpeded access to education and employment, the prospect of suitable housing and family residency, and the chance to benefit from and contribute to economic stability.

Your Beatitude, I thank you again for your kindness in inviting me here, together with the other guests. Upon each of you and the communities you represent, I invoke an abundance of God's blessings of fortitude and wisdom! May you all be strengthened by the hope of Christ which does not disappoint!

Source:

JERUSALEM, MAY 15, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI met with representatives of Christian communities in the Holy Land, and is affirming the Catholic Church's desire to work toward common goals of unity.

The Pope said this today, the final day of his Holy Land pilgrimage, in the presence of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, Theophilus III, in an ecumenical meeting at the patriarchate.

The Pontiff expressed the hope that the meeting will "give new impetus to the work of theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches, adding to the recent fruits of study documents and other joint initiatives."

"Such ecumenical experience bears clear witness to the link between the unity of the Church and her mission," he noted.

The Holy Father affirmed the necessity of the witness of Christian communities, to testify to "what our faith proclaims: the eternal Word, who entered space and time in this land, Jesus of Nazareth, who walked these streets, through his words and actions calls people of every age to his life of truth and love."

Benedict XVI recognized the work of the community leaders who meet regularly together, and encouraged them in the task of upbringing and educating "a further generation of well-formed and committed Christians."

"This common pastoral concern," he added, "will ensure that your regular meetings are marked by the wisdom and fraternal charity necessary to support one another and to engage with both the joys and the particular difficulties which mark the lives of your people."

The Pope expressed a prayer that "the aspirations of the Christians of Jerusalem will be understood as being concordant with the aspirations of all its inhabitants, whatever their religion: a life of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence and -- for young people in particular -- unimpeded access to education and employment, the prospect of suitable housing and family residency, and the chance to benefit from and contribute to economic stability."

Significant growth

After this meeting, the Pontiff went to visit the Holy Sepulcher nearby, and then went to the Armenian Apostolic patriarchal church of St. James.

In the presence of Archbishop Torkom II Manoukian and members of the Armenian Church, the Holy Father affirmed that the meeting "is another step along the path towards the unity which the Lord desires for all his disciples."

He acknowledged the recent "significant growth in the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church," thanking the latter for its commitment in furthering theological dialogue between the former and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Benedict XVI recalled his previous visits with Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians.

He continued, "A particular sign of hope is the recent document on the nature and mission of the Church produced by the Mixed Commission and presented to the Churches for study and evaluation."

The Pope entrusted this effort to prayer "so that it can bear abundant fruit for the growth of Christian unity."

After the meeting, he departed Jerusalem for Tel Aviv airport, where he bade farewell to the Holy Land leaders and boarded a plane for Rome.

Source:

CRESTWOOD, NY [SVS/May 13, 2009] -- Recent exchanges of views about Orthodoxy in America, the role of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and the forthcoming pan-Orthodox sessions that will deliberate on the "diaspora," emphasize how vital it is to reflect upon events that shaped the current landscape. As a foundational part of its mission, Saint Vladimir's Seminary is a venue where controversial topics can be discussed openly and freely.

Noting the importance of this summer conference for the future of American Orthodoxy, generous underwriters have made it possible for SVS to announce that the posted fees for the conference are being reduced by 50%.

V. Rev. Alexander GarklavsThe seminary will host a summer conference titled, "The Council and the Tomos: Twentieth-century Landmarks towards a Twenty-first-century Church," June 18-20, 2009. Conference speakers will focus on two watersheds that have shaped the Orthodox Church in America (OCA): the All-Russian Council (Sobor) of 1917-1918, and the Tomos of Autocephaly granted in 1970 by the Russian Orthodox Church to its daughter church, the Orthodox Church in America, then known as the "North American Diocese." The conference will address the significance of the OCA's presence in North America, and future paths and possibilities open to it, including its interface with the multi-jurisdictional Orthodox Christian communities in the US and Canada.

Speakers at this important conference include

* His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America and SVS alumnus ('85, '88)
* His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel, Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (OCA)
* His Grace, Bishop Basil (Osborne) of Amphipolis, Exarchate of Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe (Ecumenical Patriarchate)
* Archimandrite Kirill (Hovorun), head of the Department of External Church Relations for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)
* Fr. Mark Arey, General Secretary of SCOBA and Inter-Orthodox Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
* Fr. Hyacinthe Destivelle, Dominican priest, professor in the theological faculty at the Catholic Institute in Paris, and author of Le Concile de Moscou (1917-1918): La Creation des Institutions Conciliares de l'Eglise Orthodoxe Russe (Les Editions du Cerf, 2006)
* The V. Rev. Alexander Garklavs, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and SVS Alumnus ('82, '93)
* The V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations (OCA), and SVS alumnus ('64-67)
* Mr. Charles Ajalat, pre-eminent lay leader and advocate for the administrative unity of the various Orthodox jurisdictions in North America, and Chancellor of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA)
* Dr. Scott Kenworthy, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Religion at Miami University, with a focus on Eastern Orthodoxy in modern Russia, and SVS alumnus ('96)
* Mr. Matthew Namee, historian and host of the American Orthodox History podcast on Ancient Faith Radio
* Dr. Vera Shevzov, associate professor of religion at Smith College, author of Russian Orthodoxy on the Eve of Revolution (Oxford, 2004), and SVS alumna ('86)

To register for the St. Vladimir's Seminary 2009 Summer Conference, click here. Registration deadline is June 1, 2009.

Questions about the summer conference may be addressed to events@svots.edu.

The schedule for the 2009 Summer Conference is as follows

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2009

3 p.m.-6 p.m. Registration
6 p.m. Dinner (pre-order boxed dinners) for registrants

7:30 p.m. Public Address: The V. Rev. Alexander Garklavs The Pre-History of the All-Russian Council (free presentation open to the public)

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

8 a.m. Morning Worship & Breakfast

Morning Session
9 a.m.-1 p.m. History of the 1917-1918 All-Russian Council
Speakers: Fr. Hiacynthe Destivelle, Dr. Scott Kenworthy, and Dr. Vera Shevzov

1:00 p.m. Lunch

Afternoon Session
2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. The All-Russian Council's Reception in Russia and the West
Speaker: Archimandrite Kirill Hovorun
The Tomos of Autocephaly
Speaker: Fr. Leonid Kishkovsky

5:00 p.m. Evening Worship
6:00 p.m. Dinner & Evening Free

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

8 a.m. Divine Liturgy
10 a.m. Coffee Hour

Morning Session
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Vision of Chalcedon's Canon 28
Speaker: Bishop Basil of Amphipolis
The Myth of Past Unity
Speaker: Matthew Namee

1:00 p.m. Lunch

Afternoon Session
2 p.m.-5 p.m. A Vision for Now, on the Basis of History
Speaker: Metropolitan Jonah
Respondents: Mr. Charles Ajalat, Archbishop Nathaniel, Bishop Maxim, others to be announced

5 p.m. Great Vespers
Closing

Source:

For the past several years the Religious Education Department of the Catholicosate has been organizing lecture series for women with the aim of deepening their knowledge of the church, its theology and the place of the Bible in the Church. This year as well His Holiness Aram I met with the participants during the first and last sessions of the course. The theme of the course of this year was “Outstanding People in the Bible”.

On Tuesday 12 May 2009, the last day of the course, group met with His Holiness Aram I at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. Referring to the people in the Bible His Holiness said: “God speaks to us either through special persons or events. God’s plan is to save humanity and help them build His Kingdom. The Church as the Body of Christ continues God’s work by making Salvation the goal of its mission. The church is the ‘people of God’. We are therefore commissioned by God to imitate the life of Jesus Christ and reflect through our lives the values he established through His Death on the Cross.

Catholicos Aram I expressed his satisfaction on the growing number of men and women taking part in the activities organized by Religious Education Department, because it was a sign of spiritual growth within Church. This spiritual growth would sustain when there is stronger relationship between the faithful and the clergy. It is therefore a joy to see women being enabled to contribute to this spiritual growth in the church.

Source:

Moscow, May 14, Interfax - Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk exchanged views on relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church with Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the apostolic nuncio to Russia.

The meeting took place at Archbishop Mennini's request at the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow and passed "in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and openness," the Russian Orthodox Church reported on its official website.

The parties discussed relations between Orthodox believers and Catholics in Russia and also practical issues concerning the work of the Joint Orthodox-Catholic Theological Commission on Dialogue and the activity of a joint working group on problems in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of combined efforts in protecting traditional Christian values.

Archbishop Mennini also handed Archbishop Hilarion letters from Secretary of the Holy See Secretariat of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, and Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

Source:

Prague, May 14, Interfax - The Russian Orthodox Church believes that the European community should take urgent measures to combat Christian phobia in today's Europe.

"We should become aware that Christian phobia was generated by Christian civilization, or whatever we call European civilization now. Christian phobia is nothing else but malignant cancer which threatens European civilization with fatal effects," Russian Church representative at the European Council Hegumen Filaret (Bulekov) said at the Dialogue of Civilizations World Public Forum in Prague.

He urged "not only Christians, but also all bearers of traditional European culture formed by Christianity to consider carefully their cultural survival in today's globalizing world and ask themselves why so many of them feel no concern about the present and the future of their culture and their religious traditions."

"We need to acknowledge that it is impossible to put the blame for Christian phobia displays on Muslims, immigrants or the so-called "Civilization Clash". It is the essential and primary fault of successors to European Christian culture, that is, our fault," Fr. Filaret said.

Source:

Prague, May 15, Interfax - April's UN conference on racism was "an outrageous instance of avoidance of dialogue by leading political forces," the Russian Orthodox Church envoy to the Council of Europe said.

"The problem is that it happens right, left and center that international institutions that have the duty of organizing intercultural dialogues and achieving results are not capable of this," Hegumen Filaret (Bulekov) told the Dialogue of Civilizations forum in Prague.

Fr. Filaret attacked the states that boycotted the Geneva conference because, he said, they feared possible "anti-Israeli statements" by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was present at the forum.

Australia, the Netherlands, Israel, Italy, Canada, the United States, and the Czech Republic, boycotted the Geneva conference and delegations from more than 30 countries left the forum while Ahmadinejad was speaking.

"Yes, the Iranian president did use the conference, as the floor for the statement of extremist and insulting positions, as, for example, was pointed out by a delegate of the Vatican, whose delegation did not, nevertheless, leave the forum. But can it be considered to have been an appropriate reaction to leave [the conference] if one bears in mind the imperative nature of intercultural dialogue?" Fr. Filaret said

The priest said the Geneva conference had shown the "zero professional proficiency" of some politicians, whom he accused of putting opportunist political considerations and their personal image before problems of racism and cultural strife.

Source:

His Beatitude the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrisostomos II payed a visit to the Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus invited by His Beatitude the Patriarch Ignatios from 1-5 May. Archbishop Chrisostomos visit the President of Syria Mr. Bashar Assad.On Sunday 3 May both they served the Holy Liturgy in the Cathedral of Mother Mary Theodokos next to the Patriarchate in Damascus. In the official meetings with the President Assad and Patriarch Ignatios Archbishop Chrisostomos discuss about the cooperation of Syria and Cyprus for peace process in the region, polution of the environment and education of the clergy.

Source:

On Saturday 9th May 2009, His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa conducted the Service of Consecration of the Holy Church of St Basil and St Dimitrios, in the newly built Missionary Centre in Lusaka. From early in the morning many people and many Ambassadors of Orthodox countries and others, had filled the forecourt of the church waiting for the arrival of the Patriarch. When he arrived the African Orthodox broke out into songs and dance, welcoming their guest. The government was represented at the consecration and inauguration ceremonies by the Minister of Education Mr Godfrey Lungwangwa. During the service His Beatitude explained in detail whatever was being done to the impressed congregation who were witnessing this for the first time. Following the Divine Liturgy His Beatitude gave the new church a silver decorated cross for blessing, and congratulated His Grace Bishop Ioakeim of Zambia for the enormous work he has done in a few years, saying that the entire missionary centre is one of the very best of the Patriarchate in Africa. He then distributed antidoron and commemorative gifts to all present and gave pectoral crosses and other gifts to all the African Orthodox Christians.

The inauguration of the model and modern school whic was built with funding by the Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece, togetherwith the NGO Euronem. In his brief address His Grace Ioakeim spoke of the difficulties he faced for the completion of this enormous work which is for the people of Zambia, and thanked the Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece, the Missioanry Societies in Greece and all who contributed and still contribute to the development and spreading of Orthodoxy in Zambia. The Minister of Education spoke next, and he thanked the Orthodox Church for its great contribution to the people of Zambia, stressing the necessity of contuining these humanistic works for the ease of the poor. The President of Euronem, Mrs Nasia Michalopoulou also spoke. The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and an address by the Patriarch, he spoke words of love for all present, emphasized the value of learning and how muc the Orthodox Church
contributes to this, a prime example being the inaugurated school. He asked all to continue supporting their Bishop so that he might be able to continue his work to the glory of the Lord and the benefit of all the people of the country.

A festive programme then followed with traditional African dances and songs. An agape meal followed hosted in honour of the Patriarch and attended by all.

That night His Beatitude visited the home of the Ambassador of Egypt where he was warmly welcomed and attended a dinner hosted in his honour and attended by members of the Zambian community including the Minister of Education. The Egyptian representative in Zambia welcomed the Primate of the Alexandrian Church with great emotion, spoke of his personality and emphasized the respect he enjoys of the President and the Government of Egypt. He also said: "Your Beatitude, I do not welcome you to my home, because it is your home, and a host is never welcomed to his home... From the first moment when you arrived in Zambia, your presence and your words of love, peace and solidarity have touched our hearts, have moved us, have awoken our conscience and have pushed us to recover and take strength to continue, having always God and man as our rule". Having been deeply moved by the words of the Egyptian Ambassador, the Patriarch Thanked him for his love and hospitality and invited all present to visit Egypt to see the development in the country and to admire the sweetness and kindness of the hospitable people. He then gave the Ambassador a commemorative gift.

Source:

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople was taken to hospital upon the recommendation of doctors on Wednesday morning. According to the Constantinople Patriarchy, "he feels quite well and is going to return to his office in a few days," Romfea.gr reports. For almost a week, Bartholomew I has been suffering a bad cold. The meeting of the Constantinople Patriarchate Synod is adjourned for the reason of Patriarch's illness.

Source:

The Moscow Patriarchate reminded EU leadership of spiritual roots of the current downfall. "With any crisis, we need primarily to look for spiritual reasons. This is also true for the current economic recession," head of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations Bishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk said at a meeting of the President of the European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso and the President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering with representatives of European traditional religions held in Brussels.
Bishop Hilarion called ironical the situation when "the crisis mostly affects those who directly participate in the production of material values, and the major financial support is given to stock exchanges, banks, and international corporations, that is, to those institutions which are to blame for the recession."

Source:

After the Holy Liturgy, at 9 in the morning at the Patriarchate Chapel of St Simeon the Myrrh-gusher His Grace Bishop Irinej of Australia and New Zealand, in the presence of all Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, has served a rite of the invocation of the Holy Spirit, which has been an opening of the formal session of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Besides a great number of current issues the Holy Assembly of Bishops of our Holy Church is going to, also this year, pay attention to preservation of centuries-old praying tradition and a live testimony of the Church in the modern world. In the work of the Assembly all diocesan bishops take part.

Source:

Orthodox Church of Cyprus

Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland Sawa will pay an official visit to Cyprus from 15-20 May at the invitation of Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

A statement by the Archbishopric here Monday says that the Bishop will be received at Larnaca Airport on Friday afternoon by the Primate of the Orthodox Church on the island and members of the Holy Synod. The official welcoming ceremony will take place on Friday morning by the Archbishop, members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and people.


Source:

On 12/5/09 the Orthodoxy Beyond Limits Forum delegates headed by Mr George Alexander (Chief Coordinator- Dpet of Public Relations) visited the Catholicate Palace and met Rev Fr Sabu Kuriakose, Principal Secretary to the Catholicose of the all East His Holines Baselius Marthoma Dydimos I. This was visit was for the first time in the history of OBL Forum.

The OBL delegates visited the Catholicate Palace as per the invitation of the Principal Secretary to the Catholics. Discussions were made on the book published by OBL in the year 2008. The delegation had some important discussion with Fr Sabu Kuriakose with regard to the printing and publication of Malankarasabha (Official magazine of the Indian Orthodox Church). A number of written suggestions were forwarded to the Principal Secretary for the improvement of the magazine. Fr Sabu promised to seriously consider the suggestions put forward by OBL

On behalf of the Rt rev Chorbishop Kyriakose Thottupuram (Director-OBL) and Mr Lejith George (Chairman-OBL), Mr George presented an Eastern Orthodox Icon of the Holy Virgin to the Fr Sabu Kuriakose. The Delegation also met with Fr Em Phillip (Secretary to His Beatitude Catholicose) and also had a short talk with Fr K M Georeg(Principal-Orthodoxy Theological Seminary). Mr Thomas Kuruvilla (Sub Editor- Malankarasabhapatrika) was present for the occasion.

Dept of Public Relations-OBL

Ecumenical Patriarchate


Vienna-Prague-Bucharest-Istanbul, Europe
5/7/2009

A delegation of Archons visited Central and Eastern Europe during the week of February 21-28, 2009, in continuation of the Archons' Religious Freedom Mission in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The five-member delegation traveled to Vienna, Prague and Bucharest and concluded its mission with an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, led the delegation which consisted of National Secretary John Halecky, Legal Counsel Christopher Stratakis and Dr. Spiro Macris, member of the National Council. Father Alexander Karloutsos, Assistant to Archbishop Demetrios of America and Spiritual Adviser to The Order of St. Andrew also accompanied the delegation.
Victor Dvorak, Czech Republic Deputy Chief of Mission to the OSCE, meets with the Archon delegation.

VIENNA
Headquarters of the Organization of Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Vienna, the site of the OSCE headquarters was visited on February 22 and 23. The OSCE consists of 56 participating states from Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and North America. It was created during the Cold War as an East-West forum. Among its many mandates, the OSCE investigates issues such as violations of human rights and religious freedoms, issues which the Order of St. Andrew finds relevant to its mission regarding the protection and promotion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In Vienna, the Archon delegation was joined by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Director of the Liaison Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the European Union. The delegation met with Kyle Scott, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to the OSCE and Thaddeus Kontek, Political Officer of the Mission. Dr. Limberakis briefed the officials on the repressive conditions under which the Ecumenical Patriarchate functions and which threaten its very existence.
Meeting with Ambassador Mara Marinaki, Ambassador of Greece to the OSCE.
Mr. Kontek also introduced the delegation to Ms. Winsome A. Packer, who is serving as the representative of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to the OSCE in Vienna.

The delegation, accompanied by Mr. Kontek, then met with Greek officials posted to the OSCE: Ambassador Mara Marinaki, Ambassador of Greece to the OSCE; Deputy Chief of Mission Dionyssious Kyvetos, Counselor Christos Sofianopoulos and Public Affairs and Press Officer Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos. Dr. Limberakis introduced the Archon delegation and reviewed the objectives of the Archon mission to the OSCE relative to the current status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Ambassador Marinaki stated that the OSCE worked by consensus of all 56 participating states and had no powers of enforcement or punitive authority. Greece, which holds the chair of the OSCE for this year, 2009, is obligated to preside with total objectivity. Dr. Limberakis stated that all Christians, not just Orthodox, as well as non-Sunni Muslims are discriminated against in Turkey.

The delegation's final meeting in Vienna was with the Czech Deputy Chief of Mission to the OSCE Victor Dvorak and Human Dimension Officer Jara Kalimonova. It should be noted that the Czech Republic currently holds the presidency of the European Union.
Members of the Archon delegation traveled by an overnight train and arrived in Prague on Februrary 24, 2009. where they met with the head of the Catholic Church in the Czech Republic, Archbishop Miloslav Cardinal Vlk.

PRAGUE
Current presidency of EU
(1/1/2009 - 6/30/2009)
Coordinates negotiations with EU candidate nations, including Turkey

On February 24, in Prague, the Czech Republic, the delegation visited the U.S. Embassy and met with Mary Thompson-Jones, Deputy Chief of Mission; Charles O. Blaha, Political Officer; and James K. Connell, Political Officer. Dr. Limberakis briefed the officials on the state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Deputy Chief of Mission Thompson-Jones congratulated the delegation on its EU and OSCE initiatives, and advised the delegation to visit Sweden prior to its acceding to the EU presidency in July of this year.

The delegation then went to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with JUDr. Pavel Svitil, Head of Working Group for Enlargement of the EU, for South and South East Europe. Dr. Limberakis briefed Dr. Svitil on the state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

On February 25, in Bucharest, Romania, the delegation went to the U.S. Embassy and met with Charge d' Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission Jeri Guthrie-Corn; Political Counselor Theodore Tanoue; and Political Specialist Rodica Barlanescu. Dr. Limberakis briefed the officials on the state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the specific elements relating to its suppression.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania receives the Archon delegation consisting of [L-R] Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Archon Christopher Stratakis, National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, Archons John Halecky and Dr. Spiro Macris. Fr. Michael Tita, Romanian Patriarchal Counselor, is pictured on the far right.

BUCHAREST
Romania is the most populous Orthodox country in EU
Archon visitaton reinforced their engagement in the religious freedom process for the Ecumenical Patriachate

On February 26, the delegation met with a number of officials of the Romanian government. Meetings were held with Presidential Adviser Bogdan Tataru Cazaban; at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Bogdan Aurescu, Secretary of State, and Razvan Rotundu, Director of Human Rights and Council of Europe Division; and at the Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs, with Adrian Nicolae Lemeni, Secretary of State. The delegation also met Dr. Dorina-Maria Nastase, Political Reporter and Head of the Political Section, and Doina Servan, Coordinator Team Europe and EDC Coordinator, both European Commission Representatives in Romania. Dr. Limberakis discussed the state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the delegation received a sympathetic hearing.

The delegation received the support of U.S. embassy officials in Vienna, Prague and Bucharest in arranging meetings with government officials. Discussions with U.S. officials were both frank and cordial. Meetings with government and OSCE officials in all three cities were informative and the delegation was respectfully received. A briefing packet containing several items of information regarding the mission of the Archons and the present state of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was given to every individual with whom the delegation met -- some 60 packets in all. Dr. Limberakis and the delegation clearly stated at all meetings that the Order of St. Andrew supported the entry of Turkey into the EU, but through it mission hoped to improve the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

No less important than the delegation's meetings with U.S. and European government and OSCE officials, was the delegation's meetings with clergy in all three cities visited. In Vienna the delegation attended Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and met with Metropolitan Michael of Austria. Also in Vienna, the delegation had a meeting with His Excellency Reverend Michael Banach, permanent representative of the Vatican to the OSCE. In Prague the delegation met with Miloslav Cardinal Vlk, Archbishop of Prague and Head of the Catholic Church in the Czech Republic. In Bucharest the delegation met with His Beatitude Daniel, Archbishop of Bucharest and Patriarch of Romania. Also present were Metropolitan Ciprian Campineanu and Father Michael Tita, Patriarchal Counselor.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (center) and Archbishop Meliton (left) with Archons Spiro Macris, Christopher Stratakis, and John Halecky. (Photo by N. Manginas)

ISTANBUL
Headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

The mission of the Archon delegation concluded on Saturday February 28 with a meeting with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Secretary John Halecky reported on the delegation's meetings in Vienna, Prague and Bucharest. Legal Counsel Christopher Stratakis discussed several issues pending before the Archon Legal Committee. Archbishop Meliton was also in attendance. His All Holiness thanked the Archon delegation for its efforts on behalf of the Mother Church.

Source:

The Orthodox on the way to Lyon ‘Called to One Hope in Christ’

STATEMENT

1. Upon the invitation of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and under the moderatorship of His Eminence Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima (Ecumenical Patriarchate), 27 hierarchs, priests, deacons, university professors and lay persons (male and female), representing nearly all of the Orthodox Churches members of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), gathered in Ierapetra, Crete, Greece, from 27 to 30 April 2009, within the framework of preparations for the 13th General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches, which will be held in Lyon, France, from 15 to 21 July 2009, under the theme, “Called to One Hope in Christ”. The Consultation was honored by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Irineos of Crete at the official opening prayer at Saint George Cathedral in Ierapetra and the inaugural session, as well as by His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronas (Chania).

2. The participants were all members of their Churches’ official delegations, who will attend the Lyon Assembly. They were present from: The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Patriarchate of Serbia, Patriarchate of Romania, Church of Cyprus, Church of Greece, Church of Poland, Church of Albania, Church of Finland, Church of Estonia, the Armenian Church/Catholicosate of All Armenians, the Patriarchate of Bulgaria (as an observer) and two staff members of the Conference of European Churches.

3. Along with the discussions on a series of various topics, the programme included prayers, meetings with the local community and authorities and a visit to the Holy Metropolitanate of Ierapytna and Sitia.
4. After having conveyed the paternal wishes and blessings of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Gennadios thanked Metropolitan Evgenios of Ierapytna and Sitia for his generous hospitality and greeted all participants. He expressed the hope that this encounter will constitute another occasion to further strengthen the existing fraternal links between the Orthodox Churches and that it will enable them to act and speak “with one voice and one heart” during the Lyon Assembly. In response, Metropolitan Evgenios welcomed with joy the participants and expressed his good wishes for the success of this important Inter-Orthodox meeting.


5. The main purpose of the meeting was:

a) to analyze and comment on the programme of the Assembl,
b) to deepen its main theme: “Called to One Hope in Christ,
c) to make a survey of the present-day ecclesiastical and socio-political developments in Europe and to define the role of the Orthodox Churches in the shaping of a new European society
d) to draw a common Orthodox understanding on the issues to be debated during this significant ecumenical event
e) to discuss the future of the Conference of European Churches
f) to work out a Statement and a Report to be addressed to all those attending the Assembly in Lyon

6. Participants received, heard and discussed papers on the theme and programme of the Lyon Assembly, as well as the future of CEC, presented by H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr. Gennadios of Sassima, The V. Revd. Grand Protopresbyter Dr. Georges Tsetsis, The Revd. Prof. Dr. Viorel Ionita, Dr. Alexandros Papaderos, Ms Smaranda Dochia, Dr. Konstantinos Kenanidis and the Delegation of the Patriarchate of Romania.

7. The Consultation was inspired by the presentation on the main theme of the Lyon Assembly ‘Called to One Hope in Christ’ by Metropolitan Gennadios, who underlined that hope is not static or passive, but a dynamic, active, directive and life-sustaining gift of the Spirit. From a Biblical perspective, hope is not an escape from reality, problems and concerns. Hope changes us into pilgrim persons, people who see this life as a temporary sojourn in view of the Kingdom to come; it makes us heavenly minded and affects what we do with our lives, our talents and our dreams. Hope gives us joy, peace, courage, boldness and freedom. It liberates us from fear, opens our hearts and straightens our witness of the Risen Lord.

There is one Christ in whom all believers hope, and one heaven they are all hoping for. As the Apostle Paul affirms in his Epistle to Ephesians, Christians have One Faith and Love in Christ. All had been admitted into the Church by One Baptism, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as the sign of regeneration and rebirth in Christ. In all believers God the Father dwells, through His Son by his Spirit and special grace.

Christ is our unique Hope and our Hope of Glory. Christ in the Gospel, Christ on the Cross, Christ Risen, Christ in Heaven, are all Hope. Christ in us, Christ actually present, living and reigning in us, as He lives and reigns in glory, is the only hope in God’s love and mercy.

Thus, all Christians are called to the One Hope in Christ as the way of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. As Europe today experiences a deep crisis of Faith and passes through the “desert of secularization”, the duty of European Christian Churches in the light of Christ’s hope is to engage in a deep dialogue and closer cooperation among themselves and with all peoples of this continent.

8. Following the above presentations, the Participants agreed on the following recommendations:
a) The time has come for the sister Churches of Bulgaria and Georgia to reconsider their participation as full members of the Conference of European Churches and the World Council of Churches, taking into account that their absence not only deprives the Orthodox world from their valuable contribution, but also gives a wrong impression about Church realities in those countries. This is particularly relevant for the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria, since Bulgaria is now a full member of the European Union.
b) We regret the decision of the Russian Orthodox Church to suspend its participation in the activities of CEC and deplore its absence among us. We hope and pray that they will join the CEC fellowship at the Lyon Assembly.
c) Taking into account the value of the Charta Oecumenica, we recommend the evaluation of its impact on the ongoing ecumenical debate in Europe and reaffirm the implementation of its commitments.
d) We are concerned about the current situation in relation to the numerous running, but uncompleted, programs of CEC, as well as about the levels of transparency and accountability concerning the decision making process. We, thus, recommend a critical review of the criteria for launching and implementing programmes and actions.

e) Following the restructuring process of CEC we recommend among others:
i) the strengthening of the overall coordinating role of the General Secretary
ii) a closer interaction between the three CEC Commissions
iii) the acceleration of the decision making process on the relocation of CEC
f) In view of the latest developments in the life of CEC, we strongly recommend that CEC maintains its constitutional character as a Fellowship of ‘Churches’ in Europe (See Preamble).
g) Being conscious of our commitment as Orthodox Churches to further the aims of CEC and given the difficulty of making our voice heard, we demand the XIII Assembly to adopt the consensus method as a decision-making process, based on the positive experience of the World Council of Churches.
h) We recommend CEC to evaluate the experience of the three European Ecumenical Assemblies (Basel, Graz, Sibiu), as well as the overall cooperation with the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). New ways for further creative cooperation between CEC and CCEE should be explored.

9. We highly appreciated the friendly atmosphere and frank and open discussion, that prevailed during our meeting. We wholeheartedly express our thanks and gratitude to His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for convening this meeting and respectfully submit the request that the Ecumenical Patriarchate facilitates as frequently as possible similar encounters, in order to enable the Orthodox Churches to address their concerns and to bring a common witness to the world.

May the Risen Lord, our Hope, and the Light emerging from the Empty Tomb illumine our hearts and guide our steps in the path towards Unity!

Ierapetra, 29th April 2009.

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr. Gennadios of Sasima
The V. Revd. Archimandrite Dr. Elpidoforos Lambriniadis
The V. Revd. Deacon Joachim Billis
The V. Revd. G. Protopresbyter Dr. George Tsetsis
The Revd. Protopresbyter Kostantinos Chalkiadakis
Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Delikostantis
Dr. Christina Papazoglou

PATRIARCHATE OF SERBIA
The Revd. Protopresbyter Gajo Gajic
Prof. Dr. Petro Petkovic

PATRIARCHATE OF ROMANIA
H.G. Bishop Dr. Ciprian of Campineanul
Prof. Dr. Adrian Ionut

PATRIARCHATE OF BULGARIA
H. E. Metropolitan Gregorios of Velicko Tarnovo

CHURCH OF CYPRUS
H. G. Bishop Porfyrios of Neapolis
The V. Revd. Archimandrite Dr. Benedict Ioannou

CHURCH OF GREECE
H. G. Bishop Dr. Ioannis of Thermopylai
Mrs Katerina Karkala-Zorba

CHURCH OF POLAND
The Revd. Dr. Andrejz Kuzma

CHURCH OF ALBANIA
Mr George Papadopouli
Ms Anila Baba

CHURCH OF FINLAND
The Revd. Protopresbyter Rauno Pietarinen

CHURCH OF ESTONIA
The Revd. Sakarias (Jaan) Leppik

ARMENIAN CHURCH/CATHOLICOSATE OF ALL ARMENIANS
The V. Revd. Archimandrite Aren Shahenian

CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES
The Revd. Prof. Dr. Viorel Ionita
Ms Smaranda Dochia

GUESTS:
Dr. Alexandros Papaderos
Dr. Konstantinos Kenanidis


Source:

SCOBA

Monday, May 11, 2009

...for the captives and for their salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
The Great Litany


May 24, 2009
The Sixth Sunday of Pascha


The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference
of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas


Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


Christ is Risen!


We, the Hierarchs of SCOBA, have, by the grace of God, been blessed to designate the Sixth Sunday of Pascha, this year on May 24, 2009, to be Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday in all Orthodox parishes of North America. Although Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) is the youngest Agency of SCOBA, it fulfills the direct and clear Evangelical command of the Lord, I was in prison, and you came unto Me (St. Matthew 25:36). Nevertheless, even if we all do not or cannot visit those in prisons, we all can participate in this healing ministry through our participation in the Divine Liturgy.

When, in each Divine Liturgy of our Church, we pray "for the captives and for their salvation," we have the opportunity to be mindful of the prisoners who are serving sentences in jails and penitentiaries throughout this nation. There are those who become captives as a result of their own sins. The prisons of our Nation are filled to overflowing. In fact, there are now more people incarcerated in the United States of America than in any other nation in the world, at any time in history. Many prisoners sincerely seek to be delivered from the chaos of their lives and be healed of their addictions, and they embrace repentance. They look to God for meaning and restoration. The Holy Orthodox Church offers the Life that gives meaning to all life, and is able to restore broken humanity to its original beauty.

This is where OCPM fulfills a vital and truly compassionate service of the Church. This ministry reaches into the dark corners of America's penal system to find captives who are looking for their salvation.

When we, the Members of SCOBA ask all of our parishes to find ways to support OCPM and encourage this work, we invite you to be active agents of compassion, true servants and missionaries who work for the salvation of those held captive by sin and evil which result in death. With such an understanding, let us listen to the voice of the Lord saying, I was in prison, and you came unto Me (St. Matthew 25:36), and join our prayers together for the captives and for their salvation.

With paternal blessings and love in the Risen Christ,


+Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

+Metropolitan PHILIP, Vice Chairman
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

+Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER, Secretary
Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America

+Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Amissos, Treasurer
American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese in the USA

+Archbishop NICOLAE
Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas

+Metropolitan JOSEPH
Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church

+Metropolitan JONAH
Orthodox Church in America


+Metropolitan CONSTANTINE
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA

+Archpriest Alexander Abramov
Acting Representative of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA

+Bishop ILIA of Philomelion
Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America

Source:

May 5, 2009: The Ambassador of Greece in Syria, Mrs Konstantina Zagorianou Prifti, today visited H.H. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas at the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of Mor Aphrem the Syriac, in Ma`arat Sayyidnaya, near Damascus and offered Easter Greetings. The Ambassador also discussed about the forthcoming visit of His Holiness to Greece during the second half of this month. The meeting was attended by the priests and monks of the monastery.


Source:

May 4, 2009: On Monday the 4th of May, 2009, the Archbishop of Cyprus H.E. Chrysostomos II, who is currently on an official trip to Syria visited His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas at the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of St. Aphrem the Syrian, in Ma`arat Sayyidnaya near Damascus. The Archbishop was accompanied by a delegation of bishops from the Church of Cyprus as well as the Greek Orthodox bishops of Syria.

His Holiness the Patriarch welcomed the Archbishop Chrysostomos II on behalf of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch & All the East and in particular the Monastery of St. Aphrem the Syrian. On the gracious occasion, His Holiness pointed to the depth of the relationship between the Orthodox church, and our Church, especially with the Antioch Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim, as well as the relationship of Greek and Syriac churches, and scholarships provided by the church and the government in Greece. His Holiness also conveyed his aspirations to establish good and strong relationship with the Church of Cyprus.

The Archbishop in his reply speech recalled the role of His Holiness the Patriarch, the leadership provided by the holy father in the Ecumenical field during the second half of last century, the good relations which H.H. maintained with all the heads of the churches in the world and H.H's contributions for the establishment of formal dialogue among all the Orthodox churches to reach out for the desired Christian unity.

The Archbishop Chrysostomos II was given a warm welcome by the Faculty of St. Aphrem Syriac Orthodox Theological seminary led by H.E. Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Bishop of Beirut, and the priests and monks and students of theological college. The Archbishop thanked His Holiness the Patriarch for giving him a rousing reception in the monastery of Mor Aphrem the Syriac, in the presence of such a large number of monks, priests and students, and thanked God, who granted him the opportunity to visit the great edifice of civilization.


Source:

The session was chaired by His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The session speaker was Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Eparchy.

The session was not attended by Metropolitan Athanase (Chakhvashvili) of Rustavi and Marneuli Eparchy, Metropolitan Gerasime (Sharashenidze) of Zugdidi and Tsaishi Eparchy, Archbishop Zosime (Shioshvili) of Tsilkani and Dusheti Eparchy, Archbishop Elise (Jokhadze) of Nikortsminda Eparchy.

1. His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II made a welcome speech and briefly discussed current difficult political situation in Georgia, and expressed his hope for peaceful solutions.

2. Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Eparchy, and Metropolitan Isaiah (Chanturia) of Nikozi and Tskhinvali submitted a speech on difficult social and economic situation at their eparchies. The Holy Synod decided to appeal to the President of Georgia to grant historical Akhalkalaki Fortress with its surrounding territories to Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Eparchy.

3. Metropolitan Theodore (Chuadze) of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti Eparchy submitted information on the signed Agreement between State of Georgia and Georgian Apostolic Autocephaly Orthodox Church on sending prisoners to monasteries. The Holy Synod decided to ask bishops submit a list of monasteries ready to receive the prisoners.

4. Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia submitted an offer on development and widening of Educational Committee at the Patriarchate of Georgia. The Holy Synod decided to turn the Educational Committee into the Educational Centre. The Holy Synod adopted the members of the Centre; the Chairman – Bishop John (Gamrekeli) of Tsurtavi Eparchy, and the Centre members – Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi Eparchy, Metropolitan Dimitri (Shiolashvili) of Batumi and Lazeti Eparchy, Archbishop Andria (Gvazava) of Samtavisi and Gori Eparchy, Archpriest Theodore Gignadze, Archpriest Michael Galdava.

5. The Holy Synod discussed issues of Georgian corn, vine and other national cultures revival. The Holy Synod decided to form an Agriculture Development Centre. The Centre will be managed by Metropolitan David (Makharadze) of Alaverdi Eparchy. The Centre will care about revival and development of local agricultural species and support of ecologically pure products.

6. Upon consent by Metropolitan Sergi (Chekurishvili) of Nekresi and Hereti Eparchy, the Holy Synod decided to grant Hereti region a status of being under direct supervision by the Catholicos Patriarch and appoint a Father Superior there.

7. Metropolitan Abraham (Garmelia) of Western European Eparchy informed the Holy Synod about existing difficulties and ways of solutions in the Eparchy. The Holy Synod decided to:

a) Separate Great Britain and irland out of the Western European Eparchy. Appoint Bishop Zenon (Yarajuli) of Dmanisi and Agarak-Tashiri Eparchy as a ruler of the Georgian parish in Great Britain and Ireland;

b) Appoint Metropolitan Dimitri (Shiolashvili) as a ruler of the Georgian parish in North America and Canada, and name him Metropolitan of Batumi and Lazeti Eparchy and ruler of Georgian parish in North America and Canada;

c) Appoint Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Eparchy as a ruler of the Georgian parish in South America, and name him Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Eparchy and ruler of Georgian parish in South America;

d) Appoint Bishop Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Eparchy as a ruler of the Georgian parish in Australia, and name him Bishop of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Eparchy and ruler of Georgian parish in Australia.

8. The Holy Synod decided to form an Analytical Centre for drafting school curriculums requiring deep knowledge and thinking development skills.

9. The Holy Synod chose Archimandrite Melqisedek (Khachidze) to consecrate bishop and name him Bishop of Hereti Eparchy. The consecration ceremony is to be held on 3rd May at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

The Patriarchate of Georgia 30 April 2009

Source:

Yesterday, Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II met with diplomatic corps and stated that extremely tensed relations between the government and the opposition were added to another acute problem of restoration of territorial integrity of Georgia.

“Georgia is passing a transitional period. There are problems which still remain to be solved. The country’s territorial integrity is destroyed. But we keep hope. We believe that our territorial integrity will be restored and protected.

But, we have faced another problem. This is an extremely tensed relation between the government and the opposition. There are wise people among the government authorities and the opposition. And, we hope they will certainly find out common grounds for consensus”, stated His Holiness and Beatitude.

Accredited plenipotentiary and extraordinary ambassadors from different countries to Georgia went to the Georgian Patriarchate upon the Patriarch’s invitation. Catholicos Patriarch asked them for their opinion and advice. His Holiness and Beatitude expressed His hope that the meeting would support ending of the current political crisis in Georgia.

The ambassadors from different countries called all political forces to launch negotiations.

Source:

Georgian Orthodox Church

Applicants could bring their taste samples during 2 months. The testing commission included famous winemakers throughout Georgia. The commission worked for two days to reveal the best wines out of 130 samples.

Winners were awarded prizes and money by Government of Adjara, the Ministry of Education, culture and Sport of Adjara; the Chamber of Commerce and Trade of Adjara, Winery “Khareba”, Batumi Mayor, Constructing Company “ANAGI”, SS “Bagrationi”, Constructing Company “Center Point”, “Elit Electronics” Ltd., SS “TBC Bank”, Mr Zurab Tkemaladze in person, Mr Temur Bakuridze in person, “Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia” Ltd. “Ertguleba Foundation”.

There were 21 different nominations and prizes at the festival:

I place (gold medal) – the Best Western Red Wine; the Best Western White Wine; the best Eastern Red Wine; the Best Eastern White Wine.

II place (silver medal) – the Best Western Red Wine; the Best Western White Wine; the best Eastern Red Wine; the Best Eastern White Wine.

III place (bronze medal) – the Best Western Red Wine; the Best Western White Wine; the best Eastern Red Wine; the Best Eastern White Wine.

Also, the prize nominations were for an organizer, “Winemaker Lady”, “Best Début”, “Best Vineyards”, “Best Wine Cells”, “Best Wine Eparchy”, and “Beginner Winemaker”.

Upon blessing by Metropolitan Dimitri, the Festival is traditional. This year, the festival was held at the “Tbilisi” cinema. It was attended by Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi Eparchy, Metropolitan David of Amba Alaverdi Eparchy, Bishop Zenon of Tashiri and Dmanisi Eparchy, Bishop Stefan of Tsageri and Lentekhi Eparchy, other clergy, government authorities, businessmen, and prominent public figures.

The Festival concert programme was performed by Men’s Vocal Company “Iberion”, choir of Batumi Holy Mother Virgin’s Nativity Cathedral, Company “Batumi”, Dance Company “Khorumi”, nurtures of Batumi St. Mathata’s Lyceum, Men’s Folklore Company “Iberion”, and Folk Musical Instruments Company “Tolia”.

The Homemade Wine Festival will traditionally be continued next year.

Source:

MINNEAPOLIS, MN [MW Communications/May 8, 2009] -- On Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, 2009, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah and His Eminence, Archbishop Job presided at celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the repose of Saint Alexis (Toth) of Minneapolis and Wilkes-Barre at Saint Mary Cathedral here.

The occasion marked the first visit of Metropolitan Jonah to the Diocese of the Midwest since his election as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America in November 2008.

After the celebration of Vespers on the evening of Tuesday, May 6, Metropolitan Jonah delivered a lecture on the life of Saint Alexis and Missions in the Orthodox Church. It was on March 25, 1891 in that Father Alexis and 361 parishioners of Saint Mary Church were received into the Orthodox Church from Eastern Rite Catholicism.

During the Thursday morning Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Jonah, on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, awarded the Very Rev. Andrew Morbey, cathedral rector, the jeweled cross in recognition of his decades of service in the Orthodox Church in America. Nicholas Hubbard, a student at Saint Vladimir's Seminary and a "native son" of the parish, and Zach Schlegowski were blessed to wear the subdeacon's orarion by Archbishop Job.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Job formally welcomed Metropolitan Jonah to the Diocese of the Midwest and cathedral. He also presented diocesan gramoti Dorothy Zurbey, Harry Sarich, Leonard Borgstrom, and Earl Langlais and the ministries they oversee.

In addition to the aforementioned, the Rev. Stacey Richter, associated pastor, numerous Minneapolis Deanery clergy, and clergy from area parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanates concelebrated at Vespers and the Divine Liturgy.

A luncheon and reception followed the Divine Liturgy.

While in Minneapolis, Metropolitan Jonah also met with members of the University of Minnesota's Orthodox Christian Fellowship, one of many similar visits he has made to college campuses.


Source:

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- A delegation from the Orthodox Church in America, lead by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, returned from an official visit to the Church of Russia on May 4, 2009.

Accompanying Metropolitan Jonah were His Eminence, Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada; the Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs, OCA Chancellor; the Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, OCA Director of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations; and Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov.

Metropolitan Jonah arrived in Russia on Saturday, April 25, and was met at the airport by a delegation headed by His Eminence, Archbishop Hilarion of Volokalamsk, the newly appointed chairman of the Russian Orthodox Church's Department of External Affairs. Later that day, the delegation visited Moscow's Donskoi Monastery, where they prayed before the relics of Saint Tikhon, the Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America.

The following day, on the Sunday of Saint Thomas, Metropolitan Jonah concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Savior Cathedral with His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, and participated in the consecration of Archimandrite Tikhon (Zaitsev) as Bishop of Podolsk. Metropolitan Jonah also concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Kirill in the Kremlin's Dormition Cathedral on the eve of his return to the US.

On Monday, April 27, the delegation visited Trinity-Sergius Monastery and the Moscow Theological Academy, where Metropolitan Jonah distributed copies of the Orthodox Study Bible sent by the OCA to three Russian theological schools. Archimandrite Zacchaeus, OCA Representative in Moscow, had distributed Study Bibles at the Kyiv and St. Petersburg theological academies earlier in the year.

While in Moscow, Metropolitan Jonah and the delegation also visited the Novospassky Monastery, where they venerated the wonder-working "Vsetsaritsa" Icon of the Mother of God, and the Stretensky Stavropegial Monastry and Seminary.

In St. Petersburg, Metropolitan Jonah was received at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy by the school's rector, His Grace, Bishop Amvrossy. He and the delegation also visited Saint John of Rila Monastery, where they prayed before the relics of Saint John of Kronstadt, the chapel of the Blessed Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg in the Smolensk Cemetery, and the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Metropolitan Jonah and the delegation spent two days visiting the Valaam Monastery and surrounding sketes as the guest of His Eminence, Archbishop Pankraty of Troitsa, the monastery's superior. It was at the Valaam Monasery that Metropolitan Jonah received his monastic formation during the year he spent in Russia after completing theological studies at Saint Vladimir's Seminary in the early 1990's.

Returning to Moscow, Metropolitan Jonah celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the OCA's Representation Church of Saint Catherine the Great Martyr on Saturday, May 2, where he was welcomed by Archimandrite Zacchaeus and the parish faithful. That afternoon, he visited the Saint Tikhon Orthodox Institute, where he presided at the annual Saint Innocent Readings and delivered a paper on the life and missionary activities of Saint Innocent during his time in America. Metropolitan Jonah and the delegation also were guests of Archbishop Hilarion at the Church of the Resurrection in central Moscow, in which the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God "The Joy of All Who Sorrow," is enshrined.

In addition to their formal visits, Metropolitan Jonah and delegation members met informally with several Church and secular leaders, including the US Ambassador to Russia, Mr. John Beyrle, and Russian State Deputy Sergei A. Popov, Chairman of the Committee for Public Associations and Religious Organizations of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

The highlight of the visit was Metropolitan Jonah's meeting with Patriarch Kirill.

"One of my main goals was not only to serve together with the Patriarch, but to become acquainted with him personally, but to establish a working relationship with him and with Archbishop Hilarion, the head of the Department for External Church Relations," Metropolitan Jonah said in an interview with the Russian religious news agency Blagovest-Info. "First and foremost, I wish to express my respect for our Mother Church and personally to Patriarch Kirill. He renders very great support to the Orthodox Church in America; we have identical views on many things, not only in America, but in the Orthodox world in general."

Prior to his return to the US, Metropolitan Jonah and the delegation members visited at Moscow's Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral, where they venerated the relics of Saint Alexis of Moscow and the wonderworking Icon of Our Lady of Kazan. Metropolitan Jonah also celebrated a panikhida for the repose of the late Patriarch Aleksy of Moscow and All Rus, who is entombed in the cathedral.

This visit to the Church of Russia marked Metropolitan Jonah's first visit to a sister Orthodox Church since his election as Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada at the OCA's 15th All-American Council in November 2008.

Source:

Moscow, May 11, Interfax - This Monday, May 11, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will mark his first 100 days of service.

To this date, which the secular world traditionally considers the baseline to sum up the first results achieved by a public figure, correspondents of Interfax-Religion asked some well-known Russians to discuss how they remembered the first 100 days of Patriarch's ruling and what results of this period showed.

According to Professor of the Moscow Theological Academy Archdeacon Andrey Kurayev, a new Patriarch has focused on economy, and the economy of compliments, above all. "As far as I know, it is forbidden to greet Patriarch singing Many Years more than once and toast him during any meal which he attends. Priests arriving to congratulate Patriarch on Easter were warned in advance that they should not give expensive bunches of flowers from each parish. In this regard, the economy of compliments means cost-cutting, that is, less emphasis is put on outward demonstrations, even promotion, I would say, and more focus will be given to the actual work," Fr. Andrey thinks.

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova points out Patriarch's missionary efforts: "When we listen to him preaching with his inherent rhetorical and spiritual gift, when we see him fostering the expansion of catechesis, sermon and mission, in particular, among young people, we can feel new trends arising. Such trends have already existed under Holy Patriarch Alexy II, whose memory we continue to commemorate. But we believe that Patriarch Kirill will bring the work started by Alexy II to a new and higher level. Patriarch Alexy II laid the foundation for reviving our spiritual life, and Patriarch Kirill will have to put up the whole building."

The Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See in Russia Archbishop Antonio Mennini believes that Patriarch Kirill "has talent for talking and listening to young people." "I view Patriarch Kirill as a true religious leader who seeks the unity of his Church, and understands the value and importance of all its constituent parts which is the most essential thing, perhaps," Mennini said.

According to a well-known political scientist and President of the Russian World Foundation Vyacheslav Nikonov, Patriarch Kirill positions himself as "the head of the Church of a Universal scale," and takes all possible steps to prevent schism within the Russian Orthodox Church.

A spokesman for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Boruh Gorin thinks that the main distinguishing feature of Patriarch Kirill is "his knack for bridging the gap between the so called secular and religious minds, his ability to show that there is nothing secular which can be alienated from spirit, and nothing spiritual that can successfully compete with the so called secular vision."

Head of CIS Institute Konstantin Zatulin said that "Patriarch Kirill remains a figure of high moral authority for many members of community - whether believers or not - and a person whose election to the Patriarch's office was greeted with overall understanding," and "his activity as Patriarch meets the expectations of people."

Patriarch Kirill was elected to the Patriarchal See by the Local Council with 75% of votes on January 27, 2009, and thus became the 16th Moscow Patriarch, the successor of Patriarch Alexy II who died on December 5, 2008.

Source:

Orthodox Church in America

CHICAGO, IL [Diocese of the Midwest/April 29, 2009] -- Sharing good ideas and practices can be an important step in enabling parish communities to become more vibrant and truly live a life in Christ. Good ideas and at least partial solutions are often available to be shared. Clergy and laity with in-depth experience in relevant areas are available to offer their perspective and insight.
In the past, however, travel costs and time often made it impossible to provide parish leaders -- clergy and laity alike -- effective access to persons with significant experience in areas important to parish life. Diocesan assemblies often have agendas filled with business topics, leaving little time to explore topics important to parish life and development. Fortunately today's collaboration technologies make it relatively easy to enable parish leaders to access the experience, knowledge and insight of subject matter thought leaders directly from their desktop.
The goal of the Diocese of the Midwest Webinar Initiative is to provide, at essentially no direct cost to parishes, insight, experience and information that will assist clergy and lay leaders to "sharpen the saw" and, in so doing, to strengthen their areas of ministry. The initiative will present a series of helpful, provocative, presentations by clergy and laity thought leaders. Topics will cover many areas -- from pastoral skills, administrative procedures, youth topics, and many more. Attendees need only have a computer with an internet connection and a telephone to participate in online meetings and broadcasts.
The next webinar, scheduled for Wednesday May 20, 2009, at 2:00 PM CDT, will feature Fr. Basil Aden, presenting on the topic "Recent Changes in the American Religious Landscape." This webinar will give an overview of the major trends in American society in two categories: 1) Demographics of religious affiliation; 2) Diversity of beliefs. In a series of graphics, it will show the profound changes in American religious affiliation and attitudes toward that affiliation as well as the ever-widening range of religious beliefs that Americans are entertaining.
The presentation will stress that the trends of American culture are already having an impact not only on our outreach to non-Orthodox Americans but also on our ministry to our own members and associates. The presentation will identify three sets of attitudes that shape the evolving American approach to and understanding of religion. It will suggest how Orthodox leaders can address these three sets of attitudes that are present among our members as well as pervasive among non-Orthodox Americans. The session will contain a lot of new information and stimulate much thought on the relationship of the Orthodox Church and its mission to the rapidly changing American society.
Father Basil Ross Aden, who serves Christ the Savior Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Rockford, IL and Associate Professor of Philosophy (Religious Studies) at Rock Valley College, is currently on sabbatical to write a textbook on current approaches to the study of religion.
For more information on the webinar initiative, or to register for the May 20 session, log on to www.midwestdiocese.org/webinars.html.

Source:

Orthodox Church in America

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK [OCPM/May 4, 2009] -- The 2009 convocation of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), the official prison ministry of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport, Denver, CO, July 28-30, 2009.
The purpose of the convocation is to bring together the many Orthodox Christian clergy and laity from across North America engaged or interested in prison ministry for education, encouragement, worship and fellowship, and a free exchange of ideas.
Hotel reservations may be made by calling the Crowne Plaza at 303/371-9494. A special room rate of $79.00 per night is available for those registering before July 17. Registrants should mention that they are with the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry.
Participants may register for the convocation on-line at www.ocpm-scoba.org. Registration forms may also be downloaded and mailed to OCPM, PO Box 22965, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. The registration fee is $125.00 for those who register before June 15, 2009, after which the fee is $150.00. Financial assistance to cover the registration fee is available to those upon whom the fee would impose financial hardship.
OCPM brings the light of Christ to the imprisoned in North America by providing encouragement, material support, transition and reintegration services, Christian education, spiritual guidance, and the sacramental life of the Church to prisoners and their families. OCPM is a tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Tax deductible donations to this vital ministry may be sent to PO Box 468, Fleetwood, PA, 19522-0468.

Source:

Honourable veterans of the Great Patriotic War,children of war and descendants of all the deceased, tortured in the concentration camps and abducted from Ukraine during the Great Patriotic War!

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has the greatest respect for the feat of arms of the soldiers-liberators, and prayerfully commemorates all those who put their lives for their neighbours in the battlefield of the World War II in fulfillment of the Gospel commandment.

The Holy Synod of the UOC fixed the special annual memorial service for the deceased soldiers for May, 9. In all the churches and monasteries of our Holy Church, which blessed our brothers and fathers to defend our Motherland in 1941, the pannikhida services and memorial Litias are performed that day.

This year, as usual, the Primate of the UOC planned to conduct the memorial service and the church commemoration of the deceased soldiers and all the victims of the World War II not only at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, but also at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Park of Glory (Park Slavy) in Kyiv. The Primate of the Autonomous Church of Finland of the Patriarchate of Constantinople Metropolitan Leo of Karelia and All Finland was to take part in the liturgical service.

But the format, suggested by the protocol service of the Administration of the President of Ukraine makes impossible the prayerful participation of the Primates of the canonical Orthodox Churches in the action in the Park of Glory on May 9, 2009.

Therefore the Primates of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Finland will perform the memorial service and the church commemoration of the deceased soldiers and victims of the World War II the day before, on May 8, at 20.00 pm in accordance with the orthodox tradition and the canons of the Holy Church.


Source:

At least 150 thousand of believers came to the relics of the Holy Hierarch Spyridon of Tremithous at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during a week (April 26- May 3), - reported archimandrite Varsonofy, the monastery provisor.

"It was the Greek delegation that helped us to count the people, issuing the so-called "filahta", small paper icons with a piece of cloth, blessed on the relics of the Holy Hierarch.
According to the Greek clergymen, they distributed already 125 000 icons of the kind while the relics remained in Lavra.
However these icons were not given out on the regular basis, therefore, by our calculations, at least 150 thousand of faithful paid veneration to the relics, archimandrite Varsonofy said.

Source:

It is with a profound depth of sadness and prayer that the Consistory Office of Public Relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA prayerfully announces that the servant of God, Very Rev. Fr. Volodymyr Melnyk has reposed in Christ - born to eternal life - after a lengthy illness on May 8, 2009. May his memory be eternal!
O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has trampled down death; You have overthrown the devil and have given Life to Your world: now give rest, Lord, to the soul of Your departed servant Priest Volodymyr, in a place of light, a place of refreshment and a place of repose, where there is no sickness, sighing nor sorrow. As You are a Good God, Who loves mankind, pardon every sin, which he has committed, whether by word or by deed or by thought, for there is no man who lives and has not sinned. You alone are sinless, Your Righteousness is Eternal and Your Word is Truth. For You are the Resurrection, the Life and the Repose of your newly presented servant, Priest Volodymyr, Christ our God and we give glory, together with Your Father, Who is Eternal and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen!
His Eminence Archbishop Antony, President of the Consistory of our Holy Church has requested that we include Fr. Volodymyr in our prayers and liturgical commemorations and participate in the funeral services.

Source:

Monday, April 27, 2009, at 11 a.m., at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, received the visit of Rev. Prof. Nicolas Cernokrak, the Dean of the Saint-Serge Institute of Orthodox Theology in Paris and of Jérémie Ceauşescu, a Romanian ethnic professor at this institute.

During the discussions, which were aimed at developing a traditional theological cooperation, the delegation of the Saint-Serge Institute of Orthodox Theology has shown interest for the spiritual life of the Romanian Orthodox Church and for the pastoral-missionary activities unfolded by the Romanian Patriarchate, showing special appreciation for the spiritual life of the people they met during the pilgrimage in our country. On this occasion, His Beatitude Daniel has underlined the necessity for the strengthening of the pastoral and missionary character of the Church's activities, a principle which lies at the foundation of the organization and functioning of the Saint-Serge Institute of Orthodox Theology in Paris.


THE PRESS OFFICE OF THE ROMANIAN PATRIARCHATE

Source:

VETERANS OF WAR – TESTIMONY OF THE LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY

CHRIST IS RISEN!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Dear veterans,

Bearing in our souls the joy and richness of the light of our Savior Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, we are receiving the richness of the merciful love of God and the heavenly grace given to us humans, in Jesus Christ, in order for us to participate to the eternal life and joy of the Holy Trinity.

This richness of Christ’s presence was also shared by those who have felt the most the help of the Risen Christ in times of tribulation, namely the martyrs, heroes, veterans, but also all the faithful who are fighting for truth and justice, for freedom and unity or are working to help their fellows in a sincere and charitable way.

The power to endure history, when you cannot change it, is the wisdom and force of survival in the face of the danger of self-destruction and mindless suicide. The Romanian people have survived on this land because it had wisdom, power of sacrifice and patience when it could not vanquish by the power of arms. Through this wise and hopeful endurance, they have survived attacking migrants, greedy imperialists and destructive dictatorships, filling history with the crosses on the tombs of sacrificing heroes and on the churches built as candles of resurrection and hope.

That is why the memory of heroes, the commemoration from one generation to another of those sacrificed for the defense of the faith and of the country, is a true culture of the Romanian soul which feels that love is stronger than death.

The chronicles which note the sacrifice of this people are admirably summarized in the text found on the Arch of Victory in Bucharest, the Romanian capital: “After centuries of suffering, Christianly endured, and after heavy fights for the preservation of the national being, after the defense full of sacrifices of human civilization, finally justice has come also for the Romanian people…” Thus, our liberation was lived as an experience of the power and light of the Risen Christ, because the victory hymn of sacrificial love, “Christ is Risen,” is written on the façade of the Mărăşeşti Mausoleum.

The multitude of heroes and martyrs whom we are humbly commemorating permanently are proving that our people has internalized the mystery of the Cross and the Resurrection and has lived history as a Cross and as a Resurrection, suffering and hope, sorrow and joy, fulfilling the words of Holy Apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight […] I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The mystery of the Cross which is being exalted in the grace of the Resurrection is inscribed in the Romanian coat of arms, as a symbol of our history, a sign of great stability, continuity and unity in thought and feeling over the generations and permanent spiritual program.

It is thus appropriate that we address a thankful message to all those who have offered their life in past for our existence today, and, thus, we are all required to honor them with respect and commemorate their sacrifice and struggle, if we are to rediscover ourselves as a nation of Christian kings and martyr heroes.

In the end, we are praying that Christ our Lord grants His grace, of light and eternal life, to the heroes of the Romanian people, granting them holy rest into the hope of Resurrection, and You, honored veterans of war, those who are our inspiration for courage and sacrifice, may He grant good health, peace and joy, teaching us to love our people and our country, to pray and struggle for peace between people, for the glory of God and the salvation of humans.

† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church

Source:

NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announced today that the lawsuit brought by Jacksonville, Florida plaintiffs in September 2007 has been settled.

There has been no finding of fault or liability against the Archdiocese.
The September 2007 lawsuit was based upon allegations of inappropriate behavior by Fr. Nicholas Graff while he served as priest of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The June 13, 2007 suspension placed on Fr. Graff continues and prohibits him from acting in any liturgical, pastoral, administrative or other official capacity within the Orthodox Church.

Source:

NEW YORK – Yesterday, May 5, 2009, Archbishop Demetrios of America, responding to a formal invitation, made an official visit to the Headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), the first such visit of a Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in more than 40 years. The visit was reciprocal in nature, as Archbishop Demetrios had received the new First Hierarch of ROCOR, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, at the Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in June of 2008, after the enthronement of the latter.

The Archbishop was received by Metropoltian Hilarion and members of the ROCOR Synod in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign. After cordial fraternal exchanges between the Hierarchs and the clergy, there was the chanting of “Christ is Risen” in Slavonic, Greek and English, and Metropolitan Hilarion escorted Archbishop Demetrios to venerate the historic Miracle Working Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Metropolitan Hilarion addressed Archbishop Demetrios to the Cathedral and ROCOR Headquarters saying, “We welcome the Chief Orthodox Archpastor of America and the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” An exchange of greetings and gifts followed.

After the veneration of several relics and icons in the Cathedral, Metropolitan Hilarion and Archbishop Demetrios gathered in the Metropolitan’s private quarters for informal discussions. The Archbishop was accompanied in the meeting by His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas; the Very Rev. Archimandrite Sebastian Skordallos, Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod; the Rev. Mark Arey, Director for Inter-Orthodox Relations, and Archdeacon Pandeleimon Papadopoulos. Metropolitan Hilarion was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco, His Grace Bishop George of Mayfield, His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, the Very Rev. Archpriest Alexander Lebedeff, and the Very Rev. Archpriest Seraphim Gan.

At the conclusion of the hour-long meeting, the entire company was joined by other ROCOR Hierarchs who were present for Synod Meetings during these days, and a festive Paschal meal was offered in honor of Archbishop Demetrios. The ROCOR Hierarchs who joined the meal were Archbishop Mark of Berlin, Bishop Gabriel of Montreal, Bishop Peter of Cleveland, and Bishop John of Caracas.

Source;

Zumoro – The Indian Orthodox Choir gets first prize in the Seminary Choir category in the Xth International Festival of Orthodox Chants held at Minsk, Belarus from 29 April to 3 May 2009. The Minister for Culture & Tourism gave the prize to the winners. This is the second time Zumoro wins a first prize in an International Music festival. The first one was in May 2000 at Poland. The festival was organized by the Belarusian exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church and the ministry of Culture,Tourism, Education and Mass media of the republic of Belarus. There were more than 45 groups from different countries including the host country, Russia, Latvia, Lituania, Georgia, Netherlands, France, Romania, Ukraine, Armenia, Poland, Armenia and India.

Source:

Serbian Orthodox Church

His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral has received today at the Patriarchate court representatives of the Megatrend University: Prof. Dr Mica Jovanovic, the dean of the University; Mijat Damjanovic and Vladan Kutleshic, along with Dragomir Acovic, a member of the Crown Council and a friend of the Megatrend University.

A goal of a visit of the representatives of the Megatrend University has been to inform His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije with a work of the University and wishes about cooperation with the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University of Belgrade in the field of culture as well as in the field of spirituality.


Source:

On the Slava of St. Vasilije of the St. Basil of Ostrog parish in Angels Camp, May 2nd, Bishop Maxim had the joy of serving his first Divine Liturgy in one of the oldest Serbian Orthodox Churches which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next May. His Grace, Bishop Maxim was warmly received and truly enjoyed the fellowship and liturgical services with Iguman Gerasim of Platina ,Fr. Miladin Garic, Fr. William Weir and Protodeacon Triva Pavlov.

The Services began with the Orthros of Pasha where his Grace sang along with a small choir and other parishioners. There were many communicants. The service was followed by the blessing of the Slavski Kolac and Zito with the commemoration of the deceased founders and members of the Church. Despite a light drizzle we adjourned to a cemetery in Angels Camp where the graves of several priests and a number of parishioners were blessed and their memory commemorated. It has been more than 20 years since a Hierarchical Liturgy has been served at St Basil's Church. The Faithfull proceeded to Calaveras city where a luncheon feast was prepared and enjoyed by all. Following the service and banquet at the Angels Camp, His Grace travelled to Plymouth, California to officiate at a wedding, after which he flew to San Diego to celebrate the Krsna Slava of the Saint George parish which was to be held the next day on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

Source:

In an embarrassing situation, the Libyan authorities arrested Egyptian Coptic Christian Massoud Hanna, 41 years old, accusing him of proselytizing and detained him in prison.According to Dr. Naguib Gibraeel, President of the Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organization “EUHRO”, an attorney and a Copt himself, Mr. Hanna was publishing purely Christian spiritual contents on his electronic website, which the Libyan authorities considered to be “Proselytizing Christianity in Libya”.

“Hanna has not been proselytizing Christianity on his website, the matter simply is that a Muslim Egyptian named Saad el-Din Saad, who is the detainee’s partner in a small business for recycling used manufacturing oil, denounced him to the Libyan External State Security. The Muslim partner wanted to get rid of him by being sent back to Egypt, so that he can put his hand on the whole business” Gibraeel commented.
This human rights abuse against Mr. Hanna was reported by the EUHRO to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Ambassador in Lybia to resolve this matter and free the Coptic man “as he is an Egyptian citizen regardless of his religion!” he added.
He also appealed to President Gaddafy of Libya to intervene in order to secure the release of the detained innocent Copt.
Dr.Gibraeel considers this detainment of the Copt on charges of proselytization as a very serious issue which seriously infringes freedom of faith, since what Hanna was publishing was spiritual matters, “besides, just for argument’s sake, even if the Copt was actually proselytizing, there is no law which criminalizes proselytization”, he said.
“This case is a blatant violation of international covenants and agreements signed by Libya and to which it became a partner. However, the organization intends to escalate this issue internationally should this Coptic man remain in detention”.stressed Gibraeel.
An EUHRO delegation intends to visit Lybia to secure the release of Mr.Hanna within the coming few days, should the efforts of the Egyptian Foreign ministry fail.

Source:

On Thursday 7 May 2009, the members of the Executive Committee of the Ramgavar Party, accompanied by two officials, Member of Parliament Mr. Hagop Kassardjian and Minister Jean Oghasapian met with His Holiness Aram I. They had come to inform the Catholicos that Mr. Jean Oghasapian was their party’s candidate for the legislative elections in June. On this occasion they also discussed the internal situation in Lebanon and issues related to the forthcoming elections.

In the end, His Holiness Aram I repeated to his guests what he has been telling Armenian Organizations involved in the electoral campaign and visiting him: “Armenian candidates should work together, strengthen cooperation in order to advocate effectively for the interests of the Armenian community during elections, and after elections in the legislative processes of the country.”

Source:

On May 3, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, granted the Order of St. Gregory the Illuminator to Dr. Karine Sargsian of Yerevan, Armenia, for her philanthropic endeavors and service to the Armenian people. In 2008, the St. Vartan and St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (John the Baptist) Baptistery was built in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin through the generosity of Dr. Sargsian and her brother, Ambassador Armen Sargsian of London, England.
His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See welcomed Dr. Sargsian and her family as the ceremony commenced. Ambassador Sargsian presented biographical notes about his sister, Karine, and expressed his joy that the Armenian Church and His Holiness were recognizing Dr. Sargsian for her work as a physician and philanthropist.

Bishop Arshak then read the Pontifical Encyclical, by which the Order of St. Gregory is awarded. It reads in part, "…For many years, as a cardiologist, you have used your scientific knowledge and medical skills with all devotion and care in restoring the health of your community. You have contributed to the advancement of health care and new developments in the medical industry. In addition to your important professional mission, you are vigilant in your endeavors for the welfare and progress of the spiritual and ecclesiastical life of our faithful. Together with your brother, Ambassador Armen Sargsian, you made it possible to construct the new baptistery for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The St. Vartan and St. Hovhannes Baptistery will serve the spiritual life of our nation, since the newest members of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, born spiritually from the font of this baptistery, and receiving the graces of the Holy Spirit through Holy Muron, will be strengthened with faith and love, becoming loyal and true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Gospel".

Following the reading of the Encyclical, the Pontiff of All Armenians bestowed Dr. Sargsian with the highest award of the Armenian Church - the Order of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, and presented her with the medal of St. Gregory.

Dr. Sargsian thanked His Holiness for the honor, expressing her desire that the newly-built baptistery would meet the spiritual needs of Armenia and that thousands of children and adults would be baptized there, transforming into the new faithful sons and daughters of our Church and Nation. Dr. Sargsian pledged to continue her service, in her love of God and the Armenian Church.

The ceremony closed with congratulatory remarks and blessings of His Holiness, who expressed his gratitude to Dr. Sargsian for her dedicated service, skilled contributions in her field of healthcare, inspiring endeavors on behalf of the nation, and the enhancement and reinforcement of the Armenian Church. The Pontiff of All Armenians urged her to continue in her devoted mission with pride and virtue.


Source:

On May 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Svetlana Medvedeva, First Lady of the Russian Federation. She was accompanied by Rita Sargsian, First Lady of the Republic of Armenia.
His Holiness welcomed Mrs. Medvedeva to the center of Armenian spiritual life, reflecting on the long-standing friendship between the two countries. The Catholicos expressed his appreciation for the joint educational and cultural projects implemented by the first ladies, contributing to the development and reinforcement of relations between the two countries. Mrs. Medvedeva expressed her happiness for her visit to Armenia and to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, for the opportunity to learn about the religious heritage of the Armenians.
During the meeting, His Holiness and the First Lady spoke about the close ties between the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches, their cooperation in different spheres and the warm relationship enjoyed between the two Pontiffs. His Holiness also commended the Russian authorities for their strong support of the Russian Orthodox Church in recognition of the important role it plays in the life of the people


Source:

By the Pontifical Directive of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Rev. Fr. Khoren Hovhannisian, a member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, has been appointed as Pastor of the Armenian community of India and Manager of the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy of Calcutta (Kolkata), as of April 25, 2009.
On Sunday, April 26, Fr. Khoren celebrated his first Divine Liturgy in India, in the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, located on the grounds of the Armenian Home for the Aged in Calcutta. During the Divine Liturgy, Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian, Pontifical Representative of His Holiness for India, having arrived in Kolkata with Fr. Khoren, greeted the faithful on behalf of the Catholicos of All Armenians and conveyed His Holiness’ blessings to all present. Fr. Ktrij welcomed Fr. Khoren to India, and introduced him to the faithful Indian-Armenian community and the students of the Armenian College. Fr. Ktrij also expressed the appreciation and thanks of the Pontiff of All Armenians to Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, outgoing Manager of the school and former pastor of the Armenians of India, for his five years of productive and devoted service to the community and the students of the College, which resulted in many improvements and positive reforms.
Thereafter, Fr. Khoren delivered his first sermon to the Indian-Armenian community and the students of the College, expressing his happiness and complete readiness to work together with the community for the glory of God and the consolation of his flock. Fr. Khoren thanked His Holiness for the opportunity to serve in such a historic Armenian community, and pledged to contribute his abilities and efforts for the prosperity and vibrancy of the Armenian Church and faithful in India and the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy.

Source:

Moscow, May 8, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia paid tribute to the memory of soldiers fallen in the Great Patriotic War.

To the mournful music played by the honour guards orchestra, Patriarch laid a wreath to the Eternal Flame burning at the Kremlin wall. The Orthodox cross of yellow flowers against the red background is laid in the center of the wreath.

Over 500 members of the Russian Orthodox clergy, archbishops and bishops in black vestments joined Patriarch in this ceremony.

After the wreath was laid, the military orchestra played the Anthem of Russia, and the clergy choir sang the hymns "Memory Eternal" and "Christ Is Risen from the Dead".

In closing, Patriarch addressed the guards of honour wishing them "to live up to the memory of the fallen soldiers and those who gave their lives for the freedom of our country," and congratulated the soldiers with the coming Victory Day.

The guards answered Patriarch chattering their gun stocks on the pavement.

Source:

Moscow, May 6, Interfax – Victory in World War II would have been impossible without special protection from the Lord, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia believes.

“World War II finished exactly on this day (of St. George the Victory-Bearer – IF.) The very fact of such coincidence was a sign because the events of those terrible times in many ways reveal the mystery of Divine mercy to us,” the Patriarch has said on Wednesday after Divine Liturgy in St. George church at Poklonnaya Gora.

He cited the data saying that 26 700 thousand people died in the war against fascist Germany and noted, “it equals to an entire country, it’s a colossal trial for nation, for foundations of national life.”

“Many military experts said the enemy was so well organized, well equipped and his resources exceeded ours in every way that our victory should be considered a miracle,” the Russian Church Primate said.

He noted that nation was dripping with blood, millions of compatriots perished, but people managed to defend the capital, carry out an attack and win the victory.

Patriarch Kirill believes it shouldn’t be considered only a talent of commanders and soldiers.

He pointed out that our people suffered such great losses to redeem apostasy of the Bolshevik times.

According to the Patriarch, there were no atheists at the war, the only difference was that some knew how to make a sign of cross while others didn’t. However, all of them “rose attack with one sigh “Lord, save me, help me, protect me,” the Patriarch believes.

He stressed that if Russia combined divine and human, no one could match it.

The Patriarch thanked Moscow mayor Yury Luzkov, who prayed at the service, for his efforts to strengthen Orthodox faith as he “supports many good undertakings of the Church and thus shows an example for other city heads.” The Patriarch gave the mayor an icon of Christ the Savior wishing that it would help him “work for the welfare of the Church, Motherland and the city of Moscow.”

Source:

Orthodoxy Beyond Limits Forum honored Shri Paul Manalil (famous writer & social activist) on achieving the prestigious Kerala Sahtya Academy Award for his Book ‘Keralathile Bahsha Nunapakshangal’ (Language minorities in Kerala) which was written in the Malayalam Language. On behalf of Right Rev Chorbishop Dr Kyriakose Thottupuram (OBL Director) and Mr. Lejith George (Chairman-OBL), Mr George Alexander (Head Public Relations-OBL) presented the Russian Icon of the Mother of God to Shri Paul Manalil at the International YMCA Centre (Kerala-South India) on 3rd April 2009. Mr Thomas Kuruvilla (Sub Editor- Malankara Sabha Patrika-Monthly newspaper of the Indian Orthodox Church) was present on the occasion. Presently Shri Paul Manalil is working as the Sub Editor of Malayala Manorama (Leading South Indian Daily). Shri Paul Manalil has also written and edited a nuber of books. He is an active member of the Indian Orthodox Church and has represented the Church in several national and international forums.

Source:
OBL News Service

The Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is raising funds to help a ROCOR monastery in Mexico City cope with the effects of an epidemic of swine flu. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, the FFA is appealing to all ROCOR parishes to hold a plate collection to benefit the Monastery in their time of great need.

In an email to ROCOR clergy, Abbot Nectarios of the Monastery wrote:

“We have no money; few people come to Church, everybody is afraid to get the swine flu. People even fear kissing the icons, or kissing a hand! Dozens are calling the monastery all day asking for our prayers and guidance, they are so scared, they can sense the fragility of life. Please pray for us, so God has mercy on our sins.”

With the government order to shut down all “non-essential” businesses, the monastery was forced to temporarily close its bakery and coffee shop –its main source of income, and cancel all church services, excepting those for the brethren.

However, the monastery, which has four brethren, gets at least 20 visitors a day, some coming to consult the abbot, others struggling without work as government canceled everything from concerts to soccer matches, for meals.

If you wish to donate to Holy Trinity Monastery in Mexico City, please send your checks to

Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
75 East 93rd Street
New York, NY, 10128

Please mark donations “Mexico Monastery.”

Or visit our Webpage www.fundforassistance.org

Source:

Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia

On May 2, 2009, youth from Pokrovsky Student Council of the higher educational institutions of St Petersburg at the Institute of International Educational Programs of St Petersburg State Polytechnical University and from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia participated in a “telebridge” conference.

Leading the New York contingent was the Vice Chairman of the Synodal Youth Department of ROCOR, Protopriest Andrei Sommer, while heading the Russian end was Dmitry Baranov, Director of the Information Department of “Pokrov” Inter-University Association.

Of particular interest in this event was the joint singing of prayers by the youth groups separated by an ocean, eight hours and thousands of miles. They began by singing the troparion to the Resurrection of Christ, after which Hieromonk Ioann greeted his brothers and sisters in America, telling them about education in St Petersburg’s Orthodox academies. Fr Andrei, a graduate of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, told the St Petersburg youth about this spiritual center of the Russian diaspora.

Maria Wolkow talked about Russian parish schools in the USA, where children undergo a ten-year course of studies, held on Saturdays, learning Russian language, history, geography, and singing Russian songs. Alexander Stepanov shared his experiences as a teacher of Russian history at one of these parish schools. Harvard student Dmitry Dukhovskoy is a Russian teacher who visited Moscow and St Petersburg several times; he is interested in contemporary life in Russia and participates in ROCOR youth programs. The young people from New York told of their pilgrimages to Egypt and Jerusalem, recounted how youth help churches and monasteries in the Russian diaspora, organize formal balls and summer camps at NORR (the Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia), and attend youth conferences. The young people of St Petersburg learned from Fr Andrei that Youth Day in the Russian Church Abroad is celebrated on the feast day of All Saints.

A member of Pokrov, Liubov Nemchikova described the celebration of the Day of Russian Students, which falls on the feast day of St Tatyana the Martyr. On this day, St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg hosts the awarding of the Order of St Tatyana to students and teachers. The New York contingent was invited to attend next year’s event.

The youth at the St Petersburg studio shared their experiences in launching programs on spiritual education at Pokrov. They talked about the areas they concentrate in, which are similar to the work the youth in New York do: they reported on student events at Valaam Island; the renewal of the tradition of holding formal balls such as Tatyana Ball in the winter, Pokrovsky Ball in the fall and the springtime Ball of Victory; they told of the help the youth provided in rebuilding the church in the village of Kamenniki in Ivanovsk oblast that burned down, and other programs.

Seminarian Ivan Zuev congratulated everyone on the approaching feast day of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, the Orthodox Christian “Women’s Day,” after which Many Years was jointly sung.

Also discussed during the teleconference were other joint events planned for the future:

* A meeting in St Petersburg in July, 2009, during the visit of ROCOR youth to Russia;
* More telebridge conferences in the near future for more detailed study of youth ministry;
* The organization of a winter camp near St Petersburg in the winter of 2010.

The organizers of this telebridge hope that this is the first such “meeting” of young people in Russia and the diaspora, and will serve to draw together Russian Orthodox youth in the Fatherland and abroad.


Source:

Orthodox Church in America

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] -- "In the Beginning" is the title of a conference for teachers, parents, youth ministers, and others interested in Orthodox Christian education, slated to be held at the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

Sponsored by the Department of Christian Education of the Orthodox Church in America, the conference is one of a series conducted in recent years in different regions of the country.

Matushka Valerie Zahirsky, a long-time DCE member and noted author, educator, and speaker, will be the keynote speaker. She will explore a variety of ways to teach major themes revealed in the book of Genesis.

Several workshops, exploring creative ideas and resources appropriate for home and classroom use and related topics, will also be offered throughout the day.

The $15.00 registration fee covers all conference materials and lunch. Checks payable to the Orthodox Church in America may be sent with registration forms, which may be downloaded together with a conference schedule and other information, here, to Mrs. Jewelann Stefanar, 4706 Bentwood Dr., Brooklyn, OH 44144-3153. Those requiring overnight accommodations may also contact Mrs. Stefanar at 216-741-0985 or jewelann1@roadrunner.com.


Source:

SYOSSET, NY [IOCC/OCA Communications/April 28, 2009] -- International Orthodox Christian Charities [IOCC], the Baltimore-based pan-Orthodox humanitarian agency, is monitoring news about the swine flu outbreak.

"While the media can draw attention to an issue, it is often helpful to have other sources of information," says an IOCC spokesperson. "As of April 28, 2009, there are less than 100 confirmed cases of swine flu here in the US and no reported fatalities."

The IOCC web site offers a number of recommendations with regard to personal precautions at www.iocc.org/news/4-28-09flu.aspx. The site also features a downloadable planning booklet at www.iocc.org/swineflu. Written by Mr. Lewis Saylor, who works with IOCC on emergency/disaster planning, in conjunction with the Health Department of Fairfax County, VA, the booklet is especially designed for clergy, lay leaders, and parish staff members. It may be freely reproduced and contextualized for an Orthodox Christian audience.

IOCC will continue to monitor the situation and post further information as it becomes available on its web site at www.iocc.org.

Source:

(Beirut, Lebanon) – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) hosted 14 youth camps throughout Lebanon, promoting a culture of tolerance between youth and encouraging them to take an active role in improving their communities.

One 18-year-old who participated in a Baalbek camp, is already anxious to start a development organization where people from all religions can work together to help Lebanon’s rural areas. “The first day, we were strangers meeting for the first time,” he says, “but I was relieved to find out that although we came from various backgrounds there was nothing standing in the way of our unity.”

Such youth camps serve an important role in Lebanon, a country with a long history of sectarian conflict and whose parliament recognizes 18 different religious and ethnic sects. The camps were implemented by IOCC in partnership with the University of Balamand and the Lebanese Ministry of Education.

More than 400 teenagers participated in 14 four-day camps that featured community service projects and lectures on strategic planning and citizenship. Participants interviewed residents to learn about their community’s needs and then went to work cleaning streets, planting trees, and painting school playgrounds. They also learned how to write a proposal, monitor their projects and write an evaluation of what was accomplished.

Wala, 19-years-old, learned that one can better identify and prioritize a community’s needs with the participation of that community. “Those are skills that we’ll use in our life and not only for summer camp,” says Wala. She adds that the most interesting aspects of summer camp were the time spent getting introduced to the region, making direct contact with villagers and listening to their problems and stories.

IOCC’s youth camps are part of its $5 million program funded by the U.S. government to improve the learning environment and academic performance of 71,000 public school students in 213 schools throughout Lebanon.

Source:

Moscow, May 5, Interfax – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will meet with Moscow youth on the Izmaylovo grand sports arena on May 23 in frames of the 13th World Russian People’s Council.

“It is the first Patriarch’s meeting with youth of such kind, His Holiness will address young people, students of Moscow, and then answer their questions in free format,” the Council’s executive secretary Oleg Yefimov told Interfax-Religion.

According to him, about five thousand people are to participate in the meeting.

The 13th World Russian People’s Council is dedicated to Soul Ecology and Youth. Spiritual and Moral Reasons of Crises and Ways to Overcome Them.

Source:

On the initiative and with the blessing of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, regarding the creation of a Patriarchal Organization utilizing European developmental and humanistic programmes and following the completion of the anticipated procedures in collaboration with te Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Civic Non Profit Company, having the legal character of the Greek Civil Code, named "LIGHT OF AFRICA" and the distinctive title "LIGHT OF AFRICA".

The company is a legal character of private law, public benefit, non profit in character, and under the conditions of the orders 60 and 741-784 of the Greek Civil Code, as well as by the articles of its approved Constitution by the Athens Court of the First Instance. It is a Non Governmental Organization (N.G.O.) according to articles N. 2731/1999 and the rest of the laws existing at the time which are or may be foreseen by the N.G.O. in Greece and in the European Union.

Members of the N.G.O. are: His Eminence George, Metropolitan of Zimbabwe, Mrs Marianna Vardinogiannis, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, Lady of the Patriarchal Throne of Alexandria, Honourable Mr Takis Arapoglou, President of the National Bank of Greece, Christos Zerefos, University Professor-Academic, Archon Great Teacher of the Patriarchal Throne and Alexandros Sarakakis, businessman, who is the Chairman of the Executive Council of the N.G.O.

The basic aim of the N.G.O. "LIGHT OF AFRICA" is the carrying out of humanistic, social, spiritual, cultural, educational, food provisional and developmental work to the people of the countries of the African Continent, in order to contribute to their financial, social and spiritual development and for the combating of poverty.

Also covered within the framework of the above-mentioned basic aim of the Company, will also be the areas of health and social welfare, the necessitites for life, the basic social structures, basic and occupational education and training, spiritual instruction, building and
strengthening of institutions, the defence of human rights and religious freedom, equality between genders, women's access to health, education, finance and vocational restitution, the preservation and maintenance of historical, cultural and religious monuments and buildings, as well as dialogue between and cultural approach of countries.

Within the frameowrk of the above named aimes the Company will strive to undertake international cooperation with credible agents in the communities (N.G.O.s, local developmental agencies, Ministries, University Institutions, International, European and African Organizations, mass agencies such as corporations, sociaties, associations, as well as private and business groups with initiatives on international, European and local level).

The N.G.O. "LIGHT OF AFRICA" is under the supervision of and in collaboration with the Patriarchal Directorate of Developmental Works of the Throne, whose Director is Arcimandrite Panteleimon Arathymos, Dean of the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria. This Patriarchal Directorate will be the liaison between the N.G.O.and the Ecclesiastical Administrations and the organizations of the ancient Patriarchate.

Source:

A thriving Orthodox Christian congregation in South London has expressed strong interest in taking over the long empty Guards Chapel at Chelsea Barracks.

The chapel, which developers are seeking to demolish to make way for a large complex of luxury flats and affordable homes, has been recommended for listing by English Heritage. After fierce local opposition, the proposals, drawn up by the practice of Lord Rogers, have been slightly reduced in scale by the developers Candy and Candy who are working for the Emir of Qatar, who acquired the site for £959 million. They plan to replace the demolished 1960s barracks with sleek rows of identical apartment blocks enlivened by the glazed external lifts and stairs which are the signature of many Rogers buildings.

The South London Orthodox community currently shares St Peter’s Anglican church in Clapham. Giles Milton, a trustee, says: “It is very difficult to acquire churches in London. This is the perfect location for us, close to bus routes and Victoria station. With our own church we could hold more services. The architecture, being Romanesque, is also much more suitable to Orthodox worship than a Victorian Gothic church. Though it has not been used for some time, the church is in reasonable condition.” He said: “We have a charitable trust, some funds and huge support in our community. We have been looking for over five years for our own building. It will be a tragedy if it is demolished.”

The church occupies one corner on the site of the 13.8-acre site, which has a long frontage to Chelsea Bridge Road. Recently the Prince of Wales provoked controversy by inviting the well-known classical architect Quinlan Terry to draw up an alternative to the modernist scheme proposed by the Candy brothers for Qatari Diar, the property arm of the Qatari Royal Family. The Orthodox congregation has an average Sunday attendance of 80, with a wide mix of nationalities — American, British, Bulgarian, Canadian, Cypriot, Dutch, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Irish, Lebanese, New Zealand, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, South African and Ukrainian. The services are celebrated mainly in English, with some prayers in Slavonic and Greek. With its own church the congregation is expected to expand rapidly.

The chapel, built in 1859, is all that remains of the Victorian barracks built after the Crimean War. Barbara Follett, the Culture Minister, will take the decision on listing

Source

With the blessings of Rt Rev Chor Bishop Kyriakose Thottupuram of Chicago(Director- OBL) the OBL Forum has introduced all new toolbar. Our Beloved Readers and Visitors can download the tool bar form the home page of OBL for free of Cost. The Tool bar is customized, with one click readers can visit the OBL News articles and other sessions. Ancient Faith Radio Channel is added in the tool bar for 24hrs online Orthodox music, speech and religious sermons. There is additional provision to add more online music channels according to the readers wish.

Download All New Tool Bar Here
http://www.theorthodoxchurch.info/Home.html

Notifications Via Email

Readers and Visitors can also subscribe all updates in OBL via email now. Submit your email id and get all latest info in the World of Orthodoxy.

Submit here:
http://www.theorthodoxchurch.info/blogs/news/news.html

George Alexander
Head - Department of Public Relations (OBL)
Boaz John- Project Manager (OBL)

Moscow, April 30, Interfax – Metropolitan Jonah of All America and Canada as part of his official visit to the Russian Church came to Valaam , where he once was a novice and decided to become a monk.

Bishop Pankraty of Troitsk, Abbot of the Transfiguration Monastery, welcomed Metropolitan Jonah and priest travelling with him. With the bells ringing, the delegation proceeded to the lower church of the cathedral where they prayed to the founders of the monastery and venerated their holy relics, the Moscow Patriarchate official web site has reported.

Bishop Pankraty thanked the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America for helping the monastery in difficult times after financial crisis of 1998.

The Metropolitan, speaking to the Abbot and brethren, reminded that this monastery had changed his life.

In early 1990-s Metropolitan Jonah (James Paffhausen) worked at the Publishing Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, and had an exposure to monastic life during his stay in Valaam Monastery. The spiritual father of the monastery's abbot, the Elder Kirill at Trinity St. Sergius Laura, blessed James to become a monk.

Source:

The Academy of the Serbian Orthodox Church for arts and conservation in this academic year has published a textbook for a subject Conservation and restoration of icons - titled Conservation and restoration of paintings on canvas, M.Sc. Jovan Pantic. This is a third book so far in the edition Textbooks.

This is a first book of this sort on the territories on which Serbian is being spoken, and it is very significant because of renewal of the desecrated Serbian cultural and spiritual treasure. Reviewers: Prof. Dr Milka Chanak-Medic and Anika Skovran, commended the work of the author but also this school for a recognition of problems in the restoration and the preservation and an attempt of solving it.

In a review Anika Skovran sais also about the author's professional background: "One cannot neglect a fact that Jovan Pantic besides his many-years-long work as a chief of the Atelier for conservation of the National Museum in Belgrade, his gained experience conveyed to generations of students and probationers, and recently in 1992 he enriched it when he was on specialization at the High School at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art in Copenhagen, where his lecturers were world famous professors Steen Bjakrhof, Mikkel Scharff, Wieslav Mitka and others.

" She sais that "this clear and nicely written textbook on conservation is going to be,I am sure, a reliable leader and support to conservation representatives dedicated to this noble mission of preservation of cultural heritage..."

Ministry of Faith of the Government of the Republic of Serbia helped the printing of the book.

Source:

In the weeks leading up to Pascha, His Grace Bishop Irinej extended a heartfelt invitation to a number of individuals within the community to find their place and to offer their expertise and enthusiasm for a project which he said is, "perhaps the greatest challenge that our Serbian Orthodox Church in Sydney has undertaken, but one which is surely destined to become her greatest joy," referring to St.Sava College.

His Grace went on to explain that, "Since the purchase of land in Varroville in late 2004, the St. Sava College Project has progressed through the various stages of design, development and approval. The foundations of Stage One were poured in late 2007 and fund-raising for the next building stage is almost on target. Following a somewhat lengthy delay over the past 15 months due to hydraulics and traffic management issues, we are about to continue with the next phase of the building project." Some 40 people accepted the invitation to attend an information evening at the Diocesan Office at St. Lazarus Church in Alexandria on Tuesday the 28th of April. His Grace opened proceedings with a prayer which was followed by the screening of a short film, reminding all present of project milestones since the purchase of land in 2004. In his opening address, Bishop Irinej spoke about the need for a Serbian Orthodox School, emphasising the level of commitment necessary to overcome the challenges which will face us along the way. He likewise placed the task at hand in its essential context, repeating his familiar and somewhat chilling message that, "our children are not only our future, but also our present, for there will be no future for our children if we do not commit ourselves to them now." Our special guest speaker, Ms Efrosini Stephanou-Haag, Head of College, St. Spyridon College, then delivered an inspiring insight into the experience of the Greek Orthodox Church which has three schools in Sydney alone. Ms Stefanou did not mince her words, but stirred everyone present in stating: "Building a school for the Serbian Orthodox families of Sydney is not something you can do, it is something you must do." Following her address, attendants were divided into four work groups moderated by experts in the fields of Marketing and Public Relations, Fundraising and Events, Educational Planning and Building. Ms Juliana Trifunovic, National Campaign Manager of "Jeans for Genes" at the Children's Medical Research Institute delivered a gripping insight into the world of fund raising for charitable purposes. Her inspirational message catapulted the Fundraising and Events Sub-Committee into action. Ms. Valentina Stosic was elected chairperson of the sub-committee and Mr Petar Tasic was appointed to head the Stewardship taskforce.

The Marketing and Public Relations group was addressed by Ms Georgina Brujic, Managing Director of Text Pacific Magazines. Guided by her wealth of experience in marketing and public relations, this group of highly skilled professionals immediately identified key action areas, divided duties amongst themselves, and unanimously elected Georgina to the position of Chairperson of the sub-committee. The Educational Planning Sub-Committee comprised of educators and educational administrators engaged in a probing and constructive discussion with Ms Stephanou on the key stages of curriculum development and the complexities of accountability to external educational authorities. Bishop Irinej with his wealth of experience and Masters Degree in Divinity and experience as a university lecturer in Pedagogy committed himself to working with this sub-committee in particular. High school teacher and talented facilitator Paul Frost, was elected to chair the Educational Planning Sub-Committee.

The Building Sub-Committee which has been an active force and deliverer of results to date, met to discuss the next building phase. Amongst other things, it is the job of this sub-committee to secure the voluntary participation of as many tradesmen and professionals from the community, whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of workmanship. Mr Randon Ilic, is the chairman of the Building Sub-Committee and a number of valued associates have joined the ranks to assist in the imminent erection of structural steel and supporting structures. In his concluding remarks, Bishop Irinej gave his blessing to the new sub-committees to embark upon their given tasks, calling each and every one to cast the net as wide as possible and to invite as many as, "have ears to hear," to enter into the joy of this collective endeavour. his invitation is extended to the entire Serbian Community and to all people of good will, who share in the vision of a Serbian Orthodox College which will serve the needs of our Church and people into the future. If you would like to become part of this God-given responsibility, please contact Project Director.


Source:

The Board of Trustees of the Russian church of the Great Martyr Saint Catherine in Rome has lauded the progress of the final preparations for the festivities on the consecration of the church scheduled for May 24. "We are approaching the festivities. Tasks are being carried out. The mechanism of decision-making is clear to all," Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said at a meeting of the board in St. Daniel's Monastery.
The meeting discussed the completion of interior decorations in the church and the reclamation of the surrounding territory. Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov who attended the meeting, stressed the importance of additional electricity supplies to the building required for its normal operation. This would speed up the installation of ventilation in the church "in order to dry everything and put it in order," he said.
The audit commission reported to the meeting on the results of its inspection. It had not identified any abuses in financing or misuse of funds.
Father Superior of the Church Filipp (Vasiltsev) told the Board of Trustees about the plans of the parish to organize a Russian cultural center in the future.
He said that a detailed cultural program was drawn for 2009 which includes among other things a series of lectures by professors of the Moscow Theological Academy, lessons of the Moscow school of bell ringing and also an art exhibition.
The Board of Trustees will have its next meeting at the beginning of June.

Source:

The Egyptian State Security forces attacked and demolished on 26/04/09 at 7.30 am the services building belonging to the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Masrah Matrouh, assaulting the Coptic priests and Coptic women and men. More than 1000 Copts have surrounded the remains of the demolished building, ready for martyrdom, said a church member.

Officials at the Marsah Matrouh Local Council denied any knowledge of issuing an order for demolition.
In a phone call with the Middle East Christian Association, a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Marsah Matrouh confirmed the news that the State Security forces attacked and demolished the services building of the Coptic Orthodox Church there.
“They have also assaulted the Coptic priest, Father Matta Zakaria, who tried to defend the demolition of the services building, as well as those present in the building”, added the Church member.
Thirteen Security lorries with a 700-man force of the State Security went into the one storey services building, attacked a homeless Coptic family who was sheltering there, and whose head was assigned to guard the building.
They tied up the screaming women to chairs after beating them, until the full demolition of the building was undertaken. The family men, including the guard who were outside the building were beaten, tied and then loaded unto the State Security lorries.
The matter deteriorated further when the Christians knew of the news, and flocked to the place, in order to prevent the demolition work. They clashed with the
Government forces ; the forces have beaten them with sticks, and the people retaliated in self-defense.
One of the younger family relatives who was living in the services building was run over by a State Security vehicle as he tried to stop them from demolishing the building. He advised the MECA activist on the phone that although the vehicle run over his legs and that he can hardly move, he was not going to seek medical treatment until the matter comes to an end.
“I will stay here without going to a doctor until I DIE. I want to see to the end the outcome of these robbers’ matter.”
The family women were assaulted when they tried to prevent the forces who broke into their flat while they were asleep,from demolishing the place. One of the daughters who was also assaulted confirmed that the forces have beaten them savagely and tied them to chairs and would not listen to their pleads for calling an ambulance for their elderly mother who was left unconscious on the floor. “I told them my mother needs an ambulance but they told me just to cover her up and leave her where she is. What does this mean? How can I leave my mother in this state?” questioned the daughter.
The father, who guards the building said in bewilderment:”I was assaulted by the Government itself. 13 lorries coming out for a couple of people? 13 lorries with 700 officers beside other cars from the army and State Security. They put the State Security forces on to us so that we get no help, reach no lawyers, we were alone except for God Almighty.” He went on:”God ordered justice on earth and people to love each other. Where is this love and where is this peace? Where are the people who love each other, these are just words.Where is the Democracy which is being talked about? Where is the
Democracy and where is Justice?” “If obtaining licenses for the building is not good enough for them, what then? They don’t want us here, this is what it means”, he added sadly.
When asked why the Government demolished the services building, the Church member commented: “After a few days of purchasing the building, the Government had the suspicion, just a suspicion, that this building might become a church. Although this building is still in an unfinished state, just because it had no balconies, they got the suspicion that it might become a church!”
“Following their suspicion, and as a trick, they arrived before 8.00 am to demolish the building, knowing quite well that today is Sunday and all the people and the priests would be at Church. However, they found the family of a poor man living there, and guarding the building. When the man’s daughters opposed the forces and screamed, they were assaulted and thrown to the ground”, he added.
Although the services building has all the necessary documents and licenses, the demolishers said that the fence on the roof is a ‘bit high’, so rather than contacting the church to lower the roof fence by a couple of bricks or even demolishing the entire fence, instead the Government took the draconian action of demolishing the whole building including the construction columns, commented the church member.
“We are far from the airport, and there are houses nearer to the airport and higher and no one approached them. There are 2-storey and 3-storey buildings, while the services building was just 1-storey high”. he said.
The Marsah Matrouh Dioceses bought this building to help the poor who cannot pay for treatment and medical charges.
“This building is in a very poor area, all people living there are poor, out of work, and have an income of below zero; they cannot afford to feed themselves, so the Coptic Church supports them financially. The Church arranged for this building to be a day-clinic for the poor, as they are unable to pay for their own treatment and medicine.” said the Church member.
MECA has learnt that in the evening Muslims were congregating in a Mosque and around 500 Copts in the demolished Church Services’ Building.
Since the Local Council authorities in Marsa Matrouh deny all knowledge of a demolition order being issued by them, and since they also informed that the demolition forces usually go out at 10 am and never at 7.30 am, so what happened then? All these questions beg for an answer.
Assuming that the Local Council really did not issue a demolition order, does this mean that an officer from the State Security could single-handedly make a demolition decision, take out a 700 men force, in 13 lorries and 6 bulldozers without any orders from above.

Source:

On Thursday 30 April 2009, Metropolitan George Saliba of Mount Lebanon, visited Antelias on behalf of Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas I, and met with His Holiness Aram I. Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, deputy to Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Torkom Manougian of Jerusalem, Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Director of Ecumenical Relations of the Catholicosate and Dr. Gerges Saleh, Geberal Secretary of the MECC also attended the meeting. Discussion focused on various ecumenical issues pertaining to bilateral relations between the Armenian and Syrian orthodox churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, as well as issues related to Armenian-Syrian church relations in Jerusalem.

Source:

During the past three days several officials and religious leaders held consultative meetings with His Holiness Aram I.

Arcbishop Boulos Matar, Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, and Rev. Dr. Habib Badr, of The National Evangelical Church of Beirut met with His Holiness to discuss urgent ecumenical issues of the region.

Brig. Edmond Fadel, Lebanon’s new director of security discussed with His Holiness security issues related to the country.

Christian and Muslim candidates, who will be running in the upcoming parliamentary elections for office in June 2009, also visited His Holiness Aram I and exposed their programmes.

Source:

“ROADMAPS AND REOPENING OF BORDERS CANNOT AND WILL NOT COMPROMISE THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE’S DEMAND FOR THE RECOGNITION OF THE 1915 ARMENIAN GENOCIDE,
AND THE CLAIM FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE”

STATED ARAM I

On Thursday, 24 April 2009, thousands of Armenians gathered in front of the Memorial for the Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide in the courtyard of the Catholicosate in Antelias Lebanon. The Martyrs’ Chapel was built when the remains of one-and-a-half million victims were brought from the desert of Der Zor to Antelias, Lebanon.

The Prelate of Lebanon, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. At the end of the liturgy His Holiness Aram I led the procession to the ‘Eternal Torch’ inside the Chapel where he celebrated the memorial service. In his address, he said: “The memory of our martyrs gives meaning to our lives because the future is a forward-looking vision built on past and present memories and experiences. As we pray in this place today, we cannot but once more renew our demand for justice for the inhuman acts committed against innocent men, women and children. Turkey wanted to eliminate us as a country and a people. We are grateful to all those countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915. However, we want to tell them that recognition is not enough; we want justice. We are not asking for mercy from the world; we are demanding justice. This is our right. The Armenian nation is a victim of injustice; its human rights are violated. We cannot remain silent in view of this prevailing injustice. Our collective memory will not heal unless justice is victorious. Neither roadmaps, nor reciprocal visits will restore justice.”

And then turning to the youth, he said: “You have just returned from your pilgrimage to Der Zor where the massacres happened. You walked on the sand mixed with the remains of your ancestors. You threw flowers into the Euphrates River that washed away the bodies of men, women and children. You should now bring your pilgrimage into its fruition by using your knowledge and expertise to overcome denial and injustice in a non-violent way.”

At the end of the Requiem, official representatives, organizations, school children and the people passed in front of the ‘Eternal Torch’ and placed wreaths and flowers.

Source:

On the morning of April 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the National Memorial to the Armenian Genocide, located on Tsitsernakaberd Hill in Yerevan. His Holiness was accompanied by members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.

At the memorial, His Holiness Karekin II and His Excellency Serzh Sargsian, President of the Republic of Armenia, placed floral wreaths before the eternal flame of the monument. His Holiness presided during a Requiem service dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.
Also present for the ceremony were high-ranking goverment officials, members of the National Assembly, Armenian Church benefactors from the Diaspora and other dignitaries.
The same day, a solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of of Holy Etchmiadzin by His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Grace delivered a message in remembrance of this crime against humanity.
"Remembrance is one of the truly essential factors that differentiates mankind from the other creatures of God. We relive the difficult and tragic fate of the victims of the Genocide, remembering all of their sufferings. Today we reflect on the history with deep sorrow, but as Christians we know how to separate sin from the sinner. We do not feel hatred towards the sinner, but we condemn the sin, and we condemn the Genocide. There is no animosity in our souls because we are filled with optimism that one day those accountable will accept their sins and separate themselves from their own misdeeds", His Grace stated in part.
Following the Liturgy, a procession of clergy escorted the Catholicos to the Memorial of the Armenian Genocide located on the grounds of the Mother See, north of the Mother Cathedral. Standing near the monument of Khatchkars (Stone-crosses), His Holiness presided during a special Repose of Souls service. Also in attendance during the services was His Excellency Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Vatican Nuncio to the Southern Caucasus.

Source:

href="http://www.st-catherine.ru/images/news/1442/04.jpg">

On the morning of Wednesday, 29 April 2009, His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH of All America and Canada, together with a delegation from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), arrived via train from Moscow to St.Petersburg, at the Moscow Railway Station. Guests were greeted by His Grace,
Bishop MARKELL of Petergoff and Head of the Protocol Department and Press-Secretary of the St. Petersburg Eparchy I.N. Sudosa.

Upon arrival at the Academy the guests were met by His Grace, Bishop AMVROSSY of Gatchina, Rector of the Academy, being accompanied by Easter hymns (Christ is Risen!), all of whom led Metropolitan JONAH to the Academic Church of The Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. Inside the
temple, Bishop AMVROSSY greeted the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America before those assembled and presented him with an icon of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky, the Heavenly Patron Saint of St. Petersburg.

Afterwards, Metropolitan JONAH and his companions were invited by Bishop AMVROSSY to a brethren luncheon, during which the Vladyka JONAH learned about the spiritual life of the Academy and the learning process taking place within it.

Following the meal, Metropolitan JONAH, together with the delegation, departed for a three day pilgrimage to Valaam.

Source:

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia received His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH of All America and Canada, together with his delegation consisting of Archbishop SERAPHIM of Ottawa and Canada, and Chairman of the Department of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA); Archimandrite Zacchaeus, OCA Representative to the Moscow Patriarchate; Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, OCA Chancellor; Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, Director of the OCA Department of External Affairs and Interchurch Relations; Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov; and Novice Gregory (Stevens) at his Official Residence at St. Daniel’s Monastery.

During the course of the meeting, His Holiness expressed gratitude to His Beatitude for making this first historic visit to the Russian Orthodox Church and stated in joy in beginning a new and spiritually fruitful relationship with the newly elected Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL stated clearly that the joys as well as the sorrows of the Orthodox Church in America are also the joys and concerns of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is due to the fact that the Russian Orthodox Church, as the Mother Church granted Autocephaly, is now the Sister Church of the Orthodox Church in America and therefore the relationship between the two has great significance.
In response, His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH sincerely thanked His Holiness for blessing him to make this first visit to the Russian Orthodox Church and to have the opportunity to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch on two occasions, as well as to visit Valaam Monastery, somewhere that holds a very special place in His Beatitude’s heart as it was here that he first became acquainted with Russian Orthodox monasticism.

In honor of his missionary work as well as for laboring for the strong brotherly relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church in America, His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia awarded His Beatitude with the Order of Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna I Grade. Likewise, His Holiness bestowed the same Order to Archbishop SERAPHIM (II Grade) and to the members of the OCA Delegation in the Priestly ranks (III Grade).
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH bestowed the Orthodox Church in America’s Order of St. Innocent – Gold Class to His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia.

Source:

Interfax - The Ukrainian Orthodox Church believes that the entire Orthodox community should solve the problem of schism in Ukrainian Orthodoxy.

"Settlement of the Ukrainian question is a duty of the entire Orthodox world," head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Department for External Relations Archimandrite Kirill (Hovorun) said at a press conference in Kiev.

According to him, All-Orthodox meeting held in Istanbul "didn't settle the Ukrainian question, but the entire Orthodox community is now discussing it".

The priest stressed that the Ukrainian Church strived to unite at a time of political divisions and said politics was one of the most important factors which had divided Orthodox Church in Ukraine in the 1990s.

The priest believes, "when the Church bases its life on ethno-political ideas, it leads to the contradictions that are tearing Ukrainian society."

Source:

The delegation of the Orthodox Church of Greece, which stays on a visit in Ukraine in connection with bringing of the relics of the Holy Hierarch Spyridon of Tremithous, headed by Metropolitan Nectarios of Kerkira, Paxoi and Diapontioi Nisoi visited several monasteries in West Ukraine on April 28-29. The delegation was accompanied by the co-worker of the Department for External Church Relations archpriest Mykolia Danylevych.

Thus, on April 28 the Greek delegation called to the Holy Trinity Convent of Korets. Hegumeness Rafayla with nuns welcomed the guests at the main church of the convent. Metropolitan Nectarios with accompanying persons bowed unto the Korets Icon of the Theothokos "Warantress of the Sinful" and looked over the convent, following which Mother Hegumeness invited the guests to dinner.

The same day in the evening the delegation of the Orthodox Church of Greece arrived to the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra. At the gate of the monastery the guests were welcomed and greeted on their arrival to the shrine of the Volyn lands by Deputy Abbot of Lavra - Archbishop Volodymyr of Pochayiv with brethren. Thereafter they proceeded to the Cathedral of Dormition, where the guests bowed unto the Footprint and the Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God. Then the Greek clergymen prayed at the relics of the Venerable Job and Amphilochius of Pochayiv.

The next day Metropolitan Nectarios of Kerkira, Paxoi and Diapontioi Nisoi and Archbishop Volodymyr of Pochayiv conducted the prayer service at the wonderworking Pochayiv Icon of the Mother of God. In his word upon completion of the prayer service Metropolitan Nectarios thanked Archbishop Volodymyr for the opportunity to visit Lavra, and said that he had read a lot about this Ukrainian shrine, and called the faithful to preserve unity, not to follow the false pastors and to remain in the fold of the One and Holy Apostolic Church. Vladyka also noted the high degree of piety of the Ukrainian Orthodox people, their openness and sincerity. As a keepsake of visit to Lavra Archbishop Volodymyr presented the guest with the Icon of the Mother of God of Pochayiv.

Right after the prayer service the delegation visited the Theological Seminary of Pochayiv, where they were met by its Rector archimandrite Nathanael, pedagogical staff and students. Addressing the students, Metropolitan Nectarios underscored the necessity of responsible preparation to pastoral ministry in the complex situation of the life of modern society, to be modern pastors and witness Christ with their own lives.

The same day the guests visited the Pochayiv Lavra Hermitage of the Holy Spirit, the Monastery of Theophany in Kremenets and the Convent of St. Nicholas in Horodok.

Source:

On May 1, at the session hall of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (block No. 45) the international Scientific Workshop Conference "Orthodoxy and modernity: experience of encounter", dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship.

It is taking place on the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr and is organized by the Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship, Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, Missionary Department to the Holy Synod of the UOC, Theological Pedagogical Courses of the All-Ukraine Orthodox Pedagogical Fellowship.

The first part of the conference was opened by the greeting word of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr, who wished its participants good luck and God's assistance.

Thereafter the participants and the guests of the forum were greeted by Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, Archbishop Anthony of Boryspil, and the greeting addresses of Metropolitan Ioanniky of Luhansk and Alchevsk and Chair of the Missionary Department to the Holy Synod of the UOC Archbishop Philip of Poltava and Myrhorod were read out. Besides, Vice-Rector on Scientific and Methodical Work of the Uzhgorod Theological Seminary hegumen Euphrosyne (Bilash), who also awarded Head of the Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship archpriest Mykolai Makar with the medal of the Holy and Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, 2nd degree.

At the end of the first part of the Conference Metropolitan Volodymyr was offered as presents the issues of the revived print organ of the Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship - magazine "Hrystyanska Dumka" ("Christian Thought").

The International Scientific Workshop Conference "Orthodoxy and Modernity: Experience of encounter" will be held between May 1-4.

By the way. The Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship had worked throughout 1908 - 1919. Its origin, similar to the other organizations of the kind was due to the return of the intellectuals to the fold of the Orthodox Church, with a desire to comprehend the most topical issues of the modernity in the perspective of the orthodox stance. The Kyiv Religious Philosophical Fellowship was restored in 2003 on the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr.

Source:

The Romanian Orthodox Church glorified among the saints and included into its church calendar the Holy Hierarch Athanasius III, who had lived for 12 years in the Romanian town Gaatz.

In this connection, His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr sent a greeting letter to the participants of the festivities on the occasion of canonization.

We bring to your attention the text of the letter:


№ 581
28.04.2009 р.
Your Beatitude,
Your Eminences, Your Graces, honourable participants of the festivities!

Christ is risen!
Indeed Christ is risen!


On this lightsome and joyous day let me express my deepest and sincere greetings on the occasion of the event, which gathered today all those present. Over and over again we see that the Lord by His inexpressible mercy reveals us His pleasers.

Three thousand years ago the Holy Psalmsinger David pronounced the following words: "And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints." (Psalms 89:5). These words mean that the Lord reveals Himself to us not only through the Holy Scripture, but through the people, who serve Christ with their entire lives, fulfil the commandment of His love, in order to say, following the divine Paul: "yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2, 20).

A bright example of such life is the Holy Hierarch Athanasius III (Patelarius), the Patriarch of Constantinople. The time of his primacy was a difficult ordeal for the Church. Suffering persecutions on the part of the Muslims, the Holy Hierarch Athanasius did not leave his flock, he tried to relieve their sufferings to the best of his ability, made arrangements to protect it. Carrying the heavy cross of the Primate's ministry, to the last gasp the Holy Hierarch Athanasius took care of the flock of word, entrusted on him by the Lord.

I'd like to note that in Rus the Holy Hierarch the Confessor was glorified as early as in 1662. His incorruptible body, glorified by many wonders, stays in the Cathedral of Annunciation in Kharkiv, where thousands of visitors come.


On these May day the Romanian Orthodox Church glorifies the Holy Hierarch Athanasius among the ranks of the holy God-pleasers. This event is a real proof of conciliarity of the Church, of the consent in the thoughts and deeds, of the blessed action of the Holy Spirit of God amongst the faithful. And today, the Holy Spirit of God led us to the common glorification of the Holy Hierarch Athansius, so that we made a choir to glorify with one mouth a pastor, who gave his soul for the flock. This canonization is a visible token of fraternal unity in Christ between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church, the proof that the love is the chief guarantee of the church unity, for what Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed to His Father in the First Hierarch's prayer (John 17, 11; 26).

Your Beatitude, Let me wish You all the God's favours in performance of your primate's ministry. Patronize Your flock in the selfless and all-forgiving love of Christ, having as example the life of St. Athanasius, so that the Church of Christ in the Romanian Land grew and strengthen on and on. May the Lord bless all of us through the prayers of our father Athanasius, patriarch of Constantinople.

With love in Christ Resurrected,

† Volodymyr,
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Source:

On April 24 the Requiem Meeting dedicated to the 23rd anniversary of the Chornobyl Disaster was held at the level of Svyatoshyn regional administration and Kyiv City State Administration. At the crossroads of Pobeda avenue and Chornobylska street there is the Church of St. Theodosius of Chernihiv, in which the liquidators, widows pray, and all those whom this tragedy concerns. Near the church the monument to the victims of the disaster at the Chornobyl Atomic Power station is installed.

On the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC bishop Panteleimon of Vasylkiv conducted pannikhida for the deceased. Praying at the service were local self-government representatives, clergy of the Kyiv-Svyatoshyn Deanery, widows and liquidators.

According to Bishop Panteleimon, each widow held in her hands the portrait of her deceased husband, and the representatives of the authorities sincerely apologized that by the present they had not managed to provide worthy life level for the invalids of Chornobyl. At the same time it was promised that all those people will not be left alone with their grief. Taking part in the event were also the representatives of the foreign embassies and consulates in Ukraine. They told about the life of Chornobyl veterans in their countries.

The event was organized by the Kyiv Union of Chornobyl Veterans.

Source:

Moscow, April 29, Interfax - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has said that the development of relations with Ukraine ranks among his priorities and that the religious factor must be strengthened in bilateral relations.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia "are the central, not peripheral task," the Patriarch said during talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko at Moscow's St. Daniel monastery on Wednesday.

Patriarch Kirill also said that he highly values the opportunity to establish "a contact and dialogue" with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities and that the "religious factor" plays a significant role in bilateral relations.

Ukraine and Russia have a common religion, history and culture, he said.

"Together, we are the bedrock on which the East Orthodox civilization rests. This must help us build relations in all directions," he also said.

But Patriarch Kirill expressed regret that the religious factor "is not fully involved in the sphere which can be characterized as relations between Ukraine and Russia."

"For us Kiev is synonymous with Constantinople. It is the spiritual capital city of Russian Orthodoxy," he said.

Given this, it is becoming clear "how important the religious factor is in the life of our people, and what an important role it can play in relations between our countries," said Patriarch Kirill.


Source:

Rome, April 28, Interfax - Pope Benedict XVI is hoping his meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia may take place in the nearest future, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in Rome on Tuesday while summing up the results of his visit to the Vatican.

"The Pope said literally the following: 'Maybe God will open this door and we will meet soon,'" Lukashenko quoted the Pope as saying.

Lukashenko said he had informed the Pope of his recent meeting with Patriarch Kirill.

"I told him that now there is a unique chance to become closer. I wanted the heads of the Churches to meet and discuss issues. If such a meeting happens, it should happen in Belarus, which is not only the geographical center of Europe, but also a place where the main Christian religions meet," said Lukashenko.

Lukashenko said his meeting with the Pope addressed "many issues, including relationships between religions." "We discussed the relations between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches," he said.

Source: